2012 was the year of...

2012 should have been my year to think outside the box, but it didn't happen. As in the previous years, what I lacked in 2012 was the actual execution of the plans I had for myself. Once again, I let myself wing things and completely disregard the system I had set out at the onset of the year.

Oh well, there's no use crying over spilled milk anyway; but that is not to say that I don't regret not being true to my promise, either.

Looking back, I have realized that I have been wasting a lot of my time with a lot of things that I'm just okay with; things that I can't really say I am happy doing. I have also realized that I am not getting any younger, and that the days I spend procrastinating, winging things, and doing things that don't make me happy equate to wasted opportunities to better myself, and to shape my future.

And that, dear friends, is what scares me. I am scared that I'll get stuck at where I'm at now, and end up not being able to do what actually makes me happy. So, I have realized that I shouldn't be scared anymore. And as Sam and Hal Montgomery (of A Cinderella Story) have put it:

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

There will always be that fear of failure, of striking out, but these should be made into motivations to happiness, not hindrances. With these things that have happened in 2012, I have realized that I should be brave enough to take risks, to take chances, to finally, finally finaaaaally think outside the box, because if I don't, I might not get my shot at happiness.

2013 should be the year for real and actual change.

2013 should be about planning, but most importantly, 2013 should be about DOING!

Thank you for the memories, 2012. Bring it on, 2013! Happiness, here I come.


---Acknowledgement/s---
Picture credit: fromjenslens

Noël 2012

Okay. If I am being honest, I must say I am freaking out that Christmas is already here. I mean, come on! Wasn't it just yesterday that your mother and father were in here buying their first wands* that we started counting the days down to Christmas? Seriously, for the lack of better term for it, ANYAREH?! Why is time flying by so so sooooooo fast?

/hyperventilates
/fans self
/inhale
/exhale

But really, Christmas is my favorite time of the year. The warm and fuzzy feeling that this season gives off is something that I look forward to all year round and now that it's here, I just feel the need to revel in it. I may be freaking out that it's here already, but I'm just as excited and happy!

And so, dear friends, I wish you a very merry Christmas. And as you lay down to sleep tonight, count your blessings and thank the Lord for all of it!

I'll end this post with one of my favorite tracks from one of my favorite Christmas albums of all time.



Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

* Thumbs up if you got the reference for this! XP

It has taken me years to realize it.

Sometimes, life pushes us at a certain crossroad where a decision has to be made. As whimsical human beings, most (if not all) of us ask life (or the universe) back for signs before we finally decide which road to take. But most of the time, we complain that life doesn't give us the sign/s, only to realize that all the signs are there, but we're just too stubborn to see it all.

Or maybe, that's just me?

Eventually, life's pushes will come to a shove, and a decision will eventually be made for us, and we will have no choice but to accept it. It might not be the decision we want for ourselves, but consolation rests in the fact that this decision is probably for the better. Then, we will move on. And then, we will forget.

Or maybe we can never forget at all. But we will definitely move on.

We just have to.

Celebrating Duizhang's Birthday

I've always wanted to throw a party for that special someone. The thing is, even after all these years, I still have no special someone to throw a party for.

But then again, there's Kris. And it's his birthday. And I wanted to do this for him. Because I am crazy -- crazy in love with him. *bricked*

Happy birthday again, dear duizhang! ♥

To that special man in my life now.

Here is the edited version of the message I have for Kris, which I have sent via Kris' International Fan Site, The Sky's the Limit

You had me at your Like a G6 performance. I have seen countless of handsome guys out there, but none really appeals to me the way you do.

And so, Kris, THE crush to end all crushes, happy birthday!

Whatever you are reaping now, you deserve them all. More than the awards and the popularity, you deserve the love you are getting because you are you, and who you are is already perfect. Yes, man is flawed*, and no one is perfect. But remember, you are perfect in your imperfections**.

Again, happy birthday! And I love you.

Hugs and kisses,
Rafa, Philippines

May all your wishes come true, duizhang! ♥



---
SOURCES: Quotes - *My friend, Celine Cabunilas, **Marcus Flutie from Second Helpings // Image - SoCooL杂志

For the lulz!

ANYAREH?! LMAO!

I had my haircut yesterday. As always, I would show the hairstylist my peg, and then I'd let her do her work. I was fairly satisfied with what she had done, to be honest. She also styled my hair with a hairdrier, and I loved the outcome. She was even kind enough to give me tips, telling me that my haircut would look better if it had some waves/curls. Eventually, she asked me if I wanted to see how I'd look like with curls. Given the fact that I was born with a natural straight hair, I was curious to see how I would look like with curls. Besides, it was free so I thought to myself, "Why not?" Gorabels!

And then, she called someone -- a guy -- to curl my hair.

Now I don't know if the guy was a fan of the K-Drama, To the Beautiful You, or if he had seen Ki Tae Young (the one in the picture above), but I'd like to think that he pegged my curls after Ki Tae Young. I was holding back my laughter as he curled my hair; I knew the outcome would look funny on me. But, I let him carry on. He even reassured me that I'd look better once he's done with me.

Minutes after, he told me that he was already finished. I was like, "OMG WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY HAIR?!" (cue ROFL and LMAO here). I wasn't self-deprecating, but I really found my curly hair funny. The lady who cut my hair, I was sure, was even holding back her laughter at the aftermath of the guy's curling activity.

But, I let the curls on, and I didn't demand that they wash my hair. I paid for their services, went to a couple of stores afterwards, before finally deciding that I needed to buy a hat. What happened in Robinson's Otis should stay in Robinson's Otis (pero I still blogged about it, ano kaya yun). Lol!

At least, now I know I wouldn't look good as a curly top. It was a fun experience, nonetheless!

You. Yes, you.

It amazes me how there still is love left, even after horrible things have happened. Case in point: Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big.

This is probably the reason why the first Sex and the City movie is my favorite chic flick movie forever because in a way, I can relate. Mr. Big ditches Carrie on their wedding day, but through it all, forgiveness happens, and love, as they say, has become better the second time around.

No matter how hurt Carrie was when Big left her, I believe that she was just waiting for him to woo her back. She was ready to forgive him because she loves him. Stupid, I know, but as one of the lines from the movie says,

" She (Blair Elkin) was a smart girl, until she fell in love.

I guess that line applies to me (or to all of us, probably), too, because as stupid and pathetic as this may sound, I still am hoping and wishing for him to come back.

Or perhaps, it neither is stupid or pathetic because love defies logic?

Wanted: MacBook Pro!

More like NEEDED, actually. HEAVILY, BADLY, DIRELY NEEDED!!!

I know that you are thinking that I already have a new MacBook Pro. I also know that, in relation to what I think you are thinking, you are asking yourself this: why the hell does he still need a new one?

Well technically, yes, I do have a new (newly-issued, yes, but not entirely new, as in straight-out-of-a-sealed-box kind of brand new, but it still looks fresh!) MacBook Pro. And nominally, it IS mine. Realistically, though, it isn't. I do not own real rights to it in any way. So, if time comes that I resign from my work, they have to wrestle the MacBook Pro away from me I have to return this MacBook Pro to them. *tears*

But, then again: why do I need a new laptop?

For starters, my own MacBook, Widgey, is already 5 years old. While it amazes me that my baby Widgey is still in perfect condition (thank God!), I must admit that it needs to rest. Widgey isn't in limbo yet, but with my requirement right now, I don't think he can keep up with me anymore.

Widgey, to give you a little background, is a 2007 MacBook, a gift from my mom. It is running on a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 4GB RAM (it used to run on just 2GB), and 80GB HD. 80GB!!! Can you imagine that?!

It still functions well but given the above-mentioned specifications, again, it won't keep up with the things that I do nowadays.

But what is it that do I do nowadays, anyway? A lot! I surf the web, do graphics (naks!) on Photoshop, store a lot of files (from videos, to pictures), do word processing -- all of which an Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 4GB of RAM, and 80GB of HD space might find hard to do.

So, yes. I NEED A NEW MACBOOK PRO!

And this is where I let you in on my little plan for 2013 (Also known as my brainwashing technique to make you believe that I really need a new laptop. The fact that you are reading a blogpost from me about it is a testament to it being super effective).

Next year, I plan to enroll in short courses on Basic Photography, Basic Web Design, and Digital Editing and Imaging at the De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde. As you know now, I am a frustrated graphic artist, and a design-enthusiast. Also, I am fully interested in becoming a full-fledged graphic artist. As such, I think it will be very beneficial for me to invest in things that I know will help develop (or hone?) whatever potential, and whatever skill I have in the field of arts and design.

I need an equipment that will help me with this endeavor, and this is where the need for that MacBook Pro comes in.

I know this might sound like twisted logic (or plain and simple delusion, take your pick), but if I am being honest, I think this is me finally taking that first step towards my own happiness. And nope, this is not the materialistic side of me speaking. PROMISE! As to why that is, I'll probably explain that in a separate blogpost someday. Hopefully, soon.

If you trust me, then I can give you my bank account so you can deposit your donations. Thank you very much in advance. Tee hee.

But seriously, I really need a MacBook Pro. And I am going to move mountains to get myself one (if Santa Claus doesn't beat me to it *puppy dog eyes*) soon!

*fist pumps*

SHINee - Dazzling Girl

Dazzling Girl is starting to finally grow on me. The song is catchy, the dance looks fun, Minho still looks perfect. Plus, I miss SHINee. I still believe that their Sherlock promotion was short-lived.

I felt the need to post this entry because I would like to share a couple of thoughts I've had watching this live performance:

1. I was never really attracted to Taemin, probably because I think he looks pretty than handsome. Until now! He still looks pretty, yes, but I am finally starting to see the handsome boy (man?) the noonas have found in him since SHINee's debut in 2008.

(Bonus thought: Look at Taem's butt at around 0:24 in the above embedded video. So cute! *bricked*)

2. Jonghyun's muscular frame still freaks me out. Sorry :(

3. Key's outfit! I love the oversized shirt + denim shorts + black leggings + hi-cut rubber shoes ensemble. ♥

4. Again, the dance looks fun to watch/do. And I just love how Minho dances. And I just love him, period!

5. Onew is adorbs, as always.

It's amazing how SHINee still lives up to expectations. I really miss these guys, and I hope they come back promoting in Korea more soon (because I can keep track of what's happening in the KPop scene more than in the JPop one).

Oh by the way, Run With Me is also amazing!



* I like that D-shaped mirror!

Just getting this off of my chest.

Every so often, I scroll my feed and find something that would suddenly make me feel sad, hurt, and emotional, all. at. the. same. time. But, I rather let my head work than my heart by asking myself: Do I have the reason to feel sad, hurt, and emotional?

I do. But it's not like I didn't do my part in breaking my own heart, anyway. If this thing that hurt me happened, it's because I probably had a hand in its orchestration.

Move on. Forget! Yep, that's exactly what I should be doing.

Guess what!

I can never ever resist a good bag design. Uh... Actually, I can never ever resist a good bag. Period!

I love shoulder bags (or murses) but recently, I am so hooked on satchels. I already have a satchel that resembles the Alexa from Mulberry, and another satchel that is the cheaper version of the Cambridge Satchel. This one's a satchel, too, actually, just that I wasn't able to take a picture of the longer straps.

What I love about this is that it's style is different from the satchels I often see, and the ones that I already own. While the Alexa-like satchel gives that artsy vibe, and the Cambridge-style one exudes old-school chic, this one from F&H kinda gives off that sophisticated look, don't you think? ;)

What's more is that the materials on this one are a break from the bags I normally buy. I usually buy bags with an all-leather or all-canvas material, but this one has felt material. Surprisingly, I am totally in love with it!

I am actually on scrimp mode, but I just can't seem to stop myself from thinking about it. Lol. Besides, this bag's gotten my mom's seal of approval, anyway. ;)

I guess bags to me are what shoes are to Carrie Bradshaw. And you?

A stressful, surreal blur no more!

My unused SLs have finally been converted to cold hard cash, and I have finally gotten hold of that one thing that has finally lit up my world like nobody else... a new pair of lenses!

Boom-chicka-boom-boom-boom-oh-yeah *booty wiggle*

I retained my old frame because as I have said in this blogpost, it has a sentimental value to me, it being given to me by my cousins bnr, I'm just a cheapanga who can't afford new frames, on top of new lenses. And I love my old frame. If Harry Potter's signature frame is of the rounded type, I think I'd have mine in the square variety.

But due to my total eye-care negligence, my grades went up. Way, way, waaaaaaaaaay up, in fact!

I used to be a 75-50, but now I'm 150 on both eyes. I blame it all on those reading before hitting the sack at night with low light, and reading on my way to work while jeep moves in all its bumpy glory. But I just love reading! Can you blame me? apparently, my eyes can

Putting on the new lenses felt like being enlightened! I just love how the world looks brighter and clearer now.

So, yay to my new lenses. Lol. what a lame post

Quotes: Jessica Darling, Fourth Comings

Spot on, Jessica. Spot on.

Sorry for the negativity.

But I just want to put this one out there: the life I am living is so frustrating. It's as if now matter what I do, or no matter how positive I set my disposition to be, things just won't go right.

Oh what I wouldn't give to have you by my side.

I have been a stan to various KPop groups already -- Super Junior, SHINee, CNBlue, Infinite -- but I have never been soooooooooo invested in a group the way I am now with EXO.

I have fallen in love with different KPop boys already -- Choi Minho, Choi Siwon, Jung Yonghwa (to name 3 of x crushes I have in the KPop fandom) -- but I think I have finally found the KPop crush to end all KPop crushes... Kris Wu.

Okay, technically, he's a Mandarin Pop (MPop?) Idol since he's Chinese, and he promotes in China mostly. He is under SM Entertainment, though, and he also promotes in Korea with the rest of the EXO gang, and he also knows how to speak Korean. Lol. Whatever.



After office work one night, I was busy backtracking the posts from Kris' international website. I was busy right-clicking and saving his pictures when suddenly, I stopped and said to my officemate this:

This is the guy I want to spend the rest of my life with; no matter how dirt poor we'd get, as long as we're together, I'll be the happiest person to have ever walked the surface of this earth.

ANSABEH?!

But the thing is, I meant what I said. So, go ahead and feel free to throw bricks at me for my delusions.

During one of our daily YM conversations, Ginny asked me, "Why Kris?" To which, I replied this:

Why Kris? I don't know. I guess, you never really know why. Life, or love, happens that way, you know? In this crazy world we live in, one day we'll just randomly meet someone and then, bam! The next thing you know, you are falling head over heels for this person, and no matter how hard you try to stop yourself, you just can't. You're doomed. You're already in love.

Yes, dear friends, I am a lost cause. And Kris Wu is totally to blame!

My (unsolicited) thoughts on the iPhone 5, the new iPod Touch, and the new iPod Nano

Today (or yesterday, depending on which timezone you are at), Apple has announced their three new products -- the iPhone 5, the 5th Generation iPod Touch, and the 7th Generation iPod Nano. Your thoughts? Well, here are mine.

Just a reminder: All thoughts written here are entirely my own, and do not embody that of the company I work for.

Hemingway...

IPOD NANO - DNW!
I don't know why, but I am not fond of the design. I think I'd like it better if it has a four-icon screen (like the 6th Gen iPod Nano) instead, but that kinda defeats the purpose of bringing back the video-playing capability of the new iPod Nano (which is a good thing). I think the 5th Generation iPod Nano is still the best iPod Nano ever invented by Apple to date.

I like the new color selections, though, but that's just it. I won't be buying this, and yes, it's because I don't like the design.

Father and son mushiness

It's not everyday that this happens (lol) so I'm putting this, out here, for the world to see.

Who would've thought this is how the pieces fit...

Back in 2005, I was asked by my best friends, Ana, Zel, and Jen, what I wanted for my birthday. I wasn't able to give them an answer right away, though. So, I had the chance to confide to #thewalls, and asked for his recommendations. He told me that Nina was about to come out with a new album, and that I might want to ask for that.

I was (still am) a Nina fan (not sure, though, if #thewalls was aware of that when he gave his suggestion), so I thought his recommendation was a brilliant one. Fast forward to my birthday, I got this as a present from my three best buds.





Summer vacay started after my birthday, so this was on loop almost everyday. And that was also the start of the demise of my relationship with #thewalls. WAIT WHY AM I EVEN THINKING ABOUT THIS? /bricked

Ginny and I were at Starbucks yesterday, trying to write (at least she was trying to write, I was doing whatever), and Nina's live version of Love Moves in Mysterious Ways played in the background. I got transported back in time that when I went back home, I played the CD once more.

If you are curious, my favorite tracks are:

2. Love Moves in Mysterious Ways
5. Through The Fire
6. Fall For You
8. Cool With You
9. Constantly
11. Sunlight
13. Steep
14. I Love You Goodbye
15. Piano In The Dark

Nina is definitely one of the best singers in the country, don't you think? :)

A stressful, surreal blur

Recently, my world has become one big blur.

But whoooooops! Please don't think that I have grown my bangs and brushed it to the side, have outlined my eyes with heavy eyeliners, and have gone on a major plain black tee shopping spree.

My world has become one big blur because I think I need a new pair of glasses.



This old pair of mine has a sentimental value to it. My cousins bought it for me back in 2010 because they think that I just couldn't go and watch Super Show II with a blurry vision. *tear*

This is supposed to be the kind of glasses that I should be wearing all the time, but I don't. I only put it on at night, or when I need to read something. Or when I need to stalk someone. Or to confirm if this particular guy coming my way is actually cute, or not. Tee hee.

I am a 75-50 but obviously, I am not anymore. Looking at the world with or without these glasses seems to be the same to me nowadays.

Dear SL conversion, please come fast? :)

And oh, there's one more thing...

I have laid my old MacBook Pro service unit to rest, and it got replaced by this. Helloooooo, unibody! ♥

Two years, seven days

I cannot believe that it's been two years already since I've started working for this company. I don't know how many times it has been said and proven, but it needs saying again: Time flies by. And fast!

To celebrate, my boss surprised me last Wednesday with a KitKat Blizzard Cake from Dairy Queen, with a message that read:

Ralph,
Happy Anniversary!
It's nice working and selling with you!
♥ Glo

*tears*

My boss is one of the best ones out there, and I feel blessed that she is my boss. I probably took a bullet for my previous boss, in my previous life, or something. Lol.



More than anything, I am thankful for the working opportunity that the company has provided for me for the past two years. I am not exactly the perfect employee, but I try my best to give my 100% to my work. It's not an easy task, but every stress I get from this job equates to a nugget of learning that I know will help me become a better professional, and a better person.

And so, thank you. Merci. ♥

It sucks!

Quotes: Jessica Darling, Charmed Thirds

"It's true. Studies have shown that people convince themselves that they're acting rationally when making major decisions -- where to go to college, what to major in, who to kiss or not to kiss -- when they're really acting on unconscious impulses. The human brain simply can't handle all the complexities that life has to offer, so emotions kick in and end up making the call. And when that call blows, people don't understand why."