It's Dad's turn!

I know this is a little bit late, but, like the old adage says... BETTER LATE THAN NEVER! :)

Hi dad! :)

First of all, happy father's day! :)  I am very honored to be your daughter and no other father could ever replace you. I'm proud to say that you're my dad and even though I'm not always by your side, my respect and love for you never fades. Of course. :)

Let me thank you for all the things that you've done and are continuously doing for us. If not for you, I will not be here in this world. :)  Thank you for teaching me valuable things in life. Thank you for always being there--- from my first hospitalization to my journey in UP. Thank you for helping me hone my skills in writing. In short, thank you for being not just my dad, but also my teacher in life. You and mom are the greatest teachers I've ever had. :)

Now for the sorry part! Hehehe. Sorry for the mistakes I've committed for the past 18 years. I know we had an agreement back then about me having a boyfriend before I finish college. But when I had one, and I was just in 1st year college, you didn't hold it against me. Instead, you still supported me. Thank you for that. :))  And, sorry if sometimes I don't understand you, like where you're coming from. Bottomline is, sorry for whatever there is that I should be sorry about. :)

There are still many things that I want to share with you. I still want you to see me graduate, get a good job, achieve my goals in life, GET MARRIED, and carry your grandchild from me. There are lots of them. So, hold on tight dad, huh? Remember, you're still gonna walk me down the aisle! :)

It's pretty amazing to think that, just years ago, you could still carry me on your shoulders. But time flew very fast and now I've grown up before your very eyes. Yes, I may not be as little and cute as I am before, but remember this: I'll always be your little, curly-haired baby Jane. :)

And, I know we don't talk too much and we don't see each other more often. But I just want you to know that, no matter where I go, you'll always be in my heart and mind. Belated Happy Father's Day! :)  I love you so much! :**

Love lotssss,

Jane ♥♥♥

PS: The pictures aren't working! What the heck is wrong with the E-Lib? Lol. No worries, I'm gonna put them here when I get home. :)

To mom, with love ♥

It's never too late to pay tribute to my one and only mother! :)

Hi mom. :)

I know we don't see each other more often anymore. I can't come home to Cavite because of many responsibilities here in Manila, but you're always in my mind. 

Do you still remember when I was still a little girl, I used to make Mother's Day cards for you? Sorry I wasn't able to make one for this year (and for the past years). But I hope my kisses, hugs and love made up for them. Hehehe.

Thank you for everything, mom! ;D  First and foremost, you were the one who carried me in your stomach for 9 months. I know that's not easy, but you always tell me that when I was born, no words can describe how happy you were. (I know right ::)  Joke!)  You were the one who raised me to perfection (kidding!), and you are still molding me to become a better person, even though now you are not that strict anymore. ;)  Thank you for taking care of me, mom. I've witnessed your heroism as a mother, and I am very, very proud to call you my mom. :)  

Now for the sorry part. Sorry for my brattiness, sorry if sometimes I become pasaway, sorry for everything that I should be sorry for. :)

I believe that the best messages are relayed in person. So I won't make this long anymore. Hope to see you soon, mom. :)  Belated happy mother's day! I love you so much. :***

With much loooooove ♥ ♥ ♥,

Jane :**

Kisssss! :*

All grown up. ;)

I LOVE YOU, MOM! :)))

I hate these things... KUHA MO? :P

Annoying things, whether we like it or not, are part of our daily lives. Stupid traffic, noisy people, polluted air--- trust me, they're everywhere... and THEY FOLLOW US ANYTIME, ANYWHERE!

I've created my own list of pet peeves to share with you guys and gals. I've summed up different things or instances that always annoy me and get into my nerves. So, ready? :P

 

THINGS THAT I LOATHE A LOT: (in random order)
 

* Morbid / Brutal Movies - Aside from the fact that I have a trauma of breaking bones, I really don't get why some movies have to exhibit cruel moves. Well, okay, it's art AND reality, but not too much, bro! Maybe I'm maarte, but it's better to be one than to watch those gruesome, body-part-slashing scenes!! I really, really hate them! (FYI: Don't you dare look at me while watching movies with such scenes. Promise, you'll either laugh or what. Why? I cover my face with something, and when the sound effects get worse, I even cover my ears. Poor thing. :/ )

* Super noisy people - Who loves them, anyway? Anyone?? Isn't it irritating if, well for example, you only had 4 hours of sleep and your seatmate is way too loud? I know someone who speaks so loud, it sounds like a tiger's roar. And it's very irritating, so very irritating that I want to punch him/her on the face. Respect each other and speak in a normal tone, okay?
 

* Volume of the television is too loud - Okay, bottomline is, I don't want anything that is outrageously loud. Who loves them, again, anyway??
 

* When big buses honk right at me -  This happens to me, like, all the time. Why does it have to be me?! What's with me? I don't like it when I'm peacefully walking down the streets of Manila, then a big, big bus will honk right AT me. As in tapat na tapat talaga sa'kin!!! Packing tape. Do I look like a big hindrance to your way when I am, in fact, walking on the sidewalk?! Darns. Lagi nyo akong ginugulat and you destroy my eardrums!

* People narrating every detail of a gross scene - This is, somehow, associated with the first one. Okay, isn't it clear enough that I don't like watching gross movies? Then why do you still narrate every detail of it? I don't want to hear it, okay? Don't wonder aloud, like, "Why did he cut his own arms?" or "OMG his head flew off his neck!". I DIDN'T WATCH THE MOVIE  NGA EH, THEN YOU'RE GONNA TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED? Aww shut up!
 

* When i see the internet connection go down to o.oo - First of all, I like steady, fast internet connection; and second, I like it going up, like up to 300+ kbps or something. So when I see the connection go down to zero AND stays there, I feel like ripping the broadband and banging the laptop on the wall. In short, I hate slow internet connections! Grrr....
 

* The ''problem loading page'' icon - Whenever I see these yellow, cone-shaped icons with the text "Problem loading page", I feel like ripping the broadband, banging the laptop on the wall, and tugging my hair times two times two times two. I really turn red and wish to throw some curse words when I see 'em. And oh, especially WHEN THEY COME IN GROUPS!!! I mean, I clicked many tabs and they would all go "problem loading page", and then I would have to click the "Try again" button many times because they won't load properly! Packing tape times three! Di ba? Sino bang may gusto nun?!
 

* When the 30-second "no breathing" rule and water wont cure my hiccups - When I get hiccups, it's always painful to the chest. As in I would go "ouch". I experienced suffering from hiccups until I fell asleep because none of the cures I've believed in worked. Mind you, I held my breathe countless times and drowned myself with gallons of water but still THEY DIDN'T WORK! Now I don't trust those methods. Good thing I don't get hiccups very often. Hay. Very painful to the chest.

So far, that's just it. I'm gonna add new ones if I discover them. :)  Hope I didn't annoy you! Hahaha. Happy reading, fellas. :)

Thoughts from the almost wrecked brain

It's been a while since I posted my last blog post here--- I mean the "real" blog post, when I make kwento or something. I kind of missed this. :)  Even though I don't know what I'm gonna write here, I'm still typing random letters to from words. Crazy.

BTW, I just got employed by Rustan Coffee Corporation (Starbucks, that is) last March 21. That means I'm already working AND AT THE SAME TIME studying for summer school. Pressure, eh? Yes, there is pressure, brain damage, body stress and everything. Maybe that's the reason why I'm typing here--- to share my thoughts about this.

When I was being interviewed by Starbucks, I kept on insisting that I can handle school and work at the same time. I believed I can. But when I started working and studying at the same time, I reviewed what I said. Is it still right? Can I still do it? There are times when I think of quitting the job already. Times when I feel the burden is being kinda heavy for me to carry, and I'm thinking that I can't do this anymore. But you know what? I'm already a month-old in my job and I'm proud of it! :)

Yes, I feel very pressured and exhausted with what I'm doing right now, but most of the time, the quote "Don't back down." always crosses my mind. True enough, I can't quit this early, because I'm just starting. Winners never quit, and quitters never win. Right. I just think of the good things that may come out of this, like, I'll be stronger to face bigger challenges, because truth is, this is just a petty challenge. I know I still have to conquer more difficult problems in the future, and this is just a warm up. That thought keeps me strong. I know I can do this. I don't need to be afraid because I believe I have the capacity to go through this. And with God, I know I'll ace this challenge with a smile on my face.

Wish me luck. This could be the start of something new for me. :)

From the junk

This story was written on a slightly crumpled paper that was tucked in an old book of mine. This was unfinished, actually, so I've decided to add some details. Enjoy. ;)

(By the way, I made this for English class, fourth year high school.)

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"The Lonely Plant Decoration"

by: SJAC

All Rights Reserved 2011.

*No part of this story shall be reproduced by any means. Plagiarism is a crime.*

*All elements in this story are purely fictional. Any similarities to real life occurrences are merely coincidental.*

_______________________

Once, there was a wealthy family with a very beautiful house. Its furniture were all made of fine and delicate pieces. Some were bought from different parts of the globe, while some were made locally, but cost more than much. All of these were kept clean and organized, and were of great use and fully functional. But there was one piece which looks like it has no use: the newly bought plant decoration.

One day, the whole family went on an outing. No one was left in the house. And the moment the door was closed, all non living things came to life. 

"Ouch!", Doory, the wooden door, exclaimed. 

"What's the matter, Doory?", Mr. Cab, the intricately carved cabinet, said.

"Didn't you hear that?", Doory irritatingly asked, "That spoiled rotten little boy just slammed me! And you know what? He almost broke my knob because of his tight grip! Sheesh!"

Out of nowhere, Potty, the newly-bought potted plant decoration, spoke, "Don't worry, Doory. I'm sure they can fix you."

"Look who's talking!", Sophie, the snob sofa, blurted. "At least Doory can be used for convenience! Actually, all of us can be used for comfort, BUT YOU!!"

Potty bowed down in embarrassment, "B-but... I was just trying to comfort Doory..."

"Shut up!", shouted Sophie. "You don't have any right to speak here! You don't have any use! Right, guys?"

All the furniture agreed with Sophie, even Doory. Ever since Potty joined the house, everyone had ignored her. Everyone disliked her. 

But there was one grand furniture that always stood up for Potty. 

"Would you stop that? Potty never did anything bad to all of you!" It was Grannypa, the grandfather clock, which was the wisest and oldest of all the furniture. "Sophie, Potty never did stupid things to make you like that! So stop all these nonsense! Leave Potty alone!"

However, even though he was the oldest, no one respected him because he was not as hip and "cool" as the other furniture.

"Aww, shush. No one wants to hear you talk here, old man. So stop babbling!", Sophie said.

So they continued to bully Potty. It went on until the night. When all furniture were already asleep, Potty walked up to Grannypa and talked to him.

"Grannypa," Potty called out to him. "Grannypa, are you still awake?"

Grannypa opened his eyes and looked down to Potty. "Yes, I am. Why? What is it Potty?"

Before she could even speak, tears fell down Potty's eyes. "Am I not useful here? Am I not worth anything?"

"My dear child, don't ever think about that."

"Why are they always looking down on me? Like I'm very useless and not worthy of anything at all? Every time I reach out to them, they always shoo me away, like I have this very contagious disease! Why are they like that? Why, Grannypa, why??"

Grannypa bent down and patted Potty's back. "You know what, you remind me of something I used to know."

"Really? Who?"

Grannypa took a deep breath before speaking, "Myself."

Potty looked up with a wondering look on her face. "W-what do you mean, Grannypa?"

"You know, Potty, I was the very first furniture that this clan purchased many, many years ago. I just got passed on from generation to another generation, and through the years, I've met different arrogant appliances and furniture. There was this time when technology was becoming very popular, and different gadgets like digital clocks and computers were bought by this family. Dina, the queen of the digital clocks, always mocks me, saying that I am of no use in this house anymore. She insists that I am already very old to tell the accurate time, and that they can do that job better because they're, you know, digital. I felt so lowly of myself at first, seeing that my wooden exteriors have become chipped already and sometimes, my time-telling hands don't work anymore. But I just thought positive things about myself, like how I made this house beautiful because of my vintage appearance, and how this family still relied on me despite the fast change because of technology. So I faced every day with a smile on my face, and eventually, those digital clocks ran out of batteries and had wire issues, so the family had to throw them all away. And who stayed? Me. The "old, useless grandfather clock.""

Potty smiled and wiped her tears, "Wow. I can't believe I'll hear that kind of story from a superior furniture. That's why you're wise, Grannypa. You are a very incredible piece."

"Just like you, Potty," Grannypa smiled, "Just like you."

"But, at least, you can tell time. What about me?" Potty asked. "I can't do anything. I am just a simple decoration that can't do anything for humans! I can't make them feel comfortable by sitting on me, just like what Sophie does. Or, I can't produce air for them, just like what Electra does. Or, I can't make them be aware of the time, just like what you do, Grannypa. What is my function in this house? Nothing."

"You are a very special plant decoration, Potty," Grannypa said, "You delight visitors of the family every time they come here. Don't you notice the look on their eyes when they stare at your magnificent look? You are a very beautiful decoration, and no one, not even Sophie, can make you feel inferior."

"Really? Do you really think so, Grannypa?"

"I believe so." Grannypa proudly said. "Now go to sleep, my dear little wonder. Tomorrow, you are gonna be everybody's delight."

And so, Potty went to sleep and when she woke up, the family was back in the house again, along with some visitors. And Grannypa was right, Potty became the star of the house. Every one complimented on her gorgeous look, and some even tried to buy her from the family. Potty never felt so happy and contented, knowing that she discovered her true purpose in the house: to make other people smile with her stunning and beautiful look.

When night time came, Sophie approached Potty. "Hey, little fella. I just want to say sorry for the things I've said and done to you. The truth is, I'm insecure because you're so pretty and I've always envied you for your appearance. I am really sorry. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

Potty smiled, "It's alright, Sophie. Apology accepted."

"Thanks, Potty! Friends?"

Potty reached for Sophie's hand and shook it, "Friends. :)"

Grannypa was looking from afar, smiling. And when Potty went up to him, he just let out some wise words, "Go on, Potty. Make countless people happy."

Potty hugged him and cried tears of joy, "Thank you, Grannypa. I owe my confidence to you."

Since then, Potty never felt inferior anymore. She always stood out from anybody else, and no one ever judged her again.

*THE END*

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Lesson:  

Don't ever, ever think that you don't have any sense in this world. No one is worthless, useless, or any less. Everyone has their own purposes and importance. It's just a matter of discovering and accepting it wholeheartedly. No one deserves to be treated like they're a nobody, because the truth us, everyone of us is a somebody.

I hope you enjoyed reading this story, at the same time, learned a thing or two from this. Thank you! :)

♥ Me. :)

From teeny to lady

Music. Noise. People clad in red and black.

Red and black.

Red.

Black.

I was getting dizzy with the repeating color scheme. Overwhelming enough, the colors seem to jive with my anxiety and nervousness. At that moment, "calm" was nowhere to be found. Instead, "fear" and "worry" ate my weak mind and soul, and slowly chewed on my body.

The crowd grew larger as I peeked through the dusty window of the bungalow house. Hi here, hello there. Greeting everywhere. Friends who I've never seen for a long time suddenly came. They were looking for me. Looking for the girl who's about to become a full-grown lady in just minutes. 

Minutes of teeth-clashing suspense.

Palm sweating, body shaking, mind wandering.

"It's about time," the coordinator said. I held my prince's hand as we sneaked past the starving guests. Hiding though not really hidden. My heart was throbbing as we reached the staying area. I can't contain myself. I can't sit comfortably. I can't breathe normally. I can't remain steady. And, clearly enough, the girdle I was wearing added to the complication.

Suddenly, I felt fingers brushing against mine. It was my prince's hand.

"It'll be okay. Relax, calm down," he said. But I just can't seem to absorb his advice. My mind was clouded with thoughts, and there was no space for a little heap of oxygen to pass. I felt that my brain will explode in just minutes. I felt uneasy. He made me feel better, but the nervousness won't go away.

Introduction. Welcoming. AVP music. 

I grew more nervous.

The emcee called my parents to walk down the wonderfully-lit pathway.

I felt cold sweat all over my body. Buckets of 'em. 

Makeup already washed away. Foundation almost non-existent. Lips almost bare.

The emcee mentioned my name as they motioned me to make my grand entrance. I was escorted by my prince, who was as dead nervous as I was.

Heads turned. All eyes on me. I felt shy, since I'm not used on being the center of attention--- and attraction. They were all smiling, and although I seem to reciprocate their happiness, deep inside, I was wondering, "Is this real? Am I really walking down here? OMG, I sooo cannot believe this!"

Few more steps to go.

As I held my long, balloon gown to keep myself from tripping, I became overjoyed. Seeing the most important people in my life, standing there gazing at my seemingly amazing presence, was truly a delight for me. "Calm" finally showed up, and it pushed "worry" and "nervous" away from me. Little by little, I felt comfortable, knowing that, after all, I was the star of the night.

Three more steps to go.

Three.

Two.

One.

I was greeted by a bunch of confetti poking right at my face, with the guests applauding and cheering for me. The lights went intense, several cameras worked their shutters, and a huge amount of smoke was slowly released before me.

And by that, I already knew: the little, naive and childish girl writing this disorganized essay is not so little, naive and childish anymore.

And yeah, welcome to womanhood. ;)

Yours truly, now 18 and legal. XD

 

 Picture courtesy of: Mr. Claude Gan. :)  Thank you!