The Mister, My Ultimate 'Vent-ing Machine'!

This week, I had one of those (what I consider) very annoying episodes. It’s rare that I have non-traffic-related outbursts. "Emo" is one word that’s definitely not in my vocabulary. I’m not a fan of whining - I complain but I try hard not to whine. (Whining is when you inflict the drama to the person listening to your miseries, complaining is just negatively stating the facts of what happened.) Most of the time, I hit whoever / whatever with apathy whenever an unwanted but unavoidable incident arises (Well, different case if I care enough for something / somebody that I offer them a piece of my mind).

But last Tuesday was too much that I had to blurt out ‘loudly’, at least on my head (and on fb!). Moreso, it felt so comforting when the mister asked about it on our happy hour and had me discuss it without critics or judgments. He didn’t get embarrassed even when my voice became a little too loud for a time. He listened. He didn’t even care if I used harsh words. He let me spill everything out until I calmed myself.

This, exactly, is love – practicing high tolerance on me during my ‘monster’ moments.

*tungkol sa opisina, baka mabasa ng mataas sa’kin mapahamak pa ako kaya tagalog itong disclaimer. Lurker yun minsan.

Steady, Finally!

Last Saturday, the mister and I went to the beach for our weekly date. During our one-to-one, he asked me if there’s anybody (or group of people) in particular that I still yearn to meet and have in my life. Well, if I were asked the same question three years ago I’d probably have a long list. I was advised to be independent but social at the same time. They said I got my mabarkada nature from my dad. When I was in college I have such hunger to have multitude of friends; I was so used to that lifestyle – endless gimiks, good (clean fun!) times, the complete young individual experience.

But that doesn’t mean I’m not having the time of my life right now. Come to think of it, I’m actually having more than that. Every hope, with great effort (and much praying), is within my reach. This is what having a life really means; working a stable job, planning my own family with the bestest mister, maintaning a close relationship with our folks, and having a few but dependable friends.

So my answer was a straight NO, I’m not looking for anything more than what we already have.

Well, I guess that over the years I finally learned to make the most out of my blessings. Especially people; may it be loved ones, friends, or family. Talk about having a brighter, more positive perspective -- now that’s what I consider ‘contentment’.

Cooking 101

Some of my friends are surprise whenever I say that I actually cook. Many of them cannot believe it whenever I let them taste my own version of "lutong bahay". (What a great idea to feature some of it here in my blog, don’t you think?) Perhaps I don’t look so homely to them! Hah!

Anyway, my parents are on vacation so my brother and I take turns with cooking our meals; the mister is in charge of the dishes. (Next month would be different because we are moving in our own apartment! Yey!) Last Monday, I made us chicken and shrimp alfredo with broccoli. I didn’t hear any bad reactions or witness disgruntled looks so I guess I did well. That moment brought me excitement; recipes began parading back and forth my mind.

*my Alfredo served with garlic bread and lumpiang shanghai*

I’m no kitchen-genius-Julie/Julia type but I can follow directions to create a decent dish. (By the way, it was such a neat, inspiring movie but I’m pretty sure I can never harm a lobster or de-bone a duck. Thank you.) I can offer Pinoy food such as sinigang and mechado, I can marinate savory meat, and even serve any pasta cuisine. I still need practice, though. Admittedly, the only limit for me is baking/concocting any dessert. I’m just not sweet-toothed that’s why I never had the urge to learn how to use the big oven (I can do some dishes using the toaster one, yes). My menu could go only as far as second pasti, but of course with a long wine list!

As how the old Filipino saying goes, "Marunong ka nang magluto, pwede ka na mag-asawa", the mister is quite happy to know that he’s blessed to find himself a personal chef (wannabe) in me. What more could he possibly asked for! *bats eyelashes*

Thank God For Bagot Films II - 'Whatever Works'

Woody does NOT disappoint!

Whatever Works is the latest serving of Mr. Allen and of course, I had to check it out. (Mind you, it took me months before I decided to pop it on my dvd player. I don’t watch bagot films if I’m not in the mood.) Anyway, it’s a light comedy full big word on the dialogues. The funny thing is, you could actually understand the context of all of them. I like the transformation of Boris’ character -- so smoothly executed. He was this pessimistic genius (almost ‘nominated’ for a Nobel prize) who happen to have something (negative!) to say about anything and everything. Then at the end, he had this open mind (though not completely reformed) that knows how to relate and listen to others, and doesn’t isolate himself anymore. The supporting roles also did a great job into mixing and matching with every scene.

This movie may not be as complicated as Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Match Point, nor it’s not as intense as Cassandra’s Dream. But it has the element of surprise (when Boris attempted his second failed suicide by jumping off his windows, only he landed on top of his supposed match/partner) which I find very admirable in all Woody’s films.

Four-in-a-row of movies written and directed by him, consider me a fanatic. Seriously.

Thank God For Bagot Films I - 'The Pianist' and 'Brokeback Mountain'

(Yes, this is part 1 because I'm determined to include more movie reviews here. 'Bagot' was coined by one of my friends because according to him my film choice is more on the boring side!)

Don’t you just love those films with thought provoking climax, those that are slow-paced but have a very enigmatic plot? Well, I happen to be so into them! I enjoy indie movies more than mainstream ones. For example, chick flicks (they’re different from matured romance films, ok!). I don’t have anything against them, I'd have them once in a while but I don’t prefer them given the choice. I don’t like the fact they only have two predictable endings – either the two main characters would have their happy ever after or not. (Same for action movies, either the hero would kill all the villains or otherwise.)

Last week I thought I’d research Oscar’s Best Picture winners and nominees. I think they’re credible and seem consistent with giving this award. I already watched as much as I can during these past 3 years; I researched older ones though and I viewed a couple last Saturday.

The first one was ‘The Pianist’ – based on true-life accounts of a musician on a World War II setting. Actually, it was very interesting. The movie was all about survival of the main character only it was beautifully depicted (and acted by A. Brody). And I think that’s one factor that sets a good movie apart from mediocre ones – its ‘believable/heart-wrenching factor’. Then next was ‘Brokeback Mountain’, which I wasn’t so crazy about. The acting was highly commendable (props to Jake and Heath) but it didn’t show enough interactions with the other casts. The dialogues were well put but I believe the storyline lacked luster. I wanted to see more dynamics but I failed. Jake's death was genius, not the usual shot-to-death or sick-then-died scene. I’m glad I watched it, though. At least I’m done and over with the curiosity element of the said movie.

I’m just happy that the mister is putting up with my latest amazement. He claims he understands my fondness of films, now. I reckon that his patience would be challenged if he needs to sit through a two-three hour movie but I guess he loves me that much that he’s willing to see whatever bagot film I want! (Yep, even gay-plotted ones.)

It's Just One of Those Telenovela Moments

I cried last night. Drama frustrates me but I wasn’t able to hold back the tears. I failed to stop them from pouring.

I had this little misunderstanding with the mister and before we knew it, I was already in my leave-me-alone space. During my lying on the bed while wallowing moment, (for the first time since we're hitched) I felt overwhelmed on how much stuff were going on in our life right now. Yes, ‘our life’ -- meaning neither ‘mine’ nor ‘his’, I’m speaking collectively for the both of us. It’s not that the reality of being married hasn’t sunk in to me yet, I guess I was just tired because we’ve been doing a lot lately and I mismanaged my time. I would give the world to do more; but twenty four hours weren’t enough. Well, there went my silly thoughts.

Anyway, the mister came to the room and hugged me. (OMG) I cried even more like a child, yes with sobs and sniffs! He apologized, we talked, and then everything's back to their easy-breezy state again.

Them soap opera-ish instances make me say "YUCK!", but last night was different. I felt like I needed it. With semi-swollen eyes and wet cheeks, I felt secured. Relieved.

With Friends Like These Who Needs An Army

Growing up, my mom used to tell me to smile a lot so others would find me approachable. She even teased me that I wouldn’t have a chance of finding a husband if I always look suplada. They might get a little intimidated, she added.

But I wasn’t a snob, I was just an introvert that’s why I don’t speak to others the first time I’m with them. Moreso, I didn’t like being rejected so I had the tendency to not make the first move. I only learned the art of reaching out during my college years. I had friends everywhere. In and out of my alma mater, around our neighborhood, meet-up friends, even online ones. I can say that I’ve been with people from all walks of life.
And I loved it!

Life, with its many unavoidable shits, happens. I lost contact with some of them. Also, I moved here in Cali (and I must admit I was bad with keeping in touch). Nevertheless, the best of the best ones remain close to me. I started evaluating myself with how I connect with others. That’s when I realize that the quality of friendship is more important than tally numbers.

Today, I’m not back to my suplada self (though my friends chime I look like one!), but I tend to screen who I could build strong relationships with before taking the plunge. I began opening myself up again and to my surprise, I’ve established wonderful bond with a few genuine people. I reckon that I don’t have to fear rejection because true friends would allow me to grow yet accept the whole me (including my scars and blemishes, my unpredictable moods, my topak etc). I guess it also comes with maturity that I’m able to separate those who were just mere acquaintances.

I’m so blessed to belong to an amazing set now.
I know.

Happiness Is Only Real When Shared

(blog title quoted from the movie, Into The Wild)

I love traveling. Discovering new places and unusual spots makes me high! Maybe it has something to do with braving the unknown. It gives me some sort of exhilaration when I step my feet on somewhere unfamiliar.

The mister and I share the same passion for jetsetting. We’ve been to a lot of places already but we’re still hungry for some more adventures. He’s into driving that’s why we clicked eversince. I am so glad to have found my perfect ‘lakwatsa partner’ in him.

Sometimes it’s not even the vacation that excites me; I don’t care if we drive for how many straight hours, it’s the thought of spending time with him that matters. The fruitful conversations, endless laughtrips, ‘car concertos’, and the comfort of our silence in between are what make me yearn for more.

I’ll never get tired of being his favorite passenger.

I own that seat.

Feeling Domesticated

Yesterday I called in sick because I was having cramps. Well, to pass my time I did some chores. I cooked lunch, I cleaned the kitchen, took out the trash, ran errands, walked the dog, etc. At 4pm, I was tired already and I wasn’t even done with everything I needed to do.

I’m never used to doing ‘house activities’. It’s not that I’m lazy, it’s just that there’s always somebody preparing things for me/us (ahmm, my mom). But I was aware before I got married that I’d be the one in charge of keeping our house when the time comes that we’ll have our own. Still, I have a lot more to learn and master before I could claim the title of a fully-pledged housewife. Good thing, I know how to cook -- the mister and I won’t ever be hungry! Hah!

It was exhausting but I was fulfilled with what I accomplished. Looks like I’m going to ask the mister if I could retire anytime soon. (I kid! I kid!)

An Easter Blog

Every lent I give up something. Well this year, it was coffee.

I’m a coffee-junkie at heart. I feel like my days aren’t complete without a single cup, even my friends could attest to that. Who would’ve thought that I’d last these past forty days without it? Admittedly it was a hard. I salivated every time I make the mister’s morning coffee. Breakfast wasn’t that appealing if paired with hot chocolate or tea. But I see Lent as being not in control; self denial of one’s greatest pleasure and no sacrifice is worth more than what the Lord had done for us. I felt really victorious that I didn’t succumb to my coffee cravings.

As for my reward, I woke up this morning to the smell of my favorite brewed coffee from Starbucks (pike place roast with toffee nut and classic syrup, two pumps each) -- the mister brought me breakfast in bed. (You have no idea how excited I was to taste that familiar dose of my beloved caffeine.)

Happy Easter, indeed!