New history.

So another year has ended.

I have seen blog posts and heard people happily say goodbye to 2009 because they say it’s a “malas” year for everybody. I may be the only person who feels sad that this year is ending. Don’t take me wrong, I am very much aware of all the terrible things that happened this year — a lot of great people died, Ondoy, and other crises that happened here and everywhere else and to everybody.

But I had a good year. Some parts I admittedly cannot remember but I had a pretty good time. Here’s a 2009 rundown: I got myself a job, enrolled back to school, met new people and (hopefully) learned a thing or two. Got my drivers license. Lost my drivers license. Concerts (Eheads!!!!). Nothing tragic happened to me and my family, which is always a good thing. No out of the country trips, but I got to travel to a few local places: Guimaras, Lakawon, Corregidor and Bohol. No major health issues with my family and friends (or maybe nothing that I know of? I hope not). Good things over powering the bad things that happened. Many things to be thankful for.

And I will end my 2009 blogging with a survey, just like how I did with 2008.

What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
Went back to school!

Did you keep your new years resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I think last year’s resolution was to gain weight, and I did! I don’t know by how much, but a lot of people have told me that I look healthier. Yay!
For 2010, I will try to exercise more. Healthy living baby! (Minus the vegetables) Need to maintain my weight and lose the flabs. Mahirap tumaba, mahal bumili ng mga bagong damit!
And I will try do more things that I have never done or wanted to do since whenever. And as the song from Spamelot goes (well, it’s a song talaga, but I can’t remember who sang it right now and I’m too tamad to Google it)… Always look on the bright side of life.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
My high school classmate Hazel and Jenny. Hazel gave birth to Boy #3(!) and Jenny to baby girl Sofia.

Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, though we weren’t really close, but he was someone that a lot of people loved… Raoul.
But a lot of people who, some I must say were major influences for my generation, died this year — Johnny Delgado, Cory Aquino, Michael Jackson, and John Hughes. Then humabol pa si Brittany Murphy.

What countries did you visit?
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to leave the country this year. Sucks. :(

What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
More than anything else, contentment — the ability to be content with what I have. Pero pwede din bang more money? Pwede? Please? Pretty please?

What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Probably September 11 and October 10 (Ondoy).

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Hmm.. Maybe its having a job while studying at the same time?

What was your biggest failure?
Not being able to stop myself from shopping and not being able to save money.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nah. Just bruises here and there.

What was the best thing you bought?
*cricket sounds* I don’t remember. Maybe plane tickets? Hmm…

Where did most of your money go?
Food, books and clothes — useless shopping. Again. And plane tickets too.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Surprisingly, nothing for me. But my friend Ivy’s engagement made me really happy :)

What song will always remind you of 2009?
The Korean song that took Manila by surprise — Nobody by The Wonder Girls.
Other songs: I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas, Good Girls Gone Bad – Cobra Starship featuring Leighton Meester, Lady Gaga songs.

Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? Fatter.
iii. richer or poorer? Poorer. Lagi nalang poorer! :(

What do you wish you’d done more of?
Saving.

What do you wish you’d done less of?
Spending.

How did you spend Christmas?
This year was a little bit different, Mom decided to go home and spend Christmas in Bacolod. We flew to Bacolod the morning of the 24th, heard mass the evening and had sandwiches for Noche Buena while watching PBB and Boys Over Flowers. I think I slept 1130pm. Then on the 25th, we had our usual lunch, then attended a mini reunion in a relatives home for dinner.

At any point in this past year did you do something that you consider to be completely out of your usual character?
Hmm, when I considered going back to school?

Did you fall in love in 2009?
No.

What was your favorite TV program?
Same old — Gossip Girl (suprisingly Hilary Duff wasn’t annoying), House MD, Ugly Betty, Nip\Tuck, One Tree Hill (it’s just weird that it’s like Peyton and Lucas just disappeared), The Big Bang Theory, etc.. I’m also enjoying new shows Accidentally On Purpose and The Vampire Diaries.

But the best new show for this year: GLEE!!!! Yes, I’m a little bit of a Gleek. I knew that it would be a hit.

That guy in the middle — Puck (Mark Salling) — seeing him every episode is enough reason to watch. *swoons*

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.

What was the best book you’ve read this year?
Hmmmmm…. Maybe A Place Called Here by Cecilia Ahern, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist too.

What was your greatest musical discovery?
Boys Like Girls, Katy Perry, Lady GaGa and OWL CITY!!!

What did you want and get?
A new job and school. Oh, and going to Bohol!

What did you want and not get?
Hong Kong.

What was your favorite film of this year?
Hands down: 500 Days of Summer. It was just amazingly heartbreaking because it was so close to reality. Well, I loved it though others found it overrated.. And Joseph Gordon Levitt was the anti-leading man, but he was THE leading man. (Did I make sense?) That awesome dance sequence (sooo Pinoy, btw!) that ends when he rides the elevator all smiles and then cuts to when he steps out of the elevator all stresses?, yeah, right on the dot on how I felt. Oops, I made that all emo, sorry. I just love the movie.
Followed by Pixar’s UP and The Hangover.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Went to a meeting then went around Robinsons Galleria with Meian. Turned 28.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Maybe if someone apologized, someone paid up and someone regretted. Sorry, that was three.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Laid back and maybe borderline sloppy-chic (if there’s such a thing).

What kept you sane?
Family and old friends.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
A LOOOOOT. Haha! Chace Crawford, Ed Westwick, Mark Salling, that guy from The Hangover, etc, etc, etc…
I re-crushed Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I crushed him when he was younger in Angels in the Outfield, then again in 10 Things I Hate About You, and again now thanks to 500 Days of Summer. Hayayay.

What political issue stirred you the most?
Maybe it was when Mar Roxas stepped down for Noynoy Aquino. Accompanied by Korina Sanchez’s drama. Oh the drama!

Who was the best new person you met?
Hmmm… Its a tie: the new office and classmates.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Life and the world will not stop for you.
Do not rush to get back to your feet, but do it one step at a time. You’ll get your groove back soon. Whenever He thinks you’re ready.

What was the nicest thing someone told you about yourself:
“You’re stronger than you think”

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
How Do You Sleep by Jesse McCartney. Vanilla Twilight by Owl City. Everybody Knows by John Legend.
And…
“Where are you now? Cause I’m thinking of you
You showed me how. How to live like I do
If it wasn’t for you, I would never be who I am”
- “Where Are You Now” by Honor Society

What are your plans for 2010?
Travel more — at least 2 foreign countries and 3 local destinations. Save, save, save. Take a certain exam and pass it. Be happy :)

Happy new year everyone! :)

I realized…

1. I’ve come to realize that my hair:
– is the first to go when life treats me bad. Or when I get bored. But when it gets longer, it looks the same all the time.

2. I’ve come to realize that when I talk:
– I (sometimes) sound stupid.

3. I’ve come to realize that all I really need is:
– family and friends. And a little extra money wouldn’t hurt either.

4. I’ve come to realize that I’ve lost:
– everything but gained a everything too. Labo?

5. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when:
– people act like they’ve done nothing to hurt you. Yes, I hold grudges.

6. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk:
– my voice gets a few notes higher. Same goes when I’m making pa-cute. :p

7. I’ve come to realize that money:
– is not the most important thing in the world (sabi ng mga friends), but it sure helps to make you happy! Aminin!

8. I’ve come to realize that when I get old:
– my greatest fear might be real.

9. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always be:
– dependent on somebody else on something.

10. I’ve come to realize that I have a crush on:
– that one guy from 90210.

11. I’ve come to realize that the last time I cried was:
– while watching Mr. Holland’s Opus in class.

12. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone:
– might die on me soon.

13. I’ve come to realize that when I wake up in the morning:
– I always say “5 minutes” but end up sleeping 30 minutes more.

14. I’ve come to realize that before I go to sleep at night I:
– think about where I am and reflect. That is if I don’t fall asleep unintentionally.

15. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking about:
– how I’m supposed to be doing homework but I ended up in Facebook, blog-hopping and answering this survey instead.

16. I’ve come to realize that my life:
– is better.

17. I’ve come to realize that my favorite drink is:
– (are) fruit shakes.

18. I’ve come to realize that today I will and MUST:
– be content. And save money.

19. I’ve come to realize that tonight I will:
– do homework.

20. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow I will:
– go to work during the day then do homework at night.

21. I’ve come to realize that I really want to:
– travel.

22. I’ve come to realize that relationships are:
– hard work and are very important to me. I’m talking about love relationships.

23. I’ve come to realize that love:
– is very important to me.

24. I’ve come to realize my best guy friend(s):
– are not as dependable as I want them to be.

25. I’ve come to realize my best girl friend(s):
– are so far away :(

26. I’ve come to realize food is:
– something that I take for granted.

27: I’ve come to realize that this summer:
– I will be bankrupt. Haha!

28. I’ve come to realize heartbreak is:
– something that can make or break you.

29. I’ve come to realize that the last person i liked:
– still makes my heart skip a beat.

30. I’ve come to realize that crying:
– can be refreshing.

31. I’ve come to realize that death:
– is something that I am scared of.

32. I’ve come to realize that if I’m sick:
– I sleep more than usual.

33. I’ve come to realize that when I’m bored:
– I stare at the tv, dazed, while flipping the channel.

Even if it doesn’t change a thing.

Star light, star bright, the first star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.*

*Closes eyes and wishes really, really, really hard.*

***

I stumbled upon this question in one of those surveys: If you could move anywhere and take someone with you, where would you go?
Answer: I will move to New York City, New York with my parents. With our 11 cats and 3 dogs. It would be nice to live in Midtown Manhattan. Or somewhere near Central Park, or along the area of Guggenheim Museum and The Met (better known as the Upper East Side if my memory serves me right, but please correct me if I’m wrong.). But Brooklyn is also a nice place. If there’s one thing the three of us have in common, it is our love for New York City. Subways, all those Broadway and off-Broadway shows you can catch everyday (even the Subway performances are pretty cool!), those little parks they have in between all the buildings that surprise you, the friendly and not-so-friendly people, diversity, the energy. I would really love to live there.

* Star Light, Star Bright is a nursery rhyme by Alfred Beester.

I survived 2008.

I will live to tell how terrible this year was for me.

I’m expecting that down to the last minute, or even second, of this year will be crappy.

No wonderful fireworks for us this year, just noisy kind. And I won’t be partying until the first sunrise of January 2009.

I am hoping that 2009 will be better. Kahit konti lang.

****

What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
I traveled alone. Worked in NYC. Having thoughts like this [c/o PostSecret].

Did you keep your new years resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I never made any.
But for next year, to gain weight. To gain a minimum of 10 pounds. But not more than 30 pounds.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
Just someone I got acquainted with.

Did anyone close to you die?
My Papa Manoling’s sister died mid this year.

What countries did you visit?
New York, USA. Spent 3hours in Hong Kong airport, and another 3hours in Vancouver airport… but I guess stopovers aren’t really visiting.

What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
A job that I love, or okay, like. Clarity. Piece of mind. Happiness. More time with friends.

What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July 17, 2008. August 2008.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I don’t think I achieved anything this year.

What was your biggest failure?
Ha, I failed a lot this year. This was a year of failure and disappointments for me.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes.

What was the best thing you bought?
I guess my iPod dock/alarm clock/radio.
I just remembered that I purchased something from Tiffany and Co., it’s a sterling silver charm (or pendant) that looks like a padlock, but has a letter A.* (I have always wanted to own something from that store.) And, the best part about it, I bought it in their flagship store in 5th Avenue!!
[*edited, January 16, 2009]

Where did most of your money go?
Books. Plane fares. Food. Yes, food, despite my losing a lot of weight since I got back.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going home to Manila to be with someone.

What song will always remind you of 2008?
Home by Chris Daughtry. Friday I’m In Love. Break Even by The Script. Because of You by NeYo. American Boy. Please Don’t Stop the Music by Rihanna.

Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Sadder.
ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner. Much, much thinner.
iii. richer or poorer? Though my bank account has more money now, I am poorer.
Wow, look at that, lahat lesser than last year.

What do you wish you’d done more of?
Not really more of, but I wish that I just stayed put.

What do you wish you’d done less of?
Taking risks and discovering/exploring options.

How did you spend Christmas?
The usual. I spent Christmas eve with the Jimenez’s: dinner, bingo, gift giving. Then went home and packed for our early flight to Negros. Spent Christmas day with the Legaspi’s: family lunch, kwentuhan (they discussed how thin I was, which is the favorite topic of all), watched Namets, and I think I slept for the most part of the day.

At any point in this past year did you do something that you consider to be completely out of your usual character?
Oh yes. This year, I was hiding from people. Had thoughts like this [c/o PostSecret]. Cut my hair 4 times.

Did you fall in love in 2008?
I still am.

What was your favorite TV program?
Okay, not all the series I will mention are my favorites, but I watch them whenever I can. By alphabetical order: Big Bang Theory, Chuck, Gossip Girl, Grey’s Anatomy, Heroes, House MD, How I Met Your Mother, Pushing Daisies, Samantha Who, Ugly Betty.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Not hate. I don’t think I can ever hate the person/s. Disappointed is more like it.

What was the best book you’ve read this year?
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. Paolo Coehlo’s Eleven Minutes. Bob Ong’s Stainless Longganisa and ABNGBBSKNPL.

What was your greatest musical discovery?
Metro Station. The Ting Ting’s.

What did you want and get?
I don’t know if you can say I got what I wanted but mid this year I wanted to go home and be with someone. I did go home.

What did you want and not get?
Singapore.

What was your favorite film of this year?
Enchanted. Meet the Robinsons. One More Chance.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 27. I woke up with the person I love beside me. Best birthday morning ever.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not leaving.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Plain jane… Jeans/mini skirts/shorts and shirts paired with sneakers or flipflops or flats. Later this year I was fond of dresses.

What kept you sane?
Family and old friends.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Edward Cullen. Oh how I wish I can meet my own Edward.

What political issue stirred you the most?
I was never into politics. But it was fun watching the US Elections.

Who was the best new person you met?
Not really new. But I guess I rediscovered my relationship with Tina. But Jake was also a breathe of fresh air.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Family will always accept you no matter how many times you fail them or fail at life in general. Family and real friends will help you no matter what and will tell you everything, even the stuff you don’t want to hear.

What was the nicest thing someone told you about yourself:
That a friend admires me for making the decisions I have made despite the outcome. Sabi niya it takes “courage” to do that daw. (Well, ewan ko lang ha..)

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
“Naiinis ako sa sarili ko dahil sa mga siraulo kong desisyon sa buhay ko. Nasa matino na ‘kong eskwelahan, umalis pa ‘ko. Nagkaroon ako ng matinong trabaho, iniwan ko. Di ko maintindihan kung risk taker ako o sadya lang talaga akong bobo.”
Bob Ong, Stainless Longganisa

What are your plans for 2009?
To be honest, I don’t know. The only thing I have planned is that I should be in Manila before January 17. Then back in Bacolod by end of January or early February. I have to call one school. Other than that, wala na akong plans. Bahala na.

sunday’s almost over… boo!

EIGHT Lasts:
1. Last alcohol u had: Tanduay.
2. Last beverage: Coke.
3. Last phone call: Shakey’s.
4. Last text message: Yuggy.
5. Last song played: Shake it – Metro Station.
6. Last ice cream: Vanilla.
7. Last time you cried: I’m glad to say this: 2 weeks ago.
8. Last meal: Shakey’s thin crust pizzas and mojoe’s.

EIGHT Have You’s:
1. Have you ever dated someone ur bestfriend likes? No.
2. Have you ever cheated? No.
3. Have you ever bought condoms? No.
4. Is there one person who can make you feel better no matter what? Right now, my parents and other family members. And Tina.
5. Do you find yourself crushing on someone currently? Yes. Zac Efron! Fan girl talaga.
6. Have you ever lost someone? Lost as in dead, no. Yung buhay pa na nawala, meron.
7. Have you ever been depressed? Yes. Just recently. I’m hoping not to regress. *crosses fingers*
8. Do you smile at strangers? Sometimes. Especially if they’re cute!

RANDOM:
1. Do you have a good relationship with your parents? We are not the closest family there is, and there can be improvements, but I like it the way it is.
2. What is your wallpaper on your cellphone? Beach.
3. How many people have you kissed in 2008? Kiss kiss? Just one. If friendly kiss, as in beso, medyo marami.
4. Were you happy when you woke up today? As usual, no plans.
5. What is a fact about the last person who texted you? He’s a Bosconian.
6. Do you hate the last person you kissed? No.
7. What are you listening to right now? This documentary about prisoners and drugs.
8. Have you ever liked somebody and never told them? yes.
9. What would I find if I looked UNDER your bed? Boxes with junk and old clothes. Oh, an alikabok. Lots of it.
10. Last night you felt… Okay.
11. Who are all the people you have text messages from in your phone? Accenture. Tina. Andrea. Diana. Smart. Meian. Someone from Powerbooks.
12. Ever been kissed in a car? Yes.
13. You’re being extremely quiet, what does it mean? I can be pissed, or uncomfortable. Or i just want to listen.
14. Have you ever kissed someone and never saw them again? I think.
15. Last time you laughed? This afternoon, while talking to my cousins and papa. pero yung super tawang-tawa, it’s been a while.
16. Do you regret anything from your past? Yes.
17. If you could seek revenge on someone would you? It’s a nice idea. but i’m not sure if i want to.
18. Do you bump into someones arm if you want to hold their hand? …
19. Last argument? With my dad.
20. Plans for saturday? As usual, no plans.
22. Last time you were confused? I still am.
23. Do you like to cuddle? Yes.
24. Do you hate when people smoke around you? No.
25. Who was the last girl you talked to? My cousins, Sarina and Ina.
26. Who was the last person you talked to in person? My cousins.
27. Do you have any plans for today? Dinner at Dodoy’s. Go to BaYo to change something.
28. Ever kissed someone of the same sex? Beso kind of kiss.
29. Do you think best friends can be replaced? No. They will always have a special place in my heart.
30. Do you plan on moving out next? I would like to.
31. Are you 18? I am waaaaay past 18.
32. Does the last person you held hands with mean anything to you? Yes, i like Isabel.
33. Whats the closest thing to you that’s liquid? Vodka.
34. What did you do last night, with who? Watched Heroes with my mom and dad.

survey 02.

I’m supposed to be doing work, but the photos are not with me, and I have tamaditis. So I ended up watching the videos I’ve been downloading, fixing up my blog, and reading other people’s blogs and surveys.

Here’s one survey I answered.

1. How old will you turn in 2009? Twenty eight.
2. Do you think you’ll be married by then? No. Unless a miracle happens.
3. What do you look forward to in the next four months? Going home to Negros this December.
4.Who was the last person to text you? Meian.
5. What does it say? Date kami ni Joaquin. Yikes!
6. Do you prefer to call or text? Depende.
7. Do you have any pets? Three dogs. Seven cats.
8. What were you doing at 10am? I just woke up.
9. What about 3am? Sleeping.
10. When was the last time you saw your mom? About thirty minutes ago.
11. What are you looking forward to? Going home to Negros this December.
12. How many books do you have? I think more than ten.
13. Do you prefer shoes, socks or slippers? Slippers.
14. Are you a social person? I’m a sociable introvert, if there is such a thing. Haha!
15. What was the last thing you ate? Hershey’s milk chocolate.
16. What’s your favorite color? Blue. Black. White. Brown. Pink.
17. What are you doing for your next birthday? Nothing special.
18. What is your favorite TV show? Gossip Girl. Grey’s Anatomy. House MD.