Literary Piece: I Must Be Sure

Originally written: November 19, 2009

If I pursue my heart’s call for you, I must be sure that I won’t be at the losing end.

If I said “I love you”, I must be sure that I will be brave enough to accept whatever the consequence will be.

If I put my trust in you, I must be sure that you won’t take me for granted.

Because I’ve tried falling in love before, and I came to know that it isn’t always filled with happiness, with pleasure. Fates play you well and the play you cruel. Love will crush your pride even if it will put endless happiness in your path.

So I must be sure with you. I must be sure because I don’t want another misfortune, another heartache. With you, I want things to be right.

“You can either be my best friend or my worst enemy”: Things I Don’t Tolerate in a Friendship

You might be wondering: “what’s with the subject line?” Well, I’m here to list things I do not tolerate in a friendship:

1. Lies. I guess that’s universal.

2. Self-centeredness. Come on, have some consideration for me. Do that and I will return the favor.

3. Irksome behavior such as, but not limited to, messing with my hair in a not-so-cute way, squeezing my cheeks like I’m an unresponsive dog, or not getting any of the hints I drop when I am not in the mood to chat.

4. Lack of ambition for oneself and pessimism. Don’t rub me with your negativity because that’s just not me.

Those are about it. For the most part, I am tolerant, but these are the four things (actually five) I do not allow to get past me.

Literary Piece: As The Ice Cracks

Originally written: January 25, 2010

Make a slight move and the ice cracks. Slowly but surely it cracks, and eventually, it will break. Only time will tell.

I peek as the ice cracks… just don’t expect me to sit still and wait for it to break as if my life depended on it.

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Happiness

Happiness is something almost everyone is in pursuit of. People are in constant search of happiness, and sometimes they lose themselves along the way.

Some people find happiness in fame, fortune, and the glitz and glam. Some people find happiness in music or literature. Some people find happiness in the company of the people they love. And then there are some people who find happiness in the things they do best.

Happiness is our goal in life. We all deserve to be happy and we all deserve to pursue our happiness.

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Literary Piece: Big Bang Principles of Economics

Originally written: January 27, 2010

I look at the pages of my book, “Principles of Economics”. As I attempt to comprehend its context by reading the text, I couldn’t help but hear a certain voice in my head that is reading the words. In my mind, Sheldon Cooper from “The Big Bang Theory” tries to explain the concept of supply by verbatim using the book’s module.

The only reaction I have is: “Oh, dear…”

The Selfish Baguio-La Trinidad Jeepney Drivers - Where Do They All Come From?

As far as I know, it's part of a jeepney driver's job to take his passengers to their destinations no matter how awful traffic conditions are. Ideally, they must work through the burden in order to satisfy their needs and that of their family's. So I wonder why the driver of the jeep I rode this morning was too lazy ("lazy" is an understatement) to travel to Baguio when in fact the jeep he is driving clearly says "Baguio-La Trinidad vice versa".

In his defense, he did ask more than once if any of his passengers were headed to Baguio. However, my rebuttal would be: he shouldn't have done that. It's his job to take passengers to their destination because it's his job to do so. I understand that traffic in Magsaysay makes one want to slit his or her wrists, but the driver shouldn't have been selfish enough to deprive awaiting passengers a mode of transportation (at past 7 a.m. it's mysteriously difficult finding a jeep). We all go through the burden, but no person should put himself above others the way the driver did this morning.

Anyway, this morning's experience proved to me that there are hard-headed selfish jerks in this world. If you're from La Trinidad and you're reading this, heed this advice: don't ride on the green jeepney with the plate number AYK 735.

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Literary Piece: Let It Rain

Originally written: November 26, 2009

Let the rain fall down and cleanse me of my worries. I can’t remember the last time I cried, but who needs tears? The rain feels so damn better on my cheeks. I feel free. I feel relieved.

So let it rain on me. It won’t stop me from making it past the dismal bridge of disappointment. Let it rain…

You can call me crazy or sentimental, that won’t stop me from heading where I’m bound: happiness and love—and they all start in me.

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Forever

One particular day that I want to last forever is May 21, 2009. Of course, that would mean that I would have gotten the courage to do that one thing I’ve always wanted to do during summer semester: talk to the person I’ve come to like.

Having summoned every ounce of courage, a friendship will blossom and we will get to know each other. When that happens, I would want that day to last forever.

1661 Most Significant Songs in My Life: Nice Piece of Art by FM Static

The title of the song gave my friends a wide open opportunity to ceaselessly tease me. I mean, come on, “Art”… a “really nice piece of art”? Don’t quite follow me yet? Well, the name of someone I liked could be found in the song title.

But aside from teases effected by teenage hormones that fiercely raged at some point in my life, this could also be a great song I would dedicate to my “significant other” (if I had one). It could be that light-rock love song that serves a soundtrack to my romance.

Memoir – 01/24/10

My mind is stuck. It’s frozen in times and it must have some form of motion… some form of work! I tell myself I can do this and that, but somehow I’m stuck. I’m unable to go forth and go after what I want.

I have to get out.

1661 Most Significant Songs in My Life: The Motivation Proclamation by Good Charlotte

Motivate me! I want to get myself out of this bed—this bed of dullness and self-deprecation. Misery’s a murderous company that lets you get used to its presence. But you must learn to get out of it.

And this song motivated me to pick myself up every time life’s negativity pulls me down like gravity. The song is a motivation to brush the dramas of life off my shoulder.

Literary Piece: Throw Caution To The Wind

Originally written: November 19, 2009

Don’t ask me how I feel about you if you’ll just stand up and walk out on me when I tell you. Besides, telling you the truth could shake the ground we built. We’re friends. And telling you I want more could possibly kill our friendship.

But maybe when I throw caution to the wind, I might be rewarded. Maybe I’ll get my heart’s wish, not my heart’s fears… Oh, why must intricacy be a part of this spell I was cast upon with? Why must I lament for a second? And then why does my heart leap in inexplicable heights when you spare me your attention?

One day I’ll probably throw that caution to the wind. First, I must be sure.

Literary Piece: Bliss and Ignorance

Originally written: October 16, 2009

Cold snowy hands tap me

And I freeze

To see the sight of her reaching out

To touch a fiery hand—his hand.

I sit—and like some domino effect,

I go from stunned to proud

He finally summoned his courage

And, damn, it paid off

So you better keep the fire burning

I swear not to piss

To put you of

… I’m not that selfish

1661 Most Significant Songs in My Life: Breakdown by Mariah Carey

I can remember listening to “Breakdown” over and over again when I wanted to forget about someone. It was a sad time and the song served as a “sound track”. I even picked out some lyrics that were fitting.

“Then I’ll break down and cry…”

“But in reality I’m starting to lose my mind…”

It was a tough moment, but I got through it.

1661 Most Significant Songs in My Life: You Found Me by Kelly Clarkson

“You Found Me” counts as one of my favorite songs when I was fourteen years old. I remember that time when Kelly Clarkson’s sophomore album “Breakaway” was in heavy rotation. The song takes me back to those days when the album was a big part of my life.

But other than that, “You Found Me” is a song I would dedicate to the “special someone”. That is, if I had one.

1661 Most Significant Songs in My Life: What a Catch, Donnie

The song is indeed a catch. Fall Out Boy lead vocalist Patrick Stump sings the blues in this yet-to-be-figured-out-what-it-means song.

It’s a track that is a definite stand out from the album “Folie à Deux”. Undoubtedly, “What a Catch” is different from Fall Out Boy’s usual pop-rock tune. Patrick Stump notably exhibits his versatility as a vocalist; for in this track he sings with a charm of blues. Listeners may even be reminded of Elton John.

Furthermore, “What a Catch” features artists such as Elvis Costello, Brendon Urie, William Beckett, Travis McCoy, Gabe Saporta, and Alex DeLeon. The medley at the end of the song further made the song a catch. And the band further proved their artistic creativity.

As for the song’s actual significance, let’s just say that “I got troubled thoughts and the self-esteem to match.” What a catch, eh?

When School ISN’T Cool

Sure, school is indeed “cool” sometimes—you learn interesting things you will eventually use in the real world, you meet people who will turn out to be your friends, and you get to have some kind of excitement in your life. But it’s not always fine and dandy. Some days you just want to lash out or get away from all the pressure and stress.

I’ve had days when I hated school. These are the days when lethargy kicks and I just want to do what I want, not what I’m obliged to do. There are days when I easily get agitated because of having to deal with various pressures.

Some days in school are good. Some days you just feel like hopping on a time machine and confront the guy who came up with “school”.

No Standards

“How have you learned to accept a person for who he is?”

I admit that I have my standards when it comes to guys I like or maybe even prospects of a guy who’s going to be a “friend”. Then again, when my standards aren’t met, I end up in my disappointment. I realized that setting up standards isn’t necessary because by doing so, I inhibit myself from the beauty of people for their imperfections.

I’ve let go of my standards, that’s how I learned to accept a person for who he is.

1661 Most Significant Songs in My Life: I Am The Highway by Audioslave

I don’t like it when boys use me to get to the girl the like. They do that by befriending me, conversing with me, and casually saying “Hey, isn’t [insert girl’s name] pretty?” they then try to ask me if I could get the girl’s number or have them acquainted. Excuse me, I’m no cupid.

This is a song that made me assertive. I honestly believe that I should never be the footnote in other people’s happiness. I am not their carpet ride for I am the sky—free, open, independent.

Literary piece: The Coldest Story Ever Told

Originally written: August 31, 2009

End the friendship,

Sever the ties.

You filthy hypocrite,

And your equivocally filthy words!

Twist and turn your stories

Like knives on backs.

I’m through bending over backwards

Just so you won’t let go.

But you’re so willing to break necks, friend…

Friend? What does that even mean for you nowadays?

I got some and you’ll have none.

If you keep your anger and your hate—

People will surely leave you behind.

You want domination or whatever…

You’re losing our trust and respect,

And for what?

Broken promises, betrayal, selfishness—

The Coldest Story Ever Told.

Literary Piece: See, Watch, Look

Originally written: November 30, 2009

See her smile as she cuts off

The sources of her pain,

The burdens she carries around

Watch her do something new

It’s something we often call “risk”

She’s taking it now

Look at her fly with high spirits

As if she has been set free

From the dullness that piled over her

1661 Most Significant Songs in My Life: Shadow by Ashlee Simpson

The song is relatable to me because I can put myself on Ashlee Simpson’s shoes in the song’s lyrics. She’s been a shadow before and I kind of know how that feels. So every time I feel like I’m living in someone else’s dream, I would remember this song. Then I would feel that I’m not the only one who goes through that rough road.

1661 Most Significant Songs in My Life: One Step at a Time by Jordin Sparks

In life, you need to have the patience to wait for the right things to fall into place. Sometimes there is no need to rush. What you wish for will come true when it’s supposed to come true. You just have to remember that it takes one step at a time.

This is a song that came to me at the right time. I was feeling faithless, like every conviction I stood for felt untrue. But then I hear this song and I am reminded to be patient and faithful with love—it will come to me when it’s the right time. I can’t let my spirit break.

1661 Most Significant Songs in My Life: Lying Is The Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off by Panic! At The Disco

“Lying”, for the most part, is responsible for my being a Panic! At The Disco fan. The song’s straightforward lyrics and singer Brendon Urie’s way of singing (which adds impact to the words) got me to pay attention. But above those, the tongue-in-cheek lyrics (i.e. “I got more wit, a better kiss, a hotter touch, a better f*ck) truly made me listen to the song and eventually love it.

And this song brings back memories of how it made me feel during a crappy time in junior year of high school. Even if the song was in no way a verbatim of what I had gone through, the song still felt like a fix. Most songs are, anyway.

Literary Piece: Coincidence

Originally written: January 18, 2010

They call it destiny, fate, divine intervention… I see it simply as coincidence, a synchrony of motion by two people without premeditation or agreement. No simple earthly event can be ascribed to any universal law.

With a Little Help from Mom

ICE BREAKER question: How did your mother help you in your growing-up years?

Gratitude fills me up as I think about how my mother has helped me in my growing-up years. Her mere presence was a huge help and I learned from that. As a matter of fact, I’m sort of dependent, but I try to outgrow that.

I learn from her so I believe that’s a big help.

Literary Piece: You Can Count Me Out

Originally written: October 24, 2009

If it’s Dream Boy Vampire who makes girls swoon, you can count me out. It’s not my style to go gaga over a damsel in distress with an over possessive husband.

If it’s a trio of brothers who supposedly make “music”, you can count me out. I’m past the stage of idolizing precocious baby faces. So don’t ask me why I’m not screaming at the top of my lungs like 5, 735, 918 other girls.

If it’s a teen pop star who rose to fame by having the best of both worlds, you can count me out. True, she has talent, just don’t expect me to squeal or bow down to idolize her.

There are just some things some people don’t like. I don’t ask you to wave wands or stick your hands up with horns.

So you can count me out with your pop culture. Don’t stop me when I favor something that counters your culture.

“I am RELATUSPHOBIC” – The Relatusphobic Theory

“Relatusphobic” is not a universally accepted word, so allow me to explain. “Relatusphobic” comes from the words “relatus” (Latin, which mean ‘relation’) and “phobic” (in its noun form, ‘phobia’, which comes from the Greek word ‘phobos, meaning ‘fear’). In its simplest form, “relatusphobic” may be ascribed to a person who inexplicably and illogically fears any form of relationship. The best form of relationship the word may be attributed to is that of a romantic one.

One or two of the following may hypothetically signify that you are relatusphobic (romantically):

1. You avoid any contact with the person you “like”, no matter how tempted you are to get acquainted.

2. If you are friends/acquainted with the person you “like”, you avoid any chance of elevating your relationship into something romantic.

3. You tell the other person that you want to be “just friends” or you don’t want to “put a label” on “whatever it is” the two of you have.

4. You keep yourself busy with school or work, recreational activities like video games or outdoor activities, or any form of activity that would lead you into thinking that you don’t need a romantic relationship.

5. For no apparent reason you turn down someone who’s courting you.

6. Contrary to what you’re fiercely feeling, you tell yourself not to get in a relationship by rationalizing and approaching the situation analytically. In other words, you convince yourself that you are in no way feeling any emotion parallel to love or the like.

Using the aforementioned definition of the term and my reflection of my personal life, I consider myself a relatushphobic. Contrary to my imagination’s frequent creation of daydreams and subconscious dreams of romance with the opposite sex, reality suggests that I am not ready for such. Time and again my actions have disproved my fantasies.

Exhibit A: When I develop a “liking” for a person from the opposite sex, I tell myself to “take a chance” and befriend him. But after giving some thorough thinking on the notion, I would back out. Thoughts such as “he’s not worth it” or insecurity-driven ones like “you’re not good enough” hinder me from befriending the person.

Exhibit B: When I do get to befriend the person I’ve developed liking for, at some point I, in an unspoken manner, end the friendship by heartlessly ignoring the person. The habit is brought upon by the pretense that if I get too close to the person, the relationship will elevate and I feel that I am just not ready for it.

With these evidences, I have come to the conclusion that I have deluded myself to the idea that I am not ready to go through the human experience of romance and maybe even love. The truth is that I’m afraid to go through the human experience of love. I lived most (if not totally) of my teenager life without having a “significant other” or being involved in a romantic relationship. There’s security in the company of good friends and family and in the drive to succeed in academics. To quote a Paramore song, “I’ve always lived like this—keeping a comfortable distance.” The idea of shifting my way of life scares me.

But you know what they say: “you gotta face your fears.” So when the time comes for me to face my fear, I’ll stare it down and make it fear itself.

ADDENDA: The term "philophobia" may be ascribed to relatusphobia. The difference is that the former is the fear of falling in love and the latter is the fear of being in a romantic relationship (that is, being in a structure that leads to "falling in love).






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"Valentine's Day" - The movie, the day, and anything else I end up typing

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and earlier today I had a "pre-celebration" (although I wouldn't call it that since I'm the last person on earth who is eager about celebrating a commercialism-driven social event). I watched the movie "Valentine's Day", laughed, and got a little teary-eyed.

Valentine's Day puts a lot of pressure on people. Men are desperate to find gifts for their women. Women feel the pressure of the desire to receive a gift because if they don't get anything, they feel unloved. Single people feel the pressure to have someone "to be with". I admit, even I succumb to the pressure of that physiological event when oxytocin is released in the body, which will create the biochemical reaction in the brain which "lay people naively call as falling in love" during Valentine's Day.

But somehow, while watching the movie "Valentine's Day" I was reminded of the beliefs I have about love. Firstly, love will hurt you only when it's not meant to be. Which brings me to my other reflection: true love has its time. It'll come when it's destined to come. 

I also remembered that love works in mysterious ways: The One for you could already be there in your life and all you have to do is acknowledge the presence of that person. A heartbreak could be a blessing because then you're no longer blinded by false hopes. Your eyes finally open to love's possibility and just maybe you'll find that person you were meant to be with.

The movie added to my recent realization that in love, you have to accept the other person for they are, even if, for example, they're "Adult Phone Entertainers.

Lastly, love comes in all forms. It doesn't always have to be between a man and a woman. Love can be between a man and a man, a mother for a son, a young boy for a young girl... even a love for oneself.

If you're in love and want to make Valentine's Day special, watch the movie with your special someone. If you're single and bitter about the day, I recommend you watch the movie. Maybe it will change your mind about love.

Memoir: 11/26/09 – 15:25

I envy kids. In their young, tender state, they know no fear. I envy their laughter because when you hear it, you know it’s genuine. They laugh at the simplest things and you see that they truly are happy.

I envy how dauntless they are. They dare to fly and it scares grown ups how fearless their children get to be. I wish to be as fearless as they are—no worries about falling, getting their knees scraped and bleeding.

Then it makes me wonder: why are we, adults, so fearful? It is because we know better—like what will hurt us and what won’t? Why do we no longer become fond of the simplest things?

So I envy kids—their life is simple, fearless, and filled with the risk-taking I look for as a grown up.




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1661 Most Significant Songs in My Life: Good Girls Go Bad by Cobra Starship featuring Leighton Meester

“Good Girls Go Bad” is reminiscent of the first semester of my second year in college. This song does have its significance in my life, far more than the song Cobra Starship sang.

GOOD GIRL LIKES “BAD” BOY

This song is significant because it relates to a time in my eighteen-year old life when I liked a guy who wasn’t my usual type. He’s a really good-looking guy who’s not really the most hard-working guy or the brightest bulb there is. I was quite the opposite, so you could say that I should have looked for someone better who’s more in my league. But it seemed that I found a trouble I couldn’t resist.

“Good Girls Go Bad” is a reminder of the time, with its fun vibe, and upbeat melody. Leighton Meester’s verse was my hymn back then.

But if you’re wondering if I ever hit it off the trouble I couldn’t resist, well, I didn’t. That doesn’t mean, though, that I don’t like the song anymore.

Literary Piece: Drive Me Mad

Originally written: October 18, 2009

You tease me like a five-year old and I react like a little girl. It’s kind of cute, you know what I mean? We’re like two kids in a playground who tease each other as if to say “I love you”.

You joke about the little quirks I have and you make me self-conscious. Great, now, I can’t do simple things around you because you’re gonna make fun of me about it. Wait... this means you pay attention.

You say some thing s that I can’t retort or respond to. Dammit, you stump me. You smirk, knowing you’ve won. Fine, fine, so you have.

You drive me mad. You drive me mad in a good way. You make me want you more whenever you do.

Friends Can Be Your Mirrors

We’re usually friends with people because we have things in common with them—like music, literary preferences, outlooks in life, and many more. It’s like we’re looking through a mirror when we’re with our friends.

When I am with my friends, I sometimes see my self in them. I see the bubbly, energetic personality I have. I see the interest in discovering the world. Sometimes I even see my sarcasm in some of my friends.

My friends are awesome because I get to see the best in me when I’m with them. It’s like looking through a mirror that doesn’t necessarily show how things are, but also what things could be like.

Literary Piece: Self-Deprecation

Originally written: September 8, 2009

Author’s note: This is the most self-deprecating piece I EVER wrote.

A footnote in someone else’s happiness

A shadow

A second priority

A martyr

Just a friend

Less importance

Hardly good enough, smart enough,

Pretty enough...

These are dark times

Just like the moon,

I have a dark side

Oh, dark and difficult times,

Such pity to down in self-deprecation

1661 Most Significant Songs in My Life: Falling On by Finger Eleven

“You’ve got to find your balance/ You’ve got to realize/ You’ve got to try to find what’s right before your eyes.”

I remember very well the time “Falling On” became significant in my life. Senior year was ending. I had a strong liking for this boy. Before high school came to its finality, I wanted to disclose my feelings to him.

I felt nervous about telling him, but as I listened to Finger Eleven one night, I found strength. The chorus served as a motivating factor. It told me to go ahead and throw caution to the wind. And I did.

Fashion Rage

When it comes to fashion, I admit I follow some trends. But then again, it’s better to go against fashion rage, especially when you have the confidence to do so. Admittedly, I go against fashion rages.

I’m not the girl you would expect to wear what you can exactly find in fashion magazines or whatever mannequins are wearing in boutiques or department stores. I go with what I feel looks or what I like. However, I do take tips from fashion experts, like what looks good for someone like me who is vertically-challenged or a bit flat in the chest. But never will you ever see me wearing clothes just because they’re in fashion. Nope, that’s not just the kind of girl that I am.



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Literary Piece: I Liked What I Saw

Author’s Note: I wrote this when I thought I made the right the choice between two people. Turns out I wasn’t totally right about that.

Originally written: October 28, 2009

Everything’s different from how they were in the summer. Before, I relied on what I can see, what opportunity is tangible. Now I only rely on memories and day dreams. Some people would think I would’ve moved on by now and forgotten about you. For some time, I thought I had.

Another boy’s caught my attention and I liked what I saw. I thought maybe he could keep my mind off you, but he wasn’t able to pull the act long enough for me to realize he’ll never be totally able to. That butterfly didn’t make me drop my jaw and watch him fly into my web.

I like what I saw in you—artistry, mystery, talent, confidence. When will I ever have… you?

1661 Most Significant Songs in My Life: No Surprise by Daughtry

Here’s an irrelevant song with which I found calmness when I tried to make sense of confusion I felt. There was a guy I liked and I got to the point where I didn’t know where those feelings really stand.

The lyrics aren’t directly connected, but somehow, when I sing along to the song, I felt like the words are relevant. However, there are some wordings I pick up and connect with my life. “You and I will be a tough act to follow…” “It came out like a river as I let it out when I thought that I wouldn’t know how…” “Felt so good to let it go of it now…” Most of all, the melody and Chris Daughtry’s voice gave me a feel-good feeling… I just let it go and lost myself in the song.

1661 Most Significant Songs in My Life: Easy Life by Finger Eleven

“‘Nothing to lose’ is not ‘Nothing to be’”.

I found bravery in those words when I was at a point where I must throw caution to the wind. It was a striking lyric I got to relate to as I tried to liven my spirit after taking a risk of telling someone how I feel about him.

I had nothing to lose. The song taught me that.

1661 Most Significant Songs in My Life: Everytime by Britney Spears

When I was eleven or twelve years old, this song, “Everytime” by Britney Spears, got my creative imagination working. The vulnerable song had a matching haunting music video and somewhere sometimes in my twelve-year old mind, I thought up of my own video. It was nothing tangible, just a figment of my imagination.

1661 Most Significant Songs in My Life: The Anthem by Good Charlotte

The song title sums it all. “The Anthem” was once, well, my anthem to the people who were forcing me into their shoes. I didn’t want that because I want to take my path. So my statement was, like in the chorus, “[I] don’t want to be just like you”.

“The Anthem”, among many other songs, was once a strong relatable song for me as a young teenager. For that, the song is one of the most significant songs in my life.

1661 Most Significant Songs in My Life: Numb by Linkin Park

Even from the first line of the song, I knew it would be a relatable one. The timing was a good one too: I was in my bewildered days as a girl who was about to become a teenager. There was the overwhelming transition from being a care-free child to becoming a young teenager going through changes.

I felt like I could relate to this song because of how I directed the lyrics towards grownups. As a second child, I’ve been unavoidably compared to my older sister. I’ve been told to be more like her and that got on my nerves. What I wanted was to go through my life my way. I didn’t want my life to be a carbon copy of my sister’s.

This song perfectly expressed my sentiment. “I know I may end up failing too, but I know you were just like me with someone disappointed in you.”

Where The Lines of Fate and Coincidence Overlap

In every simple earthly event, we try to give meaning to it. People always try to find meaning or reason in things—why skies are blue when you’re on the ground but not blue when you’re up there; why an object at rest never moves unless it is moved by an object in motion; and why the first kiss could determine a romantic relationship. Whatever event it may be we almost associate a meaning to it.

And when we can’t explain what these events mean we ascribe them to concepts such as “fate” or “destiny” or “coincidence” or to some, “God’s Will”. But where is the line that separates mere “coincidence” from the mysterious “destiny”? How do you dismiss an event as a coincidence and when do you smile in amazement at a fated event?

I do know that it’s a coincidence when an attractive person who’s in the same class as you and 48 other people are wearing the same optical white Converse shoes on the same day when chances are about 183 people in the city or country are wearing the same thing.

Maybe a part of me believes that it’s destiny to be honestly mistaken during enrolment and ending up in a class with a guy who made nine months of my life... interesting. Fate probably had something to do with my falling out with a guy I was starting to get to know because his heart is with someone else.

Sometimes I believe in destiny. Sometimes I think some things really are just coincidence—simple events that have no great impact in my life. Maybe I dismiss things as coincidences because I’m not looking at the big picture. It’s possible that what I call “coincidence” is actually destiny in disguise.

Like what a good friend of mine once said: “Look at it as it is and remember that you’re living in a world of all-things-possible.”

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1661 Most Significant Songs in My Life: No Boundaries by Kris Allen

“No Boundaries”—so true. There were no boundaries in the journey of a young musician who proved that dreams do come true.

Kris Allen was a humble contestant on American Idol. He proved he was artistic and original throughout the competition. This song culminates what Kris Allen brought to the show.

As for me, this song is significant because it moves me and inspires me when I think about Kris Allen’s journey as I listen to the song.

Literary Piece: 86, 400

Originally written: September 24, 2009


We only have 86, 400 seconds in a day…

… To tell someone we love them or keep that feeling to ourselves.
… To live a dream or keep sleeping and dreaming without acting.
… To correct what went wrong or go on living a mistake.
… To say “sorry” or just be swallowed by pride.
… To aim for something better or go on living a mediocre life.
… To help out or live in selfishness.
… To forgive faults or go on being narrow-minded.
… To take risks or keep playing safe.
… To let go and move on or harbor anger and hate.

The choice is yours.