Happy Holidays!

Rico & Bobby wish you a blessed holiday season!


It may have been a year of laughter
It may have been a year of tears
It may have been full of (non-magic) rainbows
It may have been full of storms & fears

No matter how the past year was
Let's savor the season's cheer
And take heart in the hope
That '09 will be a fabulously blessed year!

Idolatry

(a.k.a. If Ya Thought My Last Post Was TMTH…)





Well, hello to you, too. Been away far too long. Don’t ask. Let’s just say, I’ve been madly disconnected, disinclined and disinterested. With everything else but my fave show on the planet, of course. So, since there’s nothing in my life remotely worth sharing right now, this… is American Idol.

So, we’re down to the final stretch of the show. Every year since Season 3 when I started following Idol like a religious experience, I’d always feel torn about reaching the end of the season. Ya know how it is, you want your favorite to win already (and so far, none of mine ever did – not Camile - say, who? - Velasco nor Bo nor Daughtry nor Blakey baby)... yet you know that when it's over, you’re gonna miss all the silly and annoying and exciting hullabaloo that the show never fails to deliver. I’m feeling about a dozen times that way this year, because I’m not gonna be having my weekly Rocker DC fix post-May 21st (or the 22nd, our time). Sob.

But for now, let’s reminisce about what's been up and down so far on the Idol stage, yes?



DC: "Arrogant? Smug? Pompous? I'm all right with that, Simon."


Remember when I couldn’t stand the hawt rocker? Well, maybe you don’t, but Ate V sure does. She even has it documented on a saved IM chat log dated February 21, 2008. I called David Cook a “Daughtry wannabe”… er, which is actually what both Neo and I were calling him since his “worthy” (Simon’s word, not mine) Omaha audition when he sang ‘Living On A Prayer’ a tad too confidently, with that distracting faux hawk to boot. Ooh, burn! I sure started eating my words right after that mind-numbingly smexy ‘Hello’ Top 16 performance that knocked my virtual socks off. He’s been nothing but pure awesomeness to me ever since. Except for that one less-than-stellar Top 8 performance (stress about a beloved sick brother + break-up with girlfriend + high blood pressure + performing a song by his most fave band ever [no pressure!] = 'Innocent'), he's just been the most consistently gooood performer this season. And y-e-s, that has nothing to do with those killer eyes. Nothing. *crosses fingers behind back*


Remember when the Idol powers-that-be made damn sure that the two contestants with skeletons in their closets didn’t make it to the much-coveted and über lucrative - both for the prods and the contestants – Summer Idol Tour? Poor David ‘Strippergate’ Hernandez never had a chance in hell after he kept repeating that he worked at the “Pizza Bistro” (translation: Dick’s Cabaret in Glendale, AZ) on his Top 12 sound bite. Oh how I miss seeing him busting those stripper moves on the show, dang. On the other hand, the annoying female Pepe Le Pew, Amanda Overmeyer, who until the very end, acted like she was too cool for the Idol stage (but apparently not for the slammer), kissed her big, fat Idol Tour paycheck buh-bye by not making it to the anointed Top 10. Because of her DUI arrest record, perhaps? Well, honey, if ya act like you don't care to be there, then you don't hafta be, is all I can say. Who needs the wads of moolah and the exposure, right?


Remember when David Archie’s detestable stage dad made him bawl his eyes out during rehearsals for Week 12, which was probably the major reason for his fumbling with the lyrics of ‘We Can Work it Out’ during performance night? And, addressing this issue, remember when Simon berated Archie boy for not choosing his own song (‘You’re The Voice’) in the Top 10, implying that his demanding dad dictates what the boy wonder sings every week? C’mon, creepy daddy, isn’t it enough that the kid has to stay up way past his bedtime Tuesday and Wednesday nights to fulfill this dream which you probably want more than he does? Hmph.



Archie: "Why do I feel like Ross on Friends?"


Still on the David who has yet to start shaving (as opposed to the one with the wicked scruff), remember when he wore those leather pants in the Top 7? Then the leather migrated up north into a jacket the next day during the Results Show? Ack. Did he shop at the juniors’ section? Or did Michael Johns accidentally leave a pair of pants behind after being voted off and the li’l boy had it altered like, 5 sizes down? Too funneehee. Note to Archie boy: man thighs first, leather pants second.



Chik: "I may not be a smokin' white rocker, but at least I've got a better hairline."


Remember when Chikezie got voted off, and his final song on the Idol stage ('If Only For One Night') could very well be one of his worst performances? Aww. That actually made me feel so bad for him, I wanted the guy who loved orange pimp suits to stay and redeem himself, if only for one more effin’ week. Like Paula, I will never forget that name. Chikezie. Even if he foolishly dropped the Eze.



Rami: "My male Pikachu Possé won't like you touching my innocent ears, Dave."


Remember when Ramiele Malubay never, ever, everrr learned how to use that big voice of hers till the very end, and she was voted off before Kristy Lee (no relation to the one who actually sings) Cook? In an effort to avoid being hurled rotten eggs by my Kapusos and Kapamilyas… I have nothing more to say about that. Well, except that I sorta miss her funky shoes. That is all.



KLC: "Must. Resist. Urge. To. Kiss!"


Speaking of the Cook whom I don't care for enough to always be my baby… remember when Krusty the singing clown couldn’t seem to run out of lives like a cat, and instead, she actually proved to be kinda smart by strategically choosing the right songs that made America keep her on that stage till the – gasp! – Top 7? I mean, ‘God Bless The USA’ alone made the Beatles’ fans in all 50 states forgive her for butchering Lennon & McCartney’s ‘Eight Days a Week’, for goodness’ sakes. What a clever, conniving Barbie. Still, for someone who 99% of the time gets teary-eyed whenever Ruben Studdard celebrates a voted off contestant home, it was strange how indifferent I was during her exit video. I was truly celebrating her home.



JC: "Wake me up when its overzzz..."


Remember when I had nada to say about Jason ‘Dreadhead’ Castro? Ever? Uhm. I still don’t. Except for this: that I’m the only one I know who is not only indifferent about the ukelele-playing-hey-dude-speaking guy who didn't know that Memory is from a musical about cats… I’m the only one I know who actually does not like him. I mean, even Simon likes the dread head, and Simon never likes anything that doesn’t have 4 paws and either meows or barks. And, my dislike for the guy has absofrickinlutely nothing to do with him reminding me of John Travolta in Battlefield Earth, by the way. He’s just way overrated is what methinks. And, in a competition where contestants like Gorgeous (a.k.a. David Cook) and Desperate (a.k.a. Carly Smithson) have so much passion practically oozing out of them to win that title, Terl – I mean – JC, seems like he’s just… cruising for a li’l bit of fun. IMHO anyways. Hmmkay. Next!



DC: "She's just - I'm sorry, can we start over? She's just fine, guys and gals!"


Remember when Brooke was actually cute, in a Central-Perk-folksy-Phoebe kinda way? Then she started being too vexingly defensive for her own good with the judges, and after probably hearing and reading about all the negative feedback about her big mouth, she (at least) learned to shut up… ish? Her fuddy-duddiness has also gone to Mother Goose proportions, unleashing the rod in front of Cowell to chastise him for his insensitive remarks. WTF, Brooke? If you at least didn’t turn American Idol into the 'Stop-Delete-Reboot Show', I could probably still forgive ya, but sadly, now I must love you… no more. Can we do her a favor and help her stop all that poor trembling during her performances by sending her home this week, people? She’s clearly as uncomfortable on that intimidating Idol stage as I am in the front row of a wrestling match . She needs her intimate li’l lounge venues as much I need my American Idol. Both are quite - nay, VERY - sad, but true.



Syesha: "I'm pulling out MY bug guns again tonight."


Remember when Syesha lost her voice during Hollywood Hell Week and had to talk to the camera by writing things down on sheets of paper and she was just lovely? Then suddenly she was doing that stupid baby cry shtick for the second scary time in her sound bite and she wasn’t? Gah. Not even that saucy ‘One Rock ‘N’ Roll Too Many’ performance made me a fan. She’s just… boooring and, for lack of a better term, insincere. What's worse than admitting you're more comfy acting like someone else than just being yourself? Oopsies, too much information, sistah. Wake me up when she go-goes…



MJ: "Likin' what you see, ladies?"


Gasp! Speakin’ of being voted off, remember when the earth-shattering exit of the leading-man-handsome Michael Johns was made extrrra cruel by Gay – I mean – Seacrest? (Hey, what’s with all the touching of those sexy body parts of David Cook, Ryan? Didn’t he even wanna “grab” him after the rocker’s Day Tripper performance? *rolls eyes* Get off him, ya psycho!) Nothing – NOTHING – was more shocking than MJ being voted off in my book. Not even Chris Daughtry being sent home in the Top 4 of Season 5 left me in that much of a stupor. To add insult to injury… remember when MJ almost fell off that damn tiny stage behind the judges midway through his final song, thus disabling him to hit that final, vital high note in ‘Dream On’? Good gawsh. My heart just sank to the floor for him. Poor Aussie with the perfect tushie (oh c’mon, don’t tell me you didn't notice...). I hope his career that went down the tubes pre-Idol, will get a second wind post-Idol, so he can stop giving tennis lessons for a living. Then again, do we really want to see him out of those fine white tennis shorts?



Carly: "Has my husband left the building yet?"


Remember when I disliked Carly ‘Morticia’ Smithson? A lot of difference a few weeks can make. By the Top 10, the Irish barmaid with the desperation of a hooker on a slow night and the tattoos of an ex-con got me listening with ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart’. (I know, I know, it’s a cheesy song. Yet, it’s one of my fave karaoke tunes, so bite me.) Her clothing choices still puzzled me – I mean, where the heck did she spend their $400/week clothing allowance for?! – but by the Top 9, I became a fan. Totally. Her take on the Dolly’s ‘Here You Come Again’ was awesome! And so, I broke my ‘only for DC music’ rule and downloaded her Studio Version of that song from iTunes. Lemme tell ya, that gal’s voice is as clear as a bell. I love it. Then… inevitably, she had to go. Before Syesha (yawn). And before Brooke (grrr). I’m not surprised that she was voted off, as her fanbase is the size of David the Archie. Yet, I’m gonna miss Ms. Addams and that powerful voice of hers. *runs to iTunes to download pre-ordered Studio Version of Superstar*



DC: "I love ya kid, but y'know I'm totally gonna win this thing, don't you?"


And finally (whew)... remember when Nigel Lythgoe and the rest of the Idol Power Pack shamelessly pimped their choice for the Final 2 on last week's Results Show? Helloooo. Putting the two Davids side-by-side before carting them off to the Couch of Safety (as opposed to those Spage-Age Stools of Doom) screams of them hoping for a Battle of the Davids at the Finalé.

Oh looky! One David's wholesomely adorable with the pretty voice of an angel. His tween fans dream to have his cute picture on their t-shirts. And there's the other David! He's broodingly sexy with the edgy voice of a true rock star, and his estrogen-pumped female fans dream of being his mic stand!



Not that I'm complaining. Personally, that's how I see the Finalé unfolding at the Nokia as well. Still. Way shameless. *shakes head*

Will we see the very first rocker in Idol history win that title? You betcha. That doesn't mean that li'l Archie boy won't be forging his own Disney path to success. We may even see him in High Shcool Musical 4. As for my fearless forecast on how this brawl of the century will turn out on May 21st (er, just so you know, I've never been right. But there's a first time for everything so...):



Why yes, Google, THAT'S exactly what I mean.

Need I say more? *winky wink*

Warning: For American Idol Nuts Only

I'm shamelessly - and I mean SHAMELESSLY - American Idol crazee again. Up until last year, I'd hate myself for getting into the show so much... but this year, I gave up all hope of ever having a life. From the silly auditions to Hollywood Hell Week to the Semis, I've been hooked. Even more so this year because of a certain sexy hairline-challenged rocker (could he BE more Chris Daughtry - only hotter?).

Weekly, Neo and I would watch the show at the same time and hold a running critique on the performances. Then, at the end of the show, we'd always have our picks as to who will get the boot. We're pathetic.

Year after year, Ryan, Simon, Randy and the perpetually-incoherent Paula (will she see "all the colors of the rainbow" throughout the season?! God help us.) proudly announce that "This is the season with the most talent yet." They've been bs-ing us with that line a lot, but this time they seem to have a point. Season 5 still holds that record for me (remember Taylor Hicks, Katharine McPhee, Elliott Yamin and Chris Daughtry in the Final 4?), but this year's boys may be giving them a run for their money.

Yup, as far as I'm concerned, the boys rule this year, and I'm gonna make a bold prediction this early on that there will be a third male Idol by the end of the season. I mean, c'mon, Carly Smithson is the most talented among the girls this year, and aside from her past-MCA recording deal controversy working against her (I'm one of those who think that former pro singers should not be allowed to join in the competition), she's just about got the charm of Morticia Addams. Fugghedaboutit.

This season, I love the 3 Davids, the sobbing Pinay and the folksy fuddy-duddy. So, as always this time of the year, here are my faves on the Idol stage this 7th season:

1.

He had me at 'Hello'.

*faints*

I don't think that Idol has ever had a contestant since Constantine Maroulis who knows how to work the cameras like David Cook. And unlike Constantine, the smolder seems to come naturally with DC, too. His emo-rock take on Lionel Richie's 'Hello' last week catapulted him from middle-of-the-road contestant to this year's dark horse. Hotness aside (yeah, rrright), this guy's not only a singer, he's a musician who plays a mean guitar. A few Googles here and there will let you know that he's been writing songs since he was in high school, and that he's had 3 independent albums released (NOT the same as an international label like Carly's MCA album 'Ultimate High' which hit an ultimate low in 2001). Two of those albums were with his former bands, Axium and Midwest Kings; and he released one solo effort called Analog Heart.

I sure hope that DC'll win (I've given Slutty Nurse a budget to vote for him in my behalf from NYC), but I don't think he will. Too edgy for Idol. Hopefully though, he can be this year's Chris Daughtry and come in at the Top 4 - even the Top 3 - and still have one helluva successful career.



2.

Does anyone else want to put this li'l guy in their pocket and carry him around like me and Paula Abdul? David Archuleta is über producer Nigel Lythgoe's dream come true. The kid with the Bambi eyes has the voice, the looks and the aww-shucks personality to make it all the way. The only thing working against him is the hype that's been abuzz about him bagging the title too early in the competition. People CAN outgrow him, ya know. Still, you can't beat those tween and mommy votes that'll come in week after week. Now if only we could find a way for this kid to stop that distracting habit of licking his lips every fifteen seconds...



3.

Is it just me or does she remind anyone else of a Central-Perk-guitar-playing Phoebe Buffay... only with much better talent? No Smelly Cat here. Hee. This year's female answer to dreadlocked-Jason Castro's folksy appeal, Brooke White - yes, she who has never seen an R-rated movie in her life! - doesn't have that powerful a voice as Carly or Ramiele, but, she's got her sunshine-and-butterflies personality going for her. And, like what Simon always arrogantly reminds us, this folks, is NOT just a singing competition. Hear that, Paula? Charisma plays a huge factor to winning the title, too.



4.

Ramiele Malubay. I know, I know, she's the Philippines' hope for international recognition in the wake of Lea Salonga... but let's get real here, Kapamilyas and Kapusos, she ain't gonna win. The Idol prods are gonna make sure of that. Sure, she's cute, talented and likeable, but she's just NOT marketable enough. And, with a $1 million dollar record deal at stake here, they surely won't give it to someone who doesn't have nationwide (and I mean in the US of A) appeal. She's got a big voice as well, but she just doesn't seem know how to use it... yet. She keeps choosing these overused, blah songs. I see her going beyond the Top 8, but definitely not into the Top 4. It's a pity, actually, since she's a lot more talented than Jasmine Trias who came in 3rd years ago. Still, you've got to consider that Season 3 didn't have as much talent as this season has. For the meantime, we can enjoy her adorable sobbing everytime someone gets the boot.



5.

Stripper Schmipper. Who cares if he gave lap dances to a predominantly male clientele for a living before? America isn't known as the land of opportunity for nothing. He's got the voice, this guy. David Hernandez has been a fave of mine since Hollywood Week, and I hope he gets a decent enough recording deal after Idol to save him from going back to having singles stuffed in his boxerbriefs long after this season ends. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that his overactive eyebrows won't upstage him into the Final 7 at least. I also hope that he won't bust those moves too much in the season, or he just may be the butt of late-night talk show jokes for weeks to come.

Hmmkay. The Final 12 will sing songs from the Lennon/McCartney Songbook tonight. I'm so hopeless that I cant wait. Kill me. Kill me now.



[*** All photos courtesy of FOX ***]

Let's Play!

Got this from Eli.

If you feel like playing, leave a comment and I'll reply by doing the following:

1. I'll respond with something random about you.
2. I'll tell you what song/movie reminds me of you.
3. I'll tell you the very next person/place/event I think of, when I think of you.
4. I'll say something that only makes sense to you and me.
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory of you.
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of.
7. I'll ask you something that I've always wondered about you.
8. If I do this for you, you must post this on your journal too.

Thoughts

It never used to be so difficult.

Laughter came easily, as well as the tears. Hugs, as well as the kisses. Same old stories that date back to God knows when, same old jokes, same old experiences... same old, same old.

But somehow, life gives you a sudden kick and you realize that all you have in common is the past, and nothing from the present. Today, all you're left with are memories of betrayals and hurt. Paranoia and pain. Empty looks and tentative smiles. Reluctant hellos and missing goodbyes. Polite conversations and anecdotes with no depth.

What went wrong?

Of course you know, but you're not sure you want to address it. You want it back, and yet you don't. You miss the days, and somehow you know it's for the better. You wonder if it will ever be like it used to, but a part of you is content with the way it is. Have they outgrown you, or have you?

So, you come home from an evening of celebration and sadness, get a tight hug from the one who'll love you no matter what, and drown your questions with a glass of red wine. Or two. Or three.

Soon, you'll know for sure. But for now, you just have to... believe.

Where'd My January Go?

I'm so blessed that I get to have my fuzz therapy every single day.

One particularly exasperating morning (and anyone who knows me well enough know that I'm NOT a morning person), after driving Grampa to the MRT station, I struggled on the road, half-asleep, grumpy as hell, with pesty tricycles that buzzed along arrogantly like they were buses, buses that swooped in and out of lanes carelessly like they were tiny tricycles, jeepneys that dared to ram into other vehicles like they were comprehensively insured SUVs, and SUVs that drove around like reckless jeepneys with no insurance. Ewan.

When I arrived home, I got into bed with Bobby and Rico for a good 15 minutes of fuzz therapy. Talk about a stress buster that works!

Speaking of stress busters... LOST is back, Writer's Strike notwithstanding! Whee! To commemorate this kick-you-in-the-crotch-spit-on-your-neck fantastic occasion, I got myself a new wallpaper:



I bet with all the reruns and tedious reality shows around (American Idol excluded), LOST is going to have their highest-rated season yet. Can't wait to have my Jack 'n' Sawyer weekly fix. *drools*

Another thing that made me drool... I had a cover shoot two weeks ago with this multi-hyphenate celebrity who has made me go hummina, hummina for as long as I can remember (and no, it's not Papa Piolo). Gotta post some photos of this dreamboat next time, as I'll get into trouble if I do so before the magazine comes out.

While I was struggling with my career as a Training Consultant, a job offer that was from my field - which is media - came a-knockin'. So now, I find myself dabbling into print as Editor in Chief of Northern Living, this little upscale community magazine for Northern Metro Manila.




I'm still learning the ropes as I go along, stressing way too much over deadlines when everyone else around me is relaxed (they've done this waaay longer than I have, what can I say?), but it's been an interesting ride so far. How can you complain with a job that allows you to edit, write, model, style, photograph AND meet celebs at the same time? I'm grateful.

You can always count on His perfect timing, and I find myself enjoying this new, dynamic, daunting adventure... with excitement and trepidation at the same time. I've always prayed for another job that could help me make a difference, like when I was hosting radio shows that somehow put a smile on people's faces. And you know what? God-willing, with Northern Living, I just might be able to after all.

Onwards I Go

It wasn't an easy year.

There were times when I believed that I was giving the mega-problematic Meredith Grey a run for her money in the life drama department. Que horror.

Scott Peck must've read my mind when he wrote the opening line of The Road Less Travelled: "Life is difficult." Without a shadow of a doubt, no matter who or what you are in this world, how dark or light the color of your skin is, how much or little you have in the bank, life IS tough. Just ask Britney Spears.

Still... it was a year of great faithfulness from Him, who always assures me in both little and grand ways that He won't give me anything I can't bear. Despite my weaknesses - my anger, my depression, my pride, my impatience, my fears - He quietly helps me find my way back to Him all the time.

How such a mighty God can humble me to tears is just plain amazing.

And how He's blessed me with good old friends is something I'll always be thankful for. Four of those friends from across the seas flew into town for the holidays - one of which I haven't seen in over a decade!

Party on!
Left-right: Joanne, Ernie, Mart, Karen, NiloNepo, moi & Grampa.

Hubby & I capped off the year by getting together with the eligible (ahem - this is why I wanna set you up on a date!) NiloNepo from Sing, Eli from China (when'll we have our quiet Swiss Inn dinner, dear?), Nina from Tokyo and the ever-bubbly Minnie from California, who left Manila more than 10 years ago, single and über daldal... and who came back for the first time since then, married, with children and still über daldal. Hee.

T'was like not a day had passed!
Catching up after 11 long years.

Minnie with her 2 adorably takaw kids: Miggy in red and Aaron with the glasses. I stuffed them with too much pasta, dessert and sodas one evening that they stayed up til 2 freakin' AM, much to the chagrin of their mom! My bad.

Smiling boys! Minnie's bebe with my bebe Rico.
Aaron hates it when you mispronounce his name. He corrected me the first time I talked to him and I pronounced his name like a typical Pinoy ['AH-RON']. "It's 'E-RIN'." he deadpanned. I stand corrected. LOL.

T'was real good to see you again, Min! Next stop: Simi Valley, CA! *praying hard*

And... like what our Pastor in church said: The future's so bright with God, we gotta wear shades! Yes, this'll be one heck of a grrreat year!

Happy 2008, all!

Happy Holidays!

A most blessed Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2008 to us all!

"And we know that in all thing God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." [Romans 8:28]

Brothers & Sisters

Hmmkay... so I've been officially hooked on Brothers & Sisters for a few months now. They're pulling out all the stops for their sophomore season, with more interesting plots, wittier lines and star-studded guests like Lyle Lovett, Chevy Chase, Gary Marshall and (drumroll please) Lethal Weapon's Danny Glover and Studio 60's Steven Weber. Alavthem!

Time for my Top Ten Brothers & Sisters Qs.

Warning 1: Spoilers ahead.

Warning 2: I annoyingly take my TV too seriously.

READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

01. Why the heck does Sarah have to gulp down her wine like a maniac instead of sipping it like a woman? EVERYTIME! It's distracting. And it's such a turn-off.



02. Why is Julia so blah? Or is it the actor, Sarah Jane Morris, that is? There's something so... vanilla about that woman that I can't quite put my finger on. Even at her most dramatic performance when her water broke at the vineyard, I found myself yawning.



03. Can Kitty Walker BE more irritating? She's an overbearing supposedly-central character who, ironically, has the least interesting plotlines in the show. If not for the McCallister angle, her life would be a snoozefest.

04. Can Calista Flockhart BE more irritating? She's an overacting celebrity who has the body of a 10-year-old boy and the mouth of a guppy. Wonder what Rob Lowe thinks whenever he has to kiss those lips.



05. Why is Lena even around? (To give the show some controversial oomph, I know, I know.) She oozed of bad news from the moment she walked into the picture. Grrr.

06. Why is Kevin ALWAYS breaking poor Scotty's heart? I don't care how gorgeous the senator's brother is, melikey the chef with the heart of (sappy, but ooh so true) gold.



07. Speaking of the handsome senator, can Robert puh-leeze ditch the yellow gold necklace? It's sooo very Mr. T. I pity the fool!

08. Has Kitty never seen a comb? The out-of-bed look is so unbecoming of a right-wing politico. Even at her own wedding, she looked like a disaster.



09. Why is the gay brother the one that has the most sex appeal? Justin may be the cutest, but Kevin is, hands down, the most attractive Walker. I luff him! (And here's a bit of Matthew Rhys trivia: Didja know that he pulls a Hugh Laurie every week by speaking with an American accent when he is, in fact, Welsh? Yup, the cutie was born and raised in Cardiff, South Wales.)



10.1. Is Rebecca REALLY a Walker? Something tells me she isn't, and the introduction of Holly Harper's mysterious old friend David makes my freshly-threaded eyebrow raise even more.



And, if she turns out to be NOT a half-sister...

10.2. Could she have feelings (and I don't mean the platonic kind) for Justin? I dunno about you, but her protectiveness of her "brother" seems a tad incestuous to me. (Or is this just because Dave Annable and Emily VanCamp are rumored to be an item in real life?)



Note to you over-payed American studio execs: Give the writers what they deserve already and end the writers' strike so we can all get on with the show!

Guess What's Up?

Our Christmas tree has been up for the past three weeks. The air has gotten quite nippy at night. The décor at the malls have turned festive. Christmas cards are being prepped, my Christmas list is done and I've - yes! - started my Christmas shopping already.

There's no stopping the holidays from being here... despite all the damn problems in our lives.

Regardless of where I am in my existence - emotionally, mentally, spiritually, financially - I somehow still look forward to the holidays every year. Because if nothing else, the season reminds me of the birth of our Savior on this Earth two thousand years ago... of His life sans any trace of sin... and His suffering and death on the cross without which, we wouldn't be forgiven of our folly today. And, that divine gift from above is what drives me to give li'l gifts and greetings to loved ones down here.

Our Savior is also the reason why I never use the term "Merry X'mas". You see, no "X" should ever take the place of "Christ" in Christmas.

28 days to go! Just about time to get over the idiocy of some brainless people who pathetically choose to carry 11 years of hatred in their dark hearts, instead of doing what's sane by moving on. And, after I've forgiven the unforgivable by His grace (God knows I can only do so with His help), this will be - without a shadow of a doubt - a most blessed Christmas for the ones I love and for me.