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.)