Teenage Dream

The parentals at a wedding

My parents never had the perfect relationship and I don't think they'll ever do. However, when they let down their defenses, they actually do act like teenagers going bonkers with puppy love. Oh and yes - they were high school sweethearts.

Back when I was a naive child who thought boys gave you cooties, mom and dad were just mom and dad: mom helps me with homework, dad takes us all out when he's around. When I started developing a brain, they were still mom and dad but they were also 'partners': the family president & vice president. Looking back, I guess I don't recall ever seeing them as 'husband and wife'. They were never sweet or clingy or showy of emotions towards each other. Or if they were, it was probably a restrained effort from both.

So this whole wave of sweetness - the trips, the pet names, the (documented and undocumented) saccharine mush - is all a bit new to me because I'm not quite used to it. When I visited them in Manila I would sometimes stop myself from cringing or look away. They seriously have lived the teenage dream of spending a lifetime with their first loves. Shameless lovers they are. 

Saying that, I'm happy for them. I mean how many couples live through what my parents have? Not a lot. Mom told me once that 'love begets love'. I don't quite get it just yet but admittedly, seeing them both in happier states now watered my cynicism a teensy bit. I guess this is why I still believe in love. Because I think when you've found the one you can actually feel indestructible despite a weathered path.

Really happy for them, though. They look younger and healthier and ever so glowing now - and before you say anything, YES they're probably having a lot of, er, exercise (they do go to the gym regularly). Now to avoid the awkward moment I'll leave you with a thought: my mom's hair looks pretty like that, no?

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Day 30 - Your highs and lows of this month

PART OF THE 30-DAY MEME CHALLENGE

It's been a hectic month. Whilst most people have just about settled into 2011 I feel like I've hit the ground running - blindfolded - that I've let moments pass me by. Hence I can't really say whether the past month's highlights were highs or lows but I remember them because... I dunno. They stood out?

• Being inspired to write again post M's trip and being inspired to look ahead for better days.
• Banter with the most awesome girls in Londontown.
• A spontaneous night out filled w/ new people and drunken shenanigans, followed by the worst hangover in my 26 years.
• Hectic but quite productive days in the office.
• The week of takeaways.
• The week of girly perils.
• A conversation with my mother.
• Lab nights. Always love.
• Surprise flowers, hampers and secret packages. Wow. =)
• Zenna bar at Dean Street.
• Surprising a little koala bear.

That's all I can remember, and all I have time for. It's 5.30+pm on a Friday and quite frankly, I've better things to do =) Oh and yes... so this marks the final post for 30-day-meme thing. Phew! Now I can blog at my own pace without feeling ever so pressured to come up with something!

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Day 29 - Goals for the next 30 days

PART OF THE 30-DAY MEME CHALLENGE

• File a training request for professional development workshops
• Book a long weekend and take time to just chill out
• Get my head around sorting out my brother's uni application
• Finish a book or two
• Not have an argument with M, at least in the next 30 days
• Go vegetarian for a week
• Eat three proper meals a day - a pack of crisps for lunch won't do
• Check a few house listings for potential movement 
• Organise my room and my stuff - work out the charity bag!
• Blog some more! Perhaps start a blog with my friend Ana ;) 

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Day 28 - Something that you miss

PART OF THE 30-DAY MEME CHALLENGE

I miss being a student. I miss everything about my uni days from UP to Bournemouth. I miss being in class worked up in questions from the validity of equations to the practicality of the class itself. I miss the excitement of debates, the redeeming feeling of getting something right and knowing that your mind indeed is not made of nuts. I even miss that tingling feeling of self-doubt. Because self-doubt makes you feel human.

I miss the community brought together by feeding simple minds complex ideas to make our future lives simpler. I miss spending free time with my mates - sometimes too much that you end up skiving off class and sometimes a bit less you end up making plans when school ends. I miss the proximity of friends, the thought of being able to pull one with a text or a simple 'I'm too lazy to go to class... drink?'. I miss having groupmates to share the stress of all-nighters with, a posse to have brunch before classes with and a crew to kick it with when events and drinks are in tow.

But then again, life is a big classroom without walls. And I'm still learning.

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Day 27 - A problem that you have had

PART OF THE 30-DAY MEME CHALLENGE

Don't you reckon life's a bit too short to discuss problems, especially those that doesn't concern everyone else? So instead of rambling about the perils of life, I'll leave you with the good ol' Bob.

You know it.

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Day 26 - What kind of person attracts you

PART OF THE 30-DAY MEME CHALLENGE

How timely. It's Valentine's (schmalentines) Day and the challenge is to write about attraction. Okay then.

First off, let's get physical. Initial attraction comes in three big points:

• The face - D'oh?! Whoever said 'I'd go for ugly as long as ugly loves me' must have one heckuva... loving partner. What I've come to realise is that shallow as it may sound, I can't be with someone I'm not attracted to physically. I'm not looking for Brad Pitt (all-time Mr Beautiful crush), but the face has to be a face I can look at. I tend to like guys who have a 'naughty face' - lazy eyes, cheeky smirk and an I know something you don't look. A little bit of mystery is always yum.
• The shoes - and of course the dress sense (but shoes come first). I like a man who knows how to choose the right leather to wear for the right occasion and the right casuals for a leisurely stroll. I once dated a guy who knows how real, proper leather smells like. Sexy.
• The smile - a lot of guys tend to have a really nice face but a really nice smile is the kicker. Some beautiful men look awful when they smile and it's such a turn off because I like seeing people smile in the most casual of ways. It's the one thing that draws you in.

Those three checked, let's have a conversation. Get in there.

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Day 25 - Someone who fascinates you and why

PART OF THE 30-DAY MEME CHALLENGE

 

fas·ci·nate/ˈfasəˌnāt/

Verb: Draw irresistibly the attention and interest of.

A lot of things fascinate me but people rarely do. Don't get me wrong; my friends are absolutely irresistable and my family will always have my attention but I don't think I've ever come across someone who's fascinated me long enough. I get bored easily with people (and I'm not one for small talk) possibly because they change as breezy as seasons. Or slip off the radar. Or possibly because in this day and age everyone seems to be as self-indulgent as the next block of cheese.

In general though, I'm usually fascinated by people who are selfless and driven. Those who would fight for justice and truth against all odds, those who would willingly sacrifice their own happiness to give someone theirs. I'm fascinated by people who dare go the distance, those who know that the hard way may be the only way to succeed but they still battle through. The kind of people who say the simplest truths - the ones we should already know - but make you think more in depth and make you want to become a you. Oh and yes. I'm also fascinated by people who are perpetually happy and a lot less cynical. It's rare to find them these days.

Could you show me dear
Something I've not seen
Something infinitely interesting

Yes. Please.

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Day 24 - Your favorite movie and what it’s about

PART OF THE 30-DAY MEME CHALLENGE 

American History X

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Day 22 - How have you changed in the past 2 years?

PART OF THE 30-DAY MEME CHALLENGE 

Other than the superficial haircuts, faded tans and not-so superficial relationships, I don't think anything's changed much since 2008/2009. If anything, I actually think I've rediscovered myself again except I can humbly say that I've learned how to be stronger and more capable than I used to be.

Starbucks Bournemouth 2008 v Black & Blue 2010

I'm still on the vanilla double-shot cappuccinos & still on the martinis!
Yes, most of my clothes are still love black / white!)

See? Not much change really....

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OLD JOURNAL ENTRY: The one-day crush

You remember spending one whole day with him three semesters ago, when you both were assigned officials for the college volleyball games. During time-outs you talked about loads of things - he said he thought you were only 16 (you were 17 then), you said he should stick with his course (ECE, pare!). He made you laugh, he wiped the dirt off your face, gave you his tissue to wipe the barbecue sauce off your shirt.

You wanted to die in shame because you thought you’re turning him off because of your ‘Batang Gusgusin’ act. Upon realizing what you just felt, your heart skipped a beat - you are ‘in crush’. You were just about to ask for his number when your boyfriend appears, planting a kiss on your forehead. New crush walks over to his position, blows his whistle, and calls the last set. At the end of the day, you realize you don’t even know his name.

You never see him after that day. You wished on Orion’s belt to see him again before either of you graduates.

Last night, you hosted a university-wide event sponsored by your org. You realized that there were quite a lot of people and you couldn’t find your friends. Your eyes grazed the audience and you finally stopped when you checked row 6. There he was. Looking at you, smiling at you, making you feel pretty without even saying a word. You told yourself to meet him after the show, but then he stood up and left. He turns around and waves at you. You wanted to leave the stage but you couldn’t.

Because you still don’t know his name.

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Day 21 - One of your favorite shows

PART OF THE 30-DAY MEME CHALLENGE

You've gotta admit, genius blokes are sexy, and miserable assholes can be very charming. Love Hugh Laurie, love House MD.

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Day 20 - How important you think education is

PART OF THE 30-DAY MEME CHALLENGE

A degree is a golden ticket to a comfortable life, but the knowledge you get from outside the four walls of a classroom is the ticket to have the best life and to actually live your life.

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Day 19 - Disrespecting your parents

PART OF THE 30-DAY MEME CHALLENGE

I've had my fair share of arguments with my parents (mostly with my mother), mainly because I've broken rules for becoming the prim and proper little girl they wanted me to be. As most kids, I've had days when it felt like nobody could/would understand who I am and what I was going through so I unintentionally revelled in rebellion. Naively, I've claimed the power of doing whatever I wanted without thinking much and of course, as do most parental units, mine welcomed me at home from late nights with the words, ‘We need to talk,’ (hence the bickering).

I was never blatantly rude though. My parents have been great to raise me with a lot of respect for people – most especially for them. Or maybe it’s just fear. Or maybe it’s because I think my parents, albeit flawed in their own ways, are really brill. Sure, they’ve had a few shortcomings towards each other and perhaps a few unnecessary blows here and there but the big difference is that they’ve been wise enough to own up to their mistakes to eat humble pie.

So I guess despite our differences, despite the mistakes we’ve made (or will make) I will always have respect for them, not just because of who they are but ultimately because I know in a way they've learned to respect me too. 

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Day 18 - Your beliefs

PART OF THE 30-DAY MEME CHALLENGE

Just a few, off the top of my head.

• I believe in the goodwill of humanity, that there's still a number of people who'd rather do good than bad.
• I believe that there should be a separation between church and state.
• I believe that love may not know any distance, age or time but that long distance relationships are not sustainable.
• I believe that you can love someone for the longest time but when that love wears out you should stop fooling yourself and the other person. You shouldn't force it because as much as it is a choice, it should be effortless too. Human chemistry is something you can't brew in labs.
• I believe that nothing beats a decent amount of sleep after a really good meal.
• I believe that you can't choose your family but you can choose to be the better person.
• I believe that all children are special and they deserve to be cared for and to be treated well. They should be loved unconditionally, because our actions are key to moulding them into becoming the best that they can be.
• I believe in the power of silence.
• I believe in taking a breather once in a while, especially when frustrations may lead to you snapping at people you shouldn't be snapping at.
• I believe in patience. And that good things really come to those who wait.

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Day 17 - Your highs and lows of this past year

PART OF THE 30-DAY MEME CHALLENGE

Last year was dead set one of the most draining years by far. Highs and lows were extreme and they came in and out faster than the speed of sound. I've lost all sense of emotional stability and was always on the edge for fear of the uncertain. There were a lot of major changes and unexpected turns that knocked me off-guard and left me doubting myself and my purpose. I was at a loss again and again and I only felt happy when I had a glass at hand.Needless to say, 2010 was crap.

I've answered this question in photos and as I've realised that concentrating way too much on those lows made me forget that I've had pretty amazing highs too. I suppose it's true that sometimes you don't realise what you have or what you've gained when you've drowned yourself in your sorrow. But yeah, enough of that. Jump on, take the leap and feel the high.

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Day 16 - Your views on mainstream music

PART OF THE 30-DAY MEME CHALLENGE

Long before portable mp3 players were invented my dad and I would always fight about who controls the car radio during roadtrips. He liked his Top 40, I liked my indie/underground tunes. I remember he got tired of playing radio pingpong that he bought me my own walkman (turned to a discman turned to an iPod) so that he'll have sole conrol of the music board. 

I guess I'm the kind of person who'd flick between BBC Radio 6 (thank God the Beeb's proposed closure did not push through!) or Q Radio rather than wait for the charts at Radio 1. But unlike any other pretentious music snob I still think that a good tune is a good tune, regardless of who/what the artists play for. If a song resonates well with 10,000,000 people - so what? There's six billion people in the world and a whole lot of space to share sound.

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Day 14 - Your earliest memory

PART OF THE 30-DAY MEME CHALLENGE

I've heard a lot of stories of my baby shenanigans (ie my grandmother falling down the stairs with my two-year-old self and me laughing afterwards or me stealing my mother's bra at 3 and putting on lipstick... down there). I can't really remember these bits happening but trust my parents to come up with the funnies at the most random - not to mention unlikely - of times (ie meeting a boyfriend for the first time or talking to a boss/colleague).

My earliest memory however, would probably of my dad and I playing 'beauty pageant', complete with costumes, talent shows and the ultimate question and answer round. I remember Dad egging me on to either dance to Madonna, sing 'From A Distance' or Mom urging me to recite Rudyard Kipling. They'd ask me simple questions like 'What do you want to be when you grow up and why?' and I'd bravely answer 'I want to be a doctor to save lives' or 'A teacher so I can teach kids how to be good and eat their vegetables.' Back then I was fearless and my parents were so supportive and appreciative, even though it's just child's play. I was their princess, their angel and I was a good one.

The parents & I circa '05

We've gone far from those days. The costumes are now locked up in closets, forgotten and gathering dust. I can still dance (but not to Madonna) but I can't sing anymore (unless in the shower) and I can't, for the life of me, recite any Rudyar Kipling. I never wanted to be a doctor and I'm not qualified to teach. My parents know I'm no angel and the naivety has now been replaced by cynicism and sarcasm. However, in this world of role play, child's play and work play they remain to be the most supportive and most appreciative parents one can ever have. I am humbled by the most tender of moments we've had playing 'Beauty Pageant'. I will always be their princess and I will always love them for that.

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Day 13 - Somewhere you’d like to move or visit

PART OF THE 30-DAY MEME CHALLENGE

I love Europe, no doubt about it. That's why I moved to London. However, if I could really have a say as to which country I could stay in for the rest of my life... I'd love to eventually settle in the land of chocolates, luxury watches, multi-purpose knives and great tennis players.

The Jet d'Eau : view from Cathedral du St. Pierre

 

I mean, come on.. how stunning is that view? And there's more under the cut...

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