excuses, excuses

The party season is on us, folks, and sometimes...

You just don't want to attend to this party that you were invited to,
and you've ran out of excuses.

Well, guess what?

I found this cool site that invents (im)plausible excuses, and even sends the e-mail for you!

I tried it once, and here's what I got:

Enjoy the holidays!

8 things to do before 2008 ends

Photo: Courtesy of Craig Jewell

1. Learn to cook the poor man’s pasta a la purpled sky.
2. Re-enroll in the gym. It’s almost bikini season!
3. Buy coffee for a stranger.
4. Send birthday greetings to God via a balloon.
5. Visit the mall without ever buying anything (not even food or drinks!).
6. Sort out my wardrobe; donate old clothes.
7. Go through one whole day without the internet.
8. Stop making lists.

merry christmas!

So on this first day of December, let me be the first to greet you all a very Merry Christmas!

Amid the holiday festivities, may we always remember the true meaning of Christmas and to let love reign in our hearts.

Tis the season of genuine cheer, not forced gaiety; tis the time to give thanks for all our blessings.

Merry Christmas, everyone! :D

30 things i learned

Image: Courtesy of DHD Multimedia Gallery

1. There will always be people whose sole purpose in your life is to annoy the hell out of you. The trick is to not be affected. At all. Because the moment they get under your skin, you lose.


2. From Dr. House: "Everybody lies."


3. If you’re a pretty girl, then most of the girls you meet will not like you.


4. If you’re an intelligent girl, then most of the boys you meet will not like you.


5. If you’re a pretty and intelligent girl, then you better be damn charming as well.


6. Never go into a relationship thinking that you can change a man. Because you can’t. He is who he is, honey.


7. You get what you give. Always.


8. Don’t sweat the small stuff; it’s just not worth it.


9. Choose your battles, and choose them wisely.


10. There are some heartaches that can never be shared with anyone else. That’s just how life is.


11. Rare is the woman who does not make petty, spiteful comments about other women. If you’re lucky enough to have met this woman in your lifetime, then take the time and effort to cultivate a friendship with her.


12. Never underestimate a person with strong, religious beliefs.


13. Do whatever makes you happy, even if doing so may hurt other people. But do remember this: karma can be a nasty bitch.


14. Be prepared for life’s little (or big) surprises.


15. If you don’t feel comfortable with it (whatever it is), just say NO. Life’s too short to be catering to every person’s whims, anyway.


16. Recognize what’s important to you, and live your life based on this awareness.


17. Sometimes, retail therapy does help in shaking off the stress. But, just sometimes.
    


18. Although a day in a spa works, too.


19. Take care of yourself. Nobody else is gonna do that for you.


20. Yes, people can be mean. But if you find yourself whining about these people, then tough shit. You’re letting them win.


21. Don’t flatter yourself – not everything is about you.


22. You can be beautiful. All you have to do is just think that you are.


23. Booze and loud music do not a good time guarantee.


24. Growing old is waaaaay different from growing up.


25. Having your househelp wear uniforms while you’re at the mall (or anywhere outside your house) simply screams insecurity.


26. If a friend borrows a thousand pesos (or twenty bucks) from you and you never hear from him/her again, then it’s money well spent. (I read this from somewhere.) But if your friend borrowed more than that, well then, that's estafa.


27. How a person responds to stress gives you a pretty good idea of his/her integrity.


28. Smiling with your eyes really works wonders.


29. Love yourself first. Everything else will just fall into place.


30. Thirty is the new 24. ;p
    

are you a nerd, a geek, or a dork?

Your result for The Nerd? Geek? or Dork? Test...

Pure Nerd

61 % Nerd, 35% Geek, 22% Dork

This is me, if I were a man and pretending to understand what I read.

For The Record:

A Nerd is someone who is passionate about learning/being smart/academia.
A Geek is someone who is passionate about some particular area or subject, often an obscure or difficult one.
A Dork is someone who has difficulty with common social expectations/interactions.

You scored better than half in Nerd, earning you the title of: Pure Nerd.

The times, they are a-changing. It used to be that being exceptionally smart led to being unpopular, which would ultimately lead to picking up all of the traits and tendencies associated with the "dork." No-longer. Being smart isn't as socially crippling as it once was, and even more so as you get older: eventually being a Pure Nerd will likely be replaced with the following label: Purely Successful.

Congratulations!

THE NERD? GEEK? OR DORK? TEST

Take The Nerd? Geek? or Dork? Test at HelloQuizzy

song of the week: times like these

Photo: Courtesy of Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson is a singer-songwriter from the island of Hawaii. I'm dedicating this song from his second album, On and On, to the American people as they vote for the next President of the USA.

Vote wisely, America. The whole world is watching.



in times like these
in times like those
what will be will be
and so it goes
and it always goes on and on
and on and on it goes

and there's always been laughing, crying, birth, and dying
boys and girls with hearts that take and give and break
and heal and grow and recreate and raise and nurture
but then hurt from time to times like these
and times like those
what will be will be
and so it goes

and there will always be stop and go and fast and slow
action, reaction, sticks and stones and broken bones
those for peace and those for war
and god bless these ones not those ones
but these ones made times like these
and times like those
what will be will be
and so it goes
and it always goes on and on
and on and on it goes

but somehow i know it won't be the same
somehow i know it'll never be the same

this one goes out to the one i love

Eight years ago this month, we decided to take a leap of faith and plunge into this world we call our own. I can still remember that look in your eyes when I let you know that I am pledging myself to you. That look, when the times get rough, gets me through most days. And I’ve grown to love you more.

Over the years that we’ve known each other, I’ve discovered the real you: that warm, charming, funny man behind the reserved façade. And I’ve grown to love you more.

I cannot count the many times that I’ve given up on us. But always, you stood your ground and remained firm with your conviction that our love is eternal. And I’ve grown to love you more.

Sometimes when there’s a screw loose inside my head (or I’m PMSing), I become nasty and mean, I hurt and humiliate you (sometimes in front of our friends), maybe even to the point of breaking your heart. But always, you never backed down, continuing to fight for what we have. And I’ve grown to love you more.

So today, before our month ends, you need to know this: I am forever grateful that our paths met, and I am glad to be sharing my life with you.

Happy anniversary to us! :D

that city by the sea

So the Boyfriend and I decided to take a little trip up north.

Dubbed as the beach capital of the Philippines, you'll know that they really meant business when they said "powdery-white sand." Add the conveniences of a city-life and a dizzying array of watersports to choose from, no wonder it's a favorite for a lot of people - Pinoys and non-Pinoys alike. Plus the locals won't even try to rip you off, either.

It's all a bit hazy for now, but I do remember this glorious sunset welcoming me when I arrived on the island.


And this one bade me "Good morning!" the following day.


Having learned our lesson the hard way the night before, we wisened up and took a tricycle ride to the island's mall to gawk at tourists dressed scantily like it's a violation of one's rights if one is all covered up.

Then again, maybe we didn't really learn that walking from the mall to our place is a bad idea, because at one point, we trekked from this spot here to about a bit farther than those outcrop of rocks there.

Umm, yeah, it was frickin' hot.

But the island must have deemed our sacrificial walk a proper burnt offering (no pun intended), because then we were rewarded with another exquisite sunset.

I wouldn't mind ending every day with this. Nope, I wouldn't mind at all.

It was nice to just be, for a couple of days, with no itinerary or plans, and the only worry is your hungry belly and then when that's settled, the only thing left to do is lounge by the beach and just chill.

It's even nicer when you don't have to shell out your own money for the experience. (Thanks, baby, for everything! Hehehe!)

And yes, this is Boracay.

And no, these aren't the only pics. Most of the photos can't be published here because they were tainted. With our faces.

All photos courtesy of Allan Soul.

we're having a baby!

Art from Rampant.

Let's all take a short break for this wonderful announcement: We're having a baby! :D

Just not mine, though.

I heard from my Nanay over the weekend that my sister is pregnant again! I mean, can you believe it? Kikik's gonna be Kuya soon.

Can't wait to meet the newest member of our family!

P.S. Pardon the overabundance of exclamation points. Just can't contain the joy!

watch this

Art: Courtesy of gamesmuseum.

30 Rock. Also the show's creator, Tina Fey stars as Liz Lemon, head-writer for an SNL-ish live sketch comedy series. Clever-funny, coolly outrageous, but just real enough to be believable.

House, M.D. The acerbic, politically-incorrect Dr. Gregory House continues to make people around him miserable. And yet, at the end of the day (or episode), you still find yourself rooting for him, hoping he'll save himself from himself, just like he saved those other patients' lives.

Entourage. Watch the über-cool Vinny Chase get around Hollywood in this HBO TV series that was made by the guys, for the guys. In this show, it's all about "bros before 'hos." Plus, Ari Gold's cute when he's furious.

Chuck. Chronicles of your average nerd next door who turned into an accidental spy-hero trying his best to survive mission after mission. Doesn't hurt that his handler's hot, too.

Fringe. A new show by JJ Abrams, it's somewhat like The X-Files with a little bit of Alias built in. I'm quite undecided about this one, but also mildly curious how their story arc plays out.

Gossip Girl. Because sometimes, I just need to stare at pretty boys and pretty clothes.

The Office (US). Even when the characters' personas make you cringe and look away uncomfortably, sometimes their stories hit a little too close to home (or the corporate life).

CSI Vegas. Word is that William Petersen will no longer be playing as the ever-philosophical Gil Grissom and that his character will be replaced by Laurence Fishburne. Hmm.. wonder how that will play out.

Criminal Minds. Maybe because I'm a Psych graduate = the reason why I'm so into this show.

The Amazing Race (US). Yes, I do also watch the Asia edition, but it's not quite as fun as the US edition. TAR Asia is just, quite simply, a carnage. TAR US, however, is fun and challenging at the same time. It makes you want to go and join the rest of the teams. TAR Asia? Makes you feel all warm and giddy that you're at home, watching the teams kill themselves.

Prison Break. Wentworth Miller plays as the intelligent, cool, and calculating Michael Scofield who mumbles and smirks his way into your heart.

Boston Legal. The latest gem that I've discovered (a bit late, I know), this was recommended by the mommy who morphs into a deity in the kitchen. A spinoff from The Practice (which I haven't watched), it's similar to Justice (which I have watched), but BL's comical lines are delivered with such conviction and aplomb you can't help but cry... laughing.

Additional Timewaster: Another serious player in the 2008 Fall TV game: True Blood. Hot on the heels of Stephanie Meyers' Twilight series comes this show set in a small village in Louisiana whose settlers are co-existing nervously with vampires. Because of the Japanese invention Tru Blood (also comes in O Negative and A), a synthetic blood- drink for vampires so that they may no longer feed off on humans, vampires have come out from their coffins and declared themselves to the public. The pilot's not so great, but the following episodes really got me hooked. Plus, some of the characters' Southern accent somehow reminds me of Lexington. And oh, some scenes may be graphic. So make sure the little ones are asleep before you settle in to watch.

So many shows, so little time!

work it like you own it

I've always been dependent on music to tide me over those boring hours at the treadmill, stairmaster, whatever. There's nothing like a couple of upbeat thumps and booms throbbing inside your head, courtesy of your earphones (duh), to drown those grunts from some hardcore gym rat trying too hard to heave some serious weights.

So, what's your playlist for working out at the gym?

Here's mine, and quite frankly, I'm getting a bit tired with these tracks. But I'm always up for something new!

Any suggestions?

Anyone?

Anybody?!

dying changes everything

I want me one of those shirts!

I'm so glad House is back!

No other TV show has ever made me laugh and cry in the space of 5 minutes. And that closing scene in this season's first episode? I was literally aching with Dr. House.

Because I know what it's like to lose a friend.

Plus: "Almost dying changes nothing. Dying changes everything."

Just. Effing. True.

Photos: Courtesy of House Wiki.

what's inside?

This tag's from Faery Rowan.

Here are the rules. Find a safe, quiet place free of significant others, nosey meme makers, priests, nuns, all things religious and men in general. (If you're a guy, just reverse this process to fit males and tell us about your wallet, tool box, briefcase or metro sexual accessory.)

1. Dump the contents of your handbag in a pile.
2. Take a photo of your handbag and the contents.
3. Be brave and explain to your fellow bloggers what lurks inside the handbag.
4. Tag others who might want to embarrass themselves.
5. Answer these questions:

Describe the contents of your handbag.
What's the most important thing in your handbag?
What's the most embarrassing thing in your handbag?
What's the smallest thing in your handbag?
Is there anything illegal in your handbag?

Started by Mimi, Queen of Memes who thinks up brilliant memes.

So, what's inside my mahiwagang buyot (magical tote)?


Describe the contents of your handbag.
In random order:
-wallet
-MacBook
-wet tissues & toilet seat cover
-mouse (not the rodent! also, i could never properly use any laptop without this.)
-l'oreal hair serum
-kikay kit (contents are here.)
-mouse pad
-company ID
-2 phones
-power supply for the Mac
-eyeglasses

...Hey, where's my comb?? Hmpf, I left it in the office again!

What's the most important thing in your handbag?
My phones, hands down. And that Mac? While it's a totally sweet deal, it's not exactly mine (just company-issued).

What's the most embarrassing thing in your handbag?
Hmm.. nothing, really.

What's the smallest thing in your handbag?
Inside my kikay kit, there's a pair of nail clippers.

Is there anything illegal in your handbag?
Nopers. I'm boring, I know!

So now, I'm tagging anyone who's feeling brave enough to bare what's inside her soul! Er.. handbag, I mean. Or purse, if you're not from this side of the Earth.

that first kiss

Art: Courtesy of Michelle Auer

I remember my first kiss vividly (yes, that French one). My then-boyfriend was at our place, and he was just getting ready to go home.

While he was about to walk out the door, I leaned over, closed my eyes, and offered up my face in anticipation of that perfunctory butterfly-kiss. But he must have had other things in his mind, because the next thing I knew, he was Frenching me!

I was so shocked I slapped him in the face.

It was a weird feeling, like somebody had invaded your privacy, an unwelcome intrusion. And it tasted weird, too (but now I've learned it's supposed to taste like that - unless he was eating something sweet before the kiss, then happiness for you!). Then I got to thinking, maybe it felt weird because I wasn't *really* in love with him.

Because now that I'm with Allan and when he kisses me, it feels like I'm finally home.

...Can you still remember your first kiss?

the mess that is us

can you spot a liar?

According to Blogthings, I definitely can!

You Can Definitely Spot a Liar

Maybe you have good instincts. Or maybe you just have a lot of experience with liars. Either way, it's pretty hard for someone to pull a fast one on you. You're like a human lie detector.

Can You Spot a Liar?

Hmm.. maybe this is just because I'm a paranoid freak, or have become jaded over time. Either way, one thing's for sure - I can definitely smell a fake or a wannabe a mile away.

And that first time we met? If I wasn't being chatty, I was sizing you up.

the manga you

So I stumbled upon this site, and it's pretty cool. It allows you to make a manga version of your face. Just go here, make a few clicks, and viola! Instant manga for you!

Here's what I got:

She does look summat like me, eh?

Ta ta!

song of the week: back to the 101

Photo: Courtesy of colour_it_in

Albert Hammond, Jr. is the rhythm and sometimes lead guitarist for indie rock band, The Strokes. He is also a solo musician, just having released two albums: Yours to Keep in 2006 and ¿Como Te Llama? this year.

Plus, he's currently dating "the fashion industry's next supermodel," Agyness Deyn. Music and fashion - how cliché.

So anyway, Back to the 101 is from his first album, Yours to Keep.



Though it took me by surprise,
One by one I realized,
There was something I could do

"I lost my way.",
That's what she said,
Back to the 101,
If we don't know,
Somewhere to go,
Back to the 101,

I never said to feel relaxed,
I never said to love me back,
What was I next to you?

In my mind it all goes back,
Lost control of what I had,
All my thoughts left one by one,

"I lost my way."
That's what she said,
Back to the 101,
Back to the one,
I never won,
Back to the 101,

I count the one,
I count the one,
I count the one oh one,

I know (I count the one),
I lost (I count the one),
My way (I count the one oh one),

This time (I count the one),
We'll find (I count the one),
A place (I count the one oh one),

I know (I count the one),
I lost (I count the one),
My way (I count the one oh one),

This time (I count the one),
We'll find (I count the one),
A place (I count the one oh one).

layer by layer

Art: Courtesy of *Icemaya

Thanks to Aquarian Goddess for this tag!

RULES:

1. Add your blog/s to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs. It’s okey if you only post this questions in one blog as long as you answer them.

2. Get back to this girl --> {YEN} and she’ll add your blogs to the master’s list HERE! Note that you are not ALLOWED to change the link of the here.

3. Copy from Start to End.

4. Tag as many friends online you know. But you don’t need to be tagged in order to join.

Copy this Participants List: Me and Mine | Creative in Me | For the LOVE of Food | Little Peanut | Pea in a Pod | It’s Where the HEART Is | Around the World | SugarMagnolias | I Am Mommy | All About The Memories | Enchanted Play | Just My Scrap | Whats Up | Simply Me | Kitchen Deelite | A Mothers Horizon | In Depth | A Life in Bloom | Because Life is a Blessing | Digiscraptology | Joys iN life | Life is What we Make it | Photo Blog | Dancing in Midlife Tune | Pinay Mommy Online | Mommy Earns Money Online | Blessings and Beyond | Posh Post Reviews | Flowersbythewayside |The Fab and The Furious | Common Sense is Not So Common | Caffeinated Muse

LAYER ONE:
Name:
Marichelle
Birth date:
November 20 (the year doesn't really matter! ;p)
Birthplace:
Cebu, Philippines
Current Location:
Cebu
Eye Color:
Black
Hair Color:
Black
Righty or Lefty:
Righty

LAYER TWO:
Your heritage:
Filipino through and through
The shoes you wore today:
off-white gladiator sandals
Your weakness:
being alone
Your fears:
anything supernatural
Your perfect pizza:
stuffed crust pizza from pizza hut
Goal you’d like to achieve in life:
be a superhero

LAYER THREE:
Your most overused phrase on IM:
hehehe
Your first waking thoughts:
why do i have to wake up???
Your best physical feature:
my overbearing delusions of grandeur (yes, it's physical, because you can almost taste it)
Your most missed memory:
horsing around with my 3 nephews.. :c

LAYER FOUR:
Pepsi or Coke:
er.. i don't drink sodas
McDonald’s or Burger King:
mcdonalds, i guess (i've forgotten what burger king tastes like)
Single or group dates:
single, single, double, double!
Adidas or Nike:
nike
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea:
i don't drink tea, either.
Chocolate or vanilla:
chocolate (the bittersweet kind)
Cappuccino or coffee:
coffee! :D

LAYER FIVE:
A famous person, dead or alive, that you would interview:
Jesus Christ
Movie you can watch and say the lines along with the actors:
none
Name two of your passions in life:
my family, and my main man
Least favorite time of day:
in the morning when i have to wake up

LAYER SIX:
Hairspray or gel:
gel
Your favorite meal:
steak, kinamatisang kawali, seafood pasta, roast beef (what can i say? this here girl is a carnivore!)
Color you see when you close your eyes:
black?
Listen to classical music:
yep.
Ever said LOL in real life without thinking about it:
nope.

::END::

Okay, so it's now my turn to tag. *rubs hands in glee*

Calling Faery Rowan, Purpled Sky, Diva Wears Nada, and You! :D

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

back when he was little..

I was over at Allan's place some weekends ago when I discovered his toddler pictures. It really is true, he did look like a girl when he was little. See for yourself! lol

He's the one in yellow. The boy beside him is his cousin, Alvin.

The poor thing couldn't hold his pee anymore hahaha

On his cousin's shoulders (I forgot the name). And what do you know, he has that exact same shirt, even now that he's about 10 times bigger! Vintage shades from his mom.

He once told me that when he was little, his mom's friends often mistake him for a girl. I didn't really believe him until I saw these pics. lol

What can I say? I've always had a thing for boys who look like girls. :D



Anyway, let's take a short break for a dNeero survey.




Stay tuned for more dNeero conversations!

the dark knight drinking game

Photo: Courtesy of PJ Lighthouse

Inspired by Tom Coffee's post, I decided to make another version of the drinking game, but this time, using the movie hailed as the best comic book adaptation, EVER.

So, here are the rules: When The Dark Knight DVD is released, immediately get a copy and stock up on your favorite alcoholic drink. When you get back to your home/apartment, prepare those drinks beside you, pop in that DVD, sit on the couch, and then...

Take one shot for each time a Batman-clad character appears onscreen.

Take one shot for each instance The Joker licks his lips. Must be that "hypo-allergenic" lipstick, dammit.

Take one shot for each time Harvey Dent tosses a coin. Take another shot when the coin lands heads up.

Take one shot for each person killed. Take another shot if there more than 5 people killed at the same time.

Take one shot for each time Batman speaks in that annoying voice. Didn't Batman ever learn any manners? When in the movies, no loud whispering, please!

Take one shot for each time something gets blown up, explodes, or crashes down. Because that's what a superhero flick is for, right?

Take one shot for each time Rachel Dawes stares at you with those blank, vacant eyes. Blessed be to Nolan for finally killing her off.


When the movie ends, you could already be on the floor, incoherent and cross-eyed, or you could be in your garage, tinkering with your car to see if a Batpod could possibly be lodged somewhere within it.

Let me know how you turn out.

Disclaimer: The government recommends drinking moderately. So whatever happens to you after the movie, I didn't have anything to do with it.

kicking ass since 2006

*clears throat*

I got an award! A big hug to Faery Dancing and Aquarian Goddess for both giving me this.

Thank you! Thank you!

I would also like to thank Starbucks for my outfit, Bo's Coffee Club for my hair and makeup, and lastly, Folgers for my bling-bling.

So, to pass on the torch (a la Beijing Olympics opening??)...

Do you know any bloggers that kick ass?

Maybe they've got incredible, original content. Or they're overflowing with creativity. Is it someone that helps you become a better blogger? Or a bloggy friend you know you can count on? Or maybe it's someone who simply inspires you to be a better person... or someone else who sends you to the floor, laughing your ass off.

Whatever, whoever, wherever, now's the time to give 'em some love.

How?

• Choose 5 bloggers that you feel are "Kick Ass Bloggers"
• Let 'em know in your post or via email, twitter or blog comments that they've received an award
• Share the love and link back to both the person who awarded you and back to www.mammadawg.com
• Hop on back to the Kick Ass Blogger Club HQ to sign Mr. Linky then pass it on!

So, here's my list of Kick Ass Bloggers, in no particular order:

1. The Fab & The Furious
2. Dashes of Clarity
3. She is Kaith
4. Strawberry Limonada
5. Anything Goes

No explanation needed. Just. Go. Check their sites. Now.

password fatigue

Image: Courtesy of vera on the verge

In the May 2008 issue of Reader's Digest, the Word of the Year committee from Macquarie Dictionary added password fatigue in its roster of new words.

In Word Spy, password fatigue is defined as "mental exhaustion and frustration caused by having to remember a large number of passwords."

Fortunately for me, my other phone, the ancient, trusty Nokia 6260, has an application requiring a password to access it. I use this app to store my usernames and passwords for various online accounts, ranging from the workplace passwords to Facebook accounts.

But then, I got to thinking: What if I lose this phone? I know this is a very old phone, and I doubt some loser would try to steal it, but ever since that iPod incident, I can't be so sure.

So what I do now to manage my myriad passwords is store all my usernames and passwords for all the online accounts I have, save it in a passworded-document, and attach this document in my Google mail. I then save this e-mail as a Draft (I don't send it to anybody, of course).

This way, I only need to remember two passwords: one for the Google mail, and one to open the document I stored in the Drafts section in my Google mail.

How about you? How do you manage password fatigue?

the editing room

Image: Courtesy of The Editing Room

In one of my (mis)adventures in the blogosphere, I stumbled upon this site, and bookmarked it at once! I'm not sure if you've been to The Editing Room before, but if you haven't, you should check it out.

Caution: Drinking coffee while reading the posts may result to choking on your coffee while trying desperately to breathe or sprays of coffee shooting through your nose.

If you didn't even smile (at the very least) while reading the posts, then there is something seriously wrong with you, my friend.

song of the week: 1 2 3 4

Photo: Courtesy of Feist

Feist is a singer-songwriter who hails from Canada. 1 2 3 4 is from her solo album, The Reminder.



one, two, three four
tell me that you love me more
sleepless, long nights
that was what my youth was for
Old teenage hopes are alive at your door
left you with nothing,
but they wanted more.
oh, oh, oh,
you're changing your heart.
oh, oh, oh,
you know who you are.
sweetheart, bitter heart,
now i can't tell you apart.
cozy and cold,
put the horse before the cart.
Those teenage hopes who have tears in their eyes
Too scared to own up to one little lie.
oh, oh, oh,
you're changing your heart.
oh, oh, oh,
you know who you are.
one, two, three, four, five, six, nine, and ten.
money can't buy you back the love that you had then.
one, two, three, four, five, six, nine, and ten.
money can't buy you back the love that you had then.
oh, oh, oh,
you're changing your heart.
oh, oh, oh,
you know who you are.
oh, oh, oh,
you're changing your heart.
oh, oh, oh,
you know who you are.
For the teenage boys
They're breaking your heart
For the teenage boys
They're breaking your heart.

Also, check out the Sesame Street version here.

your horoscope for today

Image: Courtesy of saverfreebies.

Circulated through e-mail, this is a parody of the horoscope one usually reads in a magazine/newspaper. It's in the native dialect, Bisaya, so I've translated the text into English for our non-Bisaya readers. The translation is not verbatim per se, but I would like to think I've captured the thought.

Also, since most of the horoscope readers are women, this is written for them/us.

aries
delikadong maglakawlakaw karun kay slide ang dalan ug daghang makakita. patuo jud sa tambag ayaw agi sa dalan.adto agi sa dagat kay pulos tubig to ddto dli maklaro kong ma slide ka. swerteng numero: 138, pwede sad rambolon!

it is not a good idea to walk outside today, as the roads will be slippery and somebody will see when you slip. it is a good idea to heed this warning. should you need to walk outside, walk by the seashore, or better yet, use the sea to navigate to your destination. this way, if you slip, it will not be so obvious since you're already in the water. lucky number: 138 - this can also be jumbled for that winning combination of whatever you're betting on today!

taurus
bation nimo ang tumang kalaay, busa likaye ang pagtan aw sa imong dagway. lugar debwenas: obyos bah?! kanang lugar nga walay samin aron dli nimo makita imong dagway!

you will feel very bored today, ergo, avoid looking at the mirror as you will become depressed when you see your face. lucky place: isn't it obvious by now? of course, any place without a mirror, so you don't accidentally get a glimpse of your depressing face.

gemini
naglibog ka karun kung kinsa ang imohang pilion, ang imong uyab nga adunahan apan maut (batig nawng bah!) o ang usa nga ambungan pero wlay nahut. opsss! nganung maglibog mn ka nga nga libog naman kang daan, db?! swertehun ka sa pagcgeg chat sa internet, kay mag brown out kini ug dili ka makabayad sa imong nagamit.

you feel very confused today. who should you choose: your rich boyfriend who is not so physically well-endowed (in other words, ugly) or your yummilicious but freeloading boytoy? oops! why be confused when you were already confusing before all these even started? you will be lucky surfing/chatting in an internet cafe, as this place will have a brownout and you won't be asked to pay for the time/rent.

cancer
ayaw pgpaduol sa classmate nimo (kana kon estudyante ka ha!) imong ka opismit (kung opisgirl ka!) nga ngcgeg panghingugmo (lood!) kay delikado nga malagputan ka! swerteng butang: panyo, in case nga dili malikayan aduna kay mapahid.

avoid your classmate (if you're still in school) or officemate (if you're a career woman) who's always picking his nose. (yuck!) there's a high probability this classmate/officemate accidentally flicks a dried snot your way! lucky object: handkerchief. in case a dried snot did accidentally land on you, you can use the handkerchief to wipe it away.

leo
palig-uni ug maau ang imohang bra kay makasugat kag gwapo. daku ang posibilidad nga mabugto ni. kun ikaw lalaki, seguradoang lig-on ang imong siper kay dghang tentasyon sa mata ang masugatan nimo ron. lugar debwenas: cementeryo

make sure you're wearing a sturdy bra because today you will meet a good-looking dude. there's a big chance your bra might get unhooked on its own due to this dude's hotness. if you're a guy, make sure your zipper is sturdy as well because there's just too much eye candy around. lucky place: the cemetery.

virgo
intriga sa kinabuhi ang buot mopaluya nimo, magcge daw ka ug papansin aron maka gain ug lots of friends. apan ayaw kana pansina instead shout it to the max "wlay bot-anay" butang dimalas: cellphone, ma check operator ka!

you will be swamped with a lot of intrigues today, mainly because people will say you're desperately craving for attention so that you'll have lots of friends. but do not pay heed to these people. instead, you should shout out to the world: bugger off, you idiots! unfavorable object: your cellphone. you will get a message today: check operator services (or, you don't have enough credits to send SMS messages).

libra
kalipay ang mgpaabot nimo karung semanaha kay dghan ka ug mauyab. likayi ang mga tapulan og dili kahibaw mubuhat ug lobletters kay syur ko ikaw jud ang pahimuon haha...swerteng butang: chalk...kon estudyante ka suwati ang inyong blakboard ug wanted uyab!

happiness awaits you this week because you will have several suitors. avoid those who are lazy or do not know how to write a love letter because you will be asked to write the love letter for them haha... lucky object: chalk... if you're a student, you should write on the blackboard: wanted - lover!

scorpio
ugma kong molakaw ka kuyog imong mga prends ibilin jud ang imohang cellphone kay dghang mga prends nimo ang wlay load unya magpapasa load sila nimo. dal-a lng ni kung wla sad kay load ok?! swerteng lugar: colon, makakita ka ug casing sa imohang cellphone.

tomorrow when you go out with your friends, make sure to leave your cellphone in the house. these "friends" will ask, nay, demand you to load their cellphone with enough credits so they can send SMS messages. but if your cellphone does not have enough load to forward credits, then ok, you can bring it with you. lucky place: colon street. you will see (and probably buy) a rockin' cellphone casing.

sagittarius
hilabihan nimo ka swerte karung adlawa kay makadawat ka ug pahalipay bisan layo pa ang pasko, lifetime supply sa tawas. tawo nga dimalas: imohang tupad

today is your lucky day because you will receive a gift even if it's not yet christmas. your gift - a lifetime supply of deodorant. unlucky person: whoever happens to be sitting/standing next to you.

capricorn
madakpan ka karung adlawa kuyog ang imohang uyab sa usa ka mall! ang rason nila "no pets allowed" butang debwenas: tangkal. adto na ibutang ang imohang uyab!

today while malling with your boyfriend, you will be arrested by the police. you will be charged with bringing pets into the mall, and this is a serious offense because in the mall, "no pets are allowed." lucky object: a cage. place your boyfriend here, and return later to claim him.

aquarius
pg andam pirme ug rugby kay malangkat ang lapa2x sa imohang sapatos. kung wla kay rugby pag bawon pirme ug sinelas, isud sa bag. tawong demalas: may lain pa, di IKAW!!!!

always have a bottle of superglue ready, because the soles of your shoes will come apart later today. if you don't have superglue, bring a pair of slippers, and put it in your bag. unlucky person: who else, but YOU!!!!

pisces
maayong ilabay ang butang nga imohang gikuptan kay mao kana ang nagdala ug demalas nimo. opppss! time pah! joke lng!!! ang tinuod swerte ka karun kay librehon ka sa imong tupad. adlawang debwenas: KARON lageeeeh!

it is a good idea to dispose of that thing you're holding right now, because that is your unlucky object today. whooops! wait! i was just kidding. the truth is, you will be lucky today because the person sitting next to you will treat you out for dinner. lucky day: TODAY. duhhh!


**Am I super-bored today, or what??

2-in-1

Photo: Courtesy of Vergil Cola

Coincidentally, purpledsky and avy tagged me with basically the same memes, just that the difference lies in the number of things I have to reveal about myself. Purpledsky's meme requires 7; Avy's, 10. So I figure, if I put in 10 useless facts here, I'm actually hitting two birds with one stone.

You still with me? If not, I totally understand. If you're still here reading this post and then somewhere along the way got bored, don't blame me: I'm just being a good blogosphere netizen here.

Now, if you have other better things to do, go.

Photo: Courtesy of Anchela Yap

I mean, really.

Go.

1) Whenever I encounter a long word, I automatically count its syllables.

2) When I am bored and have nothing to do, my right hand takes on a life of its own (albeit discreetly) and makes as if it’s writing in cursive with whatever word is on my mind.

3) Things that you might find heartwarming find me choking back big, fat tears from plopping unceremoniously down my face; things that might make you smile in amusement make me howl in fits of laughter. In short, mabaw ug kalipay.

4) When I was a little girl, I wanted to become a nun.

5) I can’t cook, I can’t swim, I can’t bike, I can’t sing. But (of course there's always a BUT!), I have no difficulty in reading anything upside down (although it takes a bit longer for me to finish than when I’m reading normally).

6) I can't stand people who take themselves too seriously. Take the movie The Dark Knight, for example. Every time The Joker is on a scene, I pay attention. I listen, I laugh with him, I *understand* him. But Batman? Hrmp. I just wanted to walk up to that look-at-me-i'm-a-brooding superhero in a skintight outfit, and say: Dude, you gotta get yourself some Strepsils for that voice. And smile, for gawd's sake! (Sorry, Batman fans.)

7) I loooove mahjong! Anyone up for an all-nighter playing that game? Just buzz me.

8) His telenovelas are cheesy; his movies much worse. I know he can't sing. And he dances weird. But I heart John Lloyd Cruz.

9) Eventhough I've been with my boyfriend for about 8 years now, my heart still skips a beat whenever he holds my hand. (arrrr!)

10) My name is Marichelle, and before Facebook, you wouldn't have gotten any results when you Googled me.

Now, it's my turn to tag. Calling diva wears nada, the fab & the furious, divas & bitches, demiera, and strawberry limonada. Spill those 10 things! :D

Last photo: Courtesy of the muse's bro.

mamma mia!

Photo: Courtesy of Mamma Mia!

Per Wikipedia: Mamma Mia! is a film adaptation of the West End stage musical, based on the songs of successful pop group Abba.

Per caffeinated muse: If you're into musicals and you don't have a vendetta against Abba, this one is a must-see.

Mery Streep, as usual, continues to amaze us with her acting versatility. Unlike some two-bit self-righteous actress on a delusive high-horse (*cough Katherine Heigl cough cough*), Streep manages to make a film full of Abba songs into something that makes 2008 worth remembering.

And maybe because I have this thing for Abba, I'm willing to forgive the film's flaws. It's a feel-good movie, corny yet endearing.

Y'all should watch it (if you haven't already). Also, best viewed with your mom in tow. I promise, your mom's gonna love it.

an open letter to the thief who stole my xanax

So you got my iPod. With the earphones from my boyfriend's iPhone.

You must be gloating like such a smartass right now, thinking, "yayy i got me a free iPod, plus some neat earphones. i bet i can sell this for a few thousand bucks."

Well, guess what, buddy - that ain't such a neat deal. That iPod you're holding right there? That's like the iPod nano 1st gen. With only 1 gig capacity. Let's see how you can sell that to anyone for more than a thousand bucks. (Well, I might buy it, if you sell that to me. We'll see.)

Looks like I may have the last laugh, after all.

So may I just say: That thing you did where you thought you were so smart? That was lame. Times ten.

And what the f*ck am I supposed to do with this frickin' iPod dock??

Peste jud oi! Maynta'g niti-urok nka dha, inataya ka!
*clears throat*
Pardon my French.

this from an 11-year-old??

totots, angya, and kikik

An IM chat between my brother, 20-something, and our nephew, 11:

angya [the nephew]: kol inig dako nako kol ba (uncle, when i grow up)
angya: mag-programmer ko (i wanna be a programmer)
angya: hehee
jari [the brother/uncle]: hahahaha
jari: rili?
jari: y?
angya: unleash my inner nerd
jari: you have to be good in solving math problems..
jari: not really good in calculating but solving problems
angya: it sounds tough but i'll work for that maybe
jari: hehehe
jari: m sure u can do it
jari: jst dnt giv up
jari: and kip ur eyes on d goal,okie?
angya: haha you sound like dad haha
jari: hahahaha
jari: its funny but its a good lesson
jari: nvr give up dude
angya: yeah i have a long way to go

unleash my inner nerd??
i have a long way to go??

needless to say, uncle jari was floored.

song of the week: hang me up to dry

Photo: Courtesy of Cold War Kids

The Cold War Kids is an indie-rock band from California. "Hang me up to dry" is from their first album, Robbers & Cowards.

This metaphor-charged angsty number just speaks - to me.

careless in our summer clothes
splashing around in the muck and the mire
careless in our summer clothes
splashing around in the muck and the mire

fell asleep with stains
cake deep in the knees
what a pain

now hang me up to dry
you wrung me out
too too too many times
now hang me up to dry
I'm pearly like the whites
the whites of your eyes

all mixed up in the wash
hot water bleeding our colors
all mixed up in the wash
hot water bleeding our colors

now hang me up to dry
you wrung me out
too too too many times
now hang me up to dry
i'm pearly like the white
the whites of your eyes

now hang me up to dry
you wrung me out
too too too many times
now hang me up to dry
i'm pearly like the white
the whites of your eyes

now hang me up to dry
you wrung me out
too too too many times
now hang me up to dry
I'm pearly like the white
the whites of your eyes

top 10 signs there may never be a second date

Artwork: Courtesy of ~nanaraposa

Dating boo-boos, as related by friends. (I've been out of the dating game for about 8 years now, so it's safe to say I did not experience all these. heheh)

10) All throughout the date – from the coffee shop, to the dinner, to the movies, to the late night drinks – you’re texting like the world cannot function without the messages you’re typing out. If you’re bored with me, we might as well have bid each other sayonara while we were still at the coffee shop and called it a night. I also have more interesting things to do than stare at your blank face, you know.

9) Talking non-stop about your job. Listen, we’re here on a date, not a career counseling session.

8) Letting us girls pay. If you asked us out, you’re paying. If we make like we’re reaching for our purses, "pretending" to split the bill with you, insist (gently) that it’s on you tonight. If we still insist on splitting the bill, that's when you say, “Well, you can buy me drinks later.”

7) And when it’s our turn to pay, don’t order everything in sight. You don’t want to seem like a freeloader. Us pretty girls can maybe get away with freeloading from you guys. But when you do the freeloading, no matter how pretty a guy you are, it just leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

6) Mentioning sex. No matter if it’s a green joke, or a very suggestive innuendo, or just a seemingly offhand comment – Just. Don’t. Sex is not only a touchy subject; you also cannot predict how we will react to that topic. It could set the mood for the date, or it could totally ruin the evening. Unless we mentioned it first, second, third, and the fourth time. Then, by all means, talk all you want about it.

5) Talking about our future together. Because, excuse me, this is just a first date and does not necessarily equate that we will be spending our lives together from this moment until forever! Plus, doing this just makes you come across as desperate. And creepy.

4) Badmouthing the ex. Your ex. Each time you do that, we’ll think that a) there’s something really horrible about you which is why your ex was acting that way, or b) you’re gonna do that to me, too, when we part ways.

3) Eating with your mouth open. Or making smacking noises while eating. One word. Eeww.

2) Checking out every hot girl who passes by. A big no-no. Save that for when we’re comfortable enough to be totally secure in our relationship (if ever we do have one), and THEN we can check out girls together. I might even point out to you how that girl manages to sport such perky boobs.

1) Talking about yourself. All night loooooong. *yawn*

I'm challenging the guy readers to come up with their own list, this time from a guy's point of view.

song of the week: great dj

Photo: Courtesy of The Ting Tings

The Ting Tings is an indie-pop band based in England with two members: Katie White (vocals, guitar, bass drum) and Jules De Martino (drums, guitar, vocals).

This is the track I first heard from their album, We Started Nothing.

fed up with your indigestion
swallow words one by one
your folks got high at a quarter to five
don't you feel you're growing up undone

nothing but the local DJ
he said he had some songs to play
what went down from this fooling around
gave hope and a brand new day

imagine all the girls,
ah ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
and the boys,
ah ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
and the strings,
eee, eee, eee, eee, eee, eee, eee, eee
and the drums, the drums, the drums, the drums, the drums, the drums, the drums, the drums, the drums, the drums, the drums, the drums

nothing was the same again
all about where and when
blowing our minds in a life unkind
gotta love the bpm
when his work was all but done
remembering how this begun
we wore his love like a hand in a glove
there's a future plays it all night long

nothing but the girls,
ah ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
and the boys,
ah ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
and the strings,
eee, eee, eee, eee, eee, eee, eee, eee
and the drums, the drums, the drums, the drums, the drums, the drums.....

imagine all the girls,
ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
and the boys,
ah ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
and the strings,
eee, eee, eee, eee, eee, eee, eee, eee
and the drums,
ah ah ah ah, ah, ah, ah, oh

all the girls
ah ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
and the boys,
ah ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
and the strings,
aee, eee, eee, eee, eee, eee, eee, eee
and the drums, the drums, the drums, the drum

I realize the lyrics look weird on-screen, but you got to hear the beat to appreciate the song. Also, check out other neat tracks from The Ting Tings: That's Not My Name and Shut Up and Let Me Go.