Thursday, December 23, 2010

Me, the Books I love, and Book Reviews

When I started this blog, I was reading a lot of fiction, and thought that a lot of the entries here would be reviews about the books I read. Indeed, some of the posts are about some books I have read.

Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, I seem to have buckled. And the problem seems to run deeper than the all-too-easy (even though it's oh-so-real) excuse of real life. Which sucks, but if there's a will, there's a way, right? And it's not as if I haven't been reading books, because I have (even though I'm now practically buried in readings and cases, I am still somehow able to read other happier stuff).

Let me do a bit of introspection (actually, considering that I am already posting this blog entry, it must mean that I already did) concerning this matter.

I remember once posting a blog entry on a blog I was required to do in a class last year. I remember that it was a free-for-all entry, and I had quite the difficulty in thinking of a topic. So, I blogged about it--my difficulties in blogging.

In that entry, I somewhat talked about pressure, about some topics that might not make the cut in some circles of mine. My problem here is somewhat similar. Maybe, like a favorite heroine of mine, Rose Hathaway of Vampire Academy, I have a high expectation of myself, that if I'm going to a write a book review, it better be damn good, and this thought is really scary.

Another is that I fear that if I write, what I write will not be good enough for the book that I'm writing about. This happens especially when I love the book that I'm going to write about. I put a lot of pressure on myself, I know, but I can't help it. Not just because of me, but because of the book. Oh dear.

Lastly, maybe it's just because, well, I'm overthinking. It's not as if I'm a professional blogger nor am I a book critic, but I'm thinking and pressuring myself into expecting a book review of mine to be at par with such.

And so, now that I have vented (and seen how utterly ridiculous my concerns can be), I will proceed to bang my head against the wall and maybe get to finally writing book reviews.

But hey, if you have any advice for me, I could really use it. How do I get over such issues?

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Distraction: Looklet

When you have something really important and urgent to do, that's when distractions show up. This is something that I have learned in my life (so far).

So in the course of the past few months, as I was exploring this whole new world of postgraduate schooling, a lot of distractions have cropped up.

These distractions can actually be deadly for me: if losing focus on a normal week can already have dreadful effects, then just imagine being distracted on an exam week! It can lead me to a definite breakdown. It has happened at least once already.

Even now, typing this blog entry, is a distraction in itself. It's a way for me to fool myself that I am not simply lying around doing nothing, when in fact it's pretty much the same as doing nothing since I am evading the tasks that I am supposed to do.

As the title suggests, one of these distractions is Looklet. Don't know what Looklet is? Well, as my friend put it (and I totally agree), it's like playing paper dolls. It's just online, which means more dress choices, model choices, and even background and effects choices! And just to get it out of the way: I LOVED playing with paper dolls.

Which makes it unsurprising, that I'm hooked. Really. Even if I'm not that much of a fashionista, it's still fun to play dress up. And since I love make believe stuff, it helps my imagination work. And well, I'm a girl. I love clothes, even if it doesn't show in real life. Haha!

If it still isn't obvious why it's a distraction, well, when you keep Looklet open, you see clothes, and sooner or later you'll get struck by an inspiration or a look that you just have to achieve somehow. Whether it's through randomly surfing through the stuff, or just a spark of inspiration, when you get to actually trying to achieve that look, it might take some time. Hence, it's a full-blown distraction. Really dangerous.

What's the catch for me? Well, if you look at my sample "looks", they're not really much to look at. I'm not good at creative stuff, and it shows. But my idea of creating looks is something that I'd want to wear, so I don't really experiment. Still, I get to create looks that will probably never be put together or worn by me in real life. So really, it's a playground for me.

And here are some of the "looks" that I've created (I like them, but I probably won't do this in real life, especially the second one! Hahaha):

For some reason, I really like this look. Although, does it seem gloomy? Hahaha
If I'd somehow get a pair, I'd wear the boots, but the dress? I highly doubt it. But it looks nice, right? 
I know you can do better than this, so why don't you get distracted on this site too? Unleash the fashionista in you! It's at http://www.looklet.com! Enjoy!

Oh, and of course, this post won't be complete until I thank my dear friend Cielo for introducing me to this distraction. It's deadly, but it's fun! Thanks love! :P

And with that, I go and slave away over work I've put off for much, much too long. Too long for my own good. Ah, Looklet, you kill me. With those killer boots. Tsk.

So Fast, So Slow

I thought I'd be able to update my blog at least once a week, but here I am, updating only a week before finals. The passage of time has been very weird, to say the least.

I've already mentioned before how I realized I've been taking time for granted, and how I experience the passage of time more than ever. When you're in class dreading to be called, even an hour or two can be so excruciatingly slow. Or when trying to read up or make an assignment for a subject, the same one or two hours can be so fast!

Even now, the passing of weeks feels slow and fast at the same time. On the one hand, coming to this point-last week of classes (I think, haha)-seemed to have come so slow, as I remember the struggle that it took to get through even just one week, or even one day. On the other hand, however, I'm quite surprised that it's almost finals already. It feels fast, too. And yes, that's kind of weird.

It gets weirder when I think about how at the beginning of the year, I was still a senior struggling to finish my thesis and graduate on time. Now, I'm struggling to finish the first sem of my first year. It's a bit unsettling, although not necessarily unpleasant.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg, when it comes to whatever is in my brain. Hopefully I get everything in order. Because it's finals next week!

This is just the beginning of the last, crazy part of the ride. Fighting! Hahaha

P.S. Hopefully, this broke the stagnation that has been my blog. LOL.

Monday, July 12, 2010

The Potency of Words

Sole. Shall. May. Involving. Either-or.

What are these random words, you may ask?

Well, these random words have enough power to make or break someone's life, determine someone's fate, and drive an innocent student like me crazy.

Being a graduate of a degree in organizational communication, I already have an idea of the power words have. Words can convey a variety of different meanings, which can influence people in different ways. Words, when used properly, can have a really profound effect.

Still, sometimes you think you know something, but really, you don't.

During undergrad, whenever I used to recite, even if I don't have a shred of idea of what the topic really is about, a little bit of common sense and listening to the discussion are enough to get me by, and get me by with flying colors at that.

However, it's not so simple anymore.

Substitute may for shall? You're turning something mandatory into something permissive. Omit the word equally? You won't progress in your discussion. Don't know the possible meanings of the word sole when placed beside the word judge? Someone might just lose his case. Can't defend the proper use of either and or? A community might just lose its land. And a law student might just about go crazy reading 400++ pages worth of arguments.

Whenever we start our morning worship service in church, the different classes in our Sunday School will shout out different short statements that sum up their lesson for that day. Something like a motto for the day. We call it our "word power."

Indeed, words are very powerful.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Jinx and Realizations

This always happens. I say I'm back, then I disappear right after. I write in my diary that I think I finally can be consistent in my entries, and then I forget writing for a year. It's as if I jinx myself. Actually, maybe I do?

So perhaps I should give a little explanation as to where I went after I've said my thanks and that I've finally finished my undergraduate degree. Emphasis on finishing my thesis, because I really don't understand sometimes how I was able to do it, especially now that I look back on it.

But that's not the point. The point is that, it's done, right? I'm supposed to have a lot of time in my hands now. Or at least be able to focus more on this blog now, and maybe have a job or other exploits that I can talk about. But I was completely silent. And well, other than laziness (which is a big factor), there is actually a reason.

The thing is, I'm studying. Yes, I'm still studying. Or maybe, I'm studying again. But the point is, I'm studying!

What in the world-?!

Yes. That's quite my sentiment too.

But the fact is, to a certain extent, I'm actually having fun. But don't misunderstand me. This is one hell of a challenge. A level up, let's say. Old habits are not welcome anymore; new ones are needed, or else you'll never survive. The feeling right now is as if everyday is examination day. And I'm thinking, if that's how a regular class day is, what on earth will the actual exam day look like?!!

Anyway. Now that I've established what has been happening in my life, maybe I could go on to some effects this "level-up studying" has on me so far. Actually, I just want to enumerate some of the things that have taken on a different value for me ever since I started this postgraduate activity.

1. Sleep.

I have known the value of sleep ever since my thesis-making days/nights (Why do those days seem so far away? Barely a year has passed!). But even then, I was still able to sleep for as long as more than ten hours after I pull an all-nighter for a project or for my thesis. After graduation, sucky internet connection has turned me into a nocturnal, with weird sleeping habits, or just a weird body clock. But if you count the hours of sleep that I get, it's still quite a lot.

But now? Sleeping for 8 hours straight is a sin, and falling asleep when you're not supposed to, even if it's for just around 2 hours, induces guilt. Now, sleep has taken on a different meaning: a) it's the enemy, and b) it's a precious, precious thing. Oh how I miss having the freedom to sleep when and for how long as I want to.

2. Time

This is quite connected to sleep, but it is so much more than that. During undergrad, time was just...time. Sometimes I'd go to school, and go back home feeling as if nothing really happened, and I just passed time sitting in class, listening to the lecture. Some days I feel as if I just let time pass.

Now, time matters. A lot. Two hours, which felt like, well, two hours, before, can now feel like forever. That is especially true when you're on your feet, hoping and praying that your recitation ends (and that somehow you still get a decent grade no matter how poor your answers seem to be). Nine hours can seem so short when you have a mountain of readings to study.

And, even one day can feel like heaven if you get to rest and enjoy yourself without feeling guilty about it.

In short, now, I don't just let time pass. I actually experience its passing. In the good and the bad way.

3. Leisure reading

Oh, how I miss the days where I can choose what I want to read it and read in a way that I want to. In one night, or maybe take it slow if I want to do so. I was actually building up my list of stuff to read by the time summer vacation was ending.

Now, however, I have a growing mountain of readings. I have no choice but to read them, and I have to read them ASAP. Not doing so has consequences (consequences that I have already experienced). I'm not saying that I don't like what I read now, in fact, they're very interesting, but now, I can't afford to just read. I have to read critically, more than I have ever done before. Because in the future, it can really be a matter of life or death. That's not even a joke.

4.Opportunity

There are things that you just realize, whether you want to or not, whether it happens on your own or not. I know that maybe there is someone out there who's better off in my position, and yet this is how things happened. It's really an eye-opener, and gives a whole new meaning to why I'm here and what I'm supposed to do.

5. Society

I mean this in the "friends and family" way. Studying like this entails being a hermit of sorts, and the effect is that sometimes I just thirst for some good old chat with friends. This is something that might be taken for granted on a regular day, but it really is something to value.


6. Study habits

Do I really have to explain this?


Change, from what I've heard, is really a scary  and uncomfortable thing. And yes, it is quite scary. And uncomfortable. This new venture is also very tiring, and has lots of implications. It's time to get really serious, no matter how difficult it is. Still, change can be good, especially if it is not simply about learning something new, but actually getting a new perspective, and forming and reinforcing a lot of values.

Hopefully, I don't jinx my first semester. Fight!

P.S. Do you like Scribbles' new look? ;)

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Hello, World!

I'm back for real!!! Well isn't that nice?

My thesis experience is something that I don't want to talk about, but I'm just happy for the fact that now, I'm actually doing stuff that is school-, but not acad-related. And I'm actually graduating. No kidding!

Honestly, this is something I cannot see say three months, or even 2 weeks ago. I probably would have cried (or come close to it, or became really depressed), if I tried to imagine myself in this day, since it would have been really impossible. That's how precarious my situation was. Ah, the past tense never looked so good.

Before, my greatest worry was finishing my thesis and getting enough credits to graduate on time. Now, my biggest dilemma is finding a dress to wear for my graduation. God is so good.

So, I have a feeling they won't be reading this anyway, since I don't know if this blog is known, but I'm really thankful to everyone who helped me during this last and final stretch of my college life.

God is really great and merciful. He never let me down, even though I'm weak.

My parents are the best, most supportive parents ever. I'm such a spoiled kid.

I have wonderful aunts and cousins.

I have awesome and really intelligent friends, they can even be my thesis advisers.

I am blessed to have my professors.

I am one tired but thankful kid.

Thank you Lord.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

LSS: Tik Tok - Ke$ha

I never thought I'd like this song, or maybe I did like the song but never thought I'd like it this much. It's playing in my head over and over again, and I don't mind if it's the only song on repeat in my iPod (I usually do mind, I like random songs playing, not one song over and over again).

But then again, maybe that's why they call it Last Song Syndrome, eh?

Here is the song:


Ke$ha - Tik Tok

And here are the lyrics:

Tik Tok Lyrics

Wake up in the morning feeling like P Diddy
(Hey, what up girl?)
Grab my glasses, I'm out the door, I'm gonna hit this city
(Lets go)
Before I leave, brush my teeth with a bottle of Jack
'Cause when I leave for the night, I ain't coming back

I'm talking pedicure on our toes, toes
Trying on all our clothes, clothes
Boys blowing up our phones, phones
Drop-topping, playing our favorite CDs
Pulling up to the parties
Trying to get a little bit tipsy

Don't stop, make it pop
DJ, blow my speakers up
Tonight, I'mma fight
'Til we see the sunlight
Tick tock on the clock
But the party don't stop, no

Don't stop, make it pop
DJ, blow my speakers up
Tonight, I'mma fight
'Til we see the sunlight
Tick tock, on the clock
But the party don't stop, no

Ain't got a care in world, but got plenty of beer
Ain't got no money in my pocket, but I'm already here
And now, the dudes are lining up cause they hear we got swagger
But we kick em to the curb unless they look like Mick Jagger

I'm talking about everybody getting crunk, crunk
Boys tryin' to touch my junk, junk
Gonna smack him if he getting too drunk, drunk

Now, now, we go until they kick us out, out
Or the police shut us down, down
Police shut us down, down
Po-po shut us

Don't stop, make it pop
DJ, blow my speakers up
Tonight, I'mma fight
'Til we see the sunlight
Tick tock on the clock
But the party don't stop, no

Don't stop, make it pop
DJ, blow my speakers up
Tonight, I'mma fight
'Til we see the sunlight
Tick tock on the clock
But the party don't stop, no

DJ, you build me up
You break me down
My heart, it pounds
Yeah, you got me

With my hands up
You got me now
You got that sound
Yeah, you got me

DJ, you build me up
You break me down
My heart, it pounds
Yeah, you got me

With my hands up
Put your hands up
Put your hands up

Now, the party don't start 'til I walk in

Don't stop, make it pop
DJ, blow my speakers up
Tonight, I'mma fight
'Til we see the sunlight
Tick tock on the clock
But the party don't stop, no

Don't stop, make it pop
DJ, blow my speakers up
Tonight, I'mma fight
'Til we see the sunlight
Tick tock on the clock
But the party don't stop, no

[Source: http://www.elyricsworld.com/tik_tok_lyrics_ke$ha.html]

***************************************************
P. S. Let's party!
PPS. Must. ensure. graduation. first. >_<




Saturday, March 6, 2010

Snippet: Something Inspiring

Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: you don't give up.
- Anne Lamott

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Impoverished Bookworm

I love books. Really. I don't know when it started, but ever since I was young, I enjoyed reading. I love imagining the things I read about, which is probably why even now I'm still partial to the fantasy genre. It's a bit escapist, but hey, to each his/her own, right?

One would think that with me being a booklover and a voracious reader ever since childhood, I would have a lot of books. Unfortunately, that is not the case. I went to a classmate's house once, a classmate who I know has interests in art and what not, but not that much in reading. However, when I looked around their living area, I saw books--a whole lot of them. Cue envy.

Well, the answer's simple, right? If you want books so badly, go buy them. However, I didn't grow up that way.

When I was younger, I wanted a lot of things, books included. My striking memory regarding that matter, though, was my mom asking me if the books I wanted to buy were relevant for school. And since they were pretty much fiction books that have no direct relevance to my schoolwork, I said no, and then that's that. No books. Hence, I grew up only asking for things when I have a good argument regarding their necessity. When I asked my dad to give me a laptop when I graduated from high school, I emailed him about it and cited my academic achievement plus the fact that it would be necessary for schoolwork as grounds for him to get me the said gadget.

I've only recently learned (and by recently, I meant sometime during college) that I can actually ask for something just because I want to, and nobody will give me hell about it. Unless it's completely ridiculous, of course.

So, the problem should be solved by now, right? I can just ask for books. The thing is, the realization that I can ask for stuff I want came when I actually have the capacity and should learn how to budget, and do certain things independently and responsibly. That includes my hobbies, unfortunately. That's a shame, since I think I would have quite the collection by now if I was more of a spoiled brat (more than I am already) back then. But that's in the past already.

Now, the problem is that I'm a college student who has a lot of requirements that entail spending money (readings and a whole lot more) and who is more aware regarding difficulties in earning money and the ailing economy. Which means I can't be oblivious to the fact that we have a lot of necessities to spend on, unlike the younger me, who can claim innocence. Oh, the joys of childhood.

This brings us back to the title of this entry, which is also a description of me: an impoverished bookworm. I think it is quite a tragedy that you have this craving for books, and it's actually a good thing, since it helps with your intellect and what not, and yet not have the money to indulge. And there are those who have the money, yet spend it on vile vices. The cruelty of it all!

On the brighter side (yes there is one), I suppose it is better for me not to have that big collection of books right now. Especially since I don't have a proper place where to put those books. Some books that I have bought so far are actually misplaced. Dear me, why is our house so miniscule! And so disorganized, too. I really hope that in the future, I get to have a pretty house with my very own library. That is a part of my happy dream.

At the end of the day, I'm still a bookworm. I'm not gonna stop reading. And I'm gonna buy those books someday!

Well, how about you? Is there a hobby you're frustrated about but can't indulge in because of economic constraints?

Friday, January 15, 2010

Frozen Near the Finish Line

I'd like to think of myself as a good student. Ever since I was a kid, I was very focused on my studying. I'm not saying that I have the best study habits or that I allot certain number of hours to read, review, or what not. What I mean is that it has always been a priority for me. It was, and still is, a very central part of me.Even though I play around, I always end up making sure that I prepare myself well for exams, and that I have good grades, at the end of it all.

Come high school, I immersed myself in extracurricular activities. I was the type of person who would have joined all possible organizations if it was physically possible (which, of course, it was not). I enjoyed myself, and even though I still don't have those perfect study habits, I still fared well. However, by the time high school ended, I was really tired. All those extracurricular activities and studying pushed me to the point where I just wanted to rest. And that's what I did the summer after graduation.

I told myself, upon entering college, that I won't join any organizations, and will just live the simple college life by focusing only on academics and life, and no more extracurriculars. Unfortunately, the small, 'responsible' part of me thought that it organizations in college are far more important than those joined in high school, as they weigh more on a person's resume. High school orgs are about exploring your passions; college orgs are about exploring your passions, and getting relevant experience.

I'm not gonna say it was a bad decision, but it did start up the buildup that might be the reason for this blog post right now. At this point, my idea of not joining any organization has turned into my membership in three school organizations. I don't regret joining these organizations, as they have been very helpful to me. Nevertheless, it added to my stress and some even affected my self-esteem, and left me with emotional scars that I would reflect upon someday when I have the liberty to do so. Add to this all my academics, and here is where I am now.

I am the type of student who always tries to give her best effort, no matter how futile it seems, no matter how disillusioned or discouraged I feel. And right now, I think I'm at my breaking point. I remember vaguely in one of the books I read how the most difficult part in achieving your dreams is when you're at the point where you can almost reach it. Well, finishing my studies is a dream of mine for myself, and for my parents, and I'm almost there.

Which means I'm deadly terrified and unsure of where I am right now.

All my academic insecurities, the expectations, the years of stress and effort, my procrastination, my laziness, my repression of unpleasant stuff, they are all piling up on me. I smile every day and downplay how I feel, what I think, but the truth is I'm so damn terrified that I just freeze.

And I don't even know why I'm writing this or what the point of this entry is.

I guess I just feel like I have been so good (fine, relatively) all this years, and it's really a big burden on my back. I want to finish this, once and for all.

I want someone to encourage me, but I'm ashamed of my state right now. I want advice, but is scared to show what I have.

I just want to graduate on time, and make my parents proud, and set a good example for my brother.

I want to stop being scared.

I want to move.

Now Playing: Brand New Colony - The Postal Service

I'll be the grapes fermented,
Bottled and served with the table set in my finest suit
Like a perfect gentlemen
I'll be the fire escape that's bolted to the ancient brick
Where you will sit and contemplate your day

I'll be the waterwings that save you if you start drowning
In an open tab when your judgement's on the brink
I'll be the phonograph that plays your favorite
Albums back as your lying there drifting off to sleep...
I'll be the platform shoes and undo what heredity's done to you...
You won't have to strain to look into my eyes
I'll be your winter coat buttoned and zippedstraight to the throat
With the collar up so you won't catch a cold

I want to take you far from the cynics int his town
And kiss you on the mouth
We'll cut out bodies free from the tethers of this scene,
Start a brand new colony
Where everything will change,
We'll give ourselves new names (identities erased)
The sun will hear the grounds
Under our bare feet in this brand new colony
Everything will change, oOo oOo...

(Source: LyricsDomain http://www.lyricsdomain.com/20/the_postal_service/brand_new_colony.html)