So Long 2009
"The stories teach them valuable life lessons. That good things happen to bad people. That it’s possible to make a bad situation even worse if you don’t think it through. That parents are clueless except when they’re not. That it’s good to try new things even when a new thing is kind of disgusting, because new experiences make you a well-rounded person. That art can be transcendent. That lust is all-powerful, that drugs are fun, and that not everyone who does them is a loser. That losing people is part of life. That where comedy goes, tragedy isn’t far behind. That everyone has issues with their bodies, but some take it too far, almost to death. That fear can be exhilarating. That boys are assholes. That it’s important to look forward and never look back…"
-- Perfect Fifths
As cliche as it sounds, 2009 was a year of extremes. There were moments of euphoria and there were waves of sadness. And despite the fact that I had managed to blog every single day of the 365 days of the year, it feels like I have reached the end of the year and done worth mentioning. Still, here's my feeble attempt at encapsulating the best of the year (as it's just a waste of time to dwell on the worst). It was a good year in spite of it all.
In a Nutshell
Fifty-Two Weekends
JANUARY » Having _lexizzle stay past the New Year was so different and so fun, but it also created a distraction for me as I tried to work on my thesis with the best ever thesis partner, Anna. Still, we managed to meet our deadlines while also being able to go out with my brother. Go balance.
FEBRUARY » It's a month of birthdays (dudemangiano turned 16!) for us and as I tried helping out with anaalcala's thesis and working on our finishing our thesis paper, I also turned 22! And though I had to say adios to PB and to Spanish class, at least I could finally focus ALL MY energy on Thesis (and of course some LJ on the side).
MARCH » While vegapunk_ graduated from high school (I was such a proud sister) we were still shooting our senior thesis over a weekend when my parents and jamypye were in Singapore celebrating her birthday. Basically, we were left to our own devices. Stressful does not begin to describe this month.
APRIL » In spite of all the academic drama, I had gone through with my batchmates, we actually made it to the finish line. Graduation was such a sweet victory. I got to relax with my family in Baguio and was just totally at peace after the hellish months leading up to graduation. I don't think I've ever been so happy to finish thesis and graduate.
MAY » The beginning of my 'endless' summer had me sleeping over with friends and just enjoying my indefinite break. As much as I wanted to get out of college, I was in no hurry to get employed (especially since I had no clue what I wanted to do). And because jamypye is the best, we got to watch the David Cook/Archuleta concert in Manila. Best. Concert. Ever.
JUNE » Though it was the end of my siblings summer, it was just my second month of bumhood and I was enjoying it to the fullest. _lexizzle came back and that just means more fun! We went to Baguio AGAIN and you know I won't complain about that. Especially since we stayed at The Manor. Spa treatments for three days? Yes please.
JULY » While most my friends are already employed, I have a different job: driver/personal shopper to my brother. If only I could get paid driving him around while he's on vacation. Other than watching a shitload of movies, I also read a whole lot of fic and actual books! And who knew at 22, I'd still be able to go to debuts? Oh yes.
AUGUST » With _lexizzle back in Singapore, I have no more excuses not to look for employment. Being a bum is great, but I'm starting to feel that itch that says I should be working. And the waiting worked out because I got my first taste of job interviews and tests. I hope not to do this anytime soon.
SEPTEMBER » And employment finally arrives in the most unexpected place possible. To say I'm nervous about it would be an understatement. But with an awesome boss like Tasha and an instant set of new friends, how could I not be thankful for my new job?! Oh, meeting celebs on my first week has NOTHING to do with it
OCTOBER » I'm getting a bit more used to work and so it's been easier to 'balance' my social life and employment. I actually got to hang out with high school and college friends and had my first presentation to the big bosses and a big pitch to a client. The first was fun, but the second and third? I'd rather not do a repeat soon. Actually, I'd rather not present at all.
NOVEMBER » Other than the obvious event being New Moon month, I also ran my first marathon since my running for fitness days. My office mates and I had to go through this day away orientation too which was fun. And though I got a UTI-scare, things are just on the up and up this month.
DECEMBER » Thanks to the forced leave we all have to take at work, I only had two weeks of work to get to. Unfortunately, those two weeks were hella crazy with so many deadlines and lots of frustrating moments. Plus _lexizzle is back again for the holidays so it's always such a good Christmas with my family complete.
New Moon
Obsession is an understatement
Because I actually had en entire year to obsess over New Moon as compared to the two-months in 2008 where I got introduced to Twilight, I obviously had fun anticipating and eagerly waiting for New Moon. From counting down the days, to looking out for every promotional still, to waiting for teaser trailers and trailers and sneak peeks, to watching the cast do the press tour and finally watching the movie, 2009 would not have been complete without New Moon.
Thank goodness Eclipse comes out in June 2010, at least I won't have to wait too long or spend an entire year waiting for the movie. Still, it was a good year for fandom (for me at least) as I stayed on the fringe of it, trying to stay away from the drama and instead immersing myself in fan fiction. That's always a good place to stay.
Celebrities
Cause fangirling is what I do best
I don't know how this happened but I have much more girl crushes than I actual boy crushes. And though I'd blame this on the fact that I guess my 'standards' for male hotness is too hard to reach.
Meanwhile, I find every girl beautiful or pretty or just damn likable. Of course, my love for Rob and Kristen just grew stronger while my interest was renewed in Jake, Anne, Harry and Jen. I also joined the Zac and Rachel bandwagons of love.
This year, a whole bunch of celebrities passed away as well. I hope 2010 has less deaths and less paparazzi craziness for our favorite celebrities.
Books
Young adult books count, right?
I didn't think I'd be able to do it, but I did. I completed my 25 Books for 2009 but that was partly because I was unemployed for a third of the year. I didn't think I'd fall into the YA-trap, but I did and boy was it a great ride. I thought my YA love affair ended with the Twilight Saga (and Gossip Girl), but I ended up reading a bunch of supernatural-themed books! I also finished all of Jane Austen's books and that feels good.
Movies
Needs more romantic comedies
I went over and above my 100 movies for the year, with a total of 121 movies. Though again, this was so easy for me, with my four-month unemployment. Still, I wasn't able to watch A LOT of movies MADE in 2009 (like Inglorgious Basterds, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Precious, Invictus, The Princess and the Frog, Zombieland, The Hangover, or Where the Wild things are AND MORE (but that's cause not all of them came out here at the same time or I was just lazy). I'll try to watch more films made in 2010 in 2010.
Music
Belting out my monthly anthems
I admit to not really listening to a whole lot of new music this year. Case in point, only joining the Taylor Swift bandwagon LATE this year, but the albums that did come out this year, I really loved. John Mayer just continues to be amazing and Jamie Cullum and Sondre Lerche's albums released late in the year still packed the punch. But I have to say, The Yeah Yeah Yeah's album is always a great way to start my day at work.
Television
Certified product of my course
I was terribly sad to see Pushing Daisies go especially since it was such a wonderful series, but the coming of Glee and my late discovery of Bones, Skins Mad Men and Merlin made up for it. Surprisingly, I enjoyed 90210 way more than I did the third season of Gossip Girl so I'm hoping Josh Schwartz goes back to his usual self. Though I thought I wouldn't be as into American Idol this year, I still managed to faithfully watch. I wonder how TV will be for me in 2010.
lj scrapbook 09
(layout) (userpics) (wallpapers)
(girl crush) (manjoyment) (iship) (fanfiction)
(song of the month) (12 of 12) (52 weekends)
(100 movies 1 2 3) (books) (tv)
bring it on, 2010!
Finally, I just want to thank EVERYONE who read and commented; friended and de-friended; lurked and dropped by my LiveJournal. It's a huge part of my life (and really integral in getting me through the good and bad times) and I want to thank you all for coming along this crazy ride with me. Let's welcome the decade and spend it getting to know each other more. See you in 2010.