I think goodbyes are one of the hardest things to do. I mean, you can go and say hello to anyone, anytime, anywhere. But somehow, goodbyes are full of negative emotions. Whether its just for a few hours, a few days or *cringe* longer, its never easy on anyone.

But alas, I think that this is the year that I move forward. LJ has been great and its been a big (at least in the beginning) part of my online life for the past few years. But sometimes you have to cut loose some parts of your life and start a new.

And that's what I've done.

I'm moving to a new format, a new scene, a new phase. If you think anything that happens to me is worth following, you can now catch me on http://geekysideoflife.blogspot.com . I think it will great to be starting from scratch. It's my 26th birthday in a month, and what better way to start the next quarter of my life than with a new repository for the crazy thoughts, ideas and experiences that I've got.

I doubt there are a lot of you out there following this blog but whoever you guys are, thanks! :)

I'll still routinely check this stuff out but this will be my last post.

Take care and keep the peace. :)

Reflecting on the year that was isn’t really my thing, but 2008 was a banner year for me and it had its share of highs and lows. I stole this meme from Des, who stole it from Mika, who probably stole it from someone else, who too, stole it from someone, so and so forth. But enough of that, let’s get a cracking!

-----------------------------------------

What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Visiting a significant other in another country. My first football tournament. Clubbin’ with the Corner and Carl (for the 20 or so minutes he was there). Whitewater rafting. Rappelling down a waterfall. This was definitely a banner year of firsts.

Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Didn’t have any major resolutions so its hard to say. I am definitely making one this year.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
A few of my good friends from the office welcomed their first children to the world, but it was their wives that did all the giving birth. But I guess that is all the same.

Did anyone close to you die?
My grandfather passed away early in the year. God/Buddha bless his soul.

What countries did you visit?
Singapore and Indonesia. Hong Kong too, but only by a technicality. Cambodia and hopefully more Hong Kong next year too!

What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Focus. Lots and lots of focus. I still think there’s a lot of potential to grow and succeed in the paths I’ve chosen to tread.

What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
June 8, 2008. Why? I think the most life-changing thing happened to me that night. For better or for worse its why I am where I am right now.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting promoted. My first ever promotion in my two-and-a-half year career. I can’t wait to get another one, but I don’t see it in the cards for 2009 (but you never know I suppose)

What was your biggest failure?
Not seeing the signs sooner. But you live. And you learn.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major, just the run of the mill cough and colds. I do have a fatty liver, but I’m not going to die or anything soon. Oh and CDO brought me tons of battle scars from trying to be outdoorsy, but again, nothing that would kill me.

What was the best thing you bought?
I guess the best thing would be the iPod and phone, that I bought with my hard-earned cash. I’m a gadget freak so its nice to have some cool stuff to fiddle with. I still think about missing out on the TyTN II.

Whose behavior merited celebration?
I guess if anyone, it would have to be my bud Carl, who definitely stuck with me in one of the craziest years of my life. He may be an ass at times, but he’s a good friend and I appreciate that a lot.

Whose behavior appalled you and made you depressed?
Let’s just keep this one private. But I’m sure we know who it is. ;p

Where did most of your money go?
iPod Classic 160GB, Samsung i780 and my trip to SG last summer. Shopping and food are the top two money drains for 2008, as it should be for the years to come.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Business school! Or at least before I decided to postpone my applications for a year. I’m excited about it again after doing the rounds and I can’t wait to apply. I’m ready to take on business school head on.

What song/s will always remind you of 2008?
Breakeven – The Script. Without a doubt.

Compared to this time last year, are you:
a. Happier or sadder?

Sadder, probably. But I’m happier now than I was mid-year. I can’t wait for 2009. Like I told Abby, 2009 is my year… I’m going to buy a blazer.

b. Thinner or fatter?
Thinner, I think. But don’t quote me. I think I look a whole lot better than a year ago. Still fat though… but any improvement is good.

c. Richer or poorer?
Richer, in more ways than one. When life gives you lemons, you go and make some kick-ass lemonade.

What do you wish you'd done more of?
Living. I missed out on a lot of living, meeting people, having fun, experiencing everything and anything I could. I have no regrets, save that I could have done a lot more with the 365 days I got for 2008.

What do you wish you'd done less of?
Being lazy. Sitting around doing nothing. It’s a result of a lack of focus.

How will you be spending Christmas?
Spent it in Singapore with the two people I love the most. <3  Mom and Dad.

Did you fall in love in 2008?
In and out. Or to be precise. Was in and out of it.

What was your favorite TV program?
Gossip Girl rocked my world. Totally. That show was the bomb. House, HIMYM and Grey’s Anatomy come in a close second though.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I think hate is too strong a word so… no.

What was the best book you read?
I read quite a few books this year but probably the best was Outliers. And all the Terry Goodkind novels I read. He is amazing. Richard and Kahlan for the win.

What was your greatest musical discovery?
There were quite a lot of discoveries this year as I rekindled my inner audiophile. Radio 1 compilations, Anberlin, Mae, Ernie Halter, Matt Nathanson and a host of other awesome acts. The list goes on and on.

What did you want and get?
I wanted to broaden my circle and I definitely did that this year, more than I’ve done the past two years. I have great new friends that I will treasure for the rest of my life and I have also reconnected with so many old ones as well.

What did you want and not get?
Let’s go even deep and say I wanted forever and instead got the rest of my life.

Favorite film of this year?
It’s hard to say but Iron Man, Tropic Thunder and Batman are tied. Batman slightly edging out the other two because Heath Ledger was awesome and he’s moved on to a better place. RIP.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
My birthday was spent with my family, I think, but celebrated it with a road trip with Carl, Kellda, Des and Ludee. Getting lost, getting a tan and just celebrating/forgetting about life’s imperfections was the order of the day.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I have no idea. The year that was was so challenging in itself that living through it and escaping alive and well is satisfying unto itself.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Relaxed and mature. I made a conscious effort to move from sporty to dressed-up. With the occasional beach bum influence of course. Sandals/sneakers, jeans and short/long-sleeved shirts were the order of the day.

What kept you sane?
Friends, both new and old, family, work, football and aerobics.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Ana Ivanovic, Blake Lively and Leighton Meester hold places in my heart. And the girl from Chuck of course.

What political issue stirred you the most?
The US Elections. Obama was so fresh and uplifting. He gave traditional politics a run for their money. Hopefully he pulls through for the next four years.

Who did you miss?
Myself? Deep right? But if it can’t be missing myself then it would have to be her. But we all make choices and I’m sticking to the ones I’ve made.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
There is always life after break-ups. It may not seem like it at the time, but accepting that has been the driving force in my second-half comeback of 2008.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
This is definitely cheesy and downright shameful but “Life is a rollercoaster, just gotta ride it.” (yeah Ronan Keating, I know. Shame Tim. Shame.)

The most touching experience you've had this year?
Having a beer with Carl after the worst night of my life.

What did you like most about yourself this year?
I bounced back from a crazy first half of the year and I’m better, stronger and happier.

What did you hate most about yourself this year?
That I was willing to give up everything when clear logic says that I shouldn’t.

Was 2008 a good year for you?
Again, I said it at the start of the post. It’s a mixed bag and a banner year. A bloody rollercoaster, if you will. Was it good or bad is something hard to determine at this point in time and depends on your point of view. All I know is that as of December 31, 2008, I am better, faster, stronger and happier than I was at some points during the year and I’m thankful for the growth and maturity that I have gained. For that alone I would rate 2008 as a good year for Tim.

Last night I fell in love without you.
I waved goodbye to that heart of mine
Beating solo on your lawn

Every aching wound will cauterize and bruise
In memory of what we used to call in love
And only time will tell if violins will swell
In memory of what we used to call in love
Used to call it love
Fell In Love Without You
Motion City Soundtrack

Last night I fell in love without you
The coup de grâce that set me off
Would've made for decent fiction

Every aching wound will cauterize and bruise
In memory of what we used to call in love
And only time will tell if violins will swell
In memory of what we used to call in love
Used to call it...

Last night I fell in love without you
The stars at night aren't as big and bright
As you make them out to be

Every aching wound will cauterize and bruise
In memory of what we used to call in love
And only time will tell if violins will swell
In memory of what we used to call in love
In memory of when we used to call it love






*I miss my Gossip Girl. And then some*

I was probably never high on the outdoorsy stuff, and adventuring in the wilderness was clearly never my thing but the past weekend was definitely a blast! Seriously. A total, out-of-body experience that left me dead-tired but totally stress-free. White water rafting, rappelling, water slides and jumps of cliffs were just some of the things we did and, regardless of the fact that I was terrified, I totally enjoyed every minute of it. Battered and bruised as I may be, I'd do all of it  again in a heartbeat.

Thank you Cagayan de Oro. I shall blog about thee more soon, if I can get away from work in the next three weeks.

Well it's a Friday night and I'm at home! For some reason, it has been weeks since I've actually been at home on a Friday night since I've been trying to live it up as much as humanly possible. But I guess rest is always good.

I finally finished packing for the trip to Balikpapan, Indonesia. I am somewhat excited for the trip, now that it's less than 48 hours away. Business class seats, first class accommodations and an interesting course. I hope I get to meet a lot of interesting people over there, but well, its a small city so I don't think there are THAT many people to begin with.

Hopefully something comes up tomorrow, but then again, I can't stay out either since I've got ann early pick-up time.

Caught GG the other night and the latest episode was somewhat of a bummer. Another boy playing Serena and Little J goes bonkers. The stories never get old, even if it might be the same old stuff we see in every teeniebopper drama.

Ho hum. The 4th Quarter Storm is almost coming to a close, but that totally doesn't mean it's getting an easier. The work load is hectic, although planning and less slacking should keep me on time. But dang, the extra-curricular stuff is totally becoming a chore. Company Christmas parties left and right and so much planning to do! Thank God I'm not leading the preparations for that. Work has been both a blessing and a curse, but for the most part I'm glad I'm working on the projects I'm working on now, mainly because I've wanted to do something other than process engineering and project implementation for such a long time! I asked for the extra work, so I better be ready to kick some serious ass! Hahahaha.

Anyhoot, it's late, I have a "friendly" practice match tomorrow with some advertising football junkies. Hope I kick even more serious ass on the pitch! hahaha :)

You voted for change. And I know I don't live in the US but as someone who hopes to pursue my graduate studies there, the election results are great big sigh of relief.

And also, I love the song "Love Song" by The Cure... but performed by Anberlin. It's awesome. :)

So whats new in the life of a loon? Well for one I got a call saying I wasn't qualified enough for a position, but that is all cool, I guess it wasn't meant to be. There's more to life than a job abroad. Let's hope for better luck next time right?

In other news, I caught the latest episode of Gossip Girl today and again, the story gets ever so convoluted and twisted that it isn't even funny anymore. Hook-ups and break-ups and everything in between. I ask myself how far they can take this show given the short lifespan of issues, but i guess that's part of the current make-up of the youth's lack of lengthy attention spans. That being said, the show is still as awesome as ever.

And looming on the ever so beautiful horizon is a trip to Caramoan, Camarines Sur, site of Survivor France and soon to be site for Survivor USA. The pictures across the internet clearly do not do it justice. I am definitely excited to kick back, relax and take a lot of pictures. Photography, in the form of the ever popular Lomo, has definitely taken me in and I am pretty hyped up about it. For a guy who can't dance, can't draw, definitely can't sculpt, probably could write and barely carries a tune, this is a chance to be artsy-creative. Yey for that right?

And I can't wait for my new undewater camera. Too bad it won't make it to Caramoan but at least it will be here, hopefully, for the CDO trip this December! WOOOOT.

I'll probably MIA for the next month and a half, as the projects are closing in quickly. The 4th Quarter Storm is upon us and I pray that I survive its wrath. Next year is a whole other ballgame and I can't imagine the workload that is looming in the distance. With the people leaving and moving around in the department we might be left with a skeleton crew holding down the fort.

Unhappy

she takes her clothes off and she says
is it alright if i stay the night
i don't remember what i said
is it alright


well she's gone when i awake
left a letter
saying everything was a mistake
and i'm alone
but it's alright, cause i understand
i could tell everything's not fine
it's never alright
to push away
i'm not as blind as you may think
and i'm tired of all that is
and i know that this time
it's not all in my head

you look a little unhappy
about the way the world is turning
is there anything i could do
to take your mind off
the trouble, hard, and kind
and she said maybe, just maybe
you wont end up like him


it's just another day, its cold
and i'm losing myself inside
the colors on the wall
are all faded
and all thats left is a hope
for another day
that's not cold again
and it's a shame
and i know that this time
it's not all in my head

you look a little unhappy
about the way the world is turning
is there anything i could do

First of all, I was not affected by Gossip Girl this week, as I am sure most would expect me to have been. So there :P

Chuck (the show) was a bit of a letdown but hopefully it gets more interesting as the season progresses.

How I Met Your Mother was funny as always.

And lastly, i'm in Tiwi (for old time's sake) hahaha. Brings back lots of memories, both good and bad. hahahaha :)

Ok, this blog is turning into a gossip girl post after another, but again... damn that show bothered me, but for different reasons. I know I put my girl on a pedestal but damn, that was nasty. I'm even more depressed now... it's like one fucking twist after another. Next thing you know, they're tearing down every single person on the show. I thought last episode would be the most depressing thing I will ever see, but this latest episode pretty much tops it off. Damn.

And self-realization, hot chicks are hot, but personality and character clearly are just as important. Serena was smoking, especially in the teal/gray/silver dress, but after turning psycycho-bitch... major turn-off. (OK I've just defined the type of girl I would date... hahaha)

I guess the question we all ask is, can people really change? Or are we destined to be who we are from the moment we are born until the day that we die?

On a lighter note, HIMYM was awesome on its season premiere. I enjoyed Barney and his inability to accept that he wants to have a serious relationship with Robin/Robyn. It is definitely one of the best sit-coms out there.

Ok. This is going to sound extremely ditzy and downright hilarious. But I watched Gossip Girl last night and I was utterly depressed after. That was so depressing. And I was waaaay too affected. It's like Grey's Anatomy all over again. What is up with that.

Damn it.

Why did that have to happen? Why!?! WWWWHHYYYY?!?!?!

and it totally proved that once and for all, it is the most AWESOME show on the planet. Guilty pleasure or not, it still brings the rollercoaster of emotions and events that keeps people like me glued.

I was watching it during our lunch break today (group screening at Mak-Ban... WOOT!) and I think I raised my arms in success over the beauty that is Gossip Girl. It proves that love does find itself in all the weirdest places and that love conquers all. And it also shows that sometimes, being a manipulative, conniving SOB is not always the best thing in the world. But who honestly cares? This stuff is straight out of a tabloid (it is actually..) but it is still great.

Sometimes I wonder why we can't get the same kind of quality on local television. Everything seems so... copied sometimes i.e. Lipgloss = the Pinoy Gossip Girl = Epic Fail. We've even started pirating Korean soap operas and US shows (My Girl and I Love Betty). Let's see some originality. Kudos to ABS-CBN for their Malaysian-Pinoy cross-over extravaganza. Hopefully it will be something good for Philippine television.

And I end with the best idea of the first episode ... and Blair totally hit it right on the head... sometimes it does just take three words, eight letters to change lives forever. I LOVE IT!

I watched Wall-E last night with Kellda, Des and Ludee. It was soooo AWESOME, although Ludee clearly did not like it.

But I thought it was just so incredibly adorable! :)

are AWESOME. I used to complain about the lack of anything to watch on TV recently, but with the Olympics on, it is like something new everyday. I don't care about what sport is on, every single one is AWESOME to watch. Especially when the Philippines is on.

But seriously, I love watching the swimming competitions, especially since I used to swim back in the day. I wonder if I could have made it to that level of competition if I started swimming earlier and worked extra hard. I started swimming later than most (high school) so my growth was stunted to begin with. But I think my career was decent enough. It shed a lot of baby fat and I got a whole lot more athletic overall.

I started missing swimming after seeing these superior athletes perform in the Olympics.

And I wish, that someday, I can represent my country in some sport or event. I would give anything to be able to wear a Philippine Team jacket or shirt or shoe or swimming trunk or whatever. THAT WOULD BE AWESOME.

P.S. notice my AWESOME-ness? hahaha. Go Barney! US TV season starts in a month! Oh yeah!

what's wrong with this picture? maybe that I'm STILL IN THE OFFICE at 9PM. STRESS.

the traffic is awful outside so i'm kinda stuck here. thank god i have a laptop to surf with, and my new 160gb iPod to keep me company! WOOHOO :)

hahahaha. but well, it sucks big time, i want to sleep na. i'm drained. I wish we had football. darnit. :S

anyhoot, at least i have Zambales this August and Cagayan de Oro this November to look forward too. Giant steaks and white water rafting here I come!

Machine & Kobe = BFF



The above video is hilarious! I saw it yahoo... and its about THE MACHINE. This is why i love the LA Lakers... not because of Kobe.. but because of THE MACHINE.

In other news, I was able to catch Daughtry last night and it was AWESOME. He is still the best AI finalist ever. David Cook has a tough act to beat this January. Lot's of new music from Chris, and the show was a lot better than the one I caught in the US about a year ago. He's definitely a better singer now, and the new tracks were awesome. Especially the one he wrote with Jason Wade (of Lifehouse). Coincidence they were here a few days ago. Darn, I wish I caught that concert too. But on a an awesome side note, Eastwood City is probably the best place I've watched a concert at. It's ambiance is out of this world. I hope they continue to have great shows and great artists there, because the place is awesome.

I got my official GMAT results today and I got a perfect score in the writing parts. That's a small victory after getting just an above average quanti score. :) Time for the dreaded application process. GASP. Lord help us all.

Alright, so I haven't been in circulation the past few weeks, owing to a myriad of personal crisis and work-related things. But now that I've had an opportunity to come out of hiding, I figured I should update the world on my life as we know it.

Life is good I guess, it has a little bit more direction than a few months ago. Direction, I think, is a good way to start. So life is moving forward, albeit rather slowly.

I just finished up the GMAT, which was a terribly mind-****ing experience. (I thought I'd have kept that last bit to text messages to my friends but I found it too thought-provoking to keep it from the general public.) I got a pretty decent 680. Like that appliance center they would advertise on Kwarta O Kahon. It was a tough few months, requiring insane amounts of discipline to prepare, but its over and its time to relax... at least for the this weekend. Back to work on those essays and applications next week. School list has been trimmed down to five, with one or two more choices slowly gaining a bit of ground as we speak. I'm thinking five schools is a good benchmark for now. If this get a bit too messy by early next year, I can always opt to apply some more. I hope I get into a good business school, but if all else, there's always Europe or Singapore.

I am going to make it my personal mission to exercise more now that I can come out of hiding. Up next, BOXING. Football is still going strong but its time to add more activities to my schedule. The footwork should improve cuz of that. I am also considering yoga. hahaha :)

I spent the weekend in Zambales... which was AWESOME. Anawangin was simply majestic on so many levels. I have never seen a more beautiful slice paradise in my entire life. It's serene, pristine and majestic. White-gray sands, calm waters, a freshwater stream flowing in the background, majestic mountains lining a beautiful cove and best of all - pine trees. What a way to spend an afternoon. I truly can't wait to go back in about a months time. If I had the money I'd spend my weekends there all the time.

Photography is finally rearing its head into my life. For some reason, as everyone starts to get totally into it, I am slowly getting sucked in as well. But I shall refrain from jumping in with the rest of the general population that has caught the photography bug. I choose to enjoy it for what it is, a hobby. In short, no to big dSLRs! But, a new iPod is still definitely calling, and its been sounding more attractive with each passing day.

Life's been good so far. It got turned over a few times the past months, but I'm glad to see it turning right side up. You really do have to live with the good and the bad. :)

I've always known that TV is an imtation of real life. But I never knew it would turn out like this. It's like I'm living in a season of Grey's Anatomy, where love is legendary and life is totally dependent on that lot with the ferryboats.

As always, the pleasure of trying to set an outing for my friends has fallen upon me :) I read about this crazy place in Zambales that has the most pristine beaches ever and I wanted to get a place there (Pundaquit Beach with Capones and Anawangin off the coast). Sadly the resorts are mostly fully-booked so it seems like that plan is slowly fading away into the dust. I suppose we can go ahead and try something else, but we shall have to wait and see :)

Right now, Subic is looming as a strong favorite, although I am still open to suggestions. Any suggestions from my blog-friends out there? :)

In other news, I've decided to revamp my site's layout and drawings. I've been using the pre-made stuff from LiveJournal, And I feel like its time I got back to my creative roots. I don't have any ideas, although with Ironman being such a great hit, I wish I did my original plan to do a whole layout based on his comic. Too late now, I'll probably come off as a cheap copycat riding on the movie's brilliant success. To think that idea came to me early 2007. Oh well, just wait and see, i'm pretty sure something will come up that will inspire me!

Peace out!