Word Vomit IV

Pardon me, I'm hormonal. I'm stressed, anxious, and emotional.

"Good job! Little minor versions of one whopper of a scapegoat, aka us, huh? Standing ovation, take a bow."

"You force me into thinking that you only survived because you've been sucking on my blood."

"I know in my heart that you don't give a flying duck about what the heck is happening with [it] but I just can't help but wonder how deeply dense you are. Anyway, it's just a thought. I know in my heart people like you have plastic wings; the more you soar higher, the more it is likely for your wings to melt. Have fun down there!"

On a lighter note...

"Telling me that you'll be gone in less than 30 days made me genuinely sad. It's heartbreaking! Don't leave!"

"You are my social life. Alam mo na yan!" (This still cracks me up like mad. I think Mini Stop's fried chicken has uppers. Hahaha.)

P.S.

All statements are for different persons. Y'all know who you are!

This Too Shall Pass

I don't know if it's just my raging hormones going against me or if I finally reached the wick of my undying candle of patience and understanding. I cannot stress any more how exceedingly stressful Wednesday was. Definitely not the right way to start the term, to start the my final term in college. It wasn't how I pictured it at all.

Thursday was spent in hibernation, consultation, and reflection.

I've always looked at myself as a person of will and strength. Even the strong fall down sometimes. I feel so weak after everything that took place today. I don't know what to exactly feel anymore. I just know that I let myself down and I feel weaker than I ever have felt in my entire life. I'm physically-, mentally-, and emotionally-spent.

This too shall pass. You keep saying it over and over and over and it becomes real. I wish it was that easy. I say it over and over and over and I get tired and frustrated, and it just lingers even longer. All is well!

Text Message Day

I really have no idea what to write right now. Last night, February 13, I had some things on my mind I wanted to blog about on a day like Valentine's Day. I was too sleepy and I thought it would be more apt to write about V-Day on the day itself; like, how mine went and all.

This morning, I received several text messages from this boy that went well with the day's "theme" but not with the days tasks. It's really confusing. A bit stressful, too, given all the things I needed to accomplish. The text messages turned into an invitation to dinner on Friday, yay! About time. Haha! Anyway, it was the usual vague conversation but at least we got one detail right. Only for it to be retracted because of inconsistencies with his schedule, which was a bummer; but he did try to redeem himself right away. We settled on a casual Thursday dinner.

That said, I can't deny the giddy feeling that's been fluttering in my tummy. Hihi.

That said, I'm not easily swayed. This morning, I sent a really mushy text message to the best girl friends that a girl can ask for! And I stand by what I said, which I sadly can't retrieve from my phone with such uhmayyyzing performance; try, deleting messages on its own. *_*

My friends (or sisters?) taught me how to be thankful for what I have and not yearn for what I don't or can't have. Aren't they just the best? :) You wouldn't know, but I tell you, they simply are. ;)

Ugly title.

The Test Run

That's a working title. That, or The Ortigas Experience? Or The Ortigas Explorers? Or The Practicum Hunting? Or The 5 Km Exercise? Or... Ugh. I can't even!

Meryl and I hunted down our soon-to-be-practicum office in Ortigas. You know, to get the feel of the commute experience; how long it takes, how far we need to walk, things like that. What's funny was that we were being our usual selves while in the MRT: chatty mode. The first flaw came from my mouth as we spontaneously alighted at Shaw instead of Ortigas. Let's not make the storytelling as long as the time it took us walking, and just say that we were forced to explore.

Basically, there was a lot of evaluating, strategizing, and overthinking. After which, there wasn't much thinking going on anymore. I swear, we tried. We really did try to understand how the Golden Spoon ordering process worked. Hahaha! What is, mind and body is wasted?

We never got it right because we had to keep turning major left. Get it? *HIGH FIVE* What a way to end January, right? I hope February wouldn't be as exhausting. NOT. Wishful thinking!

Lesson learned: It's useless to consult a map if you can't identify North from South. T_T

The Care Bears

My Management Communication class group went through a ridiculously challenging ordeal. Joa, Lyns, Meryl, and I started working on a communication crisis case yesterday afternoon and emerged victorious after six long hours of online bonding. Random that I am, ooh, light bulb! Turns out, we had been working on the wrong crisis after all! We're back to square one.

Our minds were overworked, our bodies were drained, our eyes were strained. We called it a night and decided to start working at 6AM. And work, we did! By noon, we were ready with our statement, arguments, and excuses. We were also ready to reunite with beds for a power nap and grab a quick brunch. Oh, we were so drained.

Evening came and we were jittery but more than ready to present our communication crisis plan. The press and stakeholders group were great at grilling us. Personally, I think we did equally great at being the simulated professionals that we supposedly were: CEO, President, Corporate Communications Manager, Human Resources Head.

Just something to remember this day by, here's one for the team. Good job, Care Bears!

Oh, and by the way, I didn't know Care Bears gossiped that much. Hahaha. I love you!

- - - - - - - - - -

*Just wanna add!* I think I've gone through the entire emotional spectrum today that no particular emotion exists. I'm a somnambulist! Haha. But I still think the photo says it all. Hahahahaha.

A Day of Sorts

MOST AWESOME FAMILY BONDING WEEKEND YET!

We all woke up at the ungodly hour of 3AM because we headed to Nuvali in Laguna for the Bull Session 3. No, I didn't participate in it (wish I did, though), but Daddy did! And yes, the whole family was there to support. Haha. :)
The Bull Runner, Jaymie Pizarro, giving out instructions on groupings.

If I'm not mistaken, that's The Bull Runner's group doing a 5 minute run, 1 minute walk.
I think 5:27 AM is pretty late starting time for a long run. By long, I mean marathon long. It'll be too hot by the time runners cross the finish line. Then again, that's just my musing.
Mom, brother, and I ran our own route. I disappointed myself with my performance today. My mind, lungs, and legs weren't in harmony. I lack practice! I've been a bum for three weeks now. But can you really blame me for bumming and pigging out after the finals week of my third term for junior year? Haha.
Hi-ho, hi-ho! Laborers on their way to work on a bright Sunday morning. Two more and they'd pass up as the Seven Dwarfs. Heehee.
With these signs, Nuvali seems like a very friendly place. I like it there!

While we were running back to Solenad, we decided to quit so we could take in the scenic surroundings. They may be man-made but it's almost unnatural to not be awed.
So yes, we had to stop for photo-op. Haha! :P
And so after we cleaned up, we fed millions of Koi fishes! They're gross when they crowd and go crazy over tiny fish food pellets. It's fun, none the less. :D
The taxi boat ride was just too tempting to let it pass up. Haha, such dorks. Besides, Daddy was still running then. Haha, excuses!
Speaking of Daddy, spot Dad run! In case you can't zoom in, he's making a funny pretend-binoculars gesture with his hands against his eyes; and I wonder why I get too goofy at times. Haha!
Yay, fun boat ride! Dorks 101.
I am not ashamed to say why this photo looks pathetic: I'm such a chicken for not going up to Jaymie Pizarro (The Bull Runner). All I wanted was to take a photo with her but I don't know what got to me. Hey, don't judge me for being pathetic, okay. We have our days. Haha.
So... Here's Daddy, with really bad tan lines. No, it's brown lines. It doesn't show how burnt his arms and legs were, though. Anyway, it got too hot that morning. Point is, it's a summer morning. I hope the TBR Dream Marathon starts earlier so each first time marathoner can finish the run sans injury and heatstroke! Haha. I'm excited for my dad! Someday, I will run my first marathon. Someday!

We were exhausted! It wasn't from running, I'm sure about that. Say, the Koi fish feeding? Or the boat ride? Oh, it's the heat! We were too tired that after an Italianni's lunch, we weren't so interested in shopping at Paseo. There wasn't much to see anyway. Too lazy to have taken photos on this part of the day as well. We all collapsed onto our beds and woke up hours later. After hearing mass, hello, Selecta Ice Cream Land!
Selecta Ice Cream Feast at the South Parking of the SM Mall of Asia! For only P50, you get a free ice cream on a cone, and once inside, line up all you want and get high on unlimited ice cream! Well, it got limited when they ran out. Haha. I had a cone and three cups. Ow, my tummy. I know.
The ride wasn't THAT great. It wasn't too shabby, too. But I. Was. In. A major screamfest! HAHAHA. I blame my brother for pushing me to experience "Underworld" on the X-Rider. Haha. The lady at the counter sheepishly nodded when I asked if my screams were too loud. Dammit. Hahaha.

I look forward to more days like this. It's hella tiring but it's great to get to spend time with folks despite my unfair summer schedule. :)

Mizuno Infinity Run 2010

Today's run had its pros and cons:

• CALL TIME / GUN START - The first thing I liked about today's run was that it didn't demand a really early gun start. The race kit said: 4AM - Assembly time, 6:30AM - 5K gun start. What I didn't like about it, though, is that the sun will be too scorching by that time. However, it did start early. My dad was late for his 15K run by almost 20 minutes, and good thing I checked in at least 15 minutes before the 6AM gun start. I have three friends who didn't make the 6AM start because the race kit indicated 6:30. Boo for poor organizing!

Here comes the sun, too-do-do-doo! [5:20 AM]

• THE ROUTE (Part 1) - It wasn't very new to me so I enjoyed it, at least. But arriving and checking in late left me (and my mom) thisclose to the end of the 5K pack! Being amongst the tail is really frustrating, see. It brings out the competitive tiger in me and it leaves me tired and frustrated. Haha.
  

Yes, that's 26th Street, the second turn after the starting line. And yes, those are all 5K runners in front of me. Haha. See, frustrating! [6:03 AM]

• WATER STATIONS - No complaints here. I loved how the water stations were evenly distributed throughout the route. The moment I felt my throat go dry, hello, water station. Thanks, Gatorade! :) Another plus, photo booth! Hahaha! I know, it wasn't necessary at all. I didn't like how it interrupted my run, but I really liked the idea, generally. Haha, mom and I are cam-whores! In the end, we had to take five minutes off our run time to compensate for the lost time while lining up, posing, and smiling at the Fort Victoria photo booth! Hahaha!

Been only running for at least seven minutes and I have the audacity to take a pit stop at the first water station despite the sweat and all that. Hahaha. Yuck. [6:07]

• THE ROUTE (Part 2) - I liked the route but I think the race didn't have enough marshals. It would be nicer if they were in official t-shirts or something like that, so they'd be easier to spot. And I think there weren't enough signs on how much longer we need to endure. Haha. Or even arrows that tell us where to go! It was frustrating.

Imagine the joy in my heart when I saw the finish line! [6:45 AM]

• POST-RACE FREEBIES - And so I finish, beating my personal best again, with 41 minutes! Woohoo! The lines were, as always, killer long. It was worth it, though, because the Gatorade was cold enough. My Mizuno Infinity Run 2010 finisher's shirt was a size bigger. I can't believe they didn't have enough XS. Oh, well, I had to settle for the small. Good enough. So anyway, all good!
  

Fourth place? Haha! Nah, far from it. Personal best: 41 minutes, woohoo! [7:05 AM]

The family that runs together, gets tired together! Hahaha! Flaunting the finishers' shirt when we got home after breakfast! [9:39 AM]

Back From Hiatus

Such an eventful Friday! (Okay, fine, fine, delayed post. Hahaha.)

"Ladies and gentlemen, please, walk this way!" Mr. Carlos Celdran, thank you, I had an awesome walking tour! Manila never looked so different until you made us see beyond aesthetics. :)
On a kalesa with Meryl, Kay, and Paula! Thanks manong kalesa driver for this photo!
Later that Friday, Royale: Rule the Night at Gasthof, A-Venue, a party for the benefit of Project: Brave Kids. I rarely go to parties but my friends, Lych and Reg (and their group for their event class) organized it. Congrats!

(Okay, so they're not in the photo. Hahaha. Sorry, the ones with them aren't up yet!) Here's Pam, Ate Clarence, Kuya Jojo, AJ, and Mommy Ria! Some heart-to-heart with Ate Clarence made a lot of things make a lot of sense! :)
And then my Saturday and Sunday were very uneventful. Home, grocery shopping, church, dine out. But it was awesome, nonetheless.

I didn't mind three things for three days:

1. SCHOOL - Yes, I know it's almost finals week but I think I can manage to take a break. Besides, my classes this term don't require a lot of reading, reviewing, studying, and the like. Most of them (if not all, hmm) are method- or process- application classes. Of course, having Monday as a no-class-day is always a plus! :)
   
2. WORK - I know I'm not really "employed" but GMG, more than an extra-curricular school activity, is almost my life. Well, my lifestyle is dictated by it sometimes. I haven't been very MIA (missing in action) because I'm like glued to my phone, still. I think I really, really deserve a break from all the production services request. After all, I have academic, family, and social life to lookout for as well.
   
3. CYBERSPACE - My mom always told me that I'm an internet monster. Or a computer monster. Something like that. I look like a zombie because I stay up until the wee hours of dawn, just hooked up to the internet, eyes glues to the monitor, fingers typing away to infinity. And beyond! (Haha, Buzz Lightyear in the house?) I'm glad to see only 77 email messages for a span of three days, as opposed to my more estimated 50+ email messages per 24 hours.

Now that I'm back from my so-so but relaxing weekend, I expect my world to be the way it was three days ago: noisy and erratic despite the awesome, cheap thrills. I don't expect the stress to be murderous anymore. I think I owned the weekend.

Word Vomit

Word vomit is simply a rant-fest. If you have very little patience, I suggest that you exit this page or divert from this entry, at least.

So I'll just air out a few stuff, some food for thought, the likes of which. La la la la.

I hate it when people of authority over you nag like there's no tomorrow and you don't even know why, at that. I totally get how they feel, that they just see to it that you're fully-functioning and all that. What I don't get is that you have a problem with me and you seem to suddenly divert randomly and name-drop. I can take all the sh*t they're ready to give me because I think I've been stronger, but the fact that the people I love get run over is a whole different story. I am crying buckets right now and I'm sure there will be more.

I hate it when people of authority over you try to threaten you as they turn the things that you love against you. That one thing that you are most passionate (or maybe not really) about is about to be taken from you, how would you feel about that? To make things even harder, you've already been rid of freedom to explain because of baseless assumptions, and that your life has been really great (not being sarcastic, okay) except for unreasonable provisions set upon you.

I just want to stress that I'm not in a rebelling phase. Like what a friend recently told me, it's only "inflicting injury to yourself". I totally get why you are being that way. I just don't think it's fair that people I love get involved sans reasonable cause. I don't think it's fair that I get more strangled than I always have been and the things that I value most are taken from or turned against me.

Good Start

Midterms week. Ack!

It's Tuesday, I know, but it's technically the start of my school week (just for this one) because of the special holiday (People Power Anniversary) yesterday. In my previous blogs, I have mentioned a couple times too many about how my February weeks haven't turned out to be so great. Ergo, wishing hard that the last week of this month would turn out okay, at least.

So today, as I start this week right, I tried to be productive, see. I did normal stuff. You know, the usual class-Agno-meeting-tambay combination. Today proved to be worth all the stressful weeks that passed. Thus far, that is. I hope this week is awesome-epic-like-you-can't-imagine. Although I try not to expect a lot, I have high hopes because life makes bawi in due time like that. (Sorry for the poor grammar, brain and body's tired and is shutting down earlier than expected.)

Something extraordinary that I did today was voting for the next set of Green Media Group Executive Board.
Enough said.

To top the day off, the La Salle Dance Company - Street (LSDC-Street) invited us, the Danz Dish 5 production crew of GMG, to their post-concert celebration at the Torre Lorenzo roof deck. I got there and I saw all the LSDC-Street members/dancers in costume! How cute they all looked! They sported different looks: Avatar, Boys Over Flowers, WWE, Saw (?), and yeah, that's all I remember. Heehee.

I felt unsure as I entered because I believe I was under-dressed, you see. It took me a while, though, to realize that my white shirt topped with a navy blue vest/chaleco made me pass as one of the hosts! Jay Leno and Ellen Degeneres, go figure. Hahaha!

Ellen Degenereses: Ikat Gallardo and Cee Salvador. There are a couple more from them dressed this way but she's the one nearest me that I could grab a photo with. Haha.
[© Leia Anne Medina 2010]

Hahaha. REALLY FUNNY COINCIDENCE, MAN.

Personal Worst

In running, as a sport, there is such a saying as: BEATING ONE'S PERSONAL BEST. As in, "All my training paid off because I beat my personal best of 50 minutes today." It's when you break your record; your fastest time.

After almost three weeks without training, my legs gave up on me in the middle of my run. I'm quite proud, though, that even though I abuse myself with useless vices (sleeping late, erm or dawn-like-early, ingesting junk, missing proper exercise, whatnot), my breathing is better than ever. The downside, though, is that all the overworking I do with my body and all the fatigue my body is forced to face make my body parts weak. My lungs could have taken more but my legs were more than screaming at me, maybe around my third kilometer, at least. Ugh.

Well, I've gotta say. I disappointed myself today. I beat my personal worst! (If there is such a thing.) Good thing I didn't register for the Century Superbods Run at The Fort. Otherwise, I could have wasted a good amount of P600 just so I could run with Derek Ramsey, and fail at it. Hahaha!

Collapse, Lay Dead, Hibernate

What is up with my February? There are only four weeks, and the third week is about to end today. The first week was one hell of a busy one. I spent the second week being sick to the bones. The third week was a no-academic-stuff-accomplished-just-pure-org-work week, which gave me more than the stress and exhaustion that I expected: two shows.

Taken last Thursday night, during the Culture X production. Yuchengco never looked this pretty until that night.

Last night, when I went to the University Week Animo Fair and Culminating Night, I felt like I wanted to collapse and lay dead and hibernate. I wish I could do just that. Hibernate! I feel like I need that now. I collapsed on my bed last night. I lay dead and slept. All that's left to do is hibernate.

But before anything else, here are some photos to show that despite insanity, I look sane. Or not? Hahaha! Well, fine. I look too damn tired.

I was telling them a funny story that happened two weeks ago. I'm really this animated when I tell people about my experiences and whatnot. I'm enjoying my mango juice, that's for sure. Haha.

Ugh. Fat cheeks plus deep, dark eye bags. Not nice. Not nice at all.

Both photos courtesy of Yanee.

I know that hibernation is a far cry right now; what with midterms week coming up and all other requirements attached to it. For sure, I would love to hibernate from GMG, even just for this week. I know I still have a lot of responsibilities despite the midterms, but I think I can put them off somehow. Even just for a week.

To make things light again, here are some photos from Friday night:

Most photos courtesy of Yanee, Lexie, and Meryl.