Sunday, December 31, 2006

2006: Best Year Ever

I was on my knees paying gratitude for the year that has been, when I started unwrapping the year's colorful events in my head: from Zizu's infamous headbutt to celebrities' junk exhibitionism. 2006 is yet another banner year! But as you may know, this year wasn't exactly as productive as it should've been. I was out of school, pathetically undecided of what route in life I wanted to take. Hence, all of my time were spent and entertained by sports, reality tv, and honey wheat bagels. On a soon-to-be-demolished-bum's point of view, why don't we recall all of the stupid things that we laid our eyes on and conquered our numskulls.


The first half of the year was dominated by the most unlikely couple EVER, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, that even The Today Show was dragged into this then-fabricated love affair. The Dawson's Creek alumnus got preggers, and then speculations of an alien morphing inside her womb surged the surface. It never ended, until one cute thick-haired baby named Suri tickled our very eyes. She's probably one of the prettiest babies I've seen of late, but is she real? That I still don't know. But in spite of happy couples like TomKat, Hollywood has made its place a daunting foundation for sacred matrimonies. Sad but true, splitsville was just as trendy as flaunting your crotch. Speaking of displaying the vags, this year, hands down, belonged to Britney Spears. Apart from the most anticipated divorce in history, she lightened up every office cubicle in the world by quite-purposely flashing her fanny. Sure enough, her tool paved the way for the greatest comeback of modern times since Paula Abdul. And there were the other bitches who've altogether monopolized the daily episodes of E! News and sorts. Nicole Richie, the dubbed anorexic (I actually like her); Lindsay Lohan, the firecrotch; and Paris Hilton who's famous for banging half of Hollywood at age 12. It was entertaining when it started, but I'm so sick of these skanks, and I seriously hope to see a new set of regulars on TV and tabloids in the coming year.

On the brighter side of showbizcrap though, this year's TV shows were more than spectacular. Whoever thought that a show that embodies superheroes would be such a hit? I mean, considering that Smallville isn't as magnetic, hehe. Then there's the erupting left eye, the revival of the poncho, the death of Edgar, the wife murderer, the escape of gorgeous convicts, and the additional steam to an already sizzling cast. Scripted TV is back!!! But of course, reality TV won't allow you to ignore their geniuses too. Big Brother was back, with the Chenbot, and an all-star cast. Janelle didn't win, to my dismay, but Taylor Hicks is the new American Idol! A couple of rehab graduates won the Amazing Race, the Hoff was uninvitedly back on our TV sets, and some tattooed manbitch was named Tim Gunn's new boytoy. Wish for next year? More drama, less peculiar results.


It wasn't just the world of glitz and glamour that shook up the world in 2006. Sports' boneheads made headlines for themselves too! Zinedine Zidane's idiotic gesture that crippled his nation's chances of winning the World Cup, in his last game before retirement, no less, was the talk of the town for at least two weeks. I have all the respect for the guy, I mean, arguably the best soccer player of his generation, but come on now. A wrestling move on a sweaty grass field in the middle of a championship match? You gotta be kidding me. Then there was Terrell Owen's suicide/overdose drama right here in my usually peaceful neighborhood of Valley Ranch, Bode Miller's bageled performance at the Olympics, and Floyd Landis' testosterone overload. But it wasn't all that bad this year in sports. In fact, there were some seriously noteworthy performances just like Roger Federer's third year of sheer dominance, Rafael Nadal's superiority on clay (and Federer, hihi), Tiger Woods' emotional comeback at the British Open, Longhorns' amazing Rosebowl win, Saints' momentous homecoming, Andre Agassi's farewell, Mavericks' first trip to the NBA finals, and on top of it all... Emmitt Smith winning Dancing with the Stars! Ha, whatta year.

I can honestly say that I had fun throughout. From being sleepless during midnight of June 6 '06, to indulging a whole afternoon in YouTube, to laughing my ass off Borat's one-liners, to watching Saddam's long awaited execution. 2006's yearbook will forever hold memories of all these stupidity and awesomeness. I hope you all enjoyed it too!

And with that... I wish you my friends a prosperous, entertaining, and zit-free 2007. Cheers!

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Year-end survey

It's that time of the year again when we look back to what we've accomplished, and/or failed to do in the past year, when we recall the bitter moments we all had with our EXes, when we weigh in to check how much fat we've gained, and when we bring out this traditional survey...

What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
Eat In-N-Out's famous burger. Haha, but seriously? Fight for my color.

Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't. But I plan on making one for next year, and hopefully I get half of it done.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
The best cousin in the world, Hannah!

Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully, none.

What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
Something worthy of my time, like school and money-making.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
That damn wisdom tooth!

What was the best thing you bought?
My first pair of chucks.

Whose behavior merited celebration?
MINE! Bwaharhar.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My mom's. Especially for refusing to buy me a new ironing board. :))

Where did most of your money go?
Christmas gifts.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My 10-day trip to California and Nevada.

What song(s) will always remind you of 2006?
Sexyback by JT. DUH?!

Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? -- happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? -- OH. Thinner, baby, hahaha!
iii. richer or poorer? -- $300 bucks richer.

What do you wish you'd done more of?
Work out.

What do you wish you'd done less of?
Pig out.

What was your favorite TV program?
Grey's is a no-brainer. But HEROES is the shit, man!

What was your greatest musical discovery?
KT Tunstall, Ray LaMontagne

What was your favorite film of this year?
Little Miss Sunshine. I have a couple more, but I enjoyed this most.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Accomplishment in school. Or landing a job somewhere with a satisfying wage.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Preppy in church, sporty in malls, hobo elsewhere.

What kept you sane?
Sports and television.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006:
I'm the only person I have, through thick and thin, in sickness and in health.

What was the nicest thing someone told you about yourself:
That I'm a naturally happy person because of my optimistic outlook in life.

What did you like most about yourself this year?
Well, highlighting what was said about me...my optimism.

What did you hate most about yourself this year?
My being argumentative, especially towards my mom.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"This could be the very minute, I'm aware I'm alive. All these places feel like home" - Chocolate by Snow Patrol

Was 2006 a good year for you?
It was sloppy at times, but definitely better than anticipated.

Where were you when 2006 began?
Kuya Richard's old apartment in Dallas.

Who were you with?
Family, Kuya Richard, and other Pinoys from CMCD.

Where will you be when 2006 ends?
I'll be watching a Mavericks vs. Nuggets game.

Who will you be with when 2006 ends?
Papa and Patrick.

What was your favorite month of 2006?
November. I was out of town, enjoyed myself, and it snowed when I came back.

What are your plans for 2007?
Go back to school, pursue the dreadful world of medicine, and become an achiever.

What are your wishes for the new year?
A good and successful schoolyear, cool new friends to hang out with, and a new dress size.

Friday, December 22, 2006

My REAL grown up Christmas list.

I know this won't matter to you, but I'll give it a shot anyway, just in case a gold-hearted individual out there would have something extra to spare me with. I mean, seriously, if Gail got something granted out of her list, then sure I can too. Right? Fine, not really. Haha, but what do I know? It's already Santa Oprah studying my wishlist, hahaha!

I'm not gonna go good samaritan-ish on you and say all I want for Christmas is world peace... Pfft, that's good, but you won't hear me saying that. Instead, I'll be selfishly giving you (and Oprah, haha) a rundown of my needs. :))

1. It's common knowledge that this season isn't just about what it celebrates, it's also about food and being fat. But unlike you, I have some severe issues to work with, and as much as I enjoy eating, I know I need help. And what better way to help me get over this fat situation than gifting me Horizon's new treadmill!

2. Along with that, Ellen told me about Hydracoach, a new thingamajig that calculates the amount of water your body needs, and consumes everyday. Isn't that amazing? Note: it hit stores late December ;)

3. A relaxing but physical vacation would be a perfect way to end the year too. I also need to work on my forehand, so if anybody wants to chip in, The Phoenician would work.

4. Or if it wouldn't, Nintendo Wii offers sports like tennis, baseball and boxing. That'd be just fine for a daily workout.

5. And if that's not asking enough, I also need a personal nutritionist. That of yours, Oprah, too!

6. Or if he's too busy with you, then maybe you can just ask your friend Kirstie to get me some Jenny Craig help. Her change was dramatical and definitely the subject of my envy. A year of subscription would absolutely save my life!

7. Or if that's too much already, a pedometer from Wal-Mart would be fine. I was at Children's yesterday and I read something about keeping a good, balanced lifestyle. And all you need to do is walk 10,000 steps a day. I'm not very good at math, let alone counting, so that pedometer thing will surefire help my ass.

8. And while walking, I think I'm gonna need a new pair of Nikes. Those that got sensors monitoring your progress. Through your iPod, it tells you how long you've been exercising, how far you've gone and how much calories you've burned. Isn't that COOL???

9. And of course, I'm also gonna need an iPod nano for that. Apple green, please.

10. Apart from my concerns with health, I also happen to have a wish for my parents. They'll be celebrating their 25th year together by the end of the month, so if Colin Cowie can come over and help me with things, that'd be amazing.

11. Okay, I'm not entirely deluded yet, and I'm still aware that there's a slim to none chance that Oprah might actually be going through my crappy list. So you know what? I'll probably just wish for a free ticket to Los Angeles so I can audition for Deal or No Deal.

12. And if that works out, I'll be able to get all things mentioned AND finally get a new apartment. Look at me. I'm an adult, and I still live with my parents. I'm out of school and totally jobless. In other words, I need to move out. Immediately! Preferably to AMLI, which is conveniently just across this house. I still want to be close, especially when rough times come, like running out of salt or tin foil.

Alright, enough of this nonsense... In case I don't get to blog on the day itself...

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Budget Conscious

I was so excited to go to the mall today because this is the first time in a while that I'd be shopping for my family, without them knowing what I'm buying, AND without them paying. Hahaha, I know, I've been such a pain. So despite the freezing rain, we braved the foggy weather in hopes of completing our shopping lists.

I hauled my brother because quite honestly, I'm not the most brilliant shopper at all. I hate choosing, so if I get to set my eyes on something pleasant, I'd refrain from looking elsewhere for something cheaper, or better, and he's safely the other way around. Since we were in a mall, it was pretty convenient to hop from one place to another, depending on what our agenda was, and since we were looking for presents for parents (rhyme time!), we went to Dillard's for some bargain but high quality goods. Being the trying-hard-shopwizard that I am, I scanned the website first to have an idea of how much the potential gifts would cost, and some seemed quite reasonable, hence my confidence of heading straight to the retail.

Off I went to the Women's section, looking particularly for Dior's J'adore. As soon as I saw it, I giddily asked the salesperson how much it costs and it was about 10 bucks over my budget. BUMMER! As much as I'd love to spare more, I have three more persons to buy gifts for, so I had to tell the woman that I'm on a tight budget, and couldn't get it. And guess what, she grinned at me like a rich bitch. Oh no she didn't!!! But since I know it was merely classless of her to do that to a budget conscious customer, and I didn't wanna embarrass my brother, I just had to laugh it off. What can I do, Charlize Theron's endorsement is not for the jobless! So I went on and looked for other stuff... to no avail. My thin benjamins were already getting frustrated until I saw this perfume store just accross Dillard's, and IT'S ON FUCKIN' SALE!!! Ahhh, talk about luck! And you bet, I sprinted my way there, dorkily looking around for something to pay for. Excited enough to even forget the store's name...idiot!

But then again, I caught myself in the middle of a "what's your cheapest?" question and answer portion with the attendant. I was like, "Dolce and Gabbana... no? Um, Gucci... anything else? How about Bvlgari... err, that's too much". It was almost embarrassing that I could already feel my armpits sweating bullets, and my poor brother couldn't help either. The woman, who was exceedingly accomodating by the way, tried her hardest to help me though, but she was just as clueless. Well, I'd be baffled too if I was surrounded by all those perfumes of different names with different scents for different ages and sexes. My chances were slowly shrinking, as I continued surveying her of products I know of... until I saw the concealed Escada cubicle behind her. I asked the nice lady if anything there is within my budget, and yes!!! Angels sang in unison, and there it was... a gift for my mother!

Hahaha, I know, sounds like too much trouble for a bottle of perfume. But I'm afraid, I'm not even close to getting my list done. One down, three to go...

Monday, December 18, 2006

Friendster

I have to admit, I was once addicted to this community, even plead guilty of having multiple accounts before, which partially consist of people who I don't even know, who have too much time in their hands, bombarding your neat, lovely page with messy and glittery testimonials. It grew out to be the most annoying thing ever, hence the urge to abandon them. But for my own personal friends, I've decided to go back and create a new one. I figured that by not having a number in my username (such as Kai-I, Kai-II, Kai-III for corresponding friendster account number. I know. LAME!), it'd be easier for them to locate my profile and get in touch with me, especially now that I'm oceans away.

So far it's doing its duties quite adequately. I get to see my friends' new photographs once in a while, some wedding pictures even, and their babies', but most importantly, it became a tool for me to be in reach again. I'm glad to have gone back! However, there are still some things that kind of stings my eye whenever I log in to it. I don't know how to say this politely, but it's what Hannah loves to call pa-please, hahaha. You know what I'm talking about!

Like this cousin I have from Manila who nicknamed himself "Ashton", when he remotely doesn't look like the real one. I mean, it could've made more sense if he has similar features, or hair, or height, or accent with that Punk'd guy, but no, and his real name isn't even close! Hahaha. Then there are those whose lives revolve on the bulletin boards. One chick writes, "Mama, we all go to hell. I'm writing this letter and wishing you well". Hahaha, the creepiest thing I've read in a long time! I also get mad at my mother, but I sure don't want to go to hell, let alone take her with me. I mean, who does that?!! Then there's another who says, "I've never looked better and you can't stand it.", ermm...not really! Sorry, I know mean girl syndrome, but did she seriously have to say that? On the bulletin boards??? :))

Then there are those profiles which take forever to load because of 1,000 music videos and hundreds more of those photo slideshows. Not to mention, their unbearable animated backgrounds! Isn't the purpose of this thing to get connected with people, and have an interesting and attractive profile? Well, waiting 10 minutes for your page to load is definitely otherwise, that I just had to click the back button and swear to never hit your page again! Don't even get me started on the "emo" or emotional self portraits. Those of which are intended to be stolen shots of yourself. I mean, what's wrong with looking at the camera and displaying your bright smile? :) Seriously.

But eventhough Friendster goes haywire, as its members, I still can't resist the urge of logging in everyday just to check out my friends' daily update of profiles, and frequent addition of photos. It's my own little way of getting connected, because as you know, a jobless prick can only afford so much. So with that, I'd like to thank SBC for my unlimited internet, mom and dad for paying, and Friendster for its free service. Who needs long distance calls when you've got Friendster? Hahaha!

Thursday, December 14, 2006

1 vs. 100

In relationships, there's this common denominator nicknamed chemistry, which is simply being congruous, or having harmony between two parties or a group. And since I'm severely prone to being extra argumentative, I have accepted the fact that this lame harmony thing is like oil to my water. We just can't jive.

That's why I don't have a best friend. I have countless friends, a favorite cousin, a 7-pc barkada, and a gay childhood friend who I call my bff, just for the sake of it. But none of them is truly my best friend. I had one once, but I eventually lost her because of my being possessive. Since then, I have feared engaging myself in a very convenient friendship, for fear that my ways couldn't resist the urge to argue again.

Same thing with family. If I get myself into a domestic squabble, even if I'd always want to quickly get out of it, I'd impetuosly draw more anger into it, and inadvertently end up being hurt and hurting them too. It's even scary how obloquious the arguments become, when all you initially wanted was just to explain yourself. And you still end up always misunderstood.

And don't you just know it when a certain person doesn't like you, even if you've only met once, or even if it's just another random stranger you crossed path with in the blogging world. Your guts just tell you when you're being annoying, although you know you couldn't be nicer, and had done nothing to offend them or their individuality.

Thank God that there are still people who choose to stick by me, and I'm no less than glad. I still don't think I'm that difficult of a person. I may be bitchy, but difficult? Overstatement. Hell, I even go out of my way just to be sincerely friendly, generous and forgiving, even if it means swallowing my monster pride. So the fact that I'm not likeable enough, and that there are still people who perceive me degradingly, somehow worries me. And it's quite pathetic that all I can do about it is swear, sometimes cry, and be my old pissed self.

I know this sounds like a Seventeen letter from a struggling highschooler, but whatever. I just had to get it off my chest. Damn, am I infuriated these past few days or what. Umm. I think I'm gonna need a beer. Now if you'll excuse me...

Saturday, December 9, 2006

Fedtard attack!

This post will go down as one of the bitchiest entries you could ever possibly read in this blog. I'm supposed to be done with getting pissed about it, since it's apparently not all that big of a deal, but I'm still not. And obviously, there's no better way for me to channel this overflowing fury other than to bitchwrite about it. So let's get this going.


Are you fuckin' kidding me?

Ok, first of all, I think Dwyane Wade is awesome. We all know the story about last season, and it was all great (yes, despite the phantom calls against my Mavs). But for him to be the recipient of this accolade sounds like a complete joke to my ears. Don't be misled though, I think the guy is a great basketball player, it's just that, my understanding of this award was it's supposed to be given to the best athlete slash sportsman in the world, on and off the court/field/ring, and there's no way I would have named Dwyane Wade that.

To start with, how can it be possible for Sports Illustrated not to give this then-prestigious recognition to somebody who's vastly dominating the sport of Tennis over the past three years? I mean, it can't be any clearer. Roger Federer IS the best athlete in the world today, and/or possibly EVER, and any sports analyst, who are in their right mind, would definitely agree with me, one way or another. He won three of the four slams this year, including Wimbledon for the FOURTH straight year, made the French Open finals, won more than 10 titles for the third consecutive year (open era record), cruised his way through his third Tennis Masters Cup title, and evidently, has just been leaving marks of his legacy in the history books.

And yet again, The 3-time US Open champ gets undeservingly snubbed by the American media.

"This award has always stood for more than the victory alone. It recognizes the manner of an athlete's striving and the quality of his or her efforts. Dwyane embodies that winning spirit by playing for his team, not himself, and by working in the community to ensure young people have the chance to realize their own dreams." - Sports Illustrated Group Editor, Terry McDonell ..... And you don't give the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador the freakin' award??? Who are you kidding?!!

And honestly, Vince Young did more for the Longhorns than Wade for Miami. And it could've made more sense if the thing went to Lance Armstrong, who battled his way through cancer, or the New Orleans Saints' momentous comeback after the Katrina catastrophe. There's more out there than a commercially marketable Dwyane Wade, but unfortunately, the publication has turned a blind eye on it and refused to give recognition to the best athlete there is, nor even the most inspiring stories of the year.

But to end this animosity-filled entry, that only a few of you might understand anyway, let me go back to my enraged Fedtard attack... Roger Federer displayed three seasons of superiority and sheer perfection the world of sports hasn't seen in a long time. While Dwyane Wade, your Sportsman of the year, could barely hold an excellent playoff - in a team of five, with a coach on court, and officials who're accustomed of treating him like a baby.

Yes, I know all about Wade although I've never heard of him until the 2006 NBA Finals.

Wednesday, December 6, 2006

$300... to me or not to me?!!

As I've said in the previous post, I only have $300 bucks to spare for gifts and ehem, personal indulgence. I'm not sure if it's enough for them, but then, it's not everyday that I get a grip on this otherwise handful amount of money to buy stuff for myself. Not that I'm being a selfish bitch, but I'm jobless, not one cent is registering in my lonely pocket, and godparents are apparently done with their respective giveaways. So dare I say that I want to splurge in these three pieces of benjamins?

But... FINE. I'll buy them presents, just whatever my money can afford. And the leftovers, granted that there'll be any, will all be mine...ugh, hopefully. But seriously, this is becoming extremely ludicrous already. I'm morphing into a money-hogging, super cantankerous monster over this unworthy predicament. I know! I know! Money shouldn't really make me sad, or antagonistic for that matter. I mean, it's just money, right? But for a jobless prick like myself, $300 bucks turns into a jackpot that only hits your couch-potato-ass once in a blue moon. It's a sudden gift from heaven, with little satan whispering in your left ear quite convincingly, "gratify yourfuckinself!". I'm sorry, I don't tend to be blasphemous, but you perfectly know what I'm talking about. It's basically giving vs. receiving. Or as Mr. Tursunov refers to breakfast, the battle of temptations vs. sensibility.

I'm laying this out here because I know that most of my blog friends aren't hypocritical, and most likely are torn in the exact same dilemma as me during this time. So please, just allow me to complain, as if I'll be eternally robbed of a chance to appease myself. For what it's worth though, all I really wanted was enough money to use for school and the activities (yes! those activities) when I get back on it. $300 may not be a lot, but for a student, a yet struggling one at that, it's a whole damn lot. And just so you know, I'm not a d-a-d-d-y kind of domestic princess (something to be proud of, at least!), hence this pathetic quandary.

On a completely irrelative note... Happy Birthday Ate Vayie! Haha, dare I call you that. :))

ETA: And since somebody has been invigoratingly inquisitive, I'll be explaining a couple of trivial things here, as he requested, even if it's remotely disconnected to the titular subject, and it means I'll only be wasting time and energy because nobody would even read this part of the post anymore. But since it's the holidays, and I'm supposed to be a giver, I'm gonna allow this idiot intrude my otherwise self-centered blog. Among the eurogeek's one-liners were: a) "Why do you keep changing your blog address? You know that I didn't enjoy looking for your fat ass!", b) "Since when did you like lullabies?" - pertaining to my recent choices for music here, and c) "Actually, Home Alone could have been the best choice. You just wanted to look at Ryan Reynolds on a daily basis, did you?"

OK. First of all, I've been changing my blog address quite habitually, reasons have varied overtime, but mostly, it was to get rid of some unwanted readers, and no, that does not include you, eventhough you called me a fat ass and it hurt...because it's true, so fuck you! Lullabies? I'm skipping that one. And yes, the guy's sixpack, even if covered, is worth my header space, than yours in my still functioning memory. I'm so glad I can embarrass you here. Harhar!

Naughty > nice. Pfft!

Saturday, December 2, 2006

On the first day of Christmas...

Damn, December's here! And in no time, I'll have to turn a year older again. But I'm not gonna dwell on that just yet. In fact, I'm pretty much thrilled by the approaching Christmas season. It's my favorite time of the year for the simple and very corny reason that most families gather in this occasion more than any other. Well, not that I'd normally care about others, but whatever. I just thought it's cool to think about it that way, besides the most anticipated part of scrapping the gift wrappers on Christmas morning.

And what better way to kick off the season but with snow! On a very rare event, this northern part of the state was slathered with snow two days ago (still November, word!), from morning til afternoon, and it never stopped. Boy, you can only imagine our sophomoric glee while watching the flakes cover our frontyard, as if it's getting any thicker than an inch. Haha!



My sometimes incosiderate mother though attempted to ruin our gaieties by asking us to Christmas-ized the house, inside and out, in the midst of a killer temperature. I'd normally bitch and be all "please, stop killing me!", but I'm practicing being patient right now, therefore, I just had to be the obedient daughter, even if watching the snow spread before my eyes was the perfect lazy day I've always dreamt of. I didn't have to do much though, since there's the little brother (who's literally big, btw) who's more than willing to climb slippery ladders and attach one electric extension to another, and a partridge in a pear tree. The finish product was more than satisfying anyway, and I'm proud to say that I took part in making the Christmas tree, oh yes! And there, we finally got our first ever PAROL!!! Now my mother stands a chance in winning that Deck The Halls-esque contest here in Valley Ranch. She's obsessed with decorating that even our indoor plants are now plastered with running lights. Seriously.

And since we're already talking Christmas, I thought I'd just ask you, my dear friends, for some wanted advice. I happen to be jobless, and with only more or less $300 in my pocket (seemingly impossible to buy 5 people quality gifts, but that's all I fuckin' have *sniffles*), I'm wondering what gift is best suitable for the greatest father on earth. I know, I'm too sweet! :)) My mother, who's my super best friend as you know, deserves a stupendous giveaway too, but unlike my father, she's very easy to pick a present for. Kindly help??? Just for my dad. I want to give him the best gift possible, even if it's under 50 bucks, hahaha, just kidding.