THE YEAR-END SURVEY

Since I've been at home since last week and I've got nothing really to do but take care of myself until I get better (when my parents brought me to the doctor the other day, he said I got pharyngitis, which I concluded was coupled with sinusitis based on the symptoms), I've got lots of time on my hands for blogging and blog-hopping. I chanced upon Ala's blog and saw this more comprehensive year-ender survey, and combined it with other similar surveys I saw. So I decided, "What the hell! So what if I did a couple similar surveys? I've got nothing better to do anyway" :p

Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't think I made any resolutions last year. Because it's either I forget I made some or I don't do them at all...but it's more of the former. I think I'll set some goals for myself for the year to come :)

Did anyone close to you give birth? Hmmm, I don't think so... Oh, wait! My cousin and his wife, who are both in Canada, just had a baby boy this year! :) Cutest little thing!

Did anyone close to you die? None. But I was just thinking about that last night, while I was watching "Seconds from Disaster" on TV. That I've never really experienced losing someone close to my heart because of death. Okay, I'm gonna stop thinking about it now. I don't want bad thoughts in my head as the year ends...

What countries did you visit? I wasn't even able to go outside Metro Manila except for Tagaytay! =T With my girls, at least :)

What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005? More time for myself, the opportunity to travel, and everything on my gadget wish list (which I'll post when I get the time and energy) :)

What date from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? December 21 to 22 *sigh* Happy happy HAPPY! :) It was our office Christmas party and my birthday. I've blogged about this already, maybe not that detailed though. But those two days were the happiest ever :)

What was your biggest achievement of the year? First thing that comes to mind is the third issue of LIFESTYLE by SONY. That was a product of our sweat, blood, and tears...figuratively and literally.

Did you suffer illness or injury? Several times, since I spread myself too thinly this year. I don't think my body has ever recovered from all the sleepless nights I've had. The year's about to end and I'm still sick! =T

What was the best thing you bought? My flip-flops! They should be closet staples ;) Or better yet, they should be the rule instead of the exception!

Where did most of your money go? Gas, toll, and parking! >=T

What did you get really, really, REALLY excited about? Our office Christmas party and my birthday :)

Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? HAPPIER :)
thinner or fatter? Definitely fatter! =T
richer or poorer? Richer but not really

What do you wish you'd done more? I wish I took care of myself more. I can be quite selfless to a fault =T

What do you wish you'd done less? I wish I didn't spend that much time at the office! Seriously. Don't get me wrong. I love my job, I really do. But this year, I think I pushed myself close to my burning-out point. I don't wanna reach that. It's too soon.

What was your favorite TV program? Reality TV rocks! :p The Amazing Race, Survivor, Fear Factor, Pinoy Big Brother... Hahaha!!! :) But seriously. I don't care if people think I'm jologs or whatever. Ask my friends. I'm a self-confessed Pinoy Big Brother addict ;)

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Hmmm, come to think of it, I don't think I hate anyone now! :)

What was the best book you read? Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince! OMG, I can't WAIT for the last book! :)

What was your greatest musical discovery? House! Hahaha!!! :)

What did you want and not get? My Nokia 7270, an iPod, an iBook, a digital camera (Hmmm, I think I'm starting my gadget wish list already :p) My fault though, 'coz I spent my money on other things. Oh well, I've got 2006 to make up for it :)

What was your favorite film of this year? Just one? Hmmm. Think think think. Probably the most recent one I saw, King Kong :) I swear, he is THE alpha male!

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 23 this year. I made salubong my birthday with some of my officemates, since we had our office Christmas party the day before my birthday. Stayed for a few more hours after midnight and then went home to sleep. I went to work the following day after lunch, but not without hooking up with my best friend :) I left the office half an hour earlier than usual so I could get home early. My family and I then went to Poquito Mas in Alabang for the usual family dinner :)

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Clarity! I don't think I've ever had a more confusing year than this!

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005? I've always went for comfort before style. So practically the entire year, my outfits revolved around my flip-flops! I'd almost always be in a baby tee, jeans, and my trusty tsinelas. When you see me in a skirt, I'm dressed up already :p But that's gonna change. I'm gonna be more adventurous with my clothes this coming year ;) That's one of my goals.

What kept you sane?
Cigarettes! Lots and lots! And Starbucks coffee.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? OMG, Sam Milby! Hahaha!!! I still fancy him ;)

What political issue stirred you the most? That Garci thing that's been going on since forever!

Who did you miss? My family, because I wasn't able to spend as much time as I wanted to with them this year. I've missed several important occasions because of work. *sigh* I'm just glad that they understand and they support me a hundred percent. But it makes me feel guilty though, not being there all the time.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005: You can't have your cake and eat it, too.

What was the nicest thing someone told you about yourself? From a really good friend of mine, Pnut, through YM, at one of my lowest points: u have so much going for you. but u love to read. u have a sense of humor. ur organized. u work hard. ur taller than most. u have friends who love you. seriously, ur a catch.

What did you like most about yourself this year? I'm finally starting to realize things, owing up to my responsibilities, and growing up :)

What did you hate most about yourself this year? I did some things without even thinking at all. No regrets because I've learned from them, but I could've spared myself and the people around me all the hurt and all the complications.

What was your favorite moment of the year? When the clock struck twelve on my birthday :) Of course I would've wanted ALL of my really good friends to be there, to make it salubong with me. But just the fact that they remembered to greet me, that they made me feel really special that day, was more than enough :) But then again, a trip to Bora or Amanpulo wouldn't hurt ;) Hahaha!!!

Where were you when 2005 began? At home.

Who were you with? My family.

Where will you be when 2005 ends? At home.

Who will you be with when 2005 ends? My family.

Do you have a new year's resolution for 2006? I've yet to make my list.

What was your favorite month of 2005? Hmmm, just one? December! :)

Did you lose anybody close to you in 2005? Nope, not really.

Did you miss anybody in the past year? My family. I haven't really been able to spend time with them because of work. I think being sick for over a week is a blessing in disguise. It's my body's way of recovering from all the sleepless nights and from the way I've battered it, plus I get to spend time with my family since I've been at home since I don't know when :)

What was your favorite record from 2005? Hed Kandi! I told you, this year was the year I learned to appreciate and love house ;)

How many concerts did you see in 2005? None =T Hmmm, now that I think about it, I don't think I've EVER been to a concert! Sad.

Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2005? More than usual. I'm not a big drinker. But this year, I've pushed my limits ;) I used to be out of it after a bottle of Vodka Ice, my favorite poison. But now that I've learned how to pace myself, I could drink more and enjoy myself some more! :) AND drive myself home in one piece...in three minutes flat ;) Hahaha!!!

How much money did you spend in 2005? I don't even want to know for sure. A LOT!

If you could go back in time to any moment of 2005 and change something, what would it be? NOTHING :) As corny as it sounds, I wouldn't trade anything for anything.

What are your plans for 2006? Figure out where I'm headed career-wise, spend more time with my family and my friends, take good care of myself, and enjoy enjoy ENJOY! :)

How are you different now that the year has ended? I'm definitely more mature now, in the fullest sense of the word. Though I wouldn't say that I've made a giant leap this year, I'm taking baby steps and I'll get there eventually. Someone told me that more often than not, I let my emotions take control of myself. And that I don't know how to say NO, even when I really want to. Those are just a couple of things I realized as the year ends. Some things that I will definitely think about as the new year is about to start.

What are your wishes for the new year? World peace ;) But seriously, I just wish that people can be honest with themselves and with other people. That will save us a lot of confusion and complication.

REAL, MESSY, BEAUTIFUL, TWISTED

I still can’t believe it. The year’s about to end.

Just last week, I was talking with one of my friends and we were looking back on the year that was. And when I thought about it, this year was probably one of the craziest—if not the craziest—ever. Something major came up practically every single month. Seriously.

JANUARY It was literally a new year for me. I had some things to prove to a few people and, most importantly, to myself. I was out to correct some misconceptions about who I am. I was ready to start growing up and owing up to my responsibilities.

FEBRUARY I celebrated my first Valentine’s Day without a significant other. I know some people are probably going, “So what? Big deal!” But I’ve had a boyfriend for the longest time that it came to point when I didn’t know how it would feel like to be single. I couldn’t imagine how it would be like. It ended up being another regular day.

MARCH We’ve had a few overnighters, finishing the third issue of LIFESTYLE by SONY. The lack of sleep and high levels of stress were slowly taking their toll on our bodies.

APRIL Sleeping at the office has slowly become a regular thing for me and Dario. We’ve slowly become used to sleeping while sitting down and with our legs up on another chair. By the end of the month, I experienced pain in my wrists from being in front of the computer practically 24/7 and EXTREME pain in my lower back. I couldn’t sit, stand, or even walk properly! The entire month was crazy. I was in a mini emotional and physical roller coaster.

MAY Probably one of the craziest months this year. We were practically LIVING at the office already! Dario and I seriously didn’t know where to get the strength to go on...physically, emotionally, psychologically, financially. We were both just SUPER drained. I thought that I could make it ‘til the end without breaking down. But I did, I snapped in front of practically ALL of my officemates. After letting it out, I just had it. More than just wanting to, I HAD to go out, not think about anything even remotely related to work, and literally get wasted.

JUNE The first half of the month was FUN! I was reassigned for the meantime to Swing magazine and had a few outdoor shoots ;)

JULY I was reassigned yet again, to PC Magazine this time. Art, our Managing Editor, has officially dubbed me as the professional adjuster of Hinge Media :p

AUGUST I’ve been enjoying the single life :) Work was starting to become more and more difficult, what with all the following up and the Fastest Geek event that took place in different schools. Add to that the requirements everyone was accomplishing for the merger.

SEPTEMBER Soon, Hinge Media will cease to exist and will be known as Hinge Inquirer Publications :) It’s sad though because we will be missing some people we have worked with for quite a while =T

OCTOBER My girls and I had our first out-of-town trip! Hahaha!!! Oh, and Hinge Media is now OFFICIALLY Hinge Inquirer Publications! :) But just because I was reassigned to another magazine doesn’t mean I’m spared from the overnighters. There was even a point when practically everyone was at the office. Crazy!

NOVEMBER We finally had our long-overdue workshop! We spent a couple of days discussing the different problems all the different teams and magazines were experiencing, and possible solutions. And I just realized that I was turning 23 soon! :)

DECEMBER Quite a slow start since we just put to bed another issue of PC Magazine. But I’ve had A LOT of highs and lows this month. This has been a good month for me, though :) Sorta crammed my Christmas shopping in one weekend but it’s cool, I think I got almost everyone on my list. Had my first office Christmas party (again, because I wasn’t at the last one and I’d rather not say why) AND my first costume party (pictures still to follow) EVER! Had a blast that night just enjoying the company of my officemates, drinking, dancing, singing...and waiting for my birthday ;) Had my first salubong EVER! Spent the first few hours of my day just hanging out but had lots of fun :) Went to the office after lunch with a sore throat but felt really good. Had dinner with my family :) Got sick because of the cold weather so I wasn’t able to go to our yearly Christmas day family reunion. Still sick so I haven’t gone to work since Friday (just had myself checked this morning and apparently I have pharyngitis, combined with sinusitis, which sucks big time). The last two weeks have been quite eventful...but in a good way :)

Wow. After going through the entire year, I just realized that I DID have quite an eventful and crazy year! I had my highest highs and my lowest lows this year. But, being the optimistic kid that I am, I’m still smiling, still giddy, and still looking forward to the following year :)

*SNIFF*COUGH*COUGH*SNIFF*

It sucks being sick. Especially on Christmas!

I've been feeling kinda out of it since the day after our Christmas party. My fault, really, since I was screaming my lungs out the entire night while drinking cold beer. So, naturally, I got a sore throat the day after. I thought it was just nothing, that I just wore out my throat. So silly kid decided that she would still smoke. Took a couple of lozenges and just waited for my throat to get better, all the while still smoking a stick every now and then.

The day after, I couldn't go to work so I called in sick. My throat was already killing me. When I felt better after lunch, I thought that I'd be able to go out. So I did. Stayed out, had coffee and cigs. I had a slight cold already but I thought it was just the change of weather.

But when I woke up the following day, Christmas Eve, that's when it started getting worse. I got a stuffy nose, my throat was still itchy. And it got worse, I think, when we heard Mass, 'coz the Church was fully airconditioned so it wasn't really helping my condition. So when we got home, my ass was plastered to the couch while waiting for midnight. I had a quick Noche Buena with my family, hung out with them for a few hours, then went to bed at like three in the morning. I wrapped my neck with a thick scarf, was already taking medicines throught the day, hoping that I'd feel better when I wake up.

I felt worse. I couldn't get up. My mind wanted me to but my body just wanted to stay in bed. My body won.

So now I'm home alone while my entire family is in Alabang for a family reunion. It really sucks because I really wanted to go. This is the only time I get to see them and I couldn't. I guess I'll just have to wait 'til Friday, for the reunion with our extended family.

*sigh* I'm just hoping that I feel better soon. I swear, this is the worst time to get sick. No matter how much I want to be all happy and giddy, I can't because it uses up too much effort and energy, which I think my body really needs now to recover.

But no matter how bad I'm feeling, it's still not enough to dampen my spirits :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!!! :D

THANKS, GUYS :)

Thanks to the people close to my heart, I had the best and happiest birthday ever :)

I didn’t really do anything special. There was no big party or anything. I didn’t go out and party ‘til sunrise, which was my plan initially. But for some reason, I was a happy and giddy kid the ENTIRE day :)

Things started with getting ready for our office Christmas party. It could be the Christmas spirit finally catching up on me, or the fact that my birthday was only hours away. But as I was playing Santa, I was practically skipping around the office! I was so giddy, I couldn’t contain myself! :p

As the night progressed, I became more and more giddy! I was practically jumping and not just dancing to the music, we were singing (or was it screaming?) our hearts out, and just having SOOO much fun! :)

Some of my friends from the office couldn’t stay ‘til midnight. But, of course, I didn’t make them leave right away without making them feel guilty :p

So to my Hinge Inquirer Publications family, THANK YOU! For making my first ever birthday salubong really special, for making me feel special :)

To my friends who greeted me, thank you! Thank you for remembering my birthday despite the holiday rush :) (Hey, I’m not trying to make pa-guilty those who forgot. But if it’s working, then good! Hahaha!!!)

To my family, THANK YOU :) I know that no matter what, you’ll all still be there for me. But I seriously felt it on my birthday :) I felt really special, and a baby once again :p

I swear, if only I could stay up the whole twenty-four hours, I would :) I was giddy from start to finish! I was one happy, happy, HAPPY kid :)

The office party finished at around 2am, but I stayed ‘til a couple of hours after ;) I got home, slept, and then went to work after lunch. It was so nice because everyone was just greeting me and I felt so special :) I left work half an hour earlier than usual, went home, and then had dinner with my family. *sigh* I still smile when I think about everything that happened that day :)

So thank you, thank you, THANK YOU :) You all made this birthday the best EVER :)

SALUBONG

Haaay :) I can't even begin to describe how HAPPY I am :) We had our office Christmas party last night (my first since I wasn't able to attend last year's party for reasons I'd rather not say) and it was also my first costume party EVER! :) Our theme was Hollywood so there was an Audrey Hepburn, Carrie Bradshaw, Samantha Jones, Jackie O, that girl from Kill Bill, The Hulk, Superwoman, Lara Croft, a Trekkie... Fun fun fun! :) We had three presentations (a dialogue thingie by the Sales people, a dance number from us at Editorial, and a song and dance thingie from the Circulation/Admin/Events people) then a few games and, of course, the ever-loyal videoke machine! :p Everything was so surreal! Walking around the office with a bottle of beer in your hand, screaming at the top of your lungs when someone was performing, dancing/jumping to whatever song's playing, belting while singing songs from the eighties...WAAAH! :) I was also telling people that they can't leave 'til it's past midnight so we can all make salubong my birthday, the first time in my entire life :p They were even sorta doing a countdown :) Sooo sweet :) I was really, really, REALLY happy :) My head's still floating, most probably from the drinking without eating that much, the yosi, and the lack of sleep, so I can't really make kwento the details yet. But I'll be sure to post pictures and write about it again :)

Waaah!!! Happy happy HAPPY!!! :)

HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS

We're having our company Christmas party next Wednesday! Woohoo! :) I'm SUPER looking forward to it because it'll actually be my first costume party ;) But I still don't know who I'm coming as! Waaaaah!!! I need help, guys. Any ideas? :) I already got a few suggestions (Angeline Jolie in Tomb Raider, Liv Tyler in Lord of the Rings, and Daisy Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard) but I still don't know what I'm wearing. HELP HELP HELP! It has to be someone recognizable but the outfit should be easy to pull off since I've got a few days left. Plus I don't wanna look icky since I'm making salubong my birthday after the party ;) Panic mode!!!

WORLD PYRO OLYMPICS

Five days. Ten countries. The greatest show in the world.

World Pyro Olympics. The biggest and most intense fireworks competition. December 26 to 30 at The Esplanade in Pasay City.

December 26 (Monday)
People's Republic of China
Commonwealth of Australia

December 27 (Tuesday)
Federal Republic of Germany
Republic of Korea

December 28 (Wednesday)
Russian Federation
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

December 29 (Thursday)
United States of America
Republic of South Africa

December 30 (Friday)
United Arab Emirates
Republic of the Philippines + All Participants
(La Mancha Fellowship of Fire)

Tickets are at P100.00 each. Gates will open at 3pm but the competition will begin at 7:30pm with the first country (the second country will begin at 9pm).

A La Mancha Group Production. For inquiries, call the WPO Information Center at (632) 817-3073 or e-mail info@worldpyroolympics.com :)

I'M A CAP, BABY!

Another one of those Friendster Bulletin Board posts :)

ARIES Outgoing. Spontaneous. No one to fuck with. Have own unique sexiness. Unpredictable. Erotic. Funny. Addictive. Take you on trips to the moon in bed.

TAURUS Aggressive. Freak in bed. Rare to find. Love being in long relationships. Like to give a good fight for what they want. Extremely outgoing. Outstanding kisser.

GEMINI Nice. Love is one of a kind. Great listeners. Very good in bed. Lover not a fighter but can still punch your lights out. Trustworthy.

CANCER Very sexy. Talkative. Energetic. Sarcastic. Flirt. Outstanding kisser.

LEO Dominant in relationships. Horny. Freak in bed. Always want the last word. Quiet. Caring. Smart.

VIRGO Great talker. Sexy. Always horny. Laid back. Knows how to have fun. Great kisser.

LIBRA Very gentle. Nice. Love is one of a kind. Have own unique sexiness. Great in Bed. Good kisser.

SCORPIO Predict future. Most erotic. Very high sex appeal. Great in bed.

SAGITTARIUS Spontaneous. Horny. Sexy. Funny. High sex appeal. good in bed. Rare to find. Energetic. Good when found. Great kisser. Loves being in long
relationships.

CAPRICORN Sassy. Intelligent. Sexy. Predict future. Irresistible, awesome kisser. Great talker. Always gets what he or she wants.

AQUARIUS Trustworthy. Sexy. Rare to find. Loves being in long relationships. Extremely energetic. Amazing in bed, the BEST lovers.

PISCES Caring. Smart. Center of attention. Too sexy, DAMN IT. Very high sex appeal. Freak in bed. Kind. Humble. Trustworthy. Has the last word.

HIGHS AND LOWS

I just realized that I haven't really updated my blog. Last weekend seems like ages ago! It's just that a lot of things happened this week. Some I'd rather not mention for the sake of the people involved.

December 2, Friday: The PC Mag team, including the new Editorial Assistant which will be replacing me as soon as I've turned over everything and trained her, went to Mamplasan for the final proofing of our last issue for the year. Since we were able to correct the files already, we just prepared a new batch of CDs then off we went. Left the office at 2pm, got there at 4:30pm! Fuckin' CRAZY traffic in Alabang in the middle of the afternoon. I was supposed to meet Bespren Rina at 9pm. But I got to pick her up at 11pm. It's cool, though, 'coz we both made up for it in Jill's :) We just drank and smoke and danced the night away! Crazy, crazy, CRAZY night! I had my usual bottle of Vodka Ice and a bottle of San Mig Light, which I kept on spilling on myself because I was dancing like a crazed monkey on drugs :P SUUUPER tiring yet SUUUPER fun! :)

December 3 to 4, Saturday to Sunday: One of those chill weekends :) I had coffee at Starbucks BF, checked out the Cuenca bazaar with Jom, and hung out at Town with Rina :)

December 5 to 9, Monday to Friday: Semi-light week at the office. Only because the last issue's printing already. But that doesn't mean we can slack off since we're picking up this year's slack. Had another one of those crazy migraine attacks last Tuesday, which prevented me from going to work...or even getting out of bed.

December 9, Friday: I wanted to go out. I NEEDED to go out. So I made kulit my officemates to come with me. It really didn't matter where we went. Well, kinda. As long as there's drinking and smoking, dancing and house music! Hehehe :) So as soon as everyone was done with what they had to do, off we went to Ponti. Too bad I had too much to drink too soon. Well, not really. I only had a bottle of Vodka Ice (which one of the girls got even if I wasn't done yet!) and two shots of Azurri. But by midnight, my head was pounding like crazy! That's what I get for not eating before drowning my system in alcohol =T But I had fun nonetheless :) Drinks, smokes, HOUSE, and good company :)

December 10, Saturday: Another one of those I-really-have-to-go-out-today-with-my-best-friend-and-distract-myself days. No details. Just that a few things came up during the week and we both didn't feel like having company. So off we went to Podium (where we found out that they were on a three-day sale! Woohoo!) and had dinner then went shopping. I'm dangerous when I'm not in a good mood. Either I eat or I shop. But I'd much rather shop. As long as I have someone with me. My best friend told me that I was sorta being impulsive last night. Shiyet. I hope I don't regret what I bought. *thinks* Nope, I don't :) Anyway, after Podium, we went to Jill's to just check out the place and have a couple of beers. Turns out it was house night ;) So what do two little "depressed" girls do? They each have their own poison, two shots of Jagermeister, and just let the music move them! :) Too bad we had this group of losers who were dancing next to us and WITH us. Ugh! I'm sorry but if you were there, you'd understand why. That's what we get for not having guys with us. But it was fun :) Just having my best friend there, some alcohol, cigs, and house music was enough to make me feel better :) We both tried inviting a few of our friends but they were either busy or at home already. Oh well, next Saturday again then ;)

December 11, Sunday: Since my head was sorta floating again last night, I fell asleep at around 3am already and got up today at around noon. Another chill Sunday. Going out with my family to Alabang to do some Christmas shopping :) I haven't started AT ALL! Panic mode already. Shiyet, shiyet, shiyet.

Slowly starting to feel the Christmas spirit, especially when I'm out and I see all those lights and hear all those carols :) I can't wait to celebrate my birthday this year! I don't know what came over me. I just feel like celebrating :) I just wanna be happy. It's my day so I deserve it, right? And because it's my day, what I say goes ;) So there'll be drinking, smoking, dancing, and HOUSE!

*sigh* It's gonna be a beautiful day :)

HOPELESS

I officially proclaim my blog hopelessly fucked up. Well, just the template. I tried fixing the code through the help of someone who posted a comment. It was able to fix the top part. But when it came to the bottom part, everything's all jumbled up! I swear, I'm just about to give up. Maybe I should just get a new template. But this one's so me kasi eh. *sigh* I'm having blog issues. Crazy little girl getting all worked up because of this.

HELP!

My blog's fucked up when I view it using Firefox. The body starts AFTER the tag board! Waaah! I don't wanna change my template again. Such a...task =T