Redemption
Okay, today, I redeemed myself with my running. Without alcohol in my blood, I was actually able to finish the route without stopping or walking part of the way. Of course it was shorter than the route we did last time but I felt like I could've run more by the time I finished.
My brother put this so clearly, "I had no idea Cathy could be so athletic." Don't worry, brother, neither did I. Who would have thought flabby little me back in Manila would turn out to be who I am now, and what I'm involved in? I was the one who cheated in running class by sitting behind the gym, pretending I was taking the time to run the laps, and only getting up to run the short distance back, looking all exhausted when I just spent the whole hour on my ass.
Sure, I did the little stint with fencing, but that was hardly aerobic. It didn't really require a higher level of fitness, it was more of a technical sport more than anything.
I guess being free to do what I want and being presented with so many options is making me want to try everything. And it's great. God, there's just so much to do, and I'm actually having a hard time squeezing each activity in. Whew!
But again, really, who knew? Me and athletic activities... what a surprise.
Lethargic
The weekend is winding down and I'm feeling pretty lethargic. Actually, it feels like I had such a lethargic weekend in general, because all I can remember is feeling sleepy. Yikes! I know part of Thanksgiving night, I was in bed, catching up on sleep, which was okay because I really did lack sleep. But half of Friday was spent in bed, and the other half was composed of a little hike and a couple of short climbs. And then Friday night, when I was watching
The Ten Commandments (not Val Kilmer, it was his understudy who performed), I fell asleep during the first act.
And then, Saturday morning was spent in bed again until noon, after which came a couple of movies (all of which I slept through some parts), a trip to Costco, then a night of fixing the Christmas lanterns at home. By the end of the night, I was more than ready to plop down in bed and fall asleep again. Geez!
I couldn't decide which picture to share, so I'll just post the pictures I took during my new friend Allan's
Pre-Thanksgiving get-together at Cabo Cantina. This was Wednesday night (yup, I was able to escape Thanksgiving preparations), so Thursday morning, I had a little bit of a hangover. Marc and I went for a run, but I was so out of it that we had to walk part of the way. Haha!
Gotta get back to my workout routine this week. Oh, and I'm joining the climbing gym finally. I can't wait!
Thanksgiving Stress
It always seems like everything happens all at once when it's Thanksgiving. There's so much to do when preparing for a big party like this, and my nerves are being tested a little bit more than normal. I guess since Thanksgiving and Christmas are the major parties during the year, and the rest of the year is pretty much uneventful, when this season comes around, I feel like so much is being asked of me.
Anyway, last night we set up all the tables and chairs, and set out the tablecloths, so when I woke up this morning, it felt like I was walking out onto the preparations for a wedding party (the tablecloths are all white or cream, with a little bit of sheen), and the guests are about to arrive. It's quite festive, really. Then I head into the kitchen, and I remember all the stuff I have to prepare and cook, and I get overwhelmed. And why is it that in the midst of this, so many of the activities I want to be involved with suddenly spring up? Sigh. Like tonight, I wanted to hang out at St. Monica's to meet more people there, but I'm not sure if I can go anymore. Or like tomorrow, there's a big gathering at a new club that I was invited to, and of course I can't go -- God forbid I go out the night before Thanksgiving, I'd be shot in the head in the morning.
But despite this, I'm still happy. Why?
1. I'm buying the digital piano tonight.
2. John made smoothies today, and made them Irish. Haha!
3. When I got back to John's house today, the door was locked, and I had to tap through the kitchen window where Bruno was so he could open it for me. He unlocked the door, but didn't open it, and that puzzled me, but I opened it myself anyway. And there he was by the door, his lips puckered as if waiting for a kiss. I just had to laugh.
4. John's friend Jen is the nicest, most unpretentious person I've ever met. She's fun to be around.
5. I'm going climbing this weekend. And my friend has said he'd get me a good deal on a harness.
6. My knitting is turning out better than I thought it would. I can't wait to give this present.
7. Christmas is around the corner!
8. Sarah Mclachlan is having another concert, this time in Santa Barbara, which I've always wanted to revisit anyway. I don't care if I go alone, I'm going! :P
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Quick Update:
My baby is going to be shipped in 5-10 days! Oh the anticipation!
Christmas Is In The Air
The lights in San Vicente Blvd have been put up, and they're selling peppermint drinks at the cafes now. Christmas is officially in the air. :) It's the best time of the year, in my opinion, because everyone is in such a good mood, and the weather is just right for hot chocolate and cuddling and using the fireplace, and I have a good excuse for listening/singing/playing Christmas carols, which always puts a smile on my face, no matter what the time of year is (heck, sometimes I even listen to Christmas carols in July, just to cheer myself up).
I'm halfway done with my holiday shopping, and I'm very happy with the gifts I've gotten. The joy in gift-giving is finding the perfect one for each person, and anticipating the look of joy in each one's face when they find out what I've given them. That, in itself, is the natural high I get from it. I know it feels pretty damn good when someone gives you a present that's exactly what you wanted or needed (or at least close to it).
Now I know Thanksgiving hasn't passed yet, but I grew up not celebrating this holiday, so it pales in comparison to Christmas. I'm still trying to assimilate Thanksgiving in my life; it still doesn't feel much like a holiday to me. So even though I'm going through the motions of preparing Thanksgiving dinner, my thoughts are one month ahead, and my mind is filled with ideas of Christmas decorations and activities. For example, I cannot wait to bring out the Christmas teddy bears, as I have assumed this responsibility every year (since I'm the one who moons over them anyway). I always throw myself into planning how the lights are going to be set up (and thank God my uncle pretty much gives me free rein when it comes to that). This year, I'm even having red capiz balls made in Manila and sent here. Hopefully, they'll arrive in time.
I also throw myself into wrapping gifts. I wrap the gifts I'm giving out, and I wrap my uncle's and Tito Gary's gifts as well. They think they're asking me to do them a favor, but what they don't know is that this is another natural high for me, being surrounded by glittery wrapping paper and ribbons and gift cards. They've tried to tone me down though lately, because I think I went a little crazy two years ago, making funky things with the ribbons and taping things to death. I think the kids had a hard time opening their gifts that year. Haha!
Another highlight this year is mine and my family's present to, well, me! I was going to buy it for myself, but now my parents have offered to help me get the digital piano I was going to buy for Christmas. As I've said, I've chosen the one I'm going to get, and I'm getting it this week, possibly tomorrow.
I can't wait to play Christmas carols and all the other piano pieces I've splurged on in the last year. I've been away from a piano for so long, and I don't think I can last much longer without one.
So anyway, how can I not look forward to Christmas with all these reasons? :)
Mid-weekend Update
Song I Can't Get Out Of My Head:
It Might As Well Be SpringI'm as restless as a willow in a windstorm, I'm as jumpy as a puppet on a string
I'd say that I had spring fever, but I know it isn't spring
I am starry eyed and vaguely discontented, like a nightingale without a song to sing
Oh why should I have spring fever, when it isn't even spring
I keep wishing I were someone else, walking down a strange new street
And hearing words that I've never heard from a boy I've yet to meet
I'm as busy as spider spinning daydreams,
I'm as giddy as a baby on a swing
I haven't seen a crocus or a rosebud, or a robin on the wing
But I feel so gay in a melancholy way, that it might as well be spring
It might as well be spring.
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The Incredibles was, well, incredible! I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, and I think Marc did too. At one point, I was mimicking one of the characters in the movie who had stubby fingers, and I suppose I looked insane. I kept holding up my finger, laughing and showing it to Marc. It's a wonder he didn't get up and switch seats. Haha!
Last night, I had two firsts too, but I won't get into that. Let's just say that I have been sufficiently enlightened about the more carnal side of West LA and Santa Monica. ;)
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My knitting has been dragging on so slowly, but I plan to spend most of the day tomorrow trying to get it going. I think I'll be able to make my deadline, as long as I don't proscratinate any more than I already have. Christmas is only a month away, and I have to be done before that in order to take care of other things. Yikes!
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Went digital piano-shopping today as well, and have pretty much decided which one to get. I want something that feels like a real piano, but I'm still opting to buy the item online, as I think it will be a lot easier and maybe cheaper. I just hope I don't get a lemon. What I did buy today though, is quite a selection of piano pieces to play on my nonexistent piano. So now, more than ever, I can't wait to purchase it. Just a little bit more time....
Appreciation
Today was the most perfect work day. Sure, there were a few glitches (I got into a fight with a contractor - what an ass!), but what makes it all okay is the fact that I know I'm appreciated, wanted and needed. There are few better feelings in the world.
John was in the kitchen, and I hurried in with all the papers and checks he needed to sign. I explained everything to him, and then while he was signing the checks, he sighed and said, "What would I do without you?" That, in itself, was enough to make my day.
But then later on, at about 4 pm, he stood up from his desk and announced that he wanted to eat. We went to the kitchen and he made us some pasta, a couple of chocolate martinis, and even had a very questionable bottle of pumpkin ale (which I liked, but he hated). We sat there and chatted for awhile, told Chris Rock jokes, and basically hung out. He even assumed the big brother role and started to give me advice about my life. Which was nice.
Before I left, he called out to me, "Hey, keep your phone on you because when I can't reach you, I go crazy." Now isn't that just the best feeling, being wanted that much? God, I wish boyfriends would say that more. Haha!
Anyway, all in all a grand day, and I'm happy (quite possibly, because of all the alcohol too). Here's to the start of a great weekend!
Before Sunset
Last night was knitting night. Actually, I wasn't able to do much knitting because my skein got tangled up (ignorant me, I totally skipped the part where you're supposed to unravel the skein and make a ball with it) and I had to give up on that particular yarn. Now I don't know if I have enough yarn left over for what I'm making. Sigh.
Anyway, the highlight of the evening was watching
Before Sunset, the sequel to the quirky
Before Sunrise. I was going to wait to borrow it from Angela, but I couldn't resist it much longer. This movie totally breaks the sequel mold. It was just as entertaining, and as usual, gloriously insightful. It seemed that every conversation they had would kick off so many thoughts in my head. Whoever the scriptwriter of the movie is, you're awesome!!!
I had a bit of a psychotic night after the movie, but now I'm back to normal. Maybe it's the hormones talking? Haha! Yeah, blame it on being female, right.
Today has been pretty quiet so far. I just came from a lunch with Ferd, and it went pretty well, considering I was apprehensive about the whole meeting in the first place. Suffice to say that there was a third option he was giving me that I did not know of before. Whew!
Odds and Ends
Had a first last night. I had offered to help Brian with a short romantic comedy he had written, and last night, we finally had a table reading. I'd never been to one of those, so of course I was
extremely quiet, and didn't find much to contribute. It was interesting though. And before long, I had to really open my mouth and talk, because I had to read the descriptions in the script, as well as the lines of some of the extra characters. I felt a little self-conscious, but when we watched the tape again, it really wasn't so bad.
We ended late though, so on the way back, I grabbed the back seat and proceeded to sleep. I only woke up when we were almost at home. Haha!
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Today, I was waiting for the pedestrian light in Santa Monica, when this bald man with tattoos all over his arms walked up next to me with his bike, and started a conversation. He asked for my name.
Me: Angela. (Sorry, Ange, now there's a big bald guy looking for you in Third Street!)
Mr. Baldy: Angela, hi, I'm [insert forgotten name] . Nice to meet you.
We shook hands.
Mr. Baldy: Where do you live?
Me: Around here.
Mr Baldy: Third Street?
Me: Santa Monica.
Thank God the light changed.
Me: See ya!
Mr Baldy: Bye!
I ducked into Acadie Crepes and stuffed myself with cooked apples and maple syrup (#10 in the menu). Comfort food for the traumatized. :P I think that conversation could win the Most Senseless Award.
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Things are getting crazy job-wise, and I don't know what to do. Can't really say much in this website, but I'm feeling the pressure now. I can't decide what I want to do with my life.
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I haven't gone dancing in awhile, and I feel the bug coming on again. God, it's been such a long time, and I used to go out to clubs a lot before. Those were the days. Anyway, it's that time again, and I'm raring to go out. I've already got one night crossed out, and I can't wait to cross out more! :)
Stretched Thin
I'm getting overwhelmed with all the activities I want to try or really get into here. I guess being repressed for so long is taking its toll, because now that I have the freedom to do anything I want, well, I want to do everything. Here's the list so far:
1. Climbing
2. Knitting
3. Running (I'm thinking of joining a group that's training for the LA marathon. I'm not running the marathon itself of course, but I just want to find out if I can actually do it)
4. Yoga
5. Camping
6. Website design/programming
7. Writing
8. Photography
9. Piano
10. Snowboarding/skiing
God, there's just so much to do, and I'm stretching myself too thin. Take last night, for example. I was all alone at home, and normally, I grab opportunities like that to do yoga, as I don't like people watching me when I do it. I don't mind doing yoga with people, but if they're just on the sidelines, I always feel self-conscious. But then I also needed to put in some knitting time, as my deadline is drawing dangerously close, and I haven't even gotten halfway through the project. So what did I end up doing? Both, but I slept fantastically late, that it's a wonder I was still able to get up and go for my workout this morning.
The good thing about this is that I know I can always find something to do. I know I can always distract myself somehow, if I find myself with some free time. The bad thing is that how will I ever become good at any one thing, if my focus is so divided? Sigh. But I can't seem to decide which ones to give up or put in the back burner first - I like
all of them. Boy, I'm greedy when it comes to hobbies.
Weekend Recap - Joshua Tree
All I can say about this weekend and Joshua Tree was that I was in my element. Driving into the park was beautiful enough, but at one point, when we got to the top of a climb, we were rewarded with the most awesome view of the park (see picture). When we went down, and went for a short walk, I looked around and suddenly felt it: I'm somewhere I could find peace somehow. The setting was so serene, and I felt that the people around were open and friendly, never judgmental, and certainly carried no attitude.
I came away totally in love with the place, brimming with fueled excitement about climbing, and proudly branded with bruises and cuts (
They build character.) from my attempts to scale the rocks.
I am already looking forward to the next time I get to camp out here again. This place is definitely right up there in the ranks of Sequoia.
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I should mention too that I have crossed another movie off my list. In a futile attempt to wait out the traffic coming back from Joshua Tree, Marc and I decided to stop at Covina to catch
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. My review? Pretty good, considering it's a sequel. I found it cute and funny, although the story line could have been better. But it doesn't really matter, one syllable said in a British accent, and I'm hooked. They could be cussing the whole time, for all I care. Oh, and of course I had to give my support to my two boyfriends, Hugh and Colin. Please don't tell them though.
Romance, relationships and random mutterings
Got an email with this article that reeks of common sense but is still a great read because lots of times, women can be in denial and not realize the truth.
He's Just Not That Into YouWow, when I think about all those times that this article could have helped me....
But like I said, it really is common sense. It's a harsh reality, and that's probably why some people choose to deny it. I know I still am prone to denial. Which is why this is a good article to keep and re-read when the situation comes up again.
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Joshua Tree. Climbing. This weekend. Cannot wait.
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My knitting is progressing along well. I'm not sure though if I will be able to finish this one scarf in time for my "deadline", but I'm still feeling optimistic about it. God, this knitting business is really getting addictive. I have about ten balls or skeins of yarn just sitting there at home, as I just went on a shopping rampage at the yarn website I initially bought from when Marc had just finished teaching me. So much yarn, so many ideas, so little time.
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Just got a shocker. A friend of mine just got married. This guy, who has off and on confided in me about his relationship issues, has finally married the girl, and of course I'm a little worried. But I guess you won't know to take the leap until it stares you right in the face. I just hope that things work out well for him.
Sideways
I watched the movie
Sideways last night, and like my uncle had predicted, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's quirky, funny and thoughtful, and I highly recommend it, especially for wine enthusiasts.
Anyway, one highlight of the night was seeing Luke Wilson in the same theatre we were in! I was going to go over and say, "Hey Luke, tell your brother Owen I said hi," or "How you doin'?" but I thought better of it. He looked like he didn't want to be disturbed because he sat way in the back, in the very corner. The cool thing was that he looked very unpretentious and laidback, and I liked that. So that's my star-sighting for maybe the next 6 months.
I am practicing my cooking again tomorrow night, so keep your fingers crossed that no one goes home with a bad stomach and/or food poisoning. It's bad enough knowing how it feels to have diarrhea and full-fledged nausea all at the same time.
I just finished booking a place for my cousins, and Marc and I (and possibly some other people) in Mammoth, and I cannot stop thinking about it. I'm already planning what stuff I'm going to bring in my head. Yikes, and it's two months away! "God, grant me patience, but please hurry!"
Also, I am going on a Joshua Tree trip this weekend, and when I'm not thinking about Mammoth, that's all I can think about. Finally, I can climb again! Well, we'll see how my wrist holds up. Wish me luck!
Weekend Recap - Old Friends and New Friends
Old FriendsSaturday, I stayed home the whole day and watched over the workers as they drilled holes into the ceiling to prepare for the installation of the recessed lighting. They left at around 6:00 pm, and only then was I finally able to get my butt out the door. I headed down to Orange County to hang out at Daniel and Hedwige's. It was me, Joedie, Angela, Daniel and Hedwige. We had a simple dinner (I got there just in time, they were done cooking and were ready to sit down to dinner hahaha!), then sat down to watch the couple's wedding video. Afterwards, we rented Mean Girls at the horror of the boys, and thoroughly enjoyed the movie.
After a few minutes of chatting, it was time to go. I was sad to leave because I rarely get to hang out with them. But it was late and I still had to get up early, supposedly.
New FriendsWell, I got up late Sunday anyway, with only 6 hours of sleep. The workers were back, and I had to stay home again to oversee the installation of the lights. They actually did a pretty good job.
After they left, I took a quick coffee break then went straight to mass. After mass, I was told that there was a YMA social at the parish center, so I thought I'd stop by. What fun! First of all, I was able to reconnect with some of the people I met at the Theology on Tap series. There was Allan, who made me laugh the whole time. Dennis was there. Also, there was a girl that I had met at the volunteer dinner a few weeks back.
The highlight of the evening though was meeting Johanna, a Filipino girl who was born here. After being introduced to her, we found out that we had a lot in common. She runs, is into yoga and likes to camp. We hit it off right away and exchanged email addresses and numbers. Johanna is training for the LA Marathon and is trying to get me to run it with her. Yikes! First of all, she does 13 miles now, and runs at a pace of 11 minutes per mile. There is no way I can do that. I'd have to build up to it, but of course by the time I reach that level, she would already have gone further.
Anyway, that made me happy, finding someone who I clicked with right away. It'd be nice to have a girlfriend to do things with around here. :)
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I'm back, and I was just looking online at the movie trailers posted in the Apple site. These movies are in my list:
1.
Dear Frankie2.
Ocean's 123.
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason4.
A Very Long Engagement5.
Meet the Fockers6.
Before Sunset7.
Sideways8.
The Incredibles9.
The Phantom of the Opera10.
The Motorcycle Diaries
It's Mammoth Time!
Almost.
I can't keep still now because I'm co-planning our trip to Mammoth. David and I have emailed back and forth over the past two weeks about this trip, and it's time to reserve the place! That means it's final and I really am going! Yahoo! Out come the beanies and thermals and thick socks! And here comes the perfect excuse to drink as much hot cocoa as I want. Hah! Winter has its benefits.
I was a little worried at first because last time, we went in one big group, and now there's only four of us. I had to call David and make sure he still wants to go because I'd be sorely disappointed if even he backed out now. It's bad enough that my other cousins can't go, but if no one goes at all, then I guess it's goodbye to this trip. :(
So dammit, no one had better back out now. Haha!
I had better start planning the meals and practicing how to cook them. Last time, Christine and I, unfortunate newbies to the world of cooking, totally screwed up the rice (high altitude!). At least we were able to make the pancakes right on the second try. Whew! But of course the guys we were with were total sweethearts, never complaining, and always thanking us and telling us they loved us. Awww!
Dear, Sweet Bruno
God, I love my boss' dad. He just makes me smile all the time. Who wouldn't, when all I hear is, "You're a good girl, I love you," or "I like your jokes," or when I get that smile he always makes when he likes someone or he's pleased with what I said.
Yesterday, as I was about to leave, he caught me before I got to the door, and started talking about stuff around the house. So I had to stay and get a grand tour of the rooms in the house, and all the stuff that was in them. I am now well-informed of the thousands of bottles of wines in the basement and of his wife's rooms filled with her clothes (Bruno said, "She's Filipino, that's why!" And I said, "No, it's because she's a girl, Bruno.").
Today, I had to take him to two doctor's appointments. The first doctor was relieved to find me there because apparently Bruno has come by the clinic more than six times in the past two months just to have the same thing explained to him over and over again, as he can't seem to remember what they tell him. So I sat in on their session, and took notes of what he has to do. Poor Bruno.
Then I took him to get a PET scan, which he had to prepare for. He had to refrain from eating four hours before. So this morning, at 9 AM, I reminded him that he could only have water until the appointment. Of course, he came into the office at 10 AM with crumbs on his face and I freaked out. Then he said he was just kidding (geez haha).
Anyway, since I was with him the whole morning, I had to stop eating at 9 AM as well. Somehow it just didn't seem right that I buy myself a candy bar while he just sits there and looks at me. So I went on a sympathy fast. But as soon as he went into the imaging room, I hauled ass to the hospital's cafeteria. God, a salad has never tasted that good before. And I suppose if I were to have the same one now, I'd probably say it was disgusting. That's just how hungry I was.
Why a salad? Because after his appointment, we went to his favorite Chinese restaurant, and gorged ourselves on stir-fried MSG-laden food and dimsum and oily desserts. Sigh. There goes the diet.
Yup, that was my day. Pretty busy, but it's for Bruno, and I love doing things for him. He makes me smile. :)
Knitting Frenzy
I'm back to my knitting hobby again. I was so into it before, and even finished one scarf, and started on another one, but then my interest tapered off after awhile, and the scarf was left unfinished. But this past weekend, while Angela and Joedie were hanging out in my room, Angela saw the scarf, and asked me about it. We got to talking about it, and I started to get excited again. So last night, I sat down and slaved away until I finished the scarf - when I say finished, I mean that I used up the yarn. But of course the finished product was
way, way substandard.
So now, I'm about to start on a new scarf (let's not get ahead of ourselves, I can't even do the scarf right, so how will I move on to something more complicated?). Hopefully this will turn out better because I'm giving this as a gift. Wish me luck!
Senselessness and a Tragedy
There's not much to talk about today, so I thought I'd talk about senseless issues. I got the Victoria's Secret Christmas catalog today, and I thought I'd just have a quick lesbian moment to say that I think this girl is the prettiest out of all the Victoria's Secret models.
Okay, back to being straight.
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God, I really miss climbing right now. I'm still having problems with my stupid wrist, but I'm close to not caring. But I feel a little unmotivated to go to the Rockreation here in Santa Monica, especially after seeing the climbing gym up in the Valley, which looked to me like it had longer climbs. Not that I would make it even halfway, given that I haven't touched a climbing wall in awhile. So okay, I changed my mind, maybe it's a good idea to go to Rockreation instead. Hmm. Here I go again with my dilemma. I won't get into it.
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This election frenzy has gotten me quite excited as well. We have the TV turned on right now, keeping close tabs on the numbers and statistics. Wow, me and politics! Who knew? But a friend likened it to a basketball game, and I liked his analogy, so I thought I'd give politics a chance. Besides, I love history, and they're closely tied.
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Okay, I feel pretty bad right now. I have just found out that one of my closest friends' father suffered a stroke last week (Ateneo people, it's Tintin de Jesus' dad). He is still in the ICU, and they're not sure what's going to happen.
Times like these, I feel bad when I complain about my life. Actually, anyone else's problem makes me feel guilty about complaining about mine.
Well anyway, if you read this, please pray for my friend's dad. It will work wonders and it might even save his life.
Christmas Gift
This Christmas I think I'm going to give myself a treat. I was going to say a
little treat, but with the ideas I have right now, maybe
little isn't the right word.
1. A digital piano. I don't know what a good brand is though. I'll need help with this one. I saw this one on a website, and it looks promising. And of course if I get this, I'll have to go crazy on piano books. And I'd have to get a good pair of headphones so as not to piss off the neighbors and my uncle when I play the same thing over and over (and make the same damn mistakes).
2. The new iMac. Need I say more?
3. A nice laptop. It would be cool to be able to plop down in a cafe and just write my heart away over a mug of hot chocolate. Of course how often that will happen is questionable.
4. Well, actually, who am I kidding? I really only have those three choices. Haha!
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Hey, hey, everyone! Here are more
Halloween pics!
