tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64470502858173852024-03-13T03:54:25.144-07:00The Enigma of HerselfA little mix of everything you need to know about books, food, music, what-nots, and my life in general.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-28687031379236142432016-08-04T23:25:00.001-07:002016-08-04T23:25:43.510-07:00#FaeriesFavorites: Marilyn Monroe Photos<p><img class="wp-image-1634 aligncenter" src="http://ift.tt/2aXOpko" alt="marcover" width="373" height="373" /></p>
<p>Today is August 5, 2016, otherwise known as 54 years since Marilyn Monroe was found dead at her Brentwood home at the age of 36. Whatever may have been the cause of her death (because just like a lot of people, I have my theories about it, too), what matters is that she was a woman who was way ahead of her time, was a brilliant actress, and truly intelligent, albeit vulnerable, too—which are just some of the reasons why I became such a fan of hers.</p>
<p>Speaking of which, I wanted to do a little tribute for Marilyn, and so I decided to share some of my favorite photos of her with you guys. You can check them out below…</p>
<div data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_1626" style="width: 451px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1626" src="http://ift.tt/2aZLO65" alt="mar1" width="441" height="441" />
<p class="wp-caption-text">(c) Sam Shaw</p>
</div>
<p style="text-align:left;">That’s one of my favorite shots of her–ever. I love the whole Sam Shaw collection–he captured her in such a different light, and she had so much hope at this time, and it showed. If I wasn’t mistaken, this was taken at her home with Arthur Miller–same goes for the two succeeding ones.</p>
<div data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_1628" style="width: 535px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1628" src="http://ift.tt/2aXO3db" alt="mar3" width="525" height="525" />
<p class="wp-caption-text">(c) Sam Shaw</p>
</div>
<div data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_1630" style="width: 501px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1630" src="http://ift.tt/2aZLIeK" alt="mar5" width="491" height="565" />
<p class="wp-caption-text">(c) Sam Shaw</p>
</div>
<div data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_1633" style="width: 476px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1633" src="http://ift.tt/2aXOcgN" alt="mar8" width="466" height="536" />
<p class="wp-caption-text">(c) Getty Images</p>
</div>
<p>One of her early photoshoots as Norma Jeane</p>
<div data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_1631" style="width: 554px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1631" src="http://ift.tt/2aZLGUc" alt="mar6" width="544" height="626" />
<p class="wp-caption-text">(c) Andre De Dienes, 1945</p>
</div>
<p>Gorgeous beauty! <em>Vanity Fair </em>even used photos from the same shoot on one of their covers / features once.</p>
<div data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_1632" style="width: 423px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1632" src="http://ift.tt/2aXOZhJ" alt="mar7" width="413" height="475" />
<p class="wp-caption-text">(c) Getty Images</p>
</div>
<div data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_1627" style="width: 532px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class=" wp-image-1627 alignnone" src="http://ift.tt/2aZLYu2" alt="mar2" width="522" height="522" />
<p class="wp-caption-text">(c) Michael Ochs Archives</p>
</div>
<p>Marilyn apparently loved New York. A couple of biographers have noticed how “relaxed” she was while there, especially in Brooklyn, because she could shop like a normal human being, amongst others.</p>
<div data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_1629" style="width: 489px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1629" src="http://ift.tt/2aXOMv1" alt="mar4" width="479" height="479" />
<p class="wp-caption-text">(c) Cecil Beaton</p>
</div>
<div data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_1652" style="width: 429px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1652" src="http://ift.tt/2aZLHrg" alt="mar9" width="419" height="482" />
<p class="wp-caption-text">(c) Getty Images</p>
</div>
<p>That last one was from her days of shooting the ill-fated “The Misfits”. Kind of heartbreaking how she’s still trying to smile even though it’s one of the most trying times of her life, proving that there’s always that strength beneath the fragility.</p>
<p>Rest easy, Norma Jeane. Hope you’re having fun up there. xx</p>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-64435014901683024992016-06-11T23:55:00.001-07:002016-06-11T23:55:42.601-07:00On Facebook…and the need for “Likes”<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1607" src="http://ift.tt/1PmnMxu" alt="likes" width="389" height="389" /></p>
<p>So, so, so this the second part of my crazy rant last week (and maybe you can tell from my tone that I’m somehow feeling better now), but there are a few points I left and basically it all leads to this…</p>
<p>I kind of don’t want to be active on <em>Facebook</em> anymore because of the whole “I live for likes” thing. See, our society now is so obsessed with likes—and I guess, I feel guilty about it, too. And it also got to the point where it got so toxic because of the whole brouhaha about the elections and it was too much. Just too much.</p>
<p>Now, back to the “likes” and the NEED for them. Seriously, it’s toxic. And I know because even subconsciously, I fed on that for a while. When you post something, it’s like, <em>let’s see who likes this,</em> etc. Sure, you want to say your opinion, but come on, look at your feed. Check what’s going on. Check what people around you have been saying. It’s like…even simple things could be turned into a big deal simply because people want to state their long opinions <strong>every.single.time</strong> and it gets so nauseating and you feel compelled to compete, especially when you’re such an overachiever eager beaver (yeah, yeah, yeah me) and then one day, you’d just get to the point where in you’d feel…<em>wait a minute. Why do I care so much? Do I really care this much?</em></p>
<p>It’s just that…you shouldn’t let yourself be defined by “likes”. And this is what I’m trying to wrap my head around again.</p>
<p>There were also moments in the past when I felt like…<em>HUH. I had a much better post than this person and this person is getting way more likes</em>, etc. I guess we’re all guilty of this, but then you get to realize that society feeds on popularity. It’s a bandwagoning thing. Like, (why am I using like so many times? I sound like a Kardashian lmao) because this person is supposed to be “beautiful”, or “popular”, it automatically means that this person’s posts would be liked right away. And that kind of thought eats at you, especially when you’re going through other things, and you begin to nitpick every single thing you believe is wrong with your life. And it is super unhealthy.</p>
<p>Now, don’t get me wrong. It’s not like I’m giving up on social media altogether—helloooo, I can’t do that lol. <em>Twitter</em>’s home (and it’s where I met some of the bestest people ever especially Twitter friends circa 2010!!!!), and I still enjoy <em>Instagram</em> but Facebook…ugh. Every time I open it, this surge of anxiety just goes through me. I gave up <em>Tumblr</em> months ago when it also became toxic (although it was my home for years), but it was just too much and it was becoming so mainstream (!!!!) and it just does not work for me anymore the way it used to. Anyway, what I’m saying is that it’s okay to cut some things out of your life. It’s okay not to “compete”. It’s okay to take some time off from Facebook (try it!) and not care so much and just be in a place where you feel okay—where you feel like you can try to find yourself again, and become a better, hopefully stronger version of you. It’s okay to like what you like and not say your opinion just because everyone else is giving theirs. It’s okay to think on your own, and give proper opinions instead of comment on anything and everything just so you’d be “sikat” or so you’d sound so intelligent. But it’s also okay to voice your opinions out. To each his own.</p>
<p>And also…I seriously don’t want to deal with fake people anymore (not all, but there are a couple and it’s just not worth it to give your time and effort for people who don’t care)</p>
<p>I guess I’m just tired of it at the moment but I’d probably get back some other time, but it’s also quite refreshing to be away from it for a while—it’s the closest thing you can get in place of a vacation!</p>
<p>And also…there’s more to life than caring for events that don’t really make you feel good anymore. There is a time to rest, even from your passions—you still have them inside you, after all, and you can always dream new dreams, and you can get back to them when you feel like you’re ready. Not when you’re tired and tired and tired. Work on your own pace, this is what I keep reminding myself now.</p>
<p>And another also…yesterday, I was really devastated to hear about the death of Christina Grimmie. She was just so young—so young, so eager to live, so full of life…she had so much to give. And it’s just sad it was just taken away from her too soon. You just never know what’s going to happen anymore so just live life the best way you could, the way you know how, but don’t hurt or kill others in the process.</p>
<p>Life is so unpredictable these days, so you better chuck the negativity out (I mean, of course, I’d get mad every now and then, and I still have all my issues, but you know…) and just try to find yourself again. I’m on the process.</p>
<p>There are already so many evil people in the world—don’t be one to yourself. Share your story. Help yourself heal.</p>
<p>There’s this song that I often listen to these days—and it’s so beautiful, and it’s called <strong>Showing Up</strong> by <strong>Alex G.</strong> Here’s a <strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqrJEP_hf9o">link</a></strong>, and the lyrics are below…</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>I used to be so mean to myself</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>I am my own worst enemy</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>I used to hide my truth</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>From you</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>I can’t remember what it feels like</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>To come out of hiding</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>I-I-I-I’m ready</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em> </em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Coming out of the shadows like I’m enough</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Loving every bit of the real I got</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Every inch of my messy is beautiful</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Something truly courageous in showing up</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Singing</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>I-I-I-I’m showing up</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em> </em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>I’ve never measured up</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>To my rules</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>My little, careful calculations</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>They shattered at the sight</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Of my roof</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>That every thought could be loved by</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>You-ou-ou-ou</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>I’m not afraid now</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>I-I-I-I’m…</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em> </em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Coming out of the shadows like I’m enough</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Loving every bit of the real I got</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Every inch of my messy is beautiful</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Something truly courageous in showing up</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Singing</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>I-I-I-I’m showing up</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em> </em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>No more believing I’m gonna need a little more than I got</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Done over thinking every reason I gotta sit and watch</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>[x3]</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em> </em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Coming out of the shadows like I’m enough</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Loving every bit of the real I got</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Every inch of my messy is beautiful</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Something truly courageous in showing up</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Singing</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Oo-oo-oo-oo I’m ready</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>I-I-I-I’m showing up</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>That’s all for now. Be back soon with more personal posts! Xx</p>
<p> </p>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-55897869976097766742016-06-04T23:58:00.001-07:002016-06-04T23:58:55.749-07:00On Fake People, Things I Hate, and Why I’m Not Around<p><img class="wp-image-1601 aligncenter" src="http://ift.tt/24qkqRg" alt="o_19n9mihiau4j7ii1538f87ium7_new.JPG" width="327" height="218" /></p>
<p>Have you ever gotten to the point where you felt like almost everything and everyone around you is fake? Like, you just woke up one morning and you felt so overwhelmed about everything that you had to stand back a bit?</p>
<p>Well, that’s what’s been happening to me lately.</p>
<p>If you’ve been reading this blog, or have been talking to me deeply, you would know that my depression isn’t a secret. Well, recently it has been really, really, really bad.</p>
<p>Let’s see…Well, this started 2 Mondays ago when I felt like…oops. <em>Wow. Are these really the people in my life now? How did I get to the point where I thought that the friends I have now are actually “real”, when well…it doesn’t really seem like they are.</em> Even if you’re actually just being there for them. I didn’t like the thought that these people felt like I was wasting their time and space because uhm, hello, look at our chat history, people. Look at our history, period. There, I said it.</p>
<p>I’ve also gotten to that point in my life when I feel like…everything’s happening so fast, and yet it’s all too slow…you know what I’m saying? Don’t worry if you’re confused. I confuse myself a lot, too. But, anyway…let’s just say that when you’re in your late 20s and you feel like “nothing is happening in your life”, well…it sucks. And it sucks bad.</p>
<p>Normally, it does not affect me, but I guess there really are moments in life when you feel like you have no idea what you’re waiting for anymore. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s about your career, your relationships, whatever. It’s hard when you get to that point, but then when you look back and think about the alternative…it’s like, you have no idea where you’re going to go, and you certainly don’t want to go back. So, what would you do, right?</p>
<p>And then I suffered two losses in the past two weeks. You know when people say they’re tired because school is tiring, work is tiring, etc? Well, I’m tired because of all these losses and mishaps. And believe me, these things become normal to you when you’re used to them, but there also comes a time when you just get so tired. So, so, so tired.</p>
<p>I’ve been wanting to write this for a while, but the thing about me is whenever I get these overwhelming moments, I really get overwhelmed. And I’ve no idea how to write it all down anymore.</p>
<p>So, maybe this’ll be too negative, but maybe, that’s the only way for me to let it go.</p>
<p>I hate the fact that I lost one of my dogs. And I can’t talk about it because it kills me.</p>
<p>I hate the fact that I lost my tablet (I know it’s shallow, but…)</p>
<p>I hate the fact that no one seems to read what I write. I don’t even want to write fiction anymore. I have all these ideas in my head, and I still get requests from former fanfic readers from time to time, but you know…generally, when I put out all those books last year, I just felt like I never really got the support I needed. And wanted (because seriously, who does not want support?). And it sucks when you see people who don’t work hard as much as you do get all the support—even when their works are just mediocre. It’s hard when you don’t get the chance you know you deserve. It hurts when you actually get that chance but it doesn’t make you feel like anything because no one is around to support you. I don’t even want to read this stupid book (a compilation I’m part of) that arrived in my door because it pains me. And believe me, I know how unfair life is, and I know this sounds like I’m such a brat but I never talk about this so whatever. I hate it when answers take months and years to come. I can wait, but how long is too long? And how much is too much?</p>
<p>I hate it when I feel like work is being monotonous. I hate feeling like I’m not good enough, or I’m not getting enough, or whatever.</p>
<p>I hate not having real friends, maybe because I’ve mostly pushed people away, but what can I do? I really can’t stand people who have disappointed me or hurt me. I seriously have none of that plasticity or whatever you call that thing where you still talk to people you hate or have done you wrong even when you do not like them at all. When you’re cut off, you’re cut off. Done and done. Last week, when I was asking for help, only two people went out of their way to reach out—<strong>Jehan</strong> and <strong>Bea.</strong> And if you’re reading this, thank you girls. See, it’s like out of the sea of people in your life, you don’t really have anyone. And that sucks.</p>
<p>But anyway, I chanced upon my <em>Facebook</em> a couple of days ago. I deactivated it so I don’t know why it’s working, and still not using it the way I used to because it seriously gives me the creeps now. And well, I saw messages from some friends, specifically <strong>Nina</strong> and <strong>Alyssa</strong>. Sorry for not replying. Sorry for not being strong enough to come back yet. But I appreciate it. I really do.</p>
<p>I hate waiting for that ring on my finger. I don’t know, I don’t even want to deal with people on my wedding day if that’s going to happen, but maybe I just like the idea of “getting married” even if I’m actually in a stable relationship because when you see people around you getting married, it sucks, and yeah I’m still that romantic girl deep down even though I buried her in so much control now. (Uhm, it’s the time of the month so maybe screw this? But maybe no, because it’s real)</p>
<p>I hate friends who say “I’m a busy mom, how are you?” UHM, like I care? I still don’t want kids, nope. And I’m good with my cats and dogs, thank you.</p>
<p>I hate missing my family but when I look back on all the years of abuse—abuse that most of them deny because yeah, my brothers never really felt that—it sucks. It sucks. It sucks. I hate missing them. I hate wanting to check on them or wanting to visit because I know nothing has changed and it will just break my heart if I do. But of course, no matter how screwed up your family is, you’d still miss them, even just a bit. Just imagine not having anyone to come back to. It sucks.</p>
<p>I hate still having these fits of depression and anxiety and the feeling that you want to hurt yourself (sadly, I have relapsed and am doing so at times). I hate going back to that 9 year old girl who hurt herself because no one is around for her.</p>
<p>I hate not having a proper home. I won’t elaborate but yeah.</p>
<p>I hate feeling like I have no proper “roots” because at times, I still think about how it would be like to meet my real dad even though the times I tried to find him, I just got severely disappointed.</p>
<p>I hate not being enough.</p>
<p>I hate the stupid arguments, and not being understood.</p>
<p>Again, I hate not being enough.</p>
<p>Or maybe, I hate being too much.</p>
<p>Maybe, I should talk about these things more, little by little.</p>
<p>Maybe, I’d have clarity then. Maybe, not.</p>
<p>It’s just a cycle.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So, I don’t really know what I’m talking about anymore, but this felt somewhat cathartic. Maybe I’ll be fine. Maybe, I won’t. I’d always pull through, anyway.</p>
<p>Right now, I’m just tired.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-38010928552588666012016-05-25T23:18:00.001-07:002016-05-25T23:18:42.363-07:00Too Much to Ask<p><img class="wp-image-1596 aligncenter" src="http://ift.tt/1TBAEXZ" alt="too" width="354" height="354" /></p>
<p>When you were old enough to understand the harsh realities of life, you realized that losses were inevitable. You can love someone or something and in an instant, they could be taken away from you.</p>
<p>Then you grow up, grow old, and the losses just keep on happening. They keep on happening that you begin to question what is it that you did wrong. You question why the universe is keen on taking what you love away from you, when you know you have taken care of them with all your heart, and that you did everything you can to keep them safe; protected.</p>
<p>There comes a point when you have already cried too many tears for all your losses that when another one happens, you tend to lose the ability to cry—but you do not lose the ability to hurt. You hurt so bad that you just want the world to stop. You hurt so bad that you try to replay the situation in your head to justify it; try to see how is that that within seconds, you could lose something you love when things seemed normal; fine; going well.</p>
<p>You want the pain to stop but you have no idea how.</p>
<p>You want to keep on hoping that this won’t happen again, but you’re scared now.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Maybe, there really comes a time when you don’t want losses to happen anymore—even though that seems impossible.</p>
<p>But is it too much to ask the world to just be sane for you, even for a while? For the heartbreaks to stop? For the hurt not to linger?</p>
<p>Is it too much?</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><em>“Sometimes I think the human heart is just a simple shelf. There is only so much you can pile onto it before something falls off an edge and you are left to pick up the pieces.”</em><br />
― <em><a href="http://ift.tt/1ao6SKq">Jodi Picoult</a>, <a href="http://ift.tt/1TBAwYd">House Rules</a></em></p>
</blockquote>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-47868384526998664012016-05-21T21:25:00.001-07:002016-05-21T21:25:44.006-07:00Four<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1590" src="http://ift.tt/1TAfzv8" alt="4" width="351" height="351" /></p>
<p>1</p>
<p>For four years I’ve wondered what it would be like to share my life with someone again. There were many mishaps; many misshapen turns. I. I have crashed and burned so many times. I have fallen hard, and realized that skinned knees were better than broken hearts; that love doesn’t come easy; that just because you think you feel something does not mean the other person feels it, too.</p>
<p>I was deadest on spending the rest of my life alone. I was fine with it. I was tired. To be honest, I did not think much of you before—then you came crashing back into my life, and changed it in more ways than one. From Clementine erasing Joel from her mind, Elvis and Anabelle saving each other, to reading that shady, crazy book—we shared the most profound memories; we laughed, had adventures, started something—whatever it was. Because really, it didn’t have a name for a while. But that didn’t matter.</p>
<p>You often told me how much you loved me. You wrote poems and musings that no one ever did for me, and it scared me. It scared me because I knew that if I gave my heart away, I would give all of it.</p>
<p>But isn’t that what love’s supposed to be about? Or so they say.</p>
<p>For years, I thought life was just going to be the way it was—mornings spent alone, watching endless movies and television shows, going to bed late, late at night with no hand to hold.</p>
<p>I was filled with lies, and I consumed them. I lived in them. I became a huge walking lie until one day, we both decided it had to end. It was not easy, but it was our choice.</p>
<p>It was far, far from my fairytale. But it was our story. And I liked it that way.</p>
<p>2</p>
<p>We had fun—and that would be an understatement.</p>
<p>Late nights in the city, the rain on our faces, our bodies drenched but our hearts happy. Days walking in the park, under the trees, under the stars. All those dreams we shared. All the memories we made.</p>
<p>I was so used to being alone, but then I realized there’s warmth that stuffed bears and bunnies wouldn’t give. There’s a certain kind of happiness that comes from laying next to the one you love, even when you just hold hands and listen to your own breaths; the kind that makes you want to stay in bed. The kind that makes you realize what home is.</p>
<p>They say that when love is good, it is magic. And it’s true: days become better, nights no longer feel lonely. You have someone who’s your other half, not because both of you are broken, but because you’re whole enough to share your life with someone else. And that in itself is magical—more than any other magic can bring.</p>
<p>We built our own furry family, we tried to enjoy life with whatever we had.</p>
<p>We were living our life, and we thought that was enough.</p>
<p>3</p>
<p>There comes a time in relationships when you begin to question things. You wonder who started it all; you wonder if it matters; you wonder if this is what it’s supposed to be. It happens. It cannot be helped.</p>
<p>I was used to being alone, so I had to struggle being surrounded by people all the time. At times you think I didn’t try. But I did. But like most of the things in my life, it just wouldn’t fit. But you did, no matter how different we are—and would always be. Some things just would not change.</p>
<p>From all our happy days stemmed days when fights and arguments became prevalent. When tears do not seem enough to convey the pain; when shouts and screams don’t seem enough to end the noise inside.</p>
<p>There are days when I know we’re both confused. Is it possible that you still love each other when there are days that you just want to end it? Or is it just in your head?</p>
<p>They say that love is not always enough. And it’s true.</p>
<p>Love isn’t always enough to cover certain things that hurt. Love is not always enough to let each day pass by.</p>
<p>But then again…do you really wish for the alternative?</p>
<p>4</p>
<p>Four years tomorrow. Four years now.</p>
<p>Sometimes, you do not even feel the years anymore.</p>
<p>Nothing is perfect, of this I am sure.</p>
<p>Sometimes, I would sit and wonder exactly when things have changed, because I know I have. And you have, too. It makes me wonder about that first year, when we were both so positive; when no matter how I’ve seen the harsh realities of life, my idealism was still there.</p>
<p>You often tell me that you miss that person; the person I used to be.</p>
<p>What I don’t tell you is that I miss the part of the person you were, too. What I don’t tell you is that I miss the person I’ve been, too. I don’t know where she went, but I believe she’s still there.</p>
<p>I miss who we’ve been.</p>
<p>Because relationships are one thing—but love is another.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Nothing worthwhile is ever easy, they say. So take my hand. Let’s not fail.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-43328294321965103762016-05-19T23:08:00.001-07:002016-05-19T23:08:27.718-07:00Ariana Grande: Dangerous Woman | Album Review<p><img class="wp-image-1576 aligncenter" src="http://ift.tt/1WG2SAQ" alt="dw.jpg" width="369" height="369" /></p>
<p>It’s here! It’s finally here! Ariana Grande’s latest offering, DANGEROUS WOMAN is here and of course, I’m listening. Let me take you through some of the songs—MY FAVE ONES, and how I feel about the album. But on second thoughts, scrap that—I’m going to tell you how I feel about the album now. I feel so good about it because it’s just SO. GOOD. (I sound so redundant, but whatever—it’s really amazing. Probably her best so far.)</p>
<p>See, DANGEROUS WOMAN (as tacky the title sounds) actually shows a different side of Ariana—a sexy, strong, grown woman—who’s also still trying to find her way, just like the rest of us. If I’m not mistaken, this was written after a breakup—so you can really feel that the songs mean so much to her, and perhaps, there’s one (or a couple) of those songs that you’ll be able to relate to.</p>
<p>Speaking of which, here are my favorite tracks from the album:</p>
<p><strong>Track 1: Moonlight</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>He’s holding me tight | and he calls me Moonlight</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Ahhh, this is just so beautiful! So perfect—it has that utterly romantic vibe. It’s the kind of song you’d play while reflecting alone at night—or with someone you love.</p>
<p><strong>Track 6: Let Me Love You (ft Li’l Wayne)</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>I just broke up with my ex<br />
Now I’m out here single, I don’t really know what’s next<br />
But I ain’t even trippin’, I’mma chill and sit back<br />
And I know they will be coming from the right and the left, left, left</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>I just seriously like the vibe of this song! One of her bests.</p>
<p><strong>Track 8: Leave Me Lonely (ft Macy Gray)</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>Is it love when so easily said goodbye?<br />
Is it love when we’ve given up before we tried?<br />
Is it love when you stole my peace of mind?<br />
Is it love when you cry, cry and cry?</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>This song is on a league of its own, I’m telling you. So powerful. It’s also a great comeback for Macy, if you’d ask me.</p>
<p><strong>Track 7: Greedy</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>Greedy</em> |<em>You know that I’m greedy for love</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>It’s just so much fun!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Track 9: Everyday (ft Future)</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>Anytime, anywhere, baby boy, I can misbehave<br />
Breathe me in, breathe me out, fill me up<br />
Running through your veins</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>Track 13: Touch It</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>Cause every time I’m with you, I go into a zone<br />
And I remember all the places you wanna go<br />
Take me all the way</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>Track 15: Thinking Bout You</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>Oh, I don’t have you here with me<br />
But at least I have the memory<br />
I tried to make it through the night<br />
But I can’t control my mind</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Listen to the rest of the album here:</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://ift.tt/27FhnsG">http://ift.tt/1U3T5hP</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-37976950620278550472016-05-17T22:56:00.001-07:002016-05-17T22:56:14.029-07:00Wonder<p style="text-align:center;"></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1573" src="http://ift.tt/204qttg" alt="o_1af1t67b2bmrslrpqg8qf1uv87_new.jpg" width="491" height="327" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">It was just a normal day; you’re doing whatever the hands of fate have strung your way, and asked you to do.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">It was a normal day—and it still is, but you couldn’t get that photo out of your head. That photo that a certain website reminded you of; a photo of years gone by, spent with people you no longer talk to.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You wonder how he’s doing—that old friend who had your back and nursed your wounds years ago, back when you were spiraling out of control. That friend who was there for you when you felt you had no one else—even if you actually had. Well, it didn’t matter, because he was the best of the rest of them. Head on his shoulders, your hand in his—you felt like everything was possible. That if someone could feel safe and secure, it was within his arms, and with his heart.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You remember car rides with him, your hair flowing in the wind; wondering how it would be like to watch fireworks in one of those overlooking spots; wondering how life would be like a year on; wondering—just wondering. And yet, it was enough.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You wonder how it all ended, or if it even really began in the first place. You wonder whether all those words meant something, or if they were just in passing. You remembered holding on to his arms, knowing he’d keep you safe from the firecrackers you were so scared of. You remembered the laughter; you remembered the tears—especially that time when you broke down under flickering lights, and the harsh fall of raindrops; each drop leaving a scar in your heart. You remembered all those times you’d talk about dreams and nightmares; broken hearts and broken promises. It was all so easy. It was all so fine.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You wonder how it stopped—because you wouldn’t be thinking of this now if it went on, and on, and on—like the other things in your life. You wonder who stopped talking to whom first; who didn’t reciprocate the messages. You remember how hurt you were. You remember all the questions you asked.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Years later, you no longer wonder why. Yet, you couldn’t help but wish that he stayed—that whatever you had stayed. Because you’re so used to loss—you’ve had it all your life. But whenever you see old photos of that time, and whenever you think of him—that person who had your back once upon a time, and who was so good to you, you found hope again—you couldn’t help but feel this strange stinging sensation in your heart. You couldn’t help but feel sad. You couldn’t help but wonder.</p>
<p> </p>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-45249009592041761452016-05-13T00:30:00.001-07:002016-05-13T00:30:21.882-07:00#CurrentlyListeningTo (03)<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1564" src="http://ift.tt/24UNXbd" alt="clll.jpg" /></p>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-27663703369574858922016-05-07T00:21:00.001-07:002016-05-07T00:21:25.410-07:00#CurrentlyListeningTo (02)<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1561" src="http://ift.tt/1YeeDw1" alt="cl2.jpg" /></p>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-50456585081851409472016-05-04T00:10:00.001-07:002016-05-04T00:10:15.111-07:00#FaeriesFavoriteMovies: 13 Going on 30<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1521" src="http://ift.tt/1X7Ti9e" alt="13" width="426" height="334" /></p>
<p>Hi, everyone! Decided to put up a new topic on the blog, and well, in this space, I’d just be talking about my favorite movies (aka an excuse to blog about Mark Ruffalo…I KID. Ok, only half-kidding lmao) and share my favorite quotes, scenes, songs, and everything else from them.</p>
<p>First up is one of my favorite movies of all time: <strong>13 Going on 30</strong></p>
<p>So this movie was released in 2004, if I’m not mistaken, and the first time I saw it was when I was such a troubled teen (eek) and since then, it has remained as one of my most beloved films.</p>
<div data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_1507" style="width: 410px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class=" size-full wp-image-1507 aligncenter" src="http://ift.tt/1TlaIt7" alt="tumblr_mz24m3QUj01qjw3lko1_400" />
<p class="wp-caption-text">Matty and Jenna looking so cute! (Trivia: Young Jenna was played by Christa B. Allen–aka Charlotte on “Revenge”)</p>
</div>
<p>So, it’s the story of Jenna Rink, this 13 year old awkward teen who wished to be 30 (THIRTY AND FLIRTY AND THRIVING!!!) and well, one day, she woke up and got her wish…but of course, there are consequences.</p>
<ol>
<li>She could not remember anything about her life</li>
<li>She’s successful, but then she realized that she’s actually mean and messy and well, you know how we messed-up adults are</li>
<li>She’s no longer friends with her best friend, Matt–and her friends now are all phony😦</li>
</ol>
<div data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_1510" style="width: 255px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1510" src="http://ift.tt/1X7Ti9g" alt="tumblr_n0pcu0yLEd1qctc04o4_250" />
<p class="wp-caption-text">Love is a battlefield</p>
</div>
<p style="text-align:left;">So, one day, she looks for Matt–who’s now a grown-up Mark Ruffalo, and just tries to learn about her life more. She got everything she wanted–but then it just made her feel like nothing. And how many times have we felt that way in our lives, right?</p>
<p style="text-align:left;">She grows close to Matt again–and they share many great experiences together, even redesigning her magazine!</p>
<a href='http://ift.tt/1TlaIt9'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://ift.tt/1X7Ti9i" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="tumblr_naq64oKxIk1soa679o1_250" data-attachment-id="1516" data-orig-file="http://ift.tt/1TlaItb" data-orig-size="245,245" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="tumblr_naq64oKxIk1soa679o1_250" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://ift.tt/1X7TjtR" data-large-file="http://ift.tt/1X7TjtR" /></a> <a href='http://ift.tt/1TlaG4y'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://ift.tt/1X7Ti9k" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="tumblr_naq64oKxIk1soa679o2_250" data-attachment-id="1517" data-orig-file="http://ift.tt/1TlaG4B" data-orig-size="245,245" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="tumblr_naq64oKxIk1soa679o2_250" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://ift.tt/1X7TjtU" data-large-file="http://ift.tt/1X7TjtU" /></a> <a href='http://ift.tt/1TlaIth'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://ift.tt/1X7Ti9m" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="tumblr_naq64oKxIk1soa679o3_250" data-attachment-id="1518" data-orig-file="http://ift.tt/1TlaGkS" data-orig-size="245,245" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="tumblr_naq64oKxIk1soa679o3_250" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://ift.tt/1X7Ti9o" data-large-file="http://ift.tt/1X7Ti9o" /></a> <a href='http://ift.tt/1TlaGkU'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://ift.tt/1X7Ti9q" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="tumblr_naq64oKxIk1soa679o4_250" data-attachment-id="1519" data-orig-file="http://ift.tt/1TlaIJv" data-orig-size="245,245" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="tumblr_naq64oKxIk1soa679o4_250" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://ift.tt/1X7Ti9s" data-large-file="http://ift.tt/1X7Ti9s" /></a>
<p style="text-align:center;">heheehehe</p>
<a href='http://ift.tt/1TlaGkY'><img width="150" height="86" src="http://ift.tt/1X7TipG" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="tumblr_n0pcu0yLEd1qctc04o8_250" data-attachment-id="1513" data-orig-file="http://ift.tt/1TlaIJx" data-orig-size="245,140" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="tumblr_n0pcu0yLEd1qctc04o8_250" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://ift.tt/1X7TjtZ" data-large-file="http://ift.tt/1X7TjtZ" /></a> <a href='http://ift.tt/1TlaIJz'><img width="150" height="86" src="http://ift.tt/1X7Tju1" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="tumblr_n0pcu0yLEd1qctc04o5_250" data-attachment-id="1511" data-orig-file="http://ift.tt/1TlaIJB" data-orig-size="245,140" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="tumblr_n0pcu0yLEd1qctc04o5_250" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://ift.tt/1X7TipI" data-large-file="http://ift.tt/1X7TipI" /></a>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align:center;">We have to remember what used to be good. If we don’t, we won’t be able to realize it–even if it hits us between the eyes.</p>
</blockquote>
<p style="text-align:left;">Of course, there’s a catch: Matt is getting married *sobs* and Jenna is still such a mess–leading to my favorite song of all time, Billy Joel’s “Vienna”–watch/listen to it below:</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH7o2xe4KP4" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH7o2xe4KP4</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">And then there’s this…</p>
<a href='http://ift.tt/1TlaIJD'><img width="150" height="92" src="http://ift.tt/1X7TipM" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="tumblr_na9lwjsNS01qaho1po8_r1_250" data-attachment-id="1515" data-orig-file="http://ift.tt/1TlaGl4" data-orig-size="245,150" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="tumblr_na9lwjsNS01qaho1po8_r1_250" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://ift.tt/1X7TjKh" data-large-file="http://ift.tt/1X7TjKh" /></a> <a href='http://ift.tt/1TlaIJF'><img width="150" height="92" src="http://ift.tt/1X7TipO" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="tumblr_na9lwjsNS01qaho1po6_r1_250" data-attachment-id="1514" data-orig-file="http://ift.tt/1TlaIJJ" data-orig-size="245,150" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="tumblr_na9lwjsNS01qaho1po6_r1_250" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://ift.tt/1X7TipR" data-large-file="http://ift.tt/1X7TipR" /></a>
<p>You probably already know what happened, but if you don’t…Well, let’s just say it’s not the most logical movie (LOL) but it’s just so good and heartwarming and perfect.</p>
<div data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_1509" style="width: 255px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1509" src="http://ift.tt/1TlaIJL" alt="tumblr_n0pcu0yLEd1qctc04o2_250" />
<p class="wp-caption-text">“You don’t always get the dream house. But sometimes, you get pretty close.”</p>
</div>
<p style="text-align:left;">Well, Jenna got her dream house, of course, but the thing about this movie is that it really just warms your heart–and reminds you to go, chase for your dreams–and make sure those are what’s actually in your heart.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;">And you know, sometimes, we fall down—down, down, down–but sooner or later, we’ll get up…and find our place in this world.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><strong>Soundtrack Favorites:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li style="text-align:left;">Billy Joel-Vienna</li>
<li style="text-align:left;">Liz Phair-Why Can’t I</li>
<li style="text-align:left;">Pat Benatar-Love is a Battlefield</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align:left;">That’s all for now! TTY soon! xx</p>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-41163469143288976772016-05-02T23:46:00.001-07:002016-05-02T23:46:14.466-07:00Favorite Bookish Quotes Vol 1: One Last Thing Before I Go (Jonathan Tropper)<p><img class="wp-image-1483 aligncenter" src="http://ift.tt/26NJPZ0" alt="o_1ah7cje9g6qj1luviqs1oqd13637_new" width="395" height="263" /></p>
<p>Today’s featured book: <em><strong>One Last Thing Before I Go</strong></em> by <strong>Jonathan Tropper</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p>“Mistakes have been made. It’s hard to know where to start. Things have been a mess for many years that trying to pin down a starting point is like trying to figure out where your skin starts. All you can ever really know is that it’s wrapped around you, sometimes a little tighter than you’d like.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>“The thing about living alone is that it gives you a lot of time to think. You don’t necessarily reach any conclusions, because wisdom is largely a function of intelligence and self-awareness, not time on your hands. But you do become very good at thinking yourself into endless loops of desperation in half the time it would take a normal person.”</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“We’re all clichés, all following scripts that have been written and played out long before we landed the role.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>“The only thing worse than not having your dream come true is having it come true for a little while.”</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p>“And ice-cream cones,’ she says. ‘What is it with you and ice-cream cones?’</p>
<p>He licks around the edge of his cone as he considers the question. ‘I guess no one ever eats an ice-cream cone at a funeral, or a fire. The Red Cross doesn’t drop ice-cream cones into third-world countries. If you’re eating an ice-cream cone, it’s just very hard to believe that things have gone completely to shit. That there isn’t still hope.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>“It’s hard to imagine your heart simply stopping, but at the same time, it’s hard to believe that it didn’t give up years ago.”</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“This was his childhood, safe and warm and brightly lit, and being here now makes him feel like he died years ago and he’s now a lost spirit, stuck between worlds with unfinished business.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-31551393703870327852016-05-02T23:21:00.001-07:002016-05-02T23:21:35.767-07:00#CurrentlyListeningTo…<p>Some old, some new | Just the songs that are currently on repeat this week, for some reason…</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1479" src="http://ift.tt/1W5t8VC" alt="cl2.jpg" /></p>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-4543572373024474732016-04-23T23:44:00.001-07:002016-04-23T23:44:26.850-07:00Empty<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1473" src="http://ift.tt/1WjMPHz" alt="o_1aektda4m9cv39584of8h1a9g7_new" width="397" height="426" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Every day is a wheel of prevailing emotions; emotions that you couldn’t show to the world; emotions that you’ve learned long enough to hide that already became natural to you.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You work yourself to death and ask yourself why. You begin to wonder about the state of your life. You begin to think that you need change—but you don’t know exactly what you need.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You feel like there are not enough words being said; you no longer feel good about anything.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">And then you hear the words you need—but they don’t make you feel like anything.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Maybe, they do, but you cannot hear them clearly.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You could not see them clearly.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Because you’re empty.</p>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-2385029837470411462016-04-11T23:35:00.001-07:002016-04-11T23:35:55.914-07:00Doors<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1450" src="http://ift.tt/1S6EFQh" alt="door-1229144_960_720.jpg" width="437" height="328" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">When she opened the door, she wished.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">She wished for long, cold nights</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">For a healthy heart</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">She wished for the sweet smell of flowers</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">The drizzle of the rain</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">She wished for a clean mind</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">A clean slate</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">She wished for contentment</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Without losing the will to dream</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">She wished for a good life</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">And the strength to deal with the bad</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">When she opened the door, she found</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">She found a reason to live</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">With her hopes and wishes came strength</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">And it was enough</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Enough to make her stay</p>
<p> </p>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-8179993648665023842016-04-02T23:54:00.001-07:002016-04-02T23:54:09.837-07:006 Years Ago…<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1440" src="http://ift.tt/1VlK0p5" alt="College_Graduates_Pic.jpg" width="303" height="248" /></p>
<p>You know what this week means? Well, this week is actually 6 years (if I remember correctly, I mean, if it isn’t this week, it’s the next ha-ha) since I graduated from college UGH I AM OLD. No, seriously, though…sometimes, you just get these bursts of memories and you tend to reflect on how much you have changed since then.</p>
<p>I’m not going to lie: back then, I thought I knew everything already. I thought it was going to be easy—or at least, easier than I thought. If you knew me back then, you’d say I actually have it all figured out. <em>My yearbook even says that I’m going to be the next Pia Guanio (I know, I know)!</em> I kind of was excited for what life could bring. I thought I’d easily be okay.</p>
<p>Here’s the thing: I took broadcasting in college, but before that I stopped studying the year after High School ended because (hmm, you probably know by now) of Depression. That was 2005, and come 2006, I thought I was already fine (conventional family; these things should end—just.like.that.), so I went back to school and well, college was pretty good to me. It was my comfort zone. I had friends everywhere. I was even President of our org once, was part of the Honors Society, the student council, was hosting our in-school radio show, organized benefit concerts and car shows—in short, I was acing both my academics and my social life, so I was pretty fine (except for times when my heart was broken! HA!)</p>
<p>But then, on my junior year, I had this internship at a TV Network and it made me feel like, “<em>waiiiiit…this probably isn’t the right thing for me to do”</em>. I remember my friend and I even had a conversation with one of the network’s directors once and she said that we should ask ourselves if it was really what we wanted. But well, I’m kind of the queen of lying to myself then so I thought, the feelings of confusion are going to pass. I wanted to shift at that point, but I thought it was too late, so I continued, and soon, I was already about to graduate.</p>
<a href='http://ift.tt/1ZVbYZt'><img width="150" height="113" src="http://ift.tt/1VlK0p7" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="25887_1360734811997_3421347_n" data-attachment-id="1438" data-orig-file="http://ift.tt/1ZVc03r" data-orig-size="720,540" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="25887_1360734811997_3421347_n" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://ift.tt/1VlJXcU" data-large-file="http://ift.tt/1ZVbYZx" /></a> <a href='http://ift.tt/1VlK0Fo'><img width="150" height="113" src="http://ift.tt/1ZVc03v" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="25887_1360716891549_2995305_n" data-attachment-id="1437" data-orig-file="http://ift.tt/1VlK0Fq" data-orig-size="274,206" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="25887_1360716891549_2995305_n" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://ift.tt/1ZVbYZB" data-large-file="http://ift.tt/1ZVbYZB" /></a> <a href='http://ift.tt/1VlK0Fs'><img width="150" height="113" src="http://ift.tt/1ZVc03x" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="25887_1360746532290_5869613_n" data-attachment-id="1436" data-orig-file="http://ift.tt/1VlJXta" data-orig-size="274,206" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="25887_1360746532290_5869613_n" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://ift.tt/1ZVc03z" data-large-file="http://ift.tt/1ZVc03z" /></a>
<p>Before that, though, I remember my friends and I had this conversation about our expectations after college, and one of them said she was scared. She was scared of starting again—of finding her place in the world. Well, I was kind of the mother hen of the group, too, so I said, we’ll all be okay and we’ll find our places in the world.</p>
<p>So, fast forward to what happened after graduation: I can still remember how 2 weeks after grad, I was already being pressured to find work—and it was then that I realized how easy the generations before us had it: how they easily found work—how it was just “easy”, period.</p>
<p>Anyway, I was still one of the first ones in our batch who found work, but well…it just didn’t work for me. I felt like crying in the office each day, wanting to go home when I’m done with my responsibilities for the day. I felt like I could not fit in, so I resigned, and of course, my parents were disappointed. Who wouldn’t be? To them, I was this High School Salutatorian and College Dean’s Lister WHO COULD NOT MAKE UP HER MIND. And it was wrong. And I understood, but the thing was…I just could not fit in. I just could not be myself. And that was hard.</p>
<p>So, well, I was jobless for months—and my god, I couldn’t even begin to tell you how depressed I was back then; how the words really pierced my soul and made me feel like I was worthless.</p>
<p>I then went from job to job but long story short: I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t give my best. I always got sick. I literally felt like killing myself to the point that I became such a liar. I lied about going to work, even when I didn’t. I lied, I lied, I lied—and my life become literally a toxic lie.</p>
<p>And when those things happen, you really have to make tough decisions—and really take control of your life.</p>
<p>All I’m saying is…life after graduation? It isn’t as easy as it seems. Maybe, some would have it easy—and that’s good. But it doesn’t happen for everyone. Getting what you want takes time, and you really do have to have tough skin for it. You have to help yourself. You have to make your own decisions. You have to fall down to the pits so you could rise up again. You have to—as cheesy as this sounds—hold on to your passion. You have to give yourself the chance to dream new dreams—and work for the ones you really believe in. You just have to do something with your life, whatever that means.</p>
<p>Do I like the person I’ve become? Well, to be honest, there are times when I don’t, but mostly, I do. Because I know that I worked hard for what I have now—and I am working hard for what I could still have. I may not be the same girl in those pictures anymore, but I guess, that’s good. You change as you grow. You change as you go.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong><em>“I love the woman I’ve become. I fought hard to become her.”</em></strong> –Kaci Diane</p>
</blockquote>
<p style="text-align:center;"><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-19560361399555095682016-04-02T22:36:00.001-07:002016-04-02T22:36:27.153-07:00Missing Looklet + Bookish News<p>You know Facebook’s <em>On This Day</em> feature? Yeah, I’m such a sucker for that, and this week, it spewed out a lot of photos from my Looklet album and I just experienced such a wave of nostalgia (UGH), and I just MISS LOOKLET SO MUCH. Are you familiar with the site? Not the one they have <a href="http://looklet.com">NOW</a> but how it was <a href="http://ift.tt/1ML3Qsg}">YEEEEARS AGO</a> where you could style models and join contests and what-nots. I know there are a couple of sites that offer the same things now but none of them are as good as Looklet😦</p>
<p>Anyway…I just thought of sharing some of my favorite looks that I have styled on the site…</p>
<div data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_1412" style="width: 393px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1412" src="http://ift.tt/1RFFexO" alt="25887_1367142332181_3552765_n" width="383" height="469" />
<p class="wp-caption-text">Ah, I remember this one vividly! haha I was so obsessed with Gossip Girl (still am, mind you) and at that time, I was also reading the books, and there was this passage about Serena loving the animals at the zoo…and I think this look was inspired by that episode where she was late for the Mixer announcement.</p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<a href='http://ift.tt/1ML3T7q'><img width="123" height="150" src="http://ift.tt/1RFFexQ" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="26858_1349503771228_4244656_n" data-attachment-id="1413" data-orig-file="http://ift.tt/1ML3Qsi" data-orig-size="490,600" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="26858_1349503771228_4244656_n" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://ift.tt/1RFFexU" data-large-file="http://ift.tt/1ML3Qsm" /></a> <a href='http://ift.tt/1RFFexW'><img width="123" height="150" src="http://ift.tt/1ML3Qso" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="26858_1350156827554_5538789_n" data-attachment-id="1414" data-orig-file="http://ift.tt/1RFFexY" data-orig-size="490,600" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="26858_1350156827554_5538789_n" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://ift.tt/1ML3Qsq" data-large-file="http://ift.tt/1RFFey2" /></a> <a href='http://ift.tt/1ML3QIE'><img width="114" height="150" src="http://ift.tt/1RFFey4" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="285546_2110780642674_5921245_n" data-attachment-id="1407" data-orig-file="http://ift.tt/1ML3QIG" data-orig-size="423,555" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="285546_2110780642674_5921245_n" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://ift.tt/1RFFbCm" data-large-file="http://ift.tt/1ML3T7A" /></a> <a href='http://ift.tt/1RFFeOo'><img width="123" height="150" src="http://ift.tt/1ML3QIK" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="1917582_1346994428496_7757439_n" data-attachment-id="1408" data-orig-file="http://ift.tt/1RFFeOq" data-orig-size="490,600" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="1917582_1346994428496_7757439_n" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://ift.tt/1ML3QIO" data-large-file="http://ift.tt/1RFFeOs" /></a> <a href='http://ift.tt/1ML3TnO'><img width="123" height="150" src="http://ift.tt/1RFFeOu" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="25887_1364471865421_5984616_n" data-attachment-id="1411" data-orig-file="http://ift.tt/1ML3QIU" data-orig-size="490,600" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="25887_1364471865421_5984616_n" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://ift.tt/1RFFeOw" data-large-file="http://ift.tt/1ML3TnQ" /></a> <a href='http://ift.tt/1RFFbCq'><img width="123" height="150" src="http://ift.tt/1ML3TnS" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="25887_1362209328859_250873_n" data-attachment-id="1410" data-orig-file="http://ift.tt/1RFFeOy" data-orig-size="490,600" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="25887_1362209328859_250873_n" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://ift.tt/1ML3QZd" data-large-file="http://ift.tt/1RFFeOA" /></a> <a href='http://ift.tt/1ML3QZg'><img width="123" height="150" src="http://ift.tt/1RFFbSE" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="24347_1369042019672_7834676_n" data-attachment-id="1409" data-orig-file="http://ift.tt/1ML3QZi" data-orig-size="490,600" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="24347_1369042019672_7834676_n" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="http://ift.tt/1RFFeOD" data-large-file="http://ift.tt/1ML3QZo" /></a>
<p>Do you realize who my inspiration is for those three images above? No? Well…</p>
<div data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_1426" style="width: 303px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class=" wp-image-1426 aligncenter" src="http://ift.tt/1RFFf4R" alt="29936_1381567732807_7538503_n" width="293" height="358" />
<p class="wp-caption-text">Blair Waldorf, of course!</p>
</div>
<p>You know what the funny thing is, though? Yesterday, I unearthed some old files and found old manuscripts of this story of mine called <em><strong><a href="http://ift.tt/1ML3TnY">Concrete Jungle</a></strong></em>, which is pretty much inspired by Gossip Girl lol. Anyway, I decided to start posting chapters on Wattpad, so if you want to read, please do so–and leave me comments, too! xx</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1434" src="http://ift.tt/1RFFf4V" alt="girls-1031538_960_720.jpg" width="257" height="366" /></p>
<div class="on-select embed-code" style="text-align:center;"><span id="embed-url"><br /></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-79734411599563545612016-03-31T00:26:00.001-07:002016-03-31T00:26:50.393-07:00Every Version of You<p><img class="wp-image-1393 aligncenter" src="http://ift.tt/22QU27y" alt="15_min" width="292" height="310" /></p>
<p>One, you were full of daydreams; nothing you can remember anymore</p>
<p>Two, you opened up your eyes to harsh realities; some you blinded yourself from</p>
<p>Three and four, you found hope</p>
<p>Five, you started to be confused; about life, about the world</p>
<p>Six, you were a big sister</p>
<p>Seven, you were a little lady</p>
<p>Eight, nine, ten, you were meek; you were shy</p>
<p>Eleven, twelve, you were painfully awkward; the world was harsh;</p>
<p>Thirteen, fourteen, you lost one of the people you loved most</p>
<p>Fifteen, you were full of dreams; had your head in the clouds; only going up, up, up</p>
<p>Sixteen, you fell back to earth; had to stop; didn’t know where to go next</p>
<p>Seventeen, you had a breakdown; tried to pick yourself back up</p>
<p>Eighteen, you had the world in your hands</p>
<p>Nineteen, your world came crashing down</p>
<p>Twenty, you were full of grace</p>
<p>Twenty One, you didn’t know where you were headed</p>
<p>Twenty Two, you tried; oh how much you tried</p>
<p>Twenty Three, you were full of lies</p>
<p>Twenty Four, you went away; left that world; built something new</p>
<p>Twenty Five, you were back with your fairy tales; you know they never left; they never will</p>
<p>Twenty Six, you were good; you were alright</p>
<p>Twenty Seven, you’re fine; and then you’re not</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I still see every version of you;</p>
<p>Every version of me;</p>
<p>There’ll be more</p>
<p>So much more</p>
<p>There’d be hope</p>
<p>Hopefully more</p>
<p> </p>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-81842900591882663302016-03-28T23:22:00.001-07:002016-03-28T23:22:19.517-07:00On Depression<p><img class="wp-image-1387 aligncenter" src="http://ift.tt/1LW3nTW" alt="693_min" width="387" height="258" /></p>
<p>Well…I really have no sugary words to cover this up with: I am depressed. My depression is taking over my brain right now, making me feel worse than I already do each day. Not the “blah it’s a sad day” kind, but the debilitating, <em>my world feels like it’s falling apart no matter how I try to make myself happy</em> kind.</p>
<p>The reason why I don’t often talk about this is because I get more messed up when I ask advice from people (and I am still not asking for any), and I’m better at dealing with my own mind on my own. Sometimes, though, I just want to chuck it out of the window.</p>
<p>I’ve come to accept that my depression is probably going to be with me forever—because it is a disease. It isn’t something that depressed people have invented to ask for pity or whatever, but it’s just what it is. When you’re depressed, no matter what you have, no matter how “good” your life is, you’re depressed. Medications help, but at the end of the day, you’re depressed—and you have to deal with it on your own. When you’re depressed, there’s this big dark cloud above your head, and it rains—and it rains, and it rains.</p>
<p>Some people say you have to think “positive”—but when your depression attacks and makes its way to the surface, and when you’ve had so many days of pretending you’re fine, you kind of become like a vessel that’s really close to overflowing—like you’re just going to explode. And you think of so many things all at once. With me, right now, it’s the following…</p>
<ol>
<li>Feeling so utterly tired with work but have no choice but to work because a 9 to 5 job just wouldn’t suit me (I’ve tried so MANY TIMES already. It never works) I do like what I’m doing…sometimes, I just don’t feel like it’s enough, or I’m enough, or that it matters.</li>
<li>Wanting to move</li>
<li>Publishing things—but not many people believing in you, and the people you wish would believe in you just don’t do as much (I’d probably cry if I elaborate ha-ha)</li>
<li>Asking simple things and not being answered properly…or people being too tired of your questions, when it’s your first time to ask them(!)</li>
<li>Being disappointed by some people</li>
<li>Being disappointed by yourself</li>
<li>Starting things, but being confused</li>
<li>Feeling like the way you take care of your pets is not enough; why they sometimes get sick; why you had to lose so many before</li>
<li>Feeling unheard</li>
<li>Feeling like you’re too much—that you care too much, but when you try not to, you still do</li>
<li>Missing home—but having no home to come back to</li>
<li>Always feeling not good enough</li>
<li>Wishing for this and that</li>
</ol>
<p>Lalala the list goes on. I’m saying this not because I want people to pity me, but because seriously…my head just feels like it’s about to explode and my heart feels so heavy and I don’t know how to talk to people about these things anymore and it’s my blog lol so whatever.</p>
<p>I guess I’m just tired.</p>
<p>I know it’ll pass. It always does.</p>
<p>But right now, at this moment, I’m just…tired.</p>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-29808277304218176322016-03-07T23:11:00.001-08:002016-03-07T23:11:45.994-08:00Life, Lately (04) + Bookish News!<p><img class="wp-image-932 aligncenter" src="http://ift.tt/1OYdEcK" alt="LIFELATELY" width="450" height="300" /></p>
<p>It has seriously been forever since I last posted here but life has been craaaaazy. There are days when I’m just seriously exhausted and have no time for anything else, and when I do have time I just feel like I want to eat and sleep and walk the dog (lol)…but seriously, it’s been a tiring couple of weeks.</p>
<p>Plus…well, I’ve also been going through a depressive phase. For a time, there were certain things I felt I had to stop (such as writing books, tbh) because I felt like it was going nowhere. I kind of felt like I wasn’t good enough. That has been playing in my head for a while and it was sad and I thought, maybe, I should stop BUT, you know…life really works in mysterious ways because just when I felt like giving up, a certain email popped up in my inbox that made me realize that sometimes, you really just have to wait, especially if you have done your part (because what would you wait for if you have not done your part, right?) and what you’re waiting for will come. I also remembered this conversation I had with a friend (Hi, Kaye!), about dreams and not giving up on your passion, because really, what would life be like if you’d give up altogether?</p>
<p>Well, going back to the email… it’s not exactly what I wanted, but it’s close. Imagine being one of the chosen ones (HAHA not like Harry but that would be good, too) among many (I know, cryptic, will divulge when I could but not now…). What I’m saying is, maybe this will finally lead me to what I really, really want. Maybe, it’s a test. You’ll know soon, but for now (for a taste of it), do read <strong><u><a href="http://ift.tt/1LNUkEd">THIS.</a></u></strong></p>
<p>And to know more about that, you can subscribe to my newsletter at: <strong><u><a href="http://ift.tt/1OYdEcM">http://ift.tt/1OYdEcM</a></u></strong></p>
<p>Another bookish news: you can order a copy of this compilation some of my colleagues and I made. It’s called <strong><em>Project TIMES: Hearts For Sale</em></strong>, and you could order your paperback copy here: <strong><u><a href="bit.ly/HeartsForSale">bit.ly/HeartsForSale</a></u></strong></p>
<p>Anyway, going back to other things, I’ve been walking a lot recently because #ChewytheDog loves the outside world so much lol. Still a cat lady though!</p>
<p><strong>What I’ve been reading</strong></p>
<p>Haven’t been reading so much, too L Except for certain articles here and there, and I’ve only read only 15 books this year (that’s a lot for some but not for me but my ADD’s really getting worse…) Most recent reads are:</p>
<ol>
<li>Rainbow Rowell – Kindred Spirits</li>
<li>Jojo Moyes – After You</li>
<li>Jessica Love – In Real Life</li>
<li>OJ Simpson – If I did it (THIS MADE ME SICK TO MY STOMACH UGH)</li>
</ol>
<p>Currently reading Marcia Clark’s <em>Without a Doubt.</em></p>
<p><strong>What I’ve been watching</strong></p>
<ol>
<li><strong>American Crime Story: The People vs OJ Simpson.</strong> This is so good (and I’m obviously obsessed, if you could tell by what I’ve also been reading recently). It kind of inspires me to do more, do something like that (not KILL OMG but create something as artistic, and as good as that). It’s the kind of show that’s worth watching.</li>
<li><strong>How to Get Away with Murder!</strong> STOP TRYING TO MAKE WES-LAUREL HAPPEN IT’S NEVER GONNA HAPPEN. But seriously, still twisted and gooooood</li>
<li><strong>OUAT.</strong> IT’S BACK!!! AND DARKER!</li>
<li><strong>Damien.</strong> Just started watching this and it’s super creepy! I like how they’re using old The Omen footages though. And I’m really scared of saints (at least the figures), big ones (Ikr it’s weird but they really freak me out) and this show UGH !!!!</li>
<li><strong>Pretty Little Liars.</strong> #Spaleb</li>
</ol>
<p>Also American Idol is really good this season!!!! Grease: LIVE was also amazing! Still watching Supergirl, some Recovery Road, and Tyler: The Hollywood Medium, amongst others lol. Oh, and a lot of Late Late Show with James Corden!</p>
<p><strong>Current Favorite Tunes (aka songs on repeat)</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Alex and Sierra – Back to You</li>
<li>Alex and Sierra – I Love You</li>
<li>We the Kings ft Elena Coates – Sad Song</li>
<li>Zayn – Pillowtalk (IKR LOL)</li>
<li>Kelly Clarkson – Piece by Piece (Idol Version)</li>
<li>Fifth Harmony ft Ty Dolla Sign– Work from Home</li>
<li>New Radicals – Get What You Give (old one but I’ve been playing it a lot)</li>
<li>Charlie Puth ft Selena Gomez – We Don’t Talk Anymore</li>
<li>Carly Rae Jepsen – All That</li>
<li>Nick Fradiani – Beautiful Life</li>
<li>The Corrs – I Do What I Like</li>
<li>Seafret – Sinking Ship</li>
<li>Nickel Creek – This Side</li>
<li>Lana del Rey – Freak</li>
<li>Chvrches – Clearest Blue</li>
</ol>
<p>That’s it for now, I guess…So how’ve you guys been doing?</p>
<p>P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe to <strong><u><a href="http://ift.tt/1OYdEcM">http://ift.tt/1OYdEcM</a></u></strong>. Making this blog more interactive. Let’s do this!</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-13098410139690047052016-02-08T21:25:00.003-08:002016-02-08T21:25:43.774-08:00Be Young, Flawless, and Free with Celeteque Dermocosmetics!<p>What does it take to be young and flawless?</p>
<p>When it comes to your looks, there is nothing worse than having dry, flaky skin. Sure, you may not have the best clothes, or the most expensive accessories around, but if you have clean, radiant skin, you’d definitely feel confident and empowered—and one thing that could help you with that is a new skincare line from Celeteque—Celeteque Dermocosmetics!</p>
<p><strong>No more bad skin days</strong></p>
<p>Imagine feeling unconfident because of blemishes in your face—even if you have tried different products already. Or, feeling as if you’re aging faster than you should—these are definitely feelings that no one wants to encounter, and if you’re dealing with these things, you can now breathe a sigh of relief because Celeteque Dermocosmetics is here to help you! Now, you would have no more “bad skin” days!</p>
<p><strong>Makeup that’s nourishing</strong></p>
<p>One of the best things about Celeteque Dermocosmetics is that unlike other makeup brands, it is made out of the most natural ingredients that won’t dry or damage the skin. In fact, you’d feel like your skin is so supple and soft upon using it.</p>
<p>When this happens, you’d be younger and radiant-looking each day, and you’d always feel refreshed—because it will show on your face! Your face wouldn’t look and feel heavy, and would even have a natural, glowing finish. You’d be proud of your skin—and people will definitely be looking, in a positive way, of course!</p>
<p><strong>Stay Young, Feel Young!</strong></p>
<p>Another amazing fact about Celeteque Dermocosmetics is that it doesn’t just conceal spots, it also prevents skin from aging prematurely, and as they say, prevention is definitely always better than cure!</p>
<p>With its unique formula, Celeteque Dermocosmetics makes it easy for blemishes to fade, and for fine lines to disappear as if they have never been there before! Your skin would glow with the so-called blush and brightness of youths—so you’d look and feel young!</p>
<p>What’s more is that color cosmetics and expert skin care have been blended properly, making way for the anti-aging benefits of Celeteque Cosmetics! It’s clinically proven to be hypoallergenic—and that’s more than you can say for any other brand out there!</p>
<p><strong>Take care of your skin—use Celeteque Dermocosmetics</strong></p>
<p>Don’t let your skin age ungracefully. You have the power to choose skincare products that will revive your beauty, make you flawless, and make you feel beautiful and confident as can be!</p>
<p>For younger-looking, healthy skin, choose Celeteque Dermocosmetics!</p>
<p><em><strong>*This is a sponsored post</strong></em></p>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-78748923319152517832016-02-08T21:25:00.001-08:002016-02-08T21:25:42.849-08:00Glorious Blossoms: Experiencing the Cherry Blossom Festival in Fukuoka with Cebu Pacific!<p><em>Magical. Enchanting. Truly a sight to behold.</em> Those are just some of the words that you yourself would utter upon seeing the wondrous Sakura—also known as Cherry Blossoms—in Fukuoka, Japan!</p>
<p><strong>A historic and colorful land</strong></p>
<p>Starting the New Year means that you have lots of chances to do what you want—and what better way to start than with traveling? This January, start updating your travel plan list and add Fukuoka—one of the most beautiful places you could ever set foot in!</p>
<p>Known as a former castle town that came about because of the fusion of Daibu-Gu and Hazokazi-Go, Fukuoka is considered as an important part of the birth of Japan. Fukuoka also serves as the port of Hakata, making it an important Japanese harbor city. It is also the sixth largest city in Japan, but more than anything, Fukuoka is known to be the home of the famous Cherry Blossom Festival!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1370" src="http://ift.tt/1ScNbzq" alt="Fukuoka Cherry Blossoms.jpg" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Magical and Unforgettable!</em> See the beautiful Fukuoka Cherry Blossoms with your very eyes!</p>
<p><strong>Different Sights, Magical Blooms</strong></p>
<p>What’s great about the Fukuoka Cherry Blossom Festival is that you wouldn’t feel like there’s only one kind of thing to see. In fact, there are various spots in Fukuoka where you could see those cherry blossoms in all their glory!</p>
<p>First is Maizuru Park, also known as Fukuoka Castle where about a thousand cherry trees are waiting for you! There’s also an observation platform where you could check out the blooms. A spacious park is also provided in case you want to take part in Hanami (flower viewing) parties.</p>
<p>Then, there’s the beautiful Nishi Park that offers over a hundred cherry blossom spots near the Terumo Shrine—a shrine dedicated to some of the Feudal Lords of Japan. Hillside viewing is easy in this area!</p>
<p>With fresh sea breeze, seeing the cherry blossoms at the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park would truly be an experience like no other! You can event rent bicycles so you could traverse around the cherry-filled peninsula!</p>
<p>And lastly, you could walk to Atago Shrine, near the Meinohoma Station, where you’d not only see the cherry trees that light up in the evening, you’d also be in awe of the picturesque Hakata Bay just beyond the hillside.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1369" src="http://ift.tt/20lcZJ1" alt="Cebu Pacific" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Since December 17, 2015, direct flights from Manila to Fukuoka have been made available by Cebu Pacific!</em></p>
<p><strong>Easy, Breezy Travel Experience</strong></p>
<p>Now, going to Fukuoka is easier than ever! With the help of Cebu Pacific’s direct flights to Fukuoka, you can bask in the glory of the Cherry Blossom Festival and have the grandest time of your life!</p>
<p>Surely, it would be an experience like no other!</p>
<p><em><strong>*This is a sponsored post</strong></em></p>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-78893691667535480092016-02-08T00:15:00.001-08:002016-02-08T00:15:30.426-08:00A New Day | Another Day<p><img class="wp-image-1362 aligncenter" src="http://ift.tt/1LagUS0" alt="newday" width="315" height="347" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">You open your eyes to a new day and realize it’s probably another version of your day yesterday. You have the same job, you have to do what you have to do, and you just go through it the best way you should.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Sometimes the world just feels like it’s turning so fast; like time just slips right through your fingers without you being able to do anything about it. Days just seem to fly by, with you floating right along them. And you can’t help but wonder if you’re doing everything you could with your time.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Nothing seems to be sacred anymore</em>, you think. These days, lives are judged based on what you share in those ‘grams; in those tweets. Gone were the days when you wrote in your journals; gone were the days when you had the patience to write down all of your feelings inside, until you feel your heart breaking, shattering, getting tired. You have replaced all that with control. You have replaced all your noise with silence—because talk is cheap, and you just have no idea how to share what you feel inside.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">These days, lettering is an art, and painting could make money. Reading books is a challenge, not just a hobby. Gone were the days when bookworms were really just in their own world. Gone were the days when reviews and critiques were just in your head. Gone were the days when you wrote on notebooks, on scraps of paper, without having to photograph them; without the need for likes and admiration from people you don’t even know.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Nothing is sacred anymore</em>.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Change is good, you think. Change is inevitable.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">But sometimes, you can’t help but wonder if you have allowed yourself to change a whole lot.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">If you have allowed yourself to change so much—and now you don’t know yourself at all.</p>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-20026949912297551862016-01-24T23:23:00.001-08:002016-01-24T23:23:01.699-08:00Old Friends<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1317" src="http://ift.tt/1niPqDO" alt="old" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>You look at that old album, one that has not been opened in years, one which contents you thought have gotten out of your grasp; out of your memory. In reality, they’re still there, just waiting to be opened up again.</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>You see photos of that girl—that one girl you’ve been friends with for years. You remembered how you fought over stickers and papers; how you would braid each other’s hair; how you would stay at each other’s homes just talking for hours while dissecting what’s on television; how you would talk about those silly boys who made you smile, and made you confused, at the same time.</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>You smile as you leaf through the pages, the remnants of your old life unfolding right before your eyes. You remember that girl, and remembered how you promised to stick for each other through anything; to be the kind of friends whose kids would also be friends; to just be with each other forever.</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>And then you remembered that little girl is not in your life anymore—has not been for years.</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>You remembered the accusations, the ugly words said. It didn’t matter whether it came from you, or from her—what only matters is that they’ve been said.</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>You don’t remember the exact time you wished you would not be around her anymore; how the thought of her coming over started to irritate you; how you stopped telling her everything; how the jokes became too much, too cruel; how you no longer got each other’s back; how you no longer fit in each others’ lives.</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>You’ve both lived different lives since then, and you can’t help but wonder: will these new versions of yourselves still like each other? Or is that all your friendship is going to be?</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>You wonder, and then you stop.</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>Because then, you realize that this life is what your life is supposed to be; that this life, without her, is better than with her in it.</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>And it’s okay.</em></strong></p>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-41916273647717776402016-01-23T20:18:00.001-08:002016-01-23T20:18:47.547-08:00Counting On<p><img class="size-full wp-image-1308 aligncenter" src="http://ift.tt/1QlIH69" alt="counting on.jpg" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>She looked around quickly, to see if anything had been taken. Dark clouds enveloped her; everything was hazy. She was confused.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>She looked around and saw everything was being taken away–every part of herself, being shredded. She couldn’t help but wonder why. She couldn’t help but think about what she may have done wrong—or if that even matters at all.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Because the world takes, and takes, without fail. The world gets too much from you—all the way to your core. The world has broken her; stopped her from being here. The world has taken her innocence, replaced it with hurt. It took away her rose-colored lenses, and replaced it with bashed ones: that is what life has done.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>She looked around again, and noticed that while life may be dark, the clouds have moved to make way for a blue sky. She ran towards the blue sky. She fell down, got scathed. She fell, but got up. She walked again.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>She turned around. The dark clouds were getting farther and farther away. With a heavy heart, and bloodshot eyes, she smiled.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>She knew that little by little, the world will be better again.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>And though the black clouds may be looming, she knows that her hope and perseverance would pull her through.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>That’s what she’s counting on.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">____________________________________________________</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">A/N: Have been in such a novel-writing rut lately, so I decided to just put out some short writings from prompts. This will just be one of many.</p>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07171739751247332381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447050285817385.post-78893019345964600002016-01-23T18:37:00.001-08:002016-01-23T18:37:35.958-08:00Hello #ChewytheDog + Life, Lately (03)<p><img class="wp-image-1301 aligncenter" src="http://ift.tt/1PLH4M1" alt="chew" width="345" height="345" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Well, apart from the fact that I am still so exhausted, this week brought on a new surprise: <strong>Chewy the Dog!</strong></p>
<p>We were actually supposed to adopt another dog the past week, but someone already adopted him, but I guess life really works in mysterious ways because I think Chewy’s a perfect fit for us. He’s just this little nutter (lol) but he’s really nice. I kind of think he’s adapting some of the kittens’ behavior, too, as he plays with them a lot.</p>
<p>Another interesting fact is that we found out he shares a birthday with my boyfriend. How many other times would you be able to get pets who share the same birthday with you, right?</p>
<p>So, yeah, having him around is really fun.</p>
<p><img class=" size-full wp-image-1302 aligncenter" src="http://ift.tt/1PedGlu" alt="12592567_10206664217657681_3896884713849983868_n" /></p>
<p><strong>What I’ve been Reading</strong></p>
<p>Let’s see…this week I finished reading:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Tim Gunn’s Fashion Bible</strong>. I’m a sucker for fashion-related non-fiction books + can’t wrap my head around fiction right now, for some reason.</li>
<li><strong> Don’t Forget the Parsley (Marie Claire Lim Moore).</strong> Read this for an upcoming blog tour, and I enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed <em>Don’t Forget the Soap.</em></li>
<li><strong>150 Movies You Should Die Before You See.</strong> Because crappy movies deserve a book, too.</li>
</ol>
<p>Also been re-reading <strong>Fairy Tale Fail,</strong> my favorite Mina V. Esguerra book!</p>
<p><strong>What I’ve been Listening To</strong></p>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj8IKtXczwI&">Seafret – Something in the Air</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVAy3IZiL0s&">Seafret – Atlantis</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scd-uNNxgrU&">James Young – I’ll be Good</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj6V_a1-EUA&">Amber Run – I Found</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLAhRiUeJ8E&">Oh Wonder – Without You</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dAbMEvr9FY&">Oh Wonder – All We Do</a></li>
</ol>
<p>Plus a lot of the #HSMPlaylist because #HSM10…but where are you, Troy?!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>What I’ve Been Watching</strong></p>
<p>Hell’s Kitchen, Masterchef Junior, Younger, Pretty Little Liars (YES I AM ALL ABOARD THE #SPALEB SHIP), Dark Net, KUWTK. Kocktails with Khloe, and for some reason, I’ve been watching a lot of Carpool Karaoke lol and as always, a lot of things I’m forgetting</p>
<p>Oh, also been playing a lot of Neko Atsume so if you wanna talk about that, I’m here</p>
<p>P.S. I’ve this Tumblr Quotes blog, if you want to follow, it’s at <strong><u><a href="http://ift.tt/1PLH2no">TheFaerieQuotes.tumblr.com</a>!</u></strong></p>
<p> </p>
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