So, there's a new beauty blogger out there and she's giving away prizes. Yay!

A limited edition Shu Uemura Mika Hearts Shu Portable Brush Set! Goat brush for the face, pony and squirrel brush for cheeks, sable and kolinsky brush for eyes, and sable brush for lips.

Sigh. I want, I want, I want!

Check it out. There's even a Jurlique set and a Shu Uemura lipstick holder as 2nd and 3rd prizes. Drool.

http://beautyforaliving.blogspot.com/2009/05/win-mika-heart-shu-makeup-brush-set.html

You know, getting a prize would SO make my bar review days happier. Nothing like free goodies to stave away the pains 8 to 10 hours of daily studying.

I was reading De Leon while waiting for PubOff class to start when Jobert arrived. My other seatmate Althea turned to greet him.

Althea: Uy, bagong gupit ah.
Jobert: Oo nga eh (smiles)
Althea: Dahil ba yan sa President ng Ateneo?
Jobert: Huh? (puzzled)
Althea: Di ba binibiro siya sa yo, kaya ka ba nagpagupit, para sa kanya? (teasing)
Jobert: Wait, President ng Ateneo? Binibiro ako sa President ng Ateneo? Sigurado ka ba dyan? (looking a little unsure of how to react)
Althea: Oo diba, hindi mo ba alam yun? May thing ba kayo?
Jobert: Uhm, lalaki ang President ng Ateneo.

*explosion of laughter coming from me*

Hahahaha. Wala lang. Gusto ko lang i-share. Poor Jobert was bewildered.

Yesterday was pure and utter mayhem. It was hot, sticky, exhausting and I couldn’t hear myself think, but I wouldn’t have missed that Salubong for the world.

I didn’t drive to Manila (that’s just asking for trouble), and Toff was kind enough to pick me up and entertain me the whole ride over with all sorts of trivia and law school chismis (that man has a finger on the pulse of the community, yes, even when he’s been skiving off to North America randomly). A short walk from the hotel, a bit of discreet skulking amid Ateneans in our UP Law shirts with our UP Law pennants to get to a necessary food source (Hello KFC!) and a quick run back to the assembled horde of crazed law students (and lawyers!) once the shouting started and we were in business!

I confess to not having been present in past Salubongs. I have only gone once before and was witness (in close quarters) to a brawl between fratmen involving shattered glass bottles, so you can understand why I wasn’t eager to revisit the experience. But of course, this one was different. Like I was saying to Toff, I felt like this was my bar too, minus the stress of course. That comes after. Which is now, actually.

See, it’s now official. As soon as their bar ends, mine begins. A scary thought. And for those who think that the bar is only one month out of a year, let me tell you that you are so very, very wrong. It’s months and months of grueling studying, of setting aside everything else in your life, because nothing else can matter for now. It’s having a monstrous fight with your boyfriend and sitting down to read provisions even when your eyes are swimming in tears and you need a good cry but you can’t let it out for now because - damn it - you haven’t finished your quota of pages for the day. It’s changing your number so no one can bother you with the little things because every minute spent not studying is a waste and you can’t waste any more time than you already have. It’s stepping on your glasses the day before the first Sunday, having an eye bitten by an insect the night before the exam, having everything that can go wrong go absolutely horrible, but you can’t even spare a good rant, because the bar is TOMORROW and you still have so much left to read. It’s having a loved one die in the middle of September and having to push aside your grief even when it gnaws at you every moment you can spare to think.

And so it may have meant torture to my feet, and two long hours of enduring hunger pangs and a bludgeoning migraine, but if it meant anything at all to my friends (you know who you are) then it would’ve been worth it. And of course, ahem, I fully expect the same level of love and support when it’s my turn next year.

I want pompoms waving and high kicks people! Maybe a streamer with my face on it. Haha.

I have a Pleasures Delight boxed set (50 ml and 7 ml Eau de Parfum). It's worth P3650 (which is the going rate for a 50 ml bottle, the 7 ml spritzer comes free, you can check) and I'm selling it for P3000.

Let me know if you're interested.

While I have always felt that my decision to stay in law school an extra year (for a number of reasons) has been a good one, the thought of an entire school year without my batchmates around leaves me with a bad case of the sniffles.

Ang sad, sad, saaaaad ko.

Elg, Jon, Cam-b, Cielly and Jordan, my fellow loiterers, DoTA buddies and restaurant critics, have gone into hibernation and except for the occasional late-night DoTA calls, will not be seen for a while.

Izzy, the girl with whom I found myself heading to Quiapo from Ortigas, when we were on our way back to Katipunan (hello, diba? pano kami umabot ng Quiapo???), is also busy reviewing, at kung mabait akong kaibigan, hindi ko siya kukulitin lumabas.

The WINLAW room will feel so empty without Ethel's solid voice (I swear, pang-radyo talaga), or everyone's teasing of Mama Len, or even Jas and Beth's quiet studying (na nakakapag-trigger ng panic attack). I will miss my girl crushes Kalin, Karra, Angel and Atteh. I will miss Nikki and her bikinis.  And I will have to look far and wide to replace Cha as one of my fashionista faves.

Thursdays won't be the same without my fellow models sa OLA. Buhay artista kami dun puro damit, makeup at photo shoot, haha.

As for my blockmates... waaaaah! Mami-miss ko kayo sobra! I will miss Trina's AMAZING notes and Jaq's panic attacks, Janina in all her fangirly-ness, and Loudette and slap-and-slide tutorials. Naiyak ako when I read Janina's blog entry about saying goodbye to Cris. I will miss her forthrightness. These girls have taken up arms for me, when I barely knew them, and without me knowing about it. It's hard to believe they won't be a constant presence in my life anymore. And then there's Shirley, whose study habits rubbed off on me when we were seatmates (too bad it wasn't a permanent thing), OC Jme, my former fellow schoolbus seatmate, along with Jaq, Diane (who gave me flowers!), Alpha Female Chesa (whose arts and crafts efforts I remember fondly) and Kelly, who taught me the use of different colored pens and highlighters (she brought light into my life, haha), Jones the funny man, cryptic blogger Carmen and Benj Luis, who was actually my first friend in the block. The boys (Rob, Jon, Jordan, CrisCabs, G2, Angelo) taught me how to play poker, and introduced to me the wonders of DoTA. And then there's "Angelo and Feliz", one of the greatest joys of my life. The sight of them holding hands in school warms the heart.

To my batchmates, I will miss you all. Congratulations! And best of luck sa bar. :)

Ibang klase rin ang malas mo. Mackoy said that to me earlier today and I couldn't agree more.

So there I was last night, after a conversation with Chris, an exchange of messages with DS and exhortations from Macel and JM, all ready to go to Cebu this weekend. My classes for both Friday and Saturday had been cancelled, my companions would be flying back in time for the volleyball tournament on Sunday as well, and everything was just...peachy.

"It's a sign! Go to Cebu!" Said JM.

And then my car decided to go and get himself a scruffy, new look (I've decided my car's male).  How completely inconsiderate of him, getting himself all dented and scratched up and  ugly.  Now instead of frittering away money on something frivolous and impractical, I actually have to spend for something as ADULT and mundane as bodywork.

That was last night. This morning, I woke up and decided, to hell with fiscal responsibility. Why not still go to Cebu?

So with my mind thus firmly set, I went on my merry way to Ortigas to view condo units with my broker. And busted my tire.

Apparently, somewhere between Katipunan and Meralco Ave, I'd driven over a long and sharp object that made a deep and long slash on one of my tires. Completely ruined of course, repair no longer possible, have to buy myself a new one.

Okay, okay, I get it already. I'M NOT GOING TO CEBU! Geez.

Thank God for roadside heroes in leather shoes and ties (i.e. Dave, the complete stranger who changed my tire for me). And wonderful, wonderful friends who listen to you cry over the phone while they struggle manfully not to laugh at your luck and then tell you exactly what to do and where to go, promise to teach you how to change a tire, take you around all the vulcanizing shops, reassure you that it happens all the time and refrain from giving you the lecture that you so richly deserve (i.e. Mackoy, Ferds and Nick). And of course there's Diane who so very helpfully took pictures of me and my busted tire. I HEART my ultra-amazing-magically-perfect-greatest-bestest-pinaka-asteeeg-buddies EVER!

So Monday, car damage. Tuesday, totaled tire. Tomorrow's Wednesday.

Can I just stay home until this week ends?

*whimper*

Got this from Len's blog. I'm an Aquarian. Hmmm...

***

Aquarians basically possess strong and attractive personalities. They fall into two principle types: one shy, sensitive, gentle and patient; the other exuberant, lively and exhibitionist, sometimes hiding the considerable depths of their character under a cloak of frivolity. Both types are strong willed and forceful in their different ways and have strong convictions, though as they seek truth above all things, they are usually honest enough to change their opinions, however firmly held, if evidence comes to light which persuades them that they have been mistaken. They have a breadth of vision that brings diverse factors into a whole, and can see both sides of an argument without shilly-shallying as to which side to take. Consequently they are unprejudiced and tolerant of other points of view. This is because they can see the validity of the argument, even if they do not accept it themselves. They obey the Quaker exhortation to "Be open to truth, from whatever source it comes," and are prepared to learn from everyone.

Both types are humane, frank, serious minded, genial, refined, sometimes ethereal, and idealistic, though this last quality is tempered with a sensible practicality. They are quick, active and persevering without being self-assertive, and express themselves with reason, moderation and sometimes, a dry humor.

They are nearly always intelligent, concise, clear and logical. ... The Aquarian philosophical and spiritual bent may be dangerous in that it can drive the subjects into an ivory-tower existence where they meditate on abstractions that bear little relevance to life. On the other hand it can help the many who have scientific leanings to combine these with the Aquarian yearning for the universal recognition of the brotherhood of man, and to embark on scientific research to fulfill their philanthropic ideals of benefiting mankind. When some cause or work of this nature inspires them, they are capable of such devotion to it that they may drive themselves to the point of exhaustion and even risk injuring their health.

Both types need to retire from the world at times and to become temporary loners. They appreciate opportunities for meditation or, if they are religious, of retreats. Even in company they are fiercely independent, refusing to follow the crowd. They dislike interference by others, however helpfully intended, and will accept it only on their own terms. Normally they have good taste in drama, music and art, and are also gifted in the arts, especially drama.

In spite of the often intensely magnetic, forthcoming and open personality of the more extrovert kind of Aquarian, and of their desire to help humanity, neither type makes friends easily. They sometimes appear to condescend to others and take too little trouble to cultivate the acquaintance of people who do not particularly appeal to them.

They do not give themselves easily - perhaps their judgment of human nature is too good for that - and are sometimes accounted cold. But once they decide that someone is worthy of their friendship or love, they can exert an almost hypnotic and irresistible mental attraction on them and will themselves become tenacious friends or lovers, ready to sacrifice everything for their partners and be faithful to them for life. However, they are sometimes disappointed emotionally because their own high personal ideals cause them to demand more of others than is reasonable. And if they are deceived their anger is terrible. If disillusioned, they do not forgive.

Aquarians work best in group projects, provided that they are recognized as having a leading part in them. They have a feeling of unity with nature and a desire for knowledge and truth that makes them admirable scientists, especially astronomers and natural historians. They may excel in photography, radiography, electronics - anything connected with the electrical and radio industries - aviation and everything technical. On the arts and humanities side their progressive tendencies can be expressed in writing, especially poetry, and broadcasting, or as welfare workers and teachers. Some have gifts as entertainers and make good character actors (having an ability to mimic) and musicians. The more psychic among them possess healing gifts, especially in curing the mentally sick.

Among the faults to which they are liable are fanatical eccentricity, wayward egotism, excessive detachment and an inclination to retreat from life and society, and a tendency to be extremely dogmatic in their opinions. Aquarians can be a threat to all they survey or a great boon for humanity in general. Circumstances - for example, continuous opposition to a cause they hold dear - may cause the atrophy of the openness of mind that is one of the Aquarian's most attractive traits. They may express a lack of integrity in broken promises, secretiveness or cunning. Simmering anger and resentment, rudeness or, worse, a tense, threatening silence which may suddenly burst out in eruptions of extreme temper, these are all part of the negative side of the Aquarian. This can also reveal itself in a sustained hatred for enemies that is capable of enlarging itself into a misanthropy toward the whole of mankind.

Possible Health Concerns...
As Aquarius is said to govern the legs from knees to ankles and the circulation of blood, its natives are susceptible to ailments particularly in the legs and ankles, such as cramps, and are also liable to spasmodic and nervous complaints, as well as wind, catarrh, diarrhea, dropsy, goiter and delirium tremens - so that the avoidance of alcohol is important for those Aquarians who have a taste for it.

LIKES

• Fighting for Causes
• Dreaming and Planning for the Future
• Thinking of the Past
• Good Companions
• Having Fun

DISLIKES

• Full of Air Promises
• Excessive Loneliness
• The Ordinary
• Imitations
• Idealistic

So my first blog entry in a looooong time and I'm blogging about Brad Renfro. Sorry, affected ako eh. I can't believe he's dead.

Wag lang talaga si Michael Treanor (Rocky of 3 Ninjas). He is The One That Taught My Heart How To Love.

And since we're all friends here I can safely admit that once upon a time, I set my watch to Southern California time because only in knowing when he was having breakfast, or going to class or sleeping soundly, did my heart rest easy. And of course, I had to know when his birthday came, to the minute, because singing Happy Birthday to my beloved, from thousands of miles away, past 12:01 am, just would NOT do.

I would rather not go into detail on how I'd be overcome by a fit of depression on weekend nights (his time), because the thought of him being out on a date was just TOO MUCH to bear.  I was thoroughly versed in the concept of metaphysical pain at the age of 11.

But...let's not digress.

Brad Renfro.

Sadness.

I finally made my decision and tonight I officially joined the IHL (International Humanitarian Law) moot court team.

When I was informed that I had made it to the IHL team, I was also told that I was being given the option to waive the slot in favor of a shot at joining the Jessup Team (I mean, come on, it's freakin' JESSUP!). Siyempre nalito ako diba? Ikaw kaya. Haha.

Buti na lang talaga I decided against forcing my graduation this school year in favor of staying an extra sem so I could "enjoy" school more (as opposed to overloading to the extremes and not being able to take all the review subjects I want to take). So now, I can always try for Jessup next year after having trained extensively for competition this year. Perfect diba? So there. I am now officially a member of the International Humanitarian Law moot court team.

Happiness.

***

We were talking about debate over dinner, and on the way home as well and it brought such a rush of memories. All those panicky all-nighters days before the competition (because we crammed preparations at the last minute), the shopping expeditions (which resulted in me fainting and being rushed to a foreign hospital with the doctor jabbering in a foreign language while menacingly holding a HUGE needle), the endless drama (crying because we made it to the Octos, crying because we had to decide who would be competing, crying because we won, crying because we lost, crying because we didn't know if we had won or lost, crying because we had to go up against fellow teammates in an unlucky draw, crying because we hated a certain Malaysian team... tears of rage yung huli ha? Haha).

I miss my old teammates, my original Melaka team especially(yoohoo to RV and Lerie, and of course Marc, who was officially our Coach and unofficially the Instigator of All Activities That Shall Remain Unnamed). I will always remember my first All-Asians fondly. Kahit na di ko talaga ma-take ang food. That was also where I met Veejay who remains a dear friend to this day. Dun nila ako unang tinuruan uminom (you created a monster), dun ako nawalan ng contact lens at nagdebate na bulag, dun ko rin nakilala ang aking first love. Yihee!

I miss the old practice sessions and my McDo takeout bags. I miss Rommel's taray, Fred's ego (peace Fred, haha), and even my consistent foul-ups whenever a certain adjudicator who shall not be named happened to be judging my performance. I especially miss Glenn's unabashed worship at my feet. I must say Glenn, that friendster testimonials and emails are no substitute for an almost daily affirmation of my perfection ;)

Yun lang. Miss ko na kayo guys, let's all meet up!

Note to Rommel: Mag-debate ka kaya for CalState and we can meet up for the Worlds! :D

Someday my prince will come and he shall be named Trevor Houghton-Blenchely. With hair of dark sin and eyes of veiled starlight, he shall be overcome with emotion at the sight of my coyly fluttering lashes in his general direction and while astride his noble steed (or black BMW), he shall express his manly devotion.


TREVOR: Oh fair maiden, no one else in this land shall I love with my pure and noble heart. Permit me, oh tender flower, to lay at thy delicate and stiletto-clad feet my soul, my vast acres of land, my fleet of luxury cars and my most wondrous gene pool that we may bear offspring of unparalleled beauty, intelligence and athletic prowess. Come with me, my beauty and I shall take thee away to paradise (or Maldives).


TIFFY: Oh Trevor, whilst methinks thy love is indeed pure and true, and from our loins shall spring bartopping olympic goldmedalists/commercial models, what of my deep devotion to the study of law?


TREVOR: Lovely Tiffy, let thy heart not be torn asunder. Come with me, beloved,and thou shall never run out of highlighters, a Starbucks shall always be open for thy desires. My staff of hundreds shall happily create your digests and thou shalt have daily foot spas whilst thou peruse the bar reviewers an entire law firm of bar topnotchers shall create for thy use. Say only that thy heart is mine.


TIFFY: Oh Trevor, thoust had me at highlighters!


*****

Take that, Prince William! You can have your Kate Middleton (sniff!). My Trevor is better than you, ANY DAY!