Extended

Been a dismal week so far. Plus, I've been asked to extend officially. Instead of Feb. 7 as my effectivity date (as stated in the letter I filed), it's going to be March 7.

Sigh.

To sweeten the pot at least, I'll be going back to the original account that I was handling some months back.

Entertaining Indies

Early this morning, I started reading Bratpack by Rick Veitch. It’s a book about superhero sidekicks and the corruption of youth and how heroes are blinded to events that happen behind the scenes. That’s the magic of being a comic reader – as a voyeur, you get a glimpse of more than what is shown to our protagonists. Last week, I also read two volumes of Stray Bullets. While it’s a lot more violent than what I’m normally used to, I found myself enjoying these as well. The way the characters came to life, their flaws usually close to our own, and how in the grand scheme of things, people are connected to strangers in one way or another… it’s like a grown-up version of Degrassi!

Altered States

Cathy sent me her holiday pictures via e-mail. She looks even more beautiful now that her hair is longer. Most of her pics are with Martin, except for a few which had Crissy in ‘em as she flew to the States. Was our friendship altered in any way now that she’s in the States? Maybe just a little, ‘coz we don’t see the same movies together or eat out at the same restaurants, but where it really matters, when you strip off the ‘palabok’ and get back to the bare essentials, I’d say it’s pretty much the same. When we YM, it’s like we’re talking on the phone again. I just can’t drive to her place when she’s down tho, like I used to.

Reclaim-ador

Although I’m supposed to end my employment next month, my superiors have requested for a 2-month extension. I… dunno if I can give that. The reason I resigned is because I wanted to reclaim my life. I wanted more than having my life revolve around my job. It’s the only mortal life we’ve got, aren’t we supposed to make the most out of it? Maybe I can extend ‘till March. I hope they find a replacement for me soon so that I can leave without feeling guilty.

BTIC

I like the way BTIC sounds when you recite it as a word as opposed to saying each letter separately. BTIC, BTIC BTIC.

Sunday Fockers

Yesterday, we went to Druid’s Keep in Magallanes. I was with James, Matt, and Zeki. I bought Bratpack and The Mighty Crusaders. We then met up with Wil at Figaro’s in Greenbelt. We ate at the GB foodcourt before watching Meet the Fockers. I was laughing the whole time, but the original still beat the sequel. The movie got me thinking – when I do find the person I’m spending the rest of my life with, a lot of adjustments have to be made, not just with each other, but with the family we would be joining together. That’s a lot of expectations that have to be met. It’s hard enough when you’re in a relationship and you don’t jive with the friends of your partner (thankfully, I’ve yet to experience that). It must be harder when family’s involved.

After the movie, we ate at Shakey’s. I got my usual order – pizza, pasta and potatoes, and supplemented it with an order of a thin crust cheese pizza. For the first time, I didn’t order a milkshake at Shakey’s. Alvin’s right in saying that Shakey’s should go back to their old style surroundings. It’s certainly more comfortable and homey that way. The whole time in Shakey’s, an old jingle of Pizza Hut came running through my head:

Pizza Hut, making it great!
Making it happen, making it quick
Making it thin or making it thick
Making it your way, straight to your doorway
Making it fast, making it last
Making it early, making it ggggreeeeeaaaaaattttttt
Pizza Hut, making it great!

Soon after, we ended up in Coffee Bean. There I saw an old friend, Ayna. Ayna’s the original “Daria.” She’s cynical but realistic, sarcastic but funny. It was nice knowing that she was still with Francis. Maybe long distance relationships do work sometimes.

Then we went home, since James was going to a wake that night. His officemate, the brother of my officemate, passed away.

The Cube

Saturday, I went to Megamall with James and Matt. We met up with Dan to watch Raise Your Voice. It was neat movie, filled with a lot of real-life moments. When Terri’s brother was killed, my eyes were glued to the screen even when there was nothing left to see but white. Seeing the family cope after was painful to watch.

Hilary Duff reminds me of my teammate at work, Ellay.

Afterwards, Dan was supposed to go home already but he ended up joining us. Mom prepared pasta for us. Mark J and Wil joined us for dinner and for The Cube. We played Super Mario Advance 4 and Mario Kart: Double Dash. Halfway through the night, Dre’s sister dropped by to have some Philhealth forms signed. Dre was confined and needed those forms signed before she was released. Naks, work from home hehe. We also had Coffee Crumble ice cream. Mark J and I had this running joke, that everytime he’d drop by the house to join us for dinner, masarap ang ulam.

It’s Tianenmen

Friday night, I went to Tianenmen with Wil, Yssa and Aileen. I thought it was Marcus’ despedida party, but turned out he had 2 months to go still. I missed Marcus a lot. I’ve known him for years. He’s still as naughty and playful as he’s always been. We were joined by Lenin, Ron (one of the managers) and Al A.

Hahaha!

It’s Eat Bulaga on TV and I just heard 2 jokes that made me laugh out loud!

Knock-Knock!
Who’s there?
Madonna.
Madonna who?

Heeeeeeeeeereeeeeeeee’s Aerosmith!!!!!!!!

Madonna close my eyes
Madonna fall asleep
Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing

*grin*

Knock-Knock!
Who’s there?
Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson who?

I’ve got sunshine
On a cloudy day
When it’s cold outside
I’ve got the month of may
I guess you’d say
What can make me feel this way?
Michael
(michael, michael)
Talkin’ ’bout michael
(jackson)

BWAHAHA!

Popoymelroti

Popoy’s gone. He flew back to the States last Friday. The other day, we bought his valentines gift for his loves – a goosedown pillow. I’m supposed to deliver it personally. I guess I’ll wear red on the 14th when I deliver it. We also ate at Cravings, and Jojo joined us. I’m going to miss my bud, Popoy’s like a brother to me. We’ve been through a lot together, mostly kalokohan hehe. But when I needed my friends 4 years ago, he was there. I’m happy he found love again, as he deserves it. See you next December!

Cube Squared

That night, we also played both The Cube and PS2 at James’ house with Wil and Yssa. Wil and Yssa’s bantering was funny to watch! Yssa had a funny quotable quote that night but I can’t remember what it was. Something to do with coins and the greediness involved in getting them all.

Last Hurrah

I slept the whole day. It was cold, and comfy and the perfect mood for sleeping. So I did. The WHOLE day hehe. Turned out, Popoy and Sam were trying to get in touch with me the whole time. I guess they got fed up so they just went straight to my house to wake me up. They arrived at about 10 and wouldn't take no for an answer, so I took a quick bath, dressed up and joined them for dinner at Chili's. Sam, the last time we saw each other wuz during Popoy's despedida a year ago... and now he's leaving again! We picked up Matt and James along the way, and also met up with Wil, Maricar and Oliver. Oli, didn't know you read my blog hehe.

We just hung out, ate, laughed, and soon it was James' birthday already. Imagine James, it doesn't seem so long ago that we'd play patintero and family computer everyday. At that time, it seemed like the people we knew who were in their twenties (like Anna Kris and Froilan) seemed so old, and now look at us... we're in our twenties! Next stop - - thirties! Back then, we were even reading the comic where the Beast just turned thirty and wasn't too happy about it. Good luck tomorrow when you renew your license.

Popoy, can't believe you're leaving again =(

It still feels like you just got back a few days ago. And now you're leaving again. Sigh. It was fun tho, while you were here. Real friends really make a difference. Enjoy your out-of-town trip with your prospect tomorrow! We'll see you one last time before you leave =(

Ryan's Party

I was on a nostalgia rush from morning 'till afternoon yesterday. I played Super Mario Bros. Advance 4 non-stop. After finishing the game (with the use of warp zones hehe), I played Mario Kart: Double Dash and tried to unlock the hidden levels. No such luck, hehe.

Evening, I dropped by Astoria for Ryan's surprise birthday party for his loves. Tonito, Alexei, Billy, Aileen and Bridget were already there. Bridge and Aileen prepared the food, and from presentation to quality, they deserve an A+! Guests started to trickle in and I saw old friends like Kuya Levi and Kuya Rob.

Dan and I were texting and he asked if I wanted to meet up, so I picked him up from Podium and returned to the party. We stayed with Ria (mommy), Tristan and Bridget. The thing about Tristan, is that he changed a lot. He became a lot friendlier and funnier and I can see the effort that he extends. It's really nice that he's doing this for mommy. I'm positive all of mommy's "kids" see and appreciate this.

Next, Dan and I brought Bridget to Makati so that she would not have a hard time going home. It was really traffic in Edsa going back but fortunately, we were able to find an alternate route. We hung out at my house for a bit and Dan tried to teach me how to play the Marvel VS Card Game, but my mind was already mush at that time hehe. Then I brought him to Bagaberde to meet his friends and I passed by Quattro in Timog to visit my college buds... turned out that particular gimmick was canceled, hehe. So i went back home to rest =)

Oh, and I found out that in some sectors, I am thought of as "promiscuous." Sheesh! I wish I were, it would prolly make life a whole lot easier. Go figger :)

Bits

I just watched the final episode of "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance." I have tears in my eyes, hehe.

Had a great lunch today, our unit was complete - Trina, Sharon, Ron, Kay and I ate at McDonald's.

Kay worked at Export today. It was nice to have company for a change =)

Life or Something Like it

Notice how whenever we're at a crossroads, the right type of music or the right type of movies crosses our paths? First time I watched "Life or Something Like it" was in Cathy's room some years back. I just watched it again a few hours ago and it affirms my decision. One of the most striking lines in the movie goes like this:

"Live everyday as if it were your last because one day...
it will be..."

Heh.

* * *

Did nothing the whole weekend but sleep and play Super Mario Advance 4 on The Cube (thanks, Parker). Can't wait for our Quiapo trip =)

Melrose Place

While channel surfing, I chanced upon "E! True Hollywood Stories" which featured "Melrose Place!" I eagerly watched the episode and it was neat seeing how the cast still pretty much looked the same. This brought back a lot of memories.

Back in College, Cathy and I were addicted to this show. After school, we'd rush to her house, play games on her playstation and then bring our dinner upstairs to her room to watch Melrose. The times we couldn't watch it together, we'd be on the phone while watching. Most times we would just be silent but now and then we'd comment or react and then go back to watching.

My favorite character has to be Matt. He was a really nice guy who volunteered to do civic work, married someone to give her a green card, and tried to be the best uncle that he could be.

Next would be Sydney. Funny witty Sydney, who took whatever life threw at her and shrugged it off with a laugh. Poor tragic Sydney who got killed on her wedding day.

I also like Brooke, Greg, Michael, Kimberly and of course Traci Lords as Rikki.

I had a big crush on Lexie, a redhead who I thought would be perfect in playing the role of Madelyne Pryor of the X-Men.

Best moment would have to be: "It's not what it looks like...it's worse!"

* * *

"Lunch" was fun as usual, at HapChan with Tata, Kay, Noel, Haydee, and Vil. I'm savoring these moments as soon these too shall be gone...

Kay and I, along with Carlo and Les, talked to some agents who had to be transferred to a different account. I know how they feel...

I got my stash for the week! I only got to read "What if Jessica Jones Was an Avenger" which I enjoyed, and "What if Magneto and Professor X Formed the X-Men Together" which I hated.

I'm still down. Ganun talaga...

Rejection

Rejection is a word that I don't encounter much. Since I don't expect much from people, I don't get hurt easily. Today is a little different. I woke up in the middle of the afternoon and received a text message that pretty much sums up rejection. At least, it's clearer now as to why my crush wasn't as excited to hear from me. I had competition. Two, in fact. Now I wish I could turn back time and do away with that YM conversation. At that time, I had already convinced myself that my crush wasn't interested in me. The YM talk proved otherwise. Naturally, I revealed that I was interested as well. Wrong move. I did something that I rarely do... show the cards I was dealt with. And so, I get excited and all hehe.

Joke's on me.

Anyways, the text message was very reasonable and one that I should understand. Doesn't make the pain any less but life's like that, you deal with what you're dealt with. Also, I appreciate that the text was made right away. It would have been worse if it was prolonged. So... no biggie =)

So am I mad at my crush?
No way! Everyone has a right to like whomever they want to.

Hurt?
Of course. But there's this line that my friends at work always use: "This too shall pass."

Now am I jaded?
Hell, yeah! Even more than before...

COUNTDOWN

Been awake since 6:00pm of January 5. Stayed in the office for more than 24 hours. January 6 has been a long, very emotional and grueling day!

As the hours ticked closer to our team meeting, I began to become more nervous. During my break, I would pace back and forth, anxiously glancing at my watch. Finally, I went down to Jollibee to buy a pie of each kind, and hurriedly traveled to our other location.

Soon we had our meeting, and after that I was left with my immediate supervisor. It was hard to get the words out, harder still to explain the rationale behind those words. Not wanting to get too much into detail, all I can say is that it was a very difficult thing to do. I was teary-eyed. It broke my heart. I think it did hers as well. My mommy at work.

Then I rushed back to my homebase, little knowing that my closest teammates would find out a short while after. I was greeted by a barrage of text messages. I couldn't really concentrate as I was on a jeep and was on my way to a serious gathering. I felt so heavy.

After the meeting which solved a lot of problems, I started answering some of the messages. It was then that I told Bridget. She couldn't believe me. Some seconds later, she wouldn't believe me. I don't really know at what point she started to realize that I was telling the truth, but she started muttering "hindi ko ma-reconcile... hindi ko talaga kayang ma-reconcile."

We then went to Henlin for a late lunch and met up with Trina, Kay, Sharon and Haydee. Reactions were pretty mixed. One gave me the cold shoulder, which I knew was just lambing. One just came from crying. Another was pretending (I hope) to be mad. To escape, I said that I was going to order food. Good thing all of them had ordered already.

Back at the table, the grilling began. I answered honestly and said what I really felt and why I chose to do what I did. There wasn't any bad blood, the big bulk of it is that I was just too tired to continue. Working 12 hours daily wasn't fun at all.

Next, I went to the 14f to visit the boss of my boss, who used to be my boss back at my old company. It was really hard. She presented a very valid argument on why I should not leave. But that's logic. I wanna be illogical this time. I don't know why, it just felt right to believe that I was doing the right thing.

Next: my old workstation. There, I saw Weng, Dang, Gretch, Ryan and Eloise. Again, mixed reactions. Ryan's was the one that I appreciated the most.

I also went to the HR Dungeon and worked there for an hour or so. I missed that place. For the longest time, I lived in that Dungeon. First with Che and Tina, then alone, then with Luz, then alone again, then with Shiela, then alone, and finally with Ems. So many memories attached to that room. To the shredder. To the filing cabinets and the 201 files that I lovingly (haha) created. That was my favorite workstation of all.

At that very moment, I needed a hug =(

Anyways...

Weng, Dang...

Alam niyo na yun. Salamat =)

Sharon and I had a talk too (with Ron), and then we were joined by Trina. It was hard. Very hard. And sad. Very sad.

So that was my day. The countdown begins. And things will never be the same again... in 30 days...

Risk

My stomach just went through a roller coaster ride this afternoon.

Anyways... tomorrow... to talk to the superboss or not to talk. Even at this point, I don't know what my decision would be. Now I have a better understanding of how "Survivor" contestants can change their minds before writing down the name of the person who they choose to vote out. I feel the same way, teetering to and fro, neither here nor there. I just need to will myself into her door. Once I'm in, tuloy-tuloy na.

I usually tell people that it's not a good idea to leave whatever job they have unless there's a replacement job waiting for them. It's called "playing safe." However, I admit there's a certain thrill in jumping into the unknown, facing the abyss without knowing what's in store for you. It's the same thrill I got back in College, sitting along the ledge of the 5th floor of our building, scaring the $#1+ out of my classmates whenever I clown around and pretend that I'm about to fall.

It's a risk. A stupid one. But one I'm preparing myself to make.

End

Everything is coming to a head. I can feel it. You know how it is when your tummy's rumbling, and you're slightly shaking involuntarily, and you know that it's the calm before the storm? And you're very very nervous? That's how I feel. Something big's coming up. Something bad. Sasabog na 'to. Mali, eh. Mali talaga. And it's all happening at the same time. Middle of February, things will not be the same... in a lot of aspects.

Gee... I'm bursting to tell someone, anyone. But I can't. And I won't. Doing so will leave me very vulnerable.

Just ride out the storm. Look past the darkness. There's an ending to everything. And a beginning.

Lost in Paseo

Tata and I haven't talked in a long time, so I enjoyed last night's conversation with her. We had a few... schemes...

Trina, Vil, Haydee, Noel and I met for "lunch" at KFC, and we also had a lot of fun.

Finally, Popoy, Ryan, Mommy Ria and I had breakfast at McDo a few hours ago. Popoy was uber late, and I was a little irritated by the time that he arrived. Note that I rarely get irritated or even mad. Good thing I asked Mommy Ria and Ryan to join us, 'coz that helped make the irritation go away. =)

Popoy was late because he parked in Valero, and he had to walk a-ways before he got to McDo Paseo Center. Afterwards, I offered to drive him back to his car, so he directed me to where his car was parked. After winding through Valero, then San Agustin, then back to Valero again, we finally reached his car... which was parked right across McDo!!!

I had to grin and I knew my eyes were glinting, when Popoy said "Ay, nandiyan lang pala."

I had to laugh afterwards. What else was I to do? =)

YM

I had a very surreal yet memorable YM experience this early morning.

Final Day of Freedom

Well, not really, as I hardly took a leave so I hardly had a break. Nevertheless, I made the most out of the 3-day break, especially yesterday, my final day of freedom from work.

I woke up late, at about 1pm, and Zeki asked if we were pushing through with our trek to Magallanes. I picked him up at Glorietta and we went to Druid's Keep. As I told Dan through text, we were like kids in a candy store! There were so many toys and comic books to choose from. I told Zeki that Dan would have enjoyed the store and he said not to influence the kid who wasn't even working yet. My bad, hehe.

Finally, after long minutes of browsing, I got a Nightwing Action Figure (HUSH Series 2) and Wonder Woman #99 (with a breathtakingly beautiful Brian Bolland cover of Hippolyta begging forgiveness from her daughter, a stone-faced Diana). Zeki got Hush Volume 1 TPB and Kingdom Come TPB. We each got a freebie as well - an AnimePop mini-comic. Felix, as always, was a very courteous and pleasant host. We also met Jay (a hardcore Basketball action figure fan), his wife (who collects Precious Moments collectibles) and their cute baby (I wonder what she'll end up collecting). Jay also showed us pictures of their room filled with customized shelves and glass cases. Astig! Now if I find a partner that shares my hobbies, it will be almost perfect!

Zeki and I were also excited about the "Return to the Age of Apocalypse" and "DC Countdown." Wonder whose body Batman was carrying. It was fun scanning through opened Wizard and Previews magazines.

Around this time, Weng also texted her plan to me. If it pushes through, I'm really, really x 100,000,000 going to miss her =(

We happily left Druid's Keep with our new stuff and went straight to Podium. We browsed through new Gamecube and GBA games and hit the new (?) toy store in one of the upper floors. Good thing I texted Parker who told me that the GBA carts were way overpriced. I bumped into Elbert, who's lucky to have what seems to be a dream job: "editor-in-chief" of Nautilus (sp?) Comics.

We then went to Megamall and I bumped into a former teacher, Atty. Avecilla. As usual, he had some funny anecdotes (Laxie) and jokes (Emy) to share. Some hours later, we met up with James, Matt, Aileen, Russ, Yssa and Rob. We ate at Sushiya (?) and Wil followed. Poor Russ did not get his order and decided to cancel it after long minutes of waiting. Although we offered our food to him, he had his "moment" (hehe) and stood up and left for a bit. The sad thing was that he was the hungriest of us all.

After eating, we stayed outside for a bit (the smokers smoked) before going back to Podium. We bumped into Nelson, a former classmate of mine in Spanish back in College, and it turns out that he knew who my other friends were. Then we went to the topmost floor of The Podium... and then went back down (labo).

We had dessert at Cafe Breton where Alvin T, Vincent, Nelson and Oliver followed. I also bumped into Erwin, and a former officemate and applicant, Ergoe. It was really cute as she was playing Scrabble at Starbucks with a friend, Ver.

Zeki and I, true to our dorky selves, kept singing Family Computer tunes. The rest "pretended" to look at us in a weird way, and Russ even joked that we needed a "pray-over." Soon after singing the Mappy theme song, Russ joined in. BUKING! He couldn't resist and started to sing-along! Yssa started to chime in and so did James. THERE REALLY IS A DORK IN EACH OF US, BWAHAHA!

Soon, Aileen's date picked her up, and we waited 'till midnight to greet Wil... it's his birthday today! Most of our wishes focused on his lovelife, and how we wanted him to meet someone who will love him and whom he will love in return. Then we all went home.

The adventure did not end there, as Zeki and I got lost in The Podium parking lot. We kept on looking for the car in Basement 3... turns out it was parked in Basement 4 hehehe. Sowwy, Zeki =)

Popoy wasn't able to join us as he had a "date" in Makati (dinner and a movie).

My crush was in my mind a lot of times today. I think tho that I'm in the process of removing my crush. I hope I become successful in doing so. Sigh. It's a pretty strong crush. It's like I wanna get to know the person more. But I shouldn't. So stop, Al.

Stop.

Before you get hurt.

Finally, happy birthday too, to one of the most important persons in my life...

before...

=)

The Last Few Hours Were A Blur

* After blogging last night, went to Mark J's new year's party. We dropped by Globe 1st to jumpstart Joseph's car 'coz it wouldn't start. Then with Joseph, Mia and Mark J, we went back to the house.

* Talked about one of my fave topics - cartoons!!! 80's cartoons that is.

* Mistook one of Mark J's buds as someone who's working already (still in high school, my bad).

* Joseph wuz really funny the whole night (as always), with funny one-liners from Alvin Ramos as well.

* Alvin Ramos' scary kwento 'bout what happened at his workplace that morning =(

* When I got home, texted a few buds about something that bothered me. Wil texted back and told me to get dressed 'coz they will pick me up.

* Wil treated us at Tiananmen, us meaning me, James, Matt, JR, Jaypee and Alvin. Pesto pizza was good

* Saw old friends like Tonito, Day, Kuya Mike, Kuya Julius and ex-officemate AJ.

* Tonito had some good reactions as to how you'll know if a crush likes you back. Validates my "one-way" theory =)

* Long January 1 but had a lot of fun =)

Relaxing Day

1st day of 2005 started out right :)

Look at the date of this entry - - 2005!!!!!!!!!! (ang babaw haha)

After logging off the net and reading some comic books early AM, I decided to sleep. Woke up at about 1pm, ate lunch and then went to Rockwell to meet up with Popoy.

We looked around for new shoes and visited the stores that were open. After much walking, we decided to eat at Tokyo Tokyo. It's fun hanging out with Popoy because you see the practical side of life. As a full-fledged Chinese, he's wise in the ways of business and money. So more and more, I get convinced that soon, I should make money off my comics. I hope this is the year that I get to part with most of my stash. So we talked about how we should start thinking of opening our own businesses and about saving money.

Popoy also learned how to cook while in the States, so I asked him to teach me hehe. He knows how to make siomai, lumpia, baked salmon, strawberry & spinach salad, ref cake and more!

After eating (I ordered the Sumo Meal which was good for two hehe), we went to Bread Talk to eat again. Afterwards, we went to Dulcinea to eat again... good thing it closed early hehe. Popoy craved for churros.

We bought my shoes (Nike Air) and then proceeded to Fully Booked to browse. Then we split up na as he had a family dinner to attend while I went home to blog. And now I'm bored. I wanna go out tonight hehe. Was supposed to pick up some comic books at Quezon Ave, but it's far and I don't wanna get lost.

Anyways, Popoy and I also talked about our lovelives (or lack of it hehe). There's this person that he's interested in... a model hehe. Meanwhile, I have discovered that I have zero chance with my crush, so it's mourning stage hehe. At least I know, that's so much better than being left in the dark. Haha tears involuntarily dropped from my eyes while driving home. Sucks to be affected harhar! So there. Pretty relaxing new 2005 day on the whole, still =)