150 Things About Me

(Updated 4.6.05: I recently updated this and added more facts because a friend pointed out that it seemed "bitin" --as if it was unfinished).

1. My brothers and I have huge age gaps in between – Eric was born on July 10, 1984 and Mikey was born on November 2, 1990.
2. I lived in the Philippines until I was almost 13 years old.
3. My family moved to Los Angeles, CA right before my 13th birthday.
4. I lived in L.A. from May 1989- July 1995.
5. My parents moved to NYC the summer after my sophomore year in high school.
6. I stayed behind in L.A. to finish high school.
7. I moved to NYC in July 1995 to attend college and follow my family.
8. I lived in NYC until May 2001.
9. I have not fully lived with my parents since August 1993.
10. I used to be a ‘Goth’ in high school.
11. Yeah, I was voted most likely to join a cult. Go figure.
12. But I was popular nonetheless. No, I’m not kidding. Our school was small, you can’t help but know everyone else.
13. I was voted Homecoming Princess at some point in time.
14. I didn’t go to the dance though.
15. I snuck off to be with my boyfriend instead.
16. The Cure is my all-time favorite band. Hands-down.
17. I graduated 7th (out of a class of 19 seniors) from high school.
18. I got married right before my last year of law school on June 1, 2001.
19. I did all my wedding prep while studying for finals. Fun.
20. We didn’t go on a honeymoon until after I graduated from law school a year after.
21. We went to Fiji for 2 weeks and stayed here.
22. When we came back, I had to study for the bar exam. Also fun.
    
23. I went to college with my husband’s younger brother.
24. But I didn’t meet the hubs through him
25. I like to drive efficiently (read: fast).
26. If you are going too slow or cut me off, I will “flash my lights” at you; honk at you for miles on end; go around you and give you the finger.
27. My mother does not like to ride cars with me because of this.
28. The hubs thinks I will get shot one day because of this.
29. I am in love with books and can spend HOURS in a bookstore or library.
30. I learned to read when I was 3 years old (according to my mom).
31. When I was 12 years old, my reading level was that of a college senior.
32. I am a fast reader.
33. I once finished an entire Judy Blume novel during a 6th grade English class.
34. I own tons of books and have given/donated a lot away during the course of my life.
35. I would love to have a house with an actual library room.
36. I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was 4 years old.
37. I’m a lawyer instead (and write on the side, sorta).
38. I try not to look so conventional at work and wear 'funkier' suits.
39. I think I’m too free-spirited to be an attorney.
40. I have 5 tattoos (and plan to get more).
41. I play the electric guitar as a hobby.
42. I used to be in a band in high school.
43. When I got to college, I stopped playing guitar and forgot everything I learned.
44. After Sept. 11, I bought myself a guitar and learned it all over again.
45. Now, I’m in an alternative rock band as a hobby.
46. This doesn’t mean I’m an amazing guitar-player.
47. I wish I can play guitar like Page or Hendrix or The Edge. That would so rock.
48. I consider myself shy.
49. I don’t like public speaking.
50. Yet I have to be in court everyday for my job.
51. And I like planning parties and organizing get-togethers.
52. I’m moody, quiet, pensive and critical.
53. I try hard not to be a judgmental person.
54. I’m against the death penalty.
55. Yet I’m pro-choice.
56. I want to be a young mom.
57. But I’m scared to be one.
58. I already have a name picked out for a daughter.
59. But I would rather have twin baby boys. Efficiency.
    
60. I love to travel.
61. But I hate, hate being cooped up in a plane.
62. I also hate going to the gym.
63. I can get insecure about my body.
64. But I accept the fact that I have to exercise in order to be healthy.
65. I have a high cholesterol level according to my doctor.
    
66. I’m a food whore in many ways.
67. I can polish off a pint of ice cream in one sitting easily.
68. My top five favorite foods are: pork sinigang, BBQ baby back ribs, lechon kawali, chocolate anything, and any entrée from Aquagrill Restaurant (NYC).
69. This is followed closely by ice cream, my mom’s beef nilaga, Japanese/Indian/Thai/Vietnamese/Cuban/Spanish food, my mom’s version of kalbi (a Korean beef dish), Spanish tapas, and Popeye’s spicy fried chicken.
70. I love watching movies.
71. But I’m not a fan of romantic comedies unless it involves people with British/Scottish/Irish accents. Like Bridget Jones or Notting Hill.
    
72. I like action, sci-fi, dramadies, epics, period pieces, indies, foreign, and almost everything in between.
73. Music is also a big part of my life.
74. I love watching live bands/live music.
75. There was a time in college though where I stopped listening to rock.
    
76. In many ways, the hubs and I are opposites.
77. But he’s my best friend and the world’s most patient, supportive, funny guy.
78. I also think he's hot.
79. We started dating in November 1998.
80. I thought he was arrogant and full of himself when I first met him.
81. We have many funny stories of our mishaps before we started dating.
82. One includes the time that I said I couldn’t go out with him because I had to study. Instead, I went to a pool hall.
83. Guess who caught me red-handed at the pool hall? The hubs.
84. The hubs and I hardly ever fight.
85. I plan to keep it that way.
86. I’d like to be more financially independent.
87. It’s hard especially since I don’t make much and have credit card debt.
88. Then again, I’ve only been working full-time since October 2003.
89. I wish I wasn’t slightly jealous of other friends who make more than I do.
90. After all, I have everything I need in life.
91. I consider myself a spiritual person.
92. I believe in God and heaven (and the scary existence of hell).
93. I try to go to church every Sunday for my own peace of mind.
94. But I do get lazy and sometimes not make it.
95. I have some regrets in life that I will never get over.
96. I am still hoping someone will invent a time machine.
97. I blog to practice my writing and write out random thoughts.
98. I have never gotten lower than a B+ on any paper I’ve turned it.
99. I spelled ‘rendezvous’ correctly on a spelling test in the 3rd grade.
100. I am working on a novel and have been doing so for many years.
101. “Working on it” also includes just thinking about it. =)
102. I’m a big procrastinator.
103. I work best under pressure.
104. I never thought I’d get married before I turned 25 years old and end up living in suburbia.
105. I was never that girl who’s been dreaming of her perfect wedding since she was 5 years old.
106. But heck, here I am and I’m pretty happy.
107. Not that I actually live in suburbia. Our house is 10 minutes away from NYC separated only by a bridge.
108. I plan on weaning my kids on The Cure, The Smiths, and other cool music.
109. And dressing them all in black. Should I so desire.
110. I consider myself to be unconventional in many ways.
111. But I look so nondescript that you’d never think it.
112. I can get excited at the smallest things.
113. For example, I get excited when I hear one of my favorite songs on the radio.
114. Or if I see a preview of a movie I'm really looking forward to watching.
     
115. I dig scruffy, starving-artist, musician-looking, edgy guys.
116. I think the following guys are hot: Colin Farell, Orlando Bloom, Johnny Depp, Clive Owen, Viggo Mortensen.
117. I have loved Johnny Depp since the days of 21 Jumpstreet.
118. I would pay mega-bucks to meet Robert Smith of The Cure and spend the day with him.
119. I used to be really obsessive-compulsive about cleanliness.
120. Now, I can be considered a slob.
121. I hate folding laundry and washing dishes.
122. I prefer wine to beer.
123. I hate, hate being hungover.
124. My dad has seen me hungover and was cool about it.
125. I don't like disappointing my parents.
126. So much so that I have gone along with things that I wish I didn't.
127. But I believe that things happen for a reason.
128. I still don't consider myself to be a "grown-up."
129. I'm waiting for that point in life where I will suddenly start listening to the Lite-FM station.
130. I don't think I'll ever start listening to the Lite-FM station.
131. I wish I was a little more responsible about spending.
132. I tend to buy things when I want them and then worry about it later.
133. I have a lot of clothes but end up wearing the same things over and over again.
134. I also have a lot of shoes and purses.
135. I'm always in-and-out of a designer-bag-phase.
136. I have spent almost $800 on one single purse.
137. In retrospect, I could've used that money towards a Les Paul.
138. I have not bought a designer purse in 4 years.
139. I consider myself to be generous.
140. I like being punctual.
141. I can't stand the "oh man, I'm late!" feeling. Hate it.
142. I wish I was more tech-savvy.
143. I want to live in London or Madrid.
144. I would like to own a home in Hawaii or St. Thomas.
145. I want to be able to buy a home for my parents.
146. I think I'm pretty lucky that I get what I want most of the time.
147. But I am not a spoiled brat.
148. And I work hard.
149. I try to make the most of each day and make them a little less ordinary.
150. And in the end, I try to get at least 7 hours of sleep.

Odds and Ends

I don’t have something specific to write about, so I thought I’d throw in a whole bunch of odds and ends together:

• I had a few friends over for poker this past Saturday. I’m a big fan of Texas Hold ‘Em, however, it doesn’t seem to be a big fan of me as I constantly lose! Heck, I even had a full-house at some point but by then, there was only 2 people in the game and everyone else folded. I need to work on my strategy. I luurve that game!

• I had a massive migraine yesterday. I went to bed all chilly with a migraine and woke up with one. The pain even spread down my neck. I certainly did not feel good. I’m okay today but still feel slightly nauseous. I hate migraines!

• Spring is here! The weather's getting warmer! Plus, since we’re an hour ahead again (due to Daylight Savings Time), it’s actually sunny when we wake up and sunny when we leave work! I love spring since it means I can finally put away the thick winter coat and start busting out the skirts again. My spring and summer ‘uniform’ is a skirt and tank top (or a skirt and shirt) plus flip-flops.

• My new goal is to start jogging in the mornings at least 2x a week (in addition to cardio at the gym). I’m going to Miami again for our anniversary and I want to look hot for the hubs. I have to face the fact that I will never have a 6-pack, but I can at least try to get rid of the spare tire around my middle so it’s easier to suck in my gut.

• Every time I think I’m over the whole body-issue thing, something inevitably comes up and I’m back to whining about not being skinny. I just want to get more toned and muscular and reduce my body fat to 20%. That's not too much to ask, isn't it? Well it is if I continue to eat ice cream every night and snarf down 3 cupcakes in one day.

• I so want to watch Sin City! I used to peruse through this comic (but not read it) and found the graphics absolutely stellar! I am also excited about the following films coming out this summer: Star Wars Episode 3; Fantastic Four; Batman Begins; War of the Worlds; and Kingdom of Heaven.

• We owe taxes again this year. What gives! #&$@! I thought owning a house supposedly makes your taxes go lower! We owe the government money even though I already give them most of what I make. I wish I made more money so I can save more money. My parents’ 30th wedding anniversary is coming up and would love to give them a gift such as a cruise somewhere or throw a huge party for them. I can’t quite do that since I don’t have the funds yet. I can't split the costs between my brothers either since one is still in college, and one just entered high school! But I do plan on treating my parents to dinner along with some of their friends. So I’m saving up some cash for May.

• I just realized that I'm a comments-whore. I like reading comments on my blog but hardly get any. I know I'm not writing an intellectual treatise here nor do I have anything controversial to say, but it's nice to get some feedback now and then. As my friend Ray says: don't be a blurker!

• Eating a candy bar. Shite. Almost ate the whole thing in less than 3 minutes! Have 4 squares left. Must have willpower and not eat the whole thing!

• I really dig watching bands. The next shows I want to watch are: Bloc Party, The Bravery, Controller Controller, and Keane. Of course, all of them are sold out right now and the only tickets I have are to Controller Controller's show. I'll work it out somehow.

Speaking of Bands….

Friends have asked me time and time again when my band is going to play. We were actually set to play this month but things are slowly unraveling at this point. We haven't practiced in a while, partly because 2 of us were on holiday. However, even before I left for my holiday, we started having issues with our bass player. She hasn't shown up for the past 3 practices and didn't even call to explain. Finally, she did send an e-mail out saying her grandmother was sick and that she was stressed out. Of course, we told her to take some time and that we understood. But that was 2 weeks ago. Since then, we've e-mailed her asking if she needed more time to just do her own thing and just to let us know where we stand. She hasn't gotten back to us. So we don't know how her grandma is, how she is, or how she feels about us. Bottom line is that we're left in the dark. My bandmate thinks we should just start fielding out for new bassists just in case. I'm inclined to think she's right since the bassist has been ignoring us. We don't want to pressure her if she's having a family crisis; all we wanted was an e-mail or a call saying something like "I can't deal with the band for a month or something" or "I still want to be in the band, I just can't play for another 2 weeks or so." We just want something definite, you know?

We haven't got anything done and it feels like we're stuck in a rut. I would definitely love to start playing out at gigs, but I feel we're going nowhere. We just got a new drummer in January, and now we have to get a new bassist? Talk about starting from scratch. I guess we'll just have to take it day by day.