When Bordedom Gets to You

watching (at home): ergo proxy*
watching (at the office, DURING LUNCH): lucky star**
just finished watching: rosario + vampire***
burning: ai yori aoshi
will burn next: seto no hanayome
downloading: kage kara mamoru!
will download next: ghost hunt
looking for: bokusatsu tenshi, vampire knight, sould eater ****
reading: millenium snow *****

* - Re-l no kakkoii!!! Kyaaahhh! XD
** - bui, return my lucky star dvd!!! you didn’t even like it and it’s STILL with you! >.<
*** - fan-freakin-service, much? waste of time rating: 3.5/5
**** - help? ^__^;
***** - i’m finally reading manga again! ^__^

    We had a wonderful lunch date at big bro’s pad yesterday. They served us gigantic slabs of juicy, freshly-grilled steak, and really yummy crab. We had a lot of fun scarfing down all that food. Yum! On the way home, my dad, lil sis, and I were sitting at the back of the car..

Dad: *looks at Lanie and notices she’s holding a notebook*
Lanie: *studies*
Dad: Bakit ka may dalang notebook, Lan?
Lanie: Wala, gusto ko lang. Mahilig lang ako magdala ng notebook.
Me: HAHAHA! Aba’y loko ‘to ah.
Dad: T__T
Lanie: *smirks*
Me: Pa, niloloko ka oh. Ako din ginanyan niya ako kanina eh. Kasi kanina…

(..and here’s the said conversation)
Me: *sings to an opera style song*
Me: Ano Lanie, pwede na ba ako mag-opera?
Lanie: Uh yeah.. Opera for the deaf. *rolls eyes*

Pa: Opera for the deaf? Edi hindi nila maririnig yon.
Me: Uhhh that’s kinda her point. T__T
Lanie: *looks at me* Cha, he’s getting weird again..
Me: HAHAHA!!!
Pa: T__T (kids…)
Me: T__T (geez…)
Lanie: T__T (bunch of fools…)

    I had a Korean movie marathon last Sunday (Feb. 3). I watched My Sassy Girl, Windstruck, and My Crazy Love. And boy, did I learn a lot.

From My Sassy Girl:
1. You can get away with almost anything if you’re pretty (anything: beating up a guy, getting free food, beating up a guy and STILL getting free food, throwing up on someone, wearing sneaks with formal attire, standing up a guy for a year and still getting him back, and many more).
2. Hang around the subway. In our case, the MRT/LRT. If and when you find a drunk girl/guy who’s about to be hit by the oncoming train, rescue her. He/She might just be worth the effort.
3. Always bring an extra pair of slippers/shoes. For when your girlfriend suddenly has the urge to borrow yours.
4. Bringing a girl flowers in the middle of her class is NOT cool. Yeah it’s sweet. But it’s just not cool! Okay?! It’s really embarrassing!!!
5. Listen to your mother. If she tells you to go see your aunt, do it. She might just introduce you to the girl/boy of your dreams (and prevent maybe 2-3 years of waiting).

From Windstruck:
1. Saving a girl from utter humiliation and big trouble will get you a one-way ticket to boyfriend status.
2. Don’t drive on a mountain on rainy days. If you absolutely have to, look out for gigantic boulders falling onto the road.
3. Drawing a moving cartoon on the corners of books about you and your girl/boyfriend is very cute. ‘Nuf said.
4. If your girl/boyfriend is trying to catch a criminal, don’t try to help. Don’t even THINK about helping. Just stay put and read a book or something. Bottom line is, if you’re not a cop, don’t try to be one.
5. When you die, you can hang around for 49 days ’til you officially disappear from the face of the Earth. Incidentally, people will stop looking for you after 49 days.

From My Crazy Love:
1. Yes. Some people are gullible enough to become your personal slave if you’re good-looking, rich enough, and if you have something to threaten them with. In some cases, only the first 2 are needed.
2. When a guy kisses you, it doesn’t mean he’s telling you to give up college to marry him.
3. When a good-looking, rich dude asks you to become his personal slave, look like you’re doomed, but still go along with it. He just might be the guy of your dreams (who am I kidding?!).
4. One way to win a girl’s heart: make her believe she failed at something and then tell her in the end she didn’t. Yeah, sure. That’ll win her heart alright.
5. To get back together with a girl, make sure to bring her to a spot that lights up at night (could be a carnival, a theme park, or anywhere that will give you a really glorious entrance). The romantic atmosphere will make her less inclined to smack your face after doing #4.

    These three movies made me laugh, cry, and appreciate the sweet things that can happen in life. I can only conclude that Koreans sure do know how to make awesome romantic comedies.

    These are my last few days as a teenager. I can’t say all my teenage years were all sunny and fun, but it doesn’t really matter. What DOES matter to me, is the fact that I’m spending my last few days as a teenager doing nothing special, just wallowing in mediocrity. I’m in a routine where I work 5 days a week, and on weekends, I go out, go home, then watch dvds. Whenever I go out, it’s the same old scene. Nothing special, I tell ya. I feel like a slug, actually. My non-active lifestyle isn’t helping much, either. I keep telling myself that it doesn’t have to be this way, and that I am the one condemning myself to this rut. This cycle. This routine. I want something new, for once. I wanna be able to do things I’ve never done before. I want to go to new places, and enjoy new things. I want to do the things I’ve always told everyone I wanted to do. I want to be a new person. More mature, more fun-loving, and more adventurous. I want to start living an active life, a new life, starting at 20. 

    Now for even more mush. Many thanks to all the people who’ve journeyed with me throughout my awkward teenage years. You’ve truly helped me grow, and you’ve truly helped me understand the meaning of being a teenager. I’ve experienced it all. I’ve been bullied, I’ve been betrayed, I’ve been in lots of trouble. I’ve made friends, I’ve made enemies. I’ve made mistakes, I’ve made achievements, I’ve been loved, I’ve been hated. I’ve encountered dead-ends, I’ve been through peer pressure, I’ve been changed. I’ve been a good girl, I’ve been a bitch. I’ve even betrayed, I’ve lied, I’ve cried. I’ve many regrets, I’ve many things to be proud of. I’ve been in truly deep shit, I’ve been in many crappy situations. I’ve been humiliated, I’ve been toyed with, I’ve been neglected, I’ve been underestimated. I’ve been admired, I’ve been cherished, I’ve been cared for. I’ve been saved when I needed saving, I’ve been brave when I couldn’t be saved. I’ve been shy, quiet, and introvert, I’ve been loud, funny, and truly happy. Is there anything else being 20 can offer? I don’t know, but I’m here to find out. I asked my sister if she’d be depressed about turning 30. She told me she wouldn’t because she’s got Miggy*. I think that’s the biggest adventure she’s ever had in her life, and I’m really happy for her. She told me, if you think you’ve accomplished a lot, if you think you’re happy, you shouldn’t be depressed. Truth is, I am, actually. I’m glad I’ve got an older sibling. There are so many things they’re good for. So, am I happy about turning 20? Hell yeah! Although I’ll miss being treated like a kid by some people, being 20 means I’m finally getting the "don’t-mess-with-me-punk" badge to show Lanie** and Dad. >:D Just kidding!

* - Ate Mimi’s son
** - she’s my li’l sis

    The following is a rundown of all the significant year 2007 events in my life.

- I was assigned to Candymag.com last year. After months of doing small-time stuff, I finally had my own website to play with. This year, we’ll be doing another revamp (woohoo!) and I’m actually psyched. I’ll become a zombie for another couple of months again, but hey, it beats slacking off, that’s for sure. Wonder how it’ll turn out this year..

- I’m glad to say I actually became closer to my officemates. I don’t know why, but I saw myself gradually transform from a quiet nerd, to a loud nerd. Hehehe. Not sure if it’s because of a certain cartoon character loving officemate’s influence, or because I finally became comfortable with the people and work environment here, or because it was about damn time for me to come out of my shell. I’m glad everyone’s so nice and funny here. I’m also glad I’ve changed because of them.

- I finally got a seatmate! After all those lonely months sitting by my
lonesome self, Kors came into the picture. I love you, Kors!!! ^__^

- I discovered someone to share my love for the Japanese culture with. Ureshii desu! Nee-san, if you’re reading this, Daaaiiiisuki! Hehehe.

- I became a lot closer to my Onee-san, Ate Mimi. We always have lunch together at least once a week, I finally have a shopping buddy, we get our toe nails done together, and she even discovered a nice place to get our eyebrows threaded. We’re going to Bora this year. ^__^

- I’ve discovered a plethora of anime ddl sites. Definitely a godsend during those exceptionally boring days. My anime series collection continues to grow to this day. ^__^

- I finally inherited Kuya Mike’s PS2, but then it broke down weeks after. Great. Mike bought me a ton of games too, darn it! I blame it on Kuya Mike. He still plays with it whenever he visits, and he always plays the same damn game he’s FINISHED a ton of times already. *kicks the wall* *sigh* I’m hoping to get it fixed sometime this week. I guess this is the price I have to pay for getting the PS2 for free.

- Last year was Summit Digital’s (my department) Tagaytay outing. It was a helluva lot of fun! The second I become rich, I’m buying my own Wii. I swear it. This outing was especially fun because Mike was there, my officemates were extra goofy and funny, and one word, taboo. Taboo = F-U-N. Chalk Taylor, Dumb Truck, and Amputate were the absolute winners that contributed towards the 30 minute chuckle fest. Oo, inside joke ‘yan. Dapat ni-video yun eh. Panalo sobra.

- Mike bought me a new cellphone on New Year’s Eve. Thanks, Babe! I am now a proud mom to my brand new, shiny, golden Moto Krzr, which I named Chick (named after Miggy, my nephew, whom I so lovingly call Chicky). I promise to take good care of you, Chick. Wuv nyu!!! ^__^

- 2007 is quite literally my last year as a teenager. I shall be welcoming my big two-oh this 2008, and I’m kinda sad. Things will never be the same again, but that’s good for me. A little more maturity won’t hurt.

    Time for the new year’s resolutions! Cliche, I know. But what can I do?!

- I will try my uber best to watch/read/listen to the news. Try lang naman eh. Hehehe.
- From now on, I’ll try saving up some of my money. …For future shopping sprees. Heehee! ^__^
- I’ll try not to be late anymore. Even if I get a full set of "lives" now. CLEAN SLATE! WOOHOOOO!!!
- Will try to be more organized. My PC desktop is full of junk, my C:/ is almost full plus half of its contents is useless, and my mobile pedestal is full of trash.

    That’s it! Out with the old, in with the new! NEXT!!!

    Gaze. Dora. Barbee. These are only a few nicknames of my cool officemate, Gazelle. *cue dramatic violin music* Gaze is one of my favorite officemates. She always has time for our once-a-day "happy hour" sessions. Frankly put, may time sha palagi pumetiks. She can always laugh at my jokes no matter how low they may seem. For short, mababaw sha. She always has lots of stories to tell us. To put it directly, madaldal. Hahaha!!! JOKE! She can always give you a shoulder to cry on, or time to listen to your rants and raves, or advice to help you with your problems. Oo, may time sha palagi makipagkwentuhan. She will always be the girl with the amazingly contagious laugh. True!!! Literal ito. Kapag tumawa sha, tatawa na din ang lahat. Bakit kaya?? She is thoughtful, friendly, and most of the time, weird. Pero that’s what I super like about her. ^__^ She’s smart (malupit na programmer), and pretty. She’s funny, and very amusing to be with. She loves to party, and we have the same taste in music. She is actually one of the people I uber trust here in Summit. Why? Because the feeling is mutual. She has helped me a lot in becoming the person everyone here at the office sees today. Thanks, Gaze. For being the person you are, for not caring about what everyone else thinks, and for making me laugh almost everyday.

    *aherm* Gaze, if you’re reading this, I better get a special spot in your blog next time ha! Hahaha! Joke ulit. *wink*

    Hindi bilog ang mundo. At hindi rin flat, ano ba?! My kid cousin, Marise, was talking to Dad the other day about how the world isn’t round.

Marise: Papa Ces (dad), hindi pala bilog ang mundo.
Dad: Mundo? Mundo natin? Ito? *points to the ground*
Marise: Opo. Hindi bilog ang Earth.
Dad: *evil grin @ Marise* Bilog ang mundo.
Marise: Hindi po. It’s an oblate spheroid.
Me: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Dad: *thinks >> this kid is a smartass* San mo naman nalaman yan?
Marise: Sa school po. Tinuro samin nung isang araw.
Dad: Mali ang tinuturo sa inyo.
Me: Hahahahahahaha!!! Pa, tama sha.
Marise: *evil grin @ Dad*
Dad: Alam mo, mali na ang tinuturo ngayon sa mga school. Bakit ganun? Dapat inaayos ang sistema ng blah blah blah blah blah…

- literally a couple of minutes later… -

Dad: …blah blah blah blah nung nag-aaral ako dati hindi ganyan ang turo. Mas maayos dati. Lalo na sa mga ganyang subjects, magaling ako diyan.
Marise: Ako, 93 ako sa Science.
Dad: Ako, 95, 98! HAH!
Me: "Wala ka sa lolo ko" moment with a KID!!! Nice Pops! You’ve reached a new low! Hahaha! Lalo mo lang binabaon sarili mo. *pats Dad’s tummy*
Dad: *goofy smirk*

    At least we all learned a valuable lesson. Never think kids are dumb because they’re kids. They’re actually getting smarter by the generation.

MY Shameless Self-Promotion (SSP)

Name: Melissa Santiago
Job Class: Code Mage by day, Game Vampire by night
Designation: Programmer of the Lost Language
Age: 19
Height: depends on the phase of the moon
Weight: heavier than you think
Blood Type: evap
Other Affiliations: The Gullwings, SeeD, United Chocobo Union
Weapon/s: Black Keyboard of DOOM
Skill/s: looking awake whilst sleeping*, lightning speed touch-typing, grammatical error sensing ability, dumbass detection
Finishing Blow: The Legendary One-Handed 3-Finger "Whatever" sign (temporarily silences foes) + The Thousand Insulting Laughs of Oblivion (scars an enemy for life**) a.k.a. Super Ego Drop-Kick
Likes: laughing at dumbasses, animarathons, playstation, tv, sleeping, eating, wiseasses
Dislikes: stupidity, dumbass questions, self-absorbed people, "papampams"

* need a monitor and an open application to make it work (also depends on positioning)
** enemy needs to be a real idiot

If you could only have one, which would you pick: beauty or brains?

    Brains, definitely. Super cliche! I know. Once, I told my boyfriend, "If you’re going to compliment me on my looks lang din, I’d rather you compliment me on my mind, my accomplishments, or my work." Of course, nainis siya (I said sorry. Hahaha!). I mean, yeah, compliments like, "You look nice today", or "You’re so pretty" are nice too, but the bottom line is, I like non-superficial compliments better. Why, you ask? Try spending every effing day hearing truck drivers whistle at you, say hi, or slow down their trucks so they can "cruise" beside you while you’re walking. That’s not limited to truck drivers, though, but I think you get the picture.

    I’ve always felt lucky for having the brains to do my job well, and I’ve always strived to become successful in life. I believe you can’t do that on looks alone. Yeah, there are super rich celebrities (actors, models, singers..) who mostly get their dough from their looks, but you need the personality, the talent, and the guts to get to where they are. Of which I have none, zilch, zero. Hahaha! So yes, you cannot become successful on looks alone.

    At the end of the day, I’d rather take a simple "Wow Mel. The work you did was great!" over a "Wow Mel. You’re so pretty!" anytime. Not that people usually tell me I’m so pretty. That’s just an example. Baka sabihin niyo feeler ako. Sinasabi ko lang. Hehe.

    Ah yes. It’s that time of the year again, and I just want to say, I don’t want this year to end. Why? I have a lot of reasons, one of which, is that tis the last year of my precious teenage life. Yes. I will no longer be a teenager, come January 20, 2008 (Hint ito, people. I’m making a separate list for BDAY gifts. I’ll keep ya’ll posted. *wink*). Anywho! Wishlist time!!! WOOHOO!!! Tell me if you’re getting me any of these ha. Baka mamaya nakakuha na pala ako nun. Para safe!

Below 500:
- Neil Gaiman paper back books (350, Best Sellers dito sa Robinsons Galleria)
    >> Neverwhere
    >> Anansi Boys
    >> Smoke and Mirrors

Below 1000:
- high-waisted shorts from Bayo (775, Ask me my size nalang or better yet, I’ll go with you. Hahaha! I haven’t tried it on pa kasi kaya I don’t know my size yet.)
- jacket from Solo (I GOT IT NA! YEHEEEEEYYY!!! Thanks [*tooooot*] so much for the generous gift. It’s a gorgeous jacket. Promise! Hahaha!)
- long sleeved cardigans from Preview (700+, It’s here in Robinsons Galleria, I’ll come with you so I can choose.)
- VNC sandals (1030, GOT IT!!! WOOHOO!!! Thanks [*tooot*], for the uber expensive gift. You will always be remembered. I love them! ^__^)

Below 1500:
- high-cut sneaks (1500, Shoe Salon, samahan kita. )
- knitted scarf from Mango (???, Pero I’m sure 1000 something lang yun. Haha. If not, don’t buy it. Sobrang OA na yun.)
- flats (1380, http://methilation.multiply.com/photos/photo/9/12 Ask me for my shoe size nalang.)
- um, shoes. i don’t know what it’s called (1280, http://methilation.multiply.com/photos/photo/9/36 Ask me for my shoe size nalang.)
- gold Old Navy flats (1480, http://methilation.multiply.com/photos/photo/5/4 Ask me for my shoe size nalang.)
- silver Old Navy flats (1480, http://methilation.multiply.com/photos/photo/5/3 Ask me for my shoe size nalang.)

Below 2000:
- boots (1780, http://methilation.multiply.com/photos/photo/2/32 Ask me for my shoe size nalang. I will absolutely give you a gift every Christmas starting next year, for as long as I live if you get me this!!! …and I’m not exaggerating.)

    Let me thank the wonderful, uber thoughtful people who are going to give me gifts this Christmas. You will make my Christmas merrier, promise!!! ^__^

P.S.
    Will be posting updated versions of this list in separate entries if ever I think of other stuff I want. Oh, and for those who are expecting something in return, don’t worry.
I’ll think of something. Haha! But don’t expect it to be as expensive. AT LEAST MERON! Arigatou gozaimasu!!! Meri Kurisumasu! ^__^