Down on Melted Cheese

Goodbye.

2009-07-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

Another dog of ours died.

I wasn't completely awake yet when my mom announced it to me. "Gab, wala na si Spotty." It seemed nothing at first, but then my mom added, "Parang natutulog nga lang siya e. Ginigising ng Tito mo, pero ayaw talaga."

I got up to check. At yun nga siya, parang tulog lang talaga. I even stared, waiting for his body to rise a little, waiting for him to breathe, but he was a little too still. And the stench was becoming more unbearable. My eyes welled up, it was too much. I even saw the light orange spot on his tummy, and I started to wonder if that was the source, or if it was just a result of the complication.

I wasn't really attached to him, but the fact that I used to see him almost everyday and wasn't able to the past few weeks really broke my heart.

He was so gentle. I used to open the back door and the other dog would rush its way, but he -- he just stayed there.

My mom isn't crying, no one else is, but me.
I dunno why, yet I think it's because I'm not used to this. I'm not new to this, either, but it isn't frequent in my life.

Unexpected kasi. My brother told me that Spotty have had an illness for quite a while. Sabi pa nga nya, "Late ka na sa news e!" at nagpigil akong manabunot. :))

I just hope he does save someone, like what everyone here thinks.
We will miss you, Spotty. :(
I'm mourning, yes, but I'm glad you didn't have to suffer.
We love you.
Rest in peace.

It's Not That, It's This.

2009-07-11T15:17:00.000-07:00

I've decided to delete some posts. It's not that I don't want you to see them anymore, it's just that I'm having this slight paranoia that someone *else* might see them.

And I'll get flustered if that happens. :)

To all those who actually liked the chosen posts, I'm really sorry & I'll try making up for them by adding better ones soon. I wasn't really thinking & just now I've realized that there's nothing more left to do but this.

Please, people. Leave messages on my tagboard! How will I know if you're still kicking? :))

Don't Call Me No More.

2009-07-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

New post!

I cop a plea to Ate Rina for not being able to give updates. :|

Anyway, here it is! My 47th post. :)) K, mas marami na yung sa inyo. Sorry lang. :))
And I'll make this extra special by giving forth messages to everyone who authenicated my thicks and thins. K, ang weird. :))
Here goes nothing. :))

Ate Rina. ILY, dear pen-sis. :] Yer always there for me, well, kahit online lang tayo naguusap. :) Napaka-influential mo! Yer the source of every site I open. :)) I'm really sorry for having been inactive. From this day on, try ko nang mag-update more often. :)

Ichabel/Ysa. Makulit ka talaga. :)) Itong si Ysa, kapag kinausap mo, mapapa-"Haluu" ka talaga. O diba, super odd. :)) O baka sa akin lang effective yun. Kase weird ako. Oops. :)) IMY, Ysa! See you tomorrow. :))

Jai-Jai. Where in the world are you? :)) 'Di na tayo naguusap, if not for Plurk or Facebook. :)) Miss ka na namin! You should head here ASAP. 'Diba summer diyan? Why don't you give us a visit? :| Miss ka na talaga ni... NAMIN. K, grammar check. :)) LY!

Lorenz. Pagaling ka, friend. :)) Too much dancing will kill you, swear. :)) Oops, pinasa sa iba yung bitterness. :)) Good luck with yer off-campus. Tapos parang ako din. Kasi absent ako. :| UGH. Nakakalungkot. :)) O ayan, nag-drama na naman ako sayo. Tumatawa ka ano? :))

Jom. EMO! Kumusta ka na? :)) Emo pa rin? :)) Everyone sleeps, but no one sleeps that much. Or baka may tears whatever na dyan talaga. :)) Good luck din sa IP nyo!

~~THIS IS REALLY IS IT.~~
Don't convulse, random lang yan at natutuwa ako sa random things. :))
Dito muna yung dedication. Marami pa. The pending ones are for later. :))

2009-06-11T17:43:00.000-07:00

No classes!

Happy Independence Day, everyone. :>

Keep This Under Wraps.

2009-06-09T04:02:00.000-07:00

I opened the door but there was no knob.
I drove my car but there was no wheel.
I turned on the lights but there was no switch.
I drank some milk but I held no glass.
I hid in the closet but it was seen through.
I read a book but no words were written.
I was washed away but there was no water.

I did everything but I realized there was nothing after all.

Does opaqueness still exist?

When will I be able to conceal this?

2009-06-05T18:02:00.001-07:00

I've edited my 4th from the last post. :) Well, the last part, that is. :))
Anywaysss. I've put a simple quote right at the end. If you wanna re-read it, feel free to do so. :)

WOW. Still raining.

Though You Know I'm Trembling.

2009-06-04T00:32:00.000-07:00

Classes have started & I'm not sure whether I should be excited or anxious about it. Two of my HS bullies are now my classmates again. I don't know if I'm just plain paranoid, or if there's really something going on, but I know those two have got their plans and sooner or later, they're going to execute those plans on me. Ahh, don't I just get the best luck?

However, that's not the one bothering me right now. Last night, Jom and I had a talk. :)))) I was so shallow I cried after hearing him say this: "Mahirap maghintay sa bagay na matagal pang dadating.." OK, rewind. :)) If you're wondering why he said this, well, let's just put it like this -- I'm exhausted, but my body's not the one feeling it. Hindi ako ~~emo~~. :)) I dunno.

But I'm really depressed.

Yes, drama queen na ako. Happy? :)) REALLY. I want to know if waiting for 3 years is enough sign for me to stop this. It makes me think the complete opposite, though -- that I've proven I'm tough and I should keep this a little while longer. I know it's wrong. Keeping this inside is not good, and while I'm doing this I'm hurting myself more.

It's even harder to realize that each time I look at him feels like the day I first liked him. If it goes on like this, when will it ever stop? :| :|

But what am I supposed to do? I can't confront. I can't defend myself. I don't know how to deal with this.

"True love endures, if it does not, then it was never true."

But what if it's one-sided? Should the sufferer still endure the pain?
Pano kung pagod na sya from waiting?

2009-05-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

Ito. Pag wala akong magawang matino. :))
I edit photos (only 2 by far) using Paint, since the laptop doesn't have Illustrator nor Photoshop.
So, there.

2009-05-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

Sigh. I'm really lonely.
Here. Read. La lang. Natuwa ako. :))

Gabbi: Ma, 'pag successful na ako, I want my first partner to be just like that (sabay turo sa desktop background ko).

Mama: (laughs) Si Kim Bum? Oo nga, gusto ko rin sya, haha.

Gabbi: *grin, grin* :D

LULZ. Peculiar, isn't it -- how your outlook in life changes because of someone who's become your inspiration, without even getting to know him?
Oh, no. ~~Emo~~ ba? Mygahd. Ayoko maging ~~emo~~. Not today. :))

Honestly, though, I can't still hide the fact that I find my future pretty unpredictable.
My mom told me earlier that to achieve one's goals in life, he should not wish -- he shall assure himself that everything he yearns for will come true.
In my case, I hope I find a good guy by then. I want to make my love-until-after-college vow worth it. :)

I just wish -- *clears throat* want to make sure -- that I'll be happy later; that I'll be able to spend my life with no regrets at all; that I'll avoid committing the same mistakes.

2009-05-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

No, don't look at me like that. LOLOLOL. I've become SO odd these days.

O, alam ko na iniisip nyo. Dahil ba sa addicted na ako sa Boys Over Flowers? HA?! :))
K, freaky much. :))

At oo na, obsessed na ako nang bonggang bongga kay Kim Bum. :))))) NOOOO. This is wrong! HAHAHA. I'm supposed to be into Taiwanese guys, remember?? This Korean fever's back again. :)) WTHHH.

*drools and dies* =)))))

Wait a, hanap lang ako ng ibang suicide instrument. :)))))

Anak ng tao. :))))) Sige na, tapos na career ko. =))

K, OB na! OB >:))

2009-05-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

These were the photos taken from Flicker's-hangout-at-Gelo's waaay back. :)) So, sorry kung late nang bonggang bongga. :))

Ito, mas cute. :))

Ito talaga, sobra. :)) K cinareer :))

Nako AK a. Alam na. :))

Chua and his "work of art". YUHUZ :))

Zeddie. :))

Lorenz, MATUNAW. :))

Voila! Nakita nyo rin ako! Half-shown nga lang. :)) Bwahahaha I'm evuuuhl. >:)

Kunwari si Lorenz LANG kumakain. :))
(from L to R) Renz, Erik, Gelobear, Zed, AK, Marion

Vain ng paa ni Gelo! KKKK. :)))))

Thanks, Tita Dess! :)
*Lorenz mukhang on drugs. \:)))))/

ANGELo. :)) yuck corny ko. :))

Sabi ni Gelo parang piece of chocolate daw. :)) Sama. :))

Gelo! Di DAW vain. :))

VAIN na VAIN na VAIN na VAIN. :)) K. Dami daw e. :))

Kunwari daw stolen. :))

Zed and Erik. :)) The gayness! It blinds me. :))

OK. So lahat may captions na nuuun. :))
Uploading is F-U-N -- like sandwiches. :)) Heck. That Lady's Choice endorsement is bugging me again. FTW. :))

2009-05-06T07:02:00.000-07:00

K. So super akong natuwa sa new layout ko. :)) And super nagutom. K. :))

So ayun. Kung gusto nyo rin magutom, keep visiting.

Odiba. Sosyal kayo. This is like, your virtual cafe. AYYSIGE. :))

2009-05-04T19:59:00.000-07:00

~~30th post!~~ K. Natuwa masyado ang lola nyo. :))))) Dahil ~~30th post~~ ko na 'to (~~nothing special, really~~), Tagalog ~~blog post to~~. K anong ~~connection~~ nun. :)) At papalitan ko na rin ang ~~layout~~ ko. Para ~~enjoy~~. :)) Odiba, odiba.

~~Happy happy~~ nako ngayon. :)) Sabi ko sayo JaiJai e. ~~The angst thing will fade sooner or later~~. :))

Ayan. Kung papansinin nyo talaga, naka-~~strike through~~ yung ~~English words~~. KASI NGA Tagalog 'tong ~~post~~ na 'to. :)))) Dami kong ~~trip~~, gaaahd.

Mahilo tayo sa pagbabasa! =)))))

2009-04-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

Slumber Party!

Yeah, well, it's kinda obvious that I'll be having this tonight. I've been sending group messages now and then and each included a "Slumber Party" signature at the last part. :)) K. So proud ako. What gives? This is my bestfriend's place we're talking about here. Ooh. The hysterics. =)) HAHAHA.

Yeah, so later we gon' upload videos on YouTube. :)) Christine will be playing the guitar, and Angele and I will be singing. :D OH YESSS. I've got a little talent spurting here. :>

This is just GREAT. I'm starting to get this South-American accent. And on other times, I become somewhat like an Aussie. I creep myself out. I swear on some dead guy's body. :))

Guys, you have to check out videos from MeganandLiz from YouTube. They're totally awesome singers. Well, for me , that is. :> So if you don't like 'em, it's not my problem anymore. :))

My profile became so ~~DEAD~~.
I'm starting to think that none of you cares about me anymore. :|
WTH. My autism's shoving itself to my face again. =))

2009-04-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

Review classes are super boring. I wanna throw up during Biology. :)) No, really. :|

AND I FOUND OUT A LITTLE SOMETHING YESTERDAY. :>

Major Dufus likes my friend. :)) I wanted to slap him hard when he told me about it, but luckily, I thought twice. >:)

And oh! Zedrick showed me this new IMvironment called 'Buddies'! It's SUPER CUTE! It has these avatars that you can use to interact with your friends. You can use different expressions that they'll act out. It's fuuuun. *sheepishly grins* :D

Oh, and Zedrick wants to be the Mighty Matchmaker as well. :)) K thanks. Psyche. :))

No one's tagging me. :(( My tagboard's dying little by little each day.
Have you people no mercy?

2009-04-07T03:52:00.001-07:00

E.C.G. IS COMPLETE TODAY. :>

It's been quite a while now since my two favorite cousins have been here in the Philippines. They left last, uh, February 23, 2004, I think. From that day, I've missed them truly and I've missed them BAD.

I tried a lot of ways to tone down my temporary depression, but everything I did just made me reminisce more about our greatest days.

Now they're here. :)

They've changed A LOT. From their crazy lingoes to their that's-so-American outfits. But I've realized that I really lost a huge part of my life since they left. Tomorrow they'll be leaving, and though I've been this bashful little puppy for like an hour now, I want to reach out to them and just say, "Please. Don't go. Not now."

I love them so much. And not the thickest make-up, nor the shortest skirt, NOR the curviest words can ever make me change that.

2009-04-05T03:29:00.000-07:00

OKITOTALLYLIKETHISPERSON. OK,NOTLIKE. IABSOLUTELYADORETHISPERSON. IDON'TKNOWWHATTHEHECKOFADRUGHEDOSEDMEBUTI
AMREALLYINLOVEWITHHIM.

IAMBITTERABOUTHOWHETREATSMESOCASUALLY.

IAMBITTERABOUTTHEFACTTHATHEONLYLIKESMEAS
HISSECOND.

IAMBITTERABOUTTHEFACTTHATTHEGIRLHETHINKS
HELIKESISN'TREALLYBEAUTIFUL.

SERIOUSLY,PEOPLE. WHOWOULDWANTHER?

ANDWHATICAN'TUNDERSTANDMOSTOFALLISWHYYOU'RE
READINGTHISHECKOFABLOGPOST. ITWILLDESTROYYOUREYES.

WHATTHEEFF. THERE.

I didn't write like this because I was drunk or anything. I just wanna see how your eyes will bloody explode. :)) Psyche. =))

2009-04-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

We went to Nadine's house earlier.

At first the atmosphere was very light -- from meeting up in Starbucks to commuting and stuff. Everyone was like, cracking up and LOLing as we were on our way.

It didn't take us long. When we got there, we noticed that a number of people were there already, and Nadine was narrating about...you know. :|

Bea and I had our second takes of the served sandwiches. Talk about starving. :))

So, there. We talked about the outing, and some thought twice about going. I was getting upset. I don't want to end the summer without any hang-outs. :| I know a lot from our section will get transferred. And I know that most of them will be the ones I'll find hard to let go. :(

Gloom overpowered me like crazy. I sympathize Nadine so much. :(( And most of all, I pity myself. I'm depressed at how things are going, and I'm not usually successful at handling my problems.

My life sucks right now. And I can't record the misery in my voice, 'cause my phone volunteers itself for the junk shop next door. :|

2009-04-02T07:23:00.001-07:00

My brother is absolutely and utterly FAB. :))

OK. So the 'fab' thing wasn't really appropriate, it was just nice to use. :)) Anyway, so there. :))

I showed my brother someone's picture.

"Do you think she's pretty?"

"EEW."

"No, really?"

"EEW."

K. That was kinda gay, but I love it! =)) Someone deserves that. :))

WOW. I blogged just to write this? Frigg. Guess this bitterness thing really is eating me up. :))

Comments, people! :)

2009-04-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

Horoscope for VIRGO
April 2, 2009

You crave to be with people and your liveliness is sure to attract any others you wish to attract. If a new investment opportunity should arise--go for it. You exhibit a disciplined approach to work, health and other of life's essential routines. A current project in the work place deserves investigation. If it does not seem to be a positive move--do a bit of research and ask questions. Self-discipline and a sense of self-worth become important issues in your life as a new phase begins for you. A fear of asserting yourself can hold you back--as can coming on too strong. The trick is learning to make the most of your personal talents and abilities--work within your limitations instead of feeling hemmed in by them. Kick back and relax this evening.

100 Truths. :)

2009-04-01T19:32:00.001-07:00

100 Truths. :)

1. Real name: Gabrielle Bernadette Ramirez

2. Nickname(s): Gabbi, Gab, Gabong. :))

3. Zodiac sign: Virgo

4. Male or female: MALE. :)) HAHA. Female. Aww.

5. Elementary: Good Shepherd Cathedral School

6. Middle School: None? :))

7. High School: Quezon City Science High School

8. Hair color: Black. At least that's what's evident. :))

9. Long or short: Long. I've been keeping it this way for quite a while. :]

10. Loud or Quiet: Quiet. :)

11. Sweats or Jeans: Jeans!

12. Phone or Camera: Uhh. Both? :)) Phone, I guess.

13. Health freak: Definitely.

14. Drink or Smoke: NEITHER.

15. Do you have a crush on someone? Eh? Isn't this, like, viewed by everyone? :))

16. Eat or Drink: EAT!

17. Piercings? On my ears, maybe. :))

18. Tattoos: NONE.

HAVE YOU EVER?

19. Been in an airplane: Yes. :)

20. Been on a motorcycle: Yessss. :)

21. Been in a car accident: No. THANK GOD.

22. Been in a fist fight: Hm. Cat fight lang. :))

FIRSTS:

23. First piercing: I dunno.

24. First best friend: Abby? Yeah, I guess. :)

25. First award: A gold medal for being Best in Reading? :))

26. First crush: TOP SECRET, my dear. :))

27. First pet: My two little hamsters. Where are you now? :(

28. First big vacation: I dunno. We seldom take big breaks, you know.

LASTS:

29. Last person you talked to: Nadine, on the phone. :((

30. Last person you texted: JomJom. :)

31. Last person you watched a movie with: Lola. :) The Prom Movie. =)))))

32. Last food you ate: Stik-O! :))

33. Last movie you watched: The JS Prom Movie nga. :))))

34. Last song you listened to: Almost by Tamia. :)

35. Last thing you bought? I dunno. They were THINGS. Like groceries and stuff.

36. Last person you held hands with: My mom?

FAVES:

37. Food: Sinigang. :)) Pho Nam and pesto spaghetti. :>

38. Drinks: WATER. Mango smoothie and cafe latte or other frappes. :)

39. Clothing: A simple top--a shirt, usually--and skinny jeans. :)

40. Books: Basta parang romantic horror. :)

41. Music: Rock? Or C-pop. :)

42. Flower: Violets siguro. :)

44. Movies: BASTA HORROR. K? :))

45. Positions: What? Sa Secretary position siguro. WTH. :)))))

46. Subjects: Drafting and Algebra. HAHA.

IN 2008.....

47. kissed in the snow: MUKA BANG ME SNOW DITO?!!! *from Dennis =))

48. celebrated Halloween: Yes. I LOVE Halloween. :)

49. had your heart broken: Yes.

50. went over the minutes on your cell phone: Dunno. I don't usually call with my phone.

51. someone questioned your sexual orientation: UGH.

52. came out of the closet: =)))))

53. gotten pregnant: WTH.

54. had an abortion: WTHHH.

55. done something you've regretted: Yes. I get that a lot of times. :))

56. broke a promise: Yes?

57. hid a secret: YES.

58. pretended to be happy: I do that very often. :))

59. met someone who changed your life: YES.

60. pretended to be sick: YES YES YES. :))

61. left the country: Yes! :]

62. tried something you normally wouldn't try and liked it: Yes. :> :>

63. cried over the silliest thing: HULLO. That's like SO me. :))

64. ran a mile: Nope. Too lazy to even think about doing that. :))

65. went to the beach with your best friend(s): Nope. But I think we'll be swimming anytime soon.

66. stay single the whole year: Yes. Very, very single. :))

CURRENTLY:

67. Eating: Stik-O. :))

68. Drinking: Water. =))

69. I'm about to reply: I keep receiving GMs. :))

70. Listening to: Insomnia by Craig David. :>

71. Plans for today: Nothing much. I do things pretty much the same everyday: EAT, EAT and eat MORE.

72. Waiting for: YOU. WTF. :))

YOUR FUTURE:

73. Want kids? Hey-lo. :))))

74. Want to get married? Uh, yes?

75. Careers in mind: Graphics animation or cartooning. :)

WHICH IS BETTER WITH A BOY?

76. Lips or eyes: Eyes, maybe. :)

77. Shorter or taller?: Average lang. :)

78. Romantic or spontaneous: Romantic!

79. Nice stomach or nice arms: Nice stomach. :))

80. Sensitive or loud: Sensitive. :)

81. Hook-up or relationship: DUH.

82. Trouble-maker or hesitant: A little bit of both na lang. :))

HAVE YOU EVER:

83. Lost glasses/contacts: YES! Very, very often. =))))))

84. Ran away from home: NO.

85. Held a gun/knife for self defense: NOOO.

86. Killed somebody? In my mind, at least. Oops. Shouldn't have said that, huh. :)))))

87. Broken someone's heart: Yes?

88. Been arrested: NOOO.

89. Cried when someone died: Just yesterday. :(

DO YOU BELIEVE IN:

90. Yourself: UHHH. Lemme think--NO.

91. Miracles: Yes.

92. Love at first sight: YES???

93. Heaven: Yes.

94. Santa Claus: I have to. :))

95. Sex on the first date: OMG.

96. Kiss on the first date: NO. I haven't even dated yet. :))))

ANSWER TRUTHFULLY:

97. Is there one person you want to be with right now? VERY MUCH.

98. Are you seriously happy with where you are in life? NO.

99. Do you believe in God? YES.

100. Post as 100 truths and tag 10 people.

2009-04-01T00:57:00.002-07:00

OH, YAAAY. Something's definitely wrong with my phone mic. :| You use the video, you record -- you wouldn't get any audio with it. Well, that sucks.

SO, WHAT. Do I get this for loving my cell too much? :| For freaking the hell out everytime it slips and drops on some hard platform? So, yeah. Maybe I do deserve this. :| Maybe I just have to be punished.

What do I do now? I think I'd like to shoot a scene -- Oh, right. The mic doesn't work anymore. Perfect. Let's make a stupid phone pantomime. Maybe someday that'll sell.

THANK YOU, SUN. You forgot to shine on me today. Maybe tomorrow, then. Just make sure to write it down on your whiteboard so that something can actually help you remember. :|

UGH.

2009-04-01T00:57:00.001-07:00

April Fool's! :]

Happy April Fool's Day, everyone! :)
Below are some stories related to this often unnoticed holiday.
Revel in the wonders of April Fool's. :))

The Dead Dog

The film National Lampoon's Vacation includes a scene in which Chevy Chase ties a dog to the bumper of his car, then forgets the dog is there and drives away. Inspired by this scene, Paul Goobie tied a dead chihuahua to the bumper of his co-worker's car. His co-worker, Kevin Meloy, got in the car and drove off, unaware that the chihuahua was there. Obviously passing motorists were horrified. But what made the situation even worse was that Meloy was deaf, so he couldn't hear the other motorists frantically honking at him. Happily he drove on for miles until finally someone was able to get his attention. Police charged Goobie with unlawful disposal of a dead animal.

The Fake Hanging

Randy Wood's marriage was over, but apparently he was still a little bitter about the divorce. So he decided to play a prank on his ex-wife. He called her up and asked her to come over, telling her that he had something to show her. Obligingly she drove over, only to find him hanging by a noose from a tree in his front yard. Terrifed, she immediately dialed 911. Emergency services, including firefighters, policemen, and paramedics, soon showed up. But when they went to cut Wood down they discovered he wasn't dead. He wasn't even hurt. He had strung himself up as a prank to scare his ex-wife, using a lineman's harness similar to those used by utility crews. The authorities warned that he would face a fine of up to $1,000 and a year in jail for his prank.

A Fake Robbery

Sitra Walker was an employee at a clothing store in Columbus, Ohio. She had only been working there for two weeks, but already she felt that she knew the manager well enough to joke around with him. So on April 1, 2003 she called him up at his home and told him that armed men were robbing the store. The manager immediately called the police, who promptly dispatched four cruisers. Minutes later Walker phoned the manager again and screamed 'April Fools'. Too late. When the police arrived moments later they weren't amused and charged her with inducing a panic. Walker's manager fired her.

Fake Death Report

In 1986 Israel Radio broadcast that Nabih Berri, leader of the Shi'ite Amal movement, had been assassinated. The news caused an immediate flare-up of tensions in the region. However, Israeli officials quickly denounced the report as a hoax. The false report was traced back to an army intelligence officer who had planted the news item in the broadcasts of the Israeli Army's intelligence monitoring unit, from which it had been picked up by Israel Radio. Apparently the officer had meant it as an April Fool's joke (because hey, nothing says funny like stirring up tension in the Middle-East). Israel's Defence Minister, Yitzhak Rabin, announced that the unnamed officer would be court-martialed. "Berri Berri funny," one foreign correspondent wryly commented.

In the category of 'really bad fake death reports' one must also note the time in 1998 when Boston DJ's Opie and Anthony announced that the mayor of Boston, Tom Menino, had died in a car crash. Because City Hall couldn't immediately reach the Mayor to confirm that he was actually alive, many believed the report, including members of the Mayor's family. The next day Opie and Anthony were suspended without pay.

Hijinks of Hussein and Son

Saddam Hussein and his sons may have been ruthless, power-hungry dictators, but that didn't stop them from trying to give the people of Iraq a good chuckle every April Fool's Day. On April 1, 1998 the Babil newspaper, owned by Hussein's son Uday, informed its readers that President Clinton had decided to lift sanctions against Iraq, only to admit later that it was just joking. One can imagine the knee-slapping guffaws when readers realized how they'd been taken for a ride. The laughs continued in 1999 when Uday mischeviously announced that the monthly food rations would be supplemented to include bananas, Pepsi, and chocolate. Again, just a joke. At this point, the Husseins appear to have run out of material, because in 2000 they recycled the sanction-lifting gag, and in 2001 trotted out the ration-supplement crowd-pleaser one more time. The merciless quality with which the same joke was repeated year after year had an almost surreal quality to it. In fact, it almost makes one sympathize with Saudi Arabia's chief cleric, the Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah Al al-Sheikh, who in 2001 decreed that the celebration of April Fool's Day should be banned altogether. It's not known if the Sheikh had his neighbor's hijinks in mind when he issued the ban.

* You can check out the other stories by visiting this site:
http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/worstaprilfools.html

2009-03-30T03:51:00.000-07:00

K. So todo get together daw kami kina Gelo? =))))) HAHAHA. Wow. I'm the only guy here. TSS. :)) The girls have abandoned me! Why, oh why? Now I have to suffer in the hands of these pesky little dudes. :)) Pero saya! HAHA. I ate a lot more than I can ever imagine! Super snacks! With ice cream. :))

Unfortunately we were left with only this (almost touches two fingers) much because Lorenz had to consume all the food. =))))) JOKE LANG RENZ! Don't cut my phone bill. :)) LABO. SOOOO.

"Hey, Gelo."

"WHA--?"

HAHAHA. Cute ni Gelo. Super shortcut. :)) Liekk, wha-? HAHA.

Thanks, Tita Dess. ;) For helping us with stuff and for the heavenly earth food. :)) AYY. So from another planet daw ako. :))

AND thank you rin po dun sa "little something" kanina. :)) GELO ALAM MO DIN YUN, I know you do. Kasi kanina ka pang todo asar. Masama ka. =))))

"So, todo smiley ka na n'yan?"

AYY. K. Oo na, Gelo. Todo smiley na talaga. :)) WOW. I managed to write a whole blog with Tagalog words. Hirap kayang mag-blog in Tagalog! :|

ANYWAYYYY. They're waiting for me to finish this. :)) We're taking turns with this computer usage thing. :))

"Masama pala ah! Luwa mo nga lahat ng kinain mo dyan!"

K. I keep jotting down the catch phrases. :)) Eps kasi. Abundant ang side comments dito. :))

BTW AK AND ZED IMMA SMASH YOUR TUSHIES. SWEAR. >:)

2009-03-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

Let's pretend we're alone.

AAAAAAWWWWYEAAAH. =)))) Today was ultimately UNcrappy. :)) I've had my facial today. Oh, yesss. A facial for me is like a gazillion lightyears away, but this great day has finally arrived. :)) Went to Tri Noma afterwards to watch the Secondhand Serenade concert. HAHA. I was totally pampered. I like getting used to this kind of stuff. :)) There was this problem, though. The tickets were sold out and I was like effin' people in my head. "Why'd you frankin' sip those tickets??" or "Why would you friggin' do that to us??" I was a desperate kid, okay? Try to understand. :)) Yet as we ventured through the thick masses of not-so-thoughtful creatures, we got to take some pretty good shots of FREAKY objects on people. Yes, it was kind of harsh, I know. But what are we left there to do? Sit and stare? We, too, have lives you know. :))

Soooo these are the products of our oh, so successful freaky freakhunt. :>

The guy in the freaky shorts

The girl with the freaky hoodie

The GUYS with the SUPER freaky hairstyles

The girl in the freaky dress
*We included her because HELLO, she was in the sports area wearing that.*

Oh, oh. We also saw Jake Cuenca AND Gerald Anderson together in the face of an effin' HOT guy. =)))) K. HAHA. Sooo. We somehow ~~hunted~~. :)) At basta super saya! Vanity fair here and there. HAHA. I also ate my favorite pesto spaghetti at Chef d Angelo's. :> I was in pasta heaven! :))

We also raided different shops and took pictures of cool Converse products. :] The shoes were amazing! Loved them truly. :) And there were these Obama sneakers. Ahmahgahd. =)) They came in red, too. :))

There is soooo much more to say! But I just can't. 'Cause if I do, I may not stop. :))
SO I wanna thank my dandy bestfriend, Christine. Thanks, Eks. ;)
And her sister, Angele, for the wacky photos. I LOLed! Seriously. :))
Daniel, their brother, for sharing the free charging station with me. :))
AND Ate Ytel, their sister, for the company.
Oh, also her boyfriend, Kuya Anton (?) for waiting and everything.
And KUYA I-don't-know-your-name, thanks for driving us home. :))

I SOOO consider this day lalalove. :> Leni, Mark, Melissa, Ara, Aaron, and all those that we came across earlier, sana nag-enjoy kayo. :]

I CAN'T WAIT FOR TOMORROW'S GET-TOGETHER!! FLICKER 14! Updates! :>

*This was supposed to be published yesterday and I should've posted the pictures from the freakhunt. But my blog turned its back on me AGAIN. So forgive me, please. =)) I'll try to make up for my shortcomings soon enough. :>

2009-03-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

I despise...

...no one right now. :) YAAAY! More like an achievement. :> This bitterness thing is really getting to me. I feel like an evil antagonist or whatever. I just want to crush the limbs of this particular someone. Swear. >:))

UGH. She reveals herself as this bashful goodie-good, but I know that the little menace cashes in on the praises she gets. She thinks she's all that. Yada-yada-yada.

K. So I was wrong about the despising-no-one thing after all. =)) Ay sorry naman. HAHAHA.

Anyway. My brother DIDN'T take advantage of his wish rights. Maybe he realized he was a sympathetic angel right there. :))

AND I ATE A LOOOOOT TODAY. I feel like Imma bloat any minute now. :)))))

2009-03-27T18:44:00.001-07:00

Bye-Bye.

Aww. I miss becquerel iii already. :| You guys, confirm the details about the outing thing soon. :| I am depressed about the review stuff that I'll be having this vacation. Why even call it a vacation if the hours would be spent browsing through SAT pages or whatever?

Ooh, hysterical. HAHAHA.

Oh, oh! Last night we played Guesstures. :> It's somewhat like charades, except for this thingy that it requires. This little object used in shooting movie scenes--you know, the one that you snap after saying "Action!" I think you know what I'm pointing out here. :))) Anyway..so there. My uncle was really getting it. HAHA. I was getting pissed and everything. I was paired with my 10-year-old cousin (I'm not bitter about that, though. The kid's a good actor) and Tito kept saying things like "Talunan naman mga 'yan e." ARGH.

Yeah, I get it. It was just a game, and he was just joking. But it hit right through my sensitive side, you know? =)) They were obviously gaining on us. And even after our plate-smashing downfall, we were supposed to grant them ten wishes. Talk about brutal.

I was kind of calmed down, though. The popcorn was heavenly. :> And the juice felt good on my throat. I guess late-night snacks are not that bad of a routine. I'm getting an idea here. >:)

Oh, well. My brother's totally going to take advantage of this grant-me-10-wishes thing. I am SO going to be his slave for the next few days. After he uses up his fancy demands, I'll make his knees bleed. >>=)))) Kidding. ;))

2009-03-25T04:28:00.000-07:00

Boo-hoo.

Oh, so I've been beaten 6 (?) times today. I've become a complete chess noob. :| Sucks, you know. :| Therefore tonight I feel like asking my dad for a game. Hey, it's not my fault that I haven't played for years. I REALLY need to practice more.

Enough about that, though. :]

He was there. I saw him, and myself giving that love-at-first-sight impression. :> UGH. HAHA. I disgust myself sometimes. No, really. I have to keep this love bug thing looow, you know. =))

"Gabbi, ano 'yan?"

YESS. First Tagalog statement in my blog. =)) Thank you, brother slash pastry dude slash chess partner. You really made my day. :>

Who-hoah. I'm really keeping up with this blog thing. I might really get the hang of this. :)

2009-03-23T04:48:00.000-07:00

Uh-huh. All right. :]

YES, THAT WAS A BOOGIE-ISH WAY OF CELEBRATION. Because today, March 23 2009, I’ve unearthed the deepest trenches and I’ve unsoiled the murkiest waters. As a payment for my pleasant deeds, I got my glasses back. :> *wipes tears* Yes, thank you my dears. I knew you’d be happy for me. :) But aw, I guess I’d have to change my profile info AGAIN. That’s okay, though, ‘cause tonight I have only a few things to think about—like my Noli Me Tangere book, and the monologue that I was supposed to perform earlier today(but didn’t because our teacher wasn’t around).

So, I’ve attained the Not-So-Pessimistic-Today Award, and in fact I’m proud of myself. These days I’ve been whining over and over about how life gets totally unfair most of the time. And how it truly is unfair when it comes to MY needs. Because no one cares. And no one ever will.

Ah-hah! If that’s being goth, then I absolutely wrote that line. But if that’s being EMO, then let’s just forget that I brought that up, okay? =))

And oh yeah, the whole day I was with Crystelle. We even played chess by the lockers. Everything was just magical. :) So uh, thanks Girly Gay Dude. Girly Gay Dudes rock forever! :]]
I have nothing else to write but this: This day was weird. But it totally complements my personality, so what the heck. :>

2009-03-22T06:21:00.002-07:00

WTH's Wrong With Me?

Well seriously, I don’t know. It’s just that today I finally decided to actually add entries to my blog. So okay, I’m not really the hey-I-keep-my-blog-updated type, and I’m DEFINITELY not the I’ve-got-a-stable-ineternet-connection type, but on this glorious day I’ve decided to get my sluggishness over with. YAAY, right? I might as well put up some streamers around my laptop or something. But I see no bookstore, so bye-bye to streamers and hello, party-pooping self. Besides, I am SOOO bored. Isn’t there anything to do that doesn’t include text messaging and self-dismay? Oh yeah, talking about self-inflicted discouragement, monologues really make my day. I haven’t made up my mind on what to act out yet, and I believe that this mind lag will surely last until, what..tomorrow? I am so unknowing when it comes to Noli Me Tangere’s oh, so minor characters. Who TH’s Andeng, anyway?? And so yeah, I’ll surely die today..tomorrow. Whatever.

Ah, oh yes. I just discovered a new aspiration. I would like to page out to inanimate objects through blogging, and if I actually could, I’d say:

Oh, my sweet bifocals, where art thou?

Because I totally miss my glasses, and note that it’s been gone for just a bit over 24 hours! I REALLY need it, and I’d LITERALLY die without it. :| So, an effin’ sane person should give it back to me NOW. Or I’ll go berserk in the next few days. How TH will I be able to watch Secondhand Serenade in Tri Noma (if I ever get the chance)? And how in the world will I be able to take a look at Craig David when he holds his concert in the Big Dome?? Yes, pick up that dagger and plunge it into my eyeballs one at a time. They’re of no use anymore. I might as well lay useless on cold asphalt and fade away into the cruel night.

UGH. What am I saying. I should be finding ways on how to get my glasses back, or how to get new glasses if ever it gets misplaced completely. :( And so, if you ever come across any upcoming art contests, make sure to inform me right away. It wouldn’t take up so much of your time, and besides, you’ll be able to save a life. So uh, keep that in mind, okay? I’ll be granting you a wish for it. :] YAAAY, I’ll be a one-time fairy, too. LOL. ROFLMAO. =))

As much as I would like to go chitchat with you guys, I really can’t. Classes are almost over, but the projects keep coming. My monologue’s due tomorrow, and if I mess up, my life will, too. Wish me luck, or you could just help me out by making my script or something. But um, I guess no one’s that lucky. So goodbye, and from here I’ll start writing down my final will.

My Ionized Drive through Junior Year (Bear with the weird title)

2009-03-16T05:10:00.000-07:00

Most students often shudder upon hearing the word “Chemistry”. Perhaps it’s because of the complex reactions that make kids sick to the guts, the bonding relationships that teens these days can’t really absorb (since they know another kind of ‘relationship’), or baffling structures that make our eyes cross. It may also be because of the creepy terminologies that no one would dare mention in ordinary conversations, the complicated mechanics of even simple things, or the fluids that may burn the layers of our skin. I’m not really sure, but this is what I overhear from most people. I sort of oppose, though, for Chemistry actually keeps me delighted at times—several times, to tell you the truth.

Oftentimes when you walk through the streets of different places, you happen to notice a lot of things you don’t really seem to notice everyday. When you stroll through the park and try to look around, you see a lot of things—plants that grow prolifically, with beautifully-colored fruits stemming out from the branches and leaves that shine due to tiny dewdrops; animals that roam with their owners, their fluffy fur swaying majestically with the breeze, their movements so free and blissful; couples holding hands while walking, smiling as if life doesn’t provide them with anxieties that may obstruct their union; and families that keep themselves busy by having small talks while enjoying homemade sandwiches and beef jerky for picnic food—and you realize that you feel distinct emotions, each one taking over another, and these include envy, happiness, longing and curiosity all at the same time. You know one thing’s for sure, though: Overall, you’re contented. You are satisfied with what you see. However, that can’t always be the case. Sooner or later you’ll have to dig deeper into things, be aware of what they really are even with your eyes closed. That’s what Chemistry is for. It gives definition to things inside things, and gives complete emphasis and detail to processes inside processes.

These are probably some of the reasons why I’m fascinated by the said area of Science. Honestly, Science is totally not my thing, and I dislike getting my mind boggled by computations with countless variables unless I know they’re under Mathematics. This time somehow, it’s different. Quite a lot of revolting equations and unbearable formulas have been shoved into my face, but I’ve been keeping up well. I am pleased to see myself engaging not only in academic attributes, but also in my ‘inner physique’ for I’m already given delight as I find myself sharpening my focus and stance.

For the past quarters, as intent as I may be, it never had been really featherlike. There were times when I thought I’d rather break down and sleep until evening the next day. There were days when I felt like not going to school anymore, wishing I was suffering a minor illness or whatever—all those crappy things just to get through a day of school works, just to escape from loads of burden for a while and keep myself away from all worries trying to crash down my defense. It’s not an easy job, of course. To de-stress yourself you need a lot of time in your hands, because you’ll need rest. You’ll need peace.

During the first quarter, needless to say, I was still getting used to the new topics. It was hard at first, but as time went on, I got along with the flow and enjoyed myself with the new things I was learning. It was really fun, and jotting notes down wasn’t that bad, either. Lectures during this quarter could be considered the least difficult ones, because they were the foremost discussions. Even though Sir Esteban has his way of teaching things rapidly, he does a really good job because I still get to comprehend the lessons successfully.

Things also went smoothly for the next quarter. Fortunately I was getting the hang of things, and truthfully, the topics were a lot easier during this period. Every night I would open a page or two from my notebook and read about the discussion held that day, or if not I would call up a classmate and add more data to my notes if ever I lacked any. During rare times, I would get my books and read in advance so that I can keep my pace with the lectures that would be given the following day. Doing these doesn’t only improve my knowledge about stuff, for it also helps me sleep. A pile of words could get me sleepy especially when I’m right about to go to bed.

I really didn’t like third quarter much. Every school year I would consider this quarter the most unfortunate one because it is when projects are accumulated like mounting garbage in dumpsites. It is when I’d spend every night staring at the monitor, talking to myself. “When will I ever finish all of this?” Or at times I would add, “Wait, finishing? Is that even possible??” I was always desperate for help. Well, my parents would always enlighten me by telling me that I’ll be able to get through the tasks, and that time should not be wasted by whining and giving complaints. When you keep blaming your teachers for the massive weight they place on your shoulders, nothing good will really happen to you. You’ll just end up with a ball of anger inside you, raging your insides like inferno. Trust me, your guilt will eat you up in the end.

Fourth quarter. I am devastated because I found the lectures absolutely grueling and it’s really hard for me to cope up with the new lessons. Every single day I lean my head against my palm, feeling downbeat and contemplating on the possible outcomes regarding my grades. I sort of became grade-conscious because during the previous quarter I was able to lift myself four spots up, including myself in the Top Ten list of the class. At that time, I made my parents ecstatic, and I really would love to see them that way again when the results are revealed for this quarter. What kind of daughter wouldn’t want her parents happy as a result of her persistent diligence? A child myself, I’d do anything for my parents’ happiness.

Overall, I loved Chemistry. Then again, this would not be imaginable if the teacher isn’t at his best. Mr. Esteban is a great person, as a teacher, and I believe he also is as a friend. He makes the perplexed topics easy for the students by adding humor to his lectures. Most of the time, he cracks a joke or two to make the atmosphere lighter for everyone. And though he teaches with a speed that seems to break the record of lightning, we know he means well. It’s all for the sake of his students, and we see this clear enough to repay him with the same affection.

Through the months I’ve spent bonding ionically, covalently, or other adverbs you can think of, through the days I’ve devoted to calculating the molarity, molality and mass percentage of numerous compounds, through the hours I’ve consumed to get the electrical charge of ions and balance reduction-oxidation reactions, through the minutes I’ve used up to memorize periodic trends and create short acronyms to easily remember the elements in the periodic table, and through the seconds I’ve laid out to breathe every time I feel my brain wanting to explode or my heart wanting to jump out from its place—I am grateful, grateful that I’ve gotten the chance to encounter these things, that I’ve been given the opportunity to feel the pressure of education. Not everyone gets such a prize in life, and it is worth keeping and having cared for. And yes, I was ionized—altered—into a whole new person, all thanks to Chemistry and its little wonders.

Character Sketch of a Korean DelegateKim Young Jin

2009-03-15T05:12:00.001-07:00

In five straight days with the Korean exchange students roaming freely around the campus, it was impossible not to get to know any of them. When classes ended, you would spot them all gathered in the covered court with their foster brothers and sisters, and waiting moms. they would chatter enthusiastically, probably relieved that for once they understood someone that day. They were in a completely new environment after all, and even the friendliest of people would find it difficult to keep up with a baffling dual-lingo conversation. Generally, they were sort of alienated, and the fact was highlighted more by their frequent appearances, hence class absences.

Together with my elective colleague, I gave out small forms to each of the newcomers. They were required to write down details about themselves--both their English and Korean names, their birth dates, their foster siblings and other significant information. They all answered obediently--well, almost--and it was hard not to stare while they did. They all had pleasant smiles, the ones that could actually brighten someone's day. For me, however, there was this certain one among them who owned a smile so innocent it drew me in. It was unlikely when I looked at him and felt elated at his sudden childlike beam. Perhaps it occurred for the reason that darling smiles top my list of weaknesses, and his had me downright warm and fuzzy inside.

English name: Kim Young Jin, as it was on the paper. He was among those who weren't given an actual English title. It somewhat suited his unique personality which made him distinct from the others: shy, yet very approachable and unreserved. His likable traits pushed me to appoint him as the subject of my character sketch. I prepared a few questions, and he responded to each with his usual, adorable smile.

He stated that QueSci has a "big ground", and that our school has a few freshmen compared to Seong Ji, which has over 370. Their class hours are very prolonged, ranging from 9 in the morning to the same time in the evening--and we thought we were the unfortunate ones. Also, like other Koreans we know--including the ones we see on television or whatever--he loves kimchi and considers it his favorite chow. He also goes fanboy over Rain, a renowned Korean actor and singer. When I asked about his traits, he answered with a shrug and said, "I'm a gentleman." Well, it doesn't really take too long for someone to notice that. "I also like soccer and swimming," he added. He was adopted by Nikkie, a freshie from section Darwin, who treated him fairly well. It was great that in such a short time, this special bond between them developed his idea about Filipinos being very hospitable and courteous. He also mentioned that unlike in Korea, it's very hot in our country, and that "Filipinos are thin, not like most of us Koreans." The statement was startling, for almost every Korean star I've seen was either thin or very thin. Wonderful how our outlooks seem dreadfully opposed in several aspects.

When they left to fully head back home, I couldn't help but feel a slight hint of gloom. Somehow in that brief period we had our conversation, I seemed to have learned a lot from him. Somehow it made me consider a whole new scene for a virtual play that I star in, a whole new friendship I'm willing to keep. It makes me ecstatic to know that I'll be hearing a fresh set of stories. It gives me bliss that if I ever get to be in that distant place where he is, I know someone will be waiting for me, with both hands to offer.

Down on Melted Cheese

Goodbye.

It's Not That, It's This.

Don't Call Me No More.

Keep This Under Wraps.

Though You Know I'm Trembling.

100 Truths. :)

My Ionized Drive through Junior Year (Bear with the weird title)

Character Sketch of a Korean Delegate*Kim Young Jin*

Character Sketch of a Korean DelegateKim Young Jin