what colours have you seen today?

Introduction

Well, it definitely has been a long time since I blogged here. It was like I was on an unnanounced blog hiaitus. It was not because I did not have anything to rant and rave about nor because I got tired of blogging. Rather it was because I wanted to make a brand-new layout for two special reasons (1) the second anniversary of this blog and (2) my 100th post.

To be quite honest, i have a lot of things to blog about and I am hoping that I would remember everything that I missed out on blogging in the past few weeks. Anyway,I will try to make this entry longer than my Singapore Travel Journal post - which is my longest post yet. Haha By the time that I am done with this entry, it has got to be worth at least 5 entries put together! *fingers crossed* Now now, patience is a virtue.. go on, try to finish reading this entry.. haha

New Layout : Reflections V 4.0: Free Spirit

Now, one thing you would notice would be the new layout! Reflections version 4.0, entitled Free Spirit. Version One was Reflections: Can you see what -eye- see?, a layout that was dominantly orange, filled with mellow brushes and butterflies. Version Two was Reflections: Spring Sonata, a layout that was somewhat filled with life because of its dominantly green and vibrant brushes. Version Three was Reflections: Waterworks, a layout that was made up of darker tones and sad hues.

If you ask me to describe this current layout in one world: fabulous. Hahaha I am so proud of this for two particular reasons (1) its sheer beauty and (2) the fact that it uses i-frames - the first time that I used it in Tabulas. It was inspired by the song Free Spirits by Regine Velasquez in her album Reigne. I liked the message of the song and it was consistent with the theme that I wanted for the new layout, so viola, here it is. I especially liked the part of the lyrics where it says "awakened by the light, he bids the night goodbye." It somehow shows some transition from the darkness of the Version Three layout to the light of this current one. I love the curves and the circles, the menu as well as the overall blending of the colors. I have outdone all the other three, if I may say so myself.

Nga pala, Happy 2nd Birthday to Reflections! 4 layouts, 100 entries and counting!

Academics

Enough about the new layout, I want to talk about why it took so long - academics. As you might have read in the past posts, i am taking 5 major subjects this semester as well as one core subject - philosophy. I felt so stressed before the start of the Christmas Break, which is why I was unable to find the time to make this layout. However, this time around, I feel that the stress level is not as high as it was during the marketing days, but it still is stressful - no doubt about that. Though, it seems that for some reason, a part of me is craving for a taste of the days of marketing. haha.. just a taste. Anyway, let me just talk about my acads first, after all, it wont be MY blog if acads were not a part of it.

Economics 113 : Economics of Money and Banking
What was: just a quiz (thank god it was easy) and a bunch of lectures
What is: a somewhat confusing quiz that has yet to be returned, I am supposed to get something from the reserve but I was unable to, so bahala na.
What will be: I am somewhat fearing the midterm exam, its not going to be open notes anymore.

Economics 121 : Development Economics
What was: a bunch of boring lectures and a helluva essay long test (parts of my hand are still sore from writing)
What is: nothing much, though advanced reading might help
What will be: another long test and a project na kagroup ko si Kaka and a friend of hers

Finance 103 : Principles of Finance
What was:  two crazy quizzes and a damn long test
What is: got to work on the problem sets and the homework which is due early january
What will be: long test number two is looming, i just hope that I could redeem myself.

LS 100 : Organizational Behavior
What was: two quizzes and a devastating presentation ~ India haha, got to make up for that
What is: got to read a book for the book report (which I now have to buy because Ma'am did not lend one to me) and Pass one of the project
What will be: more presentations and a possible long test

Marketing 171 : International Business Opportunities
What was: the Blockbuster case study analysis and two quizzes - an easy closed notes one and a difficult open notes one
What is: have to do some research for the product that we chose, come to think of it, we still have not choen any products yet
What will be: more case study and the end of term project

Philosophy 102 : Philosophy of the Human Person II
What was: a devastating-but-cancellable first quiz and the lecture quiz that provided my redemption, ALTP in shoppersville and the Reflection Paper
What is: studying for the oral exams
What will be: the oral exams that will be a week after classes begin and the ALTP presentation

10 Random Tidbits

1. This christmas marks the sixth christmas of my cat, Mitten. Haha how fast time flies. It was just like yesterday that Mitten climbed half-way up the christmas tree attempting to catch the butterfly decorations on top. Now, six years old and age definitely catching up with him, he is just contented to lie snuggly between the gifts, hoping that no one would disturb him.

2. My dog, Goblet, on the other hand is a different story. Excited is an understatement. Its the first time that he has seen the Christmas tree because he was born, if I am not mistaken, this same time last year. So in a way, Christmas could be seen as his birthday. awwww the little pig of a dog of mine has the same birthday as Christ... haha I can't wait until new year and see how he reacts to the firecrackers.

3. I was able to finish a dvd series that is truly close to my heart : Gilmore Girls. Thats right, I was able to finish six season worth of Gilmore Girls - with each season having 24 episodes. It really makes me wonder how I was able to have the time to watch Gilmore girls though not have the time to make a layout... haha priorities... priorities. Anyway, I loooooove the Gilmore Girls - and for some reason, it has a special place in my heart. For one, I watched it religiously every saturday the whole of high school. And for some reason, Studio 23 showed Rory's graduation from her High School at the same time that I was graduating from mine. Haha Btw, for those people not familiar, this story is about the Gilmore Girls - Emily, the uptight grandmother, Lorelei, the wild child who got pregnant when she was sixteen but worked her way up and is owner of an inn and Rory (which is short of Lorelei), an incredibly talented, smart and driven girl. Try to watch it if you can. The next season is rumored to be the last and I am expecting to have a copy by april next year.

4. For the longest time I have been looking for two books that were written by JK Rowling - Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them as well as Quidditch Through the Ages. I have searched the bookstores not only here in Manila but also in Kuala LUmpur and in Singapore but I still was not able to find it. I was in powerplant the other day (details to follow), lo and behold, it was there! It was even in a boxed set, hard covered and was ready for me to purchase - all except for one thing : i did not have the cash!Let me just say that the timing was not right. Not to worry, it will be in my hands before summer ends.

5. As predicted, JK Rowling would be giving her fans a gift for Christmas - this time around, it was not the release date of the book, but the title of Book Seven - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I would not dare start typing what my predictions for book seven are. Rather, I just feel that this book would be the end of one part of my life - pretty much like the last episode of Charmed. Slowly but surely, the things that I enjoyed during high school are coming to an end. *sigh* there will always be memories... no one can take that away.

6. Another event that is close to me was the recently concluded Asian Games in Doha Qatar. I watched the games as much as I could and I could not help but feel disappointed that the winner of the 2005 Sea Games was only able to get 4 gold medals. But still, it was better compared to the performance of the country in the Busan Games. Malaysia did well (as usual) haha. Well, next off will be the SEA Games next year in Thailand - where the country will be back with a vengeance. In all fairness, maghanda na talaga ang mga atleta ng pilipinas, gaganti talaga ang Thailand. I would not be surprised if they win, in fact, I do not expect anything less.

7. One current addiction of mine is Martha, Martha Stewart. I looooove her. She is so good with her hands and the ideas that she has are nothing short of miracles. Although I expect that she is helped by numerous producers, she just has that sunny disposition, never mind that she went into jail for insider trading. (^_^) She is on every weekdays at 7 pm in the Lifestyle Channel. Also, I like Rachel Ray - she now has a show called, Rachel Ray (surprise, surprise). But I still like her other show - 30 Minute Meals. I dunno, she just talks too much and just tries so hard in her new show.

8. I now have mastered commuting through the Railway Transits! haha a dear friend of mine helped me out and showed me all the routes going to all my areas of interests - which includes Cartimar (for pets) , Quiapo (for dvds), Divisoria, Powerplant and other malls. Haha, I even learned how to ride the oldest railway transit. Also, I have now memorized Quiapo and am moving on to expanding my awareness of Recto. Haha Who would have thought that I would be doing this, especially since it was only a few years ago when my whole world revolved around Ateneo and the commonwealth area. hahaha

9. There will be a Jack and Bobby marathon tomorrow in Studio 23. I have been trying to find a DVD containing all 23 episodes of the story, but to no avail. I am so excited because I will now have the opportunity to watch all the other episodes that I was not able  to during its regular showing. I just have to find someone who is kind enough and has DSL to find and download all 23 episodes for me. haha

10. I also finished watching QAF! Haha, it was very difficult to watch it, especially with its not-so-PG13 nature, but thanks to my new laptop - which I have named "Gus", I was able to finish it. Somehow, i feel that there is more to be told storywise but the show was cancelled, so thats that. I plan to move on to watching Grey's Anatomy, the OC as well as the third season of Desperate Housewives (the first ten episodes are already available in Quiapo.) I really do wonder where i get the time i devote in watching DVDs... haha

Messages - Unleash the Emotional Baggage

Now, consistent with the theme of this new layout - which is basically having a "free spirit" - i thought that it would be about time that i let go of some of my emotional baggage, of actually letting go of some things that i have been carrying for so long. After all, a new year is about to come, a new journey begins - and its always best to travel light. Off to the messages - of course, names would be censored. Of course. But then, if it is about you, or for some reason involves you, then I think you would now.

Person One (1)
It has been several years since we actually talked. And i thought that you have already walked out of my life - which was to tell you the truth, traumatizing. You make up a big chunk of my life and I have always thought that we would have the future together. I know you have problems with other people, but were fine, i'm fine, you are fine. And you have no idea how relieved I am that you are fine. Somehow, it just goes to show that I do not have to carry all the burden. Thank you dear and welcome back to my life. You were always the one i looked up to. Love you dear. Always have. Always will.

Person Two (2)
I honestly could not thank you enough. To tell you the truth, i can not begin to tell you how much I appreciate you being there for me. I know that in the past, I have prioritized other people over you - that I put our friendship on hold for other friendships that I thought had more potential. Now, I know that you will always be there for me - especially when I need you. I am getting to know you more - which is surprising because I have known you for almost three years now. Thank for being there for me. Others have come and go, yet you are still there. I promise not to wreck it. You have my word.  Xie Xie.

Person Three and Four (3 & 4)
It seems that the both of you are often taken as one - which is why i placed you in one item. haha We three have had our share of experiences, good and bad ones - from cranky mornings to our numerous presentations (Blockbuster *ahem*). I just want to thank you for bearing with me. As you know, I aint the most pleasant person in the block, but then again, my meanness isnt all of me, and I think you know and accept that. To tell you the truth, i know what you have been saying behind my back, and its all good. After all, as long as we treat each other well and that we get past that - its all good. Thanks for being there. Enjoy my gifts - its what we talked about right after our marketing defense. Thanks for accompanying me. I just want you to know that I appreciate it.

Person Five (5)
You have no idea how confused I am. One moment, everything was as it was and then after, everything was just awkward. The ironic thing is that it was during the moment that I trusted you enough to know me better that we drifted apart. I have been thinking about what happened and its just all so confusing. I was not aware of us slowly drifting apart, and when I was, you were already gone. I know it seems that nothing is wrong, but then, there is something wrong. Dude, we have a problem. I  want you to help me out - just help me understand why we got from point A to point B. Talk to me. Text me. Paint a picture. Make a poem. Do a dance. Whatever it takes. Help me out because i do not like where we are.

Person Six (6)
Let me just start of by saying that we have gone through worse, way worse than what we have right now. I have no idea how you are or what you have been up to - aside from the things that have been going around, rumours (you know the like.) You know how it feels to be hurt, it is after all only a few months ago, that I hurt you. I did everything that I could to explain, to try to make it better, which is why we had the "talk", remember? And I just want you to know that you hurt me, you hurt me bad. And the thing is,it seems that you just want to pretend like nothing happened. Well the thing is, something happened. And i am getting the vibe that you feel like you were the victim. It was me, believe it or not. And what was ironic is that I made a move and I am still waiting. The ball is in your court. Maybe we have outgrown each other. Or maybe not. Its all up to you.

Person Seven (7)
I know that i made everything that we had fall apart. Its all me. I was the one who had the problems. But then again, I wanted to fix everything.  This time, I want to fight for you, for us. But this time, everything is different. How can I fight for us, if you dont want to anymore. Talk about perfect timing. Well, it seems that you are happy. Which is why I am letting you go. Totohanan na ito. Maybe we are better off, away rather than together.

Person Eight to Eleven (8-11)
It has been several years and yet our flame is still as bright as ever. I got a text from one of you a few days ago saying - we have been friends for seven years and counting. I feel that we will never lose touch. Truly, the friends you find in high school are the ones you keep. I had fun with   bowling - who would have thought that our annual get-togethers would now involved athletics. I had fun in Brazil Brazil as well! See, it was not just my imagination... it really existed. Super nabusog talaga ako. haha And it really brought back a lot of memories. I really do laugh until it hurts with you guys. 'Til next year.

Person Twelve (12)
Kasama ka dapat sa 8-11, pero special ka. Haha (not the paste-eating-kind- of special) Special ka kasi hindi ka kasi nagpaparamdam. I just never see you online. The last time we chatted was ages ago. I dunno about you but the last time i checked, there were still modems and computers where you are. I miss ya! Hay nako, magparamdam ka na kasi, kahit na we hardly have anything to talk about. Somebody said you had plans going back to the philippines soon. I'm glad that you finally are making plans! Just tell me all about it the next time you go online.

Person Thirteen (13)
Well, I am going to end with you. You know what, I used to find something special in your personality - something that drew me closer to you. But after everything that happened - i just detest you and everything about you. I know it was my move that cracked our friendship, but it was everything that you did after that broke it. I just realized that I have never been so used by anyone before. Not only do I blame you, I blame me for allowing myself to be used. In the end, you are a user-friendly bitch, taking advantage of everyone, all behind that innocent face. I pity the people you are using right now, now that others left you. I am just so glad that I am rid of you. I know that you are behind the rumours (even though its not about me). There is just so much I can take. I cant just let you go free. Just be careful because the moment I start talking, i wont stop until you go back crying to that god-forsaken island you call home. Be careful, bitch. Just be careful.

Wheeeew. Enough already. See... i am feeling lighter already. 2006 really did bring a lot of new experiences for me. I mean, all of these emotional weight came from this year alone. I experienced a lot this year. I mean a lot. Others would call it a rite of passage, for me its just another year. 2007 is just around the corner.

All i know is that I do not know. naks, philosophy yun ah. hahaha Pero seriously, I honestly do not know what to expect. All I know is that 2006 did not kill me, so what doesnt kill me, just makes me stronger. Cheers for 2006, the year that was and I graciously welcome 2007 - the year that will be.

May we all experience friendship, love, good health and prosperity this new year. Feliz Ano Nuevo!

..::Aldrich::..

PS In fairness, i have to congratulate you if you have reached this far reading this entry. Ang galeng galeng mo naman. *clap clap* or baka, super bored ka. Haha Pero, thanks anyway.