Get Over It

I am going to start with a disclaimer. I have never broken up with anyone and  never had an ex-someone. Nevertheless, I almost got there and know people who have. I'm also sure that a lot of us can still relate to how it's like to try to get over someone or something we wanted so badly but couldn't have. Unfortunately, the wail-like-a-fool, drown-yourself-in-alcohol-and-sorrow and constant-replay-of-what-did-i-do-wrong are only valid for a short time and will not help us move forward. After all that, the decision to move on or suffer must be made.

And the right decision will always be, to move on. Whether that means forgiving someone then rebuilding your relationship or totally letting go.

But we all know that all I just said are blah because the secret to moving on is listening to Happy Move On music! Of course! That's what I wrote this entry for! Mehehehe.

1. Gonna Get Over You by Sara Bareilles
You can play this over and over again and you get happier by the minute. It's not a bitter song at all.

Fave Line/s: I'm not the girl that I intend to be. But I dare you darlin' just you wait and see but this time not for you just for me.

2. Tonight I'm Getting Over You by Carly Rae Jepsen
Just because I know someone who's been listening to this song during this phase of her life. I love that it's really upbeat.

Fave line/s: We're not lovers but more than friends.

3. Little Black Dress by Sara Bareilles
This is such a beautiful song. It's painful but hopeful.

Fave Line/s: I stand a pretty good chance to dust myself off and dance. I'll get my little black dress on and if i put on my favorite song, I'm gonna dance until you're all gone.

4. I Look So Good Without You by Jessie James
This is definitely for any guy or girl that has been wronged. Especially those with self-esteem issues. It's time to love yourself!

Fave Line/s: I look so good without you. I never thought that I'd be dreaming so much better without you in my head.

5. It's A Beautiful Day by Michael Buble
Now guys, just because a girl only wants you to be her friend and you want more doesn't mean that you can be a jerk to her from now on. Still for the guys who felt really bad, there are still other great people out there.

Fave Line/s: Cause maybe you may not believe that baby I'm relieved.

6. Stronger by Britney
Who doesn't love Britney? I grew up listening to her. And yes, one must not dwell on one's loneliness. Just remember the diva that you are!

Fave Line/s: Stronger than yesterday. now it's nothing but my way. My loneliness ain't killing me no more.

7. Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson
This is great because it reminds us that whatever we are going through doesn't have to make us bitter forever but stronger and more independent.

Fave Line/s: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stand a little higher. Doesn't mean I'm lonely when i'm alone.

8. Roar by Katy Perry
I love a lot of her songs especially Teenage Dream. Makes you feel unburdened by whatever issues you may have. She has a lot of self-love songs.

Fave Line/s: I got the eye of the tiger, the fire, dancing through the fire. Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me roar. Louder, louder than a lion.

9. You're Just Another Picture To Burn by Taylor Swift
Yes I am aware she has a song called We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together but this one I picked because of the teenage vibe. And a young girl's very first realization that yes, a jerk's picture is worth burning then forgetting about.

Fave Line/s: So watch me strike a match on all my wasted time. As far as I'm concerned you're just another picture to burn.

10. I Know We're Cool by Gwen Stefani
Here's for those who actually believe that they can forgive and let bygones be bygones. Wow, that's possible? This reminds me of married couples who divorced amicably and have managed to become good friends.

Fave Line/s: It's good to see you now with someone else. And it's such a miracle that you and me are still good friends.

11. Something About Us by Daft Punk
I just had to add this one. It isn't that happy in a sense but it's a saying goodbye song with a great beat and I love it love it love it so this makes the cut.

Fave Line/s: I might not be the right one. It might not be the right time. But there's something about us I've got to do. Some kind of secret I will share with you

Updated Sept 29, 2013

12. Don't Call Me Baby by Kreesha Turner

This song is is really all about that one important word: No. No more drama after this. Goodbye! Besides, who needs men when you've got your girlfriends? Or I guess for guys, who needs women when you have your best buds...or your beer, or dog or sports. You know what I'm saying.

Fave Lines: Nobody hurts like you.

I hope you liked this list. I'm sure there are a lot more happy get over songs out there. Stay happy ;p

-IJ

Be cool, Bicol!

Ah, that short weekend of majestic view of Mt. Mayon, of orgasmic (yes, it is!) Bicolano Cuisine and of surprisingly good company. Legazpi City (and a pinch of Sorsogon) was definitely a dream come true.

I swear I'll be back for more of the Bicol experience. Naga City and Caramoan on Summer 2014? Yes na!

Summer in the West

Before July ends, here are some photos my sister Astrid took during Canada Day weekend. It's the summer season in this part of the world. We went on a camping trip with other members of a Filipino Cooperative. Naturally, the food was great. It was my very first camping experience which turned out to be more comfortable and enjoyable than I expected it to be (thank you air bed). It was what I would call an interesting Filipino-Canadian experience.

Summer is so lovely. I love how the photographs evoke a certain kind of nostalgia for a much simpler time.

-IJ

Surviving Palaui.

 

*photos in random order.

To tell you the truth, this was not the best of Palaui Island. Survivor USA had rented most (meaning, the more popular areas) of the island. My boss, a new friend and I had already checked in a hotel- and were tired from the loooooong and scary (no streetlights along the way) roadtrip - when we found out about this. But anyhow, despite the bad news, we jumped on a boat and still explored the open islands: Snake Island, Nangaramoan Beach (part of Palaui) and Crocodile Island.

The mini-getaway was unexpectedly fun, despite that it was cut short (SURVIVOR had to film in a bit. And the staff had instructed that all tourists should vacate the vicinity a.k.a. Nangaramoan and that there should be no boat activity during the duration of the filming. gah). Yeah, it felt like I missed a lot of the good stuff. I honestly wished there was more places to see, more landmarks to cover and more beautiful pictures to take. 

I know in my heart (tsar.) that Palaui Island is worth another visit. I swear I will be back soon, once the reality TV series packs up and leave. :)

-HC

I'll Be Coming Back, Hotlanta!

Awmien...don't they have decent life vests?

I abandoned my day job for 5 days to go to a convention. My flight was at 11pm. I arrived at O'Hare Chicago Airport 7am. It was only a four hour flight but Chicago was 2 hours ahead. As if I wasn't time warped enough, I hopped on a connecting flight to Atlanta, Georgia. They are on Eastern time, one hour ahead of Chicago. I am rattling off all these because I remember how my sister remarked that nobody ever talks about the inconveniences of travelling. Why, the time difference of places already makes me dizzy! 

But all that did not matter as soon as the plane landed. Imagine the elation of a Vancouverite stepping foot on Atlanta on a balmy 30'C afternoon.

Random building outside Five Points station.

As most conference trips go, it was a little bit hectic as workshop breaks were spent brisk walking around the 3.9 million square foot Georgia World Convention Center from one session to another. It was worth it though. I learned more about the company (not my day job's company, reserve for future posts!).  I met and listened to inspiring people. These people are so passionate with what they do and they impressed upon me the importance of heart and ethics in business. 

Outside the Georgia Dome

Atlanta is a city steep in history. I would have loved to stay longer to explore such an interesting place. I'm not complaining though. I think I covered a good number of things considering the fraction of leisure time we had. I can check these off now: 

• Drink free Strawberry Daiquiri's in a bar. Super nice bartender at Taco Mac. Thanks! 

• Go Clubbing. I was probably the most sober person in the club. I was saving energy to get to an early morning session the next day. Maybe I'll do it again next time when there's more room to...uhm, let loose. Or maybe, I'm just way past this thing.

Marta

• Commute and ride Marta (that's what they call their line, I just found out that it's an acronym for Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)

• Stay in the dirtiest inn ever. Whatever you do, DO NOT and I repeat, do not stay in Microtel Inn. Perhaps it was because they made the mistake of putting us in the smoking floor but they should not have made that mistake in the first place. And inexpensive should never be an excuse for dingy and dusty rooms!

•  Eat Southern Fried Chicken. Not quite contented about this. I had ribs with a side of sweet potato fries and okra at the airport. Yummy! I love ribs forever! For sure, I'll be back to go to those homegrown places that have been serving real good Southern food for years, complete with the ambience and all. 

• Visit Margaret Mitchell's apartment where she penned one of my grandmother's favorite novels, Gone With The Wind. Honestly, that novel has been sitting on our old bookshelf ever since I can remember. My grandma read it, my aunts read it, my mother read it. To be honest, I've only seen the movie in one of my insomniac moments and haven't read the book. Now I will have to borrow one from the library, that's for taking it for granted. Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn.

• Go to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center. Another reason to go back is to visit MLK's home. We were only able to visit the museum and the Ebenezer Church where he preached. It was nothing short of inspiring. You can't help but shed a tear and be filled with emotion and awe for such a courageous leader. His biography will be a great read which I haven't gotten to do yet. Really, the freedom that younger generations enjoy today were fought for in the past.

I'll be back in two years, with better photos and more money. Set that in stone. Thanks Atlanta!

IJ

Hunny the Mini Globe Trotter presents: Oslob, Cebu

 

Before these stale photos turn spoiled rotten, I'd like to share my love affair with Cebu for year 2013. This year's adventure was all about Oslob where I conquered the fear of giant sea creatures and of death by drowning. I also enjoyed a little tour around the historical corners of the small, quiet town.