Celebrate
I'm sick once again. Yes the day after Christmas. No worries though. Least I'm sick with my family =P
Sickness aside, sometimes I think I'm one of the luckiest people on earth. Yes I know I often sound pessemistic and depressed, but even so, I acknowledge how very blessed and lucky I am period (.). None of that "compared to" crap. I had a nice Christmas. I spent it with family and people I cared about most. I got to see my nephew with blue eyes. He's very cute (He looks like the Gerber Baby). He's the new X-treme baby and he's only four months old ^_^. He's as big as a one-year-old. I kid you not. He wears clothes made for a one-year-old. He's not really fat either. He's just a big baby. Ah my nephew Parker. He's going to be over six feet tall when he grows up. I just know it.
My cousins and I played Trivial Pursuit. The older guys, ofcourse, got first place. We got second...being the second oldest group. =P. My other cousins/nephews came over on my mom's father's side on Christmas day. Carlson gave me a 1Gb pen drive! Hehe you're so awesome nephew! *hugs*. And we spent Christmas eve with my mom's sister's family from Rialto. I couldn't believe my cousin and her boyfriend showed up. I haven't seen her for Christmas in ages.
Now, I'm sure you're all wondering what I got for Christmas. Well, I honestly didn't want or request for anything this year. Sure I had some "oh those are cool" moments or "I need a _____" for my computer or something, but nothing I reallywanted. I was really happy buying presents and even more so knowing that my friends and family actually liked them, especially my mom and my siblings. Still, I wasn't cut short on the gifts either. As always, I deeply appreciate everything I get, but this year in particular, I actually like about everything I got. I guess having awesome friends and family is a plus =) Here's what I got from close family and friends yesterday (not including co-workers and friends out of town).
- 1 Gb USB Jump Drive from Carlson (*big hug*)
- Doonie & Burke bag/purse & February Angel Plaque from Nanay (I love my Nanay even when I explicitly told her not to buy me a present!)
- Totoro hoodie from Poopie (twins huh? why is small so big?! =P)
- Volcom shirt & American Eagle Outfitter's shirts from Beano (very cool)
- "Why do Men Have Nipples" book from Sheryl (^^;)
- two Wife Beaters from Ate Judy (hehe)
- really cute crochet bag from Rahil (I love it! Now I can be ethno-chick with purpose!)
- very pretty knitted PacSun hoodie/sweater/shirt/pullover from Cris (thank you it's so pretty, how did you know?)
- Guess blouse from Auntie Mariet (XL o.o haha thank you!)
- Best Buy GC from Uncle Mar (Weee, so awesome)
- Moolah from Auntie Baby (Thank you =D)
- Moolah from Ate Roselle (^^; I have pang abuloy now!)
- fleece hoodie from Auntie Ella (I am special after all ^_^)
- Wake-up call from my bestest friend Katherine (best wake-up call ever!)
- Borders GC from Sheryl's slave =P (thanks ye)
- Last but not least, internet connection is revived Dec 23 XD and our fridge was fixed
You really don't realize how much you take things forgranted until you lose them. This goes the same for stuff like the Internet (I am so highly dependent on it and became crippled without it) and our fridge (it stopped cooling all of a sudden! Luckily we have another large freezer and also small fridge). Other times you don't realize you're having fun until after the fact that it is over. So in short, things that might have been "eeh" to you at the time could be "cool" in retrospect. Sometimes I wish that it could just be "cool" right then instead of later, but I suppose what makes things seem fun later is the reminiscing part. Afterall, our memories are pretty faulty, so we tend to omit the bad things and emphasize others to prevent some cognitive dissonance (just a little psych talk here meaning "conflicting feelings between what you think and what you've done). Anywho, that's about it for now. I know I may have ended on the materialistic side. I can certainly do without all of these things I've gotten, but I'm so very appreciative of getting them. Makes me feel special. They actually think about me! Hehe. I love all you guys! Last but not least, I got to borrow some books from Ate Judy and talk to some of her pretty cool friends. Ate Judy makes yummy Clementine's cookies and fresh lumpia with shrimp (note that I hate shrimp, but this one was actually yummy). So yeah, all in all awesome Christmas. Cute baby, fun family, good food coolio presents, and last but not least, I was able to go to church twice in one day ^_^. I completed Simbang Gabi and went to Church on Sat and Christmas Eve. Makes you feel good =) Peace out y'all.
Christmas and Internetless
Yes, that's right, I will be "Internetless" during the Christmas weekend and possibly up past New Years -_-. I've been able to keep my cool down (for the past week of no home internet) cause all the series that I've been watching are pretty much over. I need one ep left of Nobuta wo produce. Maybe you can dl for me? Anyway I'm here at work mooching off our T1 connection. This will be the last day I blog till the weekend passes until our freaking ISP gets their act together. T_T. So if anyone of you are wondering why I haven't been emailing you back or it's been taking a while, or if I'm never on at all, this is why. So if you wish to get hold of me, don't hesitate to call =)
On another note, Christmas is almost here and I have 3 more presents to buy. All for guys. My baby nephews and my one cousin. Ah what to get these kiddies?! Anyway I'm sure it will be nice. We're having Christmas, apparently, at my grandmother's house this year (used to have it at her sister's house cause her birthday is on Christmas).
Yesterday I recieved two packages. One from Amazon Japan...my kimi wa petto managas ^_^ (14volumes) and the OST. Yes, I know I have problems. But who cares XP. And I also got a mystery package that I didn't initially recognize. I was under a lot of pressure from work yesterday. Crunch time is what I call it so I missed out on a family dinner, late for Simbang Gabi (well I was standing but not really late), and I had to put aside a call from one of my bestfriends who called me earlier during my stressful moments.
I got home after mass and didn't even bother to malinger and eat at the parish hall (they have yummy food after mass to all people who celebrate). I get home and call back Cris and we talk for a bit. They want to hang out New Years Eve. True to knowing me well, he figured I wouldn't be able to make it. We talked a bit and I was happy. I think he got me something to wear again. I'm curious.
While I was speaking with Cris I was admiring my KWP stuff and then eyeing the other package. I realized I didn't order anything that would have come in USPS mail. Everything else I was expecting was from Amazon. This didn't have a return address and I got all other packages from my friends already. Then I recognized the left slanted scrawl *ugh*. I told Cris and he laughed. I knew who it was from. it was just a matter of me opening it.
If you read the rest, I don't care, but this is an open letter to TC, so read up punk ass of steel!
YOU suck TC. YES YOU SUCK. (He purposely didn't give me his return address even though I specifically told him to. But I figured he wouldn't anyway) Yes you have the upper hand now you freaking nerd with your 4As and 3Bs. I don't feel sorry for you one tiny bit!
Anyway thanks for the present, though I don't know what for. You said you didn't celebrate Christmas or like giving presents for an occasion. Being a hypocrite now are we? Regardless thanks. You did it again in your twisted way. I don't know if we really match, but man I don't know when or where I'd be able to wear that thing in public. It certainly isn't discreet, but it's cute though so, domo :) Merry Christmas and Happy New Years. You aren't Jewish so don't say Happy Holidays =P.
Take care of yourself. Hope you were able to hang out with friends while you are in LA. I'm sure the California weather is something your toes will be happy with you fish out of water. Until then.
It's Christmas Time
Ah I can't believe this. I've heard about it happening to other people before, but this is the very first time our internet connection has been down...and it's been this way for 3 DAYS! I would go completely ballistic, but I have a little bit of solace knowing that I can check email at work. Can't use bt though T_T. *cry* I can't finish Nobuta wo Produce *sigh*.
My sister's been leeching connections on her laptop via our neighbor's connection (unprotcected - not very smart), but I'm assuming they have the same ISP as we do cause she can't even get a signal from them now.
The past few days have been grueling. I've been shopping a lot online, preparing goodies for my friends and presents. It's been a bit easier shopping in a sense that I'm not on a tight budget. I have about 25 people to give presents to, not including co-workers, lab partners, and fellow volunteers at the hospital. In a way I was relieved that I lost touch with some people cause I know I would also want to give them presents...not because I must, but because I would want to. Now it would just be kinda weird.
For a while I've kinda been avoiding my friends from college. They've been bugging me to spend time with them, and I feel so awful for being relieved that our schedules didn't allow for us to see each other. Yesterday Cris's package for me came. He always complains how he doesn't like lavish gifts, or any at all. I know exactly how he feels. It's not that we don't like presents, we just don't like how we might not be able to express our gratefulness and appreciation. Well, Chris and I are two sides of the same coin. In a way, I feel like we were destined to meet each other. We know how each other feels no matter how distant we are, no matter how much time we spend apart. When we're together, it's like nothing's changed. We just have more stories to tell. Back to the package, I opened it only to find a box of what it obviously wasn't (box of skillets). Then opened skillet box (I'd be content with new pans =P) but out came out yet another box wrapped beautifully in pretty red ribbon metallic paper and ornamental flower. I decided not to open it and wait till Christmas. I hope Cris gets his present soon. I sent him something small, and it's wrapped pretty crappy, but I oftentimes prefer quality over fluff. For the most part, I'm done with my Christmas shopping. I am still waiting for some stuff to come in that I ordered online though. I hope they get here by Friday.
Today marks the 5th day of Simbang Gabi. So far we've had pretty nice services, huge turnout on the weekend. I always feel like I'm at a reunion. I see many familiar faces, family and friends each time we go and more kids, which makes me happy. My aunt and uncle are even part of the choir and my mom and dad are working with Fr. Joy cause of their 25th wedding anniv. Alot of the young adults are now home for the holidays from college. It makes me feel good. I got to catch up with Michael, one of our family friends kinda. He grew up so fast. I remember when he was an impressionable preteen, became an aggressive teenager, so cool with his break dancing and whatnot and now that he's in college he seems to be a bit more mature. He's a heck of a lot taller (he outgrew me when he was 14) and has some direction. I'm glad. I have a feeling I won't be seeing him again this Christmas season though...unless of course he comes to my grand aunt's house for Christmas to visit =). Then maybe we can catchup again.
Today is also TC's birthday. I almost forgot, but I didn't of course. Happy Birthday to you TC. I assume you're here in Cali for break like you said. Sorry I haven't been in touch and that we can't see each other even while you're here. A deal is a deal afterall. Maybe in a few months. Can I extend that to another year? Of course if it's important, you know I'll be there.
Bert, sorry I have been neglecting you for a while. You know how it is. What's worse is my internet connection isn't working and hasn't been since Saturday =\. I hope you aren't mad. Oh guess what? TBOL is working again. =)
Finally thanks Sandy for the Match Point prescreening at the Grove. You're so very awesome. Give some Credit to Scarlet Johanson! She's a good actress! Although I don't particularly like him as a person, I'll give Woody Allen some credit for this particular direction. Not so cliche as his other works don't you think?
Alrighty. I think that sums up everything going on. With that, I'll leave you with a song from one of my newly favorite series/movie/manga and soon to become anime:
Endless Story performed by Yuna Ito at the 38th Yusen Taisho. Congratulations to Yuna for winning "Best New Artist".
Special thanks to Nana-Nana.net for providing the clips to all of us (check out the site. All Nana fans should check it out. Very awesome =D)
P.S. Before I forget, on Sunday the UCLA Football team came to the Mattel Children's hospital. Hehe I got a bracelet from Drew Oleson XD. Oh yeah and a picture with the team with the rest of the Child Live crew ^_^
Jimmy Eat World Pepperdine, Malibu Performance
PriceRitePhoto.com = Internet buyer's Hell
Now I've had my fair share of customer service hell, but Thomas Hawk's experience with PriceRitePhoto.com--just reading it makes my blood boil. I can't say that any of my complaints have reached such a distasteful and agonizing degree has his experience, but I've had my own PriceRitePhoto type incident with a customer service rep of AOL (America Online).
I won't extend that horrendous experience to all AOL staff (I had one pleasant experience with a polite lady who was helpful understanding and tended to my situation quickly) but AOL's tactics to cheat their customers to stay with the company and place hidden charges while your at it really ticks me off. And the one unfortunate middle-aged man trying to use scare tactics on a young woman is reallly dispicable. Sorry old man, I'm not stupid as you hope I am and I will not buy into your "I know better than you" tactic either. If you wish to retain your customers, you shouldn't make them feel inferior or use scaretactics to keep them. That's one step away from them fighting back. Afterall, a trapped animal in a cage has no other way out but to attack it's captor.
Don't ever do business with AOL. Once you're in, they will charge you for all you're worth and there will be a teeth gnashing and veign popping experience comming while you try repeatedly to get out of their "serivce" and switch providers. This is a word of caution, especially to novice internet users who may not know any better but to trust their software and advice. You don't have to trust me on this, I suggest you look around online and ask others who've readily swtiched users. Notice how their company is losing business and subscribers. I don't want to be hounded by AOL like Thomas Hawke was by Steve Phillips, but I'm stating something that isn't new.
I'm so glad we, as the underdog can have some clout in the world of corporate scammers and multimillion dollar companies. It's unfortunate that some businesses maybe affected by one faulty employee like Phillips, but they should watch who they hire and train their people to be more polite. They are, after all the face of the company. You don't want a short-tempered underhanded prick like that screwing your company's business over. Word of the wise guys, treat your neighbor good and you will be treated good as well. Hell hath no fury like a customer scorned.
Edit.
One other company I have put on my hitlist is COMPUSA. I HATE THEM MORE THAN AOL...they got pesonal.
As a technology enthusiast, it pains me to put any company that sells computers on my "hate" list so you can only imagine how much HELL they put me through. I'm certain if this happened to anyone else, they would have filed a discrimination complaint on the entire store. They are that bad and I have a very, very long temper. I understand the stresses and difficulties an actual competent sales person goes through when dealing with customers, but this was just so infuriating I've put a stop to all future purchases I may have with them no matter how good their deal seems. They are shady, overprice their things, and con their customers into getting more than what they need. What's worse is that if they believe you are stupid, they'll sell you everything under the sun, which is why my friends always come to me before buying or during their purchasing any electronical gadget. I save them from getting screwed over by a sales person and have them back off.
Jimmy Eat World @ Pepperdine
Ah, just got back from the concert...and it was freaking awesome T_T. I'm so happy! One of my goals in my lifetime was to see JEW live and I did. I'm so freaking happy. The show was simply awesome. They really are awesome to their fans. The show ended with two encore performances. Ten and Sweetness. When we thought it would end in Pain, I was going to cry. We banded together and they played an encore with Ten and then finally ending in Sweetness. So many songs, so little time. I can't express how happy I was. I didnt faint, I didn't get really trampled on and I could see most of the show despite being 5 ft and 100lbs. The people were really nice, despite a few inconsiderate tall people. *sigh* I really wish I had more rocker friends. I mean Jimmy isn't even hard core (though you wouldn't guess from all the moshing). So anyway I'm content and really happy. I'm on an adrenaline high even though my arms ache and my butt hurts and I have work in a few hours T_T. I'll post pictures when I can. I already uploaded the stuff and most of it was video. Until then ^_^ Weeeeee...
Edited by shine at 5:04PM
Notice how many times I said "awesome". That's how excitedly delirous I was when I got home from the concert a few hours ago ^_^.
ALL Hail to the Blue and GOLD
Tomorrow marks the 75th game between cross town rivals UCLA and USC. Winner take all.
I was on campus today after the bonfire on Thursday and you can't help but feel the Bruin pride filling the air. We are amped up and pumped up and ready to beat their asses down to the ghetto town. I'm certainly going to sport my UCLA gear tomorrow even though I won't be able to see the game, I'll be there in spirit cheering them on.
NO matter what happens, we've come a long way and I think it can only get better thereafter. If we beat the trojans tomorrow, I don't know how elated and extatic I will feel, but I know it will be something really great. On sunday we're going to watch Jimmy Eat World and what better icing on the cake is that to sport my UCLA gear and show them all we are winners. However if we lose to the reds, well it's not a big deal cause I think we're already winners for getting this far. We are the Bruins and you can't keep a good bear down. =)
For more information, check the Daily Bruin. ALL HAIL TO THE BLUE AND GOLD!
GO BRUINS! UCLA FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!
