Channeling Mr. Scrooge (A Christmas Wish List)

It's just a few days away until the 25th but I'm still not feeling the holiday cheer. At home, the tree and lights are already up, the city malls are bustling with holiday festivities, and reunions are being scheduled here and there. This particular holiday has been fantastically hyped up, like always, but it all feels flat somehow. There's none of that it's-the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year vibe that I usually pair up with this time of the year.

Oh pshaw, don't listen to the Scrooge, I'm one year older but still none the wiser. Hey, it might not feel like Christmas yet, but so what? There will still be gifts come Christmas day.

This post is dedicated to the fantastic, fabulous, gorgeous, generous AND overall awesome people who actually are thinking of getting me gifts this year. You are wonderful. And awesome. Oh, I already said that.


This Christmas would be jollier if I had these.

1. An external keyboard for my Nokia 5800

Touch screens are fine and dandy, but after a while, it gets tedious to type in sentences. I want to be able to use my SmartPhone for more than just calling and listening to music. With a keyboard, I can take down notes, write email, and Plurk at work surf the web efficiently.

2. A mini watering can/spritzer.

My recently acquired office plant, known as Bonggang Bonggang Bongbong (don't ask why), Bong for short, has been unhealthy as of late. I've had me my first dead stem this week. *sniff* Quite honestly, I have no idea how to take care of a plant (or any other living creature for that matter) and I've been using my tumbler to water it. It would be nice to have a mini-watering can/plant spritzer for it. So it doesn't die.

3. The entire Archie Americana Series

I would be eternally grateful to anyone who finds me this set. I've only managed to salvage Best of the Forties, the others have unfortunately perished along with other childhood books when the roof leaked. The bookstores don't seem to carry this line anymore and that's just sad.

4. USB Powered Heated Gloves (Yes, they exist)


Anyone who's worked with me, or has been with me in an air-conditioned room for extended periods of time, would know that my hands get insanely cold. My body can be perfectly warm but my hands would be stiff and deathly cold. These USB powered heated gloves would really, really be nifty to have around.

5. Fingerless Gloves

Normal gloves make it very difficult to type, and they won't pay me around here unless I type. If USB powered heated gloves seem too frivolous, these fingerless cuties would be the next best thing.

6. A Wii nunchuck

Wii Sports Boxing is a hoot. I've been playing against a bot because I have two Wiimotes but only one Wii nunchuck. Second hand ones would work just as well, and those are fairly priced over at TipidPC. And then we get ready to rumble.

7. Boy Bawang

Vats of it. Adobo flavored Boy Bawang is my current favorite but I also like the garlic flavored ones. My new officemates munch on Boy Bawang (to them Boyboy) on a daily basis and the cornick love has infected me badly.

and lastly,

8. Candy Canes

I. LOVE. THESE. I once bought a can of mini mint candy canes and decorated my cube with them. And as soon as cubicle judging was done, I ate each and every one of those minty hardened sugar. And had a smile on my face for the rest of the day.

And that's that. The things I want this Christmas. Aside from world peace, of course.

I'm infinitely cheerier about the holidays now.

I want j00.

Others would normally call this a wish list, but I'm choosing to call it a list of the things that I don't have yet.

1. Nintendo DS.

Isn't this just a beaut?

It's too cute a gadget to pass up. Also, I've been saying that I want one of these for the longest time. Anyone wanna buy my (one year and four month old) PSP for a reasonable price before Norbelle sells her DS to someone else?

2. Angels & Demons: Special Illustrated Edition.

Eet haz piktchers!

I chanced upon a nice review of this illustrated edition recently and I was sold. I don't care what they say, I love the book to bits and having an illustrated version would be fantastic.

3. Bath Gloves.

Scrub-a-dub-dub, abumelt.

Bath gloves are great to use in the shower, makes me feel extremely clean and scrubbed. The ones I currently use are very worn and the ones I bought recently seems to be missing in that dump I call a bedroom.

4. Safety pins.

The answer to peek-a-boobies.

Please don't think I'm kidding? These are very useful things for preventing accidental cleavage views and I always seem to run out of them. Srsly.

5. Tazo Tea, English Breakfast flavor.

Tea is good, tea is healthy, tea is love.
Um, what?

Favorite tea in the world! Well, not the one in the picture, but I couldn't find a good picture of the English Breakfast one. I've been meaning to get me a box, so I can drink tea instead of coffee to wake me up.

6. Pastillas de Leche.

*drools*

The combination of milk and sugar is just too irresistible for my sweet tooth. Also, chewy, home-baked ones are the best kind (and should be the only kind there is).

7. Mouse wrist support.

The picture doesn't look very wholesome, from an angle. But it is, I swear, it is!

I work in front of the PC for more than 8 hours per day, therefore, I use a mouse more than 8 hours in one day, and Carpal Tunnel doesn't sound like fun. So, preventive. Besides, they have a lot of cute, and relatively cheap ones over at the malls. I just always forget to get me some.

8. Mini brush with dustpan.

If someone can find me something this cute,
I'd pay you five times its actual price.

These little dust brushes are very useful for small amounts of dust and dirt. I used to have one, but my baby cousins (who like playing house in my room) seem to have misplaced mine.

~

So there it is. There goes my list. Don't take me too seriously, pzl, I just needed something to write about.

*all pictures were Googled, none of them are mine, credits go to the kind strangers who actually took them.

Characters you meet while waiting in a queue.

Recently, I spent my lunch hour (and more) waiting in line to file my income tax return. In a diverse set of people where the tension was rising because of the heat, the long wait, the money to be given up, and just the general inconvenience, characters are sure to be present. They make things interesting, and they give people something to think and talk about. With this particular set, I met some highly amusing ones and I'd like to share them with you.

Interesting character #1: Mrs. Middle-aged Mommy
Wide hips, maroon lipstick, big handbag, strong vocal chords.

The first one who caught my attention, she sat 3 heads before me. When someone complained, "Bakit ang bagal naman gumalaw ng pilang 'to." ("Why is this line moving so slowly?"), she said, to the crowd, in her booming, musical voice: "Nasa Pilipinas kasi tayo! Lahat dito mabagal! Ang Pilipinas talaga mabagal!" ("We're in the Philippines! Everything is slow in this country!"), illiciting uneasy laughter from the entire room.

Interesting character #2: Ms. I Am Loud And Proud
Big woman, sans makeup, street-smart attitude, rude, and crass.

She had a loud, tinny voice, you can't help but notice her making complaints and comments about everything. When someone cut in line, she shouted brashly: "Ano ba naman yan. Hindi naman pumila 'tong babaeng 'to. Kahiya-hiya, bigla nalang sumingit, ang kapal ng mukha. Kami lahat dito, pumila ng maayos, tapos siya, sisingit lang? Bakit naman ganon, guard? Ang kapal." ("What the hell! This woman right here wasn't in line earlier?! She just cut in! She should be ashamed of herself! All of us here waited for our turn and she thinks she can just cut in line? Guard, do something about it!"). Everyone just shifted nervously.

Interesting character #3: Mr. I Am Awesome
Douchebag-y type, confident pose, in polo and slacks, smart-looking folder in hand.

Asked this dude to hold my place in line because I needed to clarify something from the other room. He obliged, nicely, in fact. He was nice enough until he tried to start a conversation. He asked me what company I worked for, what I did for a living, where my office was exactly. I kept giving him vague answers because I am wary of strangers and I had just watched Taken. He kept trying to be helpful and make casual conversation until I started talking to the mommy-types.

Interesting character #4: Mr. I Love My Momma
Slouching, In a baseball cap, tshirt, jeans and rubbershoes.

His mother saved his place in line, right before me. When we got settled in inside, his mother went, "O sige ha, iwan ko na anak ko sa inyo." ("Okay, I'm going to leave him here with you now."). He was quiet and reserved, kept to himself, broke into small smiles when something was funny. Only talked when directly talked to, also, moved in line precisely, quickly, fluidly, his papers arranged in a neat, orderly stack (prepared by mommy).

Interesting character #5: Mr. Friendly Guard
Strongly built, thick brows, easy and open smile, fatherly type.

He was passing by and I was casually telling the mother next to me that I've been waiting for a few hours now and was thirsty from the heat. With an open smile, he offered to get me a bottle of water from the nearby stall (so I wouldn't have to leave my place in line). I gave him my thanks and he was friendly all througout my stay, said goodbye and some other niceties like, "Natapos din, ano?" ("Good, you're finally done with it.") as I was leaving.

Interesting character #6: Mr. Tired But Still Working Guard
Strongly built, thick brows, tired but smart eyes, fatherly type.

He was guarding the line outside (where it was extremely warm). He had a wry smile on his face because people kept trying to cut their way in. He answered the questions as best he could, tried to be helpful but he was firm. He moved languidly, through the motions, and was indifferent to the complaining taxpayers. He was nice, friendly, steady and solid. From the look of it, he was just tired from the daily grind, because he smiled and waved me goodbye as I left.

All of them were very interesting, but I am particularly thankful to Mr. Friendly Guard, who kindly, willingly and cheerfully bought me a cold bottle of water but whose name I didn't get to ask. Without him, I would've been a lot crabbier and a little less amused.

2008

I have decided to make this year's resolutions a bit more specific. So this time next year, I will be able to assess what I've accomplished and what I have again postponed to do. Here we go.

Resolution # 1. Study for the GMAT, take and pass the exam.
    - I have been postponing this for so long. This year, i resolve to stop procrastinating and start studying. Sabi nga ng shirt ni Jin, "Procrastinators of the world... Unite! ... tomorrow."

Resolution # 2. Stop being sarcastic.
    - This has always been a bad point of mine. Being sarcastic to the point of offending people. I will be more conscious of this and try offending less people this year. Example: When gawach says he will quit smoking after his baby is born, I will not roll my eyes and retort, "How long after?"

Resolution # 3. Believe in life and love.
    - I am a pessimist. The cup is so half empty. And someone will probably spill whatever is left. The dog maybe. Whose poop I just stepped on. With my new high-heeled shoes. On my way to the big meeting. Which I'm already late for. Because I did not wake up on time. The damn alarm clock was set to 5pm instead of 5am. Who set it? Me. So where was I? Oh so for 2008, I will be less of a pessimist and try to believe that life can blossom and love will save the day. Someone hand me a barf bag.

Resolution # 4. Invest.
    - The stock market scares me. Basically because I don't know/get anything about it. I promise to ask people about this and start investing money. Also this will make me stop splurging on food. Which will result to me eating less. Which will result to me not getting fatter. So, in all, this is a win-win situation. When my stocks increase, I will celebrate and eat in my favorite restaurant. For 8 weeks.

Resolution # 5. Sleep more.
    - Target is to sleep at an average of 6 hours per day. Kahit 4 hours pag weekdays, tas 11 hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Basta the weekly snooze time should be 42 hours. Why? Because, life is short. And I shouldn't make it shorter.

a good hard slap in the face..

and i'm not saying that in a bad way, i ripped-off this article from

catcastro 

today, and it has some sensible things to say.

for women who fall..

The Hard Lessons on Love and Men.

1. A man won't let go if he really loves you.
Do not hold on to someone who has let go of you. He does not love you and does not value having you. Believe me, he will not let go if he really loves you. There is another reason he is not willing to tell.

2. Do not look for reasons why he ended the relationship.
There is only one reason why he ended your relationship. He just does not love you. Do not waste your time thinking of reasons or what you should have done. Move on and be open to a man who will truly love you.

3. Do not get hung up on your past.
Do not nag or distrust your current boyfriend just because your ex hurt you. Do not treat him or the relationship the same way. Do not compare. He will not react the same way as your ex. Do not be worried that your simple mistakes will cause him to look for another girl. What happened with your ex was not your fault. It was not because you didn't guard him enough or you didn't make him happy enough.

4. Do not look into images.
How many times have you met a girl who didn't have the best image in school or at the office, but you get to know the girl and found out she was actually extremely nice? Do not rely on images. Oftentimes, it is far from reality. Do not fear men just because your "supposedly" perfect ex-boyfriend mistreated you.

5. Always have your own set of rules.
Set your limits on how far you'd go for a guy. It's perfectly ok to give and do everything as long as it's worth it. And it's worth it if the guy is treating you right.

6. Do not be scared to lose him.
Don't be scared that he'll break up with you. Once you are afraid of losing him, you easily can be taken advantage. Be strong and if something is unacceptable, do not accept it and speak up.

7. Avoid calling your guy.
It's a guy thing. The relationship will definitely be better if it's the guy who's calling, not the girl. He will get tired of you if you keep on calling. He will lose interest and challenge. More
so, he will get annoyed. But it's a girl thing also that your fingers get too itchy until you dial his number. But avoid as much as possible. Call only if really needed (like checking if your suspicions are reasonable).

8. There is a guy who will value you.
There is a guy out there who can make you feel valued, appreciated, and loved. And I mean, not just during your first few weeks together. So don't lose hope. Don't settle for a lesbian if you are not attracted to women. There is a man out there who can love you like a girl can.
Also, do not believe him when he says it's just the way he really is. He's not the sweet or expressive-type. Remember during your first few weeks together? Where has that sweet guy gone? He simply is not that into you anymore.

9. Always be the only one, no matter what.
Do not ever fall for a guy who has another girl, be it his wife, girlfriend, or any girl that he says he just can't get rid of for whatever reason. If you truly believe that he loves you and for some reason, he can't leave or let go of another girl, then you are no different from any ordinary mistress.

10. He must respect you.
No matter how long the relationship has been, he should always show respect towards you.

11. If he fooled you, end it.
Philandering once is enough. You can never trust nor respect the person again.

12. Never start a relationship the wrong way.
Do not steal another girl's man, for whatever reason. Nor should you enter a relationship for the wrong reasons (loneliness, on the rebound, getting back at your ex, man-dependency, etc.) it is bound not to last. You will only end up wasting more years of your life.

13. Do not force yourself into a relationship.
Do not get into a relationship just because your friends are getting impatient with your dating escapades and the one hasn't come yet. Do not choose who to say yes to based on superficial things like money, looks, cars, etc.. If you are even thinking of these things, you have not fallen in love yet.

14. Do not settle.
If you are not happy anymore with your relationship, break up instantly. He will not stay with you forever no matter how upright he might seem to be. Eventually, he will also want love and happiness in his life.

15. A relationship has to have love.
Love is the only thing that will push you to give your efforts into making the relationship work. And believe me, keeping a relationship requires genuine efforts of both parties.

16. Don't be afraid to be single.
It's fun to be single, try it. You can go out whenever and wherever you want. You are free. You can date whomever you want and you get to go out for free! Do not get a boyfriend just for the sake of having one. Do not settle.

17. Be a good girl.
Be a good girl to attract a good guy. Enter the relationship with sincere intentions. Take the guy and the relationship seriously with the plan of spending the rest of your life with that person. If you compare your flings from your real relationships, you will know that the latter makes you happier and more fulfilled.

18. Love without limits.
Whether you loved and gave everything or loved but held out for some things, if the relationship ends, you still get hurt. But if you gave your everything, you were happy and you could say that it was worth it. If you didn't give your all, you get hurt for nothing.

19. You will get over him.
Love is over-stated. Love eventually ends and you are free to love another.

20. Be the one.
Act like you are the one. Don't be a nagger. Don't hinder his gimmicks. Don't give in to him too easily. Make him treat you as important. Don't be easy. Don't be like every other girl he had in his life.

2006: Live it Up

I’ve been racking up my brain for interesting ways to entitle a resolution list but can’t come up with a decent one. So I went for simple. These are my Rules to Live By For 2006.

1. Be energetic. You live only once, live it to the fullest. Go bungee jumping, go sky diving, go rapelling, or something to that effect. Take risks, and relish each moment.


2. Be cheerful. Lighten up, nothing good can come from being cranky or cynical. Smile at adversities, laugh away your troubles, chuckle away all animosity. Always remember, other people have worse problems than you do.

3. Open up. Share yourself to others. Life can be so much simpler and more fun if you share bits of yourself. Tell your stories, listen to other people’s stories, and connect with others.

4. Learn. Learn from past mistakes. Everyone is bound to make mistakes in his lifetime, it’s normal. But don’t repeat the same mistakes over and over again. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.

5. Forget. New Year = Clean Slate. Start anew, forget bad memories, keep the good ones, and cherish the great ones.


I love this line; read it somewhere I just can’t remember where. Life is about the journey, not the destination. Too true. So, along with my 2006 Rules to Live By, my motto for this year is to: Live it Up.


Here’s to an awesome 2006! Cheers.


* sidenote1: I’ve been meaning to blog about my holidays, but can’t seem find the right mood, so I’ll just be posting some pix of those I were with at the near-end of 2005.



-at Victoria Peak, sooo cold



-at Tomorrowland, getting ready to ride the Space Mountain


* sidenote2: I love the Megamelt ensaymadas and leche flan, yummy. Too fattening, and yet I indulge myself once in a while (like now).

* sidenote3: Thank heavens for JackTV, we finally have David Letterman! Scrap Conan O’ Brien and Jay Leno, I’ve had too much of them this year