It’s been more than a year since the bewitching. It was on a July Sunday last year when she first mesmerized me and I’ve been hooked since then. The good thing is that the Barbie Almabis can now be seen and heard at certain times of the day. You know that cellphone insurance ad and the Nescafé jingle? It’s Barbie and the band!

I even saw them at Eat Bulaga!

I didn’t think they’d be this.. conspicuous.

The Barbie Almabis’ birthday is on the 26th and I so want to give her something, anything.

Gotta get a schedule of their gigs! Probably I’ll have a picture taken with her at long last. Yey. I’ll keep you posted.

On another topic…

I forget. But I’m pretty sure I’m nearing my first year anniversary in blogging.

Well, truth is, I first blogged on May 2003. I signed up at blogger.com and the URL of that very first blog was worldweary.blogspot.com

I remember it contained mostly quiz results from quizilla.com

But because my office computer crashed, I wasn’t able to update the blog as often as I wanted to.

Come October, I signed in at motime.com and began to write in purplerevolt.motime.com. I also tried updating the blogger account. I think I wrote mostly about All Saints/Souls Day and birthdays because it was my family’s birthday season.

Then I deleted the blogger account because it was senseless updating two different blogs. I stuck with motime.

“LISTLESS” was the header of the motime blog. I wrote in Filipino there. I also wrote some things that I would otherwise not write in a blog had I known then that the blog would be read by other people. I told you I’m slow.

When motime became too complicated for me, I signed in here at blogdrive because it’s the idiot’s guide to blogging (note: idiot is me, and only me).

The first title of the page was “rapturous.” Then it became “Rapturous No More.” Then I changed it to “Rapturous . . .?”

I’m not really sure how I feel now.

The first entry is dated November 17 and I’m tempted to label it as the blogging anniversary because it’s easier that way than if I try to recall that fateful May day when I first blogged. Besides, this blogdrive site is the only blog I really doted on.

I think I deleted the motime blog sometime last February.

Well, honestly, I tried starting blogs at tabulas and livejournal, too. But they were *thunder* complicated for me. So I stuck it out here. I like it here.

Maybe I will be blogging for a few more years because, hey, this blog thing is COOL. But I’m not really sure.

Oh, the drama of being 20 something.

Thursday, August 12/04 is a milestone in my life..

.. because I chatted for the first time.

You have to believe me. If you can’t, go ask IDA and MOKS.

My brother re-installed Yahoo! Messenger in our computer last Thursday and I decided (yeah, it’s something I have to decide on) to log in to Yahoo! Messenger.

And whaddayaknow? I caught Ida and Moks online.

I think I may have seen a chat window before, yes, yes, I already did, and I think I may have typed in some words while a friend (or was it my brother?) was chatting. But I never chatted on purpose using my Yahoo! ID until Thursday.

Some of my friends found their special (and not so special) someones online. At that time, I couldn’t grasp the reality behind it. But when they started dating/marrying each other and having a (real) family, I kind of understood that the Internet can be for real. This was in college, when I would choose a hardwood typewriter over any kickass computer (come to think of it, I still will).

What I’m saying is, technology sucks.

Joke lang.

It’s just that, I was never THAT hooked to chatting.

Man, the Internet used to scare me. It just seemed so.. unreal. I know, chatting serves a PURPOSE, and it’s more dandy than texting! I don’t know, I guess I just wasn’t into meeting NEW people through the Internet. Chatting with someone you (kind of) know feels better, though. I’m saying these in the context that (I assume) chatting boomed because you can be anyone in cyberspace, you can even pretend to be a girl even if you’re a boy.

Besides, I didn’t have a friend or relative (overseas or not) that I needed to chat with. But even when Jang was in Alaska for two months last year, we still didn’t get around to chatting. Hmmm. I think e-mailing suits me just fine, thank you very much.

Plus, I am slow. You might have caught a whiff of that already. I am painfully slow when it comes to certain things. Pare, posting a picture on my blog was a STRUGGLE. It took me days to perfect the skill. But now, I think I’m liking this CHAT thing.

I should've saved the chat transcript, printed it and then have it laminated. Then have it auctioned someday. When I get famous, of course.

The inscription will read: "THE FIRST TIME KATRINA CHATTED."

Not that it really means anything. I'm just, happy. You know? Hehe.

--ooOoo--

"MEET ME IN MONTAUK."



Hanep, pare. Watch it. Now na.



--ooOoo--

I BELIEVE..

.. in Aiza Seguerra.

.. that my KUYA is the handsomest.



.. that the only brand of crackers that goes well with a piping hot bowl of instant noodles is SKY FLAKES.

.. that DADA is looking over us every minute of every day and she’s wearing a purple robe.



.. that there are elves living under mushrooms.

.. that we should always be NICE even to people we dislike because we never know when they will be gone. And when they’re gone, chances are, we’ll regret being MEAN to them – and regret is a bad thing.

.. that we all should call each other “Dude,” “Pare,” “Kas,” “Brod,” “Komrad,” “GANDA,” “POGI” and “’Tol” instead of “Ale,” “Mama,” “Bata” and “Miss.” Or worse, “Pssst” and “Hoy.” “Manong” or “Manang” sounds courteous enough, so yeah, let’s use it still.

Most of all, I believe..

.. in grimy sneakers.

Comment and tell me five things you believe in.

"Uh..."

"Pare, matagal na itong naka-marinate, PANAHON na para IPRITO." (Kat)

"Ayan, Pare, ang gagawin mo kapag wala ka nang trabaho, MAGMA-MARINATE sa bahay." (Tiki)

While I was trying to "explain" to Tiki the reason of the sudden resignation, he said that to me. Supportive, no?

My last day at work turned out to be the busiest workday of my life. Well, okay, kidding. But it was busy.

I committed to finish tons of write-ups that i didn't finish everything anyway. Ok, kidding again about the TONS thing.

I was too EXCITED to get out that I almost forgot to clean out my computer files for the next user. I hope I didn't leave any incriminating document there (e.g., "I hate this place, I hate my life" kinds of articles)

Friends/officemates were looking at me in this weird "why are you leaving?" kind of way. It kind of tugged at my heart. I got hugs and "good lucks" galore. I got smiles as well as pouts as well as REALLY sad looks. Aaaawww.

I told you before that this office has the most number of NICE people I have ever been to and it's kind of bittersweet to be leaving.

People I didn't really became close with who knew I was leaving small-talked me and said "good luck." Someone in the elevator was looking at me weird and eventually said "good luck." My boss asked who I will miss the most. My other boss asked if I will treat them to a pizza. She also said "bye" as if we won't be seeing each other anymore. I will be there next week for the clearance and then back again for my money and then maybe, never come back again.

Kuya Edward, a general services crew who I have been friends with was also looking at me weird in the corridors. I also noticed he was passing by the room more often than usual. I made it a point to say goodbye to him but never got around to it because of the last minute work/packing I had to do. I will do so next week.

Kuya Edong and Kuya Ron (illustrators who are like my real "Kuyas," or fathers -- because they are old enough to be my father) asked me to delay or cancel my resignation. Aaaaawww. Mami-miss daw nila ako.

My co-writers in the magazine (as well as the graphic artists) were less gloomy. We were laughing, actually. They kept on saying "Malaya ka na!" We have our own meaning to that phrase. Hehe. I hope they become free soon, too.

Anyway, my mother and I are off to Gapan, Nueva Ecija tomorrow.



I haven't planned anything yet. I spent today (Sunday) sleeping and staring into space. Reading Duane's Depressed again, taking photos of myself, watching a little TV and going online. Nothing substantial yet. But, oh, I made a list of THINGS TO DO already.

And I can't wait to get started. My whole life is ahead of me and I feel good, good, good.

I also spent a good half hour discerning what JUICE is all about. Please help me by clicking the JUICE logo at the right side of this page. Advertising ITO! Hehe, help me please?

Thanks!

Be posting again soon as I can. Internet credit is waning and I don't have Php100 to buy a new card. (:

Being a BUM has its lows, too, you know. (:

On my second to the last day at work, I have to understand what a BUFFER SOLUTION means and find photos related to it.

Tomorrow will be for downloading MP3s. Abusing unlimited Internet access. Picture taking galore. Etc.

Loko lang.

I want a farm.

I want soil under my nails. The smell of Earth on my clothes.

I was watching Extra Challenge last night and this Viva Hotbabe Sheree was so afraid that a worm MIGHT FREAKING BITE HER while they were doing this challenge of tilling the soil.

HALLERR?!

Some celebrities can be stupid, annoying, funny, pitiful and hateful all at the same time.

That was really ENTERTAINING.

As I was saying, I want a farm. I also want to fish.

In fact, my new favorite word is FISHERFOLK. It sounds... nice. (: (Much better than FISHERMEN)

I have always maintained that the most cunning human beings on this planet are farmers and fisherfolk.

I want to be cunning. I can be cunning.

I want to get dirty.

And at the end of the day while the sun is saying goodbye with the faintest yet most breathtaking colors, I will be trudging home with a silly smile on my face, smelly clothes and all, dirty feet (I LIKE DIRTY FEET!) and the satisfaction that I have worked hard for the day. Tomorrow might be harder but it's okay. The sea and the land, they are all I will ever need.

--ooOoo--

You must know that when you try to invade MY SPACE at the MRT, what you will get is an elbow to your boob.

Invading my space shall include the following:
• Pushing me out of your way to get out of the train AHEAD of me when it is OBVIOUS that I am WAY ahead of you.
• Touching my back, my arm or my shoulder in a lame attempt to sideswipe me.
• Barreling your bag in a futile manner to get me to notice that you are in a hurry. (HELLO?! Aren't we all in a hurry here?)

Why must you be so stupid to assume that you ARE THE ONLY ONE IN A HURRY? Why must you be so paranoid that you might not get out of the train if you don't push me out of your way? I am entitled to my personal space as you are.

Can't you see someone is moving so slowly in front of me and the someone in front of him/her is also moving slowly? I must know that I MOVE FAST, I DON'T MOVE LANGUIDLY IN MANILA BECAUSE THIS IS MANILA AND I MUST KNOW THAT IN MANILA, PEOPLE SHALL MOVE FAST.

Invade my personal space and you know what you will get. I really hate girls in the MRT.

Clarification #1: I won't really be a bum-bum. Next week (which is the first week of my joblessness) will probably be for slacking off, yes, but mainly because I won't have money yet by that time.

Clarification #2: The next weeks will be for searching. And hopefully, finding. I intend to find an occupation soon. Man, I can't go on like this forever. Or can I? Hehe.

Clarification #3: I'm not a rich kid so I really won't have the money to go backpacking around. Although I have all the time. Hmmm.

What I want to do on the first day of being idle is this:

HAVE MY HAIR SHAVED OFF.

(:

And then maybe I'll reinvent myself, wear more vintage stuff or maybe build up on a gypsy image.

ANGER
1. Who did you last get angry with?
Myself (the classic answer).
2. What is your weapon of choice?
Shotgun!
3. Would you hit a member of the opposite sex?
Depends.
4. How about of the same sex?
Anytime. I hate girls. Hehe.
5. Who was the last person who got really angry at you?
A "former" friend.
6. What is your pet peeve?
Mayabang.
7. Do you keep grudges, or can you let them go easily?
Depends on the gravity of the situation.

SLOTH
1. What is one thing you're supposed to do daily that you haven't done in a while?
Exercise.
2. What is the latest you've ever woken up?
The next, next morning?
3. Name a person you've been meaning to contact, but haven't.
That "former" friend.
4. What is the last lame excuse you made?
My excuses are NEVER lame (that's what I think).
5. Have you ever watched an infomercial all the way through (one of the long ones...)?
Chinese ata yun? 'yung pantanggal ng pimples.
6. How many times did you hit the snooze button on your alarm clock today?
Once. Tapos nakatulog na ako ulit.

GLUTTONY
1. What is your overpriced yuppie beverage of choice?
Beverage? Wala. But I do splurge on a 180 gram Lays SCO. Yun ang overpriced.
2. Meat eaters: white meat or dark?
Any.
3. What is the greatest amount of alcohol you've had in one sitting?
2 bottles of San Mig Light? Lakas tama agad. Alcohol intolerant kasi ako tsong kaya marami na yun.
4. Have you ever used a professional diet company?
Nope.
5. Do you have an issue with your weight?
Sometimes.
6. Do you prefer sweets, salty, or spicy foods?
All!
7. Have you ever looked at a small housepet or child and thought, "LUNCH"?
That's GLUTTONY?

LUST
1. How many people have you seen naked (not counting movies/family)
Let's say I saw a lot already, that doesn't necessarily have to mean it included LUST. duh?!
2. How many people have seen YOU naked (not counting physicians/family)?
DUH?!
3. Have you ever caught yourself staring at the chest/crotch of a member of your gender of choice during a normal conversation?
I didn't catch myself, I did it on purpose. Come on, I'm supposed to pretend I ACCIDENTALLY did it?
4. Have you "done it"?
Yes and no.
5. What is your favorite body part on a person of your gender of choice?
SIKRETO!!! haha.
6. Have you ever been propositioned by a prostitute?
Nope.
7. Have you ever had to get tested for an STD or pregnancy?
Nope.

GREED
1. How many credit cards do you own?
Was close to having one, pero ayoko pala.
2. What's your guilty pleasure store?
Booksale? I'm not the spending type. (:
3. If you had $1 million, what would you do with it?
Invest, save. Give out a large part to the family/clan etc.
4. Would you rather be rich or famous?
Rich!
5. Would you accept a boring job if it meant you would make megabucks?
NO.
6. Have you ever stolen anything?
Yes, a Snoopy bag.
7. How many MP3s are on your hard drive?
Don't know, don't care.

PRIDE
1. What's one thing you have done that you're most proud of?
Graduate on time? Ah, I don't know. Make peace with a person who's difficult to deal with? I guess, good relationships with people are something to be proud of. (:
2. What's one thing you have done that your parents are most proud of?
Study in Baguio and not screw it all up.
3. What's one thing you would like to accomplish in your life?
Fulfillment.
4. Do you get annoyed by coming in second place?
No.
5. Have you ever entered a contest of skill, knowing you were of much higher skill than all the other competitors?
I can only remember spelling and quiz bees, but I didn't enter on purpose and I didn't know why I was even there in the first place. And how could you know you're of much higher skill? Ah, oo, pride.
6. Have you ever cheated on something to get a higher score?
Computer games siguro.
7. What did you do today that you're proud of?
Spoke ELOQUENTLY to my boss. We finalized my resignation. I feel relieved that I'm leaving the company in good terms. (: Graceful exit kumbaga. (:

ENVY
1. What item of your friends would you most want to have for your own?
A laptop.
2. If you could be anyone else in the world, who would you be?
Barbie Almabis.
3. Have you ever been cheated on?
Yes.
4. Have you ever wished you had a physical feature different from your own?
Nicer boobs?
5. What inborn trait do you see in others that you wish you had for yourself?
I like my silence but sometimes I also want articulateness.
6. Finally, what is your favorite deadly sin?
Gluttony. (: