my take on the books i've read lately

It's been quite a hectic month. It seemed like the whole November has only been one veeery long workweek. There are a number of times when I felt like my body would just collapse from exhaustion or that my brain is too saturated already that it can't absorb/process any new information. Hence, I haven't had time to read books, much less blog about it. But when I do find time to escape with a book, it's like a haven.

This long weekend though is such a welcome respite. And hence, hmm..let's see how's it goes for the books I've read lately.

Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book

This book must have garnered the most number of awards this year, with the distinguised Hugo Award, Newbery, Locus and Booktrust Awards to name a few. Released in September 2008, I've been wanting to get a copy of it for the most part of this year. Jonathan was thoughtful enough to buy me a copy when he bought a copy himself last October. And I loved the Graveyard Book as I knew I would. Albeit tired from work, the child in me made me turn one page after another in that it certainly took a huge amount of self-discipline to put the book down for the night so as I could go to sleep to prepare for tomorrow's work. The story was told from the vantage point of a child. And it did feel like it was being told by a kid. I had the same feeling when I was reading Lee Harper's "To Kill A Mockingbird". An attempt (storytelling from a kid's vantage point, written by a full-grown adult) where John Grisham failed in his "A Painted House". Although i'm such a yellowbelly when it comes to ghost stories, I had a great time following Bod in his adventures and misadventures. Contrary to what others said that it somehow didn't end quite right, I think the ending was just perfect; with just enough room for a hint of the book having a sequel, with more adventures for Bod. I so dearly wish there will really be more Bod adventures! And I certainly would want to hear more about Silas!!

Sidney Sheldon's Morning, Noon and Night
I loved Sheldon's books back when I was in High School and College, with "Windmills of the Gods" topping the list. Back then, I just can't get enough of the suspense and tension and that I always get the high when I guessed right who might just be the mastermind behind all the evil in the story. It was interesting to read as well how the characters are built, how nature and nurture made them the kind of persons they are. So basically, this novel was my first Sheldon read in about 8 years at least. However, I'm not really sure if this is among Sheldon's not-so-good books or that it was just me growing up and changing preferences but I found this book as shallow and predictable, with a lot of loopholes in between. Still though, I read it up to the last page and didn't think that it was a such a waste of my precious time - unlike what I felt when I was reading Dan Brown's "Angels and Demons" and "Da Vinci Code".


Neil Gaiman's MirrorMask
I'm a slow reader. It's cause I would rather take my time in savoring each scene, creating a mental picture of it, rather than devouring the book and reading it in haste. This graphic novel was really just very short and any fast reader could probably just read it in 30 minutes. I read it in almost two hours. But in those two hours, it seemed to me that I was like whisked off to dreamland, to a place where anything is possible, to a place where imagination is limitless and boundless. For me who's highly stressed, it afforded me a great escape.

I'm currently reading Ken Follet's Jackdaws, which is about some spy during world War II and a German Officer. Yes, I do read a wide variety of books. Let's see how this one goes...

CNN's Hero of the Year - Efren Penaflorida

Goodness, I'm such a crybaby. Not only cause Efren's a fellow Filipino but also 'cause one can't help but be touched on how he was able to change lives and change it for the better. Makes you think about what have you contributed to make this world a better place.

"Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need. So to each and every person inside in this theater and for those who are watching at home, the hero in you is waiting to be unleashed. Serve, serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve. As I always tell to my co-volunteers ... you are the change that you dream as I am the change that I dream and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be."

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL COVER STORY AND VIDEO.

Salisbury Steak

When work just seems to be too much and you need friends to be with you but that that seems to be not possible at the moment, one can always turn to one's comfort food. I have a number of food in mind which I can call my "comfort food". But tonight, when work and people just seemed too much and friends are faraway they can't be with me, my Salisbury Steak brought a smile to my face. Thank goodness for Red Ribbon's uber delicious, juicy Salisbury Steak.

Superbook!

I loved Superbook when I was a kid. I remember staring up at the TV, craning my neck up the TV monitor(was it black and white or already colored TV? haha!) and squatting on the floor with my brothers. Superbook = happy childhood memories. ^_^




(much thanks to muoreh for uploading this on youtube)

Red Ribbon

I got out of the office, late and alone this evening hence, I decided to treat myself to a Salisbury Steak at Red Ribbon. Too bad though it's not available anymore but good thing is, the Bangus (Milkfish) meal is still up so I bought it instead.

While waiting for my meal, I listened to my IPOD and people-watched outside the glass window. And then I saw Red Ribbon's banner. Under their popular Black Forest Cake, was the phrase:
...You brighten up my day...

Made me smile. IT did remind me of someone.

Fit for me?

An aunt recommended this song; said this matches my voice. She probably mean it as a compliment (Ella Fitzgerald is a highly acclaimed singer!) but i'm not really sure if I can pull it off, as it's not my kind of genre...

But anyways, the lyrics is lovely!

The Man I Love

Someday he'll come along,
The man I love
And he'll be big and strong,
The man I loveAnd when he comes my way
I'll do my best to make him stay
He'll look at me and smile,
I'll understand
Then in a little while,
He'll take my hand
And though it seems absurd
I know we both won't say a word

Maybe I shall meet him Sunday,
Maybe Monday, maybe not
Still I'm sure to meet him one day
Maybe Tuesday will be my good news day

He'll build a little home,
That's meant for two
From which I'll never roam,
Who would, would you
And so all else above
I'm dreaming of the man I love



(credit to acceptantlove for uploading in youtube)

All I Want For Christmas Is You

Yay! It's that time of the year again when I can sing this as often as I want to. =D



(credit to snow102 for uploading)

2009 Blogger's Choice Award

My Vote for the 2009 Bloggers' Choice Award (National)
My Vote for the 2009 Bloggers' Choice Award (Mindanao)

I vote for DavaoBase
Bloggers' Choice Award
2009 Philippine Blog Awards

Bikram Yoga

Finally, I got to experience Bikram yoga today. Bikram yoga is actually a form of Hatha yoga, only, the stretches are done under a heated room where temperature is controlled at 38degC!

Now, I never am one for saunas. I couldn't really stay longer than 5 minutes in a sauna heated at 47degC, even if i'm just sitting there, trying to breath. Hence, the heat was my main problem. For the first 30min, I almost fainted five times! Almost, being, that state when there's a black cloud creeping its way in front of you. So, whenever that happens, and as advised by our instructor Tristan, I just drop whatever pose I'm in and just stand still or sit down and keep on breathing. The first time it happened, I thought I'd just remain seated for the rest of the 1 and half hour session. But seeing my 30+ classmates (yes, this by far is the largest class I've been in) magnificently stretching their muscles, I got up and worked out.

I was able to adjust with the heat later on though and when I did, it was just great! I think I must have sweated out a liter or more! Also (giggle), when I saw THIS GIRL's POSTURE HERE months ago, I thought I wouldn't be able to do it or that it would take me months of practice before I can attempt to do it. But lo, I was able to do it on my first try!! Was able to do it with my right foot on tiptoe, then later on left foot on tiptoe and then twice over as we had to repeat the poses twice. I was practically grinning to myself in front of the mirror in the classroom. =D

I just wish though they have a class here in Alabang...Makati is just so far for me who doesn't have her own car (yet hehe).

food blogging

For the longest time, I have wanted to have a new blog dedicated solely for the food trips i've been having. And for the longest time, i've long wanted to have my own *.com. =D

The site I've put up is still a free blog but hopefully soon, I can have wordpress host my domain, eliminate "wordpress" on the URL and hence have my own *.com at last. hehe.

https://goodfoodhunt.wordpress.com

It's still a work in progress though, but, do enjoy! =)

Moments

"Up a flight of almost 300 steps. Church bells tolling nearby. Flowers a-bloom on the sides, some even seemed like they're reaching out to you, as if willing you to touch them. Butterflies flitting about. Birds chirping up on the trees' branches. And the lush green of the early summer leaves forming a canopy above you. All peaceful, so peaceful it was bordering on being surreal. And you seize it. Bask on the moment. Drink it like it's some elixir, healing you of whatever is troubling you, of whatever is ailing you. Drink it till you're satiated. Drink till you know you've drank enough to bring with you to wherever you need to go to."

Wrote this on my last weekend in Japan, when my heart feels constricted with how much i'll be missing the place and things/people I love. These were my thoughts as I was scaling the stairs leading to Yamate Church.

Gotta Be Somebody

I've always thought rock songs disguise in the loud drums and electric guitars the most romantic of lyrics. Even the rock stars' rough voice adds up to the romantic effect. There's my long-time favorite, "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing " by Aerosmith. Such beautiful lyrics. And now, I've a new favorite from Nickelback.

Click here for the video.

Gotta Be Somebody
This time I wonder what it feels like
To find the one in this life
The one we all dream of
But dreams just aren't enough
So I´ll be waiting for the real thing.

I'll know it by the feeling.
The moment when we´re meeting
will play out like a scene straight off the silver screen
So I`ll be holdin’ my own breath
Right up to the end
Until that moment when
I find the one that I'll spend forever with

`Cause nobody wants to be the last one there.
'Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares.
Someone to love with my life in their hands.
There`s gotta be somebody for me like that.
'Cause nobody wants to do it on their own
And everyone wants to know they´re not alone.
There's somebody else that feels the same somewhere.
There`s gotta be somebody for me out there.

Tonight, out on the street out in the moonlight
And dammit this feels too right
It´s just like Déjà Vu
Me standin’ here with you
So I´ll be holdin`my own breath
Could this be the end?
Is it that moment when
I find the one that I'll spend forever with?

‘Cause nobody wants to be the last one there
'Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares.
Someone to love with my life in their hands.
There´s gotta be somebody for me like that.
`Cause nobody wants to do it on their own
And everyone wants to know they´re not alone.
There's somebody else that feels the same somewhere
There`s gotta be somebody for me out there.

You can´t give up!
Lookin´ for that diamond in the rough
You never know but when it shows up
Make sure you´re holdin` on
‘Cause it could be the one, the one you´re waiting on

‘Cause nobody wants to be the last one there.
And everyone wants to feel like someone cares.
Someone to love with my life in their hands.
There has gotta be somebody for me
Ohhhhhh.

Nobody wants to do it on their own
And everyone wants to know they´re not alone.
Is there somebody else that feels the same somewhere?
There`s gotta be somebody for me out there.

Nobody wants to be the last one there
'Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares.
Is there somebody else that feels the same somewhere?
There has gotta be somebody for me out there.

The Time Traveller's Wife

I cried buckets on this book. I actually thought the book couldn't summon the emotional side of me since I read it in installment. Started reading it on my last month in Japan. However, what with the packing,I needed to put it aside. Then I resumed reading it when I got to my old apartment in Manila. However, what with the "robbery" excitement, my moving out and my getting sick, I have to set it aside again. Plus, I left it on my old apartment when I moved out hence I was forced to read other books (read "Eleven Minutes" which I've blogged earlier on and "A Hundred Year of Solitude" which I'm still deciphering why it was such a celebrated book).

Anyways, at first, the story-telling, the comings and goings of Henry were pretty ordinary and I found myself not involved with the book. Probably because I was preoccupied with other stuff as well. But as I read the other half, I couldn't help but be moved by their love story. And with how much Henry loved Clare. Leading you to think how many in this world and in this lifetime will you meet who loves the way Henry did Clare (and well, okay, vice versa).

Am looking forward to the movie which will premier come 3rd week of August - which means I may get to watch it in Davao since I will still be on my vacation then. I hope the movie won't be butchered like Harry Potter 6, though.

Thanks Zoey for giving me this book! =)
And such a good copy at that hehe.

You First Believed

A very beautiful song...

You First Believed

How many times did I pray
You'd find me
How many wishes on a star
Gazing off into the dark
Dreaming I'd see your face
Safe at home unafraid
Captured in your embrace

So many times
When my heart was broken
Visions of you
Would keep me strong
You were with me all along
Guiding my every step
You are all that I am
And I'll never forget

It was you who first believed
In all that I was made to be
It was you looking in my eyes
You held my hand
And showed me life
And I've never been the same
Since you first believed

There were times
When I'd thought I'd lost you
Fearing forever was a dream
But it wasn't what it seemed
Placing your hand in mine
You could see in the dark
You were guiding my heart

It was you who first believed
In all that I was made to be
It was you looking in my eyes
You held my hand
And you showed me life
And I've never been the same
Since you first believed

100lbs to 200lbs

My neighbors who live on the unit in front of mine must think i'm hermetic. On the one and only occasion that one of them talked to me, she asked me if I live alone on my unit. And I replied a curt "yes". And I can see in her face the same question that I have for them - Why? She must have been wondering why I live alone. And for the life of me, I also wonder why the five of them live on a place that I think could fit in only three people. I don't think money's the problem, judging from the talk I hear from them.

And yes I can hear EVERY inane conversation they have, what they're watching on TV and what station in the radio they're listening to. That's cause their front door is open ALL the time. Don't get me wrong. I grew up in a house where the front door is open from sun-up to sundown. And I loved how the sunlight comes streaming in through the front door and how the fresh gentle breeze is such a refreshing treat especially on hot afternoons. But here in Manila, where the probable thing that would come streaming in your door if you keep it open is dust and ROBBERS, one would have to opt to have their doors shut all the time.

This afternoon, when I opened my door momentarily to hang my newly washed laundry near my front door, I can hear the prattle of my neighbors since as usual they have their door open. One of the girls complained that she knew of a soon-to-be-bride who was so picky in her requirements with her bridesmaids that they need to have the same hairstyle. And that if they're fat, they need to loose 100 to 200lbs. And for the life of me, my self-control wasn't able to stop myself from laughing out loud. They fell silent with that. And was still silent as I hurriedly went inside my room and locked it. Gosh they must have thought I ws crazy. But I don't really care. It was hilarious, and to think she talked like an expert. I weigh about 100lbs. And if I was required to loose it, then I would cease to exist.