invictus

by william ernest henley


out of the night that covers me,
black as the pit from pole to pole,
i thank whatever gods may be
for my unconquerable soul.

thanksgiving should be celebrated around the world

not indulging in stuffed turkey, pumpkin pie, day off from work, and black friday sale doesn't take away the fact that today is a good day to give thanks from this part of the world.

today, i give thanks for the little pleasures that make life worth living: reading books, the flavor of strong coffee, experiencing the poignancy of sunrises and sunsets, feeling euphoric with the smell of paper and seawater, having a good night's rest on my 20-year old mattress with my flattened pillow, hearing my nephew squeal in absolute joy, having a belly laugh while watching one of my fave sitcoms, making my parents laugh at my jokes, getting nostalgic while listening to 90's rock, self-choreographing to an emotive song, releasing my inner child through coloring books and pastel crayons, walking on white sand, etc.

peaskambak!

during our family lunch in the house for all saints' day this year

*one of julian's favorite "toys" is this mini plastic armchair we've always had on reserve for occasions when we run out of regular-sized chairs for guests. since our house has never been equipped to hold parties and gatherings, that mini armchair has always been put into use whenever we have more than 4 people staying for lunch and dinner. my family adheres to the unspoken rule that the younger generation should "yield" (NOT always for me) to the older generation, and since i'm the youngest among the adults, it went without saying that i should be seated on the smallest chair.

JULIAN: (grunting) uuuggggh (pinches me as he tries to push me off the chair)

PAPA: he wants you to stand up because he wants to play with it.

sidetracked by bags

guess what are in these bags...

crazy, stupid, love: when fighting for your soulmate is on the same level as bashing twilight

*spoilers at their mininum best in this post :)*

who would have thought that steve carell in a rom-com would be a hit for me? i've always associated him with works like the 40-year old virgin and the office, so discovering that he can effortlessly carry off a lovesick character such as cal, without being too slapstick, was a pleasant surprise for me.

for future reference

if this dress were a person, then she (or he) would be the most unforgettable person i've ever met.

Temperley London dress (see more day wedding dresses)

excerpt from an ordinary conversation with my parents

SCENE 1 - DINING ROOM

mama immediately throws me a question as i entered the house.*

*translated from a mixture of hokkien and taglish conversation

MAMA: do you have a bible?

ME: (gives a blank and far-off look)

PAPA: why are you silent? you don't read your bible anymore, do you?

ME: well...it has been a long time...i know have a bible in my room....i'm just trying to remember where i placed it.

MAMA: would you please go to our room when you have found it? i need to ask you something...