relationship schmurvey

Your Ideal Relationship is Casual Dating

Maybe you're looking for love... But mostly you're looking for fun. You could get serious with the right person. For now, though, you're enjoying playing the field.

What's Your Ideal Relationship?

Slower IS better...

1. If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away. If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay.

2. Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior.

3. If you have ANY doubt in your mind about a man's character, leave him alone.

4. Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache.

5. Stop trying to change yourself for a relationship that's not meant to be.

6. Don't force an attraction.

7. Slower is better.

8. Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy.

9. If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve then heck no you can't "be friends." A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend.

10. Have faith in God regarding your relationship, but don't let faith make you stupid. God does things decent and in order.

11. Never settle.

12. If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is.

13. If he keeps changing his mind about the relationship--take that as a BIG sign that he is unstable. Do you really want to be with a man like that?

14. Don't stay because you think "it will get better." You'll be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better.

15. Honorable men take care of their business and aren't involved in a whole lot of mess.

16. The only person you can control in a relationship is you.

17. There's only one 'reason' a man dumps you; he doesn't want you.

18. Avoid men who've got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women. He didn't marry them when he got them pregnant, why would he treat you any differently?

19. You really do have to kiss a few frogs before finding the prince.

20. Always put yourself and your happiness first.

21. Always have your own set of friends separate from his.

22. Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you. If something bothers you, speak up.

23. If he doesn't call, he just isn't that interested.

24. Be honest and upfront.

25. Know when to cut the cord, don't be strung along.

26. Don't fall for the "I'm confused role". Remove yourself from the situation to let him figure things out (but don't wait for him, move on).

27. If you want to have a clue as to how he will treat you, watch how he treats the WOMEN in his family (not just mom).

28. There's more than physical abuse, there's emotional and mental abuse. If he causes any of them...flee.

29. You cannot change a man's behaviors. Change comes from within.

30. Don't let him place rules on you that he is not willing to follow himself -- double-standard.

31. Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are...even if he has more
education or in a better job.

32. Do not make him into a quasi-god. He is a man, nothing more nothing less.

33. Demand respect and if he can't give it, he can't have you!

34. Don't compete with other woman, but be aware that men are attracted to what they see.

35. If you think he is cheating, he probably is. Confront him right away and if you feel he's lying, let him go.

36. Actions speak louder than words.

37. Never let a man define who you are.

38. Never rely on a man for compliments, look to yourself for that.

39. Never borrow someone else's man.

40. If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you.

41. Just because he says he loves you, doesn't mean that he won't hurt you and it doesn't mean that you are meant to be with him.

42. To use painful hard-won wisdom -- 'get it right' the next time.

43. Know that you deserve to be the number one person in the life of the #1person in your life.

44. Love is a verb ...

45. Learn to give up your lifelong task of trying to make someone unavailable - available, someone ungiving - giving, and someone unloving - loving.

kiss and tell?

Your Kissing Purity Score: 31% Pure

You're not one to kiss and tell... But word is, you kiss pretty well.

Kissing Purity Test

the loooong ride back

Just got home from my so-called adventure to Redondo Beach via the transit system. Yes, folks, this so-called "beach trip" turned out to be more of a "choose your own adventure" type of trip after ---what, 4 hours? -- of commute.

After dropping us off at the Redondo pier, my cousin and i spent the time walking along the coastline and checking out the scene. Normal stuff like, getting some tan, walking along and making those god-awful sandthingamajigs (we suck, seriously)and watching the healthy, active peeps of CA do their thing on the beach. After some time, we noticed that not only were we not in the vicinity of the Redondo Pier, we were also lost... so lost in fact that we missed our bus shuttle to the Green Line. *sigh* In search of an alternative route, we walked along Catalina to see the scenery and look for signs... after which we ended up in the Pacific Coast Highway. :-P

So we walked along the PCH, thankfully after enjoying some good grub at Good Stuff (the veggie burger is DA bomb!) and some good ol' cafe mocha at CBTL (ooh, lovely to fight off the cold), hoping to catch the 232 bus goingback to Long Beach. Thank god for my pashmina --- dressed for the beach, i once again underestimated the rapid change of temperature these parts have! Made a lovely sarong skirt with it to cover my freezing legs :-P

After some time (read: panicky and kinda paranoid), we finally saw the 232 hitting the curb (yey!) and hurriedly rushed in. At 8:45 in the pm, the strangers get pretty scary, expecially one who started having a conversation with my cousin about life in Hell and damnation after the world comes to an end. *sigh*

In our excitement to be in Long Beach we mistakenly went down the wrong stop, thereby getting ourselves stranded in the Anaheim intersection, about 3 blocks away from our supposed bus back home. *double sigh* with a heavy step, we took en route to the transit mall to get into the 172. Much gratitude to the lovely fellow in the train with that lovely voice and amazing guitar skills who kept us sane and entertained throughout the trip --- his renditions of Jack Johnson's songs were lyrical and sweet. :-)

So arriving at the Transit Mall, we end up riding up the 173 --- NOT the bus we intended to board, but since it was the LAST bus out of there and the closest to home, we rode it anyway... nicely, it was a noypi who was driving it (Mang Roger!) so we were in good company as the bus rode its looong route to Cerritos... after which we had to walk the 3 blocks back home. :-P

Geez. Makes me think if the beach was worth it. (it was, in its own lovely way) Still, with all the perks (lovely grub, good company, mini-adventure, meeting new people), this whole surreal experience gives me a sense of... accomplishment somehow. I made it home :-)

Next adventure, Hermosa Beach!!! :-D

keeping it real... (thanks Larryboi!)

ONE LINERS

I MAY SEEM: like i don't have a care in the world...
BUT I'M: actually a worrywart. :-P
IN THE MORNING: i usually wake up at 6am to have coffee with my grandma, even if i stayed up really late at night.
I LIKE TO SLEEP: in the nude.
ONE THING I WISH IS: to have peace of mind.
ONE THING I HAVE THAT I WISH I DIDN'T IS: indecision.
ONE THING YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT: money.<--- you got that right!
ONE THING YOU WANT TO BUY: right now? a MAC Powerbook laptop
ONE WORD THAT DESCRIBES YOU: psychosomaticaddictinsane

FIRSTS

BEST FRIEND: Kathy Fermin, kindergarten
CRUSH: Christian Slater (hahahaha!)
REAL DATE: how real is this date? :-P Think mine was in high school, but i forget.
REAL KISS: OMG, i forget!!! :-P Guess it wasn't that good of a kiss..
REAL BREAK-UP: third year college. luis
PET: Buta (Pig), my kitty.
PIERCINGS/TATTOOS: aside from the mandatory ears, had a tongue pierce a couple of times and my cute ol' tattoo :-)
CREDIT CARD: credit is bad, very bad!!! :-P
TRUE LOVE: i really can't say... i think each great relationship is, at one point, a manifestation of true love.
ENEMY: dami. wag na isulat,baka mag-away pa kami... :-P
MUSICIAN YOU REMEMBER HEARING IN YOUR HOUSE: BeeGees and the Air Supply from my mom, The 3 tenors from my dad, and The Monkees from my uncle. :-) Quintessential bands of their time daw...
SEX: late bloomer ako eh :-P

LASTS

CIGARETTE: a couple of hours ago, on the way back from West Covina. The night was cold, my shirt was thin and it felt good to have smoke in my lungs (haha)
MOVIE SEEN: Wedding Crashers. Good, unadulterated fun, but kinda boring somewhere inthe middle (and it was LOONNG!!!)
BEVERAGE DRANK: coffee, iced!
ALCOHOLIC DRINK: margarita, compliments of the Suncoast casino
FOOD CONSUMED: sushi, compliments of SushiMac
PHONE CALL: Justin, asking if i needed a ride home.
SHOWERED: last night (i just woke up, ok?)
SHOES WORN: my black strappy sandals
CD PLAYED: Erykah Badu's Baduizm
ITEM(S) BOUGHT: yummy chocolate brownie from 711 and an iced coffee
ANNOYANCE: People who give out mixed signals...please, doesn't this get old!?!
DISAPPOINTMENT: Having people taking great lengths to avoid issues (ignoring it doesn't make it go away...)
WANTING TO DIE: a couple of months ago. It sucks when i sink into the lowestpit of my depression..
SCOLDED: (haven't really had one of these in a long time... hehheeh)
SHIRT WORN: a black sleeveless blouse
DRUNK DEAD: abouta couple of months back --- man i wish i can be that drunk again.
WEBSITE(S) VISITED: larry's blog
WORD(S) YOU SAID: shyet.
PERSON TALKED TO ONLINE: Mary, about whatever is up :-)
STORE SHOPPED IN: Guess? at the Outlet Premium, Vegas
SONG YOU SANG: Perfect/True Faith (nasa Shuffle e)
I LOVE YOU: couple of days ago
I MISS YOU: couple of days ago
THANK YOU: my "homies" !!!
PERSON YOU WERE WITH: (people) Abs, River, Onel, Jep, Ghiel, Toti
PLACE YOU WERE IN: Palos Verde
HUG: sila Onel, pagtapos ng paghatid nila sakin
REAL KISS: i'd rather not say.
GOOD CRY: couple of weeks ago
ROMANTIC THING YOU DID: (haven't done this in a loong time din, so i'd rather not say.)

RANDOM QUESTIONS

WHAT TIME DID YOU WAKE UP TODAY: 6am, tapos sleep ulit till 10ish am
ARE YOU IN LOVE: not right now. I'm confused.
ARE YOU MISSING SOMEONE: yup.
ARE YOU HAPPY: i would like to think i am. in some level.
IS SOMEONE MAKING YOU HAPPY: someTHING.<-- i'll go with this!
EASILY JEALOUS: yes, but i can't help it. It's in my nature to be jealous. :-) ganyan ako eh!
PERSON YOU LOVED BUT DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT IT: everybody loves somebody, to quote a famous band :-)
PERSON YOU WORRY ABOUT: friends and loved ones --- dami noh? hehhehe
PERSON YOU WANT TO HAVE DINNER WITH: friends. haha safe answer! :-))

FUTURE

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO: Europe --- France, Italy, Spain, basta dun! I wanna see it all.
CAREER: top-billed, highly paid visual artist/designer.
WHERE TO LIVE: Right now? downtown LA or NY.

CURRENTS

MOOD: bored, sleepy and kinda disappointed how things are working out.
MUSIC: anything that quirks my interest --- im willing to try anything once!
TASTE: coffee na lang dear :-)
HAIR: black as hell, long and shiny (pang-Pantene! wahahaha)
LONGING: for a job and a permanency permit.
DESKTOP PICTURE: my cousin (it's his computer)
FAVORITE ARTIST: right now... The Shins
BOOK(S): harry potter book 4.
HATE: see ANNOYANCE answer.

photos, socials and the lack of sleep

Ok, i admit it --- i've been a shutter bug lately. The past couple of days have been spent in quiet isolation since my aunt, uncle and cousin left for the P.I., leaving me, my lola and cousin to fend for ourselves here in the US. Lately it's been one trip after another, hence the accumulation of a horrific amount of pictures that even i am astounded!

After filling out my monthly space in Flickr, i sought refuge in an old reliable --- Ofoto, now known as Kodakgallery. *sigh* As much as this is great in storing pics, it requires that all viewers be registered before they view the pix, which sucks big time :-P

Soon after i resigned myself to the new fad my friend shave been harping about --- Multiply.com. Hmm, sounds and looks pretty fun (a la Friendster) but unfortunately, i somehow used up all the space for my pics again! WTF!?!

So what's a gal to do? Back and forth i've been uploading pics all over the place --- much to my demise, my flickr account is still 4 days from reactivation for uploading. *sigh* Till then i resort to these alternatives (and no way to upload and phot-blog!) waaahh....

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yes, i am THAT bored. I've opened up a Multiply account, uploaded every picture i deem viewable and even managed to accumulate new friends in my Friendster and MySpace account. Of course, this unhealthy way of living is further fueled by the fact that my hours in the day is spent almost in front of the computer...

I have got to get a job. And a life. Being "single" in LA has been quite a feat -- from scenarios taken from "weirdos of another planet" to casual fun gone awry, social dating here is, as my friend Jeff would say, challenging. :-P I am glad that i amin the company of great friends -- friends who, despite the busy schedule, manage to squeeze in time to take me out and catch up! :-) yey!!!

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On to the bright side of things, got to chill with Abs and River tonight! We met up at Downtown LA for some R&R and somehow got to get Onel, Jep and Toti to join us later on! :-) Sushi at SushiMac, chillin' at the cliff and the ride home pretty much attributed to the night, filled with weird scenarios and strange meetings (it's a small world after all!) as well as interesting bystanders (WTF!?! Is it really that normal for complete strangers to just randomly call out at you across the street!?) and lotsa chill time, laughs and good conversation.

Man, i'm gonna miss LA when i head to SF soon...

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i just LOVE LOVE LOVE the brownies at 711 (the one along PCH)!!! It's oowey, gooey, chewy goodness of chocolate! yum yum! :-) Course, this being a midnight snack, i may be totally biased :-P

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It's 5am and i am still up. Darn the coffee. Hmmm...more brownies for me though... a few hours before beachin'!!! yey! :-D

queries, quotes and Quidditch

Why is it that the more you try to avoid thinking of something, it somehow becomes the only thing you can think about?

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"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you
mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot.
People forget." (Jessica - age 8)

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Fiddlesticks. If only Quidditch were real, then i'll be able tofufill my dream of flying. *sigh*.

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I miss my Garams and coffee!!! Haaay....

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viva las vegas!

Just came back from a recent trip to Las Vegas...pics to follow!!! P.S. my flickr account is full for this month, so check out my Ofoto account if you please! :-)

Highlights of the trip:

* The casino experience is, personally, overrated... better off drinking the free booze than playing the slots (yes, it does get addicting!) The buffet's pretty damn good though...

* Good sounds and safe driving make the road trip worthwhile... kudos to the cool driving of Ghiel and Onel, the fab stylings of Jepjep and the wonderful playlist courtesy of Ghiel's Ipod mini. (we encountered numerous accidents and "would-be accidents" on the way back home, so peeps, please do NOT drink and drive --- nasty!)

* Vegas is HOT!!! Lucky for us it was a "cool" 100 degrees compared to the ultra heat of 115 the week before we came. Thank God for central A/C! :-)

* Got to hang with Ghiel's cutie nephew, Pico --- such a charmer! :-) Ladies beware! This one's gonna grow up to break a lotta hearts, i think...

* The best way to enjoy Vegas is to be in the company of friends! Amidst walking, long travels, clowning around and the ever present picture-taking, conversation is fluent and the fun keeps going...

* Las Vegas can be a hazard to a singleton's life --- after seeing the fantastic water display at the Bellagio, the romantic setting at the Venetian, i feel the burning need to hug someone and be close to my so-called significant other...

Ok, that said, i can safely say that Vegas, despite my reservations, has grown on me. The road trip rocks with its fab landscapes and smooth roads, the company was rockin' even more and the experience was something i wouldn't mind doing again. :-)

the Finally list, and some more quotes

I finally got to finish the Harry Potter book (and just in time too!) before my tita sends it off to my brothers... whew! The vedict? Sad, sad, sad... it had me crying buckets, which amused my the hell out of my cousins :-P

I finally got to see my Tita Ann, after almost a month of staying here in LA --- she came home from SF to pack and get ready for her two-week vacation in Iloilo (wow, kewlness) and their house is getting pretty filled with last-minute gifts, purchases and what-have-yous. We've been power-shopping for the past two days for my cousins and relatives' things and pasalubongs, which was quite fun, if not tiring...

I finally got the "ok" reagarding my dad's health from my last conversation with my folks. It's good to know that someone up there is hearing my call...Thank you po! :-)

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Art, like morality, consists of drawing the line somewhere. - G.K. Chesterton

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Friendship's bond quells the chill of loneliness. - Anonymous

hello again

Change my view of the world
i dare you
yet you smirk and just sigh
the inevitable is there to hold your hand
and hold you, you said
willingly into its arms...
i live to see the moment
that things just fall into place
miraculously
like that simmer of hope
i hide in my heart
whenever i see you
Drowning slowly
in my allusions of life
i resign myself
to you, inevitable change
my hand reaches its amicable clasp
as you smile
and take me in your arms

fuzzy pic

fuzzy pic!
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

As the night goes on, so does the booze and conversation. (tama bang pag-usapan ang yosi pag wala na!??!)

abs and me!

abs_n_lette
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

picture,picture!!!

Abie and i finally get to meet up! yehey! (don't mind the lush looks --- we are just too happy for words, heheh)

abid Alin ang listeners

abid Alin ang listeners
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

... as we listen on.

Who's red?

Who's red?
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

enjoying the chika...

pa-piktyur na naman!

pa-piktyur na naman!
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

Glendale gimik pics are uploaded (yey!)

current read

current read
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

Bought myself a copy of the book whilst i was in CostCo ($16) Haven't read it yet, but i plan to do so before my tita leves the US for Manila so i can give it to my brother...

the weekend warriors

(pictures coming up soon)

Friday saw me in downtown with my cousin Justin, where we checked and toured 7th and 6th st. We got lost somewhere in Grand, and ended up in the Public Library. It was our "downtown LA" tour day, where we rode the Metro to the city from Long beach (yay!) and took the "scenic route" (a.k.a., got lost) around grand to look for 6th. Lucky for us, nobody tried to mug us (although some homeless guy scared the bejezus out of me my leaping into my path for no reason).

We checked out the APERTURE exhibit happening at the Getty Wing, an extraordinary sight of images taken by well known artists and photographers spanning about 5 decades. It's amazing to see these images, especially theones i only used to read and see through books. I could hardly contain myself when i saw the actual Andy Warhol print --- aww man! This is just so fabulous...

After grabbing a bite from Mcdonalds (compliments of a kid's meal!), we decide to check out the MOCA exhibit --- no Basquiat yet(darn!), but they did have the Byrne Collection , which was around 50 or so works of various artists including Steve McQueen, Andy Warhol and M. Kersels. Fave pieces? Kersels' Pink Constellations, a surreal video series which totally boggled my brain, as well as McQueen's Drumroll --- although the latter reminded me so much of another friend's thesis vid.

We wentback home thru train again, and managed to drop by and check out downtown Long Beach and its interesting array of pop --- from street performers (jazz singer and such) to some petty hip and happening bars along Pine. Too bad we couldn't try out the ferris wheel! Perhaps next time...

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Saturday was kind, as i went to Downtown LA alone for the first time. Learning from my mistake yesterday, i went down 7th, which took me closer to 6th and Grand. Didn't have a cellphone though, so i had to use the good ole' payfone to get in touch with River. We got to meet up and decided to kill time and chat at the local coffee shop by 7th and Figueroa. Yes, saturdays make downtown LA seem so nice ---less crowds, more streets. and it's kewl to just hang and chill... too bad CBTL was closed though :-P Anyhoo, we caught up on stuff, from living here and reminiscing Manila...it's so cool to talk to River again, and kinda surreal to have this kind of chat in LA --i felt like we were just in Katipunan! :-P Go figure...

Jeff and Onel joined us after "5 minutes" and we decided to check out The Standard for some drinks. Unfortunately, that place was kinda ritzy and well, needed a dress code. So we ditch it, met up with Abie and Harold and proceeded the convoy to Glendale. Once there, we hung out at Chuwy's (tama ba?) to dine and drink. On the ride there, Abie, River and I chat up to catch up, and like me, they were feeling the whole "surreal" vibe ---yes, ladies, we are in LA, we are all together, and we ARE going out! :-D

A pitcher of margarita, a double round of cadillacs, lotsa food and conversation --- pratically elements of a fun night sans the planning! We stayed there drinking and laughing, and it was really great to get to know everybody. We headed over to a nearby convenient store to get some coffee and ended up chillin' at the nearby 711 to see the paraks cruise by. Unfortunately, unlike Manila, LA's nightlife is cut too early by the 2am curfew (what a buzzkill!) Still, it was a pretty fun night, and i'm pretty sure everyone had fun. :-) Kudos to the homeboys --- Onel, Jeff and Harold for showing us a pretty kewl time! :-)

random bursts

another round of coffee and conversation.

how scintillating.

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i always wonder why i always seem to get the short end of the stick.

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In commuting, the length of time in travelling is always equal to the length of time spent in the actual destination. *sigh*

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You can never be too lonely. Until you spend time in L.A.

romanticism, et al.

you can never compete with something in the past, with memory. we love what we can't have. and we cant have what we love.

-wong kar-wai

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Remedium amoris.-- The cure for love is still in most cases that ancient radical medicine: love in return. (Nietzsche)

Thanks to Led for these posts at his myspace account...i just had to repost it cos it's soo darn good!)

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we always want what we can't have.

into the weekend...

It's amazing how one day can be so boring at one moment, and so interesting the next...

I woke up to the blaring alarm of my phone. It's not exactly the earliest of mornings (try 8:45a.m.) but after sleeping for only 4 hours, it's giving me a headache. Still, i woke up and managed to help out in the chores of the day.

I get to chat with Clang, thru YM. We discuss about life, love and the ever burning question of casual sex. Huh? Say that again?!? He's pretty kewl to give a guy's point of view about the issue, and we tap into weird connections as well as infamous friends who have done it, are doin it and athe consequences of thus. Hmmm, sounds like a talk show issue... will have to check that out.

Funniest thing though, Clang is well, the last person i would have expected to have this conversation with. :-P

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Come noon, my tito's friends help me out by giving me some leads to temp jobs --- interesting to note that these guys, despite their appearance, have pretty cool connections in California. Nice.

Slight alarm goes off when one of them suggests i marry one of his comrades to get a green card. Yikes. :-P Uh, let's get into that when i am really desparate, shall we?

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I break in my "new" clogs (got it in a vintage store in Melrose) with my cousin by commuting to Long Beach Mall in Carson. Hot day, heavy clogs. My feet begin to hurt after taking about 15 mins, but since we're far from home, i try not to wince every time we take a step.

Toured the Staples area with Justin to check out the cool office stuff. If i was still working, this would be Mecca... all those office stuff and so many possibilities! Ooohhh.... (geek mode) I talk shop with a store assistant who, obviously, knows very little of paper. My cousin ends up pretty freaked out by how "professional" i sounded. Heheheh. See, it pays to know office jargon. :-P

We take a break by checking out some stores in the area. I never got to see Barnes & Noble again since A) I had no money to buy any books, and B) it was too far (try about a block of walking in shoes that are ready to rip your skin apart). *sigh*

Heading home we take the 101 bus which, for some reason, didn't even notice our stop request (freakin' weird). We had to walk to the bus stop and *gasp* wait for the 172 which came, unfortunately , late as usual. Killed time by taking inane pics of Justin and me waiting at the stop, nit to mention checking out people and cars as they pass by. Not bad to spend your 30mins. If only they had a bench and some shade though....

What have i learned from all of this? First off, Marriage is the last reasort you can go for if you wanna get a green card (especially if the guy is more than twice your age). Second, a book really comes in handy, as well as a camera. Third, never break in your shoes when there is a HUGE chance that you'll be walking a lot!

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Next stop, downtown LA....

the 100 things survey (for lack of anything to do)

01- I’m a hopeless romantic.
02- I love learning (ha! geek!)
03- I hardly remember dreams, unless they involve conversations with people.
04- Most of the time, people i talk to in my dreams i never see again for a loong time.
05- I smoke socially (usually in big groups)
06- I’m pretty outspoken when i'm pissed off.
07- I get bored easily, though most of the time i try not to show it.
08- I’m all about living for the moment.
09- I love meeting people and making new friends!
10- I hate stupid people who think they know better.
11- I used to have a cat named Pig.
12- I'm a closet wannabe singer.
13- I once won a dance contest with Roel (hahaha!)
14- I haven't eaten pork or beef in 4 years.
15- I ate a burger last weekend for the first time in 4 years.
16- I miss work.
17- I love soymilk.
18- I wanna go and live in New York one of these days.
19- While I think casual sex is a prime example of individuality and freedom, it doesn't really work if both parties aren't in that frame of mind.
20- I am good with directions (people think i was a cabbie in my past life).
21- I believe in keeping one's word.
22- I am learning how to play golf.
23- I would love to start working NOW. here.
24- I miss Manila and my so-called life there.
25- I want to get an apartment of my own near the beach.
26- I smoke sometimes because i'm just bored.
27- My cellphone is my lifeline (though it doesn't do much these days)
28- I facepaint children and adults for a living sometimes.
29- I'm also a childrens book illustrator.
30- I'm a kid at heart.
31- I love watching The Family Guy.
32- I think Stewie is the cutest most diabolical kid around!
33- I have a tattoo.
34- I love hanging out with friends and catching up.
35- I love the beach, but not the ocean.
36- I wanna get a new tattoo by the end of the year.
37- I always bring a pen and some paper wherever i go.
38- I am willing to try anything once.
39- Movies and music are very important to me.
40- I have had 2 piercings, both of which closed within a year (argh!)
41- I cannot live without ART.
42- I love getting love letters.
43- I like writing better than talking most of the time.
44- I look forward to the weekends.
45- I'm easily amused.
46- For some reason, my favorite day is friday.
47- I can't stay put in one place for very long.
48- It takes a whiel for me to get over something, esp. if it hurts me.
49- I love to smile.
50- i love a guy with a great sense of humor.
51- People who chew open-mouthed gross me out.
52- I'm not a morning person...
53- ...but wake me up the right way and i'll be happy as a bunny.
54- Halloween is my favorite holiday.
55- I always feel sad at Christmastime.
56- Pretentious people irritate the hellout of me (like that PR person of ours...)
57- I'm malambing...
58- ...and a Scorpio.
59- I would like to learn how to snowboard.
60- I sometimes believe in serendipity.
61- I love making scrapbooks!
62- I love to cook.
63- I don't know how to drive.... and i wanna learn.
64- I enjoy a warm hug from a good friend.
65- I have a need to be understood.
66- I don't like unresolved issues.... then again, don't we all?
67- Crushes give spice to my existence (hehehee)...
68- ... though I tend to fall too fast.
69- I want to fall madly in love!
70- I DON'T believe in love at first sight.
71- I love doing the "tourist" thing, it gives me a great excuse to be free.
72- I feel blessed to have a great family, and lotsa good friends.
73- I used to share an online journal with my bestfriends. (what ever happened to that??)
74- we are the FOURCORNERS --- that's ajo, me, pix and kitty!
75- I'm willing to try just about anything once.
76- I love rollercoasters!and rides!!
77- I'm a groupie when it comes to my friends' bands.
78- I want to surf again!
79- I love swimming, but am afraid of the sea.
80- I'm a computer geek ...
81- ... and i love my nerdy friends (i'm a nerd too, kinda)
82- I play counterstrike and quake.
83- Most of my friends are guys.
84- I like living by myself...
85- ...but the rent sucks.
86- I wish i can fly sometimes.
87- I've had 8 roommates and transferred through 4 apartments since i started living out of my home.
88- I'm not your typical girly-girl... though i love pink.
89- Life is my teacher, the world is my classroom.
90- I was a tomboy when i was a little girl.
91- I'm wishing i can go out dancing again with friends.
92- People say my eyes are my asset.
93- people watching is one of my favorite hobbies.
94- I'm a secret couch potato.
95- I have sporadic bouts of enthusiasm for exercise and fitness.
96- I hate politics in the Philippines.
97- I'm a dark chocolate aficionado.
98- i love my mom.
99- I have 2 brothers.
100- I get stressed out over the weirdest things.

masa na lang ba parati?

Here it is: Please read this in its entirety, the author has a
point! (Thanks to Berger for putting this up in friendster) For those who cannot read Filipino, sorry, there is no english transalation that can sum up the frustration this letter entails....

Galing sa isang ordinaryong manggawa sa Pilipinas

Walang kwenta ang Pilipinas

By: jawbreaker. (isang ordinaryong office worker na ayaw nang
magbayad ng tax...ever!)

Walang katapusang corruption, walang kamatayang pangbabatikos,
pagbabatuhan ng tae at pagpapa-taasan ng ihi ng mga pulitiko sa
bawatisa, walang tigil na imbestigasyon ng kung ano-anong isyu
pero wala namang matinong resolusyon, walang puknat na
pag-aagawan ng kapangyarihan sa pagitan
ng mga partido, patuloy
na pagdami ng tamad at
tangang Pilipino, SILANG patuloy na
pakikipaglaban ng
ideolohiyang wala namang
silbi.

SINONG "SILA"? EH DI MGA CORRUPT NA
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND
WORKERS, MGA TAMBAY NA PILIPINO NA ANG
LALAKI NG KATAWAN PERO HINDI NAMAN
NAGTRATRABAHO AT HINDI NAGBABAYAD NG TAX, MGA
MAYAYAMAN AT
ARTISTANG TAX EVADERS, PATI MGA
AKTIBISTA, NPA AT IBA PANG
IDEOLOGICAL GROUPS NA HINDI NAGBABAYAD
NG TAX PERO PANG-GULO!!!


Lagi na lang sinasabi ng mga pulitiko:
Ipaglaban ang masa!
Tulungan ang masa! Mahalin ang masa!

MASA LANG BA ANG TAO SA PILIPINAS?

SINO BA TALAGA ANG BUMUBUHAY SA BANSANG TO?

SAAN BA GALING ANG PANGPAGAWA NG MGA
TULAY AT KALYE? SAAN BA
GALING ANG PORK BARREL? SAAN BA GALING
ANG PERANG KINUKURAKOT
NILA?

KAMI NA MGA MANGGAGAWA AT MIDDLE CLASS
NA BAGO PA MAKUHA ANG
SWELDO BAWAS NA - KAMI ANG BUMUBUHAY SA
BANSA NA 'TO!!!!!!!!!

BAKIT YANG BANG MGA MASANG YAN NA LAGI
NA LANG SENTRO NG
PLATAPORMA NG MGA PULITIKO EH NAGBABAYAD
BA NG TAX cla???!!!!

KAHIT ISA SA MGA NAG-RA-RALLYING MGA
SQUATTER NA YAN, KAHIT
SINGKO HINDI NAG-RE-REMIT YAN SA BIR!

PERO PINAPAKINGGAN BA KAMI NG GOBYERNO?

LAGI NA LANG OPINYON NG MASA ANG
INI-INTINDI NG GOBYERNO.

KUNG SINO ANG NAG-RA-RALLY, SA EDSA,
SILA ANG NASUSUNOD.

KUNG SINO ANG MAS MALAKAS SUMIGAW PERO
WALA NAMANG ECONOMIC
CONTRIBUTION, SILA LAGI ANG FOCUS PAG
MAY PROBLEMA.

SILA LAGI ANG BIDA.

KAMING MGA ORDINARYONG OFFICE WORKERS,
OFW'S, LABORERS AT IBA
PANG NAG-TRA-TRABAHO AT NAGBABAYAD NG
TAX - KAMI ANG
NAGPAPAKAHIRAP PARA BUHAYIN ANG
PILIPINAS. KAMI ANG MGA TUNAY NA
BAYANI NG BANSA!!!

Tuwing nakikita ko ang payslip ko,
nag-iinit ang ulo ko at gusto
kong maiyak sa inis. Napakalaki ng tax
na binabawas sa akin pero
ginagamit lang sa walang kwentang bagay
ang perang pinaghirapan
ko.

Lahat ng pagtitipid ginagawa ko para
suportahan ang sarili ko,
pamilya ko at ang bansang to. Ni hindi
ako makabili ng chicken
and spaghetti meal sa Jollibee kahit
gutom na gutom na ko.
Nag-tya-tyaga ako sa waffle na tig-P10,
o kaya pag may konting
pera, junior bola-bola siopao sa
Mini-Stop sa halangang P20.

Eh kung yung pera ko na pinapangbabayad
sa tax sa kin na lang
napunta, eh di sana nakakapanood pa ko
ng sine at least 2 beses
sa isang buwan. Nakabili na sana ako ng
bagong rubber shoes.
Nakapagpagawa na sana ako ng sarili kong
bahay.

Yung tax na binabayad ko, karamihan nun
derecho sa bulsa ng mga
corrupt na mga government officials at
workers. Habang hirap na
hirap akong i-budget ang pera ko, sila
naman nagpapakasarap sa
mga mansyon. SUV's at luxury cars pa ang
dina-drive nila,
samantalang ako sa pedicab lang
sumasakay!

PERA KO YANG PINAPAGPAPASASAAN NYO!!!!!

reminiscing with san mig strong ice!

reminiscing with san mig strong ice!
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

ok, ok... checking out old pics was definitely a road down memory lane... now that i'm in the US, these fellow drinkers are here too! So, nasan ka na Roo? Kelan tayo inuman ulit???

Haay.... i miss San Miguel Strong Ice!!!

weekend highlights

* having coffee and breakfast with a good friend
* enjoying an In and Out burger for the first time
* beachin'
* movie watchin' with friends
* learning the rudiments golf at the driving range
* watching grown men bicker about showbiz
* learning that yes, life has its awkward moments
* knowing that your friendship is valued
* reminiscing with photos and stories

+ + +

The coffee cools as we sit and talk,
and barely do i feel the heat
All is see is you
and the way you speak
Your shining eyes
which mesmerize
are truly quite engaging
perhaps your
smile can make me stop
and give in to my yearning

+ + +

lapses

Old friends are like coffee and conversation. They stimulate you into thinking and you spend long hours mulling over it.

+ + +

I am lost in my thoughts of the fates that bring me to where i am. I hardly understand anything happening in my life these days, i feel like it's a whirlwind of an existence, basically living each day as it comes, expecting nothing, anticipating everything. It's exhilarating, but at the same time, scary...

+ + +

Why am i so obssessed? To want something so bad yet not being able to get it tingles me to the very core. I wish i can stop this constant craving, yet i seem to be eerily drawn to it.Change is but a step away, and i am heistant to make the transition...

+ + +

coffee in my mug in the morning makes me open my eyes a little wider to see what's happening. I see it, yet i somehow still refuse to acknowledge it.

what the hell is wrong with me!?!?

ARGH.

poetry...

poetry...
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

...is the quality of our acts.

art is splendor

art_is_splendor
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

mid-week blahs

My relatives have been obssessively telling me about how easy life would be if i took a medical degree instead of the path i chose. *sigh* I guess practicality really shines through. I think about the convenience and demand of jobs here for health-related opportunities and slightly feel jealous of the luck of the draw these guys have. But still, i wouldn't change my degree for anything.

"well, you can always get married here to a citizen", my tita remarked.

Uh, say that again?

NO FRIGGIN' WAY. Call it my firm belief on love or sumthin', but marriage is hard enough to work along in without having that idea of convenience added into it.

+ + +

Took my grandma to the hospital today. It's amazing how for the past week i've been to one clinic to another --- first, my tita's facility which houses several physically and mentally challenged individuals, now my lola's MRI appointment. Not to say that it's bad or anything (i don't think of it that way) but in some weird way it's like pointing to me the obvious option of staying here is to go through the medical route....

*sigh*

livin' the tourista life

i guess i can count myself lucky. I've been staying for the past few days at my tita's house at hancock park, livinh next dorr to Beck and a few streeets away from Antonio Banderas. Hmmm. Too bad i never met these people yet. :-P

It's been quite a revelation to me how things can easily be so high and low here. Struggling to find a job, yet being able to meet and check out the lie of teh rich and famous, well, that is quite an ironic thing isn't it?

So it's a humbing experience --- realizing that your degree doesn't mean shit here and everyting has to be done with paperwork... argh. I hate the bureaucracy of it all, at this point.

I do consider myself lucky though. I am grateful for those people who take the time to help me out here --- kudos to you guys and gals!

now back to job hunting...

river and moi!

river and moi!
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

ahh,the fun ol' days o havin a yosi buddy... here's me and river chillin' out after a great lunch...

Signs of the times

Signs of the times
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

'nuff said.

Roel, eat your heart out!

star wars!
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

yup, walked along the famed hollywood boulevard with River and Ghiel this weekend to encounter some interesting shows, amazing shops and yes, all that hollywood has to offer. No sightings of stars, but there's lotsa interesting people and places that you don't really give a shit anymore. :-D

LA_skyline

LA_skyline
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

Today was my first time to get into the nitty gritty of downtown LA. It's a long drive from Lakewood, and i assume an even longer one commuting. Nonetheless, i was pretty amazed at the LA scene, especially the area. This was taken at freeway 10, while we cruised (more like crawled) through the busy road. Went to meet up some people from CBTL, where they welcomed me like one of their own (awww!)

*sigh* now i miss work.