No More Sundays

Okay, I know I’m really behind on posts. Then again, I haven’t done much (that’s a lie… but what I have done is not worth a lot of blabber for the sake of making up a post), and work’s taken over a big chunk of my life. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been working 15 hour days on Tuesdays just so I can have two real days off. But now — I’ve been switched to working Friday night until Wednesday mornings… So I really won’t have a life. And no more football on Sundays and Mondays. That thought makes me so depressed I don’t even want to dwell on it. Not until next season, anyway. And I’m going to pray for a lot of Thursday night games for the Giants. Gyah, enough of that. Makes me hate my job even more. At least now I have TWO real days off? I guess that’s a plus. But overnights… that’s a lot of work. And no life-ing. We’ll see. I’ve made do with my previous schedule. I can make do with this. One more year left… and then…? Well, that’s for another post.

So let’s see. Other than work nonsense, what else? Oh, I’m writing a book. Well, ok, not really. I’m just writing. I’ve started putting together words so that they make paragraphs, and those paragraphs run together to form pages. So, we’ll see where that goes. I don’t even know the first thing about writing something a book, let alone a book that people actually want to read. BUT if there’s anyone out there who would like a first glimpse at a rough draft, I would be more than ecstatic to let you peruse.

As far as music goes, I’ve been into some really chillllaxable beats, thanks to homies Jojo and Drizzle. Currently on the playlist:

It Was You - Jimmy Castor Bunch
Oh Girl Remix - Raphael Saadiq featuring Jay-Z
Sparks – Coldplay 
Flightless Bird, American Mouth – Iron & Wine 

… Which leads me to the last thought of the day before I knock out — The Twilight Series. You know why I love the Iron & Wine song, if you’re a fan. Every time I hear it, I get so… Hopeful? I think it’s the smoothness of the song coupled with the slow dance in the movie. When was the last time you slow danced? I think my last real slow dance was during prom. That’s just sad. Anyway, I’m done with the books, and overall — I LOVED it. Made me giddy and very pre-teenish and in love with love and, of course, Edward — no matter how possessive he was sometimes. But I mean, can you blame him? When you find true love after 80-some years of being the walking dead (literally), wouldn’t you never want to let go either? Bella and Jacob, unfortunately, got on my nerves on book two… But definitely made up for it in 3 and 4. Little Renesmee creeped me out a bit, but little half-breeds do that anyway, so no biggie. I think I laughed the most in book 4 for some reason (it probably has to do with torn pillows and blonde jokes). I think Twilight is still my favorite, especially with Midnight Sun still floating around. I was at my most girliness while reading that book, and it felt good. Edward has forever ruined all other men for me, but that’s alright. I’ve already stopped looking for Mr. Right (and Mr. Right Now). If they want me, they can come look for me. I’m hanging up my Thursday night dancing shoes and picking up my binoculars. I’m gonna watch life from a distance for a while.

Happy Christmas

One of the few things I look forward to during the holidays is driving on 264 at night, heading towards Waterside. Right before you get to Harbor Park, you’ll see some construction going on to your left, right about where the railroad tracks are. Look up, and you’ll see this tall crane, barely visible at night. My favorite part about the crane — what’s hanging from it. I look forward to it every Christmas, and sometimes I stare at it for so long I start driving in the middle of two lanes. No matter how I’m feeling, it cheers me up.

Happy Christmas, everyone :]
I’ll see you in 2009.

-JB

Juan on Juan

It’s simple, really. I hand you the ball, step aside, and you score a basket. Two points. Easy. You wanna make it tough on yourself, shoot a three-pointer from half court. Want to play football? Alright. Here’s the ball. I step aside, walk yourself fifty yards to the goal. I’m not even asking you to run. Don’t strain yourself. Take it easy. Saunter. Soccer? Sure. Here’s the ball. I’ll step aside. You kick it into the goal. It’s a pretty big goal. You really can’t miss. You really shouldn’t.

Are we getting my point yet? I am almost 24 years old. I’m getting too old to play games. While the “thrill of the chase” is oh-so-exciting and whatnot, it’s also very tiring. Yes, I enjoy all the fun and excitement that comes in the early stages. But only to a certain degree. After a while, it gets old, and I need reassurance and certainty and conviction that I’m in something that’s worth it. That I will not get thrown away haphazardly after you’ve had your fun. I’m all for 808’s and heartbreaks, but only if the road to that ending was worth it. 

I’m done doing the chasing. I refuse to tackle your ass to prove that I want you. Now that doesn’t mean I won’t work hard for something I want. But that also doesn’t mean I’m going to follow you around hoping maybe you’ll make a move just because I’m the closest human in proximity. I know what I’m worth and I know what I deserve. I’m not asking for flowers and a free meal every night, but I do want a little effort. Just a little, to keep me interested. To keep me in the game. And the simplest thing about all this is — if you’re tired, if you don’t want to play the game anymore, if you’re just not “in it to win it” — tell me. That easy. We’ll call it a tie, shake hands, and walk away.

Like I said. The ball’s in your court. If you’ve already made your rebound, cool. Walk away now, you’ve won. Otherwise, you’re the only one in possession of the ball. Score some points, already.

Tagged!

“& this is what you do; once you’ve been tagged, you have to write a blog with sixteen random things, facts, habits or goals about you. at the end choose ten people to be tagged, listing their names and why you chose them. don’t forget to leave them a comment (“you’re it”) and to read your blog. you can’t tag the person who tagged you. since you can’t tag me, let me know when you’ve posted your blog, so i can see your weirdness.”

1. I sing out loudly while I drive in my car. I don’t care if it’s rap or some slow jamz or cheesy 80’s music. I will sing to it.
2. I don’t like talking on the phone a lot. I am a text addict. Also — I expect a text back if I ask a question — even if it’s just a yes or no. I think it’s common courtesy to reply back, even if not immediately.
3. I’ve never had a favorite holiday, although Christmas would probably top the list. My favorite Christmas song is “Last Christmas” by Wham.
4. I’ve started to watch more football & I love it. Everyone thinks I’m a bandwagon hype beast because I like the Giants, but neh, whatever. I started watching before the Super Bowl last year — when they still sucked. But now they’re awesome and that’s all that counts. My other favorite quarterback — Kurt Warner. Hawt.
5. When it comes to where I want to go next — it’s a toss-up between New York or San Francisco. I think I’m definitely a New York kinda girl, but I still want to see what the left coast has. LA and San Diego weren’t my thing when I visited, but I think I want to give San Diego another go. Is it wrong to say there were way too many Filipinos there? Although, it was the cooler version of Virginia Beach.
6. Thanks to Janelle, I have started exploring the wonderful phenomenon that is makeup (especially eye shadow). I still don’t know how it all works, but I think I’m more fascinated and enamored by the pretty shiny colors.
7. I love to read. It’s been a while since I’ve picked up a really good book, but after Hanna let me borrow Twilight, I’ll have to admit that I’m hooked on to it now. New Moon, anyone?
8. I am honestly scared of my future… but even worse — for my children’s future. The economy is ridiculous, we’re fighting a non-existent war, and to top it off, I’m probably going to remain jobless for a while if I end up quitting. Which I will. Good luck, kids. I hope you’re all born geniuses.
9. I bought a guitar earlier this year determined to learn how to play. I haven’t picked it up in a month, although I have learned three songs.
10. Rainy days make me sleepy. I love them, but I hate driving in them.
11. My back is in constant pain. It probably doesn’t help that I haven’t been to a doctor in more than three years… but I finally made an appointment to see one next Friday (their earliest opening). Wish me luck!
12. T.I., Robert Pattinson, James Franco, Hugh Jackman, and Timothy Olyphant have some of the most beautiful bone structure I have ever seen on this earth. Gawd…
13. I have horrible split ends, even after I get a hair cut. Remedies, anyone?
14. I get crushes easily. I fall easily. I’m in it to win it for the most part, but only if the other person reciprocates. The most annoying thing, to me, about dating/talking/seeing someone is when they’re not honest with me. I’m an open book, easily readable with no big words, but I’ve found a lot of boys still like to play games and tamper with nonsense. I’m almost 24 years old. As much as I love to have fun, I don’t have time for that.
15. I’d go gay for Kate Beckinsale, Maggie Q, and Penelope Cruz. Especially Kate’s accent. Gawd…
16. is my favorite number. 

Life Sans Frisco

Um, I finally got my camera. I love him. Although I’d still like a trip to San Francisco, I don’t think it’s going to happen. So for now — get ready. To make up for to no-go trip: pictures (of the most random things) galore.

 

November 4th

I watched President-elect Barack Obama make his speech in the control room of WVEC. I was mildly a part of history, especially with such a horrible show under my belt =P Congratulations, Mr. Obama. May you do this country some good.

The Big Green Apple

I needed New York. Even though I only lived there for a measly four years — I still think it made a big impact on who I am today. I still like to call it home, the way I call the Philippines my home. Everything about the city is beautiful. Growing up there — I knew it was The Big Apple. The city of opportunity and culture. The quintessential melting pot of life. I knew these things as a ten year old growing up in Queens. What I knew about my borough was not confined to what I saw in Coming to America. I walked the sidewalks of Crescent Street to rent movies at the Filipino store down the block. I took tennis lessons from USTA at the local park. I walked to school in three feet of snow. I attended Bollywood-like festivals along with Fil-Am Friendship day at Central Park. I got stuck in the subway when the power went out after watching the Fourth of July fireworks at the Statue of Liberty. I appreciated the beauty of everything back then. I still appreciate them today. Especially now that I’m much more older and am more aware of what I see and experience.

Where else but in New York will you see streets and bums covered with beautiful orange and red and yellow leaves? Where else can you stop and grab a bite of lamb kebab, pizza, and fish balls (my treasure hunt for my next visit)? Where else is the color yellow more prominent but in the streets of Manhattan? Where else can you find an assortment of faux Dolce&Gabbana and Burberry purses? Where else can you take eight lanes of traffic and merge them into two lanes going into the tunnel in a matter of minutes? Where else does the smell of the subway permeate through your skin and singe the hair in your nostrils?

We walked the streets of Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn, scared for our safety, but also excited for our adventures. Two nights in the city that never sleeps was not enough — we certainly didn’t sleep. The delectable food (NY-style cheese pizza will never get old), the sights (looking down into the ocean while midway through the Brooklyn bridge at three in the morning), the sounds (curse words in every language you can think of)… Everything about New York is beautiful. I love the brick buildings. I love the tranquility of the subways. I love how Dunkin Donuts infiltrate every corner. I love how corner stores sell flowers outside. I love the tall buildings and the crazy characters. I love the readily-available entertainment at all hours of the day and night. I love the photo opportunities that jump out at you. I love Chinatown and Williamsburg and Chelsea and Broadway and each and every corner of Fifth Avenue. I love the clothes I can’t afford and the six-for-ten-dollars I Love NY shirts. Because I do.

I think that’s where I belong. California was awesome,but I didn’t get the best first impression of it. I was supposed to check out San Francisco in December, but that’s not looking too promising. In terms of cities I want to move to when I’m done here –New York tops the cake. And Will and Karen and Wowie and Sarah and TJ and a bunch of other friends being up there helps the decision a lot. I wish you could come with me; see the beauty of life up there. No worries — you have time. One day, we’ll frolic the streets hand in hand. For now I stay here and dream about me and you and the possibilities of life in The Big Green Apple.

Back to Basics

Celebrate life, right?

I miss it.

Good times. San Fran in December. Cross your fingers.

60 + 4

A little bit of this

With a little bit of this

Put in some of this

Plus a lotta this

Mix it all in this

Make a shitload of this