Hailie

Sunday, February 08, 2009

Of the past and its effects on Hailie

Three pseudo-relationships. All ending up with the guy 'cheating'. End result is Hailie with a broken, nay MANGLED, heart. I remember her saying, a month after the last guy ripped her heart apart and amidst buckets and buckets and buckets of tears, that she'll never love the same way again. Or that perhaps she'll never really love again.

And I thought she meant that she'll never enter a psuedo-relationship again. That she'll stop being so giving. That the next time around, she'll be as heartless as the guys who've broken her heart have been.

That's what she thought as well.

And we were both wrong.

She did let herself enter another pseudo-relationship. She never stopped giving. And she can never bring herself to being as heartless as all those guys who've broken her heart.

So what's changed?

She doesn't know how to trust anymore. Her once blind faith has been totally wiped out...

Perhaps because of her failed relationships, she's resorted to always thinking that her guy will cheat on her eventually. So that when it finally happens, it will be easier to accept. So now, every little thing make her doubt... And she's almost sure that when things end with her current psuedo-relationship, it's because the guy cheated on her.

But she's soon realizing that being in the other end of the spectrum is not a good thing as well. She ends up being too much to bear that she ends up pushing people away.

She badly needs to find her middle ground. Soon.

Feeling:

bored
All ears to: the TV, showing October Road
Curled up in bed with: Tuesdays with Morrie Mitch Albom

Labels: dramaness

| hAiLiE posted at 12:22:00 PM | |

Zenni Optical makes the New York Times

"Seeing Straight Without Breaking the Bank", goes the New York Times' article about Zenni Optical.

I can just hear some of you saying, "Zenni Optical in the New York Times?!"

Oh yes. And why not? Zenni Optical sells Prescription eyeglasses for only $8! That in itself merits it a space in the New York Times. what's even newsworthy is the fact that not only are Zenni Optical glasses cheap, they're also very, very stylish. Take this choice of mine for example (the 4620 Metal Alloy / Stainless Steel Half-Rim Frame):

Aside from this Zenni Optical glass coming in my favorite pink (and also black, purple, blue, gold, gray, and silver), the glass is also uber simple it just screams of class.

So if you're in the market for a really good pair of glasses that does not 'break the bank', head over to Zenni Optical's site.

| hAiLiE posted at 9:20:00 AM | |

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Random thoughts on a lazy Sunday morning

...is fun. But can get pretty tiring. Especially when you've started to invest more than you should.

* * * *

I woke up to a dramatic SMS from a really good gay friend. S/he shared about how a months long unrequited love is still making him/her shed tears. And I honestly, honestly felt the pain.

It's easy to say, "Move on. There are still other fishes in the ocean." but when you're in that position where my friend is (and where I once was - is?), it's hard to heed that advice. Because deep inside, you do know that letting go and moving on is the best thing to do but that no matter what you do you just can't seem to do so. It's not stubbornness; it's that hope that perhaps you didn't make a wrong decision after all and that one day, your love becomes not so unrequited after all. Choosing to hang on may be a stupid decision, but as they say, heart is the dumb blonde of the body and no matter what you tell it, it stands with its stupidity.

All these makes me remember the latest McDonald's commercial...the one that makes me teary-eyed everytime I see it:

* * * *

For some weird reason, I feel like The Cranberries' Linger is my 'song of the moment'.

Sigh.

Feeling:

melancholic

All ears to: Stars: The Best of 1992 - 2002 The Cranberries
Curled up in bed with: A Personal History Katharine Graham

Labels: dramaness

| hAiLiE posted at 10:27:00 AM | |

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Saturday survey

...para matuwa-tuwa naman ako. (Ninenok kay Olai)

1. What is your best friend's name?
Erm, andami nila eh. Hehe!

2. What color underwear/boxers wearing now?
Black lacy underwear. OO, dapat vivid description. Haha!

3. What are you listening to right now?
Secondhand Serenade's "Awake" and "A Twist In My Story" albums. The first one's still way better.

4. What's your favorite number?
For some weird reason, I love the number 8. Must be the curves. ^shrugs^ I also love 25. Because it holds something significant for me (no, not my age)...

5. What was the last thing you ate?
A Crunch chocolate, post breakfast of tortang talong and kanin.

6. If you were a crayon what color would you be?
PINK!!!

7. How is the weather right now?
Sunny and windy at the same time. Come to think of it, the perfect weather to stay out. Pero tinatamad ako, that's why I just decided to stay home and park myself in front of the PC. LOL.

8. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
"TL" Biloy called, asking me if I wanted to transfer to the graveyard shift. (NooooOOOOOoo!!!)

9. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex?
Hmmn. The bukge? Hahaha! Nah...second na lang 'yun. It's the smile. Hehe...

10. Do you have a significant other?
Nope.

11. Favorite TV show(s)?
Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, House, American Idol, and October Road.

12. Siblings?
A younger sister and brother.

13. Height?
5'1"

14. Hair color?
Black

15. Eye Color?
Black

16. Do you wear contacts?
Nope.

17. Favorite Holiday?
Halloween!! Tee-hee.

18. Favorite Month?
Summer months, April and May!

19. Have you ever cried for no reason?
Yes. Because I tend to be a bit on the paranoid side. Haha! Pero binabalanse ko naman...tumatawa din ako for no reason. LOL.

20. What was the last movie you watched?
Sa Cinemas? Hmmn...I think it was "Desperadas 2" with Jen and Loki. Haha! Watched "Malena" at home just the other day.

21. Favorite Day of the Year?
Hmmn. None in particular.

22. Are you too shy to ask someone out?
Sometimes. But mostly not. Haha!

23. Can you do a headstand (not using the wall)?
No...

24. Hugs or Kisses?
Dahil maganda ang sagot ni Olai, gagayahin ko lang sagot niya --> hug AND kisses... and so much more! bwahahahaha

25. Chocolate or Vanilla?
CHOCOLATE, hands down!

26. Do you want your friends to respond to this?
Err, bahala sila.

27. Who is most likely to respond?
...

28. Who is least likely to respond?
...

29. What books are you reading?
Katharine Graham's "A Personal History" and "Ladies' Erotica" (hindi joke 'yung last one).

30. Piercings?
Ears and navel.

31. Favorite movies?
Super dami! But "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance", "Beauty and the Beast", and "Monster" top the list.

32. Favorite football team?
Err, am not into football.

33. What were u doing before this?
Watching "House".

34. Butter, Plain or Salted popcorn?
Buttered and salted!

37. Dogs or cats?
Not much into pets but dogs, I guess.

38. Favorite flower?
Tulips and white roses.

39. Been caught doing something you weren't supposed to do?
HAHAHAHAHA!!! 'Yun lang.

40. Do you have a best friend of the opposite sex?
Yup.

41. Have you ever loved someone?
Yeah. Fell in love twice.

42. Who would you like to see right now?
My college and high school friends! And Jeypi.

43. Are you still friends with people from kindergarten?
Hmmn. I don't think so. Haha, I don't remember who my classmates were back then.

44. Have you ever fired a gun?
Yup, during Sir Palmones's BC 186 Seminar in Broadcasting class. And I wanna do it again!!!

45. Do you like to travel by plane?
Yeah. But I like travelling by water more.

46. Right-handed or Left-handed?
Right-handed.

47. How many pillows do you sleep with?
Usually three. Pero kapag may katabi, isa lang pede na. Hahaha!

48. Are you missing someone?
Yeshie.

49. Do you have a tattoo?
No. I'd like to get one pero papatayin ako nang nanay ko if I ever do that.

50. Anybody on Friendster that you'd go on a date with?
... ... ...

Labels: meme

| hAiLiE posted at 3:19:00 PM | |

I'm beginning to think...

...that I'm just a meantime girl.

Feeling:

pensive

All ears to: Forget About Me A Little Bit
Curled up in bed with: A Personal History Katharine Graham

Labels: dramaness

| hAiLiE posted at 11:02:00 AM | |

Saturday, November 29, 2008

He's coming to the big screen. WHEE!

Lots of things to blog about but I just HAVE to repost this. Taken from Olai:

Oh yes! Oh yes! Oh yes!!! Astro Boy's going to the big screen! Set to come out on October 2009, the movie will be produced by Imagi Studios and will be in 3D. I'm not sure though if that will work well with me. I'd eternally prefer this:

Labels: Astro Boy

| hAiLiE posted at 7:36:00 PM | |

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Movie in triplicate

(A post...FINALLY.)

Got home last night at around 11 pm and I'm now groggy as hell at 6 am, trying to get myself in work mode (yeshie, guilty as charged: am posting this while at work *ibil grin*). But it's all good, because yesterday was such a happy day spent with a good friend, trippin' at the mall. What was supposed to be a trip to have my ears pierced and our feet (or backs) massaged ended up being a movie marathon at Glorietta 4.

We started the after-shift date with James Bond. I've never been a big Bond film fan - fan of Bond actors, yes (Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan, anyone?), but not Bond films. I've never really seen a single Bond film so I cannot explain the aversion, save for maybe because it's just too, uh, manly for me. The "new love interest every movie" doesn't mesh well with me either. So when my friend asked (cajoled?) me to give Quantum of Solace a chance, I was really iffy. But spending for tickets for this Marc Forster-directed film was worth it. Contrary to my prejudice, this Bond film actually had a story to tell. And Forster was wonderful in that he injected a lot of pretty and amazing juxtapositions into the movie. The chase scene right after the movie's OBB was especially remarkable -- I loved how Forster smoothly transitioned Palio di Siena from being a background to a foreground. There were at least two more scenes of the same style, demonstrating the director's mastery of this seat-grasping style. Other things worked to the film's advantage: it was action packed, it still had its share of pretty women fawning over Bond, etc. And oh yeah, Daniel Craig's bluest of blue eyes sure can make a woman glued to her movie seat.

Next up on our movie list was Sex Drive, but not before we had dinner at Wendy's -- a dinner that was both nice and cozy as we got to talk and talk and talk and eat delicious burgers while talking. Sean Anders' Sex Drive (apparently, there was a Tagalog Sex Drive film directed by Robert Quebral) pleased my movie companion as he says he loves watching films where the 'loser' guy end up being cool. As for me, I enjoyed the film: it was good for a couple of afternoon laughs and momentary kilig. Josh Zuckerman, who played the starring role, looks like your typical coming-of-age star; and James Marsden, who played the "tough but apparently secretly gay" older brother, was enough eye candy for the film. I loved how they made Clark Duke, who is not your typical "come hither, I'm hot" guy, the one character that always gets the girl. Seth Green was also just plain lovable. Sex Drive was a little on the predictable side, being a mish-mash of everything American Pie, Road Trip, and Harold and Kumar, but it was still a nice to movie to watch when all you want is to just sit back and have fun.

Speaking of fun, my friend and I had loads more of that as we trooped our way into Time Zone. Karen realized that she misses the arcade. She still loses in linked hoops game and rounds of air hockey but she doesn't care -- she's having too much fun to care. Even with her friend constantly teasing her and calling her a wuss, Karen still remains happily flushed from all the playing.

The night was capped with a dose of Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa, where my friend suddenly felt all tired and apologetically dozed off towards the end of the film. I, on the other hand, laughed my way throughout the movie. There were "aaw" moments as well -- my heart melted when Melman told Moto Moto (the name's so sexy, you gotta say it twice...lol) to treat Gloria like a queen and to bring her flowers ("Tulips are her favorite flowers," Melman dramatically declares) everyday. There were also moments when the movie lagged and I felt like dozing off myself but overall, it was as funny as the first one. Gotta love those penguins!

When the third movie we watched ended, I had no choice but to let go of my friend...lol -- I was still in the mood to watch Burn After Reading but I knew I'd be heartless if I force him to sit through another movie when he can barely keep his eyes open.

The day was uber tiring. But it was fun. I liked that I got to meet his high school best friend, whom we bumped into at the movie ticket line. I liked that we can still sit down for dinner and have honest-to-goodness conversations. And I liked that, at this point, I still am pretty much happy just spending time with my friend...

This is all for me now. Heads up: Baguio post, coming soon.

Ciao!

Feeling:

sleepy but uber happy
All ears to: Broken Secondhand Serenade (plus the office noise, agents taking calls)
Curled up in bed with: The Female Eunuch Germaine Greer and The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty Anne Rice

Labels: Glorietta, James Marsden, Jeypi, Madagascar2, Quantum of Solace

| hAiLiE posted at 6:00:00 AM | |

Monday, June 02, 2008

Roland Garros 2008!!!

Ok, so I've been too busy (or too...heartbroken?) that I haven't really noticed that Roland Garros 2008 (a.k.a. French Open) has already started. Thanks to my channel-surfing uncle, I glimpsed my most-awaited tennis court (clay, baby, clay) being played. It's my favorite, obviously, because it's where my beloved Rafael Nadal reigns supreme.

And he's still raking in the wins.

He has now eased into the 4th round and another Nadal-Federer toss-up is in the horizon. As I'm typing this entry, my baby's making a killing against another Spanish guy -- no. 22, Fernando Verdasco.

I'm getting excited... I live for the tennis season(s)! ^__^;;

Feeling:

excited
All ears to: live performances from Dicta License and Urbandub (listen to them here)
Curled up in bed with: New Moon Stephanie Meyer, Fear of Flying Erica Jong, and Haunted Chuck Palahniuk

Labels: French Open, Rafael Nadal

| hAiLiE posted at 12:47:00 AM | |

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Lesson learned

In an attempt to escape from my reality, I watched 27 Dresses the other day. James Marsden's character said something that struck me:

"I think you deserve more than what you settle for... I think you deserve to be taken care of."

Someday soon, that one person I truly deserve will come walking into my life.

(P.S. I do believe in karma. I'm leaving it all to faith...baby.)

Feeling:

pensive

All ears to: Almost Lover A Fine Frenzy

Curled up in bed with: Haunted Chuck Palahniuk and New Moon Stephenie Meyer

Labels: 27 Dresses, James Marsden, mush, siya

| hAiLiE posted at 5:06:00 AM | |

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

"Hindi bagay sa'yo ang cheap. Hindi bagay sa'yo ang karma."

...'yan ang sabi sa'kin ni Mabie nang mag-kape kami kagabi sa Gloria Jean's V.A. Rufino. Kasama namin si Karl. Tatawa-tawa lang siya. Pero alam ko kahit paano, agree siya sa sinabi ni Princess. Sa panahong 'yun, nararamdaman ko nang nangingilid ang mga luha sa aking mata. Sabay humirit pa siya ng,

"You're too good of a person for that."

Gusto ko na noon umiyak. Pero hindi pa din rumolyo ang mga luha. Sa sarili ko kasi, ayokong isipin na may ginagawa akong ka-cheapan. O na may cause para ma-alarma ako na hahagupitin ako ni karma ng napakalupit. Sa isip ko, this is a way for me to save myself from too much pain. Na ayoko lang matali sa isang sitwasyon kung saan sa dulo ako na naman ang talo.

Pero sa dulo, napag-isip pa din ako. Bakit umiyak ang una kong reaksyon? Kasi alam ko din, kahit paano, tama si Mabie. Slut has never been my forte. I'm playful, yeah. I may be open to try new stuff here and there and willing to learn new things but I've always been the "bubbly, secretly hopeless romantic" one. The one who, despite being a hurt a couple of times, keeps her belief in being happy with just the one. I always fall hard. I keep crushes yeah, but I've always been the loyal one. I still am. But I came so close to being that one girl whom everybody brands as "easy". Nang sabihin sa'kin ni Mambie na I shouldn't be blowing my chances with this one person, 'dun ka na-realize kung bakit ginusto kong umiyak. Kasi naalala ko na in the deepest wells of my heart, I want things to work out with him. That at the end of the day, kahit ayoko lang matali sa isang sitwasyon kung saan sa dulo ako na naman ang talo (gaya nang nasabi ko na), I'd still willingly throw everything away para matali sa kanya. At alam kong hindi ako talo.

At isa pa. Masaya din naman maging hopeless romantic. It's like being a kid forever; which means that even as your classmates tease you so hard, you still hold on to the hope that Santa Claus will give you a gift on Christmas night if you become good all year round; and that the tooth fairy will leave you some cash if you leave your tooth underneath your pillow; and that the Care Bears do exist; and that you can be one of the Bioman if you wish it really hard. Yeah, just holding on to the hope that love can be true and love can be pure and love can -- eventually -- be bliss is a happy thought. Just as much as the feeling of being in love itself.

At doon ko na-conclude...

Hindi bagay sa'kin ang cheap. Hindi bagay sa'kin ang karma. I'm too good of a person for that.

Labels: mush

| hAiLiE posted at 7:24:00 AM | |

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

The first (and hopefully not the last) letter

Dear,

All I expected to come out of our first meeting was a light, cutesy flirting moment. I never thought that that 15minutes of coaching session will lead me to now, a moment when I feel like I'm lost when I don't see you around. When I get paranoid when you don't text back. When I'd feel a stab of jealousy everytime you think of your "alaga". I never wanted things to get this deep. Not now. Not ever.

See, I have commitment issues. This is not saying that we're already in a commited relationship, but sometimes it feels that way. And those sometimes are enough to make me feel guarded. For someone who falls so easily (I hate admitting that but it's unfortunately true), I have a heart that has big, strong walls. I've put up these walls caerfully after being hurt numerous times before. I know that guys can be huge a$$holes at times and that no matter how stubborn my heart can be, falling even to the baddest boy of them all, I'll never, ever be the fist to say, "Hey, I love you." I've never been in a relationship to date because of this. I think it's only now that I realize that I've forever been in pseudo-relationships because of my own choosing. Pseudo-relationships come with the perks of relationships, sans the things that make me fear them: the bounds, the restrictions, the possibility of a heartache. Yeah, heartaches may also come with pseudo-relationships but they hurt less and sometimes are easier to soothe.

So here I am. 25 years of age. With a heart that's been bruised and broken a couple of times. And a defense that, I thought, is harder to break -- especially after my last heartache. Then you come walking into my life. And you come armed with a sensitivity that is slowly melting all my defenses away. And as much as it makes me afraid, I can't deny that I want it all. That despite this sense of an impending heart ache (aren't all love stories built that way -- impending heart aches?), I'm willing to risk my heart once again.

Less than a month ago, I was telling one of my closest wavemates that I'm not going to give in. That despite your oh-so-wonderful words, I'm going to stick to my resolve: that I'm just going to have pure fun. No strings attached. But recently, when you walked into your favorite pizza place and told me you loved me, my resolve dissolved. And I wanted to say "I love you back" but I was still struggling to keep a piece of my old self. I was debating with myself whether what we have is worth leaving my comfort zone. And I think I hurt you by not saying those words back. But I figured if you really loved me, you'll let me take my sweet time.

What's the point of this letter then? To let you know that I love what we have. That I'm happy being with you. That in fact, I've never been happier. But that if I can't say the words back, it's not because I don't love you. It's just that I'm still struggling to keep my ground. To convince myself that letting go of my single blessedness ain't that bad.

Stay. The same way I said I'll wait...

Karen

Labels: letter, siya

| hAiLiE posted at 7:47:00 AM | |

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Hailie's back with a corny post...

Lotsa things to blog about. But I don't have the time right now. So I'm just going to post this entry I've typed weeks ago...sorry for the mush...

"Of Trouble Sleeping"

It was a surprise. Even to me. Finding out that this guy I've been crushing on is more than just a crush. I prolly knew that. But I never owned up to it until that Sunday morning when I cried talking about him. Or perhaps even before that. When I woke up on Saturday night, hard of breathing, afraid that I'll never see him again -- all because I had this bad dream that he died in an accident. I wanted to send him an SMS then and there, just to make sure he was ok. But I didn't want to appear like I cared so much. Sounds crazy, I know. But when you're a woman, experiencing a rare moment of insecurity because object of affection is currently involved with a model whom you're pretty sure has everything you'll never measure up to, you end up feeling there's no sense in trying.

You know how, in your life, everyone you end up liking seem to fall under one category? And then you meet this one person who deviates from your template of the 'likable' guy and you think to yourself, "I'm never going to crush on him." Then boom, one day, you know you're not just crushing on him but you're actually falling for him. Because as you spend more and more time with him, you find out that there's more than that initial reaction of boringness. In fact, you find out that he's everything but boring. What's more, he makes you feel like you don't have to pretend around him. Everything just comes so naturally. It was especially nice when you found out that you can actually drag him to a carinderia and he won't mind. And that he actually enjoys it. Then without a warning, you start thinking about more simple mornings spent with him. More laughters. More talks. And more of those rare, effortless moments that are so mundane but are able to make your heart go aflutter. But just when these moments - or the mere memories of them - paint a smile in your face, he talks about the special girl in his life. Then you realize that these moments only evoke special memories in you and that he'll never see them in the same way you do. Perhaps even then, when you start recalling about these moments more and more, you already felt that you were falling. But since there's this seemingly perfect girl who's making him happy, you tried to suppress the emotions. So hard. That one day, it just came bursting out and you had nothing else to do but confess - even just to yourself - that you've fallen for the one guy you said you never will.

I know this is an overly dramatic post about someone I'm pretty sure is going to stay as just a friend. But sometimes I can't help but wonder why it always has to be a case of unrequited love. And this time, I'm wondering more and more because for the first time in all the unrequited loves of my life, I'm wishing so hard that this is the one that will make me say, "Hey, it wasn't unrequited after all..."

Feeling:

in love, unfortunately
Curled up in bed with: Fear of Flying Erica Jong
All ears to: Is It You? Cassie

Labels: mush, real life

| hAiLiE posted at 6:42:00 PM | |

Sunday, February 24, 2008

New template

Yes, summer is here. And I decided to upgrade my blog's look to match the season. Makes me wish I'm free to go to the beach...I can almost hear the waves chanting my name. And I miss my healthy, sexy tanned look. Puerto Galera, Pagudpod, Hundred Islands, wait for me. I'll be there by May. Hopefully. ^___^;;

Labels: beach, blog

| hAiLiE posted at 10:49:00 PM | |

Simba almost re-emerges

It's a curse, I swear. The first time Karen goes out for drinks with new officemates, she ends up making a fool of herself. The only time it didn't happen was with her Eat Bulaga workmates.

In RMH, when Bacth Zion 'graduated' from voice and accent training, we went out for a celebratory inuman. By the end of the session, Karen was all tears, pouring out her heart's deepest secrets, and unknowingly showing things she would have otherwise kept secret had she been sober. And her hair was all wild and wet, hence making her officemates dub her as "Simba".

In QJ, Karen, Rem, Jerico, and another officemate whose name she now forgets, decided to grab some drinks at a place near ABS-CBN. Halfway through the inuman, Hailie barfed and slept until it was time to go home. Amazingly, she was able to take a cab home without manong driver cheating her out of her money. The driver must have taken one look at her and said, "She's almost dead. It doesn't feel right robbing her." Or Karen just might have been lucky enough to have a really pure-hearted cab driver.

The curse shows itself again last Saturday. After ECE and CCT training, Karen and her wavemates went to Dencio's Paseo Center to celebrate having passed the first batch of training. Karen was her usual self: that means she decided to drink Red Horse using straw. She downed four or five bottles. And whaddya know, Karen fell asleep again. She even needed someone to carry her downstairs after the inuman session. The bad thing was, she was wearing a dress. It wasn't quite a Simba moment but it almost morphed into one. Gawd. I don't know why this keeps on happening to me! *whapak*

So to all my wavemates, sorry that you had to tend to me. Thanks Loki for carrying me. Thanks to April whom I distinctly remember saying, "Takpan niyo si Karen." Thanks to BJ, Mark, and Alex who all had to go out of their way to take me home. I swear guys, I'm not always like this. Tee-hee! Babawi ako next time. One round's on me. *winks*

Feeling:

woozy
Curled up in bed with: False Impression Jeffrey Archer
All ears to: Future Urbandub and Dicta License

Labels: real life, work

| hAiLiE posted at 6:09:00 PM | |

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Blogging hiatus

I am on blogging hiatus. Aside from my PC breaking down, I am also undergoing graveyard shift training, making it diffiult for me these days to go online. So to all my cyber friends, I apologize if I'm not able to drop by your sites as often as I can. Once I get my groove back (and my PC fixed, of course), I'll go and make my usual rounds of your pages.

Okay, since I'm online I'll go and post some update on what's been happening.

I've left my module writing job and started on a new higher-paying (*winks*) job. I never thought I'll be going back to the call center industry but here I am, on my sixth day at a new call center. This time though, I won't be an agent but a communication coach, which is why I decided to take in the job offer in the first place (and the pay is, of course, very, very appealing as well). Teaching is my thing, I think. I feel most special and worthy when I am able to help out other people. And being a communication coach will allow me to be sort of a teacher. I also realized that I work best when I'm in the night shift -- I am awake until 5am most days anyway and my mind is always a-buzzin' at night time. In the morning, it's just dead. Beside, working at night makes it easy for me to lose weight. Yay! Perfect timing for the beach season.

So yeah, I'm once again in the call center business and I hope that this will be the job (and company) that will make me stay put for more than just 11 months. Wish me luck everyone! Details the next time I go on line.

* * * *

Oh BTW, belated Happy Valnetine's Day everyone. Did you know that "Condom Awareness Week" was launched on February 14? Ain't that weird?

One more day 'til the end of "Condom Awareness Week". So, borrowing a phrase from one of my friends: NO GLOVE, NO LOVE!

Ta-ta!

Feeling:

giddy
All ears to: Complex Dicta License
Curled up in bed with: False Impression Jeffrey Archer

Labels: real life, work

| hAiLiE posted at 6:01:00 PM | |

Friday, February 15, 2008

Best identity theft protection with LifeLock

With the expansion of the worldwide web and the increasing popularity of online shopping that sometimes requires one to provide information that can easily be tapped into by technology evil geniuses, probably everyone is so afraid of one thing: identity theft.

When I worked as a call center agent before, not a day will pass by that I will not get a caller who has been a victim of someone posing as him/her. Good thing that there are now websites that offer the best protection against identity theft. And LifeLock.com just might be one of the best website of that sort to date. Not only do they assure you that your identity will remain exclusively yours, they also offer hefty discounts that make identity theft prevention so much more affordable.

LifeLock Promotion Codes has already helped lots of ordinary people keep their identity secure. Using a LifeLock.com Promotion Code will allow you to enjoy one of the best identity theft protection programs available for a really tempting discount. LifeLock is very confident that they can deliver a good job, they re the only company that stepped forward with a guaranteee to their identity theft protection services: a whooping US$1,000,000! This only means that if they fail to keep your identity secure, they will shoulder lawyer, accountant, investigator, and case manager fees just to restore your credit and good name. But hey, no worries, nobody is known to have had reasons to incur this guarantee yet.

Money is but a small price to pay to keep you and your loved ones safe. But if you feel like other identity theft protection services are justa tad too expensive, go ahead and use a LifeLock.com Promo Code and get that very needed discount. You won't get disappointed.

| hAiLiE posted at 6:23:00 PM | |

Friday, February 08, 2008

Post-WGA strike

The WGA Strike is abo0ut to end. And about time! Fans are getting restless, waiting for their TV series to resume. But we do know that the end to the writers' strike does not necessarily mean our TV addictions will immediately jump back into new episodes. So, where does this end to the strike leave our favourite programs? TV Guide has the answer.

It's nice to know that Criminal Minds, Desperate Housewives, CSI, Grey's Anatomy, and Ugly Betty are going to get new episodes and that House and Heroes are not exactly being axed (a TBD is better than a "never going back"). One question though: where's Avatar?

Feeling:

curious
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: the Loco Roco Theme

Labels: Avatar, Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, Heroes (TV), House (TV), Ugly Betty, WGA

| hAiLiE posted at 3:07:00 PM | |

Looking for a good medical school? Easy.

I've been teaching oral communication and skills for IELTS to nursing students in the past five months now. The kids that I teach all have dreams of making it big in their chosen field. Hence, they know that to make it in other countries - the States particularly- they need to still acquire further learning.

With lots of medical schools popping up like mushrooms, one might think it will be hard finding the right school. With Medical Career Training though, finding the right school for medical careers is a breeze. Aside from nursing schools, they also have a great listing on ultrasound technician school. So if you're thinking of scouting the market for a place where you can better yourself as a nurse, an ultrasound tech, a healthcare IT, etc., check out Medical Career Training - they have the best listings of schools from nursing schools down to ultrasound tech school. I know I'll be recommending the site to my students!

| hAiLiE posted at 2:58:00 PM | |

Dreaming of Paris

If there's any place in the world for which I'd give anything just to visit, it would have to be Paris, France. In pictures, Paris is breathtaking, kind of like a place where you can pretend to be a princess.

I've been so fascinated by the place that every once in awhile I find myself scrounging the 'net not only for drool-worthy Paris tourist spots but also for hotels in Paris. Reality check makes me realize though that Hotel Paris just might be too expensive (when and if I do decide to fulfill my dream travel) for my taste. And, based on experience, it may also be a little too stuffy. Hotels do give you a wonderful view into a city but they do have a tendency of taking away that "authentic" feeling of being in a place. A friend of mine suggested that instead of a hotel, I might want to consider a Paris bed and breakfast. He's been to Paris twice (lucky, lucky kid) and his latest Paris adventure landed him in a bed and breakfast. He says that Paris bed and breakfast is the best way to actually enjoy Paris. You get to mingle with Parisians, which means you get to hear the oh-so-romantic French being spoken and you get insider tips on the must-visit places, shops, and restaurants.

All these talks of Paris is again driving me into looking at Paris bed and breakfast then I'll daydream about the day I'll finally afford to actually be there...

Labels: Europe, Paris

| hAiLiE posted at 2:46:00 PM | |

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

A new high (low?) in fangirlsm

Photoshop does take fangirlsm to new heights:

Thanks to Ryan M. Tee-hee! ^_^;;

Feeling:

better
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: Torpedo Eraserheads

Labels: fangirlsm, Photoshop, Rafael Nadal

| hAiLiE posted at 8:52:00 PM | |

Of diamonds and engagement rings

Simplicity at its best. That's what the James Allen website is all about. The clean and super accessible web page makes the site so beautiful, almost as beautiful as the diamonds and rings that they have for sale. JamesAllen.com does have a wide selection of anniversary rings and wedding rings that it almost makes me wish I am getting married.

Well, JamesAllen.com does have other diamond jewelry available and hearts' day is just around the corner. If you're thinking of wooing me by Valentine's head over their site. Y0u'll stumble upon a lot of things that will make me über happy. +winks+

| hAiLiE posted at 4:51:00 PM | |

I am 2:11 a.m.

Stumbled on this on Mika's LJ. She got me hooked when she wrote, "the questions sounded smart". Besides, it's interesting to know exactly what time of the day you are. I got an interesting answer:

Your time of day has a split personality -- sometimes it's sweat-streaked and loud, and you're on the dance floor, getting your third wind, and shouting lyrics like you'll never run out of energy. You are the time of night that carves itself into your memory forever, because you'll never forget how much you love these people and this moment and this song. It's not always about unforgettable parties, though. Sometimes your late night (err… early morning) burst of energy happens when you're home alone. Those are the times when you say, "I flat out refuse to go to sleep until I finish reading this book, or typing this page, or reorganizing my entire closet." In either case, you are the time of night when it feels sort of forbidden to be awake, but you love accomplishing something special long after everyone else went to bed. And hey -- you can always catch up on sleep tomorrow, right?

The answer is so freaking true! I just feel most awake at around 2 in the morning. When all my housemates will be sleeping, I'll have a hard time getting some winks as my mind will go, "Wait, time's a wasting. There's still so many things to do!" It's at this time that I usually try to finish a book. Or squeeze in a few more episodes of "Ugly Betty" or "Coffee Prince" or "America's Next Top Model". It's also during this time that I try to finish a few more of my office work.

The quiz is such a fun one. I encourage everyone to try it out. ;-)

Feeling:

frustrated
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: Ale Bloomfields

Labels: meme

| hAiLiE posted at 3:39:00 PM | |

Get your money's worth with Price Point office desks

I remember back in 2006, my previous company decided to transfer offices because the company was expanding and the current space is just way too small. Being close to our operations manager and our HR assistant, I was able to pick up some word on how difficult it is to actually find quality office furniture that falls within the budget. They were most concerned with the office desks, because those that they see around look like they'll give in to heavy weight. They finally decided on buying the expensive desks, in the belief that they are of good quality.

Lo and behold. Two months later, the desks - already out of warranty - started to show signs of weariness. And the company had to buy new ones.

If I've only known about Price Point office desks back then, I could have tipped off our operations manager and saved our company lots of money. Price Point desks have been servicing UK offices for two years now. And they have certainly established a name that's closely connected to simplicity, affordability, and durability. Their offering? Instead of the 18mm thick top that most desks have, Price Point comes with 25mm thick top. Also accounting for the sturdiness of their desks are the double upstand legs and 2mm thick edging (compared to other desks' 0.6mm).

Perhaps the most inviting feature of Price Point desks is the price. Their desks sell from £53 (to look at what's being offered and to check out the price listings, click here) -- definitely a huge difference from the £125 our company paid for new desks back in 2006. To top it all, Price Point Desks come with an eight year guarantee.

If you're thinking of buying office furniture, please don't make the same mistake as my former company. Think quality within budget and get your money's worth with Price Point office desks.

| hAiLiE posted at 3:16:00 PM | |

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

More awards and tags

Got some really nice tags and awards from one of the nicest cyberfriends I ever had, Hye. Here's the awards she bestowed on me:

This award says, "It feels great to have a friend like you" - the very same thing that I want to say the sweet lady who gave the award (and the same thing I want to say to those whom I shall pass the award to - Kistna, Macy, Annabs, Fran, Angel, Chochi, Mabie, Rem, and Jex).

This pink one is something that Hye herself created. She dubs it as a "small token to all my friends who had been great and wonderful visitors and commentators of Space of Reality". It was a super nice gesture and it's very much appreciated! It's not hard to visit her blog everyday, anyway. It's a fun read and very intellectually stimulating. As I mentioned before, if you're looking for braingasm, visit her site as well. You won't regret it. =)

On to the tags, all from Hye as well...tee-hee!

I'll skip the tag about defining love because I haven't really found the time to stop and think about it. I think love is something I just take as it is and has never really defined up to now. I'll try to define it before the day of hearts (which is coming pretty, pretty soon).

The second tag is about my five favourite posts: one will have to be about my family, one about my friends, myself, something I love, and the last will have to be of my choice. Here's my rundown:

1) [Family] Isang masayang mini-family reunion sa Pansol, Laguna -- This one is actually on my Multiply account. It's a collection of photos taken during a family reunion.

2) [Friends] Puerto Galera 2007 (Anna's and Jean's cameras) -- Still on my Multiply. But I love this post because it commemorates the 10th anniversary of a wonderful friendship.

3) [Myself] Advice ni Hailie para kay Karen -- It's in Filipino but to those who won't be able to understand it, it's a testimony to how vulnerable I can be when I fall truly and deeply in love but it also attests to the fact that I'm strong and can pick up after a bad break-up. Hailie is Karen and Karen is Hailie, this post sees my stronger side talking to the hurting side of me and telling her that all will be okay.

4) [Something I love] Hailie's simple joys #2 -- Just goes to show how easy it is to make me happy. I get ecstatic over the simplest things.

5) [Anything goes] Pochoy!!! (^_^)v -- Because I'm super in love with Pochoy. And along with that is my love for the band Dicta License. Since they have decided to disband last November (*weeps*), I've decided to reserve the last spot for them.

Now on to the list of Things/people I love and hate...

The "HATE" list:

* People who smoke while in public utility transportations
* Racists and discriminatory people
* Garbage lying on beautiful landscapes
* RATS!!!
* And COCKROACHES!!!

The "LOVE" list:

* My family
* My friends
* Smart, funny, and socially aware guys
* Blogging
* Colours and colouring books
* Anything Hello Kitty
* My iPod
* The DS Lite (which I'm about to get in a few weeks!)

Anyone who stumbles upon this and fancies doing the tags above, feel free to do so. ;-)

Feeling:

loved

Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: 3 Libras A Perfect Circle

Labels: blog award, meme

| hAiLiE posted at 10:00:00 PM | |

A great guide to online casinos

Online casinos are big nowadays. But with so many online casinos, one can get iffy to try out any casinos that's spotted in the worldwide web.

That's when GambLux.com comes in. The site's homepage has a lot of things going on but the seemingly cluttered first page fulfills what GambLux.com is all about -- presenting a detailed (and up-to-date) information of the best casino online. Aside from dishing out a very useful casino guide, this site is also an amazing gambling portal. Click on the very accessible links above this site and you'll have in your hands access to a variety of games: baccarat, blackjack, poker, roulette, and so much more.

So if you have money to spend and is wondering where you can place your money, head over to GambLux.com.

| hAiLiE posted at 9:07:00 PM | |

Monday, February 04, 2008

Let's play slots!

Ever since I saw Las Vegas, I've always dreamt of going there and trying my hands on those slot machines. Alas! I'm already 24 and have yet to see an airplane going to the Sin City.

That's why I'm thankful for Sloterix, the (yes, the) oldest slot site in the worldwide web. For a website that's old, Sloterix just keeps getting better and better. Take for example their new site design that screams "Clean, simple, and FUN, FUN, FUN!!!" And if you've never tried playing slots before, this site also dishes out useful slot info. Plus they're also continually increasing their offering of amazing online slots game. No wonder the number of their registered players keep on increasing everyday!

| hAiLiE posted at 8:19:00 PM | |

School essays made easy

Since the recent holidays have been a witness to so many reunions with high school and college friends, I got nostalgic as of late. I remember the friends that I met, the terror teachers that I had, the teachers that helped shape my life, the fun and the sad times, and the lessons that I learned. Aside from that though, another vivid memory that rushed into mind were the endless papers I had to write. Oh the torture.

In another of my web-browsing moments, I've discovered that a lot of websites now offer essay services. One such website is Custom-essay.org. With a wide array of UK and US writers, the website allows students to buy essays that are done by a complete professional. The practice may seem a little dubious at first but the custom research paper, which is 100% devoid of plagiarism, only serve as aid for students to churn out really good reports. With a detailed and well-researched essay, a student now has an easy time to write a smashing A+ paper. Let's admit it, it's not so much the writing that pains us - it's the painstaking research. With Custom-essay.org offering to eliminate that headache-inducing process, writing will be such a breeze.

Oh lucky, lucky students. Kinda makes me wish I'm a student again!

| hAiLiE posted at 8:03:00 PM | |

Hailie's simple joys #2

Buying this made me really happy today:

Feeling:

super happy
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: Jenny Click Five

Labels: simple joy

| hAiLiE posted at 6:55:00 PM | |

Review: Repertory Philippines' Hamlet

/5 stars

Got another set of free tickets for a Repertory Philippines' play. This time, I got to watch "Hamlet" as directed by Ms Ana Abad Santos-Bitong. The director describes her "Hamlet" as Hamlet "stripped to its core". I'd say the description is pretty accurate. Instead of an uptight Prince of Denmark, whom we see in a lavish environment and is expected to speak in British accents and wear those oh-so-uncomfortable looking tights (no they're not sexy, even if they hug so close to the crotch), we get a Hamlet that's in rugged (leather?) clothing living in a land that rings true to my image of Saudi Arabia (sand, baby, sand).

"Hamlet" started with a bang. With an emphasis on red lighting, the audience can get the sense of fear that the director surely wanted to establish. Although the scene that succeeded the opening was a bit disappointing, the play picked up and lived up to its grand opening.

The play, being such a long one ("Hamlet" is considered one of Shakespeare's longer plays) had some glitches. Joel Trinidad's Claudius kept on losing his audio. It was a good thing that my friends and I were in the first four rows and were still able to hear him when his mic went bonkers - but what about those who were seated far away from the stage? There was also this minor glitch with the lighting, where all the lights onstage were lit and everybody could see the stagehands setting up the props for the next scene - supposedly, only a spotlight on Horatio is on.

But these were but minor glitches. I'd say despite these glitches, the play deserves 4 stars out of 5. This fresh take on the classic Shakespearean tale is indeed a welcome change. The acting was also superb. I felt Hamlet's pain, Ophelia's sorrow, Claudius' repentance, Laertes' hatred, and so much more.

I love Shakespeare's plays. But I must admit that most of the time, onstage, I have a hard time understanding his words. But Repertory's rendition of "Hamlet" did not pose that problem. Sure, there were still throw ins of "thou", "thine", "thy", etc. but the language used were fairly understandable.

Though I'd say "Tuesdays with Morrie" is still the better play, "Hamlet" still provided good entertainment. It was a good way of spending a Sunday afternoon. If you're a big Shakespeare fan, go grab a ticket - Repertory Philippines never disappoint.

Labels: reviews, Shakespeare

| hAiLiE posted at 5:52:00 PM | |

Friday, February 01, 2008

New month, new Neopet

Since I'm starting to get really hooked on Neopets again, I decided I'm going to make a new pet every month.

Since it's the first of February (happy new month everyone!), I have just created a follow-up to my beloved Veeva2008:

His name's Rhettbuttler2008.

And yeah, I have now decided on the 'theme' of all my NeoPets. If you know where I picked Rhett's name, then I'm sure you can easily guess the theme.

Feeling:

happy
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: One Minute Man Missy Elliott

Labels: Neopets

| hAiLiE posted at 6:12:00 PM | |

My very first award!

Hurrah for the very first award that I received. This one's from smart Hye (if you want a real braingasm, drop by her site -- she usually throws in questions that really stimulate your brains to think).

Thanks, Hye!

Passing this on to Macy, Annabs, Tonton, and Myx.

Feeling:

ecstatic
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: Big Girls Don't Cry Fergie

Labels: blog award

| hAiLiE posted at 5:17:00 PM | |

The perfect new glasses

My friend has been bummed for a week now because she was unable to purchase that "oober funky eyeglasses" (her own words) that she's been fawning over. She thought that the glasses will be the perfect replacement for the corrective graded glasses she lost some time back. Of course there were other glasses she could have bought but since she's into being stylish as well, she just wouldn't settle for anything else. Until I showed her my Great Discovery: Zenni Optical. Then she started fawning over this:

3940 Stainless Steel Designer Temples Half-rim Frame

Aside from being available in her favourite purple, Zenni Optical $8 Rx Glasses also fit well into her tight budget. And with an affordable clip-on sunshade that is perfect for the coming summer, she can now truly say "Best Thing Found: Zenni Optical".

| hAiLiE posted at 3:33:00 PM | |

Ga-ga over blank t-shirts

My friends consider me as one of the trendy ones. For one, I love wearing platform go-go boots in this god forsaken tropical country. I also have in my closet a collection of pretty trench coats that I can only wear once in a blue moon. Another favourite of mine are cute tank tops, complete with laces and frills. But even in my desire for clothes that scream "Look at me!", my closet will never be without the ever comfortable, always in style t-shirts.

Despite my love for the trendy clothes, I am still admittedly a big fan of t-shirts – one can never go wrong with just a simple shirt (and a nice pair of jeans). Lately, I've been going ga-ga over blank t-shirts because they're easy to customize. So imagine my joy when I encountered this website that sells cheap quality t-shirts.

Wholesaledirectusa.com has got to have one of the (if not the) widest selection of wholesale t shirts online. Their wholesale shirts come in all sizes (from small to 8X-Large) and colors (of course I'm raving over the fuchsia, red, and pink ones but there are also other pretty picks like royal blue, Kelley green, the classics black and white, etc.) possible. Aside from that, there are also really cool shirt types – they sell wholesale urban wear like HOOD shirts 7.1 and 7.0 plus long sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, golf-polo shirts, ladies' polo shirts, and even kids' shirts. I especially like the fact that they also sell baby doll and spaghetti tops. They will surely go well with my own brand of clothing.

If you're also thinking of doing decent business, shirt selling will definitely hit the spot. And with Wholesaledirectusa.com's affordable offers, you can surely rake in good profits. I've actually recommended the site to a friend of mine who's thinking of venturing into a signature shirts business. She swears she's going to order her blank t-shirts from them. I personally am placing some orders on pink ladies' tops - and in as soon as 24 hours, I'll already be rockin' those t-shirts!

| hAiLiE posted at 2:50:00 PM | |

Online billiard just got better

Billiard has always been a big thing in the Philippines ever since Efren "Bata" Reyes started dominating the game, giving young Filipinos someone to emulate. Now while I'm not really interested in taking Bata's place, I'm surely interested in playing the game. I think it's more than just hitting balls and making them shoot in the pockets. It's a game of strategy and whoever is the smartest, wins the game.

Unfortunately, I don't have the smarts to actually succeed in real-life billiards. Thank god for online billiard - I get to play the game and get some practice to prep me for the real thing. Now if you ask me what the best online billiard site is out there, I'd have to say BilliardMagic.com. Aesthetics-wise, their site is very pretty. And easy to use. Everything is laid out in the front page and texts are big enough to see and click (even the graphics are very sleek and not too distracting).

When it comes to variety, BilliardMagic.com also takes the cake. Their site has a wide range of cue games: you can now play snooker, pool, 8-ball, and 9-ball all from one website. My cousins and I are currently addicted to the online snooker game because the 3D environment is just amazing. Besides, we're only just learning the basics of snooker - thanks to the tips and advices that the site also boasts of.

Now if you're the competitive type and you feel like you play like a pro but is not quite ready yet to face the billiard biggies, this site also has billiard tournaments that pits you against really good players from around the globe. And that's another thing that you might like about BilliardMagic.com: it lets you meet interesting people from different parts of the world.

Indeed, BilliardMagic.com is more than just an online billiards site. It is a complete package.

| hAiLiE posted at 12:50:00 PM | |

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Revisiting America's Next Top Model past cycles

If you've been looking for me the past few weekends and were unable to locate my whereabouts, I was just at home. Doing DVD marathons. What can I say, I'm a couch potato.

Anyhoo, since school has hit the midsem and I'm once again burdened with checking paperworks, recording scores, and churning out my students' grades, I've put Ugly Betty aside (I'm missing Christopher Gorham already). And of course, the 2008 Australian Open has given me a new preoccupation.

I can never work in a quiet environment. And sometimes, music alone can make me sleepy. Now that Ugly Betty has been put on pause, I needed something that will accompany me in the wee hours of the morning as I labour over my students' grades.

That's when I rediscovered America's Next Top Model. Sometime last week, I got hold of DVDs of the said show, cycles 3 to 9. I've already seen cycles 3 to 8 on TV (ANTM is actually one of the reasons why I think the etc channel is *love*) but I think the show is worth revisiting - it makes me relive my childhood dreams of becoming a model (I've long given up on that dream when I realized that my height is stuck at 5'1").

Without a plot to follow, ANTM became a perfect companion while I cry over student essays. The show may sometimes feature catty, irritating girls (it's a competition, what can one expect?) but the Tyra Banks-created show has also given me girls I can totally relate to, love, and admire: Eva Pigford, Joannie Dodds (I loved Danielle Evans but I still think Joanie should have won), Renee Alway. But my all-time favourite ANTM contestant (and winner) will have to be Naima Mora.

The first time I saw Naima, I just fell in love. She's edgy and pretty at the same time. And with all the spunk she projects, she just has the sweetest and the loveliest voice. I feel like if I'm going to talk to her, I'll be so entranced. I'm just so in love with her! Last night, I finished cycle 4 (I started with cycle 8 then back to 3 and 4) and I still get goosebumps while watching her dance (second to the last episode) and work that pretty, pretty runway (cycle 4's final runway remains my favourite).

My company later will be cycle 5...I'm not too excited though. I don't like Nicole Linkletter that much. She's...blah. Pretty yes, but I just didn't think she should have won as America's Next Top Model. I'm actually thinking of skipping cycle 5 and go straight to Joanie's cycle. Haha...

Anyways, I still have some modules to write and some papers to check. Before I go, I'd like to know everybody's thoughts on America's Next Top Model.

Oh well, ta-ta for now!

Feeling:

giddy after three cans of Coke
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: Bubbly Colbie Caillat

Labels: ANTM, Naima Mora, Tyra Banks

| hAiLiE posted at 8:43:00 PM | |

Coming soon: my friend's 'funky' guitar business

My friend has been talking about setting up her own business soon. She has this funky, edgy concept of designing personalized guitars. She even has a catchy name for the said business. The business has not started yet but she already has a customer base of three.

Yes, three. So I tell her, "Hunny, you're not going to earn money with just three customers." And so we think of strategies on how she can boost her customer base. Perhaps the most vital plan that we came up with is setting up her own online store - that way, her funky guitar designs will reach the international market. And we all know that there are just so many rockstar wannabes out there who'd like to get started with a really unique guitar that will eventually become their trademark.

Now there are a lot of eCommerce software out there that my friend can use. Taking cue though from another friend who is already reaping success with her online store (she's selling statement shirts), I suggested that my 'guitar' friend also use Ashop Commerce's shopping cart software. Since she's basically a noob, this shopping cart software will be perfect for her. It is very easy to set-up and she does not need advanced HTML skins to have her own shopping cart. And since this eCommerce software is affordable and offers free tech support, it will be a great start for my friend's business.

Now if you're a rockstar wannabe who wants to have a funky guitar, watch this page. I'll let you know when my friend's online store goes live.

| hAiLiE posted at 7:01:00 PM | |

The "Leave a comment, receive a reply" promo

I actually got this idea, and the title, from Ainj. Since I left a comment in his blog and received a reply, I'm returning the favour right here.

Leave a comment and I'll reply by answering the following.

1. I'll respond with something random about you.
2. I'll tell you what song/movie reminds me of you.
3. I'll pick a flavor of Jell-o to wrestle with you in.
4. I'll say something that only makes sense to you and me.
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory of you.
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of.
7. I'll ask you something that I've always wondered about you.
8. If I do this for you, you must post this on your journal.

Fight!

Feeling:

sleepy (haven't had any sleep since 10 a.m. yesterday)

Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell

All ears to: Over It Katherine McPhee

Labels: meme

| hAiLiE posted at 2:36:00 PM | |

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

The 2008 Australian Open, The 2008 French Open, Rafel Nadal, etc...

The 2008 Australian Open was, in one word, interesting. For one, the men's singles finals was devoid of a Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal - a first since 2005. Next, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, a number 38 tennis player (and Congolese...he probably was the first - somebody correct me if I'm wrong), gave a surprise performance, overtaking #14 seed Mikhail Youzhny, #9 seed Andy Murray, #8 seed Richard Gasquet, and - it hurts really to reminisce this *weeps* - #2 seed Rafael Nadal to reach the finals. The finals is another interesting moment: Novak Đjoković becomes the first Serbian player to win a Grand Slam singles titles (not just an Australian Open title, mind you). And oh yeah, Đjoković is the first player since 2004 to beat Roger Federer in straight sets.

The women's singles finals was also a noteworthy event. Although the crowd favourite Maria Sharapova won, it was still pretty much historical. Sharapova (whom I super love, BTW) became the first Russian woman to become a champion in the Aussie Open. And Ana Ivanovic giving a good fight also made the women's finals an engaging watch.

Now the Australian Open has wrapped up. And the next Grand Slam event, the Roland Garros Tournament a.k.a. French Open, won't happen until May 25. I'm excited - I expect my favourite (Rafa Nadal, duh?) to make a killing.

Speaking of Rafa, I read somewhere that the next tennis event he'll be participating in is the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships. Does anybody know if this is being shown in the Philippines?

I can't wait for May 25!!!

EDIT: My bad. Rafa's next tourney after the Australian Open will not be the Dubai Tennis Championships but Rotterdam/ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament. Same question, will this be shown in the Philippines?! (I doubt it. Bummer.)

Feeling:

like pornstar (LOL)
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to:

Paghilom Dicta License

Labels: Australian Open, French Open, Maria Sharapova, Novak Đjoković, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer

| hAiLiE posted at 10:30:00 PM | |

Falling in love with computer games all over again

Ever since I worked for a gaming website, I have become a gaming addict. I used to not care about computer games but having my eyes opened to such wonders as the Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii surely made me snap and pay attention. But not everybody can really afford these nice, shiny gadgets right? This is why I've always loved independent game developers - they make gaming so much more fun. And affordable of course!

Phelios has given me my dose of computer games as of late. They have everything from RPG, classic arcade games, to sports games, down to my favourite puzzle games. I am, admittedly, a Windows user. But if you're a fan of Steve Jobs and is more comfortable using Mac, the guys over at Phelios has a lot to offer you as well. They have Mac games like Mac mahjong and so much more.

Now I'll leave you guys for awhile - I have yet to finish checking out their tycoon games (being the Broadcast Communication major that I am, I'm super in love with their TV Tycoon)...

| hAiLiE posted at 8:00:00 PM | |

Monday, January 28, 2008

Damian 2k mini get-together: 26 January 2008

I think at one point in our lives, we get over high school and realize that that point in our lives was something we all just had to get through. It is not the be-all and end-all of things.

But this does not mean that we forget about everything in high school. If anything, high school is the richest source of memories. And friends...

Hence, it was a nice thing to actually have a mini get-together with some of the most memorable people I met back in high school.

My high school is a blur of memories and girlie writings (I've unearthed the journal I used to write back then and I cringe at how immature my writings were) but a few people stayed vivid in my memory. And perhaps one of the most vivid of them all (the most vivid, of course, being my high school barkada) was Damian 2K - my fourth year section. We dubbed ourselves to be the section of student leaders, talented individuals, and young, bright minds and well-rounded people. We took pride in each others' accomplishments. And, together, we also achieved a lot of things.

Stephan (taking cue from a suggestion of Floyd's), arranged a small "reunion" of sorts for what most of us considers as the best section of our high school life. And after eight long years, Damian 2K reunites. Only six people were in attendance - Kistna, Rica, Karen Lyn, Rac, Stephan, and myself - but it was surely good for starters.

Here's a peek at the night of Japanese food, Fuzion desserts, good talks, and fun company (more pictures here)...

Feeling:

still sleepy
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: Over It Katherine McPhee

Labels: Damian 2K

| hAiLiE posted at 6:11:00 PM | |

I've been tagged...

Number 1
From Macy: For One More Day
(This was such a long time ago...but I only got around to hearing the song this weekend)

After hearing the "For One More Day" soundtrack, Ordinary Day, Macy threw us this question (the same question Mitch Albom threw to Oprah): "How would you spend one more day, with someone you loved and lost?"

If I'd have one more day with someone I lost, it will definitely be with my Tia Ly. Her death was so unexpected because I always saw her as someone strong and smiling and healthy. It surely came as a shock to me upon knowing that she was ridden with cancer. Because it was my graduating year and - I now have the courage to admit it - because I was then in denial that such a terrible thing can be happening to her, I spent so very little time in the hospital. Yeah, I did pop in every now and then but I never stayed too long in the hospital. Seeing one of the very few people I truly loved and admired lying in bed, helpless, it made me feel helpless as well. That was why back then, I tried to stay away from the hospital as much as I can. But when Tia Ly died, it was heart-wrenching and I suddenly wished I did not clam up at the sight of her weakening body.

If, like Charley Benetto in the book, I was given one more day with Tia Ly, I'd tell her everything I never got around to saying. I will thank her for all the years that she stayed with me and my family, for all the help she unconditionally gave us. I will apologize for being such a brat at times and I will tell her that, eventhough I rarely say it, I love her very much. And that she should be proud for raising three beautiful, responsible individuals.

Not being able to say these words to Tia Ly in person will forever be one of the biggest regret of my life. But I'm sure she can still hear them, wherever she is...

Side note: Mitch Albom's For One More Day is, in my opinion, the best he's written so far. If you want an easy, heartwarming read, this is definitely the book you're looking for.

Number 2
From Hye: How Happy Are You?

You Are 84% Happy

It's unlikely that you know anyone happier than you.
You know how to be happy, no matter what life throws at you.

How Happy Are You?

I wonder where the 16% went? It bothers me, really. Because I like to think of myself as a really happy individual. But there are times when I think that all the happiness is just a way of masking the pain I feel inside. This seems to validate that thought.

But I guess it's better to mask all the pain...it makes life easier to live. And nobody can really be a 100% happy, right? Sadness is still an essential part of life - it makes us appreciate those moments that make us truly happy.

Feeling:

sleepy

Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: All At Once The Fray

Labels: meme, Mitch Albom

| hAiLiE posted at 3:53:00 PM | |

Friday, January 25, 2008

Roger Federer, NOOoooOOOoo!!!

Okay, Federer and Djokovic's semis match is on its second set. And Federer is trailing behind, 7-5 and 4-1. Will this be, as Loi has dubbed, a year of upsets? Or, if we'll be optimists, a year of underdogs?

I love underdogs. But since I won't have Nadal in the finals, I was hoping Federer will be there at least.

Feeling:

happy still, even with this news...it's still payday...lol

Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: Kuwentuhan Sugarfree

Labels: Australian Open, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer

| hAiLiE posted at 5:56:00 PM | |

Have more fun (and more winnings) with poker

Orange is such a nice color. It's very pleasing to the eyes. So imagine a site that's just rich in that color, is very easy to use, and helps you increase your winnings in poker. That's what MagicHoldem is all about.

Known for their Poker Odds Calculators, which a lot of users have testified to have helped them win like pros, MagicHoldem also offer poker tips and poker advise. Their Poker Odds Calculator not only increases your winnings, it actually lets you enjoy the game more. Because, as those who were smart enough to have used it, a lot of the nerve-cracking decision-making is put off your shoulders. Now if you want to see those poker winnings increase big time, head over to their site and give the free trial a go. I'm pretty sure once you see those money increasing big time, you won't stop with just the free trial. ;-)

| hAiLiE posted at 5:31:00 PM | |

Personal loans sans the headaches

I've said it before, but I'll say it again: sometimes having a job does not guarantee that you will have 'unlimited' supply of spending money. If anything, working only equates to having bills and more expenses.

The frustration of being able to earn your own money but not actually having enough to spend on other things that you want to buy (like in my case, my gadget love DS, Wii, and iPod Touch) or invest on (I've always fancied having my own computer shop or a really small production outfit) makes me want to apply for a personal loan. But based on what my friends have experienced, personal loans can be a pain in the ass. Especially now that the economy seems to be falling, I reckon getting a personal loan will be so much harder than it already is.

Then comes America One. They tend to take away the nightmares connected with personal loans. They promise that with them, applying for loans will go like a breeze. No collateral is actually needed, just a good current credit standing. What's more is that America One also boasts of a professional staff that is always ready to help you out...for free!

So if you're thinking of getting a loan sans all the headaches that seems to be associated with it, head over to America One.

| hAiLiE posted at 4:40:00 PM | |

A virtual upset: Tsonga defeats Nadal in Aussie Open semis

Nadal and Tsonga, Australian Open 2008 semis

I was still at work, far away from a television set when Loi sent me this SMS: "Are you watching? Rafa is losing to Tsonga (who looks like a tsonggo)".

My initial reaction was, "What? No. Where's the TV? I need to watch this!" But as I said, I was faraway from the TV set and the rational in me said that I cannot go home just to watch the match. So I just asked Loi to keep me updated.

At around 7:30, 8pm, he told me that I can officially weep: Nadal lost to the Frenchman -- 6-2, 6-3, 6-2. It was really a huge upset, especially since Nadal is ranked 2nd and Tsonga not even seeded in the Top 30 (he's number 38, to be exact). It was more upsetting because, well, where will I get my Nadal fix now? Damn that Tsonga! I wish Federer will make him weep and bleed during the Finals!!!

On a happy note: Look at the picture above. Rafael Nadal has to-die-for muscles! I can just imagine being wrapped in those arms. +cue daydream+

Feeling:

happy because it's payday
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: Torpedo Eraserheads

Labels: Australian Open, Rafael Nadal

| hAiLiE posted at 11:26:00 AM | |

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Mario is <3

Mario never fails to amuse me! I can't explain why, but I laughed a lot while watching this clip. Maybe it's the concept of Mario being so afraid of taking his dry cleaned clothes? Or his lame (albeit cute) attempts to thwart the bellboy? Or perhaps it's simply because he's Mario. And he still looks oh-so-adorable in those red and blue overalls!

Feeling:

like a giddy school girl
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: Last Train Home Lostprophets

Labels: Super Mario

| hAiLiE posted at 2:02:00 PM | |

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

In need of a vacation

I remember saying the other day that working is fun. Mostly because earning your own money is a different kind of high. But after a few months of working, everything can get pretty stressful. Especially in my case: I am juggling two very demanding jobs and I'm actually working 14 hours a day - more on days when I have to check papers, compute grades, and take home unfinished module pages. It is at this point in time when I tell myself, "Gahd, I need a vacation."

My dream vacation destination has always been Europe. Occasionally, I'll find myself looking at tourist places in France, Britain, or Ireland. Then sometimes I'll fancy myself staying at hotels in Spain and experiencing the Tappas bars or the seemingly heartless but nevertheless must-see bull fights. A stay at hotels in Barcelona is also a nice option. In this place where Picasso was born, I can immerse myself in the rich history of the place. I can go see the La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's wonderful architectural works, and so much more.

Europe offers more than the popular places I've mentioned, though. Daydreaming that i can already afford to take a leave from work and go backpacking in my dream destination, I stumbled upon CheaperthanHotels.co.uk (which is a good site if you're 'shopping' for affordable places to stay in when going to Europe). The discovery opened my eyes to other destinations I can list in my "must go to before I die". The site, which lists cheap hotels in Malaga, said that I can visit that pretty place in Spain and take a peek at the Picasso museum and Caves of Neria. The site also points me to hotels in Palma, a place where one can find the Caves of Drach and one of the largest underground lake, Lago Martel.

I was uber glad I found this site. I'm actually keeping tabs on it for when I can actually stop dreaming about going to Europe and actually be able to go there. Perhaps with the help of CheaperthanHotels.co.uk, my dream vacation may actually happen sooner than I thought. For those who can now afford my dream vacation, go check out the site. It might save you buckets and perhaps you can afford to treat one deserving young lady to a trip to Europe. *winks*

Labels: Europe

| hAiLiE posted at 6:04:00 PM | |

Heath Ledger: In memoriam

I woke up to a shocking news from Jex: Heath Ledger is dead. And after a few minutes of denial, Myx and the Internet portals told me that it's time to face the truth.

I first fell in love with Heath Ledger in, uh-huh, "10 Things I Hate About You" (I hate the way you talk to me/ and the way you cut your hair/ I hate the way you drive my car/ I hate it when you stare. / I hate your big dumb combat boots/ and the way you read my mind/ I hate you so much it makes me sick/ it even makes me rhyme. / I hate the way you're always right/ I hate it when you lie/ I hate it when you make me laugh/ even worse when you make me cry/ I hate it that you're not around/ and the fact that you didn't call/ But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you/ not even close, not even a little bit, not even any at all.). But I fell for him the hardest in "A Knight's Tale". I fell so hard that I watched the movie three or four times in the cinema! And who would forget Heath Ledger in "Brokeback Mountain"? Okay, I wasn't really in love with him in that movie but I was in love with his acting. He has proven himself to be one of the edgiest, most original actors in Hollywood.

Heath Ledger may have the "personality of a cardboard" (Gino's words) but his cinematic persona is very commanding. I admire him for his ability to tackle a variety of roles. I believe him to be a man of intense talent. He sure is a great loss to moviegoers and lovers.

Heath Ledger...I'll miss you...

P.S. Yes, there were sleeping pills beside Ledger when he died but an autopsy is yet to be done. Best we steer away from the 'suicide' talks until anything has been confirmed. Respects to the family of the guy I once dreamt of kissing. XD Surely though, his death will rake in more interest in the already much-talked about "Dark Night".

P.P.S. Ledger's death got me thinking, "That's it! I'm really tracking down Josh Hartnett, Devon Sawa and Jonathan Jackson. And I'll tell them, "Drugs are very bad. they make fangirls like me really, really sad."

Feeling:

really sad
Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Halliwell
All ears to: All at Once The Fray

Labels: Heath Ledger

| hAiLiE posted at 2:01:00 PM | |

Monday, January 21, 2008

Weekend recap

Sisters' bonding on a Saturday

I received a nice surprise last Friday: an SMS from Loi saying that he has free tickets to Repertory Philippines' "Tuesdays with Morrie". My sister and mother being big Mitch Albom fans (I like his books, I'm just not as huge a fan as the rest of the family), I grabbed the chance to make use of the tickets.

The play was a beautiful start to a great sisters' bonding day - my mother was not able to join us because she already had a previous engagement. It was such an emotional play and my sister and I silently let our tears fall as Morrie tries to break down Mitch's hardened outlook in life. (Read my full review over here.)

After the play, my sister and I trooped to Cubao. We had dinner at Shopwise's cheap selection of fast food because we were both on tight budget.

Since my sister had her first taste of a paycheck last Thursday (woohoo!), she treated me to a full body massage at our favourite spa in Cubao, the Heaven and Earth Spa. Side story: The Heaven and Earth Spa has this sign on the door that says, "Clean massage only". Because it is situated right across Eurotel, people apparently mistake it for one of "those" kinds of massage places. True to their word, they only give "clean massage". And a good one at that.

The lovely "clean" massage ended at 10 p.m. and since Anne has duty at 6 a.m. the next day, we decided to call it a night and went home to rest our sleepy heads in bed.

* * * *

Karen becomes an "Ugly Betty" fan and a Christopher Gorham lover

Okay, I'm kinda late when it comes to riding in the "Ugly Betty" love bus but the two weekends has turned me into an Ugly...Betty addict.

I've always loved America Ferrera. And I found her adorable as Betty Suarez. She gives the character the right mix of being confused, smart, composed, and charming.

I did not open up to "Ugly Betty" immediately despite my huge love for America Ferrera because I thought the show will be a tad too boring for my taste, just like its Colombian counterpart "Betty la Fea". But because I failed to find the Daniel Henney DVDs I've been searching for, I settled for "Ugly Betty" (and Cycle 8 of "America's Next Top Model"). Now, I'm really glad I did.

I'm finding the show super funny. Wilhelmina cracks me up with her witty, sarcastic lines. And it's nice to imagine, once in awhile, that I'm living the fast-paced life of those working in a fashion magazine.

And yesterday, I think in my third hour staying glued to the sofa, munching on cheez curls, and immersing myself in Betty's life, I met Henry Grubstick. And fell in love (yet again). Ain't he such a hot geek? While surfing the 'Net for some info on this cutie, I found this and almost fainted:

Christopher Gorham is so yummy.

* * * *

Speaking of yummy...

I haven't been able to watch the Australian Open the past few weeks but I was able to catch a glimpse of the Rafael Nadal-Paul Henri Mathieu match (which Nadal won as Mathieu threw in the towel at the second set because of an injury). Then I realized: Rafael Nadal is so sexily tanned and buff these days. Yummy indeed.

* * * *

To cap it all off...

I'm really loving this pregnant (and naked) Christina Aguilera picture at Marie Clare's January 2008 cover:

Feeling:

just great

Curled up in bed with: If Only Geri Haliwell
All ears to: Paghilom Dicta License (aaargh...I miss them already!!!)

Labels: America Ferrera, Australian Open, Christopher Gorham, Rafael Nadal, Ugly Betty

| hAiLiE posted at 6:36:00 PM | |

Review: Tuesdays with Morrie The Play

/5stars

I would never really list Mitch Albom's "Tuesdays with Morrie" as one of my favourite books. I liked it. It was truly a book of meaningful life lessons. It's just that the book, for all its tear-jerker moments, swings to great heights then flops down really low only to pick up and take you to highs again when the book was just about to end. The book is a sure-fire crier but it became boring during the mid-part that it took me three months to actually finish the book.

That didn't stop me though from getting curious with Repertory Philippines' staging of "Tuesdays with Morrie: The Play". And when a good friend of mine offered his complimentary tickets, I knew I just had to go see the play.

To be perfectly honest, I came to the show half-expecting it to be boring - I mean, just how much excitement can one get from a two-character play that is surely going to be mostly talkies?

Jose Mari Avellana and Bart Guingona gladly trampled my expectation. Though there really was not much excitement, the play was anything but boring.

Jose Mari Avellana was a really charming Morrie Schwartz. His voice was very engaging that I can't help but wish that he was also a college teacher of mine. And everytime he'd utter, "Extra credit?", I would always feel the urge to go on stage and to take on the offer. My favourite Morrie moment was when he was talking to this "phantom" Janine. He was so sweet and cute and I'm pretty sure everybody in the theatre was remembering the moments when they'd sit on their grandfather's knees and listen to him telling a story.

Bart Guingona was also an effective Mitch Albom. He knew exactly when to pause and leave the audience wanting to hear more of what he has to say. His anger was powerful yet a bit controlled that the audience does not hate him for being aloof towards Morrie. In fact, with the way Bart Guingona portrayed Mitch, the audience reaches out to him. I personally wanted to go up to him and tell him that his Uncle Mike's death was not his fault and that Morrie is actually giving him that chance to say goodbye - a chance that he never got with his beloved uncle.

I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one who was captivated by this show. In the scenes where Morrie was nearing his death and Mitch was finally starting to soften up and enjoy his visits, the shushed audience broke into sniffles - it was as if everyone suddenly got a cold.

I'm glad I watched the play. Though the tickets that I had were free, I'd say money won't go wasted on this Repertory offering. The play was, in all honesty, better than the book. Jose Mari Avellana's and Bart Guingona's acting conveyed powerful emotions that Mitch Albom's words alone has failed to evoke.

*Edit: I got the names of the actors jumbled. Haha! Fixed that now. Thanks to Kathy for pointing out the error. ;-)

Labels: Bart Guingona, Jose Mari Avellana, Mitch Albom, Repertory Philippines, reviews, Tuesdays with Morrie

| hAiLiE posted at 3:47:00 PM | |

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Farewell, Brad Renfro!

Although most - okay, all - of my Tiger Beat and Bop magazines were bought because of Devon Sawa (and occasionally because of Eddie Furlong), I won't deny that I also spent some "I'm still young, I can do anything with my time" pre-teen hours scanning Brad Renfro's pictures (who actually read the Bop and Tiger Beat articles?).

Now, although I'm not a big fan of Brad Renfro, it sure is sad to learn that he just passed away. He is very young at 25 and it is too bad that a talent such as his has gone to waste...

...and oh yeah, I learned from Mika, who was also the first person I know to blog about Renfro's death, that Jonathan Brandis committed suicide?!?! (Yahoo! Search says "yes".) This makes me want to round up all my poster boys and make sure they're all safe from drugs and alcohol. But what makes me think they'll all listen to me?!?! LOLz.

Feeling: shocked
Curled up in bed with: For One More Day Mitch Albom
All ears to: Hedonism Skunk Anansie

Labels: Brad Renfro, Devon Sawa, Eddie Furlong

| hAiLiE posted at 3:17:00 PM | |

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Super Smash Bros. Brawl delayed

Being a big fan of the Wii and a lover of the still-to-be-released title Super Smash Bros. Brawl, I should be sad of this little piece of news: Super Smash Bros. Brawl will no longer bear a February 10 launch date; release of the much awaited game is now cited as March 9. The game's official website reads:

Due to delays in the completion of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, we’ve had to change the release date of the game to Sunday, March 9th.

I deeply apologize to the people who have looked forward to playing the game for so long and ask that you hold on just a little longer. Thank you for your patience.

Yet, I'm not sad. I don't think I'll be in possession of a Wii by March 9, anyways. So the news does not affect me. But just in case you're one of those lucky, lucky ones who already own a Wii (curse you) and who have been saving their precious money to be one of the first few who'll be able to play this game early February, this news is for you. Just think of it as having more time to save up for the game. ;-)

Feeling:

still like a kid

Curled up in bed with: For One More Day Mitch Albom
All ears to: Follow Through Gavin DeGraw

Labels: Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Wii

| hAiLiE posted at 5:00:00 PM | |

Me want a DS Lite. NOW!

I've made up my mind: I'm finally getting a DS Lite!

I've been meaning to get one since...erm forever. Okay, not really forever, but I think for a year and a half now, the top spot in my "must have gadgets" list always belong to the cutesy Nintendo handheld (with the MSI S262 YA! Edition laptop coming in as close second - mostly because its pink and not because of any jaw-dropping features it might have). I fell in love with the DS Lite when Sony and I had a falling out and I stopped being in love with its handheld, the PSP. But with everything I needed to pay in the last year and a half - bills, my sister's tuition fee, allowance, etc. - the DS Lite (and everything under it) was soon forgotten.

Recently, though, I visited my one-time office. Former officemate and friend Chochi bought herself a DS just before Christmas and she was so excited to show me the black beauty that is her DS. It was pretty, pretty, pretty, pret -- Karen, stop.

Okay, it was pretty. And though I'm still very much in love with Mario Kart DS and Coooking Mama (whom I've learned has become the ultimate sell-out with the sequel Cooking Mama 2: Cooking with Friends, which lets players customize the way Mama looks), what convinced me that it's high-time I get myself this pretty, pretty toy was this:

The video you just saw was for Taiko Drum Master Portable (Taiko no Tatsujin DS). It's not exactly a new game but I only recently got acquainted with it. I had so much fun in this sort of drum/rhythm game. The song choices were oh-so-cute. Okay, so my fingers are ill-coordinated and I was bad at the game but what matters is I had so much fun!

I swear, before February ends, I will have my own DS Lite! And anybody who knows me will know what color my DS Lite will come in. (Although I wouldn't mind getting this yellow one.)

Feeling:

like a kid
Curled up in bed with: For One More Day Mitch Albom
All ears to: the office's very, very noisy AC

Labels: Cooking Mama, DS Lite, Mario Kart DS, Pikachu, Taiko Drum Master Portable

| hAiLiE posted at 2:33:00 PM | |

On Improving Thyself

I have never been a big fan of self-improvement magazines, books, and websites because they almost always turn out to be boring reads. Though I sometimes let myself fall prey to what these personal development materials say, I almost always never imbibe them. The writing just falls flat, making it hard for me to actually remember what is being said.

The Diet Mind Spirit site just might be the exception. The site is an amalgamation of articles from different websites but what make it unique are the short introductions that prelude the actual article. By picking up from popular lit (I especially liked the reference to Silence of the Lambs) or by putting funny, shocking titles, the site is able to grab the attention of anyone who wishes to get information about self-improvement. The website is even updated daily, giving the personal development-junkies their daily dose of articles.

Body mind spirit - these are three aspects that Diet Mind Spirit focuses on. And whether you're looking for a good aromatherapy place, DVDs and books for self-help, inspirational stories, lifestyle tips, etc., this site sure has it under its bag. So if you're big on those kinds of things - I am most certainly now a convert - give Diet Mind Spirit a visit and enjoy exploring all those witty articles!

| hAiLiE posted at 1:30:00 PM | |

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Reasons for going to Divi

I have been meaning to go to Divisoria the past few weekends but something always comes up or I get bitten by the lazy bug and I end up staying at home.

Now, though, I have the perfect reasonS to risk getting manhandled by the many people who troop to cheapskate heaven:

Seducing Mr. Perfect

My Father

Coffee Prince

Spring Waltz

I can't wait to get my hands on these DVDs (three of which star my current poster boy, Daniel Henney)!!!

Feeling:

in love with Henney
Curled up in bed with: Enheduanna in the 21st Century Eileen R. Tabios
All ears to: Over It Katherine McPhee

Labels: coffe prince, daniel henney, Divisoria, spring waltz

| hAiLiE posted at 9:11:00 PM | |

I'm on Technorati!

I've always loved Technorati. It has helped me a lot when I was still working for a gaming website. And now, I'm on Technorati! Woohoo! Check out my Technorati Profile, aight? See yah there.

| hAiLiE posted at 4:34:00 PM | |

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

I have a pet!

Meet my new pet:

Her name's Veeva2008 (yuck, korni!). I have always loved NeoPets but I've always been too lazy to manage my account and my pets end up dying (poor, poor NeoPets). Now, though, I'm online most of the time and the past few days, I've been finding myself repeatedly browsing to the NeoPets site. After a hundredth visit, it hit me: Why not create an account now? With me online 18hours/day, I'm pretty sure I can squeeze in a few minutes (err, hours) taking care of my NeoPets. (Yeah, it took me that many visits to realize that I can create an account after all, instead of just browsing at the site wanting to own a NeoPet!) And voila, Veeva comes to life (erm...sorta).

Now, if you guys will excuse me, Veeva is already hungry...

Feeling:

bored and sleepy
Curled up in bed with: For One More Day Mitch Albom
All ears to: Mamaw Michael V.

Labels: Neopets

| hAiLiE posted at 7:26:00 PM | |

Looking at silver linings

As much as we want to believe that we and our loved ones will always stay safe, reality is very far from the truth.

Just recently, I learned that a very good friend of mine was confined in the hospital. At the young age of 22 (or 23?), she had cysts appearing on both her ovaries. But as we are believers in the old saying that "Everything has a silver lining", we're thankful that her doctors were able save her ovaries. And she can still hold on to her hopes of her having her own child in the future.

Now, while it may be true that we cannot stop our friends from being ridden with disease, it is also true that when they do get [terminally] ill we can at least help them make their journey a bit better. Thank God for the Internet, which now makes it easy for us to search for ways on how to take care of ourselves and the people we love.

It's true though that sometimes, when a person is terminally ill and (and, not OR) terribly old, it can get pretty tiring to take care of him. Although I personally don't approve of nursing homes (I'd rather retain my mom at home, no matter how cranky she can get), it is good to know that there are indeed care homes (it's a much better term, neh?) that will treat your parents/relatives/loved ones right. Now, if you do decide to put your beloved in a care home, you no longer have to worry that the nice nurse that helped her settle is not a mass murderer in disguise...

| hAiLiE posted at 4:53:00 PM | |

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Random Quote #1

Seen posted in a PUJ...

Kung pangit sa tingin ng iba
di bale na,
kaysa maganda
dinadali naman ng iba.
-Bos'n Er Schiffahrt

Pamatay eh 'yung pangalan ng "nagsambit" ng quote na 'yan. Sounds shala, neh?

Feeling:

feeling uber pretty...harhar!
Lost in: The Female Eunuch Germaine Greer
All ears: Always All Ways Lostprophets

| hAiLiE posted at 6:28:00 PM | |