Tensions Rising

I don’t know when was the last time I posted. It’s been a long time, that it has. Well it’s 2016 and we are halfway done with October. Tenants are moving and tensions are rising. Pets and garage use have been a source of contention in a very non-overt way. Brooding. Hopefully things smooth out by the end of year. Not much time is left, or perhaps I’m thinking not much time is left. Who knows. The universe works in mysterious ways. I guess everything happens for a reason. I don’t know what that reason is exactly just yet, but I know that in time I’ll find out. And I am looking forward to it. That’s all for now. Peace, positivity, love and warmth.

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Philippines 2015: Part I

Hello everyone! It’s been awhile since I have posted something. Summer has been keeping me busy. First and foremost, I finally graduated the dental assisting program. Finally! Now I just need to take RDA exam this November (hopefully). Shortly after, I completed my internship. Yes, we graduated a little earlier than we finished, but that’s fine.

Then the big fish: I finally took a trip to the Philippines. It was 9 years! NINE YEARS since I last visited. I was 16 back then and now I was 26/27. That’s way too long in my opinion. But I guess significant things did happen in our family and with the economy between 2006 and 2015, but whatever. The past is the past and I was just glad to visit and I really enjoyed the vacation. Out of all the trips I’ve been there, I felt this was the most grounded I had. I didn’t go to any jaw-dropping locations and I just stayed home. And because of that, I got to see more of the surrounding area my parents grew up in. I could take things in now as an adult. Bocaue is what I would call a hardworking (but I guess all Pinoys are hardworking lol) province. I’m told the province is known for selling fireworks and I did see a lot of firework shops in the area. It’s crowded (as usual) and the traffic is horrible with the lack of road rules and I hate to say this – lack of human regard? On the day we visited Tita Nene, we took the longest trip ever to and from the vigil house she resides. On the way there, there was an area where vehicles were either going straight or making a turn. But the thing was, there were lanes, but vehicles would just change lanes as if there were none!!! Imagine that! So it was pretty scary, but my dad is an accustomed driver and so fortunately, we pulled through. Maybe that’s a bit much, but there is a style of driving that you will have to get accustomed to, but the drivers will acknowledge you here and there. Just got to have the right timing that’s all.

Fortunately, I would wake up early in the morning and walk with my dad (and sometimes mom). I guess we walked on a total of 5-6 days I’m guessing. I enjoyed the exercise – especially since all I did over there was eat haha. But even there walking is a thing. Others would run or bike – all about taking care of themselves. Yes, it was much warmer and the air probably not the healthiest, but I didn’t mind. Plus, the area we walked at wasn’t the cleanest of places as well. It’s actually near the Philippine Arena (said to be the largest in Asia I think, don’t quote me). But overall, I’m glad my parents still walk and I was just glad I got to come along with them.

Other things I did were see some live bands with my cousin and siblings like Wolfgang and Peryodiko (I believe that’s the name). There were others, but these 2 bands left a lasting note with me. We visited shopping malls (yeah I know), but I realized that the malls here are LARGE! (4 levels of shopping madness) I didn’t buy anything, but maybe a book. I’m still in this saving state of mind (more on this later). Anyway, I’d like to work harder and maybe next time around do some guilt-free shopping (maybe not just for me, but for others too). Surprisingly, you get that motivation from walking inside a mall.

Anyway, I visited other relatives (lola, cousins, in-laws). The compound looks great. My parents’s house looks GREAT. I miss being around my parents. I guess it’s true what they say, you don’t miss them (anyone, anything) until they’re gone.

I’ve been wanting to connect with them more. I have plans to do so. I want to give them things. We’ll leave all of these ideas for another post.

I’ll stop right there. Tune in for the next post!

 

How About a Little Warmth

Hey everyone, it’s been a minute! Still grindin it out in school and I’m currently in a tight spot. Surprisingly though, that’s not what this post is about. I’ll touch on that other thing some other time.

This post though is about a project I have to do for my radiology class where I just put films in which I made an error on, on a poster. Don’t ask why…it’s just part of the curriculum. Anyway, it sounds simple right? Well I kind of have something in mind. I want it to be more than that.

Right now, I’m inspired by music and movies. Specifically, I’m taking inspiration from album covers and movie posters. I might do something with regards to that. I may title it How About a Little Warmth…and just put my thoughts down on the actual poster on how I currently feel about my position in the program. Somewhere on the poster, perhaps on the edge, I plan to give thanks/shoutouts to my classmates. I wouldn’t have done this for another class a couple of years back. I’ve invested time into this program and I’ve been through some highs and lows and I just want to thank them. Whatever the outcome is, whether it’s expected or unexpected, I want to go out on a positive note. This is cheesy isn’t it. Whatever…More later.

The Answer?

With regards to Flower, I think I may have an answer. And that answer? Perhaps, I should give her space. Maybe I’ll have to distance myself from her. Last year, I didn’t really sit next to her much – not until the end of the semester at least. And if history has taught me anything, familiarity breeds contempt. I did things and she caught on.

I won’t distance myself too much from her though. I do like Flower. Things will get better. Maybe for a month, I should get back to me or perhaps do right with another classmate I’m getting a good vibe from. I want to do right with the next classmate and not make mistakes like I did with Flower.

I guess I have to thank Flower for allowing me to explore these feelings and ideas on how to approach professionalism when it comes to being around the opposite sex. I think it’s all about balance between lightheartedness and academic companionship. I have to be mindful that I’m here to make something of myself and that my classmates are doing the same. I can’t get in the way of that. So it’s a learning process.

And when it comes to Flower, she’s a mom and a wife at 21 years of age. She has a lot on her plate. I can’t imagine being in her position. I guess it’s not good to fall in love with someone who can’t fall in love with you. It’s a bad religion -word to Frank Ocean.

On a lighter note though, I’m thinking of hooking Flower with a little somethin-somethin at the end of the semester. It should end things on a positive note. I can’t wait…I’m excited!

Until next time…

Flower

Flower has been a classmate I’ve enjoyed being around with. She’s taken me to the highest highs and lowest lows – well maybe not too low. I’m exaggerating that last part, but I like her. Sweet, attractive, a bit feisty. The thing is I can only like her and nothing more. I can’t “like her, like her.” Reason being? Well she’s already married and has a child.

Like my friend has said, I STAND NO CHANCE.

But I guess what I want to say in this post is a description of my classmate-to-classmate relationship with her, thus far.

Well in the fall of 2014, things seemed to flow very well. It was a good balance between lightheartedness and academic companionship. I missed that vibe.

Just recently however, from being in the program full-time, she had to resort to switching to part-time due to personal issues. I could tell she’s been upset about it. As a result I’ve been upset too. I want everyone to pass and graduate, but life happens.

As of late, she’s been a bit on the cagey side. Such a drastic change in demeanor. Plus it doesn’t help that I annoy her. To clarify, I’ve noticed I have a habit of placing my hand on others in sort of a “patting on the back”, or shoulder gesture. Generally, it’s no harm. Unfortunately, I’ve overdone it with her. She gets irritated when I do it. I guess I have to restrain myself. I’m slowly doing so.

How can I manage? What is the answer?

Fincher and his movies

I recently watched Gone Girl starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike and I was just thoroughly engaged and impressed at the suspenseful storytelling. Rosamund Pike, who I’ve actually been paying attention to over the past year or so, gave probably her career-defining performance. Though Ben was solid, Rosamund completely took over! Anyway, it was just a great movie with great acting all around; even Tyler Perry was believable. The director, David Fincher, has delivered once again. I know the ending rubbed some people the wrong way, but I was satisfied with it. If people can get over the lack of realism in movies and further understand the characters and what’s going on, I hope they can come to a better understanding and maybe an acceptance of a movie’s ending. Gone Girl actually reminded me of an older movie, called Basic Instinct (1992), which also had a sexy blonde played by Sharon Stone manipulating others because she could.

If you haven’t seen the movie, go see it!

This led me to watch some of David Fincher’s previous films this past weekend: The Social Network and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

Both have fast, clean, slick editing that presents a certain coldness and disconnect. It’s hard to explain. There’s no warmth, which seems to be a trademark of the director. Just my opinion. I did enjoy both though. They both also have that dark, brooding score in which Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have seemed to perfect. Which of the two I like better? Hmm, I would say The Social Network. I mean to turn the story behind the creation of Facebook into a very suspenseful drama was impressive. I’ll stop there before I lose myself. I still need to rewatch Se7en, Fight Club, and Zodiac. The Game and Panic Room were just alright for me.

Now I want to read Gone Girl!