fictio cedit veritati

2009-01-06T03:18:00.000-08:00

Welcome, 2009!

It has been quite a while since I last posted. Been very busy. No, make that just plain lazy. Lolz. Well, I've been doing so much travelling to Sydney visiting someone special. And lots of driving. I must have driven more than a thousand kms just for the Christmas season - Kiama, Sydney, Canberra and Newcastle. Whew. And buying presents. And opening gifts. And sleeping. And playing PSP. Watching Heroes. And going to the beach. I'm so dark already. Sigh.

I haven't even written my traditional New Year's Resolutions which I usually do every year. I have most of them in my head anyway: sleep early, write more, less psp, less rice, go on diet, walk more, no more softdrinks, less coffee, save more, finish thesis, etc. Whew. Life's tough.

But wait, this entry is going no where. Not exactly a good way to begin the year. Oh well.

Anyway, here's my first entry for the year. It's not much, but it's a good start. While I'm at it, I might as well mention that 2008 has not been bad at all. In fact, in many ways, this has been one of the best (or maybe the best) years in my thirty-one years of existence. I have a long list of things to be thankful for for 2008. God has been so good. He is always good, anyway. All the time.

And 2009, despite the global financial crises, I believe in faith will even be better than last year. Optimism is always good. And it's free. So is dreaming. And I have lots of that for this year. Although it is better to call them goals. That way, they seem doable. Like, finishing my thesis and graduating, and applying for permanent residency, and getting a job. And more important ones, like learning ball room dancing, and buying a PS3, buying new tires for my car.... May all of us have a happy, and prosperous, and memorable 2009!

2008-11-06T04:32:00.001-08:00

Yay! Another New Toy!

Today, my best mate Mark got me a new toy: a TomTom One Australia. It was working straight out of the box! Whoa! It was such a joy to use. We didn’t even bother to read the manual. We plugged it in the car charger and breezed through the user-friendly instructions on the 3.5” touchscreen. The quick set-up includes choosing the voice for your gps. I ended up choosing Ken (English) from Australia. The TomTom One 3rd Generation came preloaded with a 2007 Australian map (powered by Whereis) which can be upgraded to a 2008 edition for free over the net in TomTom Home.

I better end here before this entry becomes a plug for TomTom One. In case you’re curious, you can read a review of the TomTom One here. In the meantime, I’ll rush home and play with my new toy. Yeah, and read the manual too. I am one of those who actually do! And next week when I drive to Sydney to spend the weekend with my future wife I would not be borrowing a gps since I already have my own. Woohoo! Daghang salamat, bai!

2008-10-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

New toy. Yay!

Someone really special got me this new phone as an anniversary present. How sweet. I was up all night playing with it. The phone is a Sony Ericsson SE500i. Nothing really fancy, just your usual phone. But it’s small and light and very cute. It’s on Virgin Mobile Free to V Prepaid. This means I can call and text any Virgin Mobile number for free! How good is that! I tried the phone last night and the reception was so clear. The phone's internet (on 2G) is not too bad either. And today, I bought a 4GB M2 card from Ebay so I can put songs into my new toy. Now, why in the world didnt I think of getting a Virgin Mobile prepaid before?! It could have saved me thousands of bucks. Sigh. Oh well. Now I can save up for a nice vacation with that special someone for December.

2008-09-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

Lost
Confused
Miserable

2008-06-28T00:23:00.000-07:00

Love you, doc!

I am one who seldom struggles for words -- except when I am so deeply moved that no words will suffice to capture what I feel inside : this is one of those rare moments. But what should I say, really. You know how I feel for you and have probably heard it countless times too. I'll say it anyway: I love you so much. I miss you. I don't ever want to lose you.

2008-06-10T20:57:00.001-07:00

I think I'm falling in love

2008-03-26T05:21:00.000-07:00

Yay, a new toy!

I was up until late last night playing with my new baby: a brand new Sony Ericsson P1i. This sweet gadget is more like a swiss-army knife of a phone! It's a PDA phone with all the works. It's quite small enough to fit the palm of my tiny hands (which was a pleasant surprise -- I thought it would be bigger) yet has all the functions that I need. I just downloaded some ebooks from GreyLib and a Olive Tree Bible Reader too. I think I have more sleepless nights ahead.

2008-03-09T07:24:00.000-07:00

What Lowell Bautista Means

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.
You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.
Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.
You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.
At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.

You are very charming... dangerously so. You have the potential to break a lot of hearts.
You know how what you want, how to get it, and that you will get it.
You have the power to rule the world. Let's hope you're a benevolent dictator!

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are full of energy. You are spirited and boisterous.
You are bold and daring. You are willing to do some pretty outrageous things.
Your high energy sometimes gets you in trouble. You can have a pretty bad temper at times.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way.
And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life.
You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it.

You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life.
You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home.
You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.
You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.
You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Uncannily, most of it seems to be true. Truth is, I have not even read the whole of it. Lol. Try it out for yourself. I found the link in my good friend Alman’s blog – who I sorely miss too.

2008-02-24T04:42:00.000-08:00

ANCORS Newsletter Second Issue

I am proud to announce the release of the second issue of the ANCORS Newsletter, which I co-edit, by the way. Woohoo! If you want to read the entire issue, please click here.

While I am it, I might as well say that I am one of the "featured students" in this issue. Please see page 8, a photo of which I included above. If you want to subscribe to the ANCORS Newsletter, please join our Centre's mailing list.

2008-02-14T07:25:00.000-08:00

(Un)Happy Heart’s Day

My good friend Mark summed it up in four letters: SSDD – same shit, different day. Not that I care really. After all, I’ve had more single-night-valentines-day-eves than my ego could ever take. Oh well. I did spend the night with two of my closest buddies here in Oz: Mark and Mean. I cooked dinner (beef ravioli, chicken wings and garlic bread) at my place, then we all headed off to Coles to buy stuff for the Centre’s International Night on Sunday. Oh, how romantic. Geez. Sigh.

Wishing all you saccharine-loving, hopeless romantics out there, a happy heart’s day! As for me: “Who cares, uy!”

2008-01-28T04:02:00.000-08:00

I’m sorry

This entry is for a good friend of mine who I have hurt last week. I’m so sorry. I feel like a total idiot. Just so you know, every single thing you ever gave me and all the times we shared together – I treasure and keep them close to my heart.

I will never be able to repay you enough for all things you did for me, all the times you picked me up from uni or from home, the countless times I had dinner or lunch and even breakfast at your place, the bottles of beer we consumed when I was at my lowest moments, the times we were bored with nothing to do and just sat at your house watching tv, the late night trips to Coles, the many times we just passed the time driving nowhere or visiting all the SMs in town, etc.

I’m sorry, burrito. I’ll make up for it. I promise.

2008-01-02T06:01:00.000-08:00

All the best for 2008!

If my recently submitted chapter is any indication of good things that await me in 2008, then I am not complaining. Truth is, I am back in front of my computer yesterday -- the first day of the year -- working on my next chapter. Haven't got much time to spare, you see. In fact, I cannot afford to squander my time [anymore]. I have a year and a half to finish everything. Whoa! Whoever said that 'life sucks' must have been a PhD student. Arrrggghhhh. WTF! My first entry for the year and I am complaining already?! Not good.

I called my boss at BLEEP BLEEP (removed upon request) today and it turns out I have work tomorrow. What bliss. Not! Lol. Anyhoo, can't complain really. I have to remind myself that my pay in that work pays for my rent. Not bad, really. Considering my job there does not involve an iota of cerebral work. Sweet. Let me end this bunch of nonsense with all the best wishes for 2008!

Post-script:

I find it really amusing that I was called in today to my boss' office, to be told to remove the name of the company from my blog. Heck, I don't even know what for. The lawyer in me and the student activist that I was would have cried foul or simply ignored the request. Hey, there is such a thing as freedom of speech which is a guaranteed right in international law. Oh well. At least, I am glad someone's reading this blog.

2007-12-23T05:37:00.000-08:00

Maligayang Pasko!

When I was a child, Christmas used to be the most wonderful time of the year for me! I love everything about Christmas: the flickering lights of the colorful parols and heavily-decorated Christmas trees, the smell of ham and queso de bola, the silly monito-monita we would have in school at work and at home, the exchange gifts, simbang gabi, the aroma of puto bumbong. I can still vividly remember the first time we went caroling around the neighborhood -- I must be about five or six that time -- and I went wild with the one peso share that I earned that night. I miss going to my lola's house where we would all celebrate Christmas eve with the table oh-so-full of so much food. Yummm! I miss going home with truck loads of gifts and pockets bursting with aguinaldo! Christmas day we spent going from house to house to visit all our relatives to get more aguinaldo. I could not remember a Christmas where I went home with less than five hundred pesos on me. Those were the days! Miss them.

Sigh. But now that I am old and a bit jaded, Christmas has lost most of its magic. I wish I can transport myself to the old days when I was young and innocent to just revel in the season and everything that comes with it. Oh well.

This is also the fourth year in a row that I am spending Christmas away from home. I could not even put to words how sad I am -- for all that I lost and everything that I miss. For some weird reason, the pain seems more acute in sharp contrast to the season's festive spirit. But Life goes on and I would not want to spoil your Christmas either. So, from Australia, I am wishing all a Merry Christmas!

2007-12-09T03:06:00.000-08:00

Congratulations, Chef Mark Bayani!

This blog entry is dedicated to my best mate, Mark. He just finished his Certificate IV in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TAFE. Woohoo! Well done.

Bai, I know that Life still has so much in store for you. It is a joy to see you growing in faith. Just keep your feet planted on the ground and always give your best in everything that you do.

Oh, one more thing, remember the time I texted you that you seem to be always not there when I need you the most? Well, I do. And I am taking it back now. Bai, daghang salamat for always being there for me. You’ve been such a good friend. Naks naman! Seriously, I thank the Lord for bringing you into my life. I don’t know how I would have made it through my darkest moment without you (and of course, some booze – Carlton Draught! and Collies! and the long drives that go nowhere…) Thanks for being who you are: funny, selfless, reliable, jolly, corny, dependable, a good chef, an excellent driver, parking instructor (hint hint), gym buff (ahem!).

One last thing, and many people may not know it, but Mark is also a good son and brother and uncle and grandson and nephew and friend. They’re all so blessed to have you, bai. Every time you mention one of your favourite lines: “Basta malipay lang sila, malipay na rin ko.” -- it makes me realize that your heart is in the right place and God will reward you abundantly for that. I just wish sometimes you would think more of yourself too.

Enough drama. Lol. Before I close this entry, let me thank our sponsors: Officeworks (the works!), Harvey Norman (go, Harvey Norman, go!), AAMI (luckyeee, your with ayyymiii!), Bing Lee (Ay, luuvvv Beeng Lee!), Woolworths (ooohh, aahhh, Woolworths the fresh food people) and of course, the Warehouse (where everyone gets a bargain!). Congrats, Bai!

2007-11-26T05:28:00.000-08:00

That God may be glorified

These are indeed trying times. But I hold on steadfastly and with unwavering faith on the one that will never leave nor forsake me: Christ. I may lose everything that I have -- and with the rate things are going, I may not have much left for long -- but as long as I have Him, things will be alright. I am on knees and my body has grown tired and weary from the days of battery, but with my remaining strength, I want to proclaim the wonders of God's glory. I know that He holds me at the cusp of his palm, just as He holds the majestic stars in his hands. Nothing is too big or small or impossible to God. He is in absolute control of the universe and every single leaf falls as He wills. I shall not be afraid because I have Him. And during my entire ordeal, I shall sing and be joyful and in my eventual triumph -- which I claim in my Saviour's name -- the world will know that it is only by my God's grace that I made it through and God will be glorified.

2007-11-25T02:55:00.001-08:00

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers,

whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance.

Perserverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature,

and complete, not lacking anything."

James 1:2-4

2007-11-25T02:24:00.000-08:00

Just hanging on for dear life

Walking home tired at 1 in the morning the other night, I lovingly embraced the coldness and felt at peace with the icy breeze blowing gently at my face. It was slightly drizzling and soon the wintry, sweet-tasting rain drops slowly trickled down my face. I soon realized my cheeks wet from tears that welled and gushed from my very soul. I could not even command them to stop. I have never felt so alone, so battered, so worn. I could only take so much. I am already on the edge. When everything seems to be going wrong, from one tragedy to another, a never ending series of misfortunes and heartaches -- when the very joys of life and living is sapped out of your existence. When you no longer hold your very life dear, what is the purpose of hanging on?

2007-11-23T05:04:00.000-08:00

US Visa

The interview took no longer than a minute but the wait lasted more than two hours. Geez. I was thankful my good friend Mark drove me to the US Consulate in Sydney that day despite the fact that he had an exam that same afternoon. Now, that's what real friends are for! Daghang salamat, bai! His exam was at 2 pm and when I was not at the interview window by 12 noon, I had to breeze through several security checks just to call and tell him to drive home without me. Oh well.

But what really made my day was the cute girl I met at the consulate. I was already in the queue for the first security check when she walked in, half running to fall in line. She looked Asian enough, and I suspected she could be Filo. Boy, was she stunning! Yup. She had long, straight black hair and the most gorgeous smile. Hmmm... it was love at first sight. Nah! Just kidding.

When I was bored stiff and trying hard to amuse myself at the 59th floor waiting for my turn to submit my docs, I saw her just across me. I quick glance at her green passport gave away her nationality. I hurriedly asked, "Pinoy ka?" and she said, "Yeah, ikaw?" -- hmmm... should I have said, is it not obvious? Lol. All of a sudden, the two-hour wait was more than bearable. Whoa! Talk about serendipity.

Before I was finally called for my interview, she has revealed enough for me to have made a complete profile of her in my head. I found it charming that she had to grab my passport to check my age (she couldnt believe I'm 30. Yup, I am, and proud of it!) and she wrote down her name and mobile number on my card since I was unsure of my own mobile number. Let's skip through the details. Owing to the fact that I no longer had a ride home and will just be taking the train, I asked her out for lunch. Hmmm... hard sell, man! But she said yes. I was grinning from ear to ear. And after lunch, since I wanted to keep her as long as I can, asked her to have coffee with me. And she said, why not? Ha! Sweet.

That was just last week. I am still a bit infatuated. As for her, I dont know. I'm not really on the lookout for romance these days, but still, the reassurance that my heart could still shudder, beat and flutter is good enough. And if you're wondering what happened to my visa application, I was granted ten years. Wooohoo! I got a text from her that she too was given ten years. She's also flying to California. Who nows, if I'm lucky I'll see her there.

2007-11-12T04:30:00.000-08:00

Book binging and perfumes

It is never cheap to entertain oneself. And the harrowing days that I endured quite recently from a series of unfortunate events (lost phone, heartbreak, almost lost car, etc., etc.) almost caused me my own life. No kidding. I am not as tough as I look. Yup, even the shaved hair is kinda all for show. Not to mention it does save me on hair products (shampoo, gel) and time (out of the shower room straight into my car in five minutes flat) and a whole lot of bother (I can now run my fingers through what’s left of my hair and never get peeved that someone will ruin my hair).

Going back to the topic… So what I did to tide me over my bouts of ever increasing insanity and intensifying suicidal moments (calm down, I’m still here, ain’t I?) is I drowned myself in alcohol (yup and I wont say sorry for that) and the nerd that I am, in books (finished Jonathan Strange and Harry Potter 7 in a week) and bought perfume (three in two weeks). Oh well. On top of that, I also finished two papers which hopefully will be published in the PLJ (please, please) and just the other night, a paper abstract for an international conference in July 2008 in the Philippines. Oh, and over the weekend I finished two other books (one by Samuel Beckett and another by Milan Kundera – love him!) and today I borrowed War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (be rest assured that I wont finish this thick tome in a week). I also started a fresh chapter of my thesis a few days ago – this one’s not too promising but I’m working on it. What else…

Now that I think about it, I should give myself a pat on the back. I’m not doing that bad. I didn’t even think I’ll make it through. I am still in the middle of a life storm but I suppose the worst is over. God knows I can only take so many blows. These days, I’m just hanging on. Hanging on for dear life, even. But I’ll make it through if it takes reading all the books on earth. What a freaky thought. Ciao for now! Love life!

2007-10-28T05:39:00.000-07:00

New shoes. Yay.

Just to break the melodrama, I am posting the new shoes I got last week from Rebel Sports. It's nothing fancy, just plain running shoes in the color I love the most: blue. I am surely running out of excuses not to go to the gym. Not that I need it. Oh yeah, I do! Oh well.

As I knew I would, I have been wearing my new Adidas Microbounce every single day since the day I got them. Which is, about a week now. I absolutely hate the whitish glow of new shoes. I love my shoes worn-looking. And this one just wont give me that satisfaction. Oh well. It'll soon be worn, I'll make sure of that.

2007-10-23T05:49:00.000-07:00

I hurt

If I were only bold enough to take my own life, I would have.

Without you, Life seems so meaningless.

2007-09-23T06:23:00.001-07:00

Just chillin'

Movie marathon! Just what I need. Have you heard of the old line, “Relax. See a movie.”? It does make sense. I have not attained a sense of nirvana sitting down in the dark and letting my mind absorb these movies, nor did it make my worries vanish in thin air, but it did offer some relief.

Bear in mind that this entry is not my personal review of the recent movies I watched, nor their endorsement: Ratatouille, Surfs Up, Wild Hogs and Stardust. If you're just as mentally drained, or stressed or just plain bored, relax and go see a movie.

2007-09-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

New Toy

For some quirky reason, getting a new toy lifts my spirits up. Don't ask me why. It just does. And with my present state of mind, this mouse is just what I need. Which brings me to it. Why the heck do I have to bother with an introduction anyway? Lol. It's the writer in me, I suppose. Or the penchant for melodrama. Lol. Where is this leading? This is not a stream of consciousness entry, but an unpaid promo for this mouse -- the BenQ M310 Optical Wireless Mouse.

I got it just a while ago, and of course, opened it soon right after. It even came with two Duracell batteries. This tiny mouse even has built-in storage space for the wireless receiver. Neat. It also switches off automatically if not used for five minutes. I plugged it in my office computer and it worked just fine. It even matches my blue mouse pad. I got a blue one, by the way (which is my favorite color!) which also matches the color of my laptop. Yay. After an emotionally exhausting day yesterday, this new gadget sure did wonders on my mood. If you're curious what the techies have to say about this mouse, read CNET's review.

2007-09-17T17:51:00.001-07:00

ANCORS Newsletter

Like a proud father (or mother, to be politically correct), I am pleased to post here in my blog my new baby -- the inaugural issue of the ANCORS Newsletter. Although I am not exactly a newbie in this field (having spent a good part of my geeky college life writing for and later managing/editing the college paper and previously, our high school paper) it is my first time to put up something entirely from scratch. Talk about an all-in-one editorial team: layout artist, writer, editor. Oh well, someone had to do it. Not that I am complaining. I actually had fun doing it.

After pouring in hours (that I could have better spent writing my darn thesis or better yet, swimming), seeing the first issue and hearing all the positive (and not so positive) comments really makes me happy. Well, I am not hard to please anyway. For the greater part, I would like thank the Centre's principal research fellow, Lee Cordner, who trusted me to be co-editor of the Newsletter. And my (ever- so-proud) mom, whose desire to see her son's name on the paper gave me the guts to write it down.

View the First Issue of ANCORS Newsletter.

2007-09-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

My
brain's

tired.

I wanna cry.

2007-09-01T05:38:00.000-07:00

My Lakbayan grade is B!

I consider myself quite lucky that given my limited means, I was able to travel quite extensively in the Philippines and abroad. Thanks to my wonderful job at the UP Law Center, I was able to practically cover every province for free (they were actually paying me for it -- what luck!) giving out MCLE seminars to lawyers around the country. Aside from the free air ticket (which earned me PAL mileage, mind you) the handsome honoraria, hotel accomodation, freebies (some enterprising older colleagues taught me how to 'charge' pre-paid load, etc. to my room service bill), we would go home with cartloads of free stuff courtesy of the kind IBP lawyers that we meet. Those were such happy times. I remember flying home from one trip only to pack my stuff for another trip the following day. Miss those days...

A UNDP Project which undertook a national consultation of key stakeholders regarding the Philippines' planning framework also brought me all over the country -- free, of course and paid for it, in addition. Wow.

Compared with pretentious, self-proclaimed jet setters like Malu Hernandez, I consider this no small feat for a Bulakeno lass coming from a middle class family background. Didn't I mention countless times in this blog how generous God has been to me? He has. And for that, I am forever grateful.

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

2007-08-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

UP Madz wins world choral competition

The UP Madz won the 2007 European Choral Grand Prix in Arezzo, Italy last Sunday, the only choir to ever win the distinction twice. Now that sure is something we Filos should be proud about!

The University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers, also known as the Philippine Madrigal Singers or simply Madz, is actually one of the most awarded choirs in Asia, having consistently won all the prizes in the most prestigious international choral competitions for many years. Because of their impressive track record and musical virtuosity, the Philipppine Madrigal Singers is regarded as the one of the best choirs in the world. Woohoo!

Since a positive news item always starts me in a good mood, I might just be on a roll today and be able to write more than my daily target output of a thousand words. That would be something worth singing about!

2007-08-24T23:41:00.000-07:00

Desk Cleaning Day

After meeting with my supervisors Martin and Clive several days ago, I realized quite a number of things. First, I should really make an effort to consult them, which includes seeking advice even for my chapter outlines. This will save me the trouble of chucking in the bin a good month's labor. Second, not all conferences are created equal. I wanted to go to an international conference in Melbourne where I could have easily written a paper that will fit in the conference's theme. Clive gave his go signal. Martin flatly said no. Bummer. He said they're not the kind of people he wants me to associate with and they're a bunch of loonies. Hmmm... I wonder if this is libelous. Hahaha. Oh well. He said I can just hike off to Melbourne for a weekend if I wanted to, and he'll fund me to another conference, but not this one. Sigh. He gave his go signal for one in Toronto. But that's another story.

Going back to the topic at hand, I decided to clear my desk. I have spent almost the whole afternoon just sorting through the piles of printed-out articles and what-nots in my drawers, etc... Sigh. And I'm not even done yet. Whew. Hopefully, after I'm done I will be able to proudly post a picture of my desk -- all clean, sparkly and fit for mental work.

2007-08-20T23:12:00.000-07:00

Ninoy Aquino Day!

Today, the Philippines celebrates Ninoy Aquino Day. Benigno Aquino, Jr., who is fondly and more popularly known as Ninoy, died on this day (21 August) in 1983. I was about six years old that time. To cut a long story short, his death brought back democratic rule, catapulted his widow Corazon Aquino to the presidency, and their youngest daughter Kris Aquino to a lucrative showbiz career. Not bad, I suppose. All would have ended well, if this was a fairy tale world -- alas, it is not! So, grow up, kids. More than two decades after, I can not even say with certainty that the Philippines is now better off.

2007-08-19T23:33:00.001-07:00

God is faithful

I do not need a degree in theology to profess this. Thankfully, I need no sharks waiting to tear me to bits to put God's faithfulness to a test. Come to think of it, God has been overwhelming generous with me. Not that I'm complaining. If God had a customer service hotline, I would probably be calling in to give my compliments for the excellent service. I'll probably ask the angel on duty if I can speak directly with the Boss Himself to thank Him personally. Yup, God is good -- all the time!

2007-08-17T22:33:00.000-07:00

Turning 30

Since I am in one of my melancholy moods again, and when I’m in these rare states, talking (or writing for that matter) becomes excruciatingly -- if not cerebrally -- slow. Or I lose all syntactic sense and my sentences develop in a Chomskian manner. If I’ve gotten you lost this early, all the better.

As they say, when at a loss for words, quote others. So, thank the lucky stars for today as I spare you of my acerbic humour and I cook up what others have to say when they turn 30. This is not supposed to be my version of the Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy for those turning 30, so give me some slack. The following list ranges from the witty to the morose, and best of all, I didn’t write them. Please address all comments, questions, suggestions and violent reactions to the authors directly. With a great deal of cosmic help from Google, here’s an interesting list of good reads when you’re turning thirty. The list sure did not do much help for me, so don’t get your hopes that high. Continue reading:

2007-08-17T20:28:00.001-07:00

Truly Asian back in Malaysia

My good friend Amy went back to Malaysia yesterday. It was certainly not a very happy occasion but I tried my best to put in a chirpy mood. And the natural clown that I am, it was not so hard a feat. Anyhoo, this entry is not about me.

What is left for me to say, but that I'll miss you, Amy (I already do!). Thanks for all the happy, fun-filled, and crazy memories. I've come to realize that the world is not that big after all, I'm certain that our paths will cross again. All the best to you, Amy!

2007-08-15T00:17:00.000-07:00

Still wild at 30

Only a few hours before I officially turn three decades old, I pause from the humdrum of my laidback existence to ponder life's nagging questions, like: why can't I be on the beach the whole day? or why is eating pork bad for you? or why does one have to study or work? No, seriously (this is really tough for me) I neither want to pause nor be serious. Lol. I've always been and will always be what I am: crazy, spontaneous, immature, childish, carefree, free-spirited, opinionated, juvenile. I'll leave out my other traits for my other entries. Lol.

So there. It is nice to be melo-dramatic once in a while. And I could not think of any time more appropriate than this -- but I am just in no mood tonight. Hahahaha. Maybe tomorrow when the reality would have started to sink in. Lol. Oh well.

2007-08-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

Anger Management

Today, a good friend told me that I have an anger management problem. Ironically, and quite rightfully proving the accusation, I reacted with rage. Thankfully, no holes on walls were accidentally made during the process.

Quite frankly, I am not one who easily takes criticism -- solicited or otherwise. Not that I do not want to hear my character flaws -- of which, I am fully aware I have heaps -- but because I consider it my personal prerogative to shield myself from the pain that such encounters do to my psyche. I may stubborn, hard-headed, conceited, proud, arrogant, self-centred, egotistic -- call me whatever you want to call me -- but I know myself. I am, in fact, my own worst critic. I am also my own shrink. I'm crazy in so many ways and the best part of it: I know it. I embrace my idiosyncrasies, my flaws and my imperfections with unabashed shamelessness. I take great pains to change myself and the last thing I need is someone to push me to the wall, give me hard punch on the face, provoke me in the process and expect me to walk away with a halo over my head.

For sure, I am no saint and this point does not even need to be belabored. What the heck, I can throw all cliches in the air and say, I am not perfect. Or I can be more creative and say that I am no dalai lama, nor have mastered the art of zen to hush the raving tigers within me and I may be imperfect in every way, ad infinitum... Those with the proper IQ will realize that self-deprecation can be cathartic. And if you have read this far and have not figured out what this is all about, then you may just be the object of one of my rare lunatic rages -- since I also have a low tolerance for incompetence and stupidity. Just kidding.

Going back to the topic. Come to think of it, I could actually make a long list exculpating myself. If I try a bit harder, I could actually also convince my friend and myself that I am not the one at fault. But these I will not do. I have come so far in my years and in my Christian walk to take the virtue of humility lightly. There is much to be learned in this world. God is trying to refine me, raise me and purify me: like gold tested on fire. And I will rise up to the challenge. Hard as it may be. Yeah, maybe I have anger an management problem -- and what the heck, a host of other defects too -- and if admitting the problem is solution enough, then maybe I'm on the right path.

2007-08-05T05:51:00.001-07:00

Mark's 3oth

This entry is dedicated to Mark -- good friend, driving instructor, brownie specialist (lami kaayo!), drinking buddy, Cebuano language tutor, chef extraordinaire, partner in crime, Nintendo wii enthusiast (thanks, Jason!), bowling and tennis hustler, Smithy’s aficionado, Chat Chat Call Card Agent, Okuma frequent customer, wall repair expert (Bunnings Warehouse!), lechon master (nindot kaayo!), pro-active endorser, soon-to-be gym buff (hint hint), homonym joke authority (maison ka bai!), Kim Jong Il fanatic (Kim-Jong-Il!), Optus 49 cap plan holder (oh Carol!), true blue Cebuano, speech-pathology lover (ahem!), Carlo's voice impersonator, anak ni Malia, caring brother and thoughtful son (naks naman!).

Nalipay ako kaayo nang nagka amigo ta. Happy birthday, Bai!

2007-07-26T00:09:00.000-07:00

Nintendo Wii

I was up until late this morning playing the Nintendo Wii (for the gadgetically challenged, it is pronounced as the pronoun we). And for the record, just so my parents and friends need not worry about my finances, I did not purchase one -- at least not yet. Lol.

Special thanks goes to my good friend Mark's cousin, Jason (whose surnames, for reasons of privacy I intentionationally withhold) for letting me play with his new toy. I have never been athletically exceptional which pretty much reflected on how I played the console's wireless controller (nicknamed Wiimote) with games (using Wii Sports) such as golf, baseball, boxing and tennis although my real-life agility and skill with bowling (please excuse my in-born sense of humility) was pretty much obvious. Lol. The mini-games in WarioWare made us all laugh like silly kids.

The Wii is backward compatible with all official Nintendo GameCube games and can also connect to the internet via its in-built Wi-Fi connection which can be used to acces the Forecast and News Channels. But don't just sit there and take my word, check out this device's rave reviews from the real techie gurus. Or better yet, if you can fork out that five hundred aussie big ones, buy the Wii (paging Nintendo for my commissions, ehem) and see it for yourself.

2007-07-19T23:14:00.000-07:00

Blueant X5 Stereo Bluetooth Headset

The Blueant X5 Bluetooth Headset I ordered from Ebay just the other day arrived today! Yay! I was so excited I cut myself trying to pry open the box. Ouch! Not to worry. It was just a tiny cut. Now I know why they often say to a child in pain, "Think happy thoughts." I was so deliriously happy (this is hardly an uncommon experience for me every single time I get something new!) I absolutely didn't mind the slight twinge on my ring finger.

Anyhoo, not wanting to waste time, I plugged both headset and streamer (the round thingy that transmits the songs wirelessly to the headset) and not even waiting for the prescribed two hours of charging time, I gave the device a go about an hour after. Talk about low emotional quotient! If I took the marshmallow test when I was a tot or now, I would have easily flunked it with flying colours, hands down and with much flare too. Lol.

Leaving all the above asides behind us, I am glad to announce that the device works! And after I showed it to some of my colleagues here at the Centre, who were generous in their praises of the device, I was even more convinced that I made the right decision to buy it. Despite some poor reviews which largely harped on the X5's poor audio quality, my ears happily thought otherwise. I am neither an audiophile nor am I hard to please in general. So there, one more reason to be happy about. Yay. Happy times these are. Yeah, just happy times...

2007-07-19T20:52:00.001-07:00

Philippine Law Journal Article

This entry I promise to be short and sweet. I just got word the other day that a paper I submitted to the Philippine Law Journal was accepted for publication. That's it. Happy times, happy times.

2007-07-17T05:45:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Following my movie rampage, I was back in the cinemas again the other night. This time to watch Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I was unimpressed.

Although I am a big lover of books, I have been particularly impressed with the previous movie adaptations of the Harry Potter Series and the LOTR. Perhaps owing to the fact that it was I think three years ago that I read the book, I was stuck at my seat wondering why the story unfolding before the screen seemed a bit flat. Or it could just be my generally melancholic disposition the past days...

Oh well. On the good side of things, and not wanting to end this entry on a morose tone, I am exhilarated to announce that the third chapter of my thesis has finally taken some decent form due to a recent burst of inspiration which i attribute mainly to my gloomy spirits. What luck! Not. My self-imposed deadline for this chapter (end of the month: July 2007) is nearing menacingly over the horizon and in the mood or not, I am hell-bent in making it.

2007-07-12T05:35:00.001-07:00

Transformers

I watched the movie the other night. I was not jumping up and down with joy but it did bring back happy childhood memories.

I felt the subtle signs of memory loss that could in all probability come only with age, when I had to scrape through my cerebral cortex to name the autobots and decepticons. Of course, I didn't have to try that hard to draw out Optimus Prime and Bumblebee -- who I somehow quite associated with myself when I was little. I wonder why they made him a Chevrolet Camaro in the movie, I kinda liked the the Volks Beetle more in the tv series .

The movie was visually very appealing but somehow the adult in me found the simple storyline a bit flat that I was literally dozing at times during the film. Oh well. Or maybe it is also another sign of old age stepping in.

2007-07-09T03:53:00.000-07:00

new cordless phone

This one is hardly news-worthy. But what the heck, it's my blog and I've nothing much to say to day. Got a new cordless phone today at Officeworks (the works!) -- the stunningly modern idect x1 digital cordless phone.

Haven't really tried it yet. I'm supposed to charge the batteries for 15 hours but I was so excited, I plugged it in right away and gave it a go after I got home. And, voila, it works!

Aside from the sleek, state-of-the-art design, it has a range of 300 metres and has a talk-time of eight hours and features the iSound crystal clear technology (whatever that means), etc., etc... This entry is not a free promotion of the phone, by the way. Did I mention the last time I was supposed to go back to my thesis writing? Hmmmm.... yup, I think I did. I'm starting to think that buying techie stuff is my psychotic way of feeding into my sick mind just so I can prod myself to work. Or maybe not. Heck, I don't know. I think I need to watch Dr. Phil more...

2007-07-07T02:47:00.001-07:00

Hillsong Conference 2007

I was in Sydney for a week attending the Hillsong Conference 2007. It was the most intense spiritual experience in my life. The five-day conference filled the 21,000-seater Acer Arena with delegates from 69 countries. I was with some of my friends from ICC Church, the Foursquare church I attend here in Australia.

I was greatly inspired and moved by the powerful sermons of Bishop T.D. Jakes and Pastor Joseph Prince. I listened in awe of Louie Giglio's indescribable presentation on the majesty of God. All week, I sung loudly and shouted praises to God I almost lost my voice. On the stage, Chris Tomlin, the Hillsong United, Reuben Morgan, Israel Houton and the Watoto Children's Choir led everyone to their feet -- dancing, clapping, singing and shouting their praises.

It was such an awesome experience! Anyone who thought Christianity is boring should go to Hillsong. I went home last night tired and sleepy from the week-long activity but feeling much blessed, very happy, spiritually recharged and on fire with the love of/for God. Waking up after lunch today from my long slumber, I realized quite sadly that I am back to my old familiar surroundings. And as I am writing this, I am once again sitted in front of my computer in my cubicle at the office just finished updating the ANCORS website, which I manage. My Hillsong experience taught me that our lives on earth are short and we are made to worship God. Life is tough and temptations lurk at every corner but our God is powerful and bigger than anything we can ever imagine. His majesty is beyond any words I could ever weave. And with that, I end this entry with a loud shout of halleluyah!

2007-06-24T21:25:00.001-07:00

Deadlines

Since I submitted my second thesis chapter about a month ago, I have been on another long break from work. Not good. Since I was not really in the mood to plunge back into my stack of papers on my thesis, I've decided to revise some of my old LLM papers at Dalhousie for possible submission for publication. So far, I've finished one and submitted it to the Philippine Law Journal. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they do publish it within the year. At least that would give me some boost in morale that sitting in front of my computer in office sometimes does not give me. If not, maybe I'll just splurge on myself again and buy another techie gadget! All the internet garbage about the coming Iphone made me think for a while if it would have been good if I just waited for it rather than buying my Nokia N73. My device's voice command does not seem to be working and I may need to send it to a Nokia Service Centre for a firmware upgrade. Sigh.And it's just a week old! Sigh.

Anyhoo, as the title to this blog entry is 'deadlines', I might as well cut to the chase and go meandering to the point. Lol. June is almost over and my third chapter's outline is still in the works. Ohmy! Sometimes I wonder where I spent all the time that passed by. Boy, is it not hard to be a bludger. I suppose there is no point crying over spilt time. Lol. So I just have to motivate myself and submit that third chapter by the end of July, at least -- or die in the attempt. That's why it's called a deadline, you know.

2007-06-17T05:33:00.000-07:00

New Phone

I got a new phone just the other day -- a Nokia N73. It's a real beauty. I'm still figuring out all that it can do and so far, except for the not so impressive pdf viewer (which comes bundled with the Quickoffice), everything else seems alright. I'm so beguiled with this device I actually spent the last few nights playing with it and browsing through its manual.

It's a Sunday and I am breaking my not-so-brief hiatus from e-blogger with this news of my new phone. Oh, by the way, I also made a 13-year old kid from church happy this morning when I surprised him with my old phone (a Sony Ericsson 750i).

Now, I think I should really seriously get back to my studies...

2007-04-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

Webmaster

Today, the University finally installed Dreamweaver on my office computer. Boy, you should have seen the wide grin on my face. I suppose today is when I officially begin my webmaster duties for the ANCORS website. Oh, what joy it is to do the things you want to do -- and get paid for it.

2007-04-14T02:45:00.000-07:00

Idle in summer

listen
to the soft murmur
of the breeze
sliding
fluidly through
the bamboos
creating
a melodious hum
gentle leaves
tossed lightly in the air
the lazy sun
hiding behind thick clouds
from afar
every now and then
a child’s pure squeal of joy
peals
the cool silence
of the hills
the subdued sapphire sky
a perfect canopy
of ancient trees
while I lay still
on the lush grass
a book opened wide
spread over my chest
I idly close my eyes
while the sweet whiff
of the wind
carried me
to a distant land
where summer
never ends.

2007-04-10T01:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter Everyone!

In case you are curious why Easter falls on different dates every year, there is actually a computation for that. While you are it, might as well find out why the easter bunny is also a popular symbol. Not to worry, there are actually many people just as curious.

2007-03-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Patterson!

I was in picturesque Talbingo, NSW over the weekend for Ate Irene's wedding. Just a bit of trivial info. The small town of Talbingo only has a population of 390 and the local public school has 12 students from the first up to the sixth grade. Whoa!

It was a very private affair -- with only 23 people on the guest list. My good friend Mary Ann was the maid of honor, while Myree lovingly made the beautiful wedding cake. I was there mostly to provide much-needed comic relief. Needless to say, I did not oblige them with a song during the reception. Darrin though, made a good cover of the [in]famous song, "My Way" -- which signalled the end of the reception party. I felt a bit sad when we all had to bid farewell to all the guests the day after and also to the quaint little town of Talbingo. I would definitely want to come back.

All the best of wishes for a happy, long, and exciting married life to Ate Irene and Darrin!

2006-12-12T19:56:00.000-08:00

Lowell's Christmas Countdown

5 Days to go before Christmas!

2006-11-22T19:29:00.000-08:00

Philippines ranks No. 6 in World Gender Equality Survey

The Philippines placed sixth in the Gender Gap Index, which ranks 115 nations covering over 90 percent of the world’s population and was compiled by researchers from Harvard University, the London Business School and the World Economic Forum.

The top 10 countries with the smallest "gender gap": 1. Sweden; 2. Norway; 3. Finland; 4. Iceland; 5. Germany; 6. The Philippines; 7. New Zealand ; 8. Denmark; 9. United Kingdom; and 10. Ireland.

The Global Gender Gap Report 2006 measures the size of the gender gap in four critical areas of inequality between men and women: 1.economic participation and opportunity; 2. educational attainment; 3. political empowerment; and 4. health and survival. The Philippines is the only Asian country in the top 10, scoring well across the board and is one of only five countries to have closed the gender gap for both health and survival and educational attainment.

There are days when I do not feel so proud that I am a Filipino. Let us just say today is not one of those.

2006-11-21T23:14:00.000-08:00

God is faithful

Life is tough but God is faithful -- all the time.

2006-11-16T20:49:00.000-08:00

University of Wollongong wins inaugural Commonwealth University of the Year

The University of Wollongong (UOW) has won the Times Higher Education Supplement (THES) inaugural award as "Commonwealth University of the Year". The Commonwealth University of the Year award 2006 is being run, for the first time, with the Association of Commonwealth Universities. UOW was the only short-listed Australian university.

The Times Higher Education Supplement (THES) is perhaps best known internationally for its annual World University Rankings which first appeared in November 2004. In case you are wondering, UOW ranked 196 in the world in 2006. Not too bad, if you ask me.

Honestly, I think the university should pay me for this.

2006-10-31T19:34:00.000-08:00

Just sick

How's three days of bed rest for an energizer bunny-creature like me? Not fun. But I'm back in the office today. Not yet fully recovered and my voice still sounds kinda funny, and my throat hurts a bit, but I'm feeling much better. For my much improved condition, I thank Wyeth for it's wonderful Dimetapp Day & Night Liquid Caps. It works so fast, it scares me.

2006-10-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

Today’s blog is dedicated to my good friend, Mary Ann Palma, who just recently finished her PhD. Mean finished her Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from the University of the Philippines; holds a Master in Marine Management degree from Dalhousie University, in Canada; and also has a Diploma in the Law of the Sea from the Rhodes Academy of Ocean Law and Policy.

Mean loves the Simpsons, playing with her drum set, and listening to music! She does not like going to the library or going to any ICIS-related activities. But if you do, she would still be your friend. Mean also loves the sun, James Blunt, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Regine Velasquez. Hahaha, just kidding. She does not like Regine. That would be me, but that is another story.

As I was saying… Mean loves good food but can go working for days without eating. Believe me, she can. I have seen it myself. She is a bit of a workaholic, I guess. Mean loves baking, makes yummy dinuguan and recently bought a happy chopper from Tupperware. Mary Ann introduced me to Ebay, listened to my incessant babbles everyday, opened her fridge for me every single time I go hungry at night after we go home taking the last shuttle and helped me over the years in oh sooo many ways, if I listed them all here, I would need another blog.

But best of all, she has been a true and loyal and helpful and generous friend, for which I am most thankful for. Before I break into tears (or into song, more probably), it would be a good idea to end this blog entry. Again, congratulations, dear friend Doc Mean!

P.S.

I forgot to mention that she got back her thesis from the examination committee just a month (!) after she submitted; without need of any revision (!) [which even my fave site, wikipedia mentions as "fairly rare"] ; and was even given a commendation (!). Wow. That is no mean feat. Well done!!! Now, we can devote our time finding her a boytoy.

2006-10-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

On this day, 20 October in 1973, Australia’s iconic landmark – the Sydney Opera House was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth II.

The Sydney Opera House -- with a roof evocative of a ship at full sail -- is truly one of the most recognisable and photographed images of the modern world. This architectural wonder was designed by renowned Danish architect Jorn Utzon. It never hurts to know a bit of history. Yes, however trivial.

On another note, today my supervisors found out about my blog. Oh well. It is not as if I have written anything bad here about them. I guess doing that is out of the question now. Just kidding. I actually consider myself lucky that I have the best people in my field for supervisors. This means, they are very good and are really, really busy people. That is why I do not want to pester them with my mundane concerns. Most of the time, they are out of the country giving lectures and doing presentations. What a life. Oh well. Maybe I’ll get lucky and be like them one day. In the meantime, I have my thesis to write.

2006-10-18T21:13:00.000-07:00

Today's blog is dedicated to the Tetragrammaton.

The four characters above are the four Hebrew letters (Yod, He, Waw and He) called the "Tetragrammaton". YHWH or its transliteration, IAUE or Yahweh, is the name of the Almighty Father in Heaven that people commonly call "The LORD" or "God". In Jewish tradition, speaking the name Yahweh is considered a blasphemy. This is the reason why we see "LORD" and "God" instead in our Bibles.

I never thought of my God as having only a Hebrew name. That would have made very sad – for I do not know how to read or write or speak in Hebrew. Does it matter what name you call God? For me, it does not. What really matters is you call on Him and trust by faith that He will answer.

2006-10-12T20:58:00.000-07:00

If you have paraskevidekatriaphobia, please stay home.

Paraskevidekatriaphobia is the morbid, irrational fear of Friday the 13th. Yup, you guess right, that’s today. This phobia is actually rooted in history, mythology and even Christian tradition.

While many people dismiss this as a silly superstition, this is no laughing matter to 17 to 21 million Americans and to countless others around the world. The Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina estimates that in the United States alone, $800 or $900 million is lost in business each Friday the 13th because some people will not travel or go to work.

Now, go back to work.

2006-10-08T21:08:00.000-07:00

University of Wollongong in Top 200 World University Rankings

The University of Wollongong has been listed in the Times Higher Education Supplement Top 200 World University Rankings.

The THES-QS World University Rankings list the Top 500 universities from an estimated 15,000 institutions across the globe. UOW was placed in the Top 200 list, ranked 196.

Now, that is good news.

2006-10-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

Canberra

What is there to see in Australia's capital? Lots. I was there just the other day. A day in Canberra is really not enough to see all that the beautiful city has to offer. So, where did I go? I went to see the Telstra Tower, Parliament House, Embassy Drive, and of course, Floriade.

2006-09-26T22:37:00.000-07:00

Wow Philippines

Imagine spectacular sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, tropical palms and exotic smelling flowers, colourful fishes swimming in turquoise waters – then, multiply that by 7,107! That would be the country where I come from: the Philippines.

If you have not been to the Philippines, I hope you consider visiting it one day. I assure you that you will not regret it. With 7,107 islands to discover, it is truly an island paradise and more. If your idea of a vacation get-away is a lazy nap on a hammock along white-sand beaches, or snorkelling and diving in deep-blue, crystal-clear waters with unspoilt coral reefs, and spectacular sunsets – then definitely, you should go to the Philippines.

While you are there, you might as well get a taste of local colour by exploring the richness of its history and culture: century-old churches, ancient forts and modern museums. And try the food! Filipino cuisine, like everything else in the islands, is a blissful blend of our western and oriental heritage (Spanish, American, Chinese) with fresh indigenous ingredients.

I have not even mentioned the people. Filipinos are one of the warmest, most hospitable race on the planet. And boy, do they love to sing! A Filipino party is never complete without three things: lots and lots of food, music and laughter. In the midst of all that you have probably heard of our country (poverty, graft and corruption, etc.) the Filipinos rank high in the Happy Planet Index.

So there, a quick plug on the country I call home. If you happen to go there, do not look for me – because I am currently in Australia. But after I have satisfied my wanderlust, I know where to go home to. You will know where to find me.

2006-09-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Blogging 101

A newbie. Yep, that is what I am. Sitting pensively in front of my computer with the raw urge to post something (I usually get this ‘itchy’ excitement with all things new), I realized I do not know where to begin. Darn. Being the reserved person that I am (not!) this feeling is something alien to me. Oh well. But really. What will I post? Or more interestingly, what should I leave out. Cyber space after all is public domain and who knows, I may turn out to be someone famous (yeah right) one day. Hmmmm…

Who would have thought blogging is not an easy task. Well, truth is, I did. Which is actually one reason why I never wanted to have one in the first place. But, thanks to my good friend Amy’s insistence, I relented. So there, if you do not like what you read here, you know who to blame: her.

If you also find blogging difficult, there are a couple of useful internet sites that could help:

I hope the links help. I got them from the University of Sydney blog help site. If it doen't help you, or the links don't work, don't blame me. In the meantime, for reasons I myself couldn't fathom, here is another picture of me taken at Hyde Park, in Sydney.

2006-09-25T03:08:00.000-07:00

Day one at blogging

Sitting in front of the computer pretending that I am actually writing my thesis is a tough job. It is not loathsome. Just hard. It is not as hard as actually doing real work, for example. Or not doing anything at all. It is a happy little spot in between. I actually made it sound cute. Oh well. Not nearly as cute as the impending doom that awaits to befall me if I do not finish this writing job in three years. What a vision. Sometimes that is just what I need to push me to actually work on my thesis.

But why the hell am I talking about my thesis on this blog? I don't know. Well, for one, this is my blog and here, I can say what I want to say. And secondly, I need not give a another reason, just refer to reason number one. So there. A taste of things to come. I'll try to write something more sensible next time. Maybe an entry that befits my latin blog title. In case you're curious, it simply means fiction yields to the truth. If you did not wonder what it meant, or you already knew (smartass), I'm still telling you.

In the meantime, here is a mug shot of me taken somewhere in Canada.