Archive for July, 2008

31
Jul

50 Universal Truths About Women

By lvbauzon1007 0 Comments
Categories: Women

Before my thoughts on this matter slip out of my mind, I better write them down.  In response to those truths about men I posted earlier… Guys, here are some views for you to ponder on so you can understand us women better inasmuch as we try to understand you in return.  Let’s just celebrate our likeness and embrace our differences.  Read on.

1.  I need to hear you love me at least once a week.  It’s one of the most comforting statements I could keep to survive my daily battles.

2.  I’ll do anything for love.

3.  If you don’t want to argue with me, don’t give me reasons to be upset with you.

4.  I don’t like men with long hair. Period.

5.  If I open up to you and cry my heart out, I don’t need solutions.  I just want you to listen.

6.  When I say “no” during confrontations, I really mean “yes”. (Like “Galit ka ba?”)

7.  Whenever I ask you if I look too fat or not, I am not expecting for truths or lies but acceptance for what I am inspite of.

8.  I notice other men who are more physically attractive than you are but ‘yon lang ‘yon.

9.  I feel happier when I see you happy.

10. If I don’t feel anymore that I am making you happy, I’d suspect you’re falling in love with another woman.

11. The reason why it takes too long for me to get dressed is because I want to look my best for you.

12. If ever I smoke, it’s a sign of power and being in control with myself.

13. I get scared if you tell me you need me. I’d rather hear that you want me.

14. If you can stand my moods and quirks, you’re in for the long haul.

15. If you hurt my feelings, all I need to hear is a sincere “Sorry” for me to forgive and forget.

16. If you did something really hurtful, I’d leave you even if I still love you.

17. I do appreciate a man who knows and provides for my needs without me asking.

18. If you are too vain, I’d think you’re gay.

19. Never ever criticize me for my looks. I will never forget it.

20. I love it when you just let me talk and talk and talk about how my day went and just give me a kiss without saying anything.

21. Every single thing that you do for me is forever etched in my heart.  I may not say thank you all the time but I do appreciate your efforts, big and small.

22. If you can fulfill my emotional needs, you won’t be having some difficult time turning me on.

23. I hate it when you don’t ask for my help at all.  It makes me feel you don’t consider me as your partner.

24. If you sleep over, I’d expect that you do your share in the chores.  You’re not a guest, remember?

25. I prefer making love, not having just sex. Get it?

26. If I smile back, I like you.

27. If I seek your advice or opinion, it means I trust you.

28. Sometimes, I like being pursued aggressively.  ‘Yoko ng torpe.

29. You’ll earn my respect if you can keep your promises.

30. When other girls flirt with you, I get jealous.  But behind the smirk, I actually  feel proud that others still find you interesting.

31. When I am upset, I tend to be emotional.  But I’m not angry at you, I’m angry at what you did.

32. I love surprises! (Even if I tell you I don’t.)

33. When I’m with you, don’t gaze at other women.  It makes me feel insecure.

34. I’m always in touch with my feelings.  I tend to focus more on relationships rather than achievements.

35. Sometimes, I appreciate if you tell me what you want.  I’ll be glad to do things for you, too.

36. When I am angry and tells you, “‘Wag ka munang magpapakita, ‘wag mo akong tatawagan!”, I secretly hope you’ll do the opposite.

37. I am a pleaser especially if I really love my man.

38. If I do mention about an ex, it doesn’t mean that I’m making you jealous or making a comparison. I just want you to know how far better and more special you are than the rest.

39. If I don’t share with you what I am thinking, it’s because it’s not about you.  It’s about somebody or something else.

40. I also hate arguments.  Being nagged about the past turns me off.

41. I love it when you hold my hand while we are watching a movie. 

42. Telling me outrightly not to wear this or that gives me the impression that you want to change me.

43. A gentleman like you should still open doors for me even if I swear to high heavens that I am a hardcore feminist.  Any act of chivalry never fails to make a good impression.

44. If I tell you we are better off as friends, better believe me. I really mean it.

45. I am more attracted to your brains than to your body.

46. If I act strangely and don’t even bother to call or see you, brace yourself.  I have fallen out of love. 

47. When I am upset, I need to talk it out for me to feel better.

48. Cheat on me once, maybe I can still forgive you.  But the degree or intensity of what I feel for you will never be the same again. (Meaning, magbi-break din tayo.)

49. If I’ve really fallen in love with you, I’ll remember all the details the first time we met.

50. If I’ve shown you my baby pictures and brought you to places very significant to me, that means I am sooo in love with you!

Need I say more??

31
Jul

50 Universal Truths About Men

By lvbauzon1007 0 Comments
Categories: Men

While surfing the Net for some Barbie Room Makeover Games that my niece has asked me to do, I came across a site containing some blogs tackling men’s and women’s issues.  One particular article that caught my attention was the “50 Universal Truths About Men” written by a guy.  I find it quite amusing and interesting so I am posting it here in verbatim.

1.  Why should I remind you that “I love you?”  I already told you once.

2.  I’ll do anything for sex; even commit to you for life.

3.  I hate arguing with you.  I’d rather find a compromise.

4.  I love long hair.  Sorry, but I do.

5.  When you speak softly, I can’t help but listen.

6.  I need to be told “no” sometimes.  Not a lot, but every now and again reminds me that you are expensive.

7.  Please don’t ask me how you look unless you’re willing to trust my answer.

8.  My eyes notice other women a lot more when you are upset with me.

9.  When you’re happy with me, I can’t help but want to please you.

10. If I don’t feel I can make you happy, it makes me feel less than a man.

11. I expect you to be ready when I pick you up.

12. Cigarettes make any woman look cheap and easy.

13. I’m scared if I let a woman inside my heart, she’ll take advantage of me.

14. If you can’t stand up to me when I’m a brat, you’re too weak to open up to when I’m upset.

15. Sitting quietly next to me after you’ve made a meal is your get-out-of-the-doghouse-free ticket.  You’ll be surprised how quickly I can forgive.

16. You did something hurtful.  If I never bring it up, I’m considering leaving you.

17. I don’t read minds.  Remember, I’m not a girl.

18. You may know fashion, but I wish you’d dress to please me, not other women.

19. If I’m losing my hair, it’s not funny.  Would you like me to joke about your weight?

20. When I talk to you about golf and you act bored, it would be nice for you to remember all the times I listened to you talk about what is important to you.

21. The woman I love is easy to please.  She appreciates the effort I put into making her happy, even if I get the details wrong.

22. You look hot in a dress.

23. I hate being told what to do when I don’t ask for help.  It makes me feel you’re my mother.

24. If you sleep over, I might eventually marry you, but I’m less motivated.

25. During sex my ears are as sensitive to your words as your skin is to my touch.

26. I need some type of signal or cue to walk across the room and approach you. What if you’re married?!

27. It makes me feel like you trust me when you ask for my advice.

28. It feels competitive when you insist on being in charge.

29. Being respected is more important to me than being loved.

30. I want every guy to envy me when we arrive as a couple.  Please don’t let yourself go.

31. When I’m upset I am very tone sensitive.  How you say it is more important than what you say.

32. I hate it when you minimize or ignore my compliments.  It makes me want to stop giving them.

33. I’m more insecure than you think.  Why do you think I need your respect so much?

34. I don’t always know how I feel.  That’s why I don’t tell you.

35. I don’t need you to do things for me.  What I crave is being able to please you.

36. If I do one thing and say something contradictory, go with my actions.  That will always tell you what’s in my heart.

37. I find myself wanting to please you when you simply smile at me without asking for something. (Like a favor.)

38. I really don’t want to hear about any of your ex-boyfriends, regardless of the point.

39. If I don’t share what I’m thinking, it’s because I don’t think you will listen without interrupting.

40. I don’t like to argue and I don’t like to guess what’s wrong.  Just tell me so I can fix it.

41. I love it when you put your hair in a pony tail.  Yes, it’s a Freudian thing.

42. Don’t ask me, “Are you going to wear that?” when I’m already dressed.

43. A gentleman should always be respected by his lady in public, even if she is disagreeing with him.

44. If you don’t believe you’re pretty, you won’t believe me when I tell you, no matter how many times I say it.

45. It isn’t how much you weigh; it’s that your body is proportionate which is so attractive.

46. Sometimes I have weird and strange thoughts.  I don’t take them seriously and I don’t want to share them with you (or anyone).

47. Sometimes you really don’t need to know what I’m thinking. See above.

48. If you cheat on me, it is nearly impossible for me to get over it.

49. I don’t remember everything about our relationship but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you.

50. I need some time to myself to calm down when I’m upset so that I don’t say something I will regret.

Whewww.. How about 50 universal truths about women? Anyone??

31
Jul

Dear God, Thank you for…

By lvbauzon1007 0 Comments
Categories: EMOs and Life

I have read somewhere that whenever you feel weary, better count your blessings in order to feel good.  So, I’m listing down the things I should be thankful about:

  • for my life. 35 years and still counting…
  • for good health. I’ve been hospitalized only once.
  • for my family. I have good sisters and a brother plus two pamangkins.
  • for him.  Well, he knows who he is.
  • for my oldies. They keep me grounded (though at times I resent it.)
  • for our home.  The only place I can really be myself.
  • for my Palaris brods and sisses.  My second family.
  • for friends.  They provide the smiles and laughters.
  • for my UP education.  My greatest pride.
  • for having the chance to enjoy what life has to offer. I am privileged to live above the poverty line.
  • for my exes. So may lessons learned and unlearned.
  • for my morena skin.  Brown is also beautiful.
  • for DAGirl. A reminder of how hardworking I am.
  • for my previous jobs.  They gave me the skills, experience, knowledge, and money to survive the world out there. 

And of course,

  • for the intelligence to decipher obscure notions and feelings, analyze problems, discern what’s right from wrong (at least, in my own standards), handle difficult situations, make prudent judgments, and draw up good decisions.

Hmmnn… Not bad.  I have a good life despite the downsides.  What more can I ask for?  Asking for more may be asking too much.  So, I’m leaving the list just at that. Ciao!

30
Jul

Temporary Insanity

By lvbauzon1007 0 Comments
Categories: EMOs

Sabi nila, mahirap daw magsulat ‘pag hindi ka sobrang depressed o sobrang inspired.  I guess totoo ‘yon.  In my case, I find it difficult to put my thoughts into words unless someone or something strongly inspires me to write.

For the past few days, I wasn’t inspired a bit. Tinatamad ako. Wala ako sa mood.  I only managed to write some short pieces for my other blog.  Siguro dahil naiinis ako. May gusto akong gawin pero hindi ko magawa.  May gusto akong sabihin pero hindi ko masabi.  Hindi naman ako depressed pero hindi rin naman ako galit.  At lalo namang hindi ako natutuwa sa mga nangyayari.

Siguro lang, my week started on a wrong note.  Sunday, someone “deleted” me from his Friendster account.  Monday, someone chided me for having an illusion of forming my own justice league.  Spidey and Batman, remember?  Tuesday, someone greeted me with a question I hated to be asked about. Wednesday, some shrieking Sarah G. fans irked my sensibilities.  Sorry, I didn’t like the movie.  Pinanood ko lang for the love of John Lloyd. And today, someone just asked me to do something which I didn’t feel like doing at eight o’ clock in the morning. Aaaargggh..

I guess I just need some time for myself.  ‘Yong tahimik, walang problema, wala akong iniisip.  Sa mga ganitong pagkakataon ko nami-miss ‘yong buhay ko dati– living alone in my own place where I can do anything I want na walang istorbo at walang pinapakibagayan.  I can do things freely my way.  Kakain, gigising, matutulog, magbabasa, maliligo, o mago-grocery ako kung kailan ko gusto.

When I was still a kid, I promised myself to live away from home when I get older. So, I tried living alone in Baguio and La Union.  And now,  I am setting my sights on cosmopolitan Manila.  I just love the feeling of independence and the sense of responsibility that I can take care of myself. I think I am one of the few souls who can survive alone on books, music, movies, television, and food binges once in a while.   

But then, no matter how much I try to get away sometimes from the overprotective and conservative environment I have since childhood, I always find myself heading back for home where my heart and sanity lies. Comfortably.

23
Jul

“SOLAIRian Ako… May Angal?!”

By lvbauzon1007 0 Comments
Categories: Friendship and Happiness

That was McRhon speaking. He was suggesting that a new SOLAIR shirt bearing the said statement might be a good follow up to the “Caution: SOLAIRian walking” tee.  Ang sarap sigurong isuot sa office to possibly intimidate a nagmamarunong na supervisor??  And then that superior will reply by also wearing a shirt bearing the words, “Eh ano ngayon?! Manager ako!!!”  Hahahaha… McRhon and I had a blast laughing it off!  Nice one, Mr. Prexy.

My SOLAIR group is such a bunch of fun-loving people with their own respective lovable personalities. I was just so thankful I’ve found them courtesy of Jeff.  Most of them are incumbent officers of the UP-SOLAIR Student Council so when they asked me to sign up with the SC VolCor, go na agad! Takot ko lang kay Jefran.

After their every-other-week G.A., we usually hang out at Havana for some KTV sessions. As always, everyone delivers.  McRhon loves to belt out the old hits like “Chiquitita” to the delight (and/or chagrin :p) of the listeners.  Ang galing din niyang mag-second voice, in fairness! Mischa, the Singer, could easily give some of our famous young crooners a run for their money.  Her soothing voice never fails to put Jefran into a deep sleep. :)
I love the way Anto sings his version of “Half-Crazy”.  I guess it’s even better than the original.  His husky voice and feel na feel rendition effortlessly hits my senti mode. Eumel, on the other hand, has this certain musicality one could not just ignore.  “Pang-boy band ang dating!” says Jeff. 

And Jeff? He is still the undisputed “Tulog King”!  Nobody has succeeded yet in getting him sing a song from start to finish. “No, I don’t wanna see you anymoooore!”  was all I heard from him so far.  (Huwag naman sanang puro chorus o refrain lang, brod!)  Nobody’s complaining, though.  Subukan n’yo kayaaa? 

I can now comfortably say that with this group around (including the other officers and SC-VC members), life at UP-SOLAIR will never be the same again. Huwag n’yo lang akong ina-ate puhhhleeeezzz!  I may be older by age but trust me, I am still sooo young at heart.

Eumel (the youngest in the group), by the way, got me smiling when he told me that he has been religiously reading my blog entries.  He surely deserves more than a buko shake for the kind words. Hehehe… Kidding aside, I do appreciate it.  I have the highest respect for people who cares enough to verbalize their appreciation for someone who, they think, is doing a good job.

These SOLAIRians are so down-to-earth and funny that most of the time, they make me laugh and smile.  For that, I wouldn’t mind downing with them some glasses of weng weng once in a while. Ü

22
Jul

Saying “I Love You”

By lvbauzon1007 0 Comments
Categories: Love

“To say ‘I love you’, one must first be able to say the ‘I’.”    — Ayn Rand

Sooo true! This is a perfect embodiment of all my convictions and realizations in the love department for the past few years. I am not claiming to be an expert on love matters but having experience as my best teacher, I’ve learned my lessons the hard way.  And what a price to pay!  I’m not complaining, though.

Two nights ago, I enjoyed talking with three of my trusted friends over two bottles of red wine about an interesting topic– what else but love and relationship! We were supposed to call it a night by 10:30pm but the conversation got a little more revealing so we ended up going home at past midnight.  We couldn’t afford to miss the shocking facts (and figures!).  Hahahaha…

Being the most experienced in the group (done this, done that… been there, been here etc.), I had much more to say on the matter.  What concerned me most, though, was how each one felt after the break up. I was telling them that they should not blame themselves.  Not to dwell anymore on the negative feeling. Not to feel any panghihinayang on the emotional and financial investments.  Not to hate themselves for being stupid.  There are no mistakes in life, right? Only lessons learned.

Yes of course, it’s easier said than done. But bottom line is falling in love should never make us feel bad about ourselves regardless of the outcome. If the person we have deeply loved failed to give us back what we believed we deserved, the more that we should place a higher value on ourselves.  Kung ayaw (na) niya, eh di huwag.  Good riddance! We definitely deserve someone better who is more deserving of our love and attention.

In love relationships, I never believed in the concept of unconditional love. Come on! Investing so much without us expecting something in return is too much hypocrisy.  A relationship, to succeed, must talk of give-and-takes, of two-way streets and journeys. Otherwise, it is not a relationship but just another fascination with the idea of being in love.

As I’ve told my friends, kung hindi ako kayang sabayan ng lalaki in terms of time, effort, emotional investment, and every single thing that I put into our relationship, eventually mapag-iiwanan siya.  And I’m not the type who will stop or slow down just for him to catch up.  What’s the use of having a partner who can’t do his equal share in the responsibilities and obligations involved?  ‘Wag na lang, di ba?

Getting back on our feet after a failed relationship could be quite difficult, you know. But finding it hard to move on does not always necessarily mean that we still love the person. Sometimes, we just couldn’t get over the feeling of having wasted our precious time on someone and something that gave us nothing in return but broken hearts, broken dreams, and broken wings.

“Bakit ba parang ang dali dali mong maka-recover? Gano’n na lang ba ‘yon?”, a friend asked me once.  For me, letting go is much easier if the person was not worth my troubles at all. How could I continue loving someone who’s making me lose my love and respect for myself?  I couldn’t give something that I myself don’t have or have lost along the way. I should love myself first before I could completely love another.

The realization that the other person only needed me to tie some loose ends in his life automatically shuts the door.  Sorry Jerry, but I strongly believe that I should not complete my man.  He has to be also complete first before we even start talking about a possibility of “us”.  A “you-complete-me” statement does not flatter me at all. It, in fact, scares me to death!

Looking back, I did say “I love you” and really mean it once pa lang in my life (my other ‘iloveyous’ were only said under pressure! hahahaha). This person and I were just sitting on this bench in the middle of a beautiful garden we actually found by accident.  We were not even talking but the serenity of the place calmed my senses and being with this person at that moment was the only thing that mattered.  I swear, it was much better than the last scene of Notting Hill! 

It was the first time I said iloveyou for the good person that this man is and for the better person he is making out of me.  If given the chance to say these words again, I’d choose a man who is confident, secure, smart, dignified, trustworthy, responsible, loyal, hardworking, loving, caring, and completely available. I guess my heart is now reserved for someone who takes pride in who he is and will not settle for someone and something lesser.

Simply because I am what my choice is.

16
Jul

Back To Basics

By lvbauzon1007 0 Comments
Categories: Happiness and Life

A voice behind me is telling me to get back on my feet and chase life’s material pleasures again.  “Two months is enough for bumming around,” it says. Duhh, I’m not! I’m just trying to satisfy my hunger for some things I’m deeply passionate about which my previous job deprived me of doing.  But then again, it’s right. Let’s face it, when reality knocks us out, we often have to sacrifice our happiness for survival.

There are eight job application letters with attached resume in my email’s draft folder for quite sometime now, waiting to be sent to various addys.  For some reasons, however, I couldn’t bring myself to click the “Send” button. Not now. Not yet. I’m still having some reservations and it has always been my mantra that “when in doubt, don’t go for it”.

“Marami ka pa kasing pera kaya hindi ka pa napi-pressure,” Jeff reasoned out.  Partly true. Not yet pressured, yes; much money, no.  It’s just that in every major decision that may either make or break me, I am the type who really give it much thought and procrastination.  I’ve wanted this career shift for the longest time and I couldn’t afford to misfire.  I’m not even settled yet what new career path to take– is it HR, communication, or teaching?  I think kaya ko naman silang pagsabay-sabayin eh.  Just a matter of time and the right opportunity.

One thing is for sure now, though.  Whereas a competitive pay is still a consideration, it’s not that major.  I’ve been there.  I had my share of the good life in terms of material things.  I have also experienced some life’s greatest joys at one point in time or another. But did having one without the other make me happy?  Not really.  Lesson is, I shouldn’t have sacrificed one for the other if I could have the power to achieve both. 

We have our respective standards or bases of contentment– be it material or otherwise. Or both. But at the end of the day, it all boils down to this question: “Am I happy?”  No ifs. No buts. Otherwise, there’s really something wrong and we have to figure it out before it’s too late.  We only live once unless the idea of reincarnation appeals to us.  Life is too short for us not to to seek what we really wanted in this lifetime.  We shouldn’t be afraid to take risks, get out of our comfort zones, and make that change happen!

Ooopss, before you get the feeling that this piece is über emo, don’t worry, this is not yet a sign of a mid-life crisis.  I’m just trying to get my (professional) life back on the right track by asking the basic questions.

16
Jul

Paradox of Life

By lvbauzon1007 0 Comments
Categories: Life

Note:  While thinking of a topic for my title defense this Saturday in graduate school, I was able to write this poem instead.  Hay naku, cramming na naman ako nito.  Kung saan-saan kasi lumilipad ang utak ko.

Lies muzzle a glaring truth

Heart weakened by strong desires 

Much poverty in a rich country

Life becomes a dead goal.

A love hated by all

Makes happy a lonely soul

Perfect at an imperfect time

So right yet so wrong.

A lot of contradictions

Yet too much parallelism

For whatever it is worth

It’s a paradox for all.

15
Jul

Wala Lang…

By lvbauzon1007 0 Comments
Categories: EMOs

This is my 25th blog entry in a matter of ten days.  You could just imagine how much I missed doing this!  The last piece I wrote for personal consumption was in 1998.  For the next ten years after that, my writings are purely for corporate and academic pursuits.   

I never had the passion to write hard sell.  I mean, I’m having a hard time composing articles that delve with über serious topics.  I don’t really have the talent and the heart to do so. To illustrate, I prefer to watch “Music and Lyrics” over “The Silence of the Lambs”, read Cosmopolitan over Time, and listen to Parokya ni Edgar over Andrea Bocelli. In short, sa dami na ng problema sa mundo, ayoko nang mag-isip.  I just want to entertain and be entertained.

That is why I admire those who could write academic essays and intellectual pieces with so much ease.  I love talking to people who can challenge ideas and change mindsets.  I am quite impressed with the so-called “deep thinkers” of the Universe. Perhaps this is the reason why I get attracted to Martians of this type. Opposites attract??  ‘Asa pa ako.

Looks are indeed deceiving. Most people I’ve met dismissed me as someone serious, suplada, at hindi puwedeng biruin.  Only a few people have seen my funny side– the non-stop kadaldalan, LOLs, and ka-showbizan (meaning, I have a knack for knowing the latest showbiz gossip).  I don’t know, perhaps I just got tired of being “serious” most of my life.  It was hard meeting people’s great expectations all the time and it was even harder to sustain them.  So, I decided to slow down NOW and just enjoy life’s simplest pleasures.

Sa mga naaaliw sa blog ko– Christy, Rojz, Kath, Beverly, Apple, Jeff, Mang, Kristine, Eumel, William, Anto, etc.– thank you for giving me this opportunity to touch your lives in my own little way.  You have touched my life in return with your words of encouragement.

As Robin S. Sharma wrote, “When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all of your thoughts break their bonds: your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world.  Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive and you discover yourself to be a greater person than you ever dreamed of.”

Ano raw?! :p

13
Jul

Of Rains and Rainbows

By lvbauzon1007 0 Comments
Categories: Life

It rained hard an hour ago today. Outside, it was all wet, dark, and gloomy. Yet contrary to the weather-can-affect-your-mood theory, I love it everytime it rains.  Aside from lending a cool breeze to the sun’s scorching heat, rains bring back amusing memories.

It rained when I was about to sing in an induction program way back in Grade 3.

It rained when I was delivering my valedictory speech during our elementary graduation.

It rained when I first went out with these two guys — one I really liked, one I really hated.

It rained when I was on my way to the airport to take that 14-hour flight to London.

It rained when a friend brought me to the most beautiful garden I’ve ever seen.

Though I had my share of rains in its figurative sense, I loved them just the same because after them, rainbows set in. I used to believe that there are people who are reallly malas in all aspects of their lives. As they say, you can never have the best of all worlds because you can not simply have everything. But I realized it’s just a matter of how we turn the bad luck into good ones, the rains into sunshines, the misfortunes into blessings in disguise.

Besides, if everything is too perfect, there will be no more opportunities for us to learn, improve, or grow. To take new leases in life. To seek better things ahead. To tread new journeys. To face and survive greater challenges that will make us the best persons that we can ever be.

So, if ever you’ve got rains in your lives, just smile because it only means one thing– the best is yet to come.  Trust me, it really does.

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