My Engagement Ring, Stuck to a Cup

A proposal? Not!

This is a very clever item, best given as a gift to a woman. It's a porcelain cup that's got a ring attached to it. Put in an oversized box, the cup is concealed so that the receiver of the present will initially think that you are giving a ring. It can leave the person quite nervous, but it can also lead to a good laugh afterwards.

This is called the Two Karat Cup, designed by Yusuke Fujinuma. The cup itself is made out of white porcelain, and the handle-slash-ring is a gold or platinum glaze with a Swarovski crystal embedded in it. The packaging adds to its charm- a jewelry box where the cup is placed.


Using this cup can give other people the impression that you just might be engaged. It might also serve as a reminder that you really aren't (Haha!). Anyhow, it's a very delightful and practical item to have- adorning you with a big diamond ring while you drink your latte.

Giant Earphone Speakers

This is for the music geeks. Designed like the iPod earphones, but without having to plug them into your ears. These buds are five hundred times your regular earphones. Yes, they are speakers, and a pretty funky one at that. When you think it's time to replace those old boring computer speakers, how about having one of these instead? It produces clear high quality sounds. These are also very handy and hassle-free if you need a portable speaker. It can be connected to your PC or even to your MP3 player. Even though they look like earphones, don't make the mistake of putting them too near your ears!

Band-Aid Rings for the Broken Hearts

Got a heartache? It's time to heal with an 18 karat gold bandage.

This unusual creation was made by a jewelry designer named Alyssa Dee Krauss. For those who just got divorced, this is the perfect ring to replace what's on that ring finger. It isn't just for the broken hearted, but it can also be a declaration of support for victims and survivors of a tragedy. Bandages for the heart is a symbol of healing. With all the meanings you can associate with it, one can always purchase it just for it's style and uniqueness.
Each ring is either made from stainless steel, sterling silver, or a solid 18 karat gold. On the other side of the bandage, there's a drop of deep, red garnet stone (supposed to look like a boo-boo when worn). Besides band-aid rings, there are also band-aid pins. When bought, each piece is wrapped in a white gauze tied with a red string.

It's not something you'd commonly see people wear, but it'd be cool to see a wedding where they tie the knot with this ring!

Jell-O City

Feast your eyes with the city of San Francisco, made completely out of Jell-O. This isn't really an invention, but another cool and nifty form of art.



If you think Jell-O aquariums, animals and other shapes are already quite attractive, then you haven't seen this. The Jell-O sculptures are created by an artist named Liz Hickok. According to her, she makes "the landscapes by constructing scale models of architectural elements," which she then utilizes to form her molds. "I then cast the building in Jell-O," Hickok says.

She also paints the backdrops to add natural elements such as mountains, trees, or the hues of the sunset. After doing so, she lights the scenes from behind or underneath the Jell-O. This then creates a dramatically colorful effect. Because the Jell-O sculptures can't hold long and quickly deteriorates, she makes sure to take a photograph or video copy of it.

This is just one of Hickok's works from her Molds and Models series.

Shoe Wheel

The ultimate shoe storage.

The Shoe Wheel was innovated by Rakku Designs. I first learned about this awesome furniture from Reader's Digest. It is movable storage unit that can hold up to thirty pairs of shoes. It's got expandable pockets where one inserts the footwear, and it adjusts to the type of shoes so they fit snugly into place. Like any other wheel, it can be rotated. This is very convenient because aside from being organized, one can see his or her shoe collection in one look. No longer will you have the trouble of thinking about what kinds of shoes you have, or the trouble of opening your shoeboxes just to see for yourself. Because you can turn the wheel, you don't have to bend down to pick up a shoe- let your shoes come to you.

There are other varieties for this wheel. There's the Shoe Pod, which is another form of the Shoe Wheel. This time, it's cut in half and meant for the big footed men (but not limited to this). And then there's Rakiddo for kids- it's a mini version of the shoe wheel. This variety of products come in different appealing colors: silver, black, white, pink, and blue.

When I found an online shop selling the Shoe Wheel in the Philippines, I instantly got excited. I wanted to get one so bad, but I had second thoughts with my longing. First, I inquired on the price and found out that the seller was selling it for about 2000 pesos more than the original price stated in the official site. While I already considered the shipping costs, it was still pretty expensive. Next, it's actually space consuming. It' a big wheel: 29 inches high, 28 inches in length and 12 inches in width. Third, it doesn't protect one's shoe collection from dust. Lastly, while it offers convenience, the storage size is still pretty limited. This isn't very suited for the avid shoe collector, but if you have a few good pairs, might as well show them off!

Anti-Theft Mouldy Lunch Bag

Tired of having your office-mates, schoolmates and friends stealing and eating up your packed lunch? Try putting it in a moldy plastic bag.

Actually, it's a plastic bag with mold printed directly on it. When you put your sandwich in it, lunch-thieves would see mold-covered food, but in reality, it's as fresh as can be.

There are a few problems with this product, though. For one, somebody might mistake it for actually being moldy and throw it away. Second, it's a pretty short term solution. Unless you eat your food secretly, people around will start to notice that it is fake when you pull out your sandwich from it and begin munching. Third, if you look at it long enough, you might ruin your appetite as well. You must always keep in mind that they are two different and separate things.


This is a pretty clever disguise. Just to make sure though, better to check your sandwich in case it really is moldy!

The Art of Our Times

Decades and centuries ago, people have invented things that have widely changed the way we live today. From televisions to cellphone and telephones, they have, in a way, created a lifestyle for us. Although there have already been so many developments over the years, there is still enough room left for creativity today.

One of my favorite reads is Reader's Digest. It's a small magazine packed with all the interesting stories, information, jokes, and cool facts all over the world. This is also where I get to read about innovations that never fail to make me smile. So for this week, I'll be writing about the most interesting creations I have read about. These inventions may not be as big and life changing as what inventors in the past have devised, but they are nonetheless practical. If not for that reason, well, at the least they are fun.

The Essential Black Pen

This is the most essential black item you will ever need in your life. At one point, you will have to use this no matter how much you try to avoid it (if you are). You may be a teacher, a student, a driver, the boss, an employee, a doctor, a technician, and the list goes on. It's an important tool for all genders of all ages (except babies), because a black pen makes your world go around.

Why, you ask? First, you will need this to fill up forms that can lead to your successful life. A lot of tedious tasks demand that information be written in black ink. You'll have to set aside your colorful pens for other purposes. Being the case, there are unexpected writing tasks that suddenly appear in front of you. Be it a form to fill or a pop quiz, it's a black pen with black ink that will answer your problems.

It doesn't matter what kind of pen you have. Whether it's a ballpoint pen, a sign pen or a feather used as a pen, it's important to keep one handy.

The Basic Black Tee

Are there not days when you just don't feel like dressing up, or when you feel you have nothing good to wear despite all the clothes in your closet? The problem may lie not with what you have, but what you lack in your wardrobe.

You may have a variety of clothes to wear in different styles and colors, but do you have your basic plain tops? This is one of the things you need to have if you are conscious about repeating your outfits. Most helpful will be a basic white or black tee.

Colorful blouses and prints in different styles are usually noticeable to the eye, and people either give you compliments or criticisms about your outfit. This gives you the hassle of having to time when you will be wearing it again or how often to wear it. Another hassle is thinking about what to wear. If you don't want to go through all that trouble, buy a basic black tee. It can be matched with almost anything- from accessories to other articles of clothing. Wear it with a skirt, pants, colorful accessories, a scarf, pumps, flats and anything else you have in mind.

Having a basic black tee not only leaves you with less trouble, but it exercises one's creativity. It's a challenging and exciting task to do-how to make a plain and simple piece of clothing give you the look you want. You may also want a plain tank top or tunic; they're just as useful as any plain top. Remember that you can still look your best even with the simple.

Black Dress

For the girls out there, this is an essential in every wardrobe. I'm sure you've got Audrey Hepburn in your mind right now.

As Sparkles stated in her blog, the little black dress is a fashion staple and you can never go wrong with it. It's a dress that can offer you elegance and sophistication. Get the style you want, from classy and sophisticated to a hip look. It’s all in the way you accessorize. You can bring this simple black dress to life with the right accessories and make-up. To get that classy look, use pearls, gloves and black pumps. If you want to add more fun and color, suit yourself. A black dress will never betray you. This dress, like all other fashion staples, is good for day or night. You may find black dresses having different cuts, lengths or details. Rest assured, it will never go out of style.

The Black Bag

This is for the ladies who have a need to accessorize- and a need to have something to carry her things. This is the basic black bag.

Just like any other fashion item, this goes with almost anything you wear. If you think plain is boring, well a black bag gives you more variety than you think. From the style down to the material of the bag, there are numerous designs to choose from. It's important to invest in a good bag that can last the times. Take into special consideration the material it is made from. Some materials easily chip off.

Just like black pumps, you might not want to make that much effort in finding a good black bag. It takes more concentration to find one that you like, especially since some may look pretty similar. Because it's not something you'd look often for when shopping, set aside some time to look for a quality black bag that will last seasons and time.

Black Pencil Eyeliner

A black eyeliner is a very powerful tool. Without any other make-up materials, you can instantly add life to your eyes.

This is a very good make-up item to make your eyes "pop"(not literally). It can emphasize the shape of your eye and make a dramatic look. Even without the gray hues of eyeshadow often used, one can create a smoky eye effect. How does it work? It's all in the art of smudging.

I think a pencil eyeliner is a lot better than the liquid alternative. There is more control in drawing and in the depth of the color using a pencil. With liquid, it's more like painting. Another advantage of having a black eyeliner is that you can smudge it to make a dramatic effect. With almost any shade of eyeshadow, it is possible to create such effect; and even without any eyeshadow, amazingly it is still possible.

This is a very important basic make up tool. It doesn't take much effort to line one's eyelids, but it is important to have enough control. Remember also to choose an eyeliner that glides smoothly; there are certain eyeliners that actually draw like a real pencil. Keep in mind: make-up should make a good investment, and a black eyeliner is a must.

Black Pumps

Turn eighteen and you better have yourself a good pair, 'coz you're gonna be needing it more often than you think. Any woman who cares about dressing up will need this.

So, what are pumps?
Pumps are a woman's essential black shoes. It is a plain and simple closed shoe with a fairly high heel. Pumps are usually made with materials such as leather, patent, or even a mix of both. It can be as pointy as an elf's shoe or as rounded as mary janes.

Why you need it?
Well first of all, let me tell you what made me realize I needed a pair. I never thought I'd need one until signs were telling me that it's time to buy my own pair of pumps. First, it's a problem for me when there's a need to wear corporate attire. Although other neutral colors may be used, most of my clothes would match better with black heels. Second, certain outfits call for plain shoes- plain black shoes. I got different colors with different styles, but black pumps were out of the question. It's something I took for granted and didn't make enough effort for in finding a pair.

So going back, it is important to have a pair of black pumps because they are the most matchable shoes you can every shoes you can ever have. Whether it's a business, casual, formal, or party attire, you can never go wrong with black pumps.

The Essential Black

Black- it is the color of carbon; of elegance and sophistication. It can mean so many things, but among all the reasons, it is first and foremost an essential for every person, whether it be a fashion need or for something of practical use.

It's a color not appreciated as much as others. It neither reflects nor emits light. But let me tell you why black is a wonderful color. First, it can bring out the colors of other colors. Despite its darkness, it brings out the life of different hues. Put black on the side of a yellow and see the yellow shine brighter like the sun. Second, it creates form. It is like the outline of all matter in the world. Without it, everything seems flat. Black is important. Black is essential.

For the next six entries, I will be writing about the most important black must-haves, mostly for girls. But watch out for the 6th item...I'm sure everyone needed it (and will need it) at one point!

Spend a Day with a Stranger

I got the idea from the movie Before Sunrise By Richard Linklater. The film has only two characters engaging in a conversation all throughout. Describing it this way might make it seem boring to you, but it's the content of their conversation that makes the movie very interesting. The main characters, Jesse and Celine, have their first encounter with each other on a train. They go down in Vienna and spend a whole day together. They meet again after nine years (in real time, the movie really was made 9 years after) in the movie Before Sunset-my favorite movie- where they again talk about interesting matters. Although they are not lovers, it is the most romantic movie I have ever seen.

The situation portrayed in the movie is quite ideal. In our world today, it's not easy to just decide to hang out with someone you just met- what more, spend a whole day with that person. There's risk and excitement in it, and I think it would be fun to do this. Perhaps I should not have put this in my list, because it's quite odd to try finding a stranger to spend a whole day with. It would be unnatural to force a perfect moment like this. It's not easy to find a person who has interesting thoughts, but I'd definitely give this a try when I get the opportunity. Just like in the movie, it came at a time when they both didn't expect it, and it turned out to be wonderful.

Stand on the Border

Isn't it cool to be in two places at once? Not in a fictional sense, of course. I'm sure you've seen this in movies, when people stand on the border state line. You may think that this isn't really an extraordinary thing to do, but then I've never done it, and I plan on doing it.

Things like these make life a bit more interesting. It may not be much of a challenge to stand on something, but the effort to get there just to stand on the border is something I'd think about. Here in the Philippines, there are apparently no states; we have cities, though. I remember when I was younger, my grandmother and my mom would tell me to watch out for the sign where the border between Quezon City and Manila can be seen. One second I'm in QC; the next, I am in Manila. It's actually pretty cool, because you don't normally look out for borders when going around the Metro. The thing is, I'm not going to make an effort to stand on the border of these two cities. It's lined with cars and people. I'll just look silly standing there.

I'm sure there are other borders around which I can stand on. I'd want it to be special in a way, so for now, I'm going to go look for one I like.

Learn How to Swim

Yes, I do NOT know how to swim. I don't blame my parents for not teaching me how to swim; I was also scared before, and well, until now. I didn't really care before whether I knew how to go around the water until I grew up and realized that I am missing a lot from not knowing how.

One of the reasons why I do not know how to swim is because I have a fear of drowning. I learned how to float at one point and to move around a bit, but never in the deep parts or away from a wall. I have a hard time trying to let go even if I know I will still be fine anyway. A lot of people tried teaching me, but it wasn't much use.

Despite my fears, I want to learn how to swim. Everyone tells me it's fun once you know how to, and I can tell that they are right. Not knowing how to swim has its disadvantages. For one, I can't go too far away from the shore whenever we go to the beach. I'm always scared that the waves might push me too hard. Same goes when I am in the pool. These little things push me to believe that I have to learn how to swim. A lot of times already I've hesitated taking swimming lessons because aside from the fear, it's hard to put it into my schedule without being a hassle.

Soon enough though, I will take swimming lessons. I know that I do not have to fear when someone professional finally teaches me how. Aside from the fun that goes with it, knowing how to swim is also for my safety. As the quote goes, "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom." This reminds me that overcoming my fears will set me free.

Travel

Most of the travels I have done are within the Philippines. Most of the time, I am with my family. There's actually a lot to see around, and I enjoy the beaches the most. I've grown my love for our countries wonders, but the Philippines is just one of the many places to see in the world.

To travel around the world is another thing I want to do. I know a lot of people have this dream too. Some want to do it for a whole month or even a whole year, but I plan on taking it one at a time. This will give me something to look forward to every now and then.

It's only recent that I felt the passion to travel. We do not really travel abroad, so I didn't really care about the rest of the world when I was younger. Even if I see them on television or read about them, it didn't seem real to me. Now, I realized that I want to go explore other places. This happened when one of my friends told me he got a plane ticket to Europe as a birthday gift. He told me all about his adventures there, and hearing that from someone close to me made me see that I can travel and see for myself as well. Although I felt a bit of jealousy, there was the passion that started to stir.

This was when I also started to appreciate watching Discovery Travel and Living, especially their food shows. Nothing interests me more than food, and I'd love to go around the world not just to see places, but to experience culture and of course, try out different cuisines. It's so thrilling just thinking about all the things I can still explore and all the places I can travel to in my whole lifetime. The best part is, I know it's real and I can go and see the world for myself. This is definitely one thing I will make sure I won't miss doing.

Customized Swing

I'm a tall girl, and I deserve a tall swing.

My favorite plaything in the playground is the swing. Even up to this age, I like swings. It gives me a feeling that I can fly. The only problem is, most swings are too low for me. Whenever I ride one, my feet would hit the ground. I probably have a harder time enjoying it compared to my peers, because I need to stretch my legs out just so I won't have the trouble of hurting myself. Although effective, it gets pretty tiring. I can only hold them up for so long.



One day, I will have a customized swing made for me and my long legs. It would be a swing slightly higher from the ground. It'd be nice to throw myself back and forth without making a conscious effort not to touch the ground. Riding a swing is one of the most fun and carefree things one can do.

See an Aurora Borealis

It's breathtaking to see a sky dusted with infinite stars. Seeing a shooting star for a fraction of a second makes you think twice if you really did see one. Try spotting Mars with its orange glow.

Ever since I was a kid, I have always been enthralled with astronomy. I had this book about the Solar System, and I'd read it over and over. Pluto was still a planet then. Over the years, I would read on anything about it that fascinated me. I moved on from the planets to other wonders, such as black holes, constellations and meteor showers. To me, these things are beautiful mysteries, which look very magnificent from our own planet's sky.

One of things I want to see is an Aurora Borealis, or the northern lights. Although this doesn't have much to do with astronomy, I tend to associate them. It is an atmospheric phenomenon that gives off columns of light in different hues changing rapidly. One can observe this at night, near the polar regions. It has something to do with the interaction of the earth's magnetic fields and solar wind.

What's cool about this is that the lights are all naturally occurring. If you like fireworks and colorful, glowing things, this one you have to see. It's such an amazing event for me, especially since you can't see one when you're near the equator. One day, I'll be preparing myself to head for the north to see this!

Life on a List

There are so many things to discover, explore, and experience in this big big big world. Although I have lived a wondrous twenty years now, I know it is nothing compared to all the things that are still waiting for me to get to them. And I will get to them, one at a time.

I've made myself a life list of things I want to do in life. I've written about this a little in my other dormant blog, but now I am rediscovering it again. I made this list a few years back, and mind you, I didn't get the idea from the Bucket List, please! I've had my own years before the movie came out, and mine's a lot less cheesier. Just to share, I like to use lists rather than a planner to organize my life.

Anyway, it's pretty cool having a list (apologies for the redundancy) of things you want to do in life, because it gives me excitement and reminds me that there is so much more out there. What goes into my list are things with a mix of challenge, and a bit of fear in it. It does not matter whether it's as simple as learning how to swim or as wild as making out with a stranger.

A few of the things I've ticked off my list:

• See a shooting star
• Ride the calesa
• Send a secret to PostSecret (which I doubt ever reached Frank Warren)
  

I feel a bit of guilt for having forgotten than I have this list. For some time now, I've been caught up with schoolwork and extra-curricular activities that sometimes I forget the fun, simple and happy things I used to do (and what I can do). Now, I have opened the notebook on which I have written my life list that continues to grow. I'm sure there's a perfect time in my life meant to explore each of these.

Anansi Boys

"It begins, as most things begin, with a song."

Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman is one of the most magical books I've read. As Publishers Weekly puts it, readers will be entertained "by this brilliant mingling of the mundane and the fantastic."
This is one of the best books I've ever read. The relationship of Spider and Fat Charlie Nancy is annoyingly funny.

Fat Charlie Nancy is a guy who lives life in the most ordinary way, working in a company he doesn't like very much. He is also engaged to Rosie, but her mother only pretends to like him. When Fat Charlie met her one day, he took a bite from one of the fruits displayed in her house, realizing it was made of wax only when she told him. Obviously this did nothing but displease her.

When he learns of his father's oddly funny death, he attends the funeral and discovers a lot more things that aren't easy to believe. First, he finds out that his father is the human form of Anansi, and second; he has a brother named Spider who has inherited some of Anansi's abilities and who looks so much like him. The moment Spider came into his life, Fat Charlie Nancy's life is turned upside down. Spider steals his fiancee, gets him drunk, and goes to his firm just to get him fired. Being so annoyed with Spider, he turns to the use of magic to get rid of him, but he wasn't able to foresee the consequences that would go with it.

This whole novel is darkly funny, but it leaves readers feeling moved with its heartwarming ending.

Falling Up

From the writer of the Giving Tree, Shel Silverstein has created a book of poems that will make you laugh. It's called Falling Up. To give you an idea of what kind of poems this book contains, read this:


His humorous poems are also accompanied by simple illustrations in black and white, mostly drawn literally. What I love about this book is that the poems are short and simple, yet Silverstein is able to inject wit in each of them. There's an element of childhood mixed with silliness as he plays around with the words. Besides his pieces being funny, what makes it all the more interesting are the drawings.

This collection of poems is good for any age. Try taking things literally, and it might give you a good laugh.

Hoot

This isn't really a book someone my age would pick up in the bookstore. Just looking at the cover, you'd think it's for kids and those in their pre-teens...it is.

Sometimes, it's nice to read a book where you just follow the story as it goes and not have to think too deep to understand what is written. Things are meant clearly as they are stated. This is one of the books which you can enjoy without worrying about getting lost in the story.

Hoot is about a boy named Roy, who is new in Florida. As he rides his school bus, he looks out and sees a running boy with no shoes. Running away from the bus, Roy senses a mystery. His adventure starts when one day, he decided to follow the boy. He then meets a few interesting characters, such as potty-trained alligators and borrowing owls, among others. Of course, it is then revealed in the story why the boy was running away in the first place.

The adventure that goes on in this book isn't a complicated mystery. It's a tale that tells the relationship of Roy and the running boy. You'd find it quite moving once you discover what the boy is really up to.

So why is the title Hoot? Well, how about following the boy as well to find out!

The Time Traveler's Wife

In this novel, and with a traveler of time who can't tell when and where he's going to disappear next, you'll have your fingers ready to turn the next page.

This is a story about a girl named Clare, who knew everything about her love, life, and future with Henry. Henry meets her in a library for the first time, but for Clare, it’s the nth time. This is because he suffers from a rare condition which pulls him into his past and future without any warning. As Henry grows older, the more he finds himself being taken to the past, finally revealing his encounters with Clare. This explains how Clare knew him even before they even met in the present-the here and now.

Usually, Henry travels a lot more into the past, which gives Clare a pretty good glimpse of her future life with him as old future Henry tells their story of how they will eventually meet, and all other things. But there are a few occasions when he travels into the future and when this happens, it’s mostly into the far future. They struggle to live a normal life, despite Henry’s unexpected disappearances.

(Spoiler Alert- this paragraph only) The one thing I love so much about this book is the ending. It closes with a heartbreaking event of hopefulness. Henry travels as far as a time when he no longer exists, finding an old woman one day while facing the lake, wearing a sweater- her name is Clare. It’s old Clare. Realizing his presence, she turns with joy to his direction, ready to take him into her arms. He describes this all to Clare before he reaches his death. His illustrated event will be the last encounter they will have with each other. Knowing this, Clare prepares for their meeting every single day. She wears a sweater, looks out at the lake from the same room as Henry portrayed. It’s a mix agony and hope of having to wait for a very specific moment- well pictured in your mind- you know will come, but with no knowledge of when.

After reading the book, it suddenly came into my mind why the title given by the author focused more on the wife, instead of the traveler himself. It made me wonder. In my own reflections, I decided that although the point of view shifted between the two of them all throughout, it’s the struggle of an ordinary person like Clare whom we can connect and relate a lot better with. It’s her life of having to live and love a very special person like Henry that makes the whole story interesting. Anyway, it’s for me to know and for you to find out.

Stargirl

"The echo of her laughter is the second sunrise I awaken to each day, and at night I feel it is more than stars looking down on me."


If you want a light-hearted book, this is it. It landed on my hands as a gift for my 17th birthday. In its simplicity, it reflected so much of who I was and how my life was as a teen.

The story is about the heartbreaking first love of a girl who decided to call herself Stargirl, and a boy named Leo. Stargirl Caraway is anything but normal. She is new in Mica High, and she goes around with her ukulele singing happy birthday to a day's celebrators. She cheers for the other school's basketball team. She sends birthday gifts anonymously. She does all these, making her different from her peers.

Leo, is fascinated with Stargirl in a different way. They become a couple, but the problem enters when he urges her to stop doing what makes her special. With her singular personality, even Leo is shunned in his own school. He wants Stargirl to be normal. It is a lovely tale that illustrates both the troubles and inspirations of a first love. As stated in the back cover of the book, it is a "celebration of nonconformity."

I was Leo in the book. Those were days when peer pressure dictated so much of what I did, especially in my early high school days. I ended up shunning a guy I really liked, whom I thought at that time was very special, except I listened instead to my so-called friends. Another reason I did that was because I didn't like being teased. It's a very shallow thing to even consider, and I regret it. Although I apologized more than a year after and gave him the honest explanation he deserves, I knew things wouldn't be the same again even after telling me that he never had any hard feelings.

It still makes me wonder after all these years how things would have been like had I not listened to my friends. But this book has taught me and made me see that it isn't an experience of regret, but an experience of learning.

Who Watches the Watchmen?

Watchmen by Alan Moore- the first graphic novel I ever read. I have no idea how to express how much I love it. I bought the book without much knowledge on what it was all about, and this made my experience oh so thrilling.

I first gave this as a gift when I realized I wanted one for myself as well. I don't mind spending big bucks on books I read for leisure, so I decided to get my own copy instead of borrowing. It is my first, after all. I ended up buying on eBay bacause I was looking for the cover art with the blood-stained smiley but by the time I wanted it, all the bookstores only had the international edition. This was the time when the movie was already out.

A few things first:
-The version now is actually a compilation of 12 separate issues that came out back in the 80's
-It's the only graphic novel to be included in Time Magazine's 100 Best Novels

Watchmen is a book that presents an alternate reality of the world. The story revolves around the lives of vigilantes in the 1980's. Although the characters may be considered superheroes, the story is very much in touch with realism. It makes you think how life would be with vigilantes around.

This book is a masterpiece. With comics, most people just go about reading just the thought bubble/ cloud and looks over the scene in the box. Not for Watchmen. This comic has very beautiful illustrations, from the rich colors, intricate drawings down to the details. It takes me more than just a second or two to look at the grid contents, because even the background has its own life. There is even another story within it, where a pirate comic -Tales of the Black Freighter- is repeatedly presented, remarking on some of the events in the novel itself. It is also filled with so much clues and recurring symbols. There are times when I have to go back to one page just to see how interconnected they are, clues you wouldn't even notice at first. What is amazing is that even with so much details, the reader does not lose the focus of the story.

There's a lot to pick up from this novel; there are pretty cool ideas and even bit of philosophy in it.

On the back cover of the book, it is stated:
"This is the book that changed an industry and challenged a medium. If you've never read a graphic novel, start with WATCHMEN. And even if you have, it's time to read it again."

I agree with all my heart. This introduced me to the world of graphic novels. It is a piece of art that will definitely make me read another.

Cover Me in Books

Because long computer use is inevitable now, it has robbed me of my reading time. And in reading, I mean reading a book-with pages that can be touched, torn, and written on; a spine that can have a crease; and a cover that can protect its contents. I miss it so much. I never realized this until I went to the bookstore last Sunday.

As far as I can remember, I used to hang out in Fully Booked Greenhills all by myself, just browsing around, opening pages of adventure in different sections. I'd sit there and read for hours (no, not exaggerating) especially if I didn't have much money with me. There were also days when I'd stay in a coffee shop. If none of the above, I'd stay home and read until I feel sleepy, but this doesn't really stop me from turning another page.

It's such a shame that I keep trying to find time to read, but I always end up facing the computer, like now. There's a hint of guilt in me, especially when I try to lessen my computer use but fail to do so. I tried to cut usage down to two hours, but it isn't very realistic now that I think about it. Most of what I need to do involves having to go online, searching, and keeping connected with everyone through the internet. Sometimes, I get sick of it.

There is so much pleasure in reading. It's like an adventure that can last for days, even weeks. Every turn of the page excites me. There is magic in those typewritten words put in specific order- it can form a mental movie, or even another world. I am at peace and in the solitude of my own world when I read.

Just like shopping, and weed for some people out there, I get a high when I finish a good book. There are times when I want to make it last and do not want to reach the end, but it leaves me fulfilled and elated anyway. Finishing my adventure one world gives me the opportunity to explore another.

This whole week is dedicated to my love and passion for books. For my love, I will always make time for you even if for the time being, most of what I can do is write about you.

Good Friends, Good Good Friends

Discovering who your true friends are can take some time to find them. They can also emerge in different situations. For me, I found them through alcohol.One was the more obvious, while the the other presented me friendship in a way that I had to think twice about it before figuring out how she made a good friend.

Friend A was easy to spot. After I've had a few drinks, she'd occasionally ask me if I was still doing fine. After we left the party, she didn't leave me alone to wait for my ride home. Thanks to me, she had to sleep over at her sister's place instead of heading straight to her house since her driver had to go. She still decided to wait for me, so I ended up taking her to her sister's flat. This action clearly expresses how you can say that one is a good friend, but discovering friend B was a bit more different.

Friend B was the one with alcohol in her system. Her frankness surprised me a little. After I gave a few side comments about how my prizes weren't girly enough, she started bringing up my ex, telling me how she thought I was blind, figuratively. You can find a part of our conversation here.
Thanks to her, I realized that I am not miserable without him around. It took that and a dream to make me dust off remains of a bad-ending relationship.

Sometimes, I get to appreciate my friends in times when I least expect to. Finding true friends does not need a season to pass or an extreme situation to occur. Sometimes, they're already around even without trying to find them.

Ice Melting is Time Delayed

Alcohol not only slows down your brain, but it also slows down one's perception of time. To me, 10 minutes felt more like 30 minutes. My friend Steve is a papa's girl, and she had to go home once her dad came to pick her up. I told her that she sucks for having to go home early, but her estimated "I'll be going in about 10 minutes" seemed to me like it was a lot longer than what she stated. I remember watching her watch the games, take photos around the party, fix the laptop, accompany me to the restroom, and many more. All these in 10 minutes? My disappointment didn't last long thanks to my altered perception of reality.

Although we all left the party before Cinderella's curfew, it seemed like we've stayed there long enough to feel like it's past 12 midnight. Waiting for the driver to pick me up was another experience. Feeling sick already, I called him up to ask where he was at that moment. He told me he was in Nagtahan already. The time it took for him to reach me from there was 30 minutes in the real world, 90 minutes in my world. I've already discussed so much already with my friend before the driver arrived.

The trip home was even longer. Like I mentioned in one of my previous blogs, I just sat in the back seat like a cargo trying to resist movement. I just wanted to get to my bed as soon as possible, but no...I had to feel all the bumps, stops and go's on the way, and I had no one to talk to about what I felt at that time.

There's a good and a bad side to this. The good part is that one's experience is amplified by a few drinks. Time is almost frozen, slowly melting that you begin to feel you have control over it. The bad side is you can't make it go any faster. You are stuck in the moment, and you have to feel it and even be it, so that you can finally move on. It's like the extension of your nervous system- the environment your body. That moment is not always a good one, especially if you feel like barfing. But the bad side is nothing compared to the good side. Being one with the moment lets you taste the pureness of any experience there is.

Just Say It

Although one can go on blabbing about unnecessary things when drunk, I personally think that we are all still conscious of what we are saying- except we've become careless about them. At least that's the case for me.

You wouldn't consider me a shy person nor an extrovert- I'm somewhere in between. I talk about what is usually proper, and say things the proper way. I am tactful and think well of what I say (a lot of times overthink about it). I sometimes see this as a problem, because thinking too much about what I am about to say can lead to me to not say anything at all. But thanks to you know what...

Drinking doesn't make me unconscious; it just makes me careless. I am not going to deny the fact that I still remember a lot of what happens no matter how much I drink. I don't really understand how some people wake up the next morning and cannot remember a thing. Anyway, I think the effect on me is a good thing because I am able to say exactly what I have in mind (and heart) without thinking if I might sound stupid. With a drink, I know exactly what I am saying- I just don't think ahead about it.

Sober: Hi Steve
Not: Hug me Steve!
or
Sober: I'm fine
Not: I wanna barf right now
...are just a few examples of how I express what I mean depending on the situation.

I learned something from this experience, and that is to not think too much. Thinking too much gets me nowhere, and I tend to do this by dwelling too long on even the littlest things, and it stresses me out. I need to relax, even when in talking (or rather, in thinking before I even talk). Action implemented: I am in the process of training and encouraging myself to say exactly what I want, without the need for any influence on my brain functions. Hopefully in time, there would be no need for me to even consciously think about doing this.

Winning is a Drink and a Friend

I was a winner, thanks to some alcohol and to some drunk friend who kept telling me the answers in the game.

It was a good thing they started the program late. I thought I would miss it, but they waited for more people to arrive. Maybe they waited for me to arrive. Heehee. This gave me the chance to shoo away inhibitions and get myself ready to play.

I remember joining numerous games, although I can't remember them all. If I were completely sober, I would not have won:
-a black Reebok cap
-a black Reebok bag
-a pair of black Reebok socks

I'm not the type who'd be willing to join party games especially if I didn't know well the people around me. But thanks to a few drinks, I got myself a few useful things.

I remember joining the first game, where you had to walk backwards and sit on the chair if you had the answer in mind. I understood how this game could get naughty, so I always gave way if someone else knew the answer. But that was just the first.

The next few games I was just standing by the projector, taking in a few more. I remember watching games like pass the apple (without using hands) and some sort of drinking game, but I didn't participate. The next game was bring me with a twist. I was feeling a bit woozy by this time, so I'd just walk in front and bring whatever they ask for, sometimes not even bringing anything. The last game I participated in had something to do with guessing who the professor was in the pixelized picture that was projected. To answer, one had to hug the host. This is when my drunk friend became my coach- literally coaching the answers to me. Because she is an officer in the organization, she knew all the answers and kept telling me. I just kept hugging the host and shouting the answers into the mic. That's how I won all the possible prizes I could win for the night.

Important lesson learned on winning: There's help around.
In my case, it's a drink and a friend.

Booze Me

Booze has taught me that I can take care of myself. Although I always let a part of me be taken over by its effect, there is always a struggle to keep my consciousness.

After I dropped off Sparkles that night, I was aware more than ever. Though I felt a bit like throwing up, I felt so much more connected to my environment. Even if I knew I was going to get home safely in the hands of our good family driver Tom, I made sure I didn't sleep even for a second. This was a struggle for me, added that my ride home seemed to take forever since Sparkles got down. I was more aware of each bump, stop, acceleration, deceleration, and honking of my pick-up. In the back seat, I froze like a cargo that tried to resist movement.

It's amazing that I can also keep myself disciplined. When I got home, my mom was still awake. Because it's always a rule in the house to take a bath each time you come home from somewhere, I went straight to the bathroom, turned on the shower, and sat on the loo until my mom went into the bedroom. Of course I realized that I wasted water doing this, but I lacked strength to wash myself. When I heard the door shut, I knew the coast was clear. I headed for my room. No matter how dizzy I am, I never forget to take my contact lenses off. Never.

When I reached my bed, I shut my eyes, finally letting the power of booze take over me completely as I dream, safe and sound in my own home.

Ex-Boyfriend Residues

Another reflection dawned upon me on the same night, same party. This happened when my friend Peyton was drunk and started insulting my ex-boyfriend, which I was fine with. Because I was a bit out of my self as well, I joined numerous games without hesitation. I won a cap, a bag, and a pair of black socks all from Reebok. Thinking out loud, I wondered what I could do with my prizes since most were pretty 'masculine' items. Peyton, being out of herself too, told me out of the blue that I should give my prizes to my ex-boyfriend. Here's how the rest of the conversation went:

Bunny: Yeah I know! I think I'm going to mail it to him. He's near to getting kicked out of his school anyway
Peyton: Really
Bunny: Ya he's so lazy I'm so sure he's getting kicked out. I don't even know what I liked about him
Peyton: I know. Sparkles and I saw his picture and we were like, OMG Bunny, are you blind?!

The rest of the night didn't matter; what mattered was my dream that night. In my slumber, I dreamt of accidentally deleting past text messages from my ex. Although we have broken up more than a year ago, in my dream I was crying when I lost those messages, like they were treasures I have long kept with me.

When I woke up the next day, I was thankful it was only a dream. Those messages were way back, from the year 2007. Although relieved, I feared that I might not have totally set myself free from him when I gave thought on how I felt about the dream. If I have really moved on, would I even care if I lost those messages?

1 year, 5 months and 21 days after breaking up, I finally decided to sweep off ex-boyfriend residues in my phone, and in my life. Unlike in my dream, I felt no pinch of sadness when I finally got rid of them. Like what I used to do, I already had his messages typed, printed, and kept in my letterbox anyway. It's where they belong.

Drunken Reflections: ChinaBank Open at 12 Midnight

One night's party has given me realizations that actually make sense. When one is intoxicated, what enters his or her mind are mostly useless ideas. Not in my case, and not in the case of this one party I attended. Amazingly substantial ideas popped into my mind, and they are actually worth sharing. For that, I give a week's toast to last Saturday's drunken reflections.

The Night Marketing Strategy

I doubt that sounds anything like an idea a person under the influence of alcohol would think about. Before heading home after leaving their organization's Frosh Welcoming Party , I had to take my good friend Sparkles to her sister's condo because she accompanied me while we were waiting for my ride home to pick me up. On the way there, I noticed that store signs were lit (not something I'd think about on an ordinary day!). What I remember most with lighted signs that I pointed out was a coffee shop and ChinaBank, among others.

Here's a sketch of what went on in my conversation with Sparkles:

Bunny: Hey look, the coffee shop is still open! So are (blank) and (blank)
Sparkles: No Bunny, they're already closed.
Bunny: But the lights are on (referring to the lighted sign)
Sparkles: Yes, the lights are on but they're already closed
Bunny: ChinaBank is still open, the lights are on
Sparkles: They're already closed, the lights are just on
Bunny: But why do they turn the light on? They're just wasting electricity. Or maybe it's a marketing strategy. Maybe they leave the lights on the sign turned on so that the party people can see their corporate identities and logos when they go home. 'Di ba? I think I'll share that with Steve Wicks on Monday. I'll recite that too in my marketing class.

Bam! There goes my marketing strategy. I don't know with you, but I think it's a pretty cool realization- specifically after drinking some margarita!

You Look Silly Matching Colors

Actually, matching your outfit is not silly. It's matching the colors of your outfits that makes you look silly.

Gone are the days when it was cool to use a single color to dictate what you will be wearing for the day. Imagine someone wearing everything in one shade of blue. blue headband, blue eyeshadow, blue top, jeans, blue shoes, and blue bag. Awful! You'll look like a color that walked out of the color wheel.

I used to think it was cool. I would only do this subtly. I'd wear a green bracelet with my green slip-ons and green bag. Sometimes, with green underwear. I still match colors even until today, but you wouldn't even notice it.

So what to match, then?
Colors with other colors. Use different tones or shades that complement each other (clashing colors for other purposes), whether of the same color or otherwise . This will make you shine not in an attention-grabbing-matching-outfit-color way. Black is an exception, of course. How many shades of black can you have?

You Look Silly Making Ringtones

Before we could download mp3 tones in our phones, we used to have a composer feature where we can make ring tones with basic notes. I remember surfing the internet looking for keypress sequence to copy so I can compose the songs that I want.

Admit it, you've tried composing one of these:
-Mission Impossible
-Boy Band songs
-London Bridge
-Twinkle Twinkle

From today, it seems like that was a very long time ago. It's amazing how fast technology can develop. Back then, making ringtones was fun. We'd be wowed if one had a composed song that sounded very much like the original. We'd exchange sites where there are good guides for the latest songs. Now you look silly when you make one.

You Look Silly Taking A Call

Remember those days when the cellphone industry was just starting to find its way into our pockets? That was a time when almost everyone wanted to get his or her own phone. And for those who already had one, they wanted to have a call on their phone.

You must have witnessed this at least once- a person taking a fake phone call. Because cellphones weren't an ordinary accessory before as it is today, there were those who were itching to have a reason to take them out.

At first, it seems like an ordinary action- he or she takes out his or her phone and takes the call. After a period of yapping, the one flaw that the person fails to do pops up: the phone rings for real. And because ringtones were the in thing, they never fail to announce your incoming call. Good job!

I Look Silly With My Aurora Scientific Calculator

The first time I ever needed a scientific calculator for school was during my first year in high school. At that time, it didn’t matter to me what kind I had, as long as I had one that does the functions I need. I didn’t even bother to check them out; I just asked my dad to buy me one. He bought an Aurora calculator.

Now that I am in my third year in college, I realized that my calculator sucks. When I took my math class two terms ago, it was a real bummer. All went well until I needed the function for ‘!’ or factorial. I won’t bother explaining it. Heck, I already forgot what it’s for! Anyway, because it wasn’t able to perform the task I needed, I had to do it manually.

There are also other reasons to go with that:

-Had to push the reset button to turn it on

-Had to erase everything when I made a wrong press

-It’s got a flip cover that got detached and not possible to put back

-Which leads to the keys being pressed accidentally ALL the time

-Which leads to battery use and

-Soon enough was using solar power to do my computations

Recently though, I bought a new one. And I’m excited to do some calculations.

You Look Silly Wearing School Shoes

There are occasions when one looks silly wearing school shoes.

When I was in high school, there are times that we are required to change from our school uniforms to our Physical Education uniforms. This has happened to me before, and I think it's silly. An accidental silliness.

For some reason, one thing that is usually forgotten when bringing another outfit are shoes (or at least in my high school). The moment you realize that you did not bring the proper shoes to match your outfit is a nightmare. Imagine these:

• Numbered T-shirt + jogging pants + SCHOOL SHOES
• Colored shirt + jeans + SCHOOL SHOES

It may not be that bad, but the fact that everyone else is wearing the same thing makes you stand out. Believe me, it's not the kind of attention you want!

You Look Silly Wearing Fake Eyeglasses

What are glasses for? It's for people who have a problem with their eyesight.The lenses are made specifically to correct one's eyesight, for one to see a clearer picture of the world. But for some people, they want to have a more blurry view of the world.

Though it is pretty obvious what eyeglasses are for, some people wear them for other purposes. Some want to:
-Look smart;
-Look like a dominatrix;
-Look like a secretary; or
-Protect their eyes from dirt (uh, goggles would look better on you)

Sure, it can help enhance the look one wants to achieve, but really- it's silly! People who wear glasses for their proper reason are already hassled with it, but it seems like others want the hassle as well! One has to wipe the lenses constantly; push the glasses up the nose bridge every now and then; remove it when it fogs up. Wearing glasses regularly, and for a long time, is no easy job. Now wearing a 'fake' one doesn't exempt you from this.

First of all, your lenses aren't even lenses. They're hard plastic fitted to the frame of your glasses. I don't know how it does not bother you that there is plastic right before the lovely view when you can see it without wearing one. Second, it's bad plastic. Does it make you see the world in HD? No. You'll get the opposite. You have two pieces of scratched plastic in front of you.

I say, set your eyes free. Let them see the world not through two plastic windows, but through the very air that touches them.

You Look Silly In Those Sunglasses

Isn't it fun to wear sunglasses? For some reason, everyone seems to look a lot better when they wear one. They seem hotter, cooler, sexier. Besides protecting our eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun, we wear shades as a fashion accessory. But it looks silly when worn without the sun around.

Sure it is an accessory, but why put tinted lenses in front of your eyes when there ain't no sunshine? Wearing one to the mall or wearing one when shopping is still quite acceptable, but there are some places where shades are out of place, and yet some people insist on them, like:
-the school canteen
-the library
-night parties
-job interviews
-in the classroom

Believe me, I've witnessed some of those mentioned above.

You are excused though, if:
1. You are a famous person and you need to hide (you attract more attention, actually)
2. You need to sleep
3. You have an eye infection
4. You need to spy on someone
5. You are a blind person playing an instrument

If you can't help it, better wear it on your head instead!

Burrito

It is natural for most of us to like certain characteristics of another culture that is not part of our own. Whenever it is not present in our ways, we try to adapt them somehow. Some people learn the language of another nationality, while others dress up in their fashion. In Betch D's case, she eats a burrito.

Yup, you got it. She's trying hard to be Mexican, and it's not working. In fact, her eating a burrito magnifies her being a Filipino. Let me tell you why.

First, she enjoys it so much because the burrito's got rice in it. Yes, you argue it's rice cooked the Mexican way. Sure sure. That's true anyway. Second, we have meat to go with the rice. Perfect match! Lastly, we have the the flour tortilla to wrap around the two, making it a very handy and portable meal.

Because I've been observing Betch D for some time now, I can certainly say that she is a true Filipino. For her, the rice and meat packed together are the kanin and ulam, while the tortilla wrap is the pisang tinapay. What a filling meal! Don't forget your cup of Cafe Puro to go with that.

Hah, think no one would notice? I have to say though, the tortilla wrap is a clever disguise!

Lame Joke

Just about a week ago, I celebrated my 20th birthday. At this age, you can't expect to get a lot of stuff from your loved ones. Just to be sure, I always remind my parents that I still want a birthday cake on my birthdays (with number candles, of course).

On the day of my birthday, I found Betch E really sweet for her gesture. She gave me a pack of Skittles candy. Although I prefer the the original flavors, any pack of sweets will make me happy anyway- until she made the lame joke.

Right after she greeted me a happy birthday and gave me a hug, she gave me the pack of Skittles. Why did she give me Skittles for a gift? Because the name of my dog is Skittles. Is that even funny? Is it funny to eat one's dog?

Later that day, she just had to repeat it. She even added a new line, telling me the pack of Skittles was actually for Skittles. Because her birthday was just three days away from mine, I had to laugh. Her joke made the pack of Skittles turn white, like my dog.

Anyway, I appreciate it a lot. Thank you Betch E for your present. You are a very sweet girl, unlike Betch A who has nothing better to do than to ask when the joint birthday dinner treat will be. She doesn't even eat. I haven't opened the pack, because I plan on sharing it with you and the others on the Thursday we meet again!

Checkerboard

Right now, a lot of people are going crazy over plaid tops. I myself would like one, and I know exactly where to get ‘em for a much cheaper price. I won’t be getting one any soon though- at least not in the place I have in mind- because we should be avoiding crowded places due to the flu outbreak.

We see a lot of people wearing it, and one of them is Betch X. She thinks she’s so cute wearing a ‘plaid’ shirt that she wears it every other day. I’m sure you won’t get sick of it; if there’s anything else she would don, it’d be a different color combination…of plaid yet again!

Now, plaid and checkered may only have slight differences, but Betch X keeps calling her plaids checkered. It’s pretty obvious that they’re checks- two colors alternating on those giant squares covering her torso.

She looks like a tablecloth.

Actually, she looks more like a checkerboard.

I could just ask her to lie on her belly and I could play chess on her back with someone. Checkers can also be an alternative game.

Although Betch A is a fashion blunder, it’s a good thing she agrees with me that those big checks are pain to the eyes. Betch E (whom I’ll be writing about next) says otherwise. You’ll still be my friend if at times, you decide to look like a board game.

If Betch X won’t stop wearing those big checks, I’ll start bringing pawns and other chess pieces in case we get bored!

The Big Change

Here's another bitch I know. This time we'll call her Betch G. And she just did the bitchiest thing a bitch can do.

Betch G changed her number.

She has been using the same cellphone number for as long as I know, and now she's got a new combination. Her reason? She needs a SIM card that's got more features and services. The real reason? She just wants attention.

Betch G has been going around asking everyone if we've got her new number. Now you must remember: no one cares if you've got a new one, unless they want you around or need you for something. Apparently, no one cares about Betch G's new number. This is exemplified by her act of grabbing my phone and changing it herself. Prior to that, she even asked me repeatedly if I have already changed her number. See how much she craves for attention? And that wasn't even enough for her. She's been changing a lot of herself lately just to get people to notice her. Betch G changed her clothes, shoes, and conditioner. You must be thinking it's ridiculous (and yes, it really is ridiculous), but she put out so much effort to do those things to get some attention. She doesn't change her clothes, shoes and conditioner very often, so you must understand. It ain't effective; she realized that, of course. So she went from mundane alterations to an extreme one. The latest modification she's made was to change her own name.

Betch G is now known as Steve Wicks.
That still didn't get people to change her number.