I have now moved my blog here.

I hope to see you guys there.

This blog will be maintained up until I have the time to move my images and other uploaded files to my site.

Ciao.

I was reading an entry of a friend of mine this morning.

I told her I'd post something about it but it's now half past six when I start to write about it.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

I say, when in doubt ask questions. Directly to the person involved.

This way things are cleared up quickly.

Especially in relationships. It's difficult to have any room for misinterpretation when it comes to relationships. Just ask the person and clear everything up. Make it clear. Unless you're afraid, that is.

Right now I fear some things. It's actually frustrating because I told mysel that I would take more risks and not fear things like this. But come to think of it, I still fear it. Losing a friendship over a failed love.

But if you and another person had a relationship and broke up, you may actually still have feelings for the person. Even if you've told yourself and the entire world that you don't. Deep down inside you, when you're alone and thinking, you still love the person.

I believe you still do. And you will never cease to. If the love was real in the first place.

So you just have to accept that you still love the person and that you are no longer together. You still have that special connection no matter what happens.

After all, it was unconditional love (hopefully) in the first place.

Last night, I saw Over the Hedge with Tin, Joyce and Suzette. Cherli and Suzzie were supposed to go with us but they had some appointments that could not be left to attend to.

We all met at Kitchen at Greenbelt to have dinner. Actually, I already ate before going there so I just had dessert – black beauty. Joyce had chicken (she still doesn't eat food that comes from animals with 4 feet), Tin had grilled meat, eggs and bananas and Suzette had Seafood (it contained shrimps which she knew she was allergic to but she still ordered it). She started to itch so we looked for a drugstore, but we couldn't find one in time since the movie was about to start.

We bought our tickets and went directly to the cinema (cinema 14, Suzette?). We made it in time and the movie started.

It was hilarious. The animation was great. The story was simple. The characters were a real treat.

There was Vincent the vicious hibernating bear, RJ the raccoon, Verne the turtle, Hammy the squirrel, Stella the skunk, Ozzie and Heather the possums, and a family of porcupines.

I really liked Verne and Hammy. They were really funny characters.

I really recommend it to everyone. But I'm not sure if it's still screening.

Buy it on original DVD or scavenge the metropolis looking for a cinema still showing it.

Watch it, it'll make you nuts!!!

I've just registered my own domain name and am currently waiting for the A Record to be updated and propagated thru the net.

 I can't wait. I'm so excited. 

Creating computer software is always a demanding and painstaking process — an exercise in logic, clear expression, and almost fanatical attention to detail.

It requires intelligence, dedication, and an enormous amount of hard work.

But, a certain amount of unpredictable and often unrepeatable inspiration is what usually makes the difference between adequacy and excellence.

Just watched X3 last night with Tin, Joyce and Suzette.

I was really excited, being a big X-men fan.

We met at Red Ribbon in Parksquare. Suzette and Joyce were having dinner. I already had mine. Then Tin arrived and had dinner.

We then went to G4 to buy tickets. When we got there at a couple of minutes after 9, we decided to buy 11pm tickets so we can have coffee. Suzette and Tin had been craving for coffee and I already bought mine and was sipping it while they were having dinner.

We couldn't find a vacant table so we stayed and looked around. We eventually got one and Suzette and Tin ordered.

I saw a magazine with Mei Melancon on the cover. She was playing Psylocke in X3. I got even more excited. For me, she's the hottest member of the X-men franchise. I was disappointed during the movie because she didn't have much time on the screen.

We sat in the front row in the middle.

During the course of the movie, we made some comments on the scenes and Tin was continuously sending sms messages . When the movie ended, we waited for the credits and saw the teaser at the end. Tin and Joyce wanted a rewind because they didn't see it clearly. They didn't get their request.

When we got out, we went to Mercury to buy medicine. We stopped at every door of Glorietta where they had a big circular tile design and stood there holding hands. These were supposedly waypoints according to Suzette. She said her mutant powers were level 8 compared to Jean Grey/Phoenix's level 5. Tin's mutant powers are a secret according to her. I can't remember what Joyce's mutant powers were.

It was one crazy night.

I hope the X-Men movie franchise goes on and we get X4, X5 and so on.

I can't wait for the next comicbook-based movies.

I felt it was nice to use a Star Wars theme for my blog posts regarding Boracay. The trip for me felt like what it would have made George Lucas feel knowing he had something so good in his hands but couldn't share it with everyone.

The trip started on a very unsure and exciting note. I almost didn't make it. Only God knows how things fell into place.

We were initially disappointed when we arrived but we decided to remain positive and look at the good things we see and experience daily. Lo and behold, not long after, we had the time of our lives. Probably one of my best vacations ever.

I met a lot of new friends, acquaintances and great personalities.

I tried new things. Tried some old ones too, but with new people. Had fun. Laughed. Built better and stronger relationships with those I came to the island with.

• In this trip I found friends who I can go with to any destination anytime. No excuses. No ifs, no buts.
• I jumped off a cliff!
• I climbed up a cliff by pulling against tree roots!
• I had really great food at remarkably low prices.
• I had not so great food at remarkably high prices.
• I made 2 new friends in Cerisse and Melissa
• I roasted marshmallows using candles
• I'm starting to love rowing.
• I found out that there's wifi at Boracay. I can now work there!!!
• I found out I can live in a single room with 3 women. Maybe not in general, but Suzzie, Suzette and Joyce are at the top of my list.
• I found out that you should never book at the last minute especially if you're taking a boat.
• I can't wait to go back.

The saga is now complete.

On to the next ones.

The last day on the island.

We finally succeeded in waking up early. We changed clothes and went directly to the plazoleta. We were met there by Ate Kat and Kuya Tammy. Then by Cherli and Tin. They then gave us (Suzzie, Suzette, Joyce, Tin and I) a booknotes version of kayaking dos and don'ts. Suzzie rowed with Kuya Tammy while Joyce went with Ate Kat in the two 2-seater kayaks. I used the single-seater. We rowed to a distant boat out at sea. It was tiring, especially for me since I was rowing alone and trying to catch up with Kuya Tammy.

When we got back to the beach, I was really drained and slightly burnt. I got off the kayak and sat on the beach with Ate Kat and Cherli.

Repacking our stuff for the trip home

The Female Kayakers after action
When they got back, we went to Fat Jimmy's to have breakfast while the Boracay Bugsay Team had it's daily training.

We had our last free breakfast while Cherli and Tin went to Real Coffee to have their breakfast. Suzzie and I wanted to go back and row again when Ate Kat and Tammy got back. So we all took a rest and then went to the Plazoleta to wait for the team.

The coolest coffee place in Boracay

Working in Boracay

Suzzie, Suzette, Cherli and I had coffee at Lonely Planet Coffee while waiting for our second kayak experience. There we met a new friend in Xyzko. He had his drum and his energy with him when he came. He was introduced to us by Ate Kat and Kuya Tammy. Suzette rented a bike, Joyce was taught zip lessons for a minimal donation while Suzzie and I kayaked.

This time, we were unaided by Kuya Tammy. We just paddled to wherever we wanted and actually reached a far distance. The waves were stronger now and there were more boats. It was a lot harder to paddle. I was using a 2-seater which was harder to turn and move alone. Suzzie was using the single-seater. We eventually went back to shore and back to the Plazoleta to finish our coffee. There were more of the locals at the Plazoleta now, waiting for drum lessons. They played some music for us and we took more pictures.

Xyzko, Suzzie and I chilling at Lonely Planet Coffee

Suzette, Joyce and I then got our last tattoos made before going back to Fat Jimmy's for lunch and repacking. We had our last lunch for this trip at Smoke (again) and repacked our stuff before going back to the Plazoleta for some shopping and to kill time.

We left for Caticlan at 4pm and had our early dinner at Andok's. We waited in line and for quite a while for the boat to arrive and for us to board. When we boarded, I was surprised at the accomodations I got. I went to where Joyce, Suzzie and Suzette were and stayed there. When I got there, they were pissed at a couple of passengers who took their places. Suzette and Joyce went to the front desk to try and upgrade our accomodations. Suzzie and I managed to talk to the people who took their places and we got them back. We weren't able to upgrade and just stayed in our place. The three girls shared the 2 beds that were together and I took the other one. We had our sleep and woke up early next morning.

We went around the boat and had breakfast at the canteen. We had some talks about a lot of stuff and our future trips. We then went back for Suzette (who was still sleeping when we left) and waited with her. When we got to Manila, we separated at the pier with Suzzie and Suzette going home and Joyce and I going to work.

It was a great trip.

Our little place in the boat ride home

I will go back. Hopefully with all of my friends who came with me this time. Maybe even more.

Here are the pictures of Suzzie, Suzette, Joyce and Cherli with Kiko:

On the third day, we were going to join Ate and Kuya Tammy and the Boracay Bugsay during their stretching. Yet again, we failed to wake up early because of the previous night's activities.

Cherli came to at Jimmy's to join us for the day. She came just as we woke up. We had our free breakfast again and then Suzzie and I joined Cherli at Real Coffee for her breakfast. I had my first cup of coffee there. a doppio. It was good. The food was great. After breakfast, we went to the beach to take a dip, take pictures and get a tan. I also took a short nap. Just as I got up from my nap in the beach, a boatman comes up to me offering their services and their sailboat. The girls negotiated and got a good deal.

Suzzie, Suzette, Joyce, Cherli and I then got on their paraw and went sailboating. They brought us to Puka Beach. The trip was great, surreal and relaxing. Puka Beach was beautiful. We took pictures, and some were taken by our boatman. We also bought bracelets, anklets, rosaries and other stuff from the locals.

After a while, we decided to go back and have lunch because we'll be having another activity in the afternoon.

We had lunch at Smoke and took a tricycle ride to where Tin, Mele and Cerisse were staying faroff in station 1.

Again, we took pictures before boarding the boat.

We then took a boat ride to the Crystal Cove for some cave exploration. It cost us 100 pesos to get in Crystal Cove. We ended up going to just one of the caves and taking tons of pictures – as always.

We then went to somewhere near crocodile/alligator island to go snorkeling. I was the crash test dummy again. As soon as I got in the water, I felt the strong current and it pulled away from the boat. I managed to grab on while the others were going down. The current proved to be too strong for us and I strained my arm trying to hold on to the boat while Suzzie and Suzette hang on to me (and my shorts) so they won't be dragged by the current. Good thing my shorts were tied tightly.

Getting ready for snorkeling

We decided that we didn't want to continue the snorkeling activity in that part of the sea and chose to go to Puka Beach and wait for the sun to set.

The ride from the snorkeling area to Puka Beach was anything but calm. I was sitting at the front of the boat and water was continuously splashing on me as the boat went up and down each strong wave.

We eventually got to Puka Beach and swam a little. Then we were swarmed by the locals again, trying to sell us their wares. And they did sell a lot. When we got tired and ran out of things to buy (or money to buy with) we went back home.

Everybody was silent during the trip home. Probably tired from everything that we've done so far in the day. We planned to buy some drinks from the stores and bring them to the beach and chillout so we can save some money. Everybody agreed.

When we got back to station 1, we all went to our rooms to rest and freshen up. We all met again for dinner at Smoke.

After dinner, we walked to the beach and looked for a store and then went to the sand to lay down and roast some mallows – using candles, of course. We also played a question and answer game based on slambook questions. It was fun, exciting, and informative.

We called it a night because we had to wake up early the next day for our activities with Ate Kat and Kuya Tammy. We swore that we'de really wake up early this time.

As soon as we got to our room, everybody readied for the night. I slept on the bed now, instead of the makeshift one I've been using for the past nights, with Suzzie. Suzette and Joyce shared the other one.

These pictures are worth at least Php 100 (entrance fee)

(taken from Crystal Cove)

Everybody set their alarms. We couldn't miss our activities the next day. It was going to be our last on the island.

We woke up late on our second day on the island.

Suzzie and I were supposed to watch the sun rise but were still sleeping long after it had gone up in the sky.

When we woke up, we had our free breakfast at the resort. Cherlie came to our resort so we can all go to beach together and have some activities. Cherli, Suzzie and I went to the beach earlier because Suzette and Joyce were still fixing some stuff. We went to meet Cherli's friends, Kat and Tammy, for our activities.

We saw them while they were having a meeting for a fund raiser. They told us we had to go in the morning instead of the afternoon because the tide would be rising. So we looked for Joyce and Suzette and told them we'd all be going cliff jumping in the morning. Tin then told us she wanted to come with us but not Mele and Cerisse.

\

Root climbing past station 3

Yes, you heard me right. Cliff jumping. But before we were able to jump, we had to trek along the coast line and Root Climb. Yes, you hear me right again. Root Climb. Up a steep rockface with lots of roots. Then a slight walk then we arrived at the cliff. Tammy told us when we started that we'd be having a slight trek, but no climbing whatsoever. We then waited for Kat and Cherli who rowed to the place. When they got there with the life jackets, we set off to jump. I was the crash test dummy. We jumped of the lowest one first, then higher and higher. Each jump increased the thrill and excitement to a level unknown to me before. When we jumped off everything we could jump off from, we started trekking back.

Suzette, Tin, Suzzie and Cherli jumping off cliff 1 and 2

Joyce "flying"

(keep your arms close to the body and your feet closed too)

Before the level 3 jump; After my first jump at level 3; my second level 3 jump

(they couldn't capture a mid-air picture of me jumping)

When we got back to station 2, we had lunch at Smoke and took a break for the afternoon.

During the evening, we met Tin, Cherli, Mele and Cerisse during dinner at Blue Berry. It was a great place with huge servings. I ordered a 50 peso chicken tinola and got a huge bowl. Big enough to feed a small family. We then went to Bom Bom to watch and support Kat, Tammy and their friends during their fund raising. We then chilled out while listening to some cool reggae music. After that, we went and joined Cerisse and Mele who went to station 1. We stayed at Club Paraw. We left early in the morning and we had to take a tricycle.

When we got to Fat Jimmy's we slept like babies.

It was an exciting and tiring day.

We were starting to reconsider our oath that we would not be going back to this island at our expense.

All things start off in their own special way. This trip started with roasting marshmallows on my bed at the condo using candles.

Am now on the island that most people want to go to on summers. Went here with my friends. Almost didn't make it. But that's an entirely different story.

We were all supposed to go by boat but I was late and wasn't able to buy a ticket on time and as for my friends, they were left by the boat. They weren't informed of the change of schedule for the trip. But they were given plane tickets instead from which I got my tickets too so we can all go together. It tripled my fare to go there and totally disrupted my budget.

While waiting at the airport, we were discussing the trips we'll all be having together in the near and far future. From road trips to backpacking across the Philippines. We'll be travelling together practically our entire lives. And maybe even our kids will continue what we're starting to do. The rowdy, crazy and happy group of these four travellers.

We finally got here. We were so excited when the plane landed. We rode a tricycle and a boat to get to where we'd be staying. The beach where we landed didn't look too promising. We then took another tricycle ride to the resort. We checked in and put all our stuff in the room and took showers and rested.

Then we went off to lunch. It was expensive to say the least. We were looking for alternatives. I am on a tight budget. We then met our other friends who took other arrangements. Had some henna tattoos had a slightly less expensive dinner and went off to look for a nice and happy place to stay.While waiting for dinner, we talked about our disappointment with the place. We expected it to be much more surreal. Not like manila on a beach. The place, as far as what we've seen, is nice but it could've been so much more if it were not overdeveloped and too commercialized. We found out that we're not the type of people who like crowded tourist spots.

We ended up in a videoke since all the girls wanted to sing. As for me, I can't sing or to be more precise, I choose not to. We stayed at the bar until past 2am. They were so into their singing that they even started standing on the chairs so they can vocalize better.

We were there so long the owner and staff were literally waiting for us to leave so they can close shop. I think we ran thru the entire playlist. Enough songs to put in an ipod.

I brought my laptop for the trip. I'll be working whenever possible so I can finish my stuff at the office. It also gives us a means to store our pictures. On our first day alone we already have almost 200MB.

I still don't know what we're going to do tomorrow, or rather later. I can only guess.

I hope my budget makes it.

Having lunch at the Sun Village

When will these girls finish singing? I guess when they kick us out of this place.

Here are some other pictures:

Having my dragons made

Chilling out at the plazoleta

Some other pictures have been left out due to the request of my friends.

I can only post these, as of now.

Happiness is as a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.

I've been chasing that butterfly for some time now. Especially for a specific instance. I think it's been a couple of weeks.

But just I said in my first line, it has always been beyond my grasp. I almost lost hope of attaining it. And finally, I just told myself that if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen.

And just as I sat down quietly, it came to me. In the lowest moments of my week, I found hope. A very small light, but still a light.

And I just banked everything on it. And as everything turns out, I succeeded.

The butterfly is now in my hand. Resting. Flapping it's wings.

I can't wait to reap it's rewards.

Hello, little butterfly.

Been thru a lot of stress lately.

Spent some sleepless nights thinking.

Almost lost hope today.

Then got it back.

Let's see tomorrow how it all turns out.

I had a really fun night last night.

To be quite honest a couple off days ago I wouldn't have thought my birthday would be so much fun.

It was simple. But I really had fun.

It all started at around a couple of minutes past midnight yesterday. I checked my email and noticed a message from Friendster. I checked my account and got my first online birthday greeting. And it came from the least likeliest of person (really appreciate it), Faith of BDO.

After replying to her, I got back to what I was working on. I wanted to finish it before I slept. And by some strange reason I finished it in a record 30 minutes or so. Then I slept, woke up just as my roommate was about to leave to do some errands and just in time for him to greet me.

Today is going to be a good day.

I coded some more on some other stuff, bought some bread from the convenience store for breakfast and just enjoyed the morning at our balcony. Then I prepared to go to work and went to the Starbucks near our office with AJ. It's been a while since I went there for coffee. Been trying to save. It was a nice way to start my day. Just as the surprise of my first online greeting, the baristas all knew it was my birthday too!

I had my usual Personal Double Raspberry Ice-Shaken Doubleshot Espresso with Ice.

We worked there until lunch time. Then we went to the office and AJ ran some errands. I bought some rice (I brought my lunch with me) and ate alone. T and Ross then came and the work day started.

Beyond all the greetings, I asked Joyce if she could ask the guys (Tin, Suzzie, Suzette, Che, Manny, etc.) if they'd like to go to the condo and have some pizza. After that, I went back in the zone.
I had a lot of funny and some serious conversations on my messenger, had a last minute bug fix and some pizza for the team.

Then they (the guys) picked me up from the office and we all went to the condo. We ordered some pizza and talked and had a lot of fun.

The people who came were: Manny and his girlfriend, Che, Tin, Joyce, Suzzie and Suzette. Thanks. You guys made my day even better.

It actually lasted up until the early morning. But everybody had work the next morning so they went home eventually. First was Tin, Che and Manny. Then the four of us remaining talked even more and finally called it a night (actually early morning) at around 2am.

Then I cleaned up the condo (partially) and gave in to the calling of my bed. Time to get some rest.

Now, it's the 9132nd day of my life (that included the leap years since birth). Such a big number. I hope I get another couple of thousand days to add before I call it quits.

Now it's back to the rest of the year. The part where it isn't my birthday. I'll try to make it just as fun.

Even though I didn't meet my good old friends yesterday, thanks to my new friends it was an unforgettable birthday. Certainly unique and really fun (i just cant stop saying it was fun).

My aunt even sang happy birthday to me over the phone.

Woohoo!!!

25 years.

Sounds like a lot to me.

I just cant believe I made it this far.

…

I actually don't have any plans yet for today.My birthday wish (outside of being a bit more financially stable) is that I see my friends today.

Now, that'll make my day.

Hell, that'll even make my year.

I've been feeling a bit down lately.

Probably from pressure from a lot of places.

Work, home, family, friends, even the universe.

But thanks to a friend of mine's blog entry, I've been reminded of what I decided to do a long time ago.

To practice this: "It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day to day basis." And so, I now decide to be happy. And now I am.

I will no longer let anything stop me from being happy. Nothing. No excuses.

I will choose to be happy all the time.

…

I've got plenty of reason not to be happy today:

Foot blister

Work

Home

My Birthday

My phone

But right now, I'll just focus on what I'm doing. And be happy.

Finally got some rest yesterday.

We pushed phase 1 and it seems to be fine.

Will be starting today on the phase 2 relaunch.

Hopefully, I'll be finished tonight.

Want to enjoy tomorrow.

Whatever that day may bring. It only comes once a year, so I sure hope it's good.

…

Am alone at the office right now.

Where is everybody?

At least I have some alone time to finish my code.

Wish me luck!

She is the energy eminating from the Sun
And the patience I show everyone.
She is the warm embrace of a Carribean breeze
And the cascading rain that puts me at ease.

She is my admiration for all things alive
And my insatiable desire to strive.
And within the most horrendous calamity
She is the love and strength of family.

She is the Moon providing me light.
Within the soft tranquility of the night
There are just no words with which to explain
The way her gentle caress soothes all pain.

She is everything I ever do or say.
She is the reason I exist this very day.
She is my emotion and thoughts through strife
She is my friend…

My mom.

We haven't pushed yet and are still awake for the nth straight evening.

Hopefully, we'll be finished tonight.

Just need to actually push the code.

Done testing and revising.

…

Tomorrow I start on coding for Monday's push.

I'll need to be in the zone.

I hope I can go home to Kalookan tonight.

I miss home.

I miss my mom and my dad.

I miss my room.

I miss sleep.

This is a continuation or rather a more detailed account of my climb last week.

As you may have read, the mound of earth I scaled with my friends is called Mount Pulag (sometimes Pulog). It is the 2nd highest mountain in the Philippines and the highest in Luzon. The superintendent at the PAO told us that it is a very important place because of the water it provides to the main watersheds in Luzon.

She also told us that the Rangers are underpaid (if paid at all), that our fees help the community, and that we should not sleep while she is talking.

Well, let me continue my story in a more chronological manner.

It started on a friday. Joyce and I met and decided to go together to the bus station (because during the last climb, she forgot to wakeup and was left behind). We couldn't get a cab since it was a friday and we were in Makati. So we called up Tin and asked her if they (Mymy was with her) already got a cab and if they could pick us up. They did have a cab and they did pick us up and we all went together to the bus station. The traffic was heavy and we were afraid we'd miss the bus, hopefully we got there in time.

My seatmate at the bus was Morph (he's also my tentmate and trekmate). There was a stopover at Tarlac and a couple of others. I slept most of the way. I woke up when we were in Baguio and were about to get off the bus. It was already cold in Baguio.

We went inside the bus station and looked for food. The best we could find was Mr Donut. So we had donuts for breakfast.

We then boarded our jeeps that would take us thru our itenerary for the day. It was a long ride with some stops for pictures, rest and refueling.

We first passed by Ambuklao Dam where we had some cool pictures taken. Then to the Sulfur springs which stank. And then to the Kabayan Caves and Museum. One of our companions, Jema, was making a documentary film for her students about the cave and the mummies. It was actually quite interesting. And so was she.

Our last stop before going to PAO was the Opdas caves. It was creepy and wet (it was starting to rain). After the caves, we hurrily boarded our jeeps to go to another bumpy ride to the PAO (Protected Area Office).

At the PAO we were to log-in and be briefed by the authorities. We watched an old american short movie about mountaineering and endured a monologue by the authorities about their plight and how we are helping them and how we should do everything else in our life for the betterment of humanity.

After the lecture, we headed to the Ranger Station on what is currently the scariest jeepney ride I have had in my entire life. Our jeepney had our bags strapped to the roof and we were packed inside. The road was as rough as any place I know and it was going up. To make things more exciting, we were a few feet from falling off the sides of cliffs along the road which was wide enough for 1 vehicle. Now here comes the clincher, there was another jeep going the other way! The maneuvering that transpired was truly heart-stopping. I almost kissed the ground when we got to the Ranger station.

We had dinner and would be spending the night at the Ranger station. We had pink sinigang for dinner (thanks Cherli). It was fantastic, partly due to the intense cold and the warmth of the soup. Before, during and after dinner there were some of us who took turns in the shower. To continue the tradition of extremes and firsts in this trip, everybody probably had the coldest shower they will ever have. Everytime you pour water on yourself, your skin numbs. It was either take this icy shower or stink until washup on monday. Everybody chose the icy experience.

Then it was time for socials but almost everybody was sleeping and the only ones left were the guys. Some of the guys played cards while the rest talked about a whole lot of stuff.

Morning came and we had breakfast and prepared for the trek to camp. It was still cold but not as cold as the night. We started our trek with our 3 guides. Now these guys are mutants, they don't sweat, get tired, thirsty, I don't even think they feel the cold.

The first part of the trek had a steep part before the first stop. When I got to camp 1, there were people resting before going down. There was a cute one there, I didn't get her name but we had some chitchat (I was still catching my breath but when I saw her I lost it again, hehehe). I got some much needed energy boost from that conversation.

Then the next part of the climb was a bit flatter than the first. Next time you turn a corner, you were already at camp 2.

We then hurriedly set up camp and cooked lunch. Everybody was obviously in need of sustenance from the 3-4 hour hike.

After lunch, we finally had socials. There was "get to know each other" game initially but it was really inevitable. We had to have a contest. And so we did, charades! Topic: movies. It got heated and a lot funnier but eventually the better team . . . lost.

Then it was time to cook dinner and hole up in our tents. The temperature was about to go all the way south.

After a long chat with the other companions in the climb (including some fortune-telling) we went to our tents and rested in preparation for the 3am hike the next day for the summit. I thought the night at the Ranger Station was cold, I was totally wrong. It was cold, windy and wet. Only God knows how I got thru it.

Then at around 3am, we were woken up by Chex and were told to prepare for the assault to the summit. It was dark and cold. Just the perfect conditions to take a walk in the mountains.

I got drained at the start because I was at the front of the group and my light wasn't too much help. I kept stumbling over stuff. I decided to let them go in front of me and take a slower pace. We got to the summit in the perfect time. The sun was about to rise. I was wearing 6 layers of clothing and I was still cold.

I think every paragraph in this post contains the word cold.

Anyway, we spent an hour at the summit taking pictures. We even saw a couple taking their prenuptial pictures there. Now that's a sweet moment if I ever saw one.

We then went back down and took even more pictures. We're like photomaniacs, all of us.

When we got back to camp, we had breakfast and started the walk back to the ranger station. This trip was about to end.

It would have been a whole lot easier for me to go down if my shoes had been still with me but they died and were laid to rest in a plastic bag put inside my backpack. I had to wear my sandals down. Now I know that they're tough.

On our way back to Baguio, we were delayed and had to hurry up in the showers. We had no time to buy food or gifts for home. We just cleaned up and ran to the bus station.

I got back to the condo at around 3am. The guard told me my housemate had to climb thru the window to get inside our place since he forgot his keys. But that's another story.

Now, I'm back at work.

Motivated.

Inspired.

Changed.

Just because I took the opportunity to climb the highest peak in Luzon.

Truly, people are changed after they breath air at 9,586 ft.

I'm now prepareing the prerequisites for a push for one of our products.

My documentation script has been running for a while now. I hope it works.

I've finished my stuff and will be testing.

Hopefully, it's bug free so I can start on this monday's push.

Need to study some jabber stuff too by the end of the month.

Wish me luck!

Yes, I have been 2922m above sea level and still be standing on the ground.

It all started weeks back during the preclimb for Mt Kairukan. Chex asked me to join her next climb, Mt Pulag. And I said yes, I'll think about it.

Eventually, I joined the climb. And I was very excited about it. The opportunity to climb the second highest mountain in the Philippines doesn't come that often. And the chance to go there with your friends is even rarer.

The day to leave for Baguio came. Joyce, Tin, Mye and I went to the bus station together (actually, Tin and Mye picked us up at Buendia because we can't get a cab). We got there just in time despite the harsh traffic jams in EDSA.

We boarded the bus and left for Baguio.

When we got to Baguio it was already cold. We got our bags and went in the Victory bus station. We went scouring for breakfast but the most we could find was Mr Donut.

We then boarded our jeeps and started the journey to Benguet. It was a long, dusty and very bumpy ride. Needless to say that our asses gut pretty bruised and sometimes even our heads (for the sleepy ones).

We went to Ambuklao Dam, Sulphur Springs, the Kabayan Caves and Museum, the Opdas cave then to the PAO office to register the group for the climb. The side trips were great and we had a lot of fun taking pictures. The video and talk at the PAO office was another story. It was like trekking – long and tedious.

Then another very bumpy ride to the Ranger station where we will be spending the night.

We had dinner and most of the people slept. The guys played some cards, talked and had some drinks – anything to keep us warm. There were some very funny stories, some serious ones and a lot of fun. We eventually had to get some rest while the others took turns in the bath (the coldest one I have ever had).

Morning comes with the promise of climbing to Camp 2 of Mt Pulag. We had breakfast and cooked lunch and started the trek to the camp. It was cold so you didn't tire that much, and it was also very fun since there were 29 of us climbing in the group.

We eventually got to Camp 2 and setup camp at around lunch time. Just in time for some nourishment after a long climb. After lunch we had nothing else to do so E.L. decided to have some socials. We played games and got to know each other a whole lote more. Some of the games even got very competitive, as one colleague put it. Then it was time to cook dinner and rest.

Everybody slept early because of the biting cold, aside from the fact that we were waking up at 3am for the assault to the summit. It was a very cold night but we managed to get through it. At 3am, everybody got up and prepared for the summit. It was dark, wet and cold.

My flashlight couldn't help me because it was that bright and the batteries died on me so I had a hard time during the dark climb, especially at the start. But we got to the summit in time for sunrise. One of the best I've ever seen. To say that the view was spectacular would be an understatement. It was simply breathtaking. And to top it all of, we saw a couple in a wedding gown and barong take pictures at the summit, truly a priceless moment.

After an hour we started our trek back to camp. It was a lot shorter and easier and we took even more pictures on that trek. When we got to camp, we had breakfast and broke camp. We started our journey back to the Ranger station and back home.

Our ride to Baguio City got delayed so we had to hurry in washing up. We didn't have time to buy souvenirs or even dinner. We boarded our bus and realized that like all good things, this trip was about to end.

I got back to the condo at around 3am and went straight to bed.

It was an unforgettable experience. A lot of fun, some bruises (how's the knee joyce?), a lot of laughs and 28 new friends.

And as George Leigh Mallory said, "The first question which you will ask and which I must try to answer is this, "What is the use of climbing?" and my answer must at once be, "It is no use." There is not the slightest prospect of any gain whatsoever. Oh, we may learn a little about the behavior of the human body at high altitudes, and possibly medical men may turn our observation to some account for the purposes of aviation. But otherwise nothing will come of it. We shall not bring back a single bit of gold or silver, not a gem, nor any coal or iron. We shall not find a single foot of earth that can be planted with crops to raise food. It's no use. So, if you cannot understand that there is something in man which responds to the challenge of this mountain and goes out to meet it, that the struggle is the struggle of life itself upward and forever upward, then you won't see why we go. What we get from this adventure is just sheer joy. And joy is, after all, the end of life. We do not live to eat and make money. We eat and make money to be able to enjoy life. That is what life means and what life is for."

'Til the next climb.

…writing about climbing is boring. I would rather go climbing.

Chuck Pratt

…

Tomorrow night we leave for Mt Pulag.

Am really excited about the trip.

Already packed my stuff.

…

Can't sleep tonight.

Am working at the condo with the other guys on a lot of stuff.

Just found out 2 of our guys will be going back to school and leaving the company.

Good luck guys!

Ang gusto kong love

Yung masarap magbigay nang backrub

Yung hindi mahihiyang makipaghalikan sa taxicab

Yun, yun ang masarap na love

Ang gusto kong love

Yung tipong pipigilan ka mag-yosi

Di ka papayagang mag-sindi

Kaya matututo kang maglumlum nang candy

Kasi nga, bawal na sayo magyosi

Allergic daw sya sa yosi

Tapos magmomonologue nang:

"Magyoyosi ka na naman? Kakayosi mo lang, ah

Nagyosi ka na nga bago kumain

Magyoyosi ka pa pagkatapos kumain

Pang-apat na stick mo na yan

Akala ko ba sabi mo di ka na magyoyosi?

Di mo ata ako love, eh."

Pero actually

Lahat nang tao sa bahay nila, adik sa yosi

Nanay nya, tatay nya, mga kuya nya

Allergy-allergy

Meron bang allergy sa yosi?

Alam nyo yun, yung tipong

Gusto nya lang masabi nang mga tao na

"O kita nyo, napasunod nya yung boyfriend nya"

Yung tipong ganun ka-controlling

Yun. Yun ang tipo kong love

Medyo controlling.

Ang gusto kong love

Yung hindi mahihiyang magpalibre

Kahit compared sayo, yung allowance nya doble

Yung pagmanonood kayo nang sine

Hinding-hindi maglalabas nang wallet

Hihintayin kang magbayad para sa ticket

Kaya kahit para sa bulsa mo masakit

Iisipin mo na lang

"Ayos lang, love ko naman

Pero sana, sya naman gumastos paminsan-minsan."

Yung tipong ganun na love

Kasi feeling ko, pagnahihiya sya gastusin ang pera mo

Nahihiya rin syang tanggapin ang love mo

Yun. Yun ang tipo kong love.

Medyo magastos.

Ang gusto kong love

Yung tipong pagkasama nyo ang barkada mo

Biglang makikipagkwentuhan sa iyo tunkol

Sa mga topics na hindi naman alam nang barkada mo

Para lang ma-alienate ang barkada mo

And just to show it to them na

Meron na kayong sariling mundo.

Yung tipong biglang makikipagkwentuhan sayo

Tunkol sa plans nyo na mag-out-of-town this summer

O kaya tungkol dun sa movie date nyo

Na as usual ay ikaw ang nagbayad

So hindi tuloy makakasabay yung mga barkada mo sa usapan

Dahil kayong dalawa lang ang nagkakaintindihan

Kaya susubukan mong ibahin ang topic

Pero ibabalik nya dun sa plano nyong pumunta nang Subic

O kaya bigla nyang maiisipan na i-update ka

Tunkol sa buhay-buhay nang mga friends nya

Kaya yung mga friends MO, naka-tanga

Kasi kayong dalawa lang ang tawa nang tawa

Yun. Yun ang tipo kong love.

Medyo elitista.

Ang gusto kong love

Yung mumurahin ka sa text pag hindi ka nakapagreply

Kasalanan mo bang maubusan nang load

Sa gitna nang immersion nyo sa Sitio Payonggayong

Sa gitna nang Mindoro Occidental?

(Tunog nang Text: Tutututut-tututut)

"Hi, LOVE. WHAT R U DOING?"

(Tunog nang text)

"HEY, BAKIT DI KA REPLY. SAD FACE."

(Tunog nang text)

"HMPH. BUSY KA ATA. SIGE GUDNAYT NA."

(Tunog nang text)

"P########MO HAY## KA. I HATE YOU. I HATE YOU. I HATE YOU. I HATE YOU. OK FINE, WAG KA MAGREPLY. NAGSESEX KAYO NO? NAGSESEX KAYO NO? P### KA. G#G#!"

(Tunog nang text)

"Hoy. Sorry na. Ikaw kasi eh. Di ka nagrereply. Sorry po. Mwah."

Yung tipong ganun

Yung tipong kaya naimbento ang SUN CELLULAR

Para sa ganung klase nang love

Yung tipong ganun na love

Yun. Yun ang tipo kong love.

Medyo demanding.

Ang gusto kong love

Ang gusto kong love yung pagnasa simbahan kayo

Sa gitna nang misa

Uutusan kang magflex nang bicep mo

Tapo s pagpapraktisan nang suntok nya

Palakas nang palakas, tapos magtatanong pa

"Masakit ba?"

Ikaw naman, parang tanga

"Hindi, Sige, lakasan mo pa"

Pero sa totoo lang, naiiyak ka na

Kasi mga muscles mo namamaga na

Hanggang bukas, braso mo manhid pa

Yun. Yun ang tipo kong love.

Medyo mahilig sa boxing.

Ang tipo kong love

Yung makikipag-agawan pa para sa last piece of pizza

Yung kinikilig pag ika'y kumakanta

Yung ang tawag sa mommy mo, "Tita"

Yung memorized ang schedule mo every semester

Yung alam kahit na plate number

Nang kotse nang kuya mong Wheelers International Member

Yung makikiprint nang thesis nya

Tunkol sa POSTMODERN THEORIES ON THE TRI-MEDIA

Kasi nang-hihinayang daw sya

Baka daw maubos ang ink nila

Yung tatanungin ka kung sino ang mas gusto mo ma-i-kama

Sya ba o si Jen Rosendhal ba?

Tapos maiinis pag sumagot ka.

Naman, si Jen yun eh. Ano naman ineexpect nya?

Ang gusto kong love?

Yung sa akin lang sya in-love.

Friendster has a beta for the new homepage!

If you want to check it out, just go here.

A lot of changes.

Cool!

I was feeling a bit down yesterday.

Good thing my friends helped me cheer up.

I guess it's one of those times again when I feel the universe is against me.

Thanks to Joyce, Suzette and Tin.

You all made my day yesterday. 

…

Today, I code like a wild man.

That usually happens when I'm sad, I get even more work done.

It gets me to a certain parallel universe where I just have all the energy to work on anything and everything.

…

"Codito ergo sum"

" I code, therefore I am."

Taken from the Philippine-Everest Expedition's official site: 

"There is an old piece of wisdom that claims that people climb mountains "because it's there". That is the simplified statement for a very compound truth. "Because it's there" refers to a lofty point on earth that is closest to the heavens- and scaling its apex generally rewards the climber with a profound spiritual experience. That rush, the spiritual "oneness" with the universe is universally felt, and craved for, by mountaineers- as such, they are driven to endure, and overcome even extreme physical adversity to prevail.

The First Philippine Mount Everest Expedition will spearhead the drive to aspire for, and eventually achieve, the coveted "oneness" for the Filipino people. Conquering the world's tallest peak poses extreme demands; to triumph, desire, focus, determination, perseverance and energy are mandatory- to these, further add singularity and unity of purpose.

Filipinos already routinely display most of these traits during the course of their daily lives. His indomitable spirit prevails even during the most trying times. Adversity is no stranger; his remarkable resiliency and dogged determination admired worldwide. The aggressive rekindling of the touted Bayanihan spirit of the Filipino will stoke the fires of cooperation and unity- a "oneness" as well.

Sir Edmund Hillary could never have climbed Mt. Everest on his own. Tenzing Norgay and his band of intrepid Sherpas collectively provided the crucial support for the nobleman to achieve the difficult feat. So it is with the Philippine Expedition- Mt. Everest can only be conquered when Filipinos collectively become unto Sherpas.

The future fluttering of the Philippine flag on Mt. Everest will symbolize the Filipinos collective effort at scaling the imposing mountain. That day will mark a rebirth of national pride and with it, a worldwide understanding of the word Bayanihan."

…

I can just imagine the rush and the pride of getting to the top of Everest. But even if it wasn't me who accomplished the feat, I feel (even now) proud of tha fact that a group of Pinoys are going to scale the highest mountain in the world.

Get'sme even more excited about this weekend's climb to Mt Pulag.

I'll just imagine it's Everest.

Made a major booboo at work.

Now I have to catch up on things.

I hope there's not much damage done by my booboo.

I got no sleep last night.

I'm so sleepy today.

I got a couple of hours of sleep at the office this morning.

…

Last night, Czai told me that she'd be on the night shift at Petron.

Visited her in the morning. After her shift.

We had breakfast and talked.

…

Am about to go to the second of three pre-climbs for the Mt Pulag climb.

Can't wait to get there.

…

To Allan,

Good luck on your trip to Denmark.

Hope to see you soon.

Need to refocus on my work right now.

I've been a bit off for the past couple of weeks.

Thanks to T, I think I now know why and have gotten over it.

…

Plus, I have to finish my work for the week by wednesday.  Rhea and I and I don't know who else are going to Pagudpud this week.

We're leaving wednesday night for Pagudpud and leaving for Manila on saturday after lunch.

I've been wanting to go there for a while already.  Been to Vigan, Laoag and some other Ilocos towns but never to Pagudpud.

Always something holding me back.

…

We're moving into the other room at the condo tomorrow. Ross is leaving and Jay is moving in.

So, AJ and I get to move to the other room.

Last night after updating my blog, Ross, Ann and I went out.

When we came back, I was chatting with Che. The conversation went to our blogs.

When I checked my blog, it was gone!!!

I almost had a heart attack!!!

I checked it for a couple of hours. Played PS2. Checked it again. And finally gave up.

When I woke up, like a phoenix from its ashes, it's alive!!!

It's back!!!

It seems that my blog host was doing some maintenance on their servers.

Almost had a heart attack.

I just saw a really cute and funny thing earlier this afternoon.

 I was at the mall looking for a pair of shoes for my next climb (the ones I had got really messed up).

As I was walking along one of the aisles, I saw a little toddler pull down his pants to his knees and start walking around.  I initially thought he was going to pee or take a dump, but as I observed he just kept walking around.

Maybe the heat got to him and he needed more ventilation.

Cute little bugger.

These are pictures from my first climb with OCMI at Mt Batulao.

Just in case you want to see.

This year, I had a different Maundy Thursday.

Traditionally, me and my family have a Bisita Iglesia thru 14 churches around the metropolis. We've been doing this as far as I can remember. Religiously (no pun intended) for the past 20+ years.

This year, we did something different.

My mom had an idea of going out-of-town to a grotto in Quezon.

Actually, up until Holy Wednesday I wasn't exactly sure where we were going. I just knew it was out of town. And that my mom asked me to invite a friend of mine to join us.

I told her to send her a message and ask her in my stead since I was doing a lot of stuff at the office. And she did, and Rich said yes. Actually, Rich said her aunt (Tita Jaec) agreed to lend us her car for the trip. Yahooey!!!

So I left the condo wednesday night (midnight actually) and went home to prepare for the trip. I was so in a hurry I forgot to bring clothes from the condo (I have most if not all my clothes at the condo already).

I was told we would be leaving at 5am Thursday. I did some stuff before sleeping and ended up going to bed at 3am.

My mom woke me up at 5am and we eventually left at around 6am. They wanted to take the LRT to the bus station but I told them it was probably closed for maintenance, since the LRT usually takes advantage of the Holy Week for this stuff. They said it was open, and since I was their child I had no power and choice on the matter.

The LRT was closed. We took a cab.

We got to Quezon at before lunch time. We had merienda at Rich's house. Tita prepared a great meal.

We then went to the Grotto (which was still about an hour from their house).

We had lunch then started the walk to the Grotto.

My mom, dad and Rich got tired quickly during the climb to the top (while praying the stations of the cross). Probably because of the heat and lack of physical activity. Their knees were literally shaking when we finished. Thanks to OCMI, I had a lot of practice and exercise.

We then went to the town of Lucban to buy some pasalubong and have halo-halo. Actually I didn't have halo-halo. I don't really like it. I had a burger and gulaman.

After that, we went to Rich's place, had dinner and went home.

It's the first time I've spent Maundy Thursday outside of the Bisita Iglesia tradition we had in the past.

It was a good change.

Maybe next year, we'll do something different again.

Maybe…

Next year…

T and I have been doing some brainstorming for a slogan for one of our products.

I hope the one we picked is accepted well.

…

Also have to finish tons of stuff on my part of the product.  Overlooked something I shouldn't have.

I need to get a better grasp on things.  Get more into focus on it.

Never again.

…

And to top it all off, have to finish the basic feature set of a new product by tomorrow.

Wish me luck guys.

Wish me luck.

Today we had our first of three pre-climbs for Mt Pulag.

According to Chex, there would be at least 26 of us climbing. Wew! That's more than any of the climbs I've been on (not that I've been on a lot).

A lot of new faces (for me at least) and some old ones too .  It looks to be a great adventure.

I just have to tighten the belt a little and try to save up.  It's going to be a thrifty month for me.  A lot of things to pay for.

Just can't wait for the climb!

We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths;
In feelings, not in figures on a dial.
We should count time by heart-throbs. He most lives
Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best.
And he whose heart beats quickest lives the longest:
Lives in one hour more than in years do some
Whose fat blood sleeps as it slips along their veins.
Life's but a means unto an end; that end,
Beginning, mean, and end to all things — God.
The dead have all the glory of the world.

Philip James Bailey

Last Saturday, I went out with some friends. I wasn't planning on going out that night.I was actually planning to go home that afternoon to bring my clothes for the laundry. But fate stepped in and changed all my plans.

The night started at M Cafe with a couple of beers and a great conversation. T and I were waiting for a friend of T's, Sammy. Sammy and I came from the same high school. When he got there, we had a great conversation about a lot of stuff. We called Ross over from the condo to join us for dinner. He came with Ann.

After dinner, Sammy left and we went to Ice. It was Noemi's last night there so we had to say goodbye.

We had some (not really) drinks there and were surprised at the capacity of Ann. Boy, she could drink!

When we finally got her to stop , we went back to the condo to change and go to Embassy and continue the evening there.

And after that, as with the last time I went to Embassy, I thought I lost my eyeglasses again! Good thing T called up and said it was in his car. I was so relieved. Those were new eyeglasses, and I liked them.

Well, that was a great weekend before Holy Week.

Now, it's back to work.

Next time.

Well, am home today (in Kalookan) and figured I'd blog.

Then I find out some cool stuff here. I'm not sure if they're new (to me they are) but I've been playing around with these widgets.

I hope it makes things look better.

We finally had our spaghetti night at the condo.

 Jopes (one of my housemates) announced earlier this week that he would be cooking spaghetti for all of us.

Yesterday (the morning of spaghetti night) started ok.  I woke up early (around 7am) because I had a 9am meeting at the office.  I didn't eat breakfast at the condo and walked straight to the office.  When I was almost there, I got really hungry so I had breakfast at Starbucks.  The baristas started picking on me because of something I would rather not say now.  I had a chicken pandesal for breakfast.

Then, when I got to the office, G wasn't there yet but after a couple of minutes, the people we were meeting arrived.  We started without G and almost finished when she got there . 

Then the weirdness started as my wifi connection got very flaky.  I thought it was a result of my laptop dying a couple of weeks before.  But G's laptop also couldn't connect and so did Jopes (when he arrived).

The router was broken and we needed to get a new one.  In the meantime, T and I worked at Starbucks.

I met with Inaki there for the first time in a very long time.

Caught up on things.

Then I waited for G to finish some stuff she had to do.

While waiting, Czai called me up and asked me to go with her to buy some shoes for work.  I told her to meet me at the office.  On the way to the office (from Starbucks) I saw G coming from the bank.  We dropped something off at the carpark and I bought her food (I lost a bet).

When we got to the office, Czai was crying.  I wont be blogging about why, unless she wants me to.

We went to buy her some shoes but failed terribly.  And we were so hungry and thirsty but we wanted to get some Royal.  We had dinner and ice cream but still no royal.

We walked to the condo and met Jopes carrying groceries (spaghetti ingredients).  I offered to help him carry the stuff.  And just as we crossed the street, Jopes got them back because we needed to buy some Royal at the convenience store. (Not a lot of help in carrying the groceries ).

Everybody went to the condo (including Czai) and we hada great meal and even better laughs while eating.

Jopes made some good spaghetti (the noodles were just a bit overcooked) and we all enjoyed everybody's company.

As soon as I learn how to make spaghetti, I'll give it a shot too.

When do you think that will happen?

I am now too sleepy to write anything.

I think I'll write some more when I get some sleep.

But before I sign off tonight, just want to say some stuff.

… 

I miss my friends.  It's been a while since we all met. Actually, it's been years since we all got together.  I hope we meet soon.

 …

I feel sad that one of my favorite baristas is moving to another store.  Good luck on your exam.  Keep in touch.

 …

I realized that I need to start keeping track of my expenses and saving a lot more.  Although I hope there is more to save from in the near future since it's getting harder for me to save on what I'm making (hehehe).

…

Next time guys, got to catch some z's.

Three passions have governed my life:
The longings for love, the search for knowledge,
And unbearable pity for the suffering of [humankind].

Love brings ecstasy and relieves loneliness.
In the union of love I have seen
In a mystic miniature the prefiguring vision
Of the heavens that saints and poets have imagined.

With equal passion I have sought knowledge.
I have wished to understand the hearts of [people].
I have wished to know why the stars shine.

Love and knowledge led upwards to the heavens,
But always pity brought me back to earth;
Cries of pain reverberated in my heart
Of children in famine, of victims tortured
And of old people left helpless.
I long to alleviate the evil, but I cannot,
And I too suffer.

This has been my life; I found it worth living.

adapted from Bertrand Russel 

Last friday T, AJ, Ross and I went to Tiesto. We went there around midnight.

Tiesto started at around 1am.

It was good at the start but we decided to go out for a while and go back a bit later.

Ross stayed because he had to go home earlier than the 3 of us (i wont say why).

And after getting a couple of drinks in another place, we went back and he was playing some great stuff.

Unfortunately, it was approaching the end of his stint and we enjoyed only a small time of his best music.

Next thing I know, we were eating at Ziggurat and going back to the condo.

It was a great night. A great party.

Well, it's supposed to be. After all, he is "The world's best DJ".

Last March 25 I had my second climb with OCMI. It was to Mt Kairukan. Like me, it was also the first time for OCMI to climb the mountain.

I was really anticipating this climb because Joyce told me there was a waterfall near the camp. There was one other time in my life when I experienced going to a waterfall and it was a great experience.

Unlike my first climb with OCMI, I made sure that I wouldn't be late. So I packed my stuff a few hours before we left Manila and had some beers at the condo with my housemates. Then I took a shower and went to the bus station. I was the first one there. Then came Morph. Then the others came. But someone was missing.

I won't be dwelling on that here. I think she posted something on her blog about it.

Well, the trip started out great. There were 12 of us and of the 12 I didn't know 4 off them. So I made 4 new friends right there and then.

It was a long trip to jumpoff composed of a long bus ride, a short bus ride and a long tricycle ride.

Then we warmed up with a short trek to the sitio to give the medicines to the barangay captain. We also had lunch there.

The climb started out very hot. There was a long stretch of uncovered land that we had to get thru and it drained heavily on me. Other than the patches of smoldering sun, it was a nice trek. With some illegal loggers on the side and someone warning Morph not to take pictures, everything was picture perfect.

When we got to camp, we were welcomed by that which made me join this climb – the waterfall. With its magnificently clean and cold water, it made it all worth it. Everybody dove in and cooled off. It was safe to say that we liked the place.

Then we had to cook dinner. Marlo and Chex cooked one great sinigang and E.L. Richard fried a lot of tofu.

After dinner, we had night socials and some juice to drink. And we played a simple game that Rachel concocted. The mechanics were simple: each person had the chance to ask a question which will be answered by everyone including that person, then each took his turn, but there was one caveat – the questions had to be from a slambook. Therefore, it should only be fitting that the first question be: What is love?

Then it went on and on and we laughed all night long to the sometimes serious, often hilarious answers and questions.

After a good nights rest, we had breakfast and started to walk back home. It would have been perfect aside from the part that everyone except Ten and Chex got lost and took a different path from the Sitio to the washup area. And since this is a democratic country, we voted and concluded that it was Chex and Ten that got lost.

When we all got together, we rode the bus home and planned to meet and have another climb.

Hopefully I can make it there.

Actually, I promised Chex that I'll be coming.

And I keep my promises to my friends.

Last February 24, 2006 I, along with some officemates, went to Puerto Galera.

It was me, T, AJ, Jopes and Rolly. Ross was supposed to come with us but got sick the day before (although we still have no proof that he was actually sick). Marte and Diwa chose to rest at home.

So it was just the 5 of us for the trip.

We left friday morning and got to the Batangas Pier at around noon. We boarded the boat and got to the island around 2pm. I think that was the weekend with the coup plots and all the political turmoil. Last thing I saw on the television at the pier was a press conference at the palace.

Well, enough of the political stuff.

As soon as we got to the island (my first time there), we were welcomed by some people T knew on the island (they owned the place we'll be staying in). Rolly and Hopes were my roomates. AJ got T.

Then we had lunch at one of the restaurants at the beach. Had some porkchops and beer.

After that, we went snorkeling at some far off place. When we got to the snorkeling spot, there was another boatman on a smaller boat that offered to give us a hitch and some bread for the fish (for a minimal fee of course). Then, the boatman asked us one of the weirdest questions one could ask in the middle of the sea: "Want to have some beer?"

What the ____! Lo and behold, we go to the nearest patch of beach and he comes forth with his magical san mig light.

After our drink, we had a little bit of snorkeling then back to our patch of sand at White Beach.

Dinner.

Checked out the people and if there was any semblance of a party. We had a couple of shots of tequila and a pitcher of zombie and some beers and we finally decided that nothing was going to happen there that night. So we looked for our boatman and asked him to bring us to Sabang.

We all thought we'd be going by boat. Then he showed us his tricycle. What the ____!!! There were FIVE of us! And we all took ample space in most vehicles we rode on. But we were desperate. So I ended up on top of the tricycle. Yes, on the roof. For a thirty+ minute tricycle ride on country roads and in pitch black.

When we got back to our patch of land, after our experience on Sabang, we went back to the same bar where we started our night off.

We had some (a whole damn lot) more drinks. Actually, Rolly had so much he forgot everything that transpired that night. And he did some pretty nasty stuff to Elmer (if you're getting my drift).

When we finally finished and woke up from a short slumber, we had another full day of exciting activities.

Fortunately, there were more people that saturday night so we didn't have to go thru another tricycle ride to find a party. We even brought T's ipod to the bar so they could play our music.

It was a great night.

But all things must end. So we went home the next day and got back to reality.

Back to the polluted air and asphalt of Makati.

This experience shall be had again.

In time…

I will be having a blogathon tonight.

I will be posting everything I have failed to post since my Puerto Galera trip up until what has transpired today.

It's going to be challenging, but it's worth a try.

Wish me luck.

Throughout my life
I have come to many dead ends.
But every time I have retraced my steps
And made new friends.

Like an Angel
Sent to watch over me,
You knew when to hold me tight,
And when to set me free.

You were there to greet me
Every time I walked in the door.
You always gave me the helping hand
When I fell flat on the floor.

Even at my games
I could look up in the stands,
Every time I would do good,
I saw you clap your hands.

The Smile from your face
Glowed like the stars shining bright,
and when I start to feel lonely,
I can always look up and find you at night.

My whole life
I have yearned for love.
when I remember you,
that inadequacy is taken care of.

Throughout our deep, and incisive conversations,
and sharing our thoughts and inspirations,
Through the good times and bad,
You have helped me through times- wonderful and sad.

I pray that the Good Lord
Watches over you every second of the day,
And when he comes to collect his flock
I know that with him, you will stay.

For you have Heaven in your speech,
A touch of love in your palm,
Angels in your eyes,
And I will always know you as… my Mom and Dad.

This was sent to me by a friend. Really touching story.

On my wedding day, I carried my wife in my arms. The bridal car
stopped in front of our one-room flat. My buddies insisted that I
carry her out of the car in my arms. So I carried her into our home.

She was then plump and shy. I was a strong and happy bridegroom. This
was the scene of ten years ago. The following days were as simple as a
cup of pure water: we had a kid,
I went into business and tried to make more money.

When the assets were steadily increasing, the affections between us
seemed to ebb. She was a civil servant. Every morning we left home
together and got home almost at the same time. Our kid was studying in
a boarding school.

Our marriage life seemed to be enviably happy. But the calm life was
more likely to be affected by unpredictable changes.

Michelle came into my life.

It was a sunny day. I stood on a spacious balcony. Michelle hugged me from
behind. My heart once again was immersed in her stream of love. This
was the apartment I bought for her.

Michelle said, You are the kind of man who best draws girls eyeballs. Her
words suddenly reminded me of my wife. When we just married, my wife
said, Men like you, once successful, will be very attractive to girls.
Thinking of this, I became somewhat hesitant. I knew I had betrayed my
wife. But I couldn t help doing so.

I moved Michelle s hands aside and said, You go to select some furniture,
O.K.? I’ve got something to do in the company.Obviously she was
unhappy, because I had promised her to go and see with her. At the
moment, the idea of divorce became clearer in my mind although it used
to be something impossible to me.

However, I found it rather difficult to tell my wife about it. No
matter how mildly I mentioned it to her, she would be deeply hurt.
Honestly, she was a good wife. Every evening she was busy preparing
dinner. I was sitting in front of the TV. The dinner was ready
soon.Then we watched TV together. Or, I was lounging before the
computer, visualizing Michelle s body. This was the means of my
entertainment.

One day I said to her in a slight joking way, suppose we divorce, what will
you do? She stared at me for a few seconds without a word. Apparently she
believed that divorce was something too far away from her. I couldn t
imagine how she would react once she got to know I was serious.

When my wife went to my office, Michelle had just stepped out. Almost all
the staff looked at my wife with a sympathetic eye and tried to hide
something while talking with her. She seemed to have got some hint.
She gently smiled at my subordinates. But I read some hurt in her
eyes.

Once again, Michelle said to me, John, divorce her, O.K.? Then we live
together. I nodded. I knew I could not hesitate anymore.

When my wife served the last dish, I held her hand. Ive got something
to tell you, I said.

She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.
Suddenly I didn t know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know
what I was thinking. I want to divorce. I raised a serious topic
calmly.

She didn t seem to be much annoyed by my words, instead she asked me
softly, why? . I m serious. I avoided her question. This so-called
answer turned her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at
me, you are not a man!

At that night, we didn t talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew
she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could
hardly give her a satisfactory answer, because my heart had gone to
Michelle.

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which
stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my
company. She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. I felt a pain
in my heart. The woman who had been living ten years with me would
become a stranger one day. But I could not take back what I had said.

Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had
expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release.The idea
of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer
and clearer.

A late night, I came back home after entertaining my clients. I saw
her writing something at the table. I fell asleep fast.

When I woke up, I found she was still there. I turned over and was
asleep again. She brought up her divorce conditions: she didn t want
anything from me,but I was supposed to give her one month s time
before divorce, and in the month s time we must live as normal life as
possible. Her reason was simple: our son would finish his summer
vacation a month later and she didn’t want him to see our marriage was
broken.

She passed me the agreement she drafted, and then asked me, John,
do you still remember how I entered our bridal room on the wedding
day? This question suddenly brought back all those wonderful memories
to me. I nodded and said, I remember . You carried me in your arms,
she continued, so, I have a requirement, that is, you carry me out in
your arms on the day when we divorce. From now to the end of this
month, you must carry me out from the bedroom to the door every
morning.

I accepted with a smile. I knew she missed those sweet days and
wished to end her marriage with a romantic form.

I told Michelle about my wife s divorce conditions. She laughed loudly and
thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she does, she has to face
the result of divorce, she said scornfully. Her words more or less
made me feel uncomfortable.

My wife and I hadn t had any body contact since my divorce intention
was explicitly expressed. We even treated each other as a stranger. So
when I carried her out for the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our
son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mummy in his arms. His words
brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then
to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed
her eyes and said softly, Let us start from today, dont tell our son.
I nodded, feeling
somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for
bus, I drove to office.

On the second day, both of us acted much more easily.She leaned on my
chest. We were so close that I could smell the fragrance of her
blouse. I realized that I hadn t looked at this intimate woman
carefully for a long time. I found she was not young any more. There
were some fine wrinkles on her face.

On the third day, she whispered to me, The outside garden is being
demolished. Be careful when you pass there.

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I seemed to feel that we
were still an intimate couple and I was holding my sweetheart in my
arms. The visualization of Michelle became vaguer.

On the fifth and sixth day, she kept reminding me something, such as,
where she put the ironed shirts, I should be careful while cooking,
etc.I
nodded. The sense of intimacy was even stronger.

I didn t tell Michelle about this.

I felt it was easier to carry her. Perhaps the everyday workout made
me stronger. I said to her, It seems not difficult to carry you now.

She was picking her dresses. I was waiting to carry her out. She
tried quite a few but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed,
All my dresses have grown fatter. I smiled. But I suddenly realized
that it was because she was thinner that I could carry her more
easily, not because I was stronger. I knew she had buried all the
bitterness in her heart. Again, I felt a sense of pain. Subconsciously
I reached out a hand to touch her
head.

Our son came in at the moment. Dad, it’s time to carry mum out. He
said. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had been an
essential part of his life. She gestured our son to come closer and
hugged him tightly. I turned my face because I was afraid I would
change my mind at the last minute. I held her in my arms, walking from
the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand
surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly, as
if we came back to our wedding day. But her much lighter weight made
me sad.

On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our
son had gone to school. She said, Actually I hope you will hold me in your
arms until we are old.

I held her tightly and said, Both you and I didn t notice that our life was
lack of such intimacy.

I jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was
afraid any delay would make me change my decision. I walked upstairs.
Michelle opened the door. I said to her, Sorry, Michelle, I won t divorce. I m
serious.

She looked at me, astonished. The she touched my forehead. You got no
fever. She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Michelle, I said, I
can only say sorry to you, I won t divorce. My marriage life was
boring probably because she and I didn t value the details of life,
not because we didn t love each other any more. Now I understand that
since I carried her into the home, she gave birth to our child, I am
supposed to hold her until I am old. So I have to say sorry to you.

Michelle seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then
slammed the door and burst into cry. I walked downstairs and drove to
the office.

When I passed the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet for my
wife which was her favorite. The salesgirl asked me to write the
greeting words on the card. I smiled and wrote, I ll carry you out
every morning until we are old.

I think I’m going down with something.

My head hurts and I feel drained.

I’m sick.

I have had a news blackout since friday.

Went on a trip with the Pusit and Xackup teams to Puerto Galera.

Just found out that so much had happened.

Hope it all ends well.

I need to finish studying a colleague’s code and apply it in my recode.

Just found out a few seconds ago that my release date got pushed one week earlier, so I have to really get down to work on it.

We just lost a coworker today. Hope he does fine in the future. I wish him the best.

I finally saw Brokeback Mountain after I had to cancel a previous schedule to watch it with a friend.

It was a nice and different movie than what I had expected.

In a different perspective, I liked it. I was just surprised by the first tent scene.

There were some really nice scenes that if were in a different situation (at least for me) that were really “sweet”.

Lines like:

• “God, I wish I knew how to quit you!”
• “You boys sure found a way to make the time pass up there…”
• “Tell you what. The truth is… sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it.”
• “This is a bitch of an unsatisfactory situation.”

I’ll just imagine a different context if and when I watch the movie again, at home.

Bottomline, it’s a nice movie. It’ll give you a different perspective on things and how other people look at these things in life.

The Knicks just got Steve Francis from Orlando for Penny Hardaway and Trevor Ariza.

It just sucks that the Knicks are at the bottom of their division.

I thought they had a chance to get to the playoffs with the addition of Francis.

If they won all their games til the end of the season, they would.

Maybe next season.

I miss the good old Knicks days. With Ewing, Starks, Houston, Mason, Oakley, Riley, etc.

Let’s go Knicks!!!

… one of the people I’ve been really close to.

My good old friend.

Someone I’d trust my life to.

I took a risk, and lost.

And everything changed.

Not just a little, but a whole damn lot.

Makes me think about what I did.

Makes me want to reconsider even doing it.

But what’s done is done.

No regrets for me.

It’s just a sad thing.

I miss…

Have you even been in love? Horrible, isn’t it? It makes you so vulnerable. It opens your chest and it opens your heart and it means someone can get inside you and mess you up. You build up all these defenses. You build up this whole armor, for years, so nothing can hurt you, then one stupid person, no different from any other stupid person, wanders into your stupid life…

You give them a piece of you. They don’t ask for it. They do something dumb one day like kiss you, or smile at you, and then your life isn’t your own anymore. Love takes hostages. It gets inside you. It eats you out and leaves you crying in the darkness, so a simple phrase like “maybe we should just be friends” or “how very perceptive” turns into a glass splinter working its way into your heart. It hurts. Not just in the imagination. Not just in the mind. It’s a soul-hurt, a body-hurt, a real gets-inside-you-and-rips-you-apart pain. I hate love.

I haven’t watched slam dunk competitions in a while.

I think the last one I saw was when Vince Carter won in 2000.

Then last sunday, just before I was going to sleep, I saw this year’s NBA All-star weekend competitions.

And there he was, all 5′9″ of him, wowing the crowd and the judges.

As Magic Johnson said, “The slam dunk competition is back!”

Thanks maybe to Nate Robinson.

Life begins when you can spend your spare time programming instead of watching television.

Haven’t watched tv in a while.

If we listened to our intellect, we’d never have a love affair. We’d never have a friendship. We’d never go into business, because we’d be too cynical. Well, that’s nonsense. You’ve got to jump off cliffs all the time and build your wings on the way down.

Never was the kind to take risks before. But something changed and now, I seem to be a different animal.

I think it’s better now.

Less worries. More risks.

Living life one day at a time.

After waiting for a couple of days, finally found out that she got the flowers na.

Nice to hear that.

I’m too messed up right now to figure out what to do next. Just hope for the best, I guess.

Unless you love someone, nothing else makes any sense.

I think I did something really against the universe or something. Because the past couple o days hasn’t been that great for me.

After launching my first product at work over the weekend and having a blast last sunday with T, I went about my usual business and did what I had to do.

Ordered flowers for someone (after getting her address from a friend) and took my first good amount of sleep in a long time. Oh, and I forgot my stuff with T so I didn’t have my laptop with me until I got back to work on Monday.

Monday, the universe starts to mess with me. T left my bag at home and had his driver go back to get it. Nothing majorly bad about this day.

Tuesday, the day of hearts. Was ardently waiting about her reaction regarding the flowers I sent. Went to work earlier than usual.

I forgot my keys at home (office, house, etc). Nobody at the office when I arrived. Luckily, starbucks has free internet and I had my starbucks planner with my coupon for valentine’s (so I had a free drink for myself). Worked at starbucks for the day.

Later that night, I found out my flowers weren’t delivered. Major shit. Went home and slept.

Wednesday, the dust settles. Fix some stuff again at work. Went to work earlier than usual (again). Was running out of cash. Planned to watch a movie with a friend. Late in the afternoon, I had to cancel the movie and then I found out that my flowers still weren’t delivered. Major shit.

Hope today is better.

Whatever I did wrong to the universe, has been paid for.

I’ll just cross my fingers today.

Friendster flowers is now live!!!

You can buy flowers for your friends, relatives and loved ones thru friendster using your credit card, SMART Money account or thru bank deposits in Banco de Oro.

Imagine mo!!!

You can now send flowers to your friends, relatives and loved ones without leaving friendster.

It’s just a matter of a few clicks and a few bucks.

Check it out.

And you get FREE delivery for your orders.

Imagine mo!

I think I had too much coffee today.

Everybody was really busy today finishing a new product.

So, if you want to send your special someone a flower this valentine’s, why not send it thru friendster.

Check it out at: http://flowers.friendster.com/

The Steelers pulled away with a touchdown from Hines Ward on a trick play.

The Bus finally gets one on what may be the last game of his great career.

Such a shame I wasn’t able to watch it live. Just as I was about to turn on the television, the power went out. I had to check the scores in my blackberry.

Her we go Steelers, Here we go!!!

The Steelers are up 14-3 early in the third quarter!!!

Go Steelers!!!

Perhaps the feelings that we experience when we are in love represent a normal state. Being in love shows a person who he should be.

I am now godfather to Zachary Vitug.

He’s the son of my cousin and I attended the baptismal earlier today.

He’s just the cutest thing (I never thought I’d use that sentence).

I guess I should be a good example for him =)

Damn!!!

Too much pressure!

=)

I just read an article from our company blog that’s really cool.

It explains how to increase productivity at work.

Wait a minute, when are we going to the grocery again guys?

The fridge is empty!

In my addictionary,
The one that’s best for me
Is coffee, blessed coffee -
It bolsters my esprit.

I love that rich aroma,
I crave that hot caffeine;
It makes this life much brighter,
My problems more routine.

It’s great up in the mountains,
It’s wonderful at sea,
It lifts me by my bootstraps
Wherever I may be.

There’s nothing wrong with brandy -
That’s dandy apres-ski -
And sometimes I am tempted
To sip a spot of tea,

But coffee gets me going,
Fires up my energy;
It starts the juices stirring
Like liquid TNT.

If I can’t find Hereafter
A decent cup of Joe,
I just might exit Heaven
And try my luck Below.

Today, I ordered something different from my usual doubleshot espresso.

I had a pink guava juice. And it was nice.

As of now, it’s my favorite non-caffeinated drink.

Thanks to Gzel for introducing it to me.

Just got home from Anilao, Batangas.

It’s my third straight weekend out-of-town and I’ve been getting darker each weekend.

But it’s all worth it, as yet again I’ve seen a wonderful place.

Clear waters and a great view.

Too bad I wasn’t able to spend a longer time there to experience more of the wonderful dive sites of Anilao.

I just met a good old friend of mine on my way home last night. I haven’t seen her for years. Nice to know she’s doing fine now.

Used to go to their place when I was a freshman in college.

I remember when she and chex got drunk at a condo near la salle taft. That was something to remember. Hahaha.

Hope I get to meet more of my long-lost friends these next few days. Seem to be on a streak.

Bought me half a pound of coffee beans. It was a bean I tasted last year and I really liked the exotic berry taste.

Really need to save to buy some stuff I want.

So many things to save for.

Finally had lunch with a good old friend of mine. We’ve been planning to meet and catch up on things for so long, and we finally have.

Found out she’s in some sort of diet and she doesn’t eat anything with carbohydrates. I think you should loose the viand and not the rice.

Well, that’s what I think and I’m not yet getting thinner. Hahaha!

It’s been a nice day today.

Corresponded with an old high school friend that I haven’t heard from since high school, and a new friends I met on the way to a mountain.

Was supposed to meet some friends today, but they rescheduled tomorrow.

And I had my favorite cup of coffee today, I missed it for a couple of days. It such a nice feeling to have my favorite cup.

They say that true paradise lies in the heart of man
That maybe so, but I’m ready once more
To run for the cover of my secret hiding place
Where I can burn all the memories of war

Sometimes it’s mountains lakes, high in the Sierras
Sometimes the peaceful shore of Hana Bay
And I’ll take you with me to share every moment
If you will just promise to do what I say:

Bring nothing but silence
Show nothing but grace
Seek nothing but shelter
From the great human race
Take nothing but pictures
Kill nothing but time
Leave nothing but footprints
To show you came by

So very few places that man hasn’t scarred
Taken for granted or taken in vain
I wonder, my child as we lie here beneath the stars
What will be left for your children to claim

Maybe someday you’ll be walking on Venus
Maybe some day you may live in the sea
Remember I taught you to love Mother Nature
For it was she who once gave you to me

I’ve been recently spending my weekends out-of-town in great places that showcase the beauty of the philippines. This is what I’ve always wanted, to go and explore the islands as much as I can.

As for this weekend:

• met new friends (kids at the beach)
• been to a place I haven’t been to
• had a great dinner (talakitok in all the ways it can be cooked)
• I’ve never eaten a fish that big (talakitok), I mean it was 7 kilos and was cooked in at least 4 dishes. It was so big, we had it for lunch the next day too (leftovers).
• It’s been a while since I last went to a beach. And this one really makes up for the lost time. We had the island (Capones) all to ourselves.
• I really need to start saving more money to buy the DCR-DVD205 from Sony.
• Bought some bracelets; and got some for free (my companions bought a lot of stuff from Abdul so he gave me some bracelets for free)
• It was certainly a place worth going back to.

Can’t wait for my next trip.

Went to Capones Island in Pundakit, San Antonio, Zambales this weekend.

We were supposed to go to subic but ended up going to San Antonio.

A friend of my godmother told us it was a nicer place to go to.

And indeed it was.

One of the nicest places I’ve ever been to.

A great mountain range at your back and three beautiful islands just a few minutes from the shore.

Haven’t copied my godsister’s pictures yet so the picture up top is one I got from the web.

You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again.

So why bother in the first place?

Just this: What is above knows what is below, but what is below does not know what is above.

One climbs, one sees.

One descends, one sees no longer, but one has seen.

There is an art of conducting oneself in the lower regions by the memory of what one saw higher up.

When one can no longer see, one can at least still know.

I was invited by a friend to join their January 21, 2006 climb of Mt Batulao, and I said yes.

It was one the best things to do to start off the year. Lose some pounds, gain some friends.

It was the first time I climbed a mountain and I know I’ll be doing this again. The people you meet and the experiences gained in these trips are simply priceless.

I’ll just give you a list of what I remember:

• i now have a new connotation for the word “narnia”
• i now know what spaghetti in a tumbler tastes like
• i learned that not all roads that go up lead to a mountain
• and roads to a mountain may not necessarily be going up
• i learned that mountaineers use a lot of plastic – to wrap all their stuff in
• i won in the bingo game!!!
• i found out i need more exercise =)
• after hours and hours of walking and you think you want to give up, seeing the view at the summit makes it all worth it
• i met some old friends on top of a mountain – hi to rodino uy
• i have even greater respect for mountaineers
• i met 22 people who became my friends
• i want to do it again

Thanks to Chex and to OCMI.

Just had the most surprising question asked by the least expected person today.

My dad asked me when I was getting married!

I answered, “When I find someone to marry.”

I need my friends to survive this world,
to help me seek my goals.
I need my friends to help me through,
and encourage me greatly.
I need my friends to keep me up,
and never put me down.
I need my friends to cherish me,
and bring their love around.
I need my friends to understand,
to acknowledge and forgive me.
I need my friends to know what’s right,
and help me make it easy.
I need my friends to make me glad,
to trust and hold me.
I need my friends to stay with me,
to love and hold me.

In this world there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.

Which is better?

I’ve finally decided to do something that I’ve been thinking of doing for some time now.

Hope it doesn’t turn out to be a tragedy.

Sometimes, when I think of what that girl means to me, it’s all I can do to keep from telling her.

Should I take a risk I took a long time ago that failed miserably?

Should I?

Or just think, what if?

Hmmm…

Sometimes, when I think of what that girl means to me, it’s all I can do to keep from telling her.

We should all get together!!!

And have a Christmas Party!!!

Or are we really cursed to just meet as a complete group at most once a year?

If we won’t stand together, we don’t stand a chance.

I just got my Starbucks Planner!

Would I be using it this coming year?!

Hmmm…

Could be one of my resolutions.

I wish…

Hmmm…

I feel the need to create something.

What should it be?

Any suggestions?

I remember the movie “Seven years in Tibet” where Brad Pitt’s character asks the Dalai Lama (a young kid at that time) why he isn’t worried about the impending attack of the Chinese against his country. The Dalai Lama then tells him simply, “We have a saying in Tibet: If a problem can be solved there is no use worrying about it. If it can’t be solved, worrying will do no good.”

I think that’s what I should do starting now.

No more worrying about anything.

Take it from the Dalai Lama, worrying won’t do you any good.

Just watched the movie “Prime” today, I should’ve watched “Chicken Little” instead.

Some stuff in the movie made me think about things about me.

And at the end of the movie, they don’t end up together.

To think that I hoped they’d at least end up together, shit had to happen.

If anyone asks me, I think age doesn’t really matter in relationships.

And when you find someone that you feel is right for you, you should never let that person go.

I’ll stop right here because I’m starting to get mushy now. I hate it when that happens.

And for those of you who do a lot of “invisible labor”, I think we can agree that it is more tiring the the visible ones.

A couple of days of intense thought and you’ll be down for a week.

Then you take in caffeine like there’s no tomorrow until your body is saturated with it and it no longer works on you.

So just take a couple of days and SLEEP, REST and RELAX.

Off to start my blog.

A place to say what I want to say, how I want to say it.