Dear online diary

As everyone undoubtedly knows, I am an extremely lazy person. This does not justify my failure to update my blog for roughly a month, but it explains it =)

Second semester has so far been seriously frustrating. I can't seem to get grades as good as I got during my first semester. Of course, it's not over yet, so I can still make up for my less than satisfactory grades. We had three long tests this week, and I slept a total of about ten hours, for the three days. Thankfully, today is the first day of our Christmas break, so I'm getting some rest. I've already played a round of Scrabble with my brother and sister, rewatched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and read two books in the span of seven hours. Now I'm listening to some song on the iTunes radio and trying to remember what other stuff to type in here. Ah, relaxation. My dad came back from one of his business trips just awhile ago, and he bought me a really gorgeous pink Swarovski necklace. We've been spending quite a lot these days, actually. The Christmas gifts and wrappers alone cost a fortune. Then there was the new fridge and Samsung digital camcorder, not to mention some new books and DVDs, jewelry, clothes, and entertainment stuff.

I've also watched a lot of TV and some movies. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was excellent, and King Kong was quite commendable. Peter, Rosedell, and I went to watch Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros a couple of days ago, and for someone who hasn't seen a local movie since Jose Rizal, I certainly enjoyed myself. In television, The Amazing Race: Family Edition recently concluded, and for the first time ever, the team I liked won. Go Linzes! There was also that Contender rematch, between Mora and Manfredo, Brinkley and Bonsante, and Gomez and someone I don't know. Mora, Brinkley, and Gomez, who have been my absolute favorite boxers since The Contender, all won. I was ecstatic, naturally. There's nothing like the thrill of boxing. Especially if your guy is winning.

Just last Saturday, we watched a Tanghalang Ateneo play called Nasan si Kaliwete? No offense, but it was deathly boring. I was falling asleep five minutes into it! I didn't forget to attend my old high school's annual chorale contest a few weeks ago. It was certainly a much better performance than that Filipino play, and the results were typical, with the Star Sections bagging the top places.

And how can I possibly forget to mention Jaq's debut? It was held in the Manila Peninsula last month, with an Egyptian theme. I wore a strapless maroon evening gown and bought a shawl to go with it. I was one of the eighteen candles, which was a new experience (I've never attended a debut before). The whole night was really awesome, and so was the exquisite food. I got to hang out with Jill and Matthew too, both of whom I miss a lot.

Of course, my month wasn't just all fun. My dad's aunt died recently, and that was a sad affair, although I never personally knew her. In school, I had to complete two hours of mandatory work for I.D. wearing violation. I spent a few mornings and breaks shredding papers and cutting out Christmas cards. Exciting. But I would have gladly spent ten more hours doing work than having to go through the ITM 11 test or the Math 19 long test once again. Those exams were murderous. At least I love my PE this semester. It's taekwondo. That's one class I actually enjoy. Our instructor is so nice.

Speaking of instructors, I had the pleasure of interviewing my Lit 14 professor today, on his Palanca Award first placer "The Shakespeare Guy." I'm doing a critical paper on it. And I'm glad to, because it's a really nice short story. Our professor's other works have won awards as well. He's a really good writer. And he reads poems so well.

Anyway. I'm going to go play Need For Speed: Most Wanted now. I recommend that game, it's challenging. =) That's my current favorite, obviously. Check it out: http://www.ea.com/nfs/mostwanted/us/index.jsp

Adieu.