In which I should be doing my post-lab, but I went online and took a quiz to find my spirit animal instead

As it turns out, I’m a swan.

Hmm, foretelling future…Definitely a daughter of Apollo. :))
You can try the quiz here.

In which I realized a handy use for the concept of Optimization and the bag lady offered to pack my one-item purchase in plastic

First off, quickie Calculus: Optimization

So here’s something that we need a solution to:

“What is the maximum sad, blunt truth one can tell another without sounding assholian?”

But unless someone can find a way to quantify assholiness, I guess this problem will remain unsolved for the meantime. Bummer, right?

My point: Calculus is rarely, if ever, helpful.

Unless of course you’re the type of person who’s really interested in determining the minimum cost of a box whose top and bottom bases are squares made up of material which costs 15 cents per square inch, the four rectangular sides made up of materials which costs 10 cents per square inch, and has a fixed volume of 12 cubic inches.

Aaaand speaking of being helpful, this bag lady in Mercury drug store CLEARLY does NOT have helping the environment in mind. I bought this Snickers bar earlier, you see, and she was actually packing it in this small plastic pouch thingy (the kind usually used for medicine tablets) while I put my change away. Of course I told her that there’s no need for it and grabbed my candy bar and receipt. Seriously, it’s not that I bought so many stuff that I will have problem holding them. I could just shove that chocolate in my pocket. There.

Girl, take those non-biodegradable, used-for-medicine-otherwise-useless-for-other-stuff plastic away from me and my one-item purchases.

Got my first review

Wow. I never thought it’s possible - someone just wrote a review of my novella “What’s In It For Me”. I wasn’t even serious about it, and I didn’t edit it when I planned to, but arrrgh. I’m sooooo happy. What a great way to end the year.

If you can’t read what it says in the photo:

Review by: Dale Cusack on Dec. 30, 2010
This is an enjoyable novella thats easy to read and quite funny. The lead character Kit Sherlock lives the ideal life. Her personality shining through in the whitty prose Soliven wraps easily around this cute little story. I’m not usually a fan of first person narrative but it works very well here.

Our guide, Kit, leads us through her senior year at high school as she starts to reconcile feelings she isn’t aware she has for her arch nemisis Andrew Alleyn. Alleyn is one of those people who has it all. Good looks, great friends, all star sportsman and great academic. Just the person someone in the number two slot would love to hate.

Soliven does a great job in managing the translation from rival to something more in her writing. A few grammatical errors caused me to reread the odd sentence but the narrative style and engaging nature of the story made such mistakes easily forgivable. She has a deep understanding of the teen mind and a great way with dialogue in her story. It was clearly the gifted narrative that sold me on this story and I look forward to reading more from this gifted young author.

Haha yeah I do have lots of grammatical mistakes there, I admit that. But I’m so, so, happy. At least I got five stars. :))

Keith Thompson replied to my mail

Keith Thompson - only the illustrator of Scott Westerfeld’s awesome Leviathan series - replied to my e-mail! I swear, I almost fainted when I found this in my inbox. What a great guy. Can I just give him a biiiiiig hug?

I always commend people who answer their fan mails, no matter how simple their reply is.

Spur of the Moment Confession

I’ve never watched a 3D film. And as much as I appreciate state-of-the-art visual effects, I still have a soft spot for old ambitious (in a good way) films like Bedknobs and Broomsticks (aaah childhood)

and of course Wizard of Oz.

Okay. Call me old school or whatnot but I wouldn’t dare say I never liked these treasures. :)

Top Ten Awesome Names for Girls

1. Pandora - Yes, yes, the name Pandora may have a negative connotation because she’s basically the Greek Eve. But hey, Pandora sounds really nice - for me, at least. Also, a girl named Pandora may be called “Panda” or “Dora - which are both cute nicknames. Okay, slash that, “Dora” is not cute. (Name Meaning: Gifted)

Photo from Deviantart

2. Jonah - I know what you’re thinking, Jonah is a guy’s name. Personally though, I think Jonah sounds better on a girl, like “Dylan”. Dylan’s a guy’s name, but it fits Drew Barrymore’s character in Charlie’s Angels so well you won’t even doubt the sexuality of it. (Name Meaning: A dove)

"Jonah" an original song by Graham Stookey

3. Cassiopeia - My interest in this name is basically caused by my love for Greek mythology (and mythology in general). Cassiopeia is unique, but it still sounds modern - especially when you use nicknames like “Cassie” or “Cass”. (Name meaning not available. From a character in Greek Mythology)

Photo taken from spaceshipearth1.wordpress.com

4. Cassandra - Same reasoning with Cassiopeia, although Cassandra is modern on its own and can stand by itself (i.e. with no need for any nickname to make it usable in daily conversations). Cassandra is also my favorite character from a myth. (Name Meaning: Prophet)

Photo taken from lifehack.org

5. Luna - Two words: Luna. Lovegood. If that’s not reason enough for Luna to be on this list then here’s another one: it sounds so ancient and magical. There. Who wouldn’t want a name like that? (Name Meaning: The moon)

Photo taken from princessandwarlock.blogspot.com

6. Linette - I stumbled upon this name while reading a book entitled “The Silver Pen” - a book so rare it’s really difficult if not impossible to find it online or somewhere else. I found it in our library back in high school (ooh, another rare thing which only opens once in a blue moon, i.e. when the librarian’s feeling it) while looking for Lewis’ “The Silver Chair”. Anyways, Linette is the name of a wind-controlling character with a very pleasant personality. (Name Meaning: Beautiful Girl)

Allison Harvard as a discus-throwing wind goddess for America's Next Top Model: All Stars

7. Jean - So simple yet not plain. Jean is the name of my favorite mutant so it’s automatically included in this list. (Name Meaning: God is gracious)

Photo taken from comicvine.com

8. Samantha - This used to be number one on my list, like maybe ten years ago. Even though it seems kinda plain and overused now, it’s still very endearing and pleasant to the ears. (Name Meaning: Listener of God)

Sam Manson from Danny Phantom

9. Kit - A fairly new addition to this list. I first heard of Kit via Lemony Snicket and his Series of Unfortunate Events as it is the name of her beloved yet ill-fated sister. Kit, although rare to appear in the books and not much developed, is one of my favorite characters. Her name is now stuck in my head. As a proof, I named my first ever heroine after her. (Name Meaning not available. From a Lemony Snicket character)

10. Charlotte - Charlotte’s my favorite Bronte sister. And her name’s pretty. Too bad I don’t settle much for feminine types, that’s why it’s the last on the list. (Name Meaning: Feminine)

Charlotte Bronte

Worth Mentioning: Jane (no bias even though Jane’s my name too), Emily, Andromeda, Eurydice, Elizabeth, Katherine, Rachel, Brooke, Danielle, Sophia and Savannah.

Top Ten Animated Films

I can’t believe I’m actually doing this post. I got inspired; school’s actually great - tiring, but cool. Before I start, I just wanna say that making this simple list is very very very difficult. It’s so hard to choose just TEN animated films to include in this list. Oh well, here goes:

1. The Hunchback of Notre Dame - I’ve mentioned before that this has been my favorite since I’ve first watched it. What I like most about the Hunchback - besides it being an adaptation of my favorite work by Hugo - is the fact that it’s not the usual bubble gummy sweet Disney. It’s actually a little dark, but not too much. I love the voice cast (especially Tom Hulce from “Amadeus” as Quasimodo) and just the whole feel of it.

2. Peter Pan - Another Disney. Well, let’s face it. This list will be dominated by Disney. Moving on. My mom used to tell me the story of Peter Pan even before I watched the film or read the book. I swear, if I knew what love is back then, I can honestly say that Peter is my first love. Haha. Die, cheesy person! Seriously now though, who doesn’t adore the story of the boy who wouldn’t grow up?

3. Anastasia - Not only did I love the story, but the titular character as well. Anastasia is just amazing - redhead, fun, cool, etc etc. Too bad real life’s not as romantic as fiction: There is no Dmitri, I doubt Anastasia even survived. Best collection of songs in an animated film: At the beginning, Journey to the Past, Paris holds the key (to your heart),etc.

4. Prince of Egypt - If I’m not mistaken, one of the most expensive Disney films ever made. It has a great storyline, great animation, and the finest chorale.

5. An American Tail - Oh Fievel! You’re so cute can I keep you in my pocket?! American Tale is a heartfelt story about family, courage, and believing in yourself and others around you. Another Don Bluth film (like Anastasia). Also, my favorite song of all time, Somewhere out there, is in it.

6. The Great Mouse Detective - Very entertaining. Sherlock Holmes as a mouse, what more can you ask for? Everybody loves a smart detective. :)

7. Toy Story - Uh, duh. Don’t say you didn’t grow up with Andy.

8. A Bug’s Life - Toy Story may be higher on the list (probably because it has a better story frame and has been with us for years, giving us 3 awesome films) but A Bug’s Life is still my favorite Pixar movie. I don’t know why, maybe it’s just the whole feel of it - everybody loves the underdogs. ;)

9. Aladdin - ‘Cuz Ali’s one heck of a guy. LOL.

10. Beauty and the Beast - I like Belle. Belle reads. ;)

Why I don’t think “Romeo and Juliet” is romantic

I completely have nothing against Shakespeare (unlike a particular character in my short Wattpad story). He’s actually pretty cool, thanks to Hamlet and Much Ado About Nothing. Romeo and Juliet is - although it’s his most famous piece - in my opinion, is overrated and should not be viewed as “romantic”. It’s a tragedy and nothing more. Let me tell you why:

Romeo and Juliet have just met in this kick-ass party and they “fell in love”. Plus they kissed. Please note that I don’t judge people who believe in love at first sight and all. I just don’t believe in it. And kissing on the first date’s a big no-no. It’s not even a date - Romeo was not invited to the party!

Come to think of it, Juliet was just a rebound for Romeo. He was just rejected by this girl Rosaline (she hath forsworn to love, coincidentally my favorite character in the play) so he went to this party to forget. Then while he was looking for Rosaline (she’s a niece of the Capulets), he had a glimpse of Juliet and he fell in love. It’s like, “oh, I can’t have the girl, so I’ll have the next best thing”, which is her cousin in this case.

They’re not even as old as what you’re thinking. Juliet was “not quite fourteen” so I’m guessing it’s either she’s thirteen or a very immature fourteen. Romeo’s age was never mentioned but I’m guessing around the same age or just a little older (well I’d love to think that, I wouldn’t want him to be a forty year old pedophile). It’s cute in a way, and it’s the 1500’s, people don’t live for long so they “love” early. I personally, have nothing against young love. To be honest, I think they (R&J) are even more mature than this particular brat in contemporary ~*literature*~ called Bella Swan.

I’m a teenager myself, and I somehow think that some teens really do love to do what their parents don’t want them to do just to piss ‘em off. Err, do I really have to tell you that Romeo and Juliet’s parents’ don’t like each other? Like, at all.

Okay, considering they love each other “genuinely” and all that shit… Give them enough time and let their parents reconcile, they’re just gonna break up sooner or later.

—-

First off, I’m not bitter. Second, I’ve comforted enough girl pals to know how teen love works. “Forever” is just a euphemism for “as long as I’m interested”. And third, I have nothing against love. I’m a writer for crying out loud! Love is an interesting topic. But if I am to pick real love in literature, try reading Love Story by Erich Segal and The Time Traveler’s Wife.

Ode to high school Part 2

High school will never be complete without the teachers! Now, I don’t know about you guys, but I just love my HS teachers. I know, it’s weird because I’m supposed to hate them. But you know, I’m very lucky because I’ve had a different high school experience than most people. So here’s a list of my favorite CalSci teachers and why they stand out.

Michael Mercado - Social Studies Teacher (Phil, Asian and World History). Sir Mike has been my History teacher for three wonderful years. Because of him, I learned to love history (I loathed that subject before). He likes to administer class activities - props to his creativity, doodle on the board to “illustrate” the lesson and he has lots of pakulo. His classes are very exciting - never boring - and you actually get to learn whether you like it or not. I’ll be willing to bet that he’s on top of every favorite teachers list of my other batchmates.

Lisa D. Bataller - CalSci’s resident austere teacher. She’s the one freshmen learn to fear. Even the other faculty members are afraid of her. Well, that’s what I thought at first. But as it turns out, she is just respected. She has had a lot of experience (one of the few senior faculties in Calsci). She can teach anything - as long as it’s Math. You name it: Algebra (Basic, Intermediate and Linear), Calculus, Geometry (her forte) and Trigonometry - even Statistics. She’s also been my teacher for three years and I absolutely love her. She’s very strict but when you get to know her, she’ll crack jokes and tell rich stories. Be very careful though, she doesn’t like messy classrooms. ;)

Raysie Seidel - Ahh the drama queen. I meant that in a super positive way. She’s the drama club adviser and English-Speech teacher. I had her for 2 years (1st and 2nd) and what can I say, her classes were never boring. She loves group activities and class presentations. She speaks in a very classy and beautiful fluent English that you’ll forget she can speak fluent Filipino (with no accent traces). Oh, and the best thing? She’s really good looking and single. :-bd

Emmanuel Aguilar - The most imitated teacher. Maybe it’s because of the way he speaks, acts and dresses. He’s the school paper adviser, Journalism (for sophies) and Literature (for seniors) teacher. He rigorously follows the rules and acts really formal. But he’s really funny tho! His mannerisms and the way he acts make him one of the most entertaining teachers ever. Every other faculty member loves Mr. Aguilar because he’s so awkward and polite.

Angelo Cabic - LOL he’s following me on Tumblr. :O Hands down the coolest teacher. Probably it’s because he’s the closest one to our group age and he shares some inside jokes with us. He teaches Earth Science and Basic Physics - some seemingly boring subjects but he still manages to make every class interesting and informative.

Clarissa Avila - The resident Chemistry teacher. No one could teach Chem like Mrs. Avila! She’s old (not too old tho) but she’s really awesome because she knows a lot about our generation and she’s very up-to-date. She’s so bagets. LOL. What I can remember the most about Mrs. Avila is her sometimes “green” jokes and her love for David Cook.

—-

There are a lot more outstanding teachers back then but I’m afraid my post is getting too long - loljk I have to do a script now - so maybe next time.

I’d love to add pictures but I’m too shy to ask permission to grab some from their Facebook.

Ode to high school Part 1

Highschool is the shortest yet most memorable part of our existence. Change is very abrupt and will surely take you by surprise. I know most of you hate high school. But for me, those four years are the only years I’d gladly relive.

Freshman year - The “knowing the ropes” stage. You get to know other people. Some of them you might have known before. As for me, the only person I know when I entered high school was Raymart. We were kind of “adversaries” back in elementary because our schools were in the same district. He used to beat me in Math but I conquer Journalism. >:)) We were also cute back then. No acne breakouts whatsoever. It’s also the fun and most exciting stage since everything’s new to you. I remember our first “Sadulawit” performance - which was sucky but we’re too naive to care. LOL. The seniors during that time though, oh wow, they were like gods. They’re perfect. I love that batch. I remember the first intramurals. The main event in Calsci was volleyball and Photon’s (my section) boys’ team were actually good. I love the acquaintance party and all that shit. :D

Sophomore Year - aka “The Boring Year”. I don’t remember anything too memorable. The sophomores, sad to say, were more or less irrelevant, unlike the junior-seniors (we don’t call them upper-classmen for nothing) and the freshies (who gets priorities and shit). After sophomore year we lost a lot of our batchmates (our school kicks out students whose average grades are below the cut-off).

Junior Year - The time when you’ll get a taste of power. First prom experience. Lots of drama (my theory is that teenage hormones are most turbulent during this year. As for me, well, I don’t really count because I’m still in my freshman age which is 13 back then). This is also when you have a shot at actually winning school-wide competitions.


Bunch of misfits - Field trip ‘08: (L-R) Mario, Riffy (wtf dude), Me, Rr, Lean and Carisse

Senior Year - “Time of Our Lives”. You don’t look up to anybody anymore (except for your teachers). The year when you win most competitions. LOL. The busiest year. The year of your last prom. The year to stand out. The year to leave a legacy.


Christmas Party


Graduation: LOL why am I not looking at the camera?!