This entry will officially be the 100th post for this blog. Yay! I'm very positive about this! Since day one I've always just wanted to share my love of dogs, books and life in general. Less drama and negative vibes, the better. Nothing left to do but to continue blogging and hopefully improve by posting meaningful materials and subjects. Though not that ambitious, if I have slightly entertained and helped one person through this blog, then that would be more than excellent.
And just to make this post extra special, I will do random thoughts and opinions in one go. Excuse me, I just had a huge slice of birthday cake for breakfast and 2 cups of coffee. Sugar and caffeine rush to the max!!
1. Happy Mornings
First thing I do when I wake up is to see my dogs in the morning. Sorry. But I don't look at my phone. I don't read, I don't watch the news and I don't eat breakfast. Everything else can come after.
Ever since I got Bruce I have this strong conscious effort to go out and spend the early mornings with them. At first I tend to test Bruce. Then I play with all of the dogs and pet them endlessly. I observe them from afar and occasionally reprimand them for something stupid they're doing. Most of the times I just chill with them, sit on a chair and talk to them. If I can, I also squeeze time to read and surf. Anything that I feel like doing, I always make sure that they're there with me in the morning.
In this moment of 6:30 - 8 am, I am the calmest. I don't know what kind of affect dogs have on me, but problems seem to evaporate into thin air and clarity of thought just flows in naturally. If I have to figure something out, I get my ideas by hanging out with my dogs. Some people get their ideas by exercising, I get my drive and ideas this way. I think that's just how it goes.
And would you believe it, in these simple moments, I feel I'm the luckiest and happiest girl in the world. No shit. If something bad comes along, I have this to hang on to. Everyday, for just a couple of hours, getting to do this, makes me love my life more.
2. 12-21-12: END OF THE WORLD
Here's my take on this.
Believe what you want to believe, I'll give you that. You can build a man-made bunker like what a Columbian businessman did. You can even emulate methods of self preservation by the doomsday preppers featured in Discovery Channel. You can hold end-of-the-world parties, name end-of-the-world margaritas, force yourself to forgive someone, lose your virginity, flood Facebook with innuendoes and news bits. I don't care. I promise, I won't be annoyed. Do what you have to do for your beliefs.
But here's mine. End of the world will happen when end of the world does happen. We may have tons of predictions and theories out there, but no one really knows for sure. It's unknown. A lot of people tend to claim they've seen it, read it and predicted it, but in truth they can never know. A lot of things can happen. Even natural forces play suspense sometimes. If it's our time, there's pretty much nothing we can do about it. I could be typing here and have a portion of my heart blocked so I suffer from a heart attack. I might be eating cake and choke with no one else to seek for help. I may be driving or walking under a construction site and blocks fell on me. I could think of 101 pathetic ways to die. I'm not being morbid or anything, in fact I'm treating this positively. I just acknowledge the fact that our deaths, though a natural existence, will always be a mystery. So it's up to us to enjoy life and not focus on death. And if by enjoying life that means you want to be a certified doomsday prepper and build a modern day Noah's ark, be my guest! If that makes you happy and that means you're enjoying life, then who am I to stop you as long as you let me enjoy mine?
If the end of the world does come, I hope I'm with my loved ones and my dogs, probably drunk and happy and not stuck in traffic or something. But if I die pathetically, please take this as a confirmation that I lived a very happy and fulfilled life.
Okay, it's 9:11 AM Manila Time. I'm still alive. Seriously, are you really even surprised?
3. The Hobbit
I've read the Lord of the Ring Trilogy when I was in High School. I only read it once and obviously I've forgotten the details. I love the story and the dynamics of creatures, but I'm not what you would really consider a hardcore knowledgeable fan. I do have The Hobbit book, but I haven't read it. So I don't know what to expect in the movie except that it's obviously about a Hobbit and apparently about Warrior Dwarves.
Here's the thing. I find Hobbits and Dwarves cute, but I'm not fan of them. Initially I'm more for team Elf.
Me: I wish they could've featured first how elves ruled middle earth, with excerpts of hobbits and dwarves of course, but Elf-Kings did rule before right? It would've been cool.
JD (Brother): Dwarves are cool. Why do you like elves so much? Because they're pretty?
Me: Yeah. They're slim, pretty and have long hair.
JD: I thought so.
Me: Superficial traits aside, they're very articulate, collected and wise. And they're very clean.
JD: Yeah, do you know that in the LOTR movies, notice Legolas only had this one streak of mud in his face. It's not even a mud, but a sorry state of a soot and Aragorn and Gimli's beside him looking like dirt bags. It doesn't look right.
Me: That's why they're Elves. Their skin is not human skin. They immediate repel dirt. And what we humans have as melanin, they have like these glow beads or something.
JD: Where did you get that?
Me: It's implied....in the books. (I have no idea...fiddling)
JD: You're making it up.
Me: Go check on it.
JD: All I know is elves are creepy. They stare at you all the time and they talk funny. Dwarves are cool. Hey, which one is bigger a hobbit or a dwarf?
Me: What kind of a stupid question is that? Don't you know anything? I thought you were an LOTR fan! Tsk! (I honestly don't know who's bigger!)
JD: I really don't know. I haven't noticed. Who's bigger then?
Me: Bigger taller or bigger sturdier? (Deciding on an answer)
JD: Is there a difference? Do you even know in the first place?!
Me: Er... Dwarves or course, idiot. (Hoping it would be right)
After the first few scenes, we see Dwarves being bigger than the Hobbit.
Me: See, told you. Be more observant next time.
And with this movie, I can say that I saw Dwarves in a different light. I have more respect for them now than before. Dwarves may be small, dirty and uncouth, but they are very courageous to the point of being stubborn. They have a high sense of loyalty and brotherhood. They're very industrious too. They are not afraid to work and render physical labor. These are courageous and honest beings that are not afraid to get dirty. And surprisingly, they are very handsome too. If Elves have big ears, Dwarves have big nose, but they do have their own handsome traits with them. Elves are slim, Dwarves are masculine. I'm now confused.
Though not a very serious and action-packed version, the movie is a visual spectacle and a fun adventure. It's a cliff hanger too so don't be disappointed. If there's one thing I learned about this movie is that Dwarves are bigger than Hobbits and that Dwarves do not all look like Gimli. Haha!
4. Suspension of Cebu Governor
If I was a respectable official who was found guilty of ill display of power by no less than the office of the president, my commander in chief, I think it's a spat on the face on the president if I disregarded the order and camped in my own chambers. It will look like I've gone dramatic or mad with power. Where's the political maturity and dignity in that?
If it were mere accusations without a rightful platform or proper evidence for investigation, then by all means stay and fight. But if there was a just decision at hand, I think no matter how hard one has to swallow the findings, it is our responsibility as mature individuals to accept the decision.
I'm sure she has done well for the province, but I don't think camping in the city hall to maintain her grip in power would put her in a good light. Just reeks drama and immaturity to me.
5. Hike Taxes in Sin Goods.
That means alcohol and cigarettes. I don't mind. I'm not your so-called drinker or smoker. I could care less. And just by saying that, I could hear violent reactions from friends. Let's face it, these are very harmful to one's health and has addictive qualities. One way to curb down the appetite for these goods is to increase its tax. Now, with the excess collection, government has thought of noble ways to give back: improve healthcare facilities and give subsidy to tobacco farmers. Hopefully they could also lessen taxes in more staple and less harmful products as well. Something has got to give, and if ever we need to sacrifice something, it better be the goods we can definitely learn how to live without.
Here's the thing. Though the intention of the government may be noble, I do hope that they really maximize this measure and put the funds to good use. Tax it, but use those taxes wisely. If these excise tax are bound to be corrupted, it's a totally different question.
6. RH BILL
Thank Goodness we might see this law approved before the year ends. I love life, but I am pro-choice. It's about time that couples and most especially women are given the right avenues to information to improve their reproductive health and to make informed decisions on family planning, child rearing and protection from sexual health risks.
RH Bill aims to educate and promote control. And I think that's just what the government instilled. It should not be romanticized as a means to divide people. Government was tasked to provide order and think of the wellbeing of the country. Though it values the teachings of the church, one has to act in its conscience, free will and informed analysis to make things right for the greater good. Church is separate from the Government. It's better that way.
7. Miss Universe
We could've one. Philippines could've one. We had the best answer in the top 5 Q&A competition. I think whoever thought USA and Valenzuela's have more profound answers should be examined in the head. But this is Miss Universe after all and women from all over the world are gathered there solely for one shallow thing. Beauty.
Everyone is beautiful, sexy and tall at the competition. But judging beauty is always going to be subjective, always according to the taste of the highly respectable judges. So I think the question and answer portion part or the talent competitions are just means to separate and pick out a few candidates from a sea of beauty. It doesn't mean that if we nailed the Q&A portion, we get the crown. There are various computations that we don't see. Everything gets averaged. What if Philippines indeed won the Q&A part but USA and Valenzuela excelled the talent and beauty competition? Do we fully know the criteria to do our own analysis?
Philippines could've won that's true, but the Q&A portion is not all there is to it. I'm just happy we got through top five and finished 1st runner up. Not only did we prove Filipinas are beautiful, but we are hell smarter too. They may get the crown, but we get eternal glory.
8. Bulletproof Backpacks
Utah based american combat apparel company, Amendment II, is now making bulletproof backpacks for kids. The same backpacks they could take to school and use whenever there's a psycho out there to gun them down. According to the company, the backpacks are now sold out and they're already on a reservation basis.
I know that necessity promotes invention, but I'd really hate to think this as a necessity. Thanks to the Connecticut massacre, everyone is practically left vulnerable to the next madman. I don't blame them, but this just sucks.
9. Iphone 5 or Samsung Note 2
My HTC phone already gave up on me after 2 years. It was a pretty quick deterioration if you ask me. Quite disappointing. And I'm not the type who downloads stuff. I only do Facebook, which I think is pretty harmless. Everyone who knows me know that I'm not tech-savvy. I only text and call and if there are advanced features I could use to enhance my texting and calling experience, I'm all for that. But I can't say that I'd go out of my way to download games and stuff. I depend on my phone for messages and information. That's it.
So I'm getting a new phone next year. I've no choice. And I'm torn between Samsung Note 2 and iPhone 5. I've held and seen both from colleagues last week while I was on vacation. Both are highly recommended and powerful smart phones and I'm sure they can serve me well. But I'm not the type to scrutinize heavily on specs. Both give good visuals and eye candy. Both are light and functional, but I admit I'm drooling over the size. I have big hands and texting in my small HTC, I've realized, gives me a very hard time. In that regard, Samsung Note 2 edges iPhone5 a bit. Let's see.
10. Forever 29
I'm turning 29 next week. Weird cause I don't feel like 29. When I was a kid, I see people in their 20's as old and super mature like real full blown adults. I was in for a surprise. The 20's is a confusing decade and pretty much a trial and error phase. People in their 20's are old enough to decide and act on their decisions, but some decisions are still questionable. We are adults, but somehow who still have the license to have fun and be stupid. We are allowed to do drastic and stupid moves. We may change careers, we have this generic perception of success and we try to figure out what we really want in life, not in the textbook sense, but real long term desires and in specifics this time.
This is when people decide to change their lives too. Party people tend to sober down, people in long relationships tend to decide their futures and professionals start to make names for themselves. They could always dig their holes and claim their land. It all starts here. It seems in our 20's it's still okay to make mistakes and have meaningless fun, but it's expected that we get a bit serious when we hit 30.
I'm already at the edge. I'm kissing goodbye to 20's and I'm anxious. Don't get me wrong. I'm not scared of aging, it's inevitable. But I think I'm more anxious on the fact that I expect more from me when I hit 30, and not just me but society and my family in general. I hope I'm equipped and stable enough to start a new decade because I would definitely have different concerns by that time. I hope I could give justice to being 30 because seriously at this point I really don't feel like 29. I think I've matured to some extent but is there something wrong if I feel like I'm still 25?
I know it's just a number, but with age it's no denying that we are getting older. I'm just more anxious if I have what it takes to be 30 in this world and if I have the grace to start a smashing new decade. 29 is my last hit on the 20's, and I'll definitely make this count.
And just to make this post extra special, I will do random thoughts and opinions in one go. Excuse me, I just had a huge slice of birthday cake for breakfast and 2 cups of coffee. Sugar and caffeine rush to the max!!
1. Happy Mornings
First thing I do when I wake up is to see my dogs in the morning. Sorry. But I don't look at my phone. I don't read, I don't watch the news and I don't eat breakfast. Everything else can come after.
Ever since I got Bruce I have this strong conscious effort to go out and spend the early mornings with them. At first I tend to test Bruce. Then I play with all of the dogs and pet them endlessly. I observe them from afar and occasionally reprimand them for something stupid they're doing. Most of the times I just chill with them, sit on a chair and talk to them. If I can, I also squeeze time to read and surf. Anything that I feel like doing, I always make sure that they're there with me in the morning.
In this moment of 6:30 - 8 am, I am the calmest. I don't know what kind of affect dogs have on me, but problems seem to evaporate into thin air and clarity of thought just flows in naturally. If I have to figure something out, I get my ideas by hanging out with my dogs. Some people get their ideas by exercising, I get my drive and ideas this way. I think that's just how it goes.
And would you believe it, in these simple moments, I feel I'm the luckiest and happiest girl in the world. No shit. If something bad comes along, I have this to hang on to. Everyday, for just a couple of hours, getting to do this, makes me love my life more.
2. 12-21-12: END OF THE WORLD
Here's my take on this.
Believe what you want to believe, I'll give you that. You can build a man-made bunker like what a Columbian businessman did. You can even emulate methods of self preservation by the doomsday preppers featured in Discovery Channel. You can hold end-of-the-world parties, name end-of-the-world margaritas, force yourself to forgive someone, lose your virginity, flood Facebook with innuendoes and news bits. I don't care. I promise, I won't be annoyed. Do what you have to do for your beliefs.
But here's mine. End of the world will happen when end of the world does happen. We may have tons of predictions and theories out there, but no one really knows for sure. It's unknown. A lot of people tend to claim they've seen it, read it and predicted it, but in truth they can never know. A lot of things can happen. Even natural forces play suspense sometimes. If it's our time, there's pretty much nothing we can do about it. I could be typing here and have a portion of my heart blocked so I suffer from a heart attack. I might be eating cake and choke with no one else to seek for help. I may be driving or walking under a construction site and blocks fell on me. I could think of 101 pathetic ways to die. I'm not being morbid or anything, in fact I'm treating this positively. I just acknowledge the fact that our deaths, though a natural existence, will always be a mystery. So it's up to us to enjoy life and not focus on death. And if by enjoying life that means you want to be a certified doomsday prepper and build a modern day Noah's ark, be my guest! If that makes you happy and that means you're enjoying life, then who am I to stop you as long as you let me enjoy mine?
If the end of the world does come, I hope I'm with my loved ones and my dogs, probably drunk and happy and not stuck in traffic or something. But if I die pathetically, please take this as a confirmation that I lived a very happy and fulfilled life.
Okay, it's 9:11 AM Manila Time. I'm still alive. Seriously, are you really even surprised?
3. The Hobbit
I've read the Lord of the Ring Trilogy when I was in High School. I only read it once and obviously I've forgotten the details. I love the story and the dynamics of creatures, but I'm not what you would really consider a hardcore knowledgeable fan. I do have The Hobbit book, but I haven't read it. So I don't know what to expect in the movie except that it's obviously about a Hobbit and apparently about Warrior Dwarves.
Here's the thing. I find Hobbits and Dwarves cute, but I'm not fan of them. Initially I'm more for team Elf.
Me: I wish they could've featured first how elves ruled middle earth, with excerpts of hobbits and dwarves of course, but Elf-Kings did rule before right? It would've been cool.
JD (Brother): Dwarves are cool. Why do you like elves so much? Because they're pretty?
Me: Yeah. They're slim, pretty and have long hair.
JD: I thought so.
Me: Superficial traits aside, they're very articulate, collected and wise. And they're very clean.
JD: Yeah, do you know that in the LOTR movies, notice Legolas only had this one streak of mud in his face. It's not even a mud, but a sorry state of a soot and Aragorn and Gimli's beside him looking like dirt bags. It doesn't look right.
Me: That's why they're Elves. Their skin is not human skin. They immediate repel dirt. And what we humans have as melanin, they have like these glow beads or something.
JD: Where did you get that?
Me: It's implied....in the books. (I have no idea...fiddling)
JD: You're making it up.
Me: Go check on it.
JD: All I know is elves are creepy. They stare at you all the time and they talk funny. Dwarves are cool. Hey, which one is bigger a hobbit or a dwarf?
Me: What kind of a stupid question is that? Don't you know anything? I thought you were an LOTR fan! Tsk! (I honestly don't know who's bigger!)
JD: I really don't know. I haven't noticed. Who's bigger then?
Me: Bigger taller or bigger sturdier? (Deciding on an answer)
JD: Is there a difference? Do you even know in the first place?!
Me: Er... Dwarves or course, idiot. (Hoping it would be right)
After the first few scenes, we see Dwarves being bigger than the Hobbit.
Me: See, told you. Be more observant next time.
And with this movie, I can say that I saw Dwarves in a different light. I have more respect for them now than before. Dwarves may be small, dirty and uncouth, but they are very courageous to the point of being stubborn. They have a high sense of loyalty and brotherhood. They're very industrious too. They are not afraid to work and render physical labor. These are courageous and honest beings that are not afraid to get dirty. And surprisingly, they are very handsome too. If Elves have big ears, Dwarves have big nose, but they do have their own handsome traits with them. Elves are slim, Dwarves are masculine. I'm now confused.
Though not a very serious and action-packed version, the movie is a visual spectacle and a fun adventure. It's a cliff hanger too so don't be disappointed. If there's one thing I learned about this movie is that Dwarves are bigger than Hobbits and that Dwarves do not all look like Gimli. Haha!
4. Suspension of Cebu Governor
If I was a respectable official who was found guilty of ill display of power by no less than the office of the president, my commander in chief, I think it's a spat on the face on the president if I disregarded the order and camped in my own chambers. It will look like I've gone dramatic or mad with power. Where's the political maturity and dignity in that?
If it were mere accusations without a rightful platform or proper evidence for investigation, then by all means stay and fight. But if there was a just decision at hand, I think no matter how hard one has to swallow the findings, it is our responsibility as mature individuals to accept the decision.
I'm sure she has done well for the province, but I don't think camping in the city hall to maintain her grip in power would put her in a good light. Just reeks drama and immaturity to me.
5. Hike Taxes in Sin Goods.
That means alcohol and cigarettes. I don't mind. I'm not your so-called drinker or smoker. I could care less. And just by saying that, I could hear violent reactions from friends. Let's face it, these are very harmful to one's health and has addictive qualities. One way to curb down the appetite for these goods is to increase its tax. Now, with the excess collection, government has thought of noble ways to give back: improve healthcare facilities and give subsidy to tobacco farmers. Hopefully they could also lessen taxes in more staple and less harmful products as well. Something has got to give, and if ever we need to sacrifice something, it better be the goods we can definitely learn how to live without.
Here's the thing. Though the intention of the government may be noble, I do hope that they really maximize this measure and put the funds to good use. Tax it, but use those taxes wisely. If these excise tax are bound to be corrupted, it's a totally different question.
6. RH BILL
Thank Goodness we might see this law approved before the year ends. I love life, but I am pro-choice. It's about time that couples and most especially women are given the right avenues to information to improve their reproductive health and to make informed decisions on family planning, child rearing and protection from sexual health risks.
RH Bill aims to educate and promote control. And I think that's just what the government instilled. It should not be romanticized as a means to divide people. Government was tasked to provide order and think of the wellbeing of the country. Though it values the teachings of the church, one has to act in its conscience, free will and informed analysis to make things right for the greater good. Church is separate from the Government. It's better that way.
7. Miss Universe
We could've one. Philippines could've one. We had the best answer in the top 5 Q&A competition. I think whoever thought USA and Valenzuela's have more profound answers should be examined in the head. But this is Miss Universe after all and women from all over the world are gathered there solely for one shallow thing. Beauty.
Everyone is beautiful, sexy and tall at the competition. But judging beauty is always going to be subjective, always according to the taste of the highly respectable judges. So I think the question and answer portion part or the talent competitions are just means to separate and pick out a few candidates from a sea of beauty. It doesn't mean that if we nailed the Q&A portion, we get the crown. There are various computations that we don't see. Everything gets averaged. What if Philippines indeed won the Q&A part but USA and Valenzuela excelled the talent and beauty competition? Do we fully know the criteria to do our own analysis?
Philippines could've won that's true, but the Q&A portion is not all there is to it. I'm just happy we got through top five and finished 1st runner up. Not only did we prove Filipinas are beautiful, but we are hell smarter too. They may get the crown, but we get eternal glory.
8. Bulletproof Backpacks
Utah based american combat apparel company, Amendment II, is now making bulletproof backpacks for kids. The same backpacks they could take to school and use whenever there's a psycho out there to gun them down. According to the company, the backpacks are now sold out and they're already on a reservation basis.
I know that necessity promotes invention, but I'd really hate to think this as a necessity. Thanks to the Connecticut massacre, everyone is practically left vulnerable to the next madman. I don't blame them, but this just sucks.
9. Iphone 5 or Samsung Note 2
My HTC phone already gave up on me after 2 years. It was a pretty quick deterioration if you ask me. Quite disappointing. And I'm not the type who downloads stuff. I only do Facebook, which I think is pretty harmless. Everyone who knows me know that I'm not tech-savvy. I only text and call and if there are advanced features I could use to enhance my texting and calling experience, I'm all for that. But I can't say that I'd go out of my way to download games and stuff. I depend on my phone for messages and information. That's it.
So I'm getting a new phone next year. I've no choice. And I'm torn between Samsung Note 2 and iPhone 5. I've held and seen both from colleagues last week while I was on vacation. Both are highly recommended and powerful smart phones and I'm sure they can serve me well. But I'm not the type to scrutinize heavily on specs. Both give good visuals and eye candy. Both are light and functional, but I admit I'm drooling over the size. I have big hands and texting in my small HTC, I've realized, gives me a very hard time. In that regard, Samsung Note 2 edges iPhone5 a bit. Let's see.
10. Forever 29
I'm turning 29 next week. Weird cause I don't feel like 29. When I was a kid, I see people in their 20's as old and super mature like real full blown adults. I was in for a surprise. The 20's is a confusing decade and pretty much a trial and error phase. People in their 20's are old enough to decide and act on their decisions, but some decisions are still questionable. We are adults, but somehow who still have the license to have fun and be stupid. We are allowed to do drastic and stupid moves. We may change careers, we have this generic perception of success and we try to figure out what we really want in life, not in the textbook sense, but real long term desires and in specifics this time.
This is when people decide to change their lives too. Party people tend to sober down, people in long relationships tend to decide their futures and professionals start to make names for themselves. They could always dig their holes and claim their land. It all starts here. It seems in our 20's it's still okay to make mistakes and have meaningless fun, but it's expected that we get a bit serious when we hit 30.
I'm already at the edge. I'm kissing goodbye to 20's and I'm anxious. Don't get me wrong. I'm not scared of aging, it's inevitable. But I think I'm more anxious on the fact that I expect more from me when I hit 30, and not just me but society and my family in general. I hope I'm equipped and stable enough to start a new decade because I would definitely have different concerns by that time. I hope I could give justice to being 30 because seriously at this point I really don't feel like 29. I think I've matured to some extent but is there something wrong if I feel like I'm still 25?
I know it's just a number, but with age it's no denying that we are getting older. I'm just more anxious if I have what it takes to be 30 in this world and if I have the grace to start a smashing new decade. 29 is my last hit on the 20's, and I'll definitely make this count.
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