¡Feliz Cumpleaños Jesus!

I thought I would not be able to post any entry this week due to my yearly Christmas banishment to the rurals. Err... OK, not really the rurals - my hometown's not that estranged from civilization and from the benefits of Industrial Revolution.

I, together with my mother and two brothers, went to the mall. It's by good chance that I brought my laptop and dined at Burger King 'cause it has free WiFi access. That's why I get to blog right now. Hehe.

So how was this year's December?

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The Universidad de Santo Tomas has always been known for its annual Paskuhan - the institution's university-wide Christmas party. For some circumstances, I went to the event, though very late at around 9 PM (yeah, and I missed the fireworks). My so-called "school-coming" was quite emotionally corny and utterly nostalgic. You see, it's been almost a couple of years since I last set foot on the humble grounds of UST. The ghost of my college days just went through my nerves and I was suddenly feeling "studentish" again. Plus the fact that some of my college guy friends, the ones who formed my college clique, were there. I just couldn't help but be reminiscent despite a lot of changes in the infrastructures and student atmosphere in the campus (I must give note that a lot of UST students that I saw were so different from the once I've actually encountered and dealt with three years back.)

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The infamous company Christmas party was at it again... and needless to say, it was a costume party again, only this time, a Retro Christmas party (contrary to the boring Hat party of 2005 and the floral Luau party of 2006). It would have been a hard time for me looking for a vintage costume set if not for my resourceful Aunt who have a friend who collects fancy costumes. I opted for a 70s costume set of a butterfly-collared top, a pair of bell-bottom jeans, and a pair of humongous sun glasses. The costume was great (I think I even had one of the bests in the party), except for my fat ass, which a lot of my officemates noticed (and they actually bullied me for this... err).

The yearly department presentations were included in the program. And for the second time, my team won. I was so proud 'cause I was one of the organizers of the team. I just felt so happy that our 5PM practice everyday, despite haunting busy work and deadlines, paid-off.

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Some of the gifts I received this Christmas!
The big Elmo's from my dear best friend. She surprised me with this - I didn't really expect she would remember me wanting an Elmo stuffed toy (It was two years ago the last time I was so compelled to buy Elmo). Thanks guys! Merry Christmas!

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Err... it's already 4PM... my mother and brother are waiting for me to finish this blog entry. I guess I'll end at this point and just continue my Christmas entry when I get back in the metro... or by chance tomorrow... that is, if I go to the mall. Hehe.

But before I leave, let me leave my sincere greetings to you dear reader even if it's two days late... Merry Christmas! Even if you can't get a wedge of the Strawberry Cheesecake I baked last Christmas eve, let me still share it with you, even if just through this photo.

Happy New Year too! (^_^)

A Gift from James

December 8, 2007, 7:55 PM

Tired from swimming and lack of sleep, I dragged myself up the second floor and entered my humble room. Turning on the lights, I saw a seemingly foreign object down the desk of my dresser - a parcel! Presumptuously, I already knew who sent the package; It was from James!

The natural feeling went over me - thrilled to open the package just like the feeling of excitement and anticipation a kid experiences while opening his birthday presents (I'm such a kid-at-heart). Though I already know beforehand the contents of the parcel, I was still very much excited to open it. I even unpacked it carefully enough not to torn much of the packing (I like keeping packings of letters and stuff sent to me). I was so so delighted when I fully uncovered James' gift.

Here it is...


Thank you very much James! It's really really nice of you to even get me an original copy (bumili ka pa yata talaga ng bagong kopya para sa akin). Thanks a lot James! You just don't know how happy you made me be. God bless you James! You're one kind generous man. (^_^)

A million thanks! Thanks thanks thanks! >:D<

A weeklong banishment from the cellular world

It's been almost a week since my phone gracefully crashed. The cause? I surely don't know. My phone just can't seem to start up properly. Whenever I push the power button, the LCD lights up, stays that way for a couple of seconds or so, and then shuts off. One of my officemates said it might have been squeezed in my crowded backpack and rendered the it inoperable.

For the record, my SE K700i has been with me the longest time - two years and three months. My previous phones lasted in my possession for only less than a year due to some unlikely reasons (e.g. being held up by gunned robbers and by a fat tattooed man with a knife, being snatched through the side pocket by an adjacent man pretentiously sleeping on the driver's seat of a jeepney, and ridiculously leaving the phone alone inside the classroom).

This is bad timing - I don't need another major expenditure to get a new mobile phone. My plan for that is next year. I just hope it gets fixed (the phone is now in the possession of some technician my aunt recommended) and at least recover my contacts.

Days without mobile communication surely was weird. My habits were abruptly altered: no more music playing while dressing up in the morning, no more lullabies before slumber (my phone sings for me), no alarm to wake me up on time (my analog alarm clock is also dysfunctional so I just trust my body clock for now), and of course, no communication with far-away friends and family. Pathetic as it may sound, but I miss my phone. It's never normal the day it went comatose and got confined in the ICU of the technician's hub.

If all else fail and my phone is delivered to the morgue, I'd have no choice but be compelled to scout for a new replacement. I just hope my funds would cater this expense this holiday season a.k.a. the season of spending.

IV - X - MCMLXXXV

Was tagged by Flinch of Feast on Chaos. Here goes my reply.

Procedures:
1. Mention the person who tagged you and create a link back to them.
2. Copy-paste the traits for all the twelve months (see below).
3. Pick your month of birth.
4. Highlight the traits that apply to you.
5. Tag 12 people and let them know by visiting their blogs and leaving a
comment for them.
6. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve done it!

Natal Day: IV - X - MCMLXXXV

Loves to chat - Lately, yes. Chatting, especially with friends over a coffee table, seems to be very relaxing to me. It's sort of a stress reliever.
Loves those who loves them - Of course. No-brainer.
Loves to take things at the center - Ideally, yes, but I do get distracted at times.
Inner and physical beauty - It's difficult to say an acceptable yes or no here. Either way, you might think I'm too confident esteeming myself. The truth is, more often than not, the "beauty" that I hold I underrate. Though I'd like to believe I have more of the inner beauty.
Lies but doesn’t pretend - In as much as my consciousness is concerned, I don't approve on lies in the same degree as with pretension. Though I would have to give comment that during my younger years, I had the propensity to pretend being masculine "by the norm", though innately, I wasn't. So I surmise, if you'd credit the past, I pretended more than I lied.
Gets angry often - Definitely no.
Treats friends importantly - Definitely yes - "Whatever you tame, you become responsible."
Always making friends - Not always. But whenever I establish ties, I make sure my sincerity is there.
Easily hurt but recovers easily - I would have to say yes, I hurt easily (though you might not sense it). As with the recovery, that would depend on the situation.
Daydreamer - A big YES! Hehe.
Opinionated - Yes, but would not, in most cases, do assertions.
Does not care of what others think - I would care if what they think is something substantial.
Emotional - Yes, though I was more emotionally sensitive in my younger years.
Decisive - Yes, though I may need some time to arrive at a decision. It's not an easy deal for me. But when I arrive at one, I stick to it.
Strong clairvoyance - Not really though I had a few extrasensory experiences during my high school days.
Loves to travel, the arts and literature - A big YES for traveling. With arts, that would depend on what form of art you're talking about. As with literature... uhmmm... no.
Touchy and easily jealous - If I'd have to answer this way back like more than five years ago, I'd have to answer yes! But now, well, I'm still touchy and jealous, but not on the same degree as before. I get more control now for both.
Concerned - With what? Ambiguous... Hmmm... In most aspects, yes.
Loves outdoors - Yes. This accounts to my enthusiasm with traveling.
Just and fair - I try to be one in this unjust and unfair temporal reality.
Spendthrift - I'm guilty of this one. Sue me!
Easily influenced - Not really easily influenced - I'm actually quite stubborn.
Easily loses confidence - This I'd have to check. I'd like to believe I am more resolved with my self-esteem so as not to be unconfident. But if you'd check my childhood, you'd find me to be a very very shy timid unconfident kid.
Loves children - Yes, yes, yes!

JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very stubborn and money cautious.

FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.

APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.

JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people’s mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.

* As usual, I am not tagging specific bloggers to do this meme. But if you'd want to continue the tradition, make this your own and post it on your blog. (^_^)