summer's dream

The Year That Was (in lists! pls. pardon my laziness)

2009-01-01T14:59:07Z

In 2008...
... all the things I worked hard for finally came into fruition. Thesis. Heavy acad load. URC. Graduation. Board Exam. Indeed, I am truly blessed.
... I got a job despite the impending global recession.
... my uncle passed away a few days before Christmas.
... my brother married the love of his life.

I realized that...
... sheer luck is nothing without hard work, and vice versa.
... prayers will see you through anything.
... I should move on and make some closure of my own.
... I must work with double the effort in less time.
... new friends come at the weirdest times and old friends are always there whenever you need anything (even the occasional gossip).
... we're in a big place but live in a small world.

I am grateful for...
... family.
... friends -- whether old or new.
... all my victories and defeats.
... the gifts I have received -- even the ones that came from me.
... food -- one of the best mood uplifters ever.
... the three little cute piggies -- one hug and all is well again.
... the Dearest.

I am still praying for...
... world peace.
... prosperity, good health and long life.
... more learning experiences and the ability to retain all of them.
... more blessings -- for me and all my loved ones.
... happiness and peace of mind.

I resolve to...
... do whatever it takes to improve myself. (well, that has been my resolution ever since ever).

Happy New Year, everyone! =)

Isang Panawagan...

2008-11-11T12:13:47Z

I'm selling 2 Rihanna/Chris Brown concert tickets.

1.5k each. silver area.

Reply if interested. :)

A blog post a day...

2008-11-08T12:19:12Z

… means that I’m back!

Having free time after work feels surreal. I think I need a week or two to actually get used to not having to study all night long. But that’s reserved for another blog entry. I have been meaning to answer this meme for a long time. Good thing I don’t have to put it away for a year.

You know the drill. 5 questions from other people. If you want to join, leave a comment and I’ll ask you 5 questions. Post the answers in your blog and let others join in as well.

1st Set: from Alet

1. What one thing would you change in your life if you had the power to do so?

I really don’t think thatI would want to change something in my life. I have been so blessed with so many things that it really means nothing to the horrible circumstances that you went through. It would be great to have all sunshine throughout your life but I learned that the thorns on the side really does make you a stronger person.

2. Describe your ideal superpower and what you would do if you had it.

Hmmm… I’d like to have the power to freeze time. Pretty harmless, but I can take my time doing things that I have to do in a longer time span. Like sleep some more, or savor a precious moment, or keep lunch breaks longer

3. Do you think candles are romantic or a fire hazard?

Depends. Just like love, use freely but handle with care. naks!

4. Tell me something you did in the last 24 hours, no matter how big or small, that you think I will be interested to hear.

Nothing special happened today. So, I’d rather tell something that happened a few days ago… I passed my board exams! weeee~!

5. What is the worst thing anyone could ever do to you?

Hmm… maybe forget something really important. Because it could gauge how much someone values everything that surrounds him / her.

2nd Set: from Cheska

Questions: (syempre, please explain the Whys of your answers)

1. If given a choice to run for office for the 2010 election, what position would you run for? (considering you had a fighting chance to win whatever position it is that you choose)

President! Because as the saying goes, if you want something done, you have to do it yourself… or change starts from me, and everybody has to follow! But seriously, I don’t think I could emotionally handle being the Philippine president, given the current style of politics we have. I’d much rather be in a position where I could use my expertise - like the NTC or CICT.

2. If we didn’t meet in elementary, where do you think we would have met? Do you think we’d be as close as we are today?

UP, I guess. We would meet during UP AME application period. I’d like to think we would still be as close either way. It’s fate. We just had to be friends

3. Would you really have eaten Michelle’s cat Carl if he was turned into siopao?

Nope. I don’t eat cats (eeeeeewwww!). Seeing Carl siopao is enough (God bless his kitty soul. He must have been in kitty heaven now).

4. If you were to build your dream house, where would it be?

Hmmm… any where with easy access to electricity, water, cable and broadband internet access is fine and of course, I’d have to live with my dream family.

5. Why do you think are ice cream’s cold? Couldn’t they have been invented to be warm or hot?

Maybe because warm and sweet just couldn’t mix? The freshly baked pastries/cookies are the only warm sweets that I know. I don’t think they would invent ice ceam to be warm or hot. It would be too hard to manage sugar rush

[NOTE: Cross-posted from rishalopez.net. You may comment here or there.]

I want my weekends back!!!!!

2008-09-21T11:24:41Z

After a month, and everything will go back to normal…I need rest. And to party. And to eat. I want to go to the beach again!!!!!!!

I just hope I do pass this licensure exam. Wish me luck!

And for destressing purposes, I give you the “Who do I remember”/”Secret Questions” meme courtesy of Cheska and Kel.

1. There are 30 questions.
2. Next to each number, write only the name of the person who fits.
~~3. Answer one question with one name.~~
4. Don’t tell the questions to anyone who isn’t doing the meme.

Did you make the list? Click here!

Sound Tripping

2008-08-25T10:43:37Z

Useless trivia: Na-na/La-la sequence count of different songs

1. Ang Huling El Bimbo by Eraserheads: 33

2. Can’t Get You Out of My Head by Kylie Minogue: 173

3. Hey Jude by The Beatles: 235 + the ones sung in the background (too soft to decipher and count but they’re there)

I just copied about 18 GB worth of songs… Pardon the nonsensical post. But do suggest another song that’s not in the list. hehehe

[Original published at my personal site: rishalopez.net. You may comment here or there.]

Moving out

2007-04-28T12:29:26Z

i'm moving out of liverjournal, permanently.

http://www.rishalopez.net

the new domain is enough reason for the permanent leave. there is, of course, crossposting, but i guess i have to settle a few things first.

i'll still be reading my friends' page, though. just to be updated with everyone's lives :P

happy summer!

buhay pa ako!!!!!!!

2007-03-14T02:10:07Z

weeeeee update!

ever since i could remember, blog updates have been a luxury for me. even if i get to finish one task, another one haunts me immediately after. most of the time, i have to test the limits of my multi-tasking skills.

in short, i am busy. uber busy. and (surprise surprise) i am at fault.

this is what happens if i insist on taking 20 units for this semester. among other things... :P

fortunately, i was able to join the festivities of sugoi day saturday (which reminds me, belated happy birthday ate flori!). a fun-filled day of food, unrecognizable characters in books, food, moes galore, food, 300, coffee talks... and did i mention food already? i swear, sunday was not enough to recover from the day-long laughter and kabag.

everyone should see 300, even if you don't like blood-filled gore (like yours truly). just don't mind the boyfriend who smirks (eyes, still glued to the screen, mind you) while you look away. the plot is very likeable and relatable and won't be too much of an epic-y kind of movie being only 2 hours long (i think the only long movie i stayed awake all throughout was lord of the rings). don't ask me about the graphic novel for i have yet to read it so this is as thorough as i could get (for everything else, there is always my geek). i won't be mean and post all spoilers imaginable but i was dumbfounded when i heard of this little news bit. it was really weird to know that the actor who played xerxes was the same guy who played carl in 'love actually.' now, i really don't know with whom i have to associate him with -- the cute guy in a romantic comedy whom pam and jamie where giggling endlessly for hours, or the very very VERY gay king of persia... decisions decisions :P

another great thing about sugoi day saturday is i get to be with people totally outside from the eee sphere talking about anything unrelated to eee. no offense to my friends and co-majors but i really needed that change of environment. working for 4 major subjects, 2 labs and 2 general subjects continuously for 2 months tends to wear me down (ha! understatement of the day). besides, who knows when will i see them again. it's not everyday that you cry from laughing, right?

last weekend is just what i need to recharge myself for the last 2-4 weeks of the semester. i still have exams to review for all my major subjects, a report in MS 1, oral exams for PI 100, lab reports for EEE 52 and a big project for CoE 121. hopefully, the semester would end with my sanity still intact.

as for my final update....

EEE rep na ako! yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay~

thank you to everyone who believed in me and supported me in this affair! :D

pluging entry...

2007-02-10T15:05:55Z

just a general announcement for all... and remember, leave a comment for inquiries. :D

I. LOVERAGE

PAN XENIA FRATERNITY
ADELFE ENU CREA SORORITY

in partnership with

UP CIRCUIT
UP CURSOR

and

Penshoppe
Campus Radio 97.1 WLS FM

in cooperation with

Victoria Court HIV Awareness Organization
Pulp Magazine
Bacchus Energy Drink
Wow! Magic Sing

present

LOVERAGE
Spread the Love Not the Virus
UP FAIR 2007

February 13
6:00 PM onwards
UP Sunken Garden
Tickets at P85

EXCLUSIVE!!! Performance from:
BAMBOO

Also Featuring
6CycleMind, Sugarfree, Spongecola, M.Y.M.P., Urbandub, Orange and Lemons, Callalily, UpDharmaDown, Sandwich, Itchyworms, Mojofly, Kala, Blue Ketchup, Giniling Festival, Salamin, Narda, Ciudad, Chad of Pinoy Dream Academy, Protein Shake, Fuse, Juana, Craeons, Severo, Paraluman, Garden of Eden, Publico, Avelin, Manibela, Pumping Pluto, Plasticbaloo, Chubibo, Wanwurd, The Unknown, Treadstone, Morning Glory, Swissy, MusicalO, Silent Sanctuary, and Hand of Midas.

Get a chance to WIN 1 of the 5 BACKSTAGE PASSES in a raffle draw during the event.

also brought to you by
Novellino Italia
Energizer
Studio 23
CDO

II. ROCKESTRA

Rockestra 2007: The Fake Sound of Progress. February 16, Friday, UP Sunken Garden, starting 6pm.

Featuring: Parokya ni Edgar accompanied by an orchestra (13 th Ensemble).

Other feature bands: Queso, Slapshock, Valley of Chrome, Chicosci, Imago, Itchyworms, Mayonnaise, Mojofly, Moonstar 88, Silent Sanctuary, Radioactive Sago Project, Soapdish, Rocksteddy, Menaya, Up Dharma Down, Sibuyas Online, Kiko Machine, The Brew, Aizo, La Passionaria, Ang Bandang Shirley, Oi Wag D2, Sacramento, Sandlady, Kampai, and Matilda

Tickets are sold at P85.

Buy a ROCKESTRA Shirt for P220 and you'll get a ticket for free… Buy ten tickets, you'll get one free ticket for free.

III. ENG'G REGCOM APPLICATION

The UP College of Engineering Registration Committee will be open for application next week! :D

Application forms will be available at the Admin Office starting Monday, February 12, 2007. The REGCOM manual for applicants can be photocopied from the master copy located at the Eng'g lib. This will serve as material for your quiz and interview.

Submission of forms will also be at the Eng'g admin office. Deadline for application forms will be on February 16, 2007, 5pm.

kamusta naman...

2007-02-06T18:23:04Z

kung kelan kailangan magtrabaho sa CoE 121 ME2, sumabog ang adaptor ng laptop ko...

tapos bukas na ang submission ng EEE 105 ME2, nasira na ang mismong laptop ko...

buong gabi inayos ko lang ito... buti na lang ok na. hay... biglaan pa akong umuwi ng bahay...

pero, sabog sabog pa rin ang ME ko...

san ka pa?

birthday ko na bukas!

2007-02-04T05:04:47Z

and just like any birthday, there has to be wishes...

i thought since a one year old gets to wish on his/her birthday (through the parents, of course) i feel that i'm entitled to 22. weird logic but give me a break, at least it would spare everyone from yet another 'i'm getting old' rants. and i should warn you, i did make this list weeks before today, so i made a few changes here and there.

risha's birthday wishlist

1. graduate on time --> shempre connected dito ang maayos na second sem :P
2. world peace. seriously
3. a decent, one-of-a-kind conversation over milk and (double stuf) oreos/cello's cheese donuts/cream puffs/chocolate eclairs
4. guylian belgian chocolates --> but i can't find them anywhere... :((
5. someone who would fix my keyboard (or kahit na sino na magpapagawa nun)
6. maging SA ng DSP
7. a "asar-free" week! (para sa mga taong nagiging hobby na ang asarin ako)
8. any sincere compliment(/s) (dahil kahit anong mangyari, fishing talaga ako)
9. manalo! :P
10. full body massage with foot spa! (samahan na rin ng manicure at pedicure!!!!)
11. instant copy ng lahat ng TV shows na pinapanood/inaabang ko... o kaya movie marathon ng mga new release movies
12. instant parking space sa eee. (hehehe, asa)
13. a collection of meg ryan, sandra bullock and julia roberts romantic comedies (dapat kasama ang sleepless in seattle! mawala na ang lahat, wag lang yun!)
14. i-greet ako sa text/im na hindi lang 'happy birthday'
15. isang mala-nobelang letter! kahit sa email lang, masisisyahan na ako! :D
16. free gas (full tank! :D)
17. food :D
18. make-over. nothing drastic, just someone to doll me up or something...
19. matapos ang supermario 3. or kahit na sinong pwede gumawa nun na spectator ako...
20. sleep!
21. maraming maraming mp3's na hindi na kailangang i-download...
22. favor on credit! (don't worry! hindi naman ganun ka-bigat ang mga favors ko no...)

i guess that's all.... for now. it might change tom, or maybe not. at least it's already posted.

thanks to my brother, his girlfriend and my friends for my gift! at least i won't have to recycle the same set of clothes every single week. :P

blog update. for a change...

2007-02-01T08:58:42Z

it's weird, writing here again. for the past weeks, i have been too caught up with academic obligations that i tried to stay away with any possible distraction.

that's about 3 weeks straight of doing nothing but academic work. good thing i have "blockmates" to share the agony with. at least i know i'm not alone when i curse all the requirements per subject. why o why did i even take 20 units, again? *sigh*

february has barely begun and i think i am all set with my plans for the next year. i guess i'm pretty much on track. thank God there were no serious derailments as of the moment.

here is but a mere list on my progress (of some sort) so far:

1. lab affiliation: got accepted in WCEL (Wireless Communications Engineering Laboratory) as an SA and a probationary SA at DSP (Digital Signals Processing). although WCEL holds more privileges (part of being a full-fledged SA) and undoubtedly more professors, i'm pushing through with my DSP application. both fields are very much needed in this time of fast-paced (more of accelerating) technological development, but DSP is something i'm inclined to and more likely to be successful in. blame it on sir franz(_qt.... hahahaha, never thought he could be that vain), ma'am dae and CoE 121. fucked up of a subject it is, but i am learning much more compared to the other subjects (well, ECE 141 comes in close). and of course there's the topic of...

2. possible thesis: i got myself a 'probable/highly likely' thesis topic all thanks to ma'am guev (yep, our very own eng'g dean!) and the DSP Christmas party. weirdo that i am, i also got myself a possible thesis partner in the process... :P in my understanding, ma'am guev wants us to develop an audio system that would enhance the sound quality of voice and music given a particular environmental setting. she was even going on and on about crappy concerts due to poor technical know-how on the part of the supposed audio technician. so other than the actual design of the system we have to make it "dummy-friendly." i'm not so sure if she remembers giving it to me. i guess i'll just know come 190. i am excited for this topic. music is one of the reasons why i'd rather be in DSP in the first place.

3. academic subjects: ha! more like boot camp 06-07. going through so many drills and mazes, i'm actually surprised i'm still standing in one piece. at least my report for pi 100 is done, and the field trip in ms 100 has transpired. i just have to work extra hard for my major subjects so that i could have that elusive and very much sought after graduating status come april.

4. extra-curricular activities: :D let's just say, i'm all set for the next year, given if all goes smoothly...

anyway, after this entry, i might not be able to update as much as i would want. i guess it's better to talk to me personally to know first hand. :P

to end everything... let me plug the following:

LOVERAGE concert! February 13, 2007. PhP 85. Spread the Love, not the Virus! (leave a comment if interested)

SUGOISTUFF.net! still under construction... await the official launch!

The Construct! but of course :P heehee.

natsu_no_yume @ 2006-12-31T23:30:00

2006-12-31T15:33:34Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!! :D

natsu_no_yume @ 2006-12-24T21:42:00

2006-12-24T13:47:09Z

Merry Christmas everyone!

i hope that everyone is enjoying the holidays... :D

lantern parade na mamaya...

2006-12-15T05:19:29Z

guess what? sa dsp ako nag-uupdate ng lj. :)

iba na ito, nagfifeeling SA na ako. buti na lang si jha ang nagpumilit na mag-internet kami. kaya ayun. si oliver nga eh, busy chatting with God. seriously.

anyway, lantern parade na mamaya. tapos miss eng'g. sana talaga manalo si raffy. ang ganda ganda niya kasi eh. ~~mas maganda pa kaysa sa akin...~~ hehehehehe. go circuit!!!!!!!

*******

tapos na ang indakan. hehehe, talo. sabi ng mga tao, nakakaaliw naman yung presentation namin. ewan ko ba, pero masyado akong nalungkot pagkatapos. hindi ko kasi inaasahan na ganun kadulas ang stage kaya na-concious ako masyado. pigil ang steps, baka kasi madulas. ang pangit tuloy...

then may nakalimutan pa akong steps. nakakainis talaga... muntik na nga akong umiyak eh. kaso masyado akong dehydrated kaya walang luhang lumabas.

pero maganda naman ang loob ng mga indacktors after. gumaan tuloy ang loob ko. tama naman kasi yung judge. in the end, nasiyahan talaga kami sa kakasayaw, beats any dancing technique the other groups do.

tska nagustuhan din ng circuit. walang masamang nasabi. buti na lang!!!!! :P

circuit hayt!!!!!

*******

tapos na rin ang birthday ni dearest. happy birthday ulit! ~~ang tanda mo na!~~ hehehe... pwede ko ulit sabihin na dalawang taon ang pagitan namin :).

nanood ng tenacious d para magcelebrate. hindi ako magiging pretentious, never pa akong nakarinig ng kahit isang kanta nila. pinanood ko kasi alam kong maaaliw si lex, kahit papaano. tsaka, jack black comedy pa rin yun. astig talaga yung bata sa first scene. kuhang kuha talaga niya. :D

happy birthday ulit! i love you! :D

fact and fiction

2006-11-12T10:08:11Z

fiction: i am currently residing in a condominium near UP where late night parties till the break of dawn are definite possibilities.

fact: for now, weeknights are spent in a dorm where curfew starts way earlier than happy hour.

funny how news travel from one person to another. hehehehehe.

it may seem like a rushed decision but this topic has been looming around our house months now. people may not have noticed but lately, driving to and from my house has been taking a toll on my body... yup, even if i am driving a 'matic. i could still get by driving 50 kilometers a day but the added hassle of traffic and road construction has been so stressful and really time consuming.

ha! blame manila water and the upcoming elections... grr...

anyway, our contract is only good for 6 months. i think it is enough time for my sister and i to gauge whether it is really beneficial to rent a room or not. it may not be as cheap as a UP dorm but at least it's not as expensive as the other student housing places. take that myplace! now i know why you only cater to ateneans and miriamites.

apologies to my orgmates who were anticipating for another party place. don't be too sad, though. there's still drew's :P (not that i would drink with you guys or anything...)

*******

fact: uber uber uber uber saya ng mencom reunion last weekend!!!!!!!

that must have been the shortest night i ever experienced. i couldn't believe my eyes when sun came up. i even thought the party was still good for a couple more hours.

sayang talaga at wala akong dalang digicam. i could have some pictures and scandalous videos with me. heehee.

thanks ate furori for arranging everything! my sembreak wouldn't have been complete without it!

*******

fiction: now that i am living in a dorm, i have all the time in my hands.

in my conquest to graduate on time... i am currently enrolled in TWENTY freaking UNITS!!!!

Monday - Thursday classes:

MS 1 (10:00-11:30) - The Oceans and US. my last GE ever! the prof seems nice and he really tries hard to get the students engaged in the discussion. i wish for a high grade, though. my grades in my majors are already sucky and i need a high one to have a decent average... and to offset any chances of insanity :P

EEE 51 (1:00-2:30) - Electronic Circuits I. a much much much harder EEE 41. T.T i barely got off that subject alive and now i have to relive the suspense! syet, magmumukha na talaga akong circuit...

CoE 121 (2:30-4:00) - Introduction to Digital Signals Processing. whether i end up in WCEL or in DSP, i'd still need this elective. i really planned to take this subject this sem. something like a step in our (jerk_ministry's and mine) plans to pursue natural language processing.

Tuesday - Friday classes:

EEE 105 (8:30-10:00) - Introduction to Computers. sounds easy but it's more of a programming course than a theoretical one. i think in this subject, we'll be programming in assembly language. now, i don't have any background whatsoever in assembly. along with EEE 51, i may have to really work hard in this one.

PI 100 (10:00-11:30) - classmates kami ni michelle!!!!! wee~ now i can breeze through this because i know she wouldn't let me fail!!!!! JOKE! i'm no slacker pero baka hindi ko lang ito kakaririn...

CoE 121 lab (T only 1:00-4:00) - feeling ko babantayan ako ni ma'am dae dahil sa dsp interview ko.... bakit ba kasi ako hyper nun eh.... >.<

ECE 141 (4:00-5:30) - Digital Communications. prof ko si doc m!!!!!!!! i'm soooo happy! idol prof ko talaga siya pati si ma'am guev. ewan ko ba, nagreresonate kasi ang 'greatness' nila. i think i'm going to be inspired in this subject.

Wednesday classes

EEE 52 (1:00-4:00) - Electronics Laboratory I. don't know much because we don't have classes yet... now i don't mind having wednesday classes. it's only the day in the week when jerk_ministry could actually see each other. ^-^

but wait! there's more!

all the events i'll be marketing are slated for this sem: coe jobfair, chargEEEng up, and probably i might help, if not head, with squEEEze.

PLUS! would you believe? i am now a student affiliate of wireless communications engineering laboratory! doc m has sooo many dream projects for this year that i'm getting dizzy with excitement. i still don't know which group i'd be in... maybe i'll choose gismo or digital provide.

then there's eng'g week! kinontrata kasi ako ni kemikulz02 kaya sasali ako sa indakan. pero ok lang. para naman sa circuit eh :D

so there. pardon me if couldn't update as much as i would like to...

*******

last but not the least.....

birthday na ni jerk_ministry next month!!!!!!

yup yup yup! malapit na ang december 13...

... at wala pa rin akong maisip na regalo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

waaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bakit kasi mahirap mamili ng regalo para sa lalaki?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

oo na, malabo akong girlfriend. birthday gift ng boyfriend ko wala akong maisip...

that's why i'm typing this entry... i really really really need suggestions...

nakakahilo na kasing mag-isip kung anong regalo ang bibilhin. and believe me, i already asked him myself. kinda straightforward of a solution, but i still don't have anything in mind. T.T

help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

natural highs... and other things...

2006-10-04T09:36:15Z

i have been looking for this list for a long, long time. it was back in 3rd year high school that our CLE (Chrisian Living Education) teacher presented this list. we were supposed to add one point for every item that we haved experienced. i think she has a longer version. forgot how much i scored back, though. oh well :P

natural highs (things i have already experienced are in bold):

1. Falling in love.
2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.
3. A hot shower.
4. No lines at the supermarket.
5. A special glance.
6. Getting mail.
7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.
8 . Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.
11. Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry).
12 . A bubble bath.
13. Giggling.
14. A good conversation.
15. The beach
16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.
17. Laughing at yourself.
18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they Love you
19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.
20. Running through sprinklers.
21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
23. Laughing at an inside joke with FRIENDS
25. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
26. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
27. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).
28. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
29 Playing with a new puppy.
30. Having someone play with your hair.
31. Sweet dreams.
32. Hot chocolate.
33. Road trips with friends.
34. Swinging on swings.
35. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
36. Making chocolate chip cookies.
37. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.
38 Holding hands with someone you care about.
39. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
40. Watching the _expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you.
41. Watching the sunrise.
42. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.
43. Knowing that somebody misses you.
44. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.
45. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

haha.... i'm short on a few items. but i don't care. i found the list!

*********************

my public apology:

kel!

sobrang sorry talaga na nakuha ko calcu mo. alam ko pangalawang beses na ito tapos sinungitan pa kita nung una... ngayon talaga hindi ko alam kung pano ko ulit nakuha. i must have accidentally took it while doing the 43 problem set. di ko sinasadya, promise! nagulat na lang ako at nasa bag ko lang siya nung tiningnan ko kanina.

sobrang sorry ulit!

hahanapan talaga kita ng survivor episodes para makabawi man lang.

peace!

moral of the story:
1. tumabi/sumama sa isang table sa mga taong may ibang model ng calcu...
2. have my stuff labeled.... AT THE FRONT.

*********************

2 days to go and my 'mommy for the month' will be over. about time too. i'm getting really really tired...

long weekend...

2006-08-20T10:58:44Z

as of this moment, my parents are having fun in laguna. reason? a out-of-town getaway / despidida party for their friends.

would have come along... if it weren't for these tests i have to study for... among other things.

acad hell week will start this tuesday. the prelude strted last week and will end tomorrow. though it's comforting to say that i did survive the week that was, i'm not so sure that this so-called excitement will see me through until this saturday.

good thing little man's movie release is this wednesday. something to look forward to after my eee 41 exam. brainless fun from the wayans' brothers -- just what i need.

still, even if this week ends, my work pile doesn't seem to end. strange, really. and here i thought i could have more time compared to last year and the year before. well, that's what i get if i want to get too involved. i just have to know which things should i prioritize above everything else and the rest would follow.

too bad, i have to sacrifice a few things. like the com wars and acoustic jammeng'g. it would really be nice if i had my picture taken with the others or cheer for my orgmates. but i had things to do on those days. questions to answer, tests to study and time deadlines to beat. you can't help it if the standard working hours are from 9 to 5 or that it takes 3 hours to read, answer and understand one problem. places and cases would also vary but you still want the best reception so you've got to have perfect timing.

why bother? because there is too much as stake. strange as it may seem but my actions do not only cause consequences for myself, other lives would alter as well.

such is the case. such is my case. c'est la vie.

i really pray that things turn out the way it should be. that's what preparations are for, right?

******************

it's been a week since joie left for japan. it might take a year or two before she would have time to visit again.

cheska will be leaving for japan in a month's time. sure it would only be a year. but it's a year without cheska.

by april or so, michelle would be studying her masters. of course it's abroad. i think she wouldn't have it any other way.

and jamie? well, her parents are looking forward to migrating to the states. she's thinking about it too the last time we talked about it.

so that leaves me and pam. then again, she has her own things to do after graduation. she'll be working while i'm still in my thesis.

it just dawned upon me that in some random point in time, all 6 of us will be scattered around the globe.

sad, isn't it?

that's why i make it a point to see them as often as i could. they're my friends, in the truest sense of the word.

nine years are not enough to spend with them. there has to be more time. if it isn't as often as i would like, i guess it'd be alright. we still have memories.

but that doesn't mean i won't miss them if they're gone.

Ceasefire Campaign

2006-08-13T22:17:34Z

Dear friends,

Right now a tragedy is unfolding in the Middle East. Thousands of innocent civilians have been killed or wounded in the bombings in Lebanon, Palestine and Israel and the death toll is rising every day. If the US, Syria or Iran get involved, there is a chance of a catastrophic larger war.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has called for an immediate ceasefire and the deployment of international troops to the Israel-Lebanon border, and been strongly supported by almost every world leader. This is the best proposal yet to stop the violence, but the US, the UK, and Israel have refused to accept it.

I have just signed a petition calling on US President Bush, UK Prime Minister Blair, and Israeli Prime Minister Olmert to support Kofi Annan's proposal. If millions of people join this call, and we advertise our views in newspapers in the US, UK, and Israel, we can help pressure these leaders to stop the fighting. Go to the link below and sign up now!

Ceasefire Campaign

With hope,
Risha

buhay nga naman...

2006-08-01T15:05:35Z

traffic has been like hell for the past couple of days...

i guess rainy days are here to stay.

i just wish it would all get more bearable somehow.

just because it's hard to drive home via ortigas night after night after night...

*********

as expected, i failed my eee 41 first long exam.

great. just great.

never mind that i got a much higher grade in my 107 exam, i got the bonus question in physics 104 or even being confident enough that my 43 exam results will turn out ok.

why? because those don't matter as much as 41 -- a key prerequisite subject to all other major subjects.

*sigh*

what's even more frustrating is that i understood the subject matter days before the exam. that's what you get when you rely too much on the problem set as your exam primer/reviewer.

it's a good thing that i wasn't THAT upset to the point of endless crying. 3 straight years of engineering will do that to you, i guess. one failed exam is just as common as sunshine. besides, nyxoftime is right, 'tis a manifestation that some are just beyond my control.

and as i would rather say, shit happens.

todo aral nanaman to!

i WILL pass the subject. itaga niyo pa sa bato!!!!!

*********

on a lighter note (that is if that text turned out to be just a freaky dream...):

pumasa ako sa CAPES application! ^-^

risha lopez: Career Assisstance Program for Engineering Students (CAPES) member - JOB FAIR COMMITTEE: MARKETING

sweet~! and here i thought, i didn't make it.

working with eng'g regcom made me realize that i should also make an effort to relate to other engineering majors outside EEE. belonging to different groups is really stimulating in the social/emotional aspect.

and of course, it's THE job fair. :P

of course, i'll be expecting a bigger work load than before. but if all works out fine, i don't have to be too tired and my academics would not suffer (because I HAVE TO).

**********

Ultimate Goal (for the meantime): I WILL FINISH MY UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE ON TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@.@

2006-07-31T14:06:13Z

galing kay cheska:

risha --
[adjective]:

Insatiable to the point of crazy

'How will you be defined in the sexual dictionary?' at QuizUniverse.com

oooh~

:P

articles galore!

2006-07-03T11:35:44Z

for some reason, i enjoy articles from askmen.com. they are way funnier than women's magazine or even fhm (hey, give me some slack, i'd rather read the content than see the visual).

don't get me wrong. it's not that i accept them as earth-shattering truths, though some really hit close to home (:P). but it could be likened to stand up comedy, some maybe too rude but when said in a presentation, they're damn entertaining.

so here i present to you, some articles i got these weekend.

remember, everything came from Askmen.com.

*****

Top 10: Signs She's Not Interested
By Christina Russell

You have a problem: You really like this woman, and for the life of you, you can't figure out if she reciprocates your feelings. You don't want to risk rejection by asking her out and her saying "no," and you're wondering if I can help in any way. Well, if this woman shows any of the following behavioral patterns, then chances are she is not interested and you should find a new object of affection.

Number 10

She doesn't remember your name

If your name is Robert and she keeps calling you Joe, forget about her. Not only is she not interested in dating you; she can't even be bothered to show you the smallest sign of respect.

Number 9

She's always out of town or working

She was at a wedding in New York last weekend; at a funeral in Denver the one before that, and is visiting friends in B.C. next weekend. Not only that, but she seems to work well into the wee hours every single weeknight; which you would understand if only she wasn't employed as the morning shift waitress at the local diner. Unfortunately, she's just making excuses about why she can't see you because she is too polite -- or chicken -- to tell you so directly.

Number 8

She never calls you back or returns your e-mail

Ever wonder why everyone else you send e-mail to seems to get them... but her? How many times can one answering machine be broken, and if it's so darned unreliable, then why doesn't she replace it? Could it be that the machine is selective about whose messages it loses? (That's a rhetorical question.)

Number 7

She doesn't listen to you

If she seems to say any of the following phrases a little more often than most of the other people you talk to, then she couldn't care less about what you're talking about, and you should get the hint: "Huh?"; "What did you say?"; "You talking to me? You talking to me?!", "Sorry, I wasn't listening." In fact, she seems more impressed by the lint on her black pants than what you are saying. Move on.

Number 6

She doesn't remember what you tell her

Let's say you do get around to having a conversation with this woman, and you see her again later that same day, or the next day, and you bring up something that you talked about earlier, and she has absolutely no idea what the heck you're talking about, then she's not interested in you -- either that or she's really stupid, in which case you shouldn't date her anyway.

Number 5

She keeps asking about your friend

If you are talking to the object of your affection and she is constantly interrupting you to ask about your friend Will, then she is clearly not interested in you. You should probably pass her number on to him -- with her permission, of course -- and try to forget about the two of them together.

Number 4

She never looks for commonalities between you

You are moved by the fact that you both like coffee in the morning -- "How weird is that?!?" In the meantime, she keeps emphasizing the fact that she likes Mellow Mocha, while you tend to order French Roast -- "It's just not the same, you know!"

Number 3

She would rather run errands

You work in the same building and when you ask her if she would like to have lunch with you at the nearby café, she declines because she is all out of dishwashing soap and doesn't want to miss the 7-cent discount at the drug store across town. Either she's really thrifty, or she finds her dirty dishes more interesting than you -- sorry.

Number 2

She hides from you

If she sees you coming and looks for the closest place to hide, then you really don't need me to tell you that she doesn't like you, right? Tell me you aren't that clueless.

Number 1

She is happily married

Some guys don't get this one, but it's a biggie. If she is wearing a wedding band and seems happy about this fact, then she is not looking for another relationship. Trust me.

Although it's not always easy to tell if a woman likes you or not, even the most cautious women tend to exhibit signs either way. I hope that this little list has been both entertaining and helpful in determining if she would like to see more of you or not.

*****

Top 10: Dating Double Standards

By Nick Fielding

In the dating world, it is not very difficult to generate controversial topics of conversation, which, if discussed with the opposite sex, often end in disagreements. The behaviors and practices that have become ingrained in dating etiquette often lead to double standards between men and women.

Actions that are acceptable for guys are frowned upon if women act that way, and vice versa. This phenomenon is subject to much study but, for now, let's take a look at some of the most blatant double standards in the ever-complex world of dating.

Number 10

Breaking up
Men are jerks, women are victims

One of the hardest positions a man can be in is when he's involved in a relationship that is about to end. Whether he's dissatisfied with his woman or is about to get blindsided with bad news, there is little doubt he's stuck. Why? Because, for some reason, our society seems to dictate that no matter what happens, the man can never walk away smelling like roses. If she ends the relationship, it's because he's a jerk, and if he ends it, it's because he's a jerk. Talk about being wedged between a rock and a hard place...

Number 9

Footing the bill
Men ask and pay, women accept and smile

Double standards are not only reserved for big, important issues in a relationship; smaller but still relevant topics are subject to society's skewed view as well. Take the example of a man and a woman on a date at a restaurant. If the man gathered up enough courage to ask her out, he is expected to pay for the meal because he initiated the night out. This practice is common nowadays and, unfortunately, goes on with little dispute.

In the rare case that the woman made the first move and asked for a night out, the man is still expected to pay because, simply, it's the right thing to do. It is ingrained in our minds that to be gentlemanly means, among other things, to put down the cash on a date.

Number 8

Engaging in "extracurricular" activities
Men are controlled by libido, women are neglected

Another sticky situation arises when you or your girlfriend gets mixed up with another mate. For whatever reason, one of you made the regrettable mistake of hooking up with someone for a night of passion. Now, from the outside looking in, here's what generally goes down:

# If she cheats, the perception is that you have not been pulling your weight (i.e. he's no good in bed, he's insensitive, etc.). Somewhere along the way, you slipped up, leaving her no other choice but to look somewhere else for satisfaction. As unfair as this seems, it is true.

# If you cheat, it is attributed to an unquenchable need to please your libido. It's as if being faithful is a feat in and of itself. Again, the blame is inexplicably diverted away from the woman, leaving the man open for much criticism.

Number 7

Having friends from the opposite sex
Men will cheat, women have control

Complications usually arise when you or your woman has friends of the opposite sex. A woman may justify her friendships with a couple of guys by saying she is always in total control of her emotions and is able to separate "boyfriend" from "boy friend." Conflicts of interest are hardly ever brought up for the fairer sex because of the supposed control they have.

Of course, when the shoe's on the other foot, things can get messy. A man who has close female friends is usually accused of several dishonorable things. He gets accused of keeping this friend for times of loneliness (i.e. in case of increased libido). Even if he doesn't have deep feelings for this friend, his girlfriend may make the point that, in a moment of weakness, he may fall prey to animal instinct. This is yet another situation where men do not get the benefit of the doubt.

Number 6

Flirting defined
Men are players, women are being "nice"

Flirting can be a really entertaining way of procuring a phone number or the name of a pretty woman across the way. Done right, this little game demonstrates that you're a smooth, debonair guy. In most situations, however, men who flirt with a few women at a nightclub or even in the office are seen as having intentions that go beyond being friendly. Eventually, many people would say, the man wants to get into that lady's pants. The generalization is made that the man who flirts undoubtedly has a hidden agenda.

Women who react to a man's advances or who start conversations and innocently tease men are not viewed in the same light. In fact, most of the time, a woman would defend herself by saying that she was "simply being nice" to the guy next to her at the bar. Often, it is men who are viewed as having ulterior motives.

Number 5

Asking innocent questions
Men interrogate, women are concerned

Men can get into so much trouble, even if what they do comes via good intentions. After your woman comes home from a long day at work, is it not proper to ask how her day went? I thought so too, but after those questions were met with snarky replies that I was simply digging for dirt, I was more confused about the opposite sex than ever. A simple attempt to get a peek into a loved one's day can be met with attitude, because the impression is that men are always interrogating, making sure their women stay "on track."

The situation is not as rosy if you don't ask for details either. Instead of coming off as jealous, you'll seem indifferent about your woman. Any way you look at it, there is no easy way out, gentlemen.

But women, oh, when women ask about where you went, how many beers you had, or why you didn't call, they're just being inquisitive because they "care." Uh-huh.

Number 4

Spending time together
Men are whipped, women are clingy

Peaceful, relaxing nights alone with your honey strengthens the bond between you and allows you to enjoy each other's company without outside distractions. However, the need to spend time together alone brings some societal pressures as well. If your girlfriend bugs you to spend more of your hours with her, she can come off as clingy -- a big turnoff. Unfortunately, many of us are too quick to hand down this judgment when she could simply, in fact, miss you.

The last thing a man wants to do is get caught doing the same thing: no guy likes being called "p-whipped." It insults our manhood to know that our friends see us as controlled by a woman, but it is a stereotype many, unfortunately, lay down.

Number 3

Having a few prospects
Men are glorified, women are ostracized

In a relationship that is not exclusive (i.e. one where both sides have agreed to date other people as well), people are not afraid to cast judgment on both sexes. The guy who's simultaneously dating multiple women is praised and thought of as "da man" or "a pimp." He's simply doing his job; playing the game and gaining many lady friends out of it.

The same accolades are not reserved for women who have ties to a few different men. In fact, the response is the polar opposite. She can be called the most degrading names in the book, as she is being promiscuous and "easy." These accusations are certainly not uncommon, even in today's lax dating circles.

Number 2

Becoming her knight
Men are chivalrous, women are catty or aggressive

Contrary to what you may think, chivalry is not always a flattering attribute. You are only rewarded for your heroic acts in certain situations. For instance, if a man at the next table refuses to keep his voice down or doesn't stop smoking even though it's a smoke-free restaurant, you should get the green light to stand up for your woman's right to enjoy the night and say something. Resolving this conflict and others that affect her time with you will net you big points.

But if the waitress is flirting with you, or your woman verbally chews someone out, then she's considered aggressive or abrasive. Unfortunately, we still deem women soft, for lack of a better word, and the moment they stand up for themselves and become argumentative with men or women, their femininity goes out the window.

Number 1

Having problems in bed
Men are dysfunctional, women need better lovers

Perhaps the ultimate examples of strict double standards are seen when issues of sex are brought up. When things are going well in bed, nothing in the world will bother you. However, it is the times when your sexual chemistries don't jive that problems will arise.

If a man is struggling with his orgasm, it's an embarrassing problem that he is unlikely to admit without some prodding. His girlfriend may be quick to assume he has erectile dysfunction, though there a slew of mental issues to blame for his inability to perform.

When it is the woman who can't reach her climax, no assumptions are made that she may have some problems to deal with. Often, the finger is pointed at the man: he has no skills in bed and has failed to excite his woman enough. Will anyone ever cut us some slack?

With these prevalent double standards, dating has become somewhat of a tough road to navigate. We must keep these conflicting rules in mind before any move is made, reflecting on the potential consequences and the woman's likely response. Whether dealing with the bill at a restaurant or having platonic female friends, society has influenced both you and your woman, so be wary.

can lack of sleep kill you?

2006-05-11T20:54:18Z

duh. i think this question was answered even before i was born.

it's just that i have been so lethargic these past couple of days. like my whole energy is sucked right out of me. and right now, it feels like i'm running on reserve.

i was just really sleepy all day yesterday (although i had fun that afternoon), and the day before... and two days before that... you get the picture.

good thing, i still manage to go from the house to UP and then back. but i don't know about the following days...

forced rest, that's what anyone would do, right?

i just hope i could go home early everyday next week just to rest.

subic... take three!

2006-05-01T13:00:53Z

hay... my family and i just came home from subic in celebration of my sister's 19th birthday. this trips tend to be rather expected seeing as my sister wouldn't miss an opportunity to get out of metro manila just for sight seeing.

subic. our destination. i dunno what made her (and my mother) to choose this place above any other considering that we have been there before... twice even. oh well, those times where ages ago considering the little information i could retrieve from my little head. (must be a result from all the studying, don't you think?)

this trip cost me the ongaku event (congrats to all ame performers! heard you were all great. ^^) and the circuit work i left behind. consequently, it would take me twice the amount of work to knock the vacation bug out my system. but it was well worth it. it's nice to think about nothing but the place and the surroundings you're in for the past three days. and the quality time with my family was priceless as well. minsan minsan lang naman kasi nagkakasama eh. as in kaming lahat, na walang ibang iniisip kundi kung saan kakain at anong gagawin pagkatapos :P

it's a good thing we had this trip. i couldn't even remember the last time we went out as a family... never imagined that i was THAT busy for the past years resulting to a no-vacation drought.

but this year, it's different. i actually have time in my hands! ^^

well, not really bumming time. but enough to spend it with people i care about.

the date that will forever be cherished

2006-04-25T12:36:09Z

To my beloved Dearest,

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!

I love you sooo much. ^^

summer? what summer?

2006-04-17T11:18:44Z

april 17, 2006. monday. first day of summer classes.

my schedule for the summer: physics 103, 7:00-9:35 am.

woke up at about 530 in the morning. left home at 620. rushed through traffic... without any violation, of course. good thing i was at UP just in time.

but guess what? no class.

i hate it when this happens.

damn! should've slept longer...

oh well, at least i get to do something i would definitely not consider on normal days...

... hit the gym ^-^

yup yup, i have become a 'let's workout' girl... well, at least for the time being.

******

during the less-than-an-hour talking to some orgmates, i got to ask fed about the coe 121 class being offered this first semester. then, i got to tell the others that i'm going to apply to dsp this year.

i didn't expect the news that i received right after mine.

most of the faculty at dsp are going away before i could even apply. this year it was sir melvin co and sir umali. by the start of the first semester, sir rhandley and sir ian would have left eee.

'tis said, really. just another indication that academe may be an overwhelming emotional fulfillment but it could really be a problem financially speaking.

dsp faculty would be reduced to ma'am guev, sir jor-el, sir franz and ma'am dae. for fed, it was enough reason to "discourage" me from even applying, saying that other labs have better faculty members. he even joked about a prediction that one day, all students will just apply at SAL, because sir uy would be the only old faculty left. but that of course, is a fallacy.

i didn't have the heart to tell him that i'm still applying, though. hehehe, all the discouragement for naught.

in my honest opinion, laboratory affiliation should not be solely based on the faculty "monitoring" the lab but should be based on the interest and/or aptitude of the student. even if teachers really play a great factor in the learning process, i wouldn't mind excluding the teachers in my decision process. i have done so much in my academic life without any extraordinary mentoring from any of my teachers. all i needed was the knowledge and information to learn. besides, teachers come and teachers go. good or bad. pana-panahon lang naman yun eh. i wouldn't want to settle in one place for such a temporary setting.

as for the decrease of "greatness", i wouldn't mind it either... well more of, i don't even think it would decrease in the first place. great individuals are not the only measuring stick of success.

i really feel that dsp would best cater to my interest and aptitude. no need to elaborate on this though, since i got to explain it in my previous posts.

so bottomline, dsp pa rin. end.of.discussion.

*****

oooh~ summer. fopc. :P

UP will start to look like a recycling center once again.

i would feel bad for the children though. they wouldn't have anything to collect...

... unless of course, some org would hire them :P

*****

to a dear friend that will bid farewell to us soon,

i do hope you and your family will be just fine... even with the change in country code. i'll miss you sorely, though.

*hug*

*****

eight days short of a year!!!!!!!!!!!!!

shucks, malapit na siya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

weeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i love you! ^^