eepErz

Tsk.

2007-07-05T15:30:00.000-04:00

"I would prefer that Mr Howard stay out of our domestic politics and we will stay out of his domestic politics," Texas Republican senator John Cornyn said. [on Howard's criticism of Obama; read it here]

Well.

1. That statement's hypocritical. When has the United States learnt not to meddle in another country's "domestic politics"?

2. This so-called "domestic politics" also happens to effect now only the US, but a lot of other countries.

3. Whatever happened to freedom of speech/expression? Does it apply only to the people in the US? (funny I just said that... its hardly prevelant here)

4. This doesn't mean I support Howard, or even Obama for that matter.

Ratatouille

2007-06-29T22:45:00.000-04:00

... is another one of them summer movies that is a must-see!

And the Harry Potter movie debut in Japan has me going BLOODY HELL since the 22nd. It's ridiculous. It's unfair. There are MORE Potter fans here than in bloody Japan! And the UK, where Potter's FROM, didn't get to see it first either!! Absofuckin' BLOODY hell...

Summer Movies

2007-05-18T22:42:00.000-04:00

Spiderman 3, Shrek 3 down... Pirates of the Caribbean 3, Harry Potter 4 (AND the book... UK-version, thank you) to go. Could the summer start off any better?!?!!

It's Pirates of the Caribbean that I CAN'T WAIT to see... for obvious reasons (winkwink).

On that Caribbean note, here's a song I can't get enough of these days. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x17xsk_raul-paz-mulata (ignore Paz's hand gestures haha... just listen to the song)

2007-05-18T22:27:00.000-04:00

Update on Possible Threat?

I'm a part of the Racial Awareness group for this year, and as this was once in a lifetime opportunity, I think I made the most of it (I encourage UC students to apply, go for the interview and try to get in! They might change the name to something more appropriate as the group name is quite misleading and insufficient as racial awareness was only a tiny part of what we were exposed to). Anyway. It so happened that I found out during our retreat a couple of weeks ago that one of our fellow group members was the guy who had made the threat. As I hadn't bothered to look at his mugshots on TV or even payed attention to his name as much... it had slipped by me. Now we know this guy. It was amazing how suddenly I could totally see him making such a rash (ill-times though) comment. It's just him. There was nothing serious, I can bet you that. What was done to him, with all his personal records being sensationalized in our paper, court dealings, the ridiculous bail charge, etc. was unfair. Our university could have handled it much better, but I guess they went overboard with trying to ensure that we had "things under control". All "journalism ethics for content privacy" flew out of the window. I'm not sure how his court hearing went, but I hope a sound, non-exaggerated decision was made.

Possible threat?

2007-04-25T21:08:00.000-04:00

I open my inbox in the morn around noon and there's an email from the campus police warning us of suspicious activities and possible threats. To quote, "... In one such case a student is reported to have stated that the Virginia Tech incident was nothing compared to what he would do if his grades were not adjusted." I ended up talking with a friend who later told me that this particular incident had occurred the day earlier. It infuriated them that the email was sent out the next day and sounded little serious. I don't know how much of it is true... but I stand by my claim of learning from past events. We need to be more cautious of people's feelings and treat them with respect and perhaps even care and be friendly (a smile and Hello goes a long way). High time a lot of us stop demanding that thing called personal space, because in truth, there exists no such thing. Unless of course you lived all alone on this new habitable planet that scientists in S. America discovered a while back...

Virginia Tech Shooting

2007-04-16T17:30:00.000-04:00

It's horrific and saddening. At this moment, feeling this way, I want to thank Him for keeping a friend of mine at Virginia Tech safe, and lift the ones who lost their lives in our prayers.

We will never forget.

You can read about it here...

Sex and the City

2007-04-16T00:08:00.000-04:00

I grew up sticking my tongue out at girls who saw Sex and the City (with such ardor that it sickened me and I was more than happy to play tennis with the boys and be all tomboyish).

I turn 19 and I still don't get young girls my age watching the stupid series to learn (?) whatever they wanted to learn.

Come April and I find myself watching it on DailyMotion.com and see what all the hoo-ha was about. And what happens? I become one of "them"! No, I don't want to learn more about sex or NYC, I'm quite familiar with the terminology, NYC cabs and male/female psyche around the whole shebang. It's the deeper meanings, different outlooks the four single women have on life and circumstances that has me fascinated (excuse? not really). They're so natural -- which is the best part -- and so good at sticking together (even if its only a TV series...) that I find it rather interesting. I got some good quotes off it too (no, I don't use TV/movie quotes in real life... that seems a little desperate to me).

Oh, and did I mention that there are NO commercials when I see it online? Yeah. Gotta love that. And skipping, rewinding/fast forwarding? There are a few episodes that are rather lame which I have to simply skip... so its a big plus.

I speak 'merican and write British

2007-04-11T18:16:00.000-04:00

No I'm not that completely culturally/linguistically confused... but most of the time, I do find myself saying colour like any other person in the US (oops, color) and writing colour online, on papers, etc. Few would comment on this subtley apparent pronunciation and spelling, but me being a spelling na-hzi, these things annoy me (even if it is for a few minutes). I'd go into how bloody pissing off it is to see people type in chats... but let's not go there today. A couple of us were talking about how we 'mericans spell our words, as opposed to the rest of the world. So before I pass off any more comments, I hearby consider myself as a global citizen (to avoid feeling guilty for biting the hand that feedeth me). So moving on... to me, this unrelenting need to be different is just plain stupid. There are of course many more involuntary deeper affects of all this (like the "American Cultural Imperialism", which is very much seen in how people all over worship 'merican pop stars, 'merican food, 'merican clothing, etc etc). The other day I realized I was saying aluminum, but writing aluminium. A friend caught it and it was kinda hilarious at that moment... but later on, I did some googling and found out that "The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) officially standardised on aluminium in 1990, though this has done nothing, of course, to change the way people in the US spell it for day to day purposes". Part of the blame can be placed on Noah Webster, "a humourless and deeply religious schoolmaster cum failed lawyer who, after 15 years’ work, published his American Dictionary of the English Language in 1828. One cannot imagine an individual less well suited to the creation of a dictionary; he knew very little of other languages, his ideas about etymology were based more on religion and wishful thinking than historical fact... and he had this bee in his bonnet about simplifying the language by removing unnecessary letters from words". I'll stop quoting and end here. I could write on this for hours... by God, I could! But I think this was just a tiny burst of frustration after today's tiny conversation in my Media and Middle East Hist. class. If you're interested, you can read more about the spelling transformations here and here.

ps. the image always makes me laugh. Click on it to zoom in/out and read

Cute

2007-04-03T20:21:00.000-04:00

What a 3 year old would do to a monster. - Click Here for more great videos and pictures!

Thanks Vic. for the showing us the videos! I must've watched it a million times and it still cracks me up. Especially how the mom bursts after "... he's gonna kick my ask"

To everyone who HAD been following the World Cup, but decided not to, I totally understand... I almost bought tickets to go and watch the Super Eight matches. There will be a day when it will be worth it (perhaps in 2011? In apna Mumbai!). I'm not entirely sure about how the players are chosen but I seem to be hearing a lot of people wanting Ranji players to be selected. I won't comment on it for now 'cuz I need to know more about it first.

THERE IS A GOD!

2007-03-19T22:15:00.000-04:00

WE MADE THE HIGHEST RECORD SCORE IN THE HISTORY OF CRICKET WORLD CUP! Read here

Following the World Cup?

2007-03-19T09:07:00.000-04:00

I have been! And I can't WAIT to hear about today's match results. India better win against Bermuda! I mean come on. If this had been a couple of years ago, I wouldn't have doubted the Indian cricket team... but this year, with BANGLADESH beating them, with IRELAND beating Pakistan... ugh. They're newbies! Newbies don't win with 5 wickets and 100 runs! I think the only exceptional case would be those of the people from land downunder. Australia's gone bloody ballistic with the number of runs they're scoring... 287 being their lowest. So today better be good! For the Indian team's sake (atleast upon returning to their homecountry, where people have been breaking into houses and burning effigies of the players after their defeat against the Bangla people).

This post is also interesting. Its sure to raise hopes.

Wow, it's spring break again

2007-03-18T00:35:00.000-04:00

I swear, time flies way faster than any of us want! It's spring break (again!) and I can't help but reminisce about my last in New Orleans with ten wonderful people. I just updated the blog with pictures and a "It's been a year now" post, so do visit.

Doing nothing out of the ordinary this break actually. Continuing my work, and return for classes the week after. I really wish I could have gone somewhere this spring break... like to New Orleans again or MExico to volunteer. But being my first quarter at work, I wanted to stick with them and might go next year. Bet this year will fly by too! Or so I hope, haha.

Ohhh, and happy St. Patty's day! We had a lovely day with family friends at a local pub and it was lots of fun with the Irish jig going on, green beer, mozzarella sticks and Pepsi (for us under-agers). To top it all off, some good drunken Irish songs on my WMP playlist (yep, good to have friends with a thing for Irish/celtic music). A few are kinda catchy and upbeat, others slow and romantic. So download and listen to them when you got the time. Hope the weekend's going well! Slainte!

Devil's Dance Floor - Flogging Molly

Rattlin' Bog - Authority Zero

Danny Boy

The Rising of the Moon

Irish Party in the Third Class (from the Titanic movie)

Lord of the Dance

Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (An Irish Lullaby)

When Irish Eyes are Smiling

Another stonker by Nicholas Sparks

2007-03-14T22:10:00.000-04:00

I seriously cannot stand overtly mushy, crappy novels. Unless of course the "Oh my love! Te emo!" sounds genuine... And it's written by Nicholas Sparks. After what seems like ages, I picked up a Sparks novel that my mom got from the public library and I have to admit, I was hooked. The new book's called Dear John and it's worth a read if you liked The Notebook (click to read here how much I obsessed over the movie version), Message in a Bottle (read it in 8th or 9th grade and it was the first official book that brought me to tears; The Phantom of Manhattan followed suit), A Walk to Remember, and even Love Story by Eric Segal. Although always and always, the endings are heart-wrenching and so... larger than life, I can't stop but wonder whether they are just stories or something even close to real. I like to think the latter, because on a number of occasions people I know personally (or not so personally) have proved it so. Sparks's writing is so simple and easy to relate to, one HAS to end up falling in love with the characters in the book, hold onto every single word they say and smile at the tiniest gestures of affection.

When you gotta watch a movie, you gotta watch a movie

2007-03-08T11:25:00.000-05:00

With just a couple of weeks left before I go back to the hellhole called school (just kidding), I've been taking full advantage of my free evenings by watching movies, going out and taking pictures of the early signs of spring and everything that falls under the category of being called "laid-back". Oh yeah baby. It's been a good life.

So movies. I've been watching movies too. Not a lot though, for obvious couch potato reasons. I watched a movie by Satyajit Ray named Pather Panchali and I swear to God, it was good but it left me feeling rather terrible. Then the next day I decided to watch Little Miss Sunshine. It is now officially, in my BEST movies list. You have to watch it! (Unless you're the movie buff who's laughing their ass off on what I loser I am to watch it after the OScars and all the hoo-ha) But only after watching Pather Panchali. Both touch something deep within your soul and I'm surprised to have watched such similar movies (similar emotional intent) one after the other.

Funny thing... this diplomacy

2007-03-02T09:13:00.000-05:00

I recently read an article in the NY Times that referred to the United State government's new policy of having talks with the "axis of evil" a.k.a Iran, Syria and North Korea. The first time (which was years ago) I heard of the US government's foreign policy of isolating the countries that did not comply with the whims and wishes of the US... it surprised me at first. Then the surprise turned to disbelief and then to anger and now, I simply shake my head and prefer not to go off on how pre-school'ish that decision was.

When we were young, we form clubs and people who don't agree with the club's rules are ignored and not a word is heard from them. Reason? Ha. Everything was about them rules, and there was nothing. As we grow older, great wisdom dawns on us and we think how immature we were then. You don't ignore your problems! You face them and try to reason out the best-possible solutions, even if it meant not having all the parties involved completely satisfied. Not everyone got their way all the time! Now to see the government behaving in that immature fashion makes all the behavior analysts very happy I'm sure. Toddler = immature. Teen = partial maturity. 20's+30's = mature. 40 plus = immature. Case closed. Simple. That's how the whole issue struck me as. Is that even remotely diplomatic? You put your hands over your ears and refuse to hear anything until the other country bends to your wishes?

Uhm. No. It's not rocket science to figure that out. The government now says it's opening up. C'mon. Who are we kidding here? They'll have the regular talks of oil prices, stocks, money, nuclear arms, yada yada. The government will put on it's Nosy hat and feed the press with information that is probably irrelevant, while cooking up something in the background. It's the same ol' story. Just the way they dealt with Korea, Afghanistan and Iraq earlier. But now they say, it's a "diplomatic initiative". Haven't we heard that before!

Let's say I'm interested how these diplomatic talks will turn out. After years of being isolated, I doubt one would welcome talks with open arms. Also would one go out there to please another, to an extent that it turns to servitude? Or even bend their backs to abide by the selfish policies of some country that claims openly to know the difference between good and evil? Like it was quoted in the NY Times article: "Successful diplomacy requires very careful preparation and very extensive follow-through."

I hope for once, people are good at keeping to their word and take a step in a mature manner after listening to all the intelligence.

HCFC-22, CFCs and everything "nice"

2007-02-28T21:46:00.000-05:00

It looks like HCFC-22 made it to the headlines once again. Also known as Chlorodifluoromethane, halocarbon R22 or Freon 22, HCFC-22 was used as an alternative to the not-so-ozone-friendly CFC's in air-conditioners and roof top conditioning. Although it is only 5% as harmful as the CFC's, the increasing use of air conditioners around the globe, especially in India and southern China, has put scientists into really speculating the extent of ozone depletion.
Having lived in India for a while, I know the number of air conditioners one house can install for a mere family. Even when there's no one present in the house, the conditioning goes on, almost 24/7 (I say almost, because if people had their way, they would have it on all day, but power outtages don't seem to be on their side). My father made it a point never to have an A/C. We used the ol' cooler or evaporative coolers, which functioned on the basic principle of water evaporation. You can read about such coolers here. We had the money to get our entire house centrally air-conditoned, but we never did (Oh, the memories we have of standing in front of the coolers and doing kareoke...). It saved electricity, and it was a lot more environment-friendly. One big one placed strategically, and you have the entire house cooled within seconds (and it stays cool long after you've turned it off).

I'm not going to play the blame game and say I'm the most eco-friendly person you'll ever come across and everyone else is to blame for using air-conditioners. But its time we all stand up together and realize the consequences. My question is this: Why not use evaporative coolers? Instead of scientists looking for another gas that is maybe 2% as harmful as CFC's, why don't we do our part and utilize much more environment friendly air conditioning methods? I don't really care about the advantages an A/C has over a cooler. They aren't many and not very substantial either (especially when it comes to doing your part in not depleting the ozone layer).

People might well, argue like always do and whine about why they're the ones to blame, when the rest of the world uses the same technology, and might continue to do so if they did change. The answer, as it always is is BE THE CHANGE TO SEE CHANGE. Why China and India? Because these two countries have the most populous as of now (and by a huge margin from the third most populous country). They are also in the warmer regions, so they require air conditioning of some sort. The label of Its only 5% as harmful as the CFCs doesn't work in the countries's favor either because of the enormous amounts of HCFC-22 let out by the billions of air-conditioners used.

The problem is that a lot of the developing countries enjoy the backseat when it comes to global warming and environmental issues. Many companies help these countries to come up with newer chemicals, but fails to manufacture newer and environ-friendly chemicals. Everything that is environ-friendly is expensive and obviously, no one buys something expensive when you can get the same job done at a much lower price. This low-cost job doesn't consider environmental aspects, but it gets the job done. CFCs are still in the market in India (as I got to know when I was there over winter break). They are cheaper, and people using older cars prefer their air-conditioners to be fixed the old way. No one really seemed to give a rat's ass about the environment or how much CFC is being let out by just one car.

Then they say its legal because people are still selling it and a majority of the people are using it. Yes, its still sold. So are drugs to minors. In Gore's documentary, An Inconvinient Truth, the developed nations are targetted to a large extent. It's the western hemisphere that takes 80% of the blame for whatever holes we have in the ozone layer and the marine life at risk due to oil spills, etc etc. But it IS the world we're talking about, right? And whether the country's developed or under-developed... is it not part of the globe? Does the label of "developing" give the country the right to pollute at everyone's expense? I don't think so. When it comes to the environment, everyone is to blame or be patted on the back. The environment has no boundries. And so shouldn't the people in it create any on such issues that concern humanity as a whole.

It's HCFC-22 now. R-410A next. And something else after a decade. Is that the answer then? A better than worse answer? For how long can we keep fooling ourselves that some better man-made chemical can solve all our environmental issues? Has ANY man-made chemical benefitted the environment for long? Sadly, no.

Personally, I sort of dislike blogging about global warming/environmetal issues because I know once a reader sees the "global warming" tag, they think "how boring", or even "here we go again, another rant". I blog about something I care, maybe make people think for a bit, but then you hit the "Next Blog" button and you've forgotten everything. Also a lot of such rants make people think "All they do is yap/talk. No one acts on it. If they were taking some action, they wouldn't be blogging about it here now would they?" True. I don't drive an electric car, neither do I avoid air-conditioned malls, but that doesn't mean I don't care. I still recycle. I still avoid yellow bulbs and turn off all lights whenever possible. I still never drive over 70mph (that is the speed at which the fuel has the highest efficiency). I never waste food, water. Maybe it is the way I was brought up because I saw a lot of people not have what I have and it made me thankful for what I was given and all the stories I've read of the consequences of the little things we do. But what I'm trying to say is, if at all this post or any documentary concerning our environment you see... give it the honor of some thought and implement tiny changes in your life that can make a huge difference if it becomes a habit.

I'd also like to mention the whole idea of the Daylight Savings time being shifted almost a month earlier. The idea behind it is noble and saves a lot of electricity all over the United States. It's a step towards change and a good start to changing our habits. Quote: "Energy savings was the reason given for the addition of four weeks. A California Energy Commission document said studies have generally found that longer daylight hours save money on electricity because people run fewer lights when the sun is shining." (Day Time Will Be Early - Get Set, San Fransisco Chronicle)

So that's my rant for tonight. Let's begin the new month with one change.

Picture courtesy: In the middle of a shave, O Kyoto by Nik Scott

WMP's new look + 80's + 90's music = perfect

2007-02-22T20:45:00.000-05:00

Windows Media Player's come up with a wonderful new look, and to think of it I was putting off the upgrade for over a month now! With the new look returns my interest in the 80s and 90s music. Just listening to Wham! , The Police, Toni Braxton, Seal and the likes brought back childhood memories of dad playing the songs on his favorite "5-star" cassettes, haha. There were a bunch of cassettes that were placed on the top row of the music shelf and were his -- hit songs a friend of his used to record for my father. The songs like It's My Life, You're My Heart You're My Soul, etc were the classic hits on our New Year house parties. After all the new generation music, his music would take the floor by storm and everyone would step in with the ones on the dance floor. It was awesome. I don't think I've had a series of New Year parties THAT good since I was 15 or maybe 16. So this week was about re-visiting old songs and going over ol' memories.

The campaign for real beauty

2007-02-21T12:59:00.000-05:00

Isn't it IRONIC that Dove, a cosmetic-based corporation, should start a Campaign for Real Beauty? We've all seen the ads. They've been on air for a while now.

Defining Beauty
Many a time I've found myself asking whoever created these "guidelines" for beauty. Who said that having a 26inch waist was ideal, or the oval-shaped face was most desired by women. When did the perfect profile mean a straight nose, perfect chin, no double-chin, etc etc. Can you define beauty in your own words? Shouldn't beauty, literally, be in the eyes of the beholder? If you argue that that statement still holds true, why do we have women being categorized into "cute", "hot", "gorgeous", "sweet, but not sexy", "ugly", "unattractive"? Or even men being rated as "geeky", "hot", "hunk-ish"? Shouldn't you be deciding who looks a particular way, and not using the rules set down by commercials, products, magazines, music divas and peers to make a conclusion? But why draw a conclusion on someone's outward appearance? If we were all born blind, would it matter? Would we still go to a website and rate women?

On the Picture
Look at the picture. Do half of the women in the world look like this? Let's get real. A trip down to the nudie beach can be quite eye-opening if you think women look like this most of the time. But yes, according to the numerous campaigns, these women are a step-down from the runway models. Most real women wouldn't pose in underwear for a beauty campaign. BEfore I forget, courtesy for this picture goes to Dove's website, who's image caption was img_curvy_girls (which I believe says image of curvy girls). So now curvy is the new "in"? What about a bunch of those who look, well, not curvy?

Beauty and Race
If beauty can be defined, so can race. As I mentioned above, if we were born blind, beauty would hold no importance to us. The same way, if we were born colour-blind, no one would give jack about a person's race (to a large extent). Racism arises from the discrimination against one's race. Discrimination against one's "beauty" or appearance would be called... ? We don't have a word for it, of course. Racism is rebelled against in most places around the world. They say it cannot be tolerated. They say the person experiencing such a behavior becomes upset and is effected mentally and emotionally. Since God knows when, race has been an underlying cause for most of the wars fought and has sadly, taken many lives. But is that statistic as alarming as people dying from anorexia? Does a comment, "Who'd go out with YOU?" take an emotional toll as a similar moderate racist comment? So I say they're similar. One is already being addressed all over the globe by caring individuals who live by example. The other is being done by the forerunners of beauty promotion.

Re-defining Beauty
Is it not time to embrace people for who they are, for the ideals they stand by and move on from this superficial world we've created? After all, they are like us. They grumble to go to work so early in the morning, they go to schools, they come back home, eat dinner and watch TV like the rest of us. But the only difference between them and the others is that they were born in such a way and which, is beyond their control. They were not born with the "B gene", the beauty gene. So they resorted to the options offered by society, and tried to fit in with the people they saw on a flat-screen. They still weren't satisfied. So once again, they fell at the merciful hands of cosmetics, surgery, etc. A couple people out of a million were satisfied by the end of it all. They WERE the perfect homosapiens, with el natural looking looks that fooled others. But what they didn't realize that in the process of fooling the world, they were fooling themselves. The world loved them for who they were not. The world wanted a Marilyn Monroe, a Jackie Kennedy, a Paris Hilton, a Salma Hayek, a Beyonce. The not-so-perfect people conformed to become like one of those women, in the process losing any originality that would have come with age. Were they happy? That is a matter of personal consciousness. Were the majority happy? No. Was the world happy to learn about the truth at some point in time? Definitely not. The world called them liars. Not Monroe or Hilton. The world put on a halo and everyone became angels, prophesizing real beauty. They campaigned for real beauty in the day. But they were back to their true, shallow selves by night. It took too much energy to change the world. It was no point starting with themselves, when the world would not follow. After all, what can a small group of people believing in re-defining beauty do to bring change? The world would see it as a passing phase.

Read Isabella Mori's Carnival of Eating Disorders. It's truely enlightening with references to many more people's thoughts.

Bloggerama Updates

2007-02-12T11:35:00.000-05:00

I'm back! And alive 'n kicking. First off, a very happy new year to everyone. I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year celebration and stuck to their new year resolutions through January ;) I didn't keep any last year and the year before that out of fear of not keeping up with any the previous years, but this year I did. And so far, I've stuck with it! I need to put a reminder on here to make a post about Resolutions 101 another day. Secondly, CHECK OUT THE NEW BLOGGER FEATURES!! (I'm floored)

As I wished (and God willed), I've started working this quarter. As our university follows the co-op program, we alternate 4 quarters working and studying. I love my current job. Its in the Marketing/Engineering department, and being not much of a technical person (I made it quite clear in my multiple interviews with my company), I think it suits me perfectly. It basically involves talking to our customers (who range from the US government to GM) who use our products, listen to the issues they're having with the products, think of a possible solution, solve and work with the Engineering department (the techie guys down in the labs) and bring the best possible service to the customers' doorstep. One of the main reasons I chose this job over the engineering one (which in fact, should have been my first choice as I'm an engineering major), is the people interaction the job entails. The Marketing job gives you the taste of the real world, real people, real customers and has you interacting with more people, as opposed to the Engineering job, which has one sitting infront of the computer, performing tests and basically using all the technical expertise to perform projects (and the MArketing people are involved in that too). I won't say I'm a hardcore people-person, but I somehow measure my success and personal satisfaction to the number of people I've helped in a day, or when it comes to my job, how many people I've been of avail to. 30 minutes of not talking to a person really has me fidgeting! And 'til now, I interact with people from all departments and its been a good time.

Anyway, moving on, Valentine's Day is coming up! Okay, maybe I shouldn't have sounded as excited, but hell... all these Hallmark greetings and tiny "gifts" on Facebook people keep sending makes you excited and feelin' good about the whole thing. On Saturday, we visited a friend who had had a pretty nasty accident and broken 3-4 ribs, and possibly injured a couple more (hope for the best for him). Over the regular banter, we started to talk about V-day and how it came into existence. I faintly recalled reading somewhere years ago it was because some St. Valentine was killed. It never made me think of the meaning behind the day. And now when I think of it, the more I'm convinced that we have skewed the meaning behind the day to something completely different. There are stories of a Valentine who was imprisoned and who performed a miracle on the jailor's daughter and the night before he was beheaded, signed a note with, "From your Valentine". But the story about the Bishop in Italy who secretrly maried off couples contrary to the Roman laws prevailing then. It is said he was burnt at the stake for it.

So am I the only one who thinks that the logic of celebrating someone's death is somewhat twisted? I've personally not heard of people "celebrating" former President's assassinations. Or Martin Luther King or Gandhi's deaths. We always have a moment of silence for them. Then why in the case of this Valentine (whoever he might be and for whatever reason he was killed), do we do the opposite and celebrate love? Does anyone know when he was born? Woudln't THAT be the appropriate day to celebrate Valentines Day? Its just one of those things you think about and wonder how in the world did it ever come to the way it is today. Recently, after I was intrigued by such thoughts and seeked familiarity, I came across a number of schools around the world that honor the 14th of February as a mourning day for the death of a certain Valentine. For instance, a City Montessori School in Lucknow (the largest school in the world, as of 2001) is one of them. You can read about it here. Its something to think about, yeah?

(that would mean I won't be doing anything out of the ordinary this V-day)

And that would be my chit-chat for today. Everyone have a good Monday! (although I'm not sure of Monday and "good" go hand in hand, especially with the worst snowstorm headed once again our way... but do drive safe this evening, there's always someone waiting for you at home). I'll be back with more hot topics to talk about later on this week. Until then.

-Mia

The good, the bad and the beautiful

2006-12-01T23:27:00.000-05:00

the Good: I got 2 freakin' co-op job offers from BIG BIG companies!! And maybe more to come? (although I don't think it wise to disclose their names... well, hell... maybe someday when I'm comfortable with the whole internet-spy-thing... and I don't want ppl from work googling the name of the company and finding this blog and find me bitching about them lol just kiddin')

the Bad: Exams... like I said to a friend earlier, I'm a part of the biggest congregation of the best last-minute bullshitters in the world. Sigh.

the Beautiful: My new Creative Zen M mp3 player :D beautiful, people... its b-e-a-uuutiful... Happy sigh.

Bearcats Knock No. 7 Rutgers From the Unbeaten Ranks, 30-11

2006-11-19T12:42:00.000-05:00

LOL we storm our field after we beat Rutgers, the No.7 in the nation from its unbeatable ranks. GO BEARCATS! I was only there until half-time, but it never struck me we could defeat 'em! But I guess we did :D

Dress to Impress

2006-10-08T18:17:00.000-04:00

So how far would you go to dress to literally impress? I'd say a lot, considering you're applying for a job in big shot companies. Today I bought the most expensive suit EVER in my life... a $90 (after discount even) business suit. 90 freaking dollars!!! For ONE suit!!! In which, I have to admit, I looked quite nice and all CEO material, haha. The career fair's coming up, my resumes are sent out tomorrow and interviews should start around the end of next week and go up to November. That means a busier life than usual. I'll keep this place posted on how I did on particular interviews and the hilarity that shouldn't (under normal circumstances) be associated with it. Starting January, I hope to get a co-op to my liking. So starts the lengthy preparation to it. And I still have to buy shoes and a skirt! Its fun and lovely to dress up and stuff... I'm liking it so far. Except the $$ part.

I'm so 19

2006-10-01T15:44:00.000-04:00

Did I have a birthday post last year? I think I did... damn, I was hoping this would be a first. I personally do not put up posts about my birthday, but I think this one had to be done -- this being my last teen birthday and all!

So I'm 19. And proud of it? It means freedom to me. Freedom to do what I want, freedom to choose and freedom to be free (?). Its the year of my Zahir. The year when I'm totally consumed by turning older, better (as a person) and being someone who I always wanted to be. I guess I always was the person I wanted to be... but only on the inside. Now, I see it being reflected in who I am to the world. No longer is my inner voice and thought my "message". I am my message. I can be who I want to be. I can change how I want.

That's the freedom that is my Zahir. I revel in it. I encourage it in others and make them see it and realize how important it is. Few have seen it, few choose to ignore it. But I think thats what makes the world around us interesting and prevents our lives from being mundane. (What's Zahir? I've been reading the book by Coelho... so it might seem as though its goen to my head haha).

Anyway, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to give me a semi-surprise party on the first day of my 3-day long weekend birthday. And also to my friends who gave me the pleasure of having their lovely company the second day and friends from India, Canada and the UK, who called and spent their SIM cards for me, hehe. Thank you! ALSO, a thankkk you to the ppl who kept checking on my blog :-)

Flattered

2006-09-24T22:35:00.000-04:00

"You're now in my top 3 fav photographers..."

-SM, a message left on my photoblog

Thank you for making my day/night! I'm truely humbled.

Dog Days

2006-06-11T13:50:00.000-04:00

Summer's finally here people.

My break started with the fortunate onset of the FIFA World Cup and most football fans can imagine the life I've had since then. With no concrete plans, I don't know how my supposedly last non-academic summer break is going to go. But I do know for sure this will not be anything like the past one (where I was home-alone for a bloody long time) or the one before that (where I was flying from one city to another getting paperowork done for a new school and a new life... all over again). I want stability, I want to experience what it feels when people say these are the dog days. Though the possibility of is bleak, I'll keep y'all updated of my mucho interesting life in the da Nati and hopefully, somewhere else too through my new blog Dog Days, which is dedicated for the summer only. I didn't feel like changing the template of Eeperz to a more summer-y theme, so I got another blog to do that. Talk about convinience haha. I haven't blogged on it yet... my blogging-slack doesn't seem to cease o.O So I'll be around and have a greeeat summer !

Until then.

Summer Plans

2006-06-02T15:39:00.000-04:00

So what's everyone up to this summer?

(upcoming post : Reasons Why One-Liner Blogposts Should Be Brought Back Into Fashion)

Music Hosting

2006-05-27T18:24:00.000-04:00

A couple of friends caught on with a music hosting website (Castpost) I use for "podcasting", i.e. just embed music into your blog for others to listen. Miles had a few technical issues with it the other day as the player caught up a lot and prevented him from listening to the Holy Pussycat Dolls.

...

A lot of other people have been having similar problems. Well, there isn't any specific solution, but I'd recommend you Refresh the page, or hit Pause and let the music file stream (this solves the problem for people living far apart).

I've tried a lot of hosting sites earlier. This one's proven to be the latest and the best so far. The thing is, Blogger isn't really built to embed music, create podcasts, etc. Wordpress, myspace and other blogging sites are more for that kind of thing. They have options of converting your blogs into podcasts or directly upload music. And of course, we won't give up on Blogger so soon eh. So if the tips above don't work, you can switch to another host. Filelodge was one of my first host sites (it's free). The admins keep upgrading it a lot... so there's a lot of "down-time". I'd recommended a podcast fanatic friend to use Bolt (the link takes you specifically to the audio webhosting site). It's free too. It allows mic options too, which is kinda cool. His podcast is "flourishing", so I can say Bolt could be better than Podcast! And if nothing works out... there's always YouTube (I think it uploads music too).

Click on the links below to listen to sound quality/upload speed for tracks I've put up. Have fun browsing! I'll update if something else comes along.

Long White Cross - Pluto (using Bolt - you don't have to embed it, click on the link instead)

(using Filelodge - this isn't really a music file but its hilarious)

Bush + Rice conversation
My December - Linkin Park

early morning blues

2006-05-26T10:59:00.000-04:00

I guess everyone has one of those mornings when you feel p***ed off for no apparent reason. Well, there are a couple of reasons but they hardly have a connection and sound trivial after a day or two.

Right now, THIS INSTANT I'm irritated with the whole blogging scenario. Rewinding a few years, I remember creating this blog to post jokes, forwards and the other trivial stuff that takes up more space in the blogosphere. Then there are days when I write long ass entries and start having second thoughts about posting them on here because I think its way too personal and just makes me sound opinionated. Its like I want to post it, but something holds me back and I just kick a wall and save it as a draft. Anyway, moving on...

I don't understand why people have to be such stuck-ups and be all expressionless and shyt when you're with them, trying to joke and have a good time. It does your head in, spoils your mood and makes you wonder wtf are you even bothering to be with such a person, trying to lift their mood when its not worth it in the end. I mean seriously. It was going great with one person, then the SU (stuck-up) person comes along and you think, "Okay well, maybe I could use a change in company." Nah-uh! Baaaad decision. Two minutes into the conversation and you want to sock the person and tell them to take a break and act like they're trying to have a good time if it isn't too much trouble.

Are there statements people make, that you just can't tolerate? I can name a few right off my head because thats what I've been hearing this week. "I don't care." "It doesn't matter." "Whatever." wtf? You ask them nicely where they want to go, eat, hang out, grab a pop, anything!

And then the select friends on your list, whether it be Facebook, Hi5, that sit in the same room as you do and don't even bother to say Hi. Now this one really irritates the hell out of me. Earlier I used to say a Hi or whatever when they didn't but now I don't even make the effort. This "friend" came and sat next to me for a full 15-20 minutes while I was working on a project and didn't even bother to say anything. I didn't notice until she got up and left and I was like, "hey! that was so-and-so!" I'm very much tempted to strike her name and many others' off my friend list online, but that would just be childish huh.

And I won't even want to go into the way people you know behave on-campus when they see you. A "Hey! How are you?" and the person walks away even before you have a chance to open your mouth. I know you're in a hurry, but ffs. I found it really rude at first, but now I'm used to it. Now I just smile and walk-on by, and leave them hanging if they're waiting for an answer. Not with everyone of course. Just people like I mentioned above. A friend told me once we live in a critical, cold, selfish world and I refused to believe him. I always looked for the good in people. Its a shame I have to alter my ways towards certain people. It really is. Can't the world just be friendly and nice and easy to get along with? Can't people see the good in others too and understand people's feelings? I guess thats too much to ask.

With just a week left for the quarter to end, I'm down with a terrible cold that doesn't seem to go away and leads to feverish nights. I hate it. It prevents me from doing well on last-minute projects, quizzes, exams and ... its just terrible. Maybe thats the reason I'm having a bad start. I woke up late today and in the hurry to do a lot of things with 2 hands in 5 minutes, I forgot to take my medicine and a library book thats due soon. Now I'm sniffling all over the place like a maniac and hoping the due date magically gets extended.

Hmm, I actually feel better now. I think I'll make it through Physics without sleeping, then I'll treat myself to my favorite Skeller cheese sticks, get my project done, enjoy my 3-day weekend and have fun. Yeah... that sounds nice. I like blogging. This is good... real good.

2006-05-23T20:59:00.000-04:00

or maybe not. Vote for Taylor Hicks!

2006-05-23T20:47:00.000-04:00

Vote for Catherine McPhee ! 'cuz I'm too lazy.

here's to good friends...

2006-05-20T03:20:00.000-04:00

Thank you.

It is rare indeed to have friends who care and stand by even after knowing all the shades of greys and blacks in you. I consider myself lucky to have such friends - even if they're few, miles apart and I get to see/talk with them once in a few months. I love you guys and you know who y'all are... All I can come up with are these 2 simple words at this moment. I'd dedicate a million songs to you, but who needs songs and poems when all that I feel is right there for you to see. And who would understand better :)

2006-05-16T23:36:00.000-04:00

God... I miss talking to my friends online. Its been so long since I've logged onto MSN and "chilled", "been random" and replied to a "Hey! sup?" with a "Heeey back :-) nm, u?" Of course we all love the chat lingo now eh.

PEACE. haha... or rather lmfao

This was actually fun...

2006-05-11T23:04:00.000-04:00

Tagged by a friend who doesn't wanna be named on here because "he's too cool for this". Who cares... I got tagged - twice, in a week. w00t? Atleast you don't get to hear about my same ol' shyt. Meme's are way more... entertaining.

Seven things I plan to do before I die:
1. Own a jetplane
2. Fly it
3. Pick up my hawt ex from his rooftop Angelina Jolie style
4. Flip bottles 'n glasses like a bartender
5. Bungee jump
6. Forget to hand my ex his parachute
7. Never stop doing whatever I wanna do (?)

Seven things I can do:
1. Cover my feelings prettttty well
2. Play rugby
3. Forget and forgive, not necessarily together
4. Slack endlessly
5. Take risks for "fun"
6. Never do it alone
7. Lie impulsively

Seven things I cannot do:
1. Say "no" to a person in need
2. Stay angry with someone for more than 5 minutes
3. Get along with people who "don't give a shyt" about others
4. Work with any calculator
5. Sing
6. Leave my house without my cellphone
7. NOT wear my heart on my sleeve

Seven things that I find really attractive about the opposite sex:
1. Laugh/Smile
2. Hands
3. Jealousy AND accepting it
4. No bling
5. Takes out time for people he cares about
6. Striped shirts, loosened ties and shirts unbutto... uhm, you know...
7. A little shyness is appreciated

Seven things that I find really attractive about the same sex:
1. Doesn't tell you she has "guy-friends" for God's sake...
2. Sarcasm
3. Does not talk about "others" when we're hanging out
4. Knows how to have fun and yet stay sober
5. Sings at the kareoke
6. Dignity
7. Is nothing like me

Seven things I say the most:
1. "Oh shyt!"
2. "Really?"
3. "Duuuude..."
4. "I don't know"
5. "Excuse me?"
6. "HAHAHAHAH"
7. more "HAHAHAHAHA"

Seven books I love:
1. The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho
(my favorite read when I was in boarding school)
2. The Phantom of Manhattan by Frederick Forsyth
(the first book where I couldn't get enough of the last chapter)
3. Learning Italian for Dummies
(because I like learning new languages)
4. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
(I like the entire series actually, but this one was exceptionally well-written)
5. Princess Di's Biography by some man...
(because I like to know more about people I admire)
6. Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks
(I had to give this book some credit for making me tear up... a LOT)
7. The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
(because her book made me think architecture was my dream career for a good 5 years)

Seven people I would like to see take this quiz:
1. You
2. RISHABH! heh
3. My neighbor
4. Prez Bush YEAH!
5. Engineers
6. Jolie
7. Myself, after a year

whatever tag

2006-05-11T22:47:00.000-04:00

Tagged by Rishabh... and here I was, thinking meme's and all this was a thing of the past. I wouldn't do it, but he actually mentioned me first haha, so yeah. I'm bored. After so long. I need this (shyt).

1.Grab the book nearest to you, turn on page 18 and find line
"Several methods are available for identifying objects, but no single one is always the best approach" (Data Abstraction and Problem Solving with C++). Aye, I'm the nerd you envy.

2. Stretch your left arm out as far as you can
Have a cast :-( don't ask...

3. What is the last thing you watched on TV?
That Red Eye movie, on Monday I think.

4. Without looking, guess what time it is?
11pm

5. Now look at the clock, what is the actual time?
10.51pm

6. With the exception of the computer, what can you
hear?
Ridin' Dirty by Chamillionaire *grins*

7. When did you last step outside? What were you doing ?
This morn for university.

8. Before you started this survey, what did you look at?
Porn. Free, if I may add.

9. What are you wearing?
Whatever it is, it's not doing a good job at blocking the chill.

10. Did you dream last night?
Running away from a train while my lab partner calculated the Doppler effect shyt or something.

11. When did you last laugh?
My physics exam was terrible... so I guess at 12:59pm when the-guy-who's-name-I-always-forget tried to joke about something-I-don't-remember before an exam I-don't-give-a-shyt-about-no-more.

12. What is on the walls of the room you are in?
Uncle Sam pointing at ya and saying, "I WANT YOU! TO SPEAK ENGLISH".

13. Seen anything weird lately?
yeaaaaah... I can lick my elbow.

14. What do you think of this quiz?
"Same old shyt" - Rishabh

15. What is the last film you saw?
Red Eye

16. If you became a multimillionaire overnight, what would you buy?
The US porn database.

17. Tell me something about you that I dunno.
I'm obsessed with myself. I don't give a shyt about pr0n.

18. If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?
Regardless of politics and guilt? Dude... I'm going to say free college education for all of us.

19. Do you like to dance?
Yup. But now I entertain private groups and get money offa it.

20. George Bush.
Who? What?

21. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?
L-C-T-ara

22. Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?
Ruben...

23. Would you ever consider living abroad?
Uh huh. I can't stick to one place/country for long anyway.

24. What do you want GOD to say to you when you reach the pearly gates?
"For Christ's sake... we don't take hell rejects."

25. 5 people who must also do this in their blog.
1. Rishabh (kidding)
2. Him
3. Her
4. Them
5. You

in a state of shock

2006-05-05T18:22:00.000-04:00

I literally was in a state of shock, when I accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake as I was parking and ran over the crosswalk and into the bricks near my neighbor's house... trying to still my shaky self, I somehow gathered myself to get out of the car and see the damage to my car. Thankfully (!) there wasn't any damage except a few displaced bricks which I couldn't put back in place because they were heavy and my shaking hands didn't help either :-\ Thankfully (as my mom pointed out), this wasn't any traffic light and there was no car infront of me... shyt.

Having said that and revealing the consequences of my (sometimes) "wandering" mind, drive safe this weekend everyone. It definitely feels much better to turn off the ignition and smile in relief at the thought of being home - safe and sound.

A song to calm your nerves - Fast Car by Tracy Chapman and The One You Love by Rufus Wainwright (listen to the songs on the right)

On Jolie

2006-04-28T00:05:00.000-04:00

Yup, I'm talking of none other than Angelina Jolie. Most of us know her as the hot, sultry woman in Tomb Raider, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, smoking up the screen with... everything she's got. I'll even admit she was one of the few actresses I looked at and had to do a double take just to get another look haha, I guess there's something about her. Something sensual? Exotic? Enchanting? Probably. I like to call it a strenght within that just radiates out of her. A confidence, a feeling that you could trust her and a mystery that doesn't send out sexual innuendos, no. But a mystery that makes her more human - like there is a reality in all that glamour. That isn't the point of this entry though. It's more of a growing admiration for a woman who is giving her all to people who need everything they can get. Currently, she's in Namibia, pregnant with Brad Pitt's child and doing what she loves in a place she loves, taking care of others, when she is the one who needs to be taken care of at the moment. I watched her latest interview with a reporter about her work there, her to-be-born child and her mission. Hearing her speak itself is amazing. She's passionate about what she's doing, modest and as down-to-earth about it as possible. I guess I relate more to what she's saying because I myself love doing what she's doing. And sort of watching her juggling her personal and professional life at the same time gives me hope that I too, will be able to do all that I want to do. My spring break in New Orleans was a breather from the regular, fast-paced life of an average college student and I hope I'll be able to keep doing similar things... really hope, as my major has nothing to do with helping people. Sure, probably create the next smallest nanochip or whatever, but polluting the environs in the process is some way or the other. Ironic huh. Jolie's an actress. Still is. She's still doing it all. It no doubt, makes you want to know more about her - to look past fan sites that portray her as every other "HOT HOLLYWOOD STAR!!!" and to recognize her efforts. In educating people. In helping out children, refugees. And you know what the sad part is... most people would still view her as Lara Croft, "can't get enough" of her pictures in leather and lace. Maybe appreciate her for one second, but forget about it all the next. Like a lot of people out there get motivated to do something for that second and snap! back to their own lives. Who wants to do all that when there's so much to do at home itself? Who wants to do all that when our bosses are constantly harping or making our lives a living hell? And who wants to do it when exams and quizzes won't give us a break? Truthfully speaking, no one should in that case... it's more spiritual or a matter of the heart, if you may call it, when you do such things. A peace, a happiness that consumes oneself after doing all that. It is true. There does exist such a thing. Opening our minds, educating ourselves if not others, is important. There is really so much to learn, so much to see, that we would need a lot more lifetimes to do it all. Being in New Orleans made me, made all of us down there feel so small. So helpless. It disheartened us at the thought of all the work that needed to be done. But only for a second. We thought, If not now, then when? If people kept getting discouraged, would all the dreams of all these people ever come true? Would we ever get a "peaceful" world? And by peaceful I don't mean a world with no wars or whatever non-violence leaders define it as. It's the peacefulness of the minds of other people. And it'll only come about when we realize it's about giving more than what you get. I'm not saying everyone should go to Africa, New Orleans or any other place that needs us, but we need to start thinking about it. Yes, hardly do we get time to think about anything other than our work, social outings, parties or getting that personal high to satisfy us for that one moment. And not thinking comes so easy to a few people it truely is incredible. Something that doesn't suit them, or doesn't comply with their regular lives is not to be given a thought eh. Neverthless we all have grey cells. Hightime we put it to use when our bodies are able and fit enough to do something. Think about it. Even if it is for a few minutes. Not everyone can become an activist or a social worker. But acting on your thoughts... take college students for example. Summer breaks, spring breaks - they are such good opportunities to travel, even if it is to Louisiana, Mexico, Chile, or some other city/country which isn't as developed or is struck by a natural disaster, and volunteer and help others. Even if it is only once. Money shouldn't be an issue as I've seen a lot of people out there ready to fund a good cause. And by a lot I really do mean a lot. People who work, have money, should fund a child's education, or make a child's dream come true (like Make A Wish foundation tries to do). It's great how certain scholarships require certain number of community hours to be renewed every year. All the hours make you feel differently - about your life, your friends, people who you interact with on a daily basis, your coursework. And definitely sets priorities straight - atleast for me it did... It made me realize a lot about my life in general, about my "friends", people who mattered to me and people who didn't really need all the attention I was giving to them and yeah, a craving to do more. In all, it defines you as a better human being if nothing else...

That being said, I guess I rambled off a little there. If given a chance I'd bore you with more of my thoughts, but this is it I guess for the night. Do take the time and watch Jolie's video. You'll love listening to her :) I especially liked all of her videos where she spoke of her work. If a person is passionate about something, it definitely sounds a whole lot better when they're doing the talking heh. And I know you will agree with her belief that there is a potential is everyone to do something. I'd love to create an aud blog right here, right now instead of having said all that... but inconviniences hold me back. Typing fatigue for one. Ohhh, do visit our Orleans website too. It was my idea basically... so I need to atleast advertize it somewhere. Ah, Angelina Jolie. Jolie... I guess this is how it feels when you have someone to look up to for the first time in your life. Almost like a role-model eh.

whusinaname

2006-04-26T19:32:00.000-04:00

HAHA the funniest thing ever... so I'm taking English Research Composition classes right, and I submitted two papers in the last week with the professor's name as Katie Holmes-Timberlake. So my sister peers over another outline I was making for class tomorrow and laughs at the name. You know, Katie Holmes and all and I start laughing too... only to realize, "OH SHYT!!! I HOPE that's her name... lemme check..." I'm sure that was her name, I'd been writing that all along hadn't I? And how could I be so stupid and think up such a name. Sooo... I look it up and it's Kristen LOL and the Timberlake-Holmes switched. It was hilarious - my sister was laughing so hard and I was all "ughh... I'm doomed". Now I can only wait and see what remarks she has to put on those two papers...

F*ck.

note to self

2006-04-20T22:50:00.000-04:00

Nothing lasts forever.

SCORE!

2006-04-19T00:02:00.000-04:00

I got my first departmental warning tonight! And why it sucks and yet, kicks ass:

It was sent over the e-mail
I was the only freshman (I think) who received it, along with a lot of sophomores and juniors
Dad laughed and laughed when he heard what we all did
Mom - no reaction lol
I discovered that I get my own e-mail back when I send one through the undergrad listserv
Us engineers rock
I'll post up the details soon. Stay tuned.

Breaking News!

2006-04-18T20:25:00.000-04:00

Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, popularly known as TomKat (how cute), just had a baby girl (God bless the radio in cars) and named her Suri.

Suri.

Imagine that. I wonder what it means. After my mom heard me telling it to my sister (who happened to go into the normal teen depression after hearing it haha), she commented it meant something rather offensive in Punjabi. Yeah, my mom knows a helluva lot of languages. She takes after me *grins*. So basically it means a pig. A female pig even. This has got to be the bitchiest post I've ever written. No purpose. No respect for other people. I frankly love the name. It's soft and pleasant to the ears (see the purple pink-ish colour I have going on here to celebrate?). We even call one my uncles Suri... but really. I would have lived without learning about the meaning, but in a way I guess I can't stop at such exotic names without finding out what they mean. Also, Moi, Dreamer (who hardly updates) and Nina (who never updates)missed me so much on here... I just had to blog something. I promise to come up with something better by tonight or by the end of the week. My life's been pretty uneventful; I had the time of my life all weekend and am currently suffering from a high known as narcissism, so I'm pampering meself at me home. The endless quizes today should have given me a knockout reality check, but instead put me back in slacker mode once again, so another post will be coming up soon. Don't get too excited *winks* Hasta.

A really good song to listen to: The Closest Thing by The Julianna Theory. I would have uploaded it on the right, but like I said... I'm in the mood for some serious slacking.

"... raindrops on my window"

2006-04-15T00:56:00.000-04:00

One of the things I like - no, love - is falling asleep when it's raining outside. My bed's right under the window (and it's not your typical bed either; more like a mattress on the floor. I like it that way 'cuz I can roll out of bed and not hit the floor... or never having to fear dustbunnies under your bed). The inexplainable feeling of lying down and watching the dark clouds go by, with the tree swaying lightly in the wind is amazing. Most people can't go to sleep when it's raining and I'll agree with them to an extent. We've had major thunderstorms these past few days. The days are bright and warm. Come night, and it looks like your city might be swallowed by the rain. Last night I slept with the window open because it was so frigging hot in the house, but not hot enough for us to switch on the air conditioning. Around midnight I woke up as thunder seared across the Nati sky. Scary. Really really scary. Tonight's the same, but I'm awake, listening to Cat Power and Donavon Frankenreiter, a couple of new artists I happened to listen a while ago. Soaking up the nig't.

It's warm, yet pleasant. Tense out, yet relaxing inside. A Friday night, yet lazy. A night perfect for us die-hard romantics. I'm not good with words or phrases heh, but you get the picture. With that said, time for me to go and revel what's left of the night and get some sleep. Have a goooood weekend :-)

stop all the world now

2006-04-10T19:51:00.000-04:00

Looks like I've been blogging every other day now. It's just that... when everything seems to be whirling by - assignments, weekends, exams, pointless conversations, slacking, months, weeks, days, blogging, reading other people's blogs and laughing at what someone's said from half-way across the world... slows down the world. For that one fraction of the day. One moment. And I guess that is all we need to smile and help us make it through the day. Kinda like what music, photography and driving does to me. Unwind.

Today was "PD" (Panic Day). You know, Mondays, when you realize, "Shyt! Something-something is due tomorrow!" Yeah, tell me about it. I knew it was due tomorrow, but when "I'll-do-it-tomorrow" kicks in, it's hard to ignore the fabricated social life you have. So after a day in front of the computer and books, I was driving back home in the wun'erful 70 degree day when someone pulled up next to me and was playing a song I hadn't listened to in a long time. I laughed (sorta). It was Collide by Howie Day. You know how some songs remind you of someone. And it was nice thinking about shtuff after such a looong time. Driving in the heat, with your windows rolled down. Not caring in the world you were stuck in the traffic for a good extra 15 minutes. Smiling when the world was filled with chaos :-)

Me? Publicity Chair? Yeah right.

2006-04-08T15:57:00.000-04:00

I won't lie to you, when I received an e-mail from Rachel telling me someone nominated me for the Publicity Chair for SWE, it felt good. Really really good. For about 5 minutes. Then all the assignments, my grades and general coursework stress dawned on me.

I couldn't take on such a big responsibility. No. Not in my sophomore year. Or can I? I mean, I would be co-oping 2 quarters anyway. My gpa isn't that bad as of now either... well, I need to boost it to keep a scholarship, but I can do it, right? How hard can it be?

Maybe I should just run for the position of a Historian (the person who is in charge of taking pictures of all the events and compiling them by the end of the year into a book and even work with the Web-designer to upload them on the SWE website). Photography is after all, something I like to do and my camera takes pretty decent pictures too.

I don't even know who nominated me haha. I'd made it a point to leave the meeting last week early to avoid being told by anyone to run for any position. I don't even know if I'll get the position. I definitely won't if I decline the offer. Which seems to be the most rational decision at the moment.

Tucking Fornados

2006-04-07T16:02:00.000-04:00

Ever walked out to find the campus entirely deserted and the tornado siren going off? And when you try to open the door you just came through... locked? It wasn't locked and neither did I reach for the door. Test sirens go off every now and then at our university (somewhat reminds me of the fire drills we used to have every week in high school). So I wasn't pretty much concerned, assuming I'd missed the announcement that it was a test, as I was busy watching Glory Road a few minutes ago.

My sister calls me in a matter of a few seconds as I stepped out of TUC and the first thing she says is, "MOM! Mia picked up the phone! Talk to her!" haha I actually started laughing and when mom came over the line I acted all panicked, "OMG moooooom! We're being blown away!" It was hilarious then; but I soon realized it was actually a real tornado warning. We had had one last Friday too, so I hope this one isn't much of a big deal.

Cincinnati's never had tornados before, at least not two in one week. Hail storms? And today was predicted to be a 70 degree day, sunny and bright, with the unexpected sirens going off in a distance. We've had a freaky weather this year. It seems as though the spring quarter's started, but winter just doesn't seem to end. It IS a pretty big deal. And it's not just our city. It's all over the world - tiny weather changes, which we shrug off. Which we shouldn't. I guess I get all environmental-nazi on such issues.

Maybe I'll lecture you all about my concerns if I make it through the tornado while driving back home. 15 exits away. Being pelted with hail all along. Just kiddin'. Heh, but it kinda makes me wonder... would anyone care?

Unnaturally Awake

2006-04-05T10:07:00.000-04:00

10:15 pm
Nod off to sleep after pulling off a 12-er (12 hr day)

1:30 am
Wake up. Wide awake.

3:50-ish am
Wake up a second time with the song Iris stuck in my head. Again, wide awake. Get irritated. Fall back to sleep.

5:15 am
Wake up for the third time. Get worried because I'm wide awake at 5. Shrug it off and hit the snooze button in my head.

6:34 am
Wake up AGAIN. Don't remember falling asleep this time 'round.

7:00 am
Wake up for university. Wiiiide awake.

... wtf? Though I wish all nights were like this haha. I haven't felt so awake/alert like this in the morning in ages.

Tonight I...

2006-04-03T00:06:00.000-04:00

I wish I could have him back.
I wish I could quit him.
I feel ashamed of feeling this way.
I hate feeling ashamed.
I know he would never come back to me.
I hate to think I'm right.

I am only human.

Ngger Wetbck Ch*nk

2006-04-01T21:55:00.000-05:00

On Friday we were literally pushed into Mainstreet Cinema (my regular fortnight place to go watch a movie as a proud singleton w00t) in TUC to watch a preview of NWC aka N*gger Wetb*ck Ch*nk, three guys from UCLA, California, uniting people from all over by adding humor to racist issues, stereotypes, etc. ShayShay, MA and I were pretty much free 'til 1pm (except me, who had a physics lecture at 1, but I didn't mind missing 10 mins of it) and decided to watch them. We ended up buying tickets for their show the same night in Downtown Cincy, so you can pretty much imagine how awesome they were. We got pics taken w/ them after their preview *grins* and it looks so cute! You can read more about them here and here 'cuz I'm gonna get some me-time and watch a moo-veh ("Cowboys, Horses and Pr0n"). And yes, lazy too. But I highly recommend you all watching them if they visit your city or catch a few video clips of theirs on TV. It would be great if they made a movie of their entire show.

Overall, last night was great. We walked in the rain and got drenched 'cuz we were all too badass to carry umbrellas; I almost ended up eating chicken and shrimp spring rolls (ick...) and also got classy pics of each other infront of hot cars that were standing outside the Aranoff Center (they were having some bigass painter inaugarating his bigass painting show). Which was fun. Hm, what else...

Ohh, DO listen to Soul Meets Body by Death Cab for Cutie. I'd heard a few songs of theirs a while back, but this one's the best so far. And very different too - my type.

And hope y'all had a good story or two to tell to your grandkids about this April Fool's Day. As for moi... let's just say I prefer the Charlie's Angels over "Cowboys, Horses and Pr0n". Hasta people :P

Dishes

2006-03-31T00:13:00.000-05:00

Whoever likes doing the dishes, please stand up.
Thank you.
Would you like to do them for me tonight...?

Today was officially the worst-best day of this week. Worst because I had to do the dishes twice today and by the time I was done with them, I couldn't keep my eyes open for a minute longer (but managed to come on here and blog about it...but whatever right?). Also I ignored to be there for somebody today. I try to be there for all the people I know (and end up caring for them) and help them to the extent I end up sacrificing a lot of my time... which is never good, but meh. I can't help it... if I don't then I feel this "uggghh" pang of selfishness, a greed to break out from the world and give give and give more to people. My recent trip to New Orleans was the perfect example. And it's not even a week since my return that I feel it again. Anyhow, a friend just wanted me to be there and chill out, but I was dead beat and ended up watching TV and playing some dirt-bike game. Even now, when I'm too tired to even think straight... I'm feeling bad. Hopefully sleeping over it will help.

Alsooo, it was 70 degrees outside today! Spring was in the air, classes went by quickly and I got my resume for a campus job in on time! I shopped with my little sister, spent half of my savings doing so and drove my car after such a long frigging time! A new friend taught me how to play pool today haha, and he assured me I would be a pro in 3 days. 3 days! I guess I have a potential I don't realize yet *grins* So now that I'm smiling at the thought and not really frustrated at wasting all my evening enjoying with family friends and later doing the dishes and finally making up my mind to simply call and go for a movie or something with my neglected friend... I'm off to bed. Have a gooood weekend y'all :-)

A bloody long meme

2006-03-28T13:18:00.000-05:00

Mia wants all of you to fill out this meme and post it on here (if you're b0r3d) or simply put it up on your site and take up as much space as possible on the blogosphere.

10 FAVORITES

Favorite Color: Reh-d
Favorite Food: Food? I don't have time for food. I survive on rice krispie bars
Favorite Month: September for obvious reasons (my birthday)
Favorite Song: Everlong by Foo Fighters
Favorite Movie(s): I like animation, war, legend, funny and to an extent drama movies. In other words... I've got a bunch of favorites. If I started listing them on here it'd take ages and make this meme a REALLY long ass meme.
Favorite Sport: Tennis
Favorite Season: Winter (not in Ohio)
Favorite Day of the week: Friday
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Oreo chocolate-chip cookie dough ice-cream
Favorite Time of Day: Da night

9 CURRENTS

Current Mood: Relaxed and hungry
Current Taste: I'm chewing gum...
Current Clothes: Jeans and my 'Love an Engineer' T-shirt. And a jacket that reminds me of my ex.
Current Desktop: University flat-panel Planar computer. I love the soft-buttoned keyboard on this thing.
Current Toenail Color: Umm, el naturale?
Current Time: 1:02 pm
Current Surroundings: An abandoned Geo-physics library. I remember coming here to use the restroom but I couldn't help checking my e-mail.
Current Thoughts: I'm so glad physics recitation classes don't start until next week and English class is gonna suck this quarter.

8 FIRSTS

First Best Friend: Keertika? Don't remember. We didn't have e-mail back then and lost touch.
First Kiss: I remember it was with a guy who was younger to me and I don't think I want to remember any more of it. Neither do you, aye?
First Screen Name: Tiara
First Pet: Ronny, a tiny brown daschund (however you spell it)
First Piercing: My ears
First Crush: Aw jeez. I hit puberty when I was 7 and thats a bloody long time ago. I couldn't remember even if I tried.
First CD: Some Cambodian CD dad got me on one of his tours.

7 LASTS

Last Cigarette: Never smoked one.
Last Drink: 3 sips of Bud Light last Thursday. I didn't get drunk like a lot of people would have wanted *cough*
Last Car Ride: 8am today.
Last Kiss: I don't leave for uni without kissing my little sister goodbye in her sleep every morn.
Last Movie Seen: Tombstone
Last Phone Call: Zach called earlier this morning with "news".
Last CD Played: I was listening to the Modern Rock Album while coming to uni today.

6 HAVE YOU EVERS

Have You Ever Dated One Of Your Best Guy/Girl Friends: No.
Have You Ever Broken the Law: Yup. Hasn't everyone?
Have You Ever Been Arrested: No.
Have You Ever Skinny Dipped: No.
Have You Ever Been on TV: A couple of times on news channels for my world-saving feats.
Have You Ever Kissed Someone You Didn't Know: Uhm no free kisses, sorry.

5 THINGS

Thing You're Wearing: My Livestrong and Donate Life bracelets.
Thing You've Done Today: Made it through two classes.
Thing You Can Hear Right Now: Some girl screeching/chatting with the librarian.
Thing You Can't Live Without: My ability to run faster than the neighbor's dog.
Thing You Do When You're Bored: Grab my camera and head out.

4 PLACES YOU'VE BEEN TODAY

1. Home
2. Baldwin
3. McMicken
4. Braunstein

3 PEOPLE YOU CAN TELL ANYTHING TO

1. My sub-level ego
2. Miles (to an extent *grins*)
3. Um, my blog I guess. I haven't found anyone I can tell EVERYthing to. I thought I did once, but so much for that.

2 CHOICES

1. Black or White: Black
2. Hot or Cold: Cold. I know you love us cold-hearted bit... women.

1 THING YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE

Get rid of all the jerks in the world by dating them. One at a time.

Noo Orleans

2006-03-16T21:59:00.000-05:00

On a Mission Trip to New Orleans.

This Spring Break.

One Week.

Keep the Peace.

Sunday Song

2006-03-12T17:35:00.000-05:00

Oh my god, did madonna just say what I think she said in her new song Sorry? She spoke a line of hindi haha. Also you've got to listen to Strange Condition by Pete Yorn (click on it and listen/download it. Its no virus, promise). I'll give Shayne credit for sending it over the other day. I like guys w/ that kind of voice singing those kind of songs, so its one of my favorites now.

I'll throw out a question here for people to comment on- what was the last song you were listening to? What kind of a mood did it put you in? I was listening to Strange Condition obviously heh. And it makes me wanna feel all funny inside, but meh. I like it :-) Its been a while since a song's made me feel thata way.

Anyway, back to books now. My 15 min break ended up as a 2 hr break O_o as usual haha. Have a great Sunday y'all.

Slow Dance

2006-03-11T00:34:00.000-05:00

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask "How are you?"
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say "Hi"?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Updating all of youz

2006-03-06T11:42:00.000-05:00

Iknow it hasn't been that long since I've posted, but hey, an update is always welcome eh. Plus, I have absolutely nothing to do for the next 15 mins.

The past few days have been... good. More than good actually. I've been getting my 6 whole hours of sleep, a good breakfast (sitting at a table, compared to the running in the hallways earlier) and most importantly, a whole lot of something *cough* that is mmmm. And no, its not "it", jeez. Life would be perfect then though. And I would be TYPING LIKE THIIIIIS TO TELL YOU ALL HOW SEXCELLENT LIFE WAS.Talking of getting "it", did I tell you abt my one-night stand which started as a "sweet dinner at a crappy burger joint" and ended with "a breakfast in bed"? I thought not; maybe I'll save it for a sunny day (or be really nice and leave a comment and I'll tell you asap). Hmm. What else. I absolutely REFUSE to whine about my assignments and recommed you to watch THIS if you feel like doing it. Besides, it will be sorta weird because I haven't whined in such a long time... kudos to the major perspective change back in October.

My Computer Science professor just told us there would be an oral quiz in his office this week, and no exam. Wooohooo! I just took it today and it was great! Why wouldn't it be... all he asked me how I was doing in my assignments and some feedback on the class. I have a few assignments (like 6?) due this week for his class, but DAMN no exam! I rested up waaaay too much over the weekend and it did my eyes some good. I'd been spending practically 5-6 hours a day infront of the computer every day of last week... and when my sis told me she saw a slight squint in my eye (aaack!) I freaked out. Literally. I had to call off my crazy schedule for a bit. Later on I found out my sis was "only kidding around" and while I could have smacked her for it, I felt good for laying off the goddamn computer for a bit. All the programming was giving me horrible numeric dreams anyway.

And then there's the New Orleans trip coming up after exams. I can hardly wait to get my hands dirty! We'll be gone for a week or so and clearing up the debris etc with this big international company who's name I can't remember... but I'm all geared up for all it has to offer. You could probably check out pics on my photoblog by the end of this month for proof's sake. You might also wanna look at this group down there, doing exactly what we will be a week after they conclude their work. On the downside, I have a LOT of exams to give to get college credit. Its the particular program I am in that requires it. That way, I can clear up my summer and go visit Europe (allll alone if I get lucky), or even better, head to the east coast OR Cali and sunbathe with my boyfriend.

Now, that would be an issue. First, I would need a boyfriend. Second, I need some monies to buy suntan lotion. Third, I wanted to go to Brazil and Singapore too. Fourth, I NEED TO GET BACK ON EARTH AND SMELL THE FRESH GRASS. What a life it would be to be the wife of a billonaire... haha or BE the billionaire. Anyway, now that I've bs'ed most of my plans around and day-dreamed high, its time to get a reality check and scoot for Physics lecture.

Did I ever tell you I should get a Physics or a Computer Science guy? You know, just to pass the class. A Computer Science boyfriend is more like it... atleast he would understand that 20 hours/day on the computer is normal *winks* Hasta people and enjoy spring! Even though it'll be rainy and snowy here... freaky weather we've got this time 'round.

A good new band to listen to : Arctic Monkeys

Revolutionizing

2006-02-26T00:33:00.000-05:00

I can't seem to get enough of... things. Life in general. I wanna do everything with the snap of my fingers. I wanna do that and say, "Been there, done that. It was awesome." I wanna see every stand-up comedy, every art gallery, every music club, every concert, every breath-taking park, every city, every country. Everything. This year.

Then the thought crosses my mind: "Is it possible?" And people tell me: "There's an age for everything" or "You've got your entire life for it." And I feel like telling them that I want to do it NOW and keep doing it THEN. The reason's simple. It slows down time for me, helps me forget who I am for a while, who you are. Forget the world. Sigh in content and revel in that moment.

*gets out of her reverie*

Uhm. Anyway, back to daily mundane blogging. I did something really stupid this morn. No, I didn't run on the highway after a heavy night of drinking. But hey, that isn't a bad idea... the fastest ticket to getting the comfy bed behind the bars. So I drove without my driver's liscence, insurance and glasses. After like ages. Just to get some *scenic* pictures outside my neighborhood. T'was fun.

I don't even know why I just said that. But there's my second (?) post for this week. The next one would probably be on my exciting spring break. I know, you can hardly wait, can you? I got into EA for all those who care and am FINALLY self-learning Italian. Its not as much fun as Spanish was... but it sounds a helluva lot sweeter to the ear. Especially teh 'I love you' part haha. Got this book called This Book Will Change Your Life Again (365 More Daily Instructions for Hysterical Living) and I know my life will never be the same. What else... I've got exams coming up soon and a messy business needs cleaning up ASAP. Once that's done, peace shall prevail once again.

Aah, I can imagine it now. Aloha March~

Shut Up and Give the Interview

2006-02-22T00:25:00.000-05:00

Do you suffer from heterophobia? O wait... I meant interviewphobia. So do you suffer from interviewphobia? Never heard of it? C'mon it isn't THAT uncommon :P

I just had the third interview in moi life; and sadly it was embarassing like the last two. The first was in October when GM came over looking for possible sophomore and junior interns from our college. Pay attention - SOPHOmore and JUNior. At first I had thought the e-mail listserv had screwed up and I'd received teh interview request by accident. So I politely e-mailed the person back and reminded them that I was a freshman.

Bullshyt... GM WANTED TO INTERVIEW ME! As IF I'd do anything that stupid. Heh. Turned out I had two quizes the very same day and a lab right before the interview. By the time I reached there, I realized I was dressed in jeans *ahem* , a semi-formal jacket and wrinkles on my forehead I could feel. That helped. The guy was really nice in reminding me I was the first freshman he was interviewing a.ka. you SHOULD be good otherwise why would anyone recommend youz?

...

Hell I was good, my arse. It felt like I was interviewing the guy. "What more do you want to know about our company?" "Do you have any other questions?" Of course, I'm a pro at asking the questions and he probably got tired of me in the next 20 minutes. He encouraged me to think about it (you bet I will) as the interview ended and told me I didn't do so bad on my first interview. I was beaming! Literally. It just broke my heart to tell him a few days later that I wouldn't be able to take it up over the summer because of the circumstances that cropped up from nowhere.

I cursed all night, but it still felt good.

The second was for an on-campus job, which I turned down because the building I was s'posed to work in stinked real bad (I never liked medical buildings). Naaa, I told the guy he would need someone with more technical expertise. A junior maybe. Again, I ended up advising the person interviewing me.

The third one was this evening and BOY did I mess it up. It was for an organization called Engineering Ambassadors, who promote Engineering amongst ppl, build bonds with the faculty, students, alumni etc. I'd filled out their application in September when I was all psyched about joining ALL the student groups I could find. Freshman fever, you know. Almost two quarters a later, I'm called for an interview. Now I was looking forward to it... until I found out that sophomores/juniors would me interviewing me. Trust me, THIS was worse. You can act all nice and outworldly when an older person interviews you - like there's NO one better for that position other than you. But when its your peers... eh.

Anyway, the interview began nicely. I started to think it wasn't so bad. I was even reciting words like, "Overall personality development", "Harmony", "Mutual interaction", "Diversity", which I know sounded sooo fake, but hell... I was flushed up so bad and all of a sudden I was feeling claustrophobic (I'm not calustrophobic). I dunno why but I was having these flashes... it had NEVER happened to me. Not even when I was on stage a couple of times. I think it was my empty stomach since morn and the fluorescent lights. Wait, there were no fluorescent lights.

Just kiddin', I wasn't having any flashes. But yes, I do remember fluorescent lights but never seeing them. *blinks*

"They'd said two ppl would interview me... there are FOUR in here! ... damn, this room HAD to be THIS frigging small!? ... where's a clock? I need a clock! I need to see the time! ... Stop smiling so much, STOP nodding idiot - THEY'RE supposed to agree and nod, not YOU!" blah blah

You get the picture. The funniest (I thought it was funny as I walked out) was when one of two girls asked me, "Are you comfortable in giving presentations in front of a large group?" To which I reply, "Um... not really..." FOOL! "... but sure I'd be comfortable if I know what I'm talking about and well prepared." Weak; but what a SAVE!

Overall, it was alright. The thought of becoming an EA is enticing. I'll admit it - I wanna be one. But it doesn't matter if I don't get the position. I'm pretty well-grounded in what I am in and ... its okay.

I think.

Okay, so much for going off on a rant as usual. I've becoming an avid (?) blogger. Sad, but true. I've turned by personal journal online, like a lot of other things.

Song of the week: Ordinary People - John Legend

per·cep·tion (pər-sĕp'shən)

2006-02-18T01:03:00.000-05:00

1. The process, act, or faculty of perceiving.
2. The effect or product of perceiving.
3. Psychology.
a. Recognition and interpretation of sensory stimuli based chiefly on memory.
b. The neurological processes by which such recognition and interpretation are effected.
c. Insight, intuition, or knowledge gained by perceiving.
d. The capacity for such insight.

It is how different people look at things differently. Sadly, I read a "friend's" blog entry today and it dawned on me how people perceive things just to ridicule people. This person was specifically talking about a person at their workplace, who they thought was gay; because he looked like one and behaved like one (oh yeah, behaved... we're the next generation, out to create a world devoid of stereotypes). So one day they find out that he in fact, had a rather young girlfriend, who was pregnant with his kid.

Apologetic realization? Quit laughing behind his back? Yeah right.

They laugh some more over a couple of beers. Mock more the next day. Sneer whenever they pass him by etc etc. We've all met such people. Who, I have no idea what, get whatever trivial pleasure out of all this. I'd go as far calling it almost... racist. No offense, but thats just me.

I don't get why people hide behind f'ing lame excuses like "Oh, its just how I perceive things", "Get off my back, wtf is your problem?", "We just think differently". And you blog about it and show what sort of an ignorant fool you are. If that person's reading this - f u dude! I DON'T get people like you - you go to lengths in drawing conclusions based on someone's appearance, the way someone talks and just the way someone is. And you say, "Everyone's different". This is how you accept them, huh. What happens when the world turns the tables on you and makes equally outrageous statements? Then you just get depressed some more and blog why ohh whyyyy aren't people more understanding and why the world thinks you're an arse. Well, I'm not going to lie to you... they ain't wrong. Such people must be lacking ANY dignity if they come looking for sympathy from others. And God help the people who set up to help them. I know it is just plain rude to say that, but I'm sure the person is well-accustomed with this. Doesn't rudeness start with you and end in you? No? Alright then, call me rude. And now that I am, I just want to let them know how callous, heartless, pitiful and retarded their thinking is, and the key to creating a better world is WITH THEM! Stop "breeding" people like yourself! If I'm not mistaken, isn't that how you had reacted to the guy at your workplace having a kid?

I'm sure such people have their good qualities, but there's a bloody limit to everything. Maybe I'm over-reacting because when people turn so freaking blind towards a person who they think is gay, I just lose it. I've been brought up in a whole bunch of places and met people who are gay or bi. It was sort of uncomfortable when I was 9 years old. But now its almost normal to me and thats why I have pretty large group of friends who are the way they are. I love my friends and at times come out too strong when people like this person act their macho bullshit and snicker and talk rotten behind their backs. They don't have the guts to come right out and say it to the person (of course, unless the victim is all alone and "my boys are there to back me up"). Its truely pitiful.

I find it hilarious that I actually sympathized with this person when they were going through a rough time. Its just too bad you just proved a lot of people who you really are, eh?

Call me shallow and fickle for changing my mind so fast.

But its just the way how I perceive things.

No Signs, No Courtesies, tyvm

2006-02-16T21:58:00.000-05:00

(5 year-old sis walks in while I'm watching a movie)

Sister: what are you watchin'??
Me: A movie; done with your work?
Sister: Yaa, you know how many time I have gotten bumped by ppl at school?
Me: Hmm... how many?
Sister: Five hun'red an' fifty million times!

(she flays her arms around as if adding effect to her statement)

Me: wow! Thats a lot.
Sister: (nodding) and I don't even cry!

(she gives me her biiiiiiiiig smile, as I try not to laugh)

Me: Thats very brave. What do you tell the ppl who you bump into?
Sister: Nuthin' (a nonchalant shrug). We jus' go away.
Me: (I give her the quick raised eyebrow look) Well, you should say "I'm sorry" or "Excuse me" and ask them whether you hurt them or not...

(by now she's looking at me as if I had lost my frigging brains)

Me: ... right?
Sister: But there are no signs saying you SHOULD! Tha's why no one says it.

(she bounces back to her room after giving me a look that said, "Dood. You need some serious lessons in life")

Uhm. Kids. Go figure.

The Story of Happy Singletons

2006-02-12T18:57:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day scene.

Scene I

(On-campus)

Random ppl hand out flowers to raise money for funding purposes. FLOWERS! Singletons love flowers. They buy a $2 pink rose. Singleton's happy. Fund-raising ppl happy.

Scene II

(At the malls)

Pink. Pink. Oh that pink. On such occasions, singletons should be given the right to buy free glasses that turn them colour-blind.

Scene III

(Inside the stores)

Small hearts. Medium hearts. Large hearts. XXXL hearts. Small stuffed bears. Large bears. Sexy-growling bears. "I Love You" squeaking bears. Cards that profess such everlasting lurve. All so sweet. Ew.

Scene IV

(On the streets)

Do they even go onto the streets this day? Or... this entire month? Can't blame them. People suddenly realize they have a valentine and snog 'em like there's no tomorrow. Genuine peck on the cheek? Ha! How exactly do you define genuine gestures of affection...

Scene V

(Their friends in a relationship)

Think JLo and Affleck. Maybe worse.

Scene VI

(Their "don't-give-a-shit" single friends)

Ahh, singletons love 'em on this day. There's something about giving couples who all of a sudden hold each other when someone passes by, THE look. A few fun options on this day are: speed-dating, spa, bungee-jumping off a plane, prank calls, action/thriller flicks and sceneted candles + italian food + a toast to their carefree status = makes the day priceless. A few bad baaaaaad options: romantic/comedy flicks, indulging in gifts for yourself, getting smashed, sipping coffee at Starbucks, listening to the i-pod the entire day, turning the radio on, reading this, etc.

Here's to all the singletons out there. On this grand day, blow a kiss to your gorgeous self in the mirror :P It's YOUR day people.

Harry Potter's "After the End"

2006-02-09T16:09:00.000-05:00

You must be wondering what I'm talking about. I'm talking about... Harry Potter's... e-book called "After the End". Long story short...

After class, MA and I decided to grab lunch at MarketPointe and act cool by busting some big-time monies. As if we'd do that; MA's honor society had a free pizza lunch at their building. Plus a Harry Potter book series discussion. I was all, "HELL yeah! Let's go! (I don't give a shyt if I'm no Honors student)". So off we go, to the honorer la réunion de société.

So I'm here happily enjoying my pizza, right? Suddenly everyone around me starts talking about Celtic words. French, Russian, German words (which NO ONE uses these days) fly over my head, and I look at all the people around the conference table and wonder, "Who are these people??" I bet they must be thinking the same about me when I gave them a look to match my thoughts but *ahem* I enjoy a book... I don't deconstruct, analyze and again construct texts, unless its absolutely necessary for my final English portfolio paper or something. I mean seriously. I guess now I know which groups literary critics join at college lol. I was there to eat pizza, sip moi Coke and enjoy lazy banter over Harry Potter. For the first 10 minutes, I just gazed from one face to another, asking myself if the free food was worth it (YEAH! No one stands a chance of stoppin' me from eatin' free pizza. Not even a bunch of babiller critiques). But then... know what, it actually got interesting. They were talking of numerology and mythology, which I connect to to some level. Then came the talk of Harry Potter fanatics. My favorite. So there are these two girls, Arabella and Zsenya, who sat down to write in 2000 (and must have kept sitting 'til 2003) after the third book . People who want to read what would have happened if Sirius had lived (and someone else had died) and who have afternoons generally free, are welcome to read it. I should warn you... people have been reported of getting hooked - seriously hooked (and I really don't want hate mails saying, "ARGHH!!! Because of YOU and your BLOG I can't look away from my computer!!!!). It's apporximately 400 (?) pages long. I plan on reading it at night, when I get assignment-invoked panic attacks and feel like doing ANYTHING but that bloody assignment. I need to get over my photography mania and this will be a breather ehh... so now you know my night agenda for the next couple of weeks.

Here's a GOOD site for Harry Potter fans - Sugar Quill.
And here's a rather censored Harry Potter site - Naked Quidditch Match.
Annnnnnnnnnnd... your new addiction - After the End.

Maya Angelou @ Fifth-Third Arena

2006-02-08T22:38:00.000-05:00

She was amazing. I could blog about EVERYTHING she said and how it was all so right, but you can find out more about her here (and help conserve blog space). I had a friend's camera phone, and got few really bad pics... so good luck in spotting her on stage :\ I'll post up a poem of hers soon. It really affected me and I'm tryin' to find a version of it online (which should be up on our uni website soon, 'cuz she wanted that particular poem to be posted on there).

As for my day, I caught up with my so-called social life (which seems to be disappearing gradually thanks to my coarses) with some pool, goofy camera moments, Wendy's (twice!... "bustin' yo monies" mode) and then Mrs. Angelou's enlightening presence. Now I iz back, in absolutely no mood to study... but a pile of lab reports and programming assignments (and most probably a quiz tomorrow, which I approach with my "Don't know. Don't care" attitude heh).

Links to poems I liked: (allll hail Google)

Phenomenal Woman

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

The Rock Cries Out to Us Today

4:14

2006-02-04T02:54:00.000-05:00

Be Without You - Mary J. Blinge

shyt. lol

...okay, I'm done whining. Peace.

SuperBowl Commercials

2006-02-02T09:23:00.000-05:00

Thats right. We all love the SuperBowl ads- especially the beer ones. Don't know why, but they're so freaking entertaining (last year's ads were somewhat 'tamer' and 'lamer'... but I can't wait to see this year's Pepsi and BudLight 30 sec ads. Yep, I'm psyched alright). I just wish I had stayed on since November 'til now in Detroit to watch the game.

The amount of $$$ that goes into those 30-second breaks is incredible. Makes us love 'em more.

We know we'll be cheering for the commercials in the club this Sunday. As well as for the Steelers and SeaHawks.

So lets kick-off this weekend ppl.

(Norman does us proud)

song of the nite: Shake That - Eminem feat. Nate Dogg

My ol' ol' Blog... FOUND!

2006-01-31T19:31:00.000-05:00

But not by me.

It was SO weird... I had an hour's break after Chem yesterday and decided to go check my Yahoo! mail, which I seldom opened. And there was this e-mail from Blogger, telling me to follow a particular link and change my password to a blog I supposedly had.

And I was like, "What the..." O_o

I didn't have a Blogger account with THIS e-mail address. So I follow the link, change the password and stumble upon one of my earliest blogs. How's THAT for the biggest surprise ever! haha It must mean nothing to a few ppl, but this blog was sooo old that I had to get a template for it because the template it was on was outdated or something. You know, those earlier blogger templates with a huge BLOGGER banner on top. It sucks I won't be able to show it to you guys how it originally looked 'cuz I changed it. Its called A Dark Coffee Brew (with a REALLY weird description and a weirder entry that made me wonder wtf I had in mind).

Its hilarious. I don't even remember having one back in 2002! I actually sat back to think of those days, what I had planned to blog, but never gotten past ONE post. Heh. That makes that blog my first blog. Wow... it seems like only yesterday... I must have been 13 or 14 then. Damn, that was young.

Looks like I haven't changed one bit over the past 6 years. Still the blogger at heart, eh?

Anyway, heh. Tiny things delight me and this post was quite unnecessary, but hell! I just dug up my oldest blog! Now I should get back to programming oreven better... HEAD HOME! Heh.

quick update - i've come to realize that me shareth a love-hate relationship w/ c++ programming. i just got offered my first on-campus job! haha i would have been last quarter too if i'd tried half as much as i did this time round... hm, and parties are a waste of time. AND stoopid. i've learnt that working 24/7 keeps my mind off you know... shtuff. ~~like dope. booze. moms. co[k]e. 20-yr-old professors.~~
O_O Have a good week y'all.

song to ease my bubble sorted brain: Fields of Gold - Sting

My Volvo and Me

2006-01-29T02:27:00.000-05:00

Thats right. You're about to know more about my baby. My Volvo. My car. My ol', used Volvo. With weathered out brakes. Only the speakers on my side function properly (and I like it thata way). But I still love it. With its smell. With the way it doesn't accelerate suddenly, which always gives me a start. It has a sweet seat warming thing. Its spacious and being my first car, I couldn't love it more than I already do. The best part was that we didn't really buy buy it. Back in October, a friend told us about giving his car back to the company. For NOTHING! I'd just turned 18 and dad was wary about me driving his car around. I think that's pretty common with most men. Their car is theirs and NO ONE but them can drive it. If you do, be prepared to watch 'em grumble and tell you to do something THIS way not THAT way. So I jumped at the opportunity and wondered if I could borrow (OWN! mwuaha!) his car.

"Hey, sure! I never thought if that. It'll save me all the paperwork too."

WOOT!

And thereon, started my romance with my baby :) Sorta. You see, I have a temporary license. That means I can sure as hell drive around, but with someone who has a permanent license next to me. No big deal. Dad got busy with his work and I latched onto mom to sit next to me while I drive around.

I love it. The drive gives me a break from everything - college, coarsework, household chores. It helps me unwind and relax for a bit. It IS very important to me 'cuz it makes me feel responsible (not like the older sibling 'responsible') and well, feel like its a stepping stone to the life I want. Weird huh. Today I gave my car (ah, that sounds so good hehe) a wash and then mom and me headed out to drive around the city. Now the funny part is, my dad doesn't know we drive out of our local community. He doesn't want me to go out there without him taking me there first. Yeah... but as if I could wait! I took my mom "out into da world" a couple of months back and revelled in our tiny secret. It isn't tiny, because one screw-up can get my temp license cancelled AND the possibility of getting a permanent one, real bleak.

It had been quite a while since I'd driven . Maybe a month or so because over the winter break we had road-tripped to Florida (and there were enough permanent licensed-drivers *sigh* to take us there) and the day after we came back, I was running between classes.

My mom was doubtful about taking me out but somehow I convinced her that I was confident. Truthfully... I wasn't. And my mom's continuous, "There's a STOP sign coming up", "You're going too fast! The speed limit's only 35 here", "STICK to YOUR side", "Turn left.... TURN TURN, hurry!" weren't helping haha. And it bugged her when I laughed whenever she said something like that. I knew a STOP sign was coming up. I knew I was over the speed limit by a couple of mph. I knew how to make the turn, 'cuz I was the one in the driver's seat, right? In the end she realized I wasn't breaking any rules and driving quite carefully. I like it that way. When my mom relaxes next to me and in a way trusts me with the driving. Its a completely different case with my dad. He doesn't stop telling me what to do, and if I smile at it (and God help me if I laugh), he thinks I've probably lost it and tells me to CONCENTRATE ON THE FUCKING ROAD lol. No music. Nothing. Now... if there's no music playing, I start getting jittery. Anxious. And start losing focus. Instead of relaxing, its the opposite. Funny how that works. It is pretty sad that unlike my mom, he doesn't compliment me, even if I drive well (and don't crash into a fire hydrant). I like sincere compliments. Who doesn't? He doesn't take me to drive in the first place (its the "we'll go tomorrow" or "next weekend" scenario) and when he DOES, not a word. No, "That was a good turn", "Good driving today" or even a, "You're getting better". Men of a few words...

Oh well.

He might take me tomorrow onto the road for the first time *grins* and I'm hoping he realizes I'm good enough to give the driving test. High time I did!

Song of the night: I Can't Tell You Why - Eagles

Jazz Me

2006-01-26T21:22:00.000-05:00

iabsolutelyLOVEjazzdance! so much in fact, i want my next blog entry to say "iabsolutelyLOVEjazzdancing!" hehe though i'm not a big fan of jazz music, the very dance... the form... the flexibility, the expression, the mobility and flow is what fascinates me. it has a sophistication in its vigor. (that sounded so good, dinnit?) i really don't know how i developed an interest for it, but it must be the 'dance genes' in me that must be spurring to life O.o you get the picture. with a few classes offered at our new Rec Center on campus, who knows... i might be the next jazz star hitting all shows in noo york. lol or maybe not. its just one of those personal passions that few ppl know abt, but the entire blogosphere just happens to figure out somehow.

hmm, i think the proper word to describe the dance would be energy. its filled with energy. with life. its even more fun if you do it together in groups (and most likely end up laughing at yerself).

plus, the attitude is what counts in this dance form. so, you got some of dat?

Pictures courtesy : Harris Theatre, Metro Arts, London Dance, 56Dance, Nat Horne, BroyHillCenter, Dance Network

"Who AM I??"

2006-01-23T22:17:00.000-05:00

Thats a pretty deep question. And for those who know me... I avoid such questions. But there have been moments when people have told me about this dilemma of theirs.

"Who am I?"
"What IS my religion? My dad follows this... my mom practices that..."
"Is there something wrong with being an atheist?"
"What do my parents want me to follow?"
"What do I want to follow?"
"How do I see what is right for me?"
"When do I see the *light*?"
"I've never been an overly spiritual person. Is it too late to start being one?"

And the questions go on and on. I couldn't answer those Q's (I never will)... but today morning, when I woke up, I couldn't help laughing at what I saw.

Last night, after a long day of Chem, I decided to read one of Vonnegut's books. Instead, I found this book - Light For My Path: Illuminating Selections from the Bible - which I had bought last year when I was going around the bookstore grabbing like a maniac at books on Christianity and Buddhism. Don't ask...

I'd read the Bible in the 7th or 8th grade, when I was in a catholic school for a couple of years. So I started reading the excerpts and it was like vising the old days of sitting in the Chapel and staring at the Cross for hours. So anyway, this morning I woke up, had a quick shower and when I came back to my room, I saw the Bhagavat Gita (thats the Holy book for the Hindus) kept ontop of the Light For My Path.

That's when I laughed. I actually laughed! My first assumption was, "Aw jeez... either mom or dad want me to read the Gita instead of the Bible." (one of those silent parent commands) I went out and casually asked who had placed the book on my table. Turned out to be my dad O_o Though his intentions were good. When I asked him why, he said something like, "Well, I wanted you to read both the books and see the similarities between the two."

No idea, but that made me feel grateful. Really really grateful.

Probably because I was dreading I would hear, "You should be reading this instead of that." Really, what greater fear than your parents (indirectly) wanting you to follow a particular religion. We've all seen it in documetaries and read it in books. It IS a terrible feeling.

I guess I'm neither here or there. And its better that way. I get to pick the things that ring true to me and fit 'em into my life. Not being a very religious person, being told to be who I want to be and having the liberty to choose to do what I want when it came to such matters... is indeed a blessing.

Picture courtesy : La confusion de l'arbre

Manhattan

2006-01-22T00:38:00.000-05:00

Yes, Manhattan...
Have you ever seen anything like it?
ANYthing like the Brooklyn Bridge?

Ever considered getting an apartment with a window opening towards it?
Roaming on a lazy Saturday afternoon through Chinatown...

Yeah... I can see myself crossing that street...
Right there... in a few years...

Drinking to Get Drunk

2006-01-21T17:24:00.000-05:00

That apparently is the new trend at college. Everyone does it - from first year students to fifth year seniors (at least the latter are officially allowed).

Its like you drink just because your friends are, 'cuz you want to go with the crowd, or wish want to taste it (just once? twice?) or (this one's a classic) its a part of "college experience".

Yeah right.

Like any other sober kid on campus, I'm not against drinking or booze in general. Its the number of bottles that go down that is scary. I agree drinking is a social thing, that people do it in clubs, bars, at home when they're with someone or just kicking back after a long day at work. I myself did it a couple of times, but it was at home where I could make sure I didn't get carried away and be cautious of the way I behaved. It was with friends, we all had fun, watched TV, played games, talked and didn't "lose it". Few might consider it "boring" or "whats the big deal anyway. Home or bar, you're still with friends and having a good time". Sure, but you're not drinking responsibly. If you can differentiate between that, great!

I used to always tell (or rather challenge) my parents that it was better to drink a few glasses of whatever they were having with them, rather than me going out and them finding me passed out on the couch in the morn. They didn't object, even though I was 16 then. Plus, I made it a point not to take advantage of their trust and have more than a few sips. It just made me giddy thinking I was "growing up" and was "one of the adults". At 18, my half glass has remained the same but I can now taste a larger variety. Parents should themselves introduce their children to such things, instead of the teens going out in the world and drinking on their own. And there are so many types of drinks... its amazing. Wine-tasting is my favorite. We have one every month at our university (though I haven't gone to one...yet) for a few bucks. So you see? THATS developing a taste. Guzzling down booze for over an hour isn't fun. Or is it? If you think it is... well, I really don't know what to say. I could go on and on about the horrendous things such heavy drinking does to one's liver, immune system and your senses, but I guess you've probably heard it all. And by heavy drinking I don't exclude binge drinking, like drinking once a week (but again, drinking to get drunk).

Keep it simple. Keep a limit. So that you don't end up doing something, saying something that you wouldn't under normal circumstances. When drunk, you're hardly in your senses. Its almost like anyone can get you to do or say something that you don't want to. But you do... because you feel "above all the shyness and conflicting emotions" (which is NOT good and trust me, it makes one look like a careless person and someone not in control). So why allow it? Why place yourself in such a position? Where people can take advantage of your state or simply put, manage YOUR life for a few minutes! Sounds revolting, doesn't it? It does to me. No sane person would want anyone else taking over their mind/actions/words even for a second.

A person can have fun. And still drink with friends or alone. And chill out. And not get wasted. Ask yourself, is there any part of getting drunk that is "fun"? Or relaxing? And then go for that fifth beer can.

There's this guy...

2006-01-20T14:50:00.000-05:00

Of course there's always a guy. There are always guys.

But this one's so... soo, whats the word... different. I mean, today was one of those instances when it really hit me hard and made me go "wow".

Wow. Thats the only word I can come up with. And it wouldn't have so bad if he hadn't looked twice at me. TWICE! And not twice like two glances in two seconds, but once when he entered and one when he just passed by me. I almost waved (and thought of smiling) but ended up just digging into my backpack to stuff an empty Starbucks bottle and pretending I hadn't noticed (or rather telling myself I was over-imagining). An empty bottle even. Imagine that.

So lets back up on this for a bit. I first saw him at a Study Abroad seminar during my orientation for university, which was way back in August of last year. He was sitting to my right somewhere but I didn't really give a damn (or any guy as a matter of fact) because of a recent heartbreak, if thats what you would call it. I did. A little. But didn't bother. What were the chances of me ending up with another guy who was a jerk like any other guy?

And even now, I admit I don't know him. He might be the jerk I fear. A drinker, smoker, pimp, or on whatever drug the world has to offer to college kids. And even worse, have a girlfriend. But I guess I let myself savor the moment a bit too much heh... so much that I'm telling you about it. Everytime I see him around campus (2 times so far? Or maybe 3? A'ight I'm not that pathetic to keep a count lol), I think...

Coincidence.

There's a helluva lot of coincidences in my life. Happens with everyone I guess, but maybe a bit more with me. Or I just end up noticing a whole lot (which isn't such a good thing). I can figure out what a person's about to say. I've been told I read people's minds and thoughts, the hidden meanings behind what they say (or what they don't say). I've also been told that I can predict events and change it (if I really really want it to turn out some way). Yeah right. Its bs if you ask me. But sometimes you just stop in your tracks and give something a second thought. "Maybe..."

I've considered a lot of things based on my instincts, and they never turned out the way I wanted them to. So what makes this one any different? I DON'T KNOW! I walk and his stare flashes across my mind. I close my eyes and I can't help to think how he would look if he smiled back at me. If of course... I smiled first. Which I know I won't be able to do. I'd smile, flirt and pass a few passing lines at any other guy, but that just means I'm not even remotely interested in him (and God help him if he doesn't figure that out by the end of the day). Weird how I clam up when I'm actually interested, huh.

Ah, the world's a fantasy for us romantics. Our life's on a cloud. Everything looks so perfect from up there. I don't even know his name. His major. I don't even know any other mood of his other than that one stare! Could it get worse? Yes... I know I won't do anything about it. Well, I dunno. Maybe just 'cuz I can't at this point in time and... year. Maybe not for another 5 years or so

O_o

And what are the chances of me seeing him again. Nada. Over a period of 5 months I've seen him 2 or 3 times. I hardly go to that side of the campus until and unless I feel like spending money on the food there, or go see William Pope.L's Under All, Above Most Underwear collection (in the picture).

Like I said, it must be a passing thing. I sure hope so :\

Top 10 Reasons why 4-hour labs suck...

2006-01-17T14:43:00.000-05:00

1. Because they're 4 frigging hours.
2. They're a waste of time (pretty obvious because I'm blogging right now instead of programming)
3. You're supposed to do the programs AT HOME and then show them to your TA here.
4. The new TA's slow... 15 minutes for one guy. I mean c'mon... check the COMPLETED programs and then get down to the ppl who're stuck.
5. 4 hours...
6. I can just go home and do other important stuff...
7. UGH!
8. I wanna go hoooooooome!! And study physics (just because I have a quiz coming up...heh)
9. 4 HOURS... I was done in 15 minutes (like most ppl already have here - and I could just shoot the guy who just walked out the door aftr showing his work - sucks when you come late and have to sit at the back... somehow all the ones who're done are sitting with me lol)
10. I'm blogging... and waiting... for my f'ing turn... how does that sound for a wonderful, cool rainy day outside?

Doing My Good Deed

2006-01-15T21:46:00.000-05:00

Not really... I got turned down :(

The Hoxworth Blood Drive campaign was at our university and for the second time this time round, I decided to volunteer (at the snack counter or the check-in desk) and meet people. And get my community hours for a scholarship.

I've seen others donating blood earlier but always left the room feeling quesy, with big dots flashing before my eyes. The worst time was this one time when I accompanied my dad to donate blood a few years back. I tried standing next to him and watch the entire thing being done... but lost nerve and had to be literally escorted to sit outside in the sun.

Ugh, I hate the weakness, whatever it is.

So to get over it, I decided to donate blood. I was psyched. I had goosebumps the night before and broke into a cold sweat a lecture class before I had the appointment. By the time I stepped into the Great Hall, I was surprisingly cool and composed. I guess I was up for it! I couldn't believe I was actually doing it!

Question17: Did you make any travels outside the US within the last three years? If yes, please specify where and when.

Yeah, that question blew it. I'd been to India and was told I couldn't donate blood for 3 years. Its been a year and a half since, so I'll have to wait for another year. It was frustrating. Very VERY frustrating. I couldn't f'ing believe it. 1 more year! I bet I'll lose my nerve by the end of it. And who knows what happens next year...

But anyway, it was the thought that counts I guess. The results may not be that obvious when you donate blood, but it is to someone who's in dire need of it. And it could be anyone.

Its a noble cause and I encourage everyone to do their part. One way or the other, it effects the lives of millions.

Slacker lacker acker ...

2006-01-15T01:02:00.000-05:00

Yep, thats me. (I know)The last two entries were pointless and were just posted to take up space heh. Make that the last 3 entries. I've haven't been all that busy like I'd WANT myself to be... but there's really nothing to blog about.

O wait! There IS something blog about. I got tagged by Miles earlier to regularly (and I mean every-single-day-type regular) post an entry on my MSN space for a week. That was sorta fun, though I lost yesterday when I didn't get the time (FINALLY I WAS BUSY ONE SATURDAY! YAY!). Maybe I'll just summarize on the week's events then. Summarize. Did I just type that? Yeah right... lol anyway here goes.

Monday and Tuesday were boring. I got a few quiz grades back (and this was only the second week, eeesh) and they all sucked so they're not even worth mentioning. Did I ever tell you I LOVE Eminem? For really vague reasons I s'pose. He's funneh... speaking of funny, my new name's Sleezy Wafflebutt. Don't even ask... Sharan sent a f'ing cute forward and it generated that name for me :) Pretty neat huh? People think its very fitting heh. Thursday was three words - lazy, lazy, lazy. I tried to take an anfternoon nap (as if that eva works out) but gave up and ended up shooting random comments in the mom-sister serious talk about Jolie and Pitt. I personally adore... no, am obsessed about Jolie. She deserves better than that .... that guy, ugh. My sis thinks otherwise, but of course she's a huge fan of those all-American male celebs (brownie points if he's blonde) who are just pitiful *makes a face* aka Pitt. He and Aniston looked perfect in their bubble. No one else looks good with them. But thats just me. (Jolie rulez!) I was dead beat on Friday and was looking forward to the three-day weekend, but had to go for a party at Gizzardbutt's place. Fun times. Saturday and today was the return to books. Not course books... anything but those. I finally got some chem and programming done today. Gave up on chem like always heh. Did a tiny pretest for physics. Completed that just because it was frigging easy and is not graded, so you can just choose any option out of the 5.

This was another waste of space on the blogosphere... damn. I'll come up with something good I promise. Soon.

*hums Hello procastination my old friend, I've come to talk with you again...*

WHO DEY!

2006-01-08T11:21:00.000-05:00

Who Dey, Who Dey, Who Dey think gonna beat them Bengals !

Noooooobodyyyyy !

[Though I'm not a huuuuuge fan of Ameri football... the enthusiasm and cheer in the air over the game of Bengals versus Steelers (Pittsburgh) IS amazing. How can one NOT be a part of it?]

Happy 3rd January !

2006-01-03T22:26:00.000-05:00

~May you get a clean bill of health from your dentist, your doctor, your plumber, and the IRS.
~May you find a way to travel from anywhere to anywhere during rush hour in less than an hour, and when you get there may you find a parking space.
~May you wake up on January 1 finding that the world has not come to an end, the lights work, the water faucets flow, and the sky has not fallen.
~May what you see in the mirror delight you, and what others see in you delight them.

QUICK update:
My break was THE bestest break eva! We, i.e. my family and a couple of other families, road-tripped to Florida. We must have got lost atleast a hundred times (don't EVER trust MapQuest, jeez), but thats what made it so much fun. We changed course overnight and spent an evening at Daytona Beach. The next 3 days were at Disney World, Orlando. So basically, we were on the road for 4 days and AT Florida for 3 days hehe. I ain't complaining. I love roadtrips. And even more so, I would have loved driving down there, but I guess we had too many drivers already. We returned just a couple of hours before the clock struck twelve on the 31st and ended up gatecrashing a friend's place. Came home around 3 in the morn and I couldn't help but curse my uni for starting on the 2nd. Buuuuut... I LOVE someone *winks* for telling me otherwise. College started on the 3rd! YAY! So here I am, enjoying the last few hours of winter break :)

Happy new year y'all!

Σжαм§

2005-12-07T23:05:00.000-05:00

On Shay's wall: Exams bitches... exaaaaaaaaaaamssss!!!! grRrR

*goes back to hibernating*

you get the picture :\

song of the day: Falling For You - Jem

I've realized that...

2005-11-27T16:05:00.000-05:00

1. I can be 32 minutes late for class if I don't carry my cell phone.

2. I have a tendency to forget my cell phone at home.

3. We can become pathetically dependent on cell phones.

4. Enough about cell phones. Ban cell phones. I'm buying batteries for my faithful wrist watch stashed somewhere in me cupboard. And chucking my cell phone. Cell phone.

5. Chemistry sucks.

6. And I mean all kinds of chemistry - chemical, physical, organic, analytical, biological yadayada.

7. On an average, I spend $3.oo a day at Starbucks. I should be shot. Or my wallet should be.

8. I play with gadgets and other techno crap more than any girl around campus. Does that make me techno-savvy by any chance? Okay, I'm more techno savvy than any girl on campus... sounds better.

9. I give up. Engineering isn't for me... I'm joining the Red Cross. Or even better, play the guitar under the London Bridge 'til dawn. (who am I kidding. I'm d00med to take afternoon lab classes and 8am lecture classes for the rest of my life and sing That was a Crazy Game of Poker by O.A.R forever)

10. I need a job. But no one's ready to hire me.

11. Why? people ask.

12. Simple. I call it the "its-too-f'ing-cold-at-8am" and "i'm-too-f'ing-lazy-at-8pm" syndrome.

13. Also because I haven't applied anywhere as yet.

14. I like nerds.

15. LIKED* my bad. Now I prefer history majors.

16. That's because all the nerds I've come across are a bunch of walking-talking idiots of the highest order, who find the joke: "Why should you date a science student? Because they are familiar with the projectile motion and the right hand rule." ha-ha.

17. A free gynecologist session is not exactly the best "free" service you might want.

18. I'm jealous of Hermione Granger a.k.a Emma Watson O_o (and the kid isn't even done with puberty. I'm so mean haha. I love it. kiddin')

19. Nothing gives you a high like a jog in the snow.

20. No one sings sexy like Gwen Steffani.

21. No one looks sexy like Angelina Jolie.

22. And no one drops it sexy like um, me? jk

23. People change in college O_o I have. I like to think that way. I wasn't purrfect earlier.

24. Popularity is a major issue here - I think its hypothetical bs.

25. I NEED A JOB.......................

26. Why? people ask.

27. I need a couple of dollahs to move to New Orleans to meet my ex. Thats why.

28. Yes, yes. I know, I know. What can you do?? I would do anything for free lodging and food.

29. I should be studying for exams.

30. I am going to flunk big time in the elec/comp eng. class.

31. Detroit MI rocked. Just because I got my geographical directions wrong and took only 2 t-shirts and a pair of jeans as a prep for the snow there.

32. I want to move. Out of Cincinnati. To a new university, place, where ever.

33. Why? people ask.

34. Because I've never been in ONE SINGLE PLACE FOR SO LONG!

35. 2 YEARS! ack... I'm thinking NYC, Manhattan or LA. Hmm. Orr or or oooh Veniiiiice.

36. I'm a rolling stone. Lemme be that way. You got a problem with that?

37. Sometimes me wishes me was born a millionaire. A billionaire is too far-fetched.

38. I've spent 15 minutes on this. Or 20? who cares. I don't. Do you?

39. I'm rambling. I still don't drink. I wonder why now. I still don't study hard enough. Maybe I should consider that Natty Lite.

40. I love you guys. Thanks for reading this. I love you guys... really.

1.800.DETROIT.BITCHES

2005-11-25T23:25:00.000-05:00

The roadtrip rocked. Our car rocked. Detroit's name rocked. Eminem's song rocked. The crowd rocked.

But the city...

Word Association

2005-11-12T22:18:00.000-05:00

Rules:

A word will be posted, and the next person submits a comment of a word they think of when they see the previous word.

For example:

Jerry writes... "Monkey"
Samantha writes... "Banana"
Eric writes... "Fruit"
Jackie writes... "Starburst"

Monkey>Banana>Fruit>Starburst

The word is: TRAFFIC

®.å.ŋ.Ð.Ö.m Questions

2005-11-05T22:28:00.000-05:00

A'ight I'm merely doing my job and helping promote "our" blog

®.å.ŋ.Ð.Ö.m Questions

We ran out of ideas and put a bunch of questions there for the heck of blogging. Anyway, have fun!

I need...

2005-10-31T23:58:00.000-05:00

This is another 'fun' thoing thats been circulating in the blogosphere. You basically go to Google.com and type in " needs" and post the first 10 results here. It IS hilarious haha, so here are moi results (being the 'share-a-laff' types I am hehe).

1. In short, what I need is not either an airport authority or privatization, but both. sure i do, if it involves all those goddamn pilots :P

2. I need to take a bag including "sparklies" to save my grandmother. oooooh, "sparklies" - if that stuff could save her... I'm sure I'll get lost if there were glittering things involved lol

3. I need an injection of something, a plain old intravenous shot will work just fine, since my blood is still circulating. talk about a "i'm-not-dead-yet-gimme-another-shot" order

4. I need to build a time machine to turn back the clock and rewrite history! hell yeah! anyday, anytime, anywhere lol who wouldn't??

5. I need to gain the weight I have lost from the stress of being homeless. ack, don't think sooooo... and talking of homeless, who's homeless??

6. I need a family without toddlers or preschoolers. haha i HAVE a family with a preschooler.............. I doubt if I'd wanna change that

7. I need to learn some dance moves from Britney, to say nothing of the hideous dancing in the crowd. LOL this one speaks for itself

8. I need to make a sound. um, yeah... a lotta sounds will be made when I... eh, nevermind

9. I need a husband if I have to maintain the lifestyle to which I'm currently accustomed. which i do NOT want - the lifestyle I mean - so that deletes the husband too, right?

10. I need to clarify whether a fee payable to an SRE from application monies is actually part of the scheme property. whatever ... you can go right ahead and keep clarifying about that

Ooh-la-la

2005-10-17T19:34:00.000-04:00

"Oh yeah, I'm too sexeh for my blog."

That's it for tonight.

You answer my question with a question

2005-10-01T21:34:00.000-04:00

Got this idea from Indigo and its fun. So here goes.

You must answer the question of the person who commented before you, but the trick is to answer in the form of a question. Let's get started.....

I beg your pardon ?

Our Happy Whacky Family : through the eyes of a 5 yr old

2005-09-29T23:52:00.000-04:00

I found this so adorable that I ended up posting it here. Sooo here's a drawing my little sis made in her school when asked to explain her family. I'm the purple coloured shtick with... purple hair. Thats her in green. Check out the way the entire body is JUST legs. These days she's fascinated by knees, so yeah you'll see a pair of colourful dots on the legs somewhere. My mom told me I was a huge fan of hands and my drawings were hand prints with tiny cat-like round bodies (the figure-8 ones). Maybe if I find one of them I'll post them on here too lol.

And this one's from last year when she was in kindergarten. It was and still IS one of my favorites. For explaination, this is what I got out of her : the blue is the pure water in the world and the purple is the "duhrty" stuff thrown by "bad people" in the water. Talk about quite an insight huh. Anyway, just felt like sharing that bit-byte with you all fellow bloggers 'n friends. Guess people/kids who paint with some kind of a purpose in mind, speaking so much from one picture amaze me. Or maybe its the first time I'm experiencing a kid around me every single day. Growing up. Learning.

Song of the moment : Roll Another Joint - Tom Petty

lazy Sunday evening thought

2005-09-25T21:35:00.000-04:00

I'm just wondering.............. why don't most of my friends blog? Or have a site? Or facebook?

(lets be nice to all the blogging folks+myself and not assume : "...because they have a life". We know that isn't true. Its also not true that they're technologically-challenged. That would go against the entire "I'm majoring in Comp. Engineering". The 'Don't Have The Time' is... mweh, lame. I always find time to post tiny sentences or even a pic from school! Hm.... but we'll take that excuse)

Reading : Linda Goodman's SunSigns (wow, even frm a generalized perspective, its pretty accurate)

TuC

2005-09-24T00:43:00.000-04:00

Moi university at a glance. Its a hang-out spot (dining, bookstore, computer labs, lounging area, bank, student services etc). I couldn't find a better picture at the moment, so stick around and you'll find one soon.

song of the moment : Forever - Vertical Horizon

summer of O-five

2005-09-21T17:04:00.000-04:00

aye, with the successful completion of my first day at uni, my summer vacations have come to an end ! (high time they did anyway)

quick summer update :

this summer was very ~~messed up~~ memorable if you ask me. it started off with me being the only one in the family HAVINg vacations while my sis and dad slogged off for their exams lol. That was a fun time... staying home-alone (it was a prep/crash course for the 25 days I had to spend alone). Then there were hikes, road trips to the Niagara Falls, Wheeling (awesome Iskon temple there), Cali trip. Um, then it was just home basically. With sporadic days of movie marathons and tennis matches. Frankly speaking, I must have watched over a 50 movies in those 20 days... it was a crazy time. Of course, blogging sky-rocketed. Caught up with old friends, facebooked myself (last night actually... was skeptical abt the 18 yrs and over part), got to know a whole lot of people, had a few 'best moments' of my life, learnt web designing, finally started playing tennis again after 2 years and... turned a year older (and I have no idea how that happened, I mean, the yr just flew by).

on the last ~~day~~ few hours of being 17 :

i LOVe being 17 !!!! whhhhy do I have to turn 18......................... god darn it. Had my first day of uni today, am stuck now 'cuz dad has a class 'til 7 or something, gave an english essay exam on the first day (this sucked big time; when asked why : "we're making sure you 're placed in the right level" jeez),got a needle poke/injection (they declared me 18 as they couldn't poke a 17 yr old 'university' student : "who's heard of a 17 yr old undergraduate??" uhm... me? c'mon, I have classes with a brainiac who's only 14 pfft). plus, love the weather outside. 66 degrees... what more can ya ask for in september?

and lotsa hugggggggggggsss and thank you ta all the ppl who remembered :) take care ya'll. a'ight, here's me kicking open the 18th year door.

techno fad of the moment : ipod Nano

.p.o.p. .q.u.e.s.t.i.o.n.s.

2005-09-15T17:55:00.000-04:00

A friend and myself used to play these stupid word games. All of a sudden, he'd snap around and ask : "First word that comes to mind when you think of (something absurd)". Of course I never paid attention to it. Just said the first word on my mind and a snigger would follow... lol

So here's one for you, or whoever is interested (a Q he'd asked a long time back).

First word/sentence you'd find yourself saying to your fav singer when pulled up on stage by him/her.

Me ? "uh oh shyt, can I get off stage pleaaase?!?" and dive into the crowd..

Thats what I'd said and he's just shaken his head, said : "you've got one publicity stunt right there" and continued walking. Talk abt lame huh. But hey, its better than going "ooohhhh..........." and faint in their arms, wake up to find the show over. Even worse if no one caught it on camera :P

O yeah, for all the Spears fans, click here to see her official website. Its sorta cool. Wish I could have all those graphics and stuff on my blog..

Song playing right now : Speed of Sound - Coldplay

mTm : My Taste in Music

2005-09-13T14:57:00.000-04:00

Your Taste in Music:

Adult Alternative: Highest Influence

80's R&B: High Influence

90's Pop: High Influence

Classic Rock: High Influence

R&B: High Influence

90's Alternative: Medium Influence

Country: Medium Influence

Hip Hop: Medium Influence

90's Hip Hop: Low Influence

Alternative Rock: Low Influence

Dance: Low Influence

Gangsta Rap: Low Influence

Progressive Rock: Low Influence

How's Your Taste in Music?

Song of the moment : Making Memories of Us - Kieth Urban

(its an amazing song; great for easy listening and just for kickbacking 'n relaxing. Click on the Song to hear it)

four years now ...

2005-09-11T17:30:00.000-04:00

"It is, what the newspapers call, a day of mourning. When all we can do is pray for faith for the families of all those who died in the attacks, share a moment of silence in workplaces, never forget how so many brave people fought against the unimaginable just to save one soul. One person... Lets do it then. I remember sitting on the terrace, the city in a total blackout, the wind whispering eerily in the silence of the night. A call. We reached for the radio, bracing ourselves for the news. News from halfway around the world. Four years ago. The next year. Every year, this same day. It rings in my ears. We should never forget to pray. Hope. Reach out. Rudyard Kipling said"If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"... If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it". So give them your minute. Just a minute..."

Blogger remembrances: Keturah/Johnboy, Roger, Corinne, Cicero, Palm Boy, Pat, Jason, Hollywood, B, Shannon, Kim, UziCue, Paul, Michelle, Jersey Exile, NotJoe, SuperGirlMarketing, ACatholicLife, ApacheBlueGirl, Bob

a long long time ago

2005-09-07T01:08:00.000-04:00

10 years ago I ...

was 7 years
was having cat fights with a 5 yr old brat in my family
was a rebel (just surprises me now, and we're talking abt the physical-fight rebel lol)
was under the wing of an awesome local singer
used to sing - by far thats the best part abt this year
"loved to boss around" - mom (me?! you've got to be kidding..)

5 years ago I ...

was 12 and struggling with my tween attitude
was studying in a convent for the first time (enlightening...)
was never surrounded by so MANY girls ! jk
learnt a ..whole lot about erm, feminism and how girls should REALLY be (utter bs if you ask moi)
tennis was a part of my life by now
had my first crush *sigh* (I swear it was the eyes! 'n the fact we played tennis together)
had a series of crushes from then on
surprisingly took the whole deal of turning 13 as any other b'day (that was my tween attitude lol)
found out my mom was pregnant (... it WAS a shock, having to deal with another sibling)

3 years ago I ...

landed in high school, in a new city, new state
had my first official phone stalker
pursued my dad to get a called ID, but parents...mweh, they found it humorous
got over my first crush haha (that took 2 years, yes)
declared tennis as my sole ambition in life (that didn't go off too well with the adults though)
began to be more tomboyish - loving every moment of it
had 'bhang' or whatever its called for the first time
was called a 'young ladeh'.... *sigh* someone was living a disillusioned life
wondered if anyone could fall so hard over a guy like I had (I did get the answer next year - no one)
made a handful of great friends :)
got to hear the Pee song by Shvk the first time 'n got into a carpool for the first time

A year ago I ...

was in the final year of high school
didn't like the idea of leaving my roomates/3 best friends in Azkaban (my boarding school)
changed my city, house, school for the 8th time I think
got the "don't-give-a-shit" attitude I hated a few years back
still sucked at Physics
grew so close to a guy it scared me to death
turned 17 (by far the only year when I look back and wonder whether it was the worst/best year of my life)
felt 'responsible' (at last) when I watched my little sister off on her first day at school

This year I ...

HATE the fact I'm turning 18
wish September would never end
had the longest summer vacation (4 months)
grew so far apart from a guy 'n that scared me too
got into university (yeah, it was doubtful..)
shall stay away from cigs (hear that mom?), even though its allowed at 18
have posted more entries on my blogs than I'd eva done before
found out I'd have to attend 4 high-school reunions

Yesterday I ...

watched The Notebook for the 6th time
posted on this blog at some crazy hour
talked to a close friend after weeks and it felt good
played the Sims all day
was reminded by the newspaper it was Labor Day 'n the reason for my sister's holiday

Today I ...

woke up real early
had a long looooong discussion with my little sister on the movie 'Shark Tale'
was told by a family friend I'd put on a few pounds (um, doesn't a girl love to hear that)
almost put on my gym shoes but hopelessly gave up the idea ( I hate Tuesdays in general)
got to know about love potions on Sims, thnks to my sis
ate like no tomorrow
made a pathetic attempt at a make-over
sit here wondering if this entry is even productive in any way

Tomorrow I ...

will be excited about Orientation at uni (even though it's the 2nd one)
will try to look at the positive side of my dad returning from his project work after a month
shall try not to post on here
will go for the 4 day ol' jog
will laze around all day and basically do nothing once the evening sets in
will be yawning like a maniac at the same hour - doing nothing
will wait for some miracle to make things like they were before

Song of the moment : So Far Away - Staind vs. Mr. Bombastic - Shaggy ( as if )

watching a movie 6 times

2005-09-06T12:34:00.000-04:00

Even before someone reads this post, they think "oh wow, what was the person thinking? 6 times ??" Yup, thats me. Here to rightfully defend myself as to what drove me to do such a feat lol, kidding. But it just humors me now when I think abt it.

I'm not a huge fan of watching movies repeatedly. One, if its a movie I like - it loses its touch and I just think of it frm then on as boring. Two, it really is a waste of time. And three, its no fun when you know what's going to happen, know the climaxes, anti-climaxes, etc. When I did watch the movie 5 times... I'd just lost if any, traces of sensible thought. The movie's The Notebook, based on Nicholas Spark's acclaimed novel ... um, The Notebook. I'd read the book earlier, but surprisingly found the movie equally good. Generally that isn't the case. For instance, the Harry Potter and LOTR series. You imagine the character, the locations to be different - and the movie director surely has another picture in mind of these things and creates something quite different.

So, back to the movie. The first time I watched half of it at the gym. I stayed back 'til almost 11pm at night, until my mom called me on the cellphone reminding me faithfully of my chores. I had to literally drag myself out (its way easier when someone's on your head saying, "Ok, time's up. LET'S GO"). I won't count that as the first time though.

The first time that I actually watched the ENTIRE movie was when I was stranded home alone for a couple of weeks. I was mesmerized. Thats an understatement. I was enchanted. No. Doesn't sound strong enough. Well, you get the picture. I watched it again. That night (or was it the next?) was the best thing that could happen to a person. Really. I could go to lengths and say I was on cloud nine lol. It was the movie.... plus extras. It didn't last long though... and an unfortunate event spoiled the entire meaning the movie had for me.

Anyway, during the next week, an aunt takes me over to her place for the weekend 'cuz mom didn't like the idea of me 'viling away time at home doing nothing' (which was true, and I'll explain in an entry what I did all summer). We go to Blockbuster and there it is. On the shelf. Worse, the girl cashier quips up, "Oh, you should see The Notebook. Its been having some excellent reviews lately." Great. My aunt grabs it off the shelf (with me coming up with retarded excuses as to why she shouldn't pick it up) and we watch the movie TWO times in a row 'til dawn. I was in a metal disarray by then... of course I'd thought of EVERYthing I didn't want to. I was just glad I wouldn't be sticking around the next day to be tortured again. The movie wasn't the same anymore. It just 'pained' (if thats the word) to even see a single scene. Poor me. Not. Sooooooooo, days go by. Sis comes back frm her vacation and happens to hear the 'view' of my aunt - who had apparently watched the movie a billion times by now eeesh. She beat me to the dvd library that day and got the movie. Again! Blah, as IF I'd sit and watch it with her. I didn't, but the next day mom sort of 'makes' me sit with her and watch it. I told her I didn't have very pleasant memories while watching the movie... but nope. Nothing doing. I'm watching the movie. And guess what? She leaves half-way through the movie. What do I do ? Go ahead with the movie! Gah... terrible. I was sitting there, watching it for the 5th time. Not being able to do anything... bearing it all for nothing. What wouldn't have given at that moment to flee to SA. Anywhere but there.

Frankly, I'd made myself sick by the end of the day. It even effected my appetite, I slept longer not wanting to get out of bed. The movie replayed itself over 'n over in my head. Thank God that lasted only one day. I was up and abt in no time. Now the 6th time. It was tonight. When things trouble me this much... I act kind of crazy and do the exact same thing that does bug me. Makes sense? Well, to me it does. Sorta. It pissed me off that a movie could do that to me. So I watched it again. And hey! Voila :) I smile at the end of the movie like before. Maybe watching it for the sixth time wasn't such a bad idea eh. I could go for a 7th doze too... but nah. I'll keep the feel good feeling within right now just the way it is. Forever (oh boy, don't I love to exaggerate).

Artist of the moment : Vertical Horizon

Globe-Trotting

2005-09-05T00:02:00.000-04:00

I got the link to this site from Secret Heart. Its sorta cool and helped me kill another 15 minutes fantasizing of all the countries I'd like to go visit - and come crashing back to earth when I saw how much land I've actually covered. 3 versus 33 !

As for the countries I've been to... the map's really exaggerated. I haven't travelled throughout the US, Kuwait or India for that matter. Though I wish we'd stayed at a place long enough to enjoy it thoroughly. Thats 3 countries in 17 years. Doing some simple math... ack, I'll be able to see all the countries I want to see when I'm 187 years! Er I'll just keep you updated on my explorations. Maybe I'll just take hopping flights the next time I fly. Even touching my feet on the ground might cross off one country.

Ahh.... I so soooo SOO wish the above map were for real. Indicating the countries I've actually been to. Now here's the reality check.

Wish me luck ! (looks like I need a whole doze of it every single day) I've got some sight-seeing, country hopping, whatever to do...

Song of the moment : Wake Me Up When September Ends by Greenday

a music meme

2005-09-03T19:22:00.000-04:00

Its another one of those days when you have absolutely nothing to do before a future engagement. I chanced upon Molly's site and got this music meme from her. You choose your favorite artist and use their song titles to answer the given questions. Hm, now that wasn't easy. I just nod my head to anything that has a nice beat to it (and that means I don't really keep track of a single artist and follow their songs). For instance, right now I can't get enough of Foo Fighters. Last night it was 311, the previous morning was Staind/Jack Johnson. It also means I have to open up their song lists (three cheers for Google).That hardly helps... and I know, once I shut off the computer, the next day I might like some other song and decide to put that artist on here. Picking Greenday randomly (thnks to my teen spirit and the latest song I downloaded), here goes.

Name of the Band: Greenday

Are you male or female? I don't care

Describe yourself? American Idiot

How do some people feel about you? She's a Rebel

How do you feel about yourself? Rock and Roll Girlfriend

Describe an ex boy friend or girlfriend: Whatsername

Describe you current boyfriend/husband or girlfriend/wife: (cuz I'm single atm.. um, dunno, skip?) Dearly Beloved

Describe where you want to be: City Of The Damned

Describe how you live: Holiday

Describe how you love: Rock and Roll Girlfriend

Share a few words of wisdom: Wake Me Up When September Ends

Now THAT was the best meme I've filled out so far :D try it out and let me know what you all came up with. It's bound to make someone laugh.

¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.¤ song of the moment ¤¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸

2005-09-03T16:16:00.000-04:00

Everlong by Foo Fighters

Hello
I've waited here for you
Everlong

Tonight
I throw myself into
And out of the red,
out of her head she sang

Come down
And waste away with me
Down with me

Slow how
You wanted it to be I'm over my head,
out of her head she sang

And I wonder
When I sing along with you
If everything could ever feel this real forever
If anything could ever be this good again

The only thing I'll ever ask of you
You've got to promise not to stop when I say when
She sang

Breathe out
So I could breathe you in
Hold you in

And now I know you've always been
Out of your head,
out of my head I sang

And I wonder
When I sing along with you
If everything could ever feel this real forever
If anything could ever be this good again

The only thing I'll ever ask of you
You've got to promise not to stop when I say when
She sang

And I wonder
If everything could ever feel this real forever
If anything could ever be this good again

The only thing I'll ever ask of you
You've got to promise not to stop when I say when
She sang

sEPTEMBER

2005-09-01T00:03:00.000-04:00

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

FINALLY *phew*
what isn't there to love about this month? :)

~ The loveleh month of Fall starts
~ University opens up
~ Birthdays of all the people who mean the most to me
~ MY birthday hehe :P
~ I somehow always find out that this month brings something new to my life
~ The best rainfall in the year
~ And a whole lot more, gimme sometime to think of it all, heh

With that, hope ya'll have a great month to look forward to !

Song of the moment : Remember When It Rained by Josh Gorban
Wash away the thoughts inside
That keep my mind away from you.
No more love and no more pride
And thoughts are all I have to do.
Ohhhhhh
Remember when it rained.
Felt the ground and looked up high
And called your name.
Ohhhhhh
Remember when it rained.
In the darkness I remain.
Tears of hope run down my skin.
Tears for you that will not dry.
They magnify the one within
And let the outside slowly die.
And yeah, right now I'm thinking a whole lot - about this someone, whom I haven't thought about in a while (as if heh). It just flashed through my mind, and it the feeling's almost startling. There are some things that never die do they? *sigh* So, this song's for this person who'd captured every breathing life in me for quite a while (I really should consider starting on that romantic bestseller).

"rain on meeeee..."

2005-08-30T19:40:00.000-04:00

'tis been raining allll day now - reduced to a drizzle now. Ahh, it was such a relief after the scronching summer heat : Know what... on such days you wish you had someone next to you, with whom you could just watch the rain, fall asleep, wake up to feel 'em next ta you ... or maybe I should just write the next romantic bestseller.

Other than that, I'm doing pretty good with my 'last shot' at shoo-ing away the internet addiction. I still listen to my playist when I wake up first thing in the morn, go to sleep after having heard some song depending on my mood, but it's waaay better than before. Heh, here's me hoping life's finally looking up...

song of the moment - 'Unforgiven' by Metallica
What i've felt
What i've known
Never shined through in what i've shown
Never be
Never see
Won't see what might have been
What i've felt
What i've known
Never shined through in what i've shown
Never free
Never me
So i dub thee unforgiven...

(no relation whatsoever, to my mood - just like the way the chorus is sung - but if you wanna know my mood, it's 'Word Up' by Korn)

Tips To Beat BOREdom : by my sIstEr

2005-08-28T21:17:00.000-04:00

Read 'Victoria and the Rogue' by Meg Cabot
Followed by the movie 'Mean Girls'

...

Ack !

Song of the moment : Run by Snow Patrol

Girl talk. Blah.

2005-08-28T18:27:00.000-04:00

I recall how one week (in sophmore year of hs) started with a friend calling (again.. its amazing HOW much girls can talk if allowed to) and screaming worse than a hoghorn, "Ich liebe es! Ich liebe es! Ich liebe es!" Now thank God I know she'd been taking german classes, otherwise I would have retorted back lamely with some made-up language (done it before, it was fun). Trying to stay awake, I ask her:

Me - What was that again?
Her - Ich liebe es..
Me - ...
Her - Heh.
Me - Okay.. sounds like your german classes aren't working.
Her - I KNOW what it means, and its right.
Me - Sure. And it means..?
Her - I love it (what a goofball).. how would you know? hehe (jesus, that giggle)
Me - I knew that, but what is that you love?
Her - It. (oh boy, NOW I get the hint that the talk wouldn't get over anywhere close to 2 more hours)
Me - It... (by this point I could remind her - and not politely - to kindly check the clock and call me back after 9am; wasn't an hour at night enough?)
Her - ... you know !
Me - Uh, if you say so. I'm happy for ya; you love it, I'm sure I love it too, we both love 'it', can I go back to my sueño?
Her - Soonio.. ?
Me - Lemme elaborate hmm? *yawn loudly* .. NEEEED sleep, siesta, sonno. Now hun.. *nod off to sleep, not bothering to hang up*

Why did I include that silly convo? No idea. The entire smartass talk RUINED my sleep.. especially when I was only recovering frm insomnia :\ Actually me loves middle of the night calls.. ONLY if ppl have some sympathy for the hour and the woozy condition a sleepy person might be in - and get straight to the point. Or sing me to sleep again, or bore me to sleep.. anything but girl talk, which demands participation and equal levels of "ooohh la la la" energy. Mweh. I guess thats what this rather short entry's about. Girl talk. And how much it pisses me off. All that hypertalk, those words... what a waste.

Oh by the way, this friend wasn't really a friend friend. You know, one of those friends who hardly stay in touch after high school. BUT. That hardly makes a difference. I'm still pretty much disgusted with it all - and I know, it's pretty weird, especially coming from a girl. Hell with it.

fightING temptatIONS

2005-08-27T23:50:00.000-04:00

... is so frigging tough grRrRr someone just shoot me

Feel Good Co.

2005-08-23T09:42:00.000-04:00

Yup, not Feel Good Inc. (no offense, I LOVE the song by the Gorillaz). This one's another FWD I got quite a while back, and found it lying in my inbox (yeah.. finally cleaning up the damn thing). So here are the tiny things that are worth.. everything unspoken. I got it from one of the FWDs in the email.

Like someone said : Life isn't measured by breaths you take; but by moments that take your breath away...

1. Falling in love.
2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.
3. A hot shower.
4. No lines at the supermarket.
5. A special glance.
6. Getting mail (ok, not bills)
7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.
8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.
11. Chocolate milkshake (or vanilla or strawberry!)
12. A bubble bath.
13. Giggling.
14. A good conversation.
15. The beach.
16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.
17. Laughing at yourself.
18. Holding a newborn baby.
19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.
20. Running through sprinklers.
21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
23. Laughing at an inside joke.
24. Friends.
25. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
26. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
27. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).
28. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
29. Playing with a new puppy.
30. Having someone play with your hair.
31. Sweet dreams.
32. Hot chocolate.
33. Road trips with friends.
34. Swinging on swings.
35. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
36. Making chocolate chip cookies.
37. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.
38. Holding hands with someone you care about.
39. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
40. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you.
41. Watching the sunrise.
42. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.
43. Knowing that somebody misses you.
44. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.
45. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

There. Run across a field and feel good. Wow, whata headstart for da day :D