All this hype about true love finding you in the end is oh so REAL! I mean, if we are patient enough then it should happen... eventually. Well, it happened to me, you know. And yes, it happens to animals, too! More specifically, birds.


Who found who... or what? Click to read the full story in here:
http://bastaigatsikat.blogspot.com/2010/03/love-will-really-find-you.html

This year's Valentine's Day sucked... NOT!!! This was the most pricele$$ Valentines Day ever... in my history! :P

It was totally unexpected. Nothing was planned. (The fishball part didn't happen one bit!) Everything was as spontaneous as it could get. Even the whole flowers and chocolate moment, it left me stammering and at a loss for words. I didn't know what to say. I mean, I'm not the type of girl you give chocolates and flowers to because first of all, I have realized long before that VDAY is a spawn of commercialism and all the hype is nothing but a cunning capitalist scheme really. However, this year's VDAY was a total romantic opportunity (especially for my Udon Boy) and aside from the fact that EVERYDAY IS VALENTINES DAY for us, this day definitely went down to our books by absolutely showing love, seeing love, and feeling all the love.

Now let the pictures speak for themselves.

CLICK FOR PICTURES AND READ THE REST OF THE ENTRY HERE:

http://bastaigatsikat.blogspot.com/2010/02/red-hot-valentines-day.html

Since the moment I let myself join the dating game, I’ve gone through quite a number of relationships and met all sorts of guys ranging from the stereotyped intellectuals, to your average Joe or Juan Tamad, to those bastards whose brains are probably as small as their favorite appendages. So looking back at almost 15 years of searching for true love, a playful smile is seen on my face as I reminisce and remember the lessons learned from all my past relationships, which have molded me into what I am now (more or less, the girlfriend/wife material maybe). Tee hee! I think now is high time to apply all the Dating 101 lessons I have been studying all these years.

I’d like to think I am not the type to rush into a relationship because I do know that only those “desperate” ones are in a hurry. The rule says, “You can’t hurry love.” I do not think I am the desperate kind either. Maybe the relationships are the ones that rush towards me, for fear that if I may not be in one, I might just lead the solitary life. Haha.

So where does this leave me now? Well, I’m glad to have found Mr. Right. (Yup, it’s him alright!) And maybe he is physically not with me right now but he is real. But the thing is, who’s rushing? Well, I can tell you my mom is. She’s bugging the hell out of me already to get hitched and give her a grandkid. Geez. At this day and age, that’s not really something you can just decide on overnight, is it? Then again, no one is getting any younger. So, we’ll just really have to go with the flow. In other words, let’s wait and see.

For now, I’m enjoying the company of me, myself, and I. Trying to get through each day, while missing someone, isn’t really my cup of tea. But I’m not complaining.

I read that missing someone gets easier everyday because even though you are one day further from the last time you saw them, you are one day closer to the next time you will. So I’m pretty positive that day will come; considering now that it’s September, well, time flies. I think my Christmas this year is going to be extraordinarily special. 

But for now, Skype becomes everybody’s best friend. Exhibit A:




...and Exhibit B:



Awww... so it ain't that bad, you know. ^_^

One thing I realized after all these years of trial and error, working things out and even holding on to something that you should have let go already or believing that nothing lasts forever, it’s the truth that one truly cares for someone else and loves that person when one accepts the fact that the other person’s happiness is more important than their own. I know this idea can launch a thousand debates but really, think about it. It doesn’t just go one way. If the other person does the same thing, then everybody’s happy! Bottomline: Love seeks to make happy rather than to be happy. And I found out that I am that person who cannot live alone and who has so much love to give and probably just looking for that right person who can appreciate the love I have to give and won’t take advantage of me.

It’s not even a question of compatibility. A friend of mine once told me that it’s so ironic that one always ends up with someone who is going to be different from your “ideal”. That made me think a lot about how much I wanted to be with someone just like me, who likes the same things as me, and does the same things even, for which I realize now that it is very, very wrong. Why? Because how can I grow up or become the person I am meant to be when the person who is with me is just like me? It has to be someone who is different; someone who sees a different perspective and has different ideas on different subjects. But that will cause a fight!? No, it doesn’t necessarily have to require an argument just because you don’t see things the same way. This is actually a good thing because you can grow, learn, and be more open-minded. You see? What counts in making a happy relationship is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility. Because, believe it or not, no two persons are really alike.

But there are kindred spirits. There are soulmates, too. And there are people who are connected and even finish each other’s sentences. There are even those who are comfortable with each other that can sit without speaking. And still, there is that one person who may be so different from you and yet, regardless of your differences, needs and wants the same things that you do and gives you what you need and want without you even asking for it. Imagine that? And when you find somebody who is ALL OF THAT… That, folks, is the kind of person you never let go of, and that’s what makes a Mr. Right for me. 

So the search is over. There’s no happy ending after all… Just happily ever after. 

^_^

WATCH VIDEO IN HERE:

http://mymaria.multiply.com/video/item/50/The_Ramen_Noodle_Chronicles_-_The_Beginning

⋆✌㋡ღ⋆ ia\m/^_^\m/ai 陳美西

Why all the drama? I’ve been asked far too many times why I have to live a life of controversy. Don’t I want to put an end to it? Do I really want a life that is so complex? What is it with me and affairs of the heart. I guess that’s just ME. Misunderstood as always. I could choose not to tell the tales but I don’t want to wallow on my own, thus my life is an open book. I’m not even begging for sympathy, as I am the protagonist of the story. I just write… And people read. I’ve gotten fan mails. I’ve gotten hate mails, even death threats. HAHA! I’ve gotten phone calls, too. But you know what? I’m so used to it that I don’t get affected by anything, anymore. Seriously. So am I manhid? No! I still have feelings. I mean, how can I write the way I do if I don’t actually “feel” that way? I’m not that good of an artista to do something like that, you know. Or I would have pursued the entertainment business.

So what’s up with me? How’s the drama unfolding? Well, I jokingly tell some of my friends, who actually care enough to ask how I am doing and are too intrigued by the turn of events, that Season 2 of my ala telenovela life is yet to be released. We’re still “taping”. LOL. Of course, we all move on. After one chapter in our lives comes to an end, we turn the page. That’s how it works. It’s how it should work.

I had reflected some and thought of how much I’ve been through, how far I’ve gone, and ultimately what I’ve become. (Scanning through 6 years of my blog.) So you know what they say skinned knees are easier to fix than broken hearts? Well, I got my heart broken twice alright, but I’m not giving up. “No retreat, no surrender!” I keep encouraging myself (and others, too!) Every time I get out of a relationship, I always resolve to be better and then give myself some time, although it’s not my fault that the boys come running. HAHA! So who’s the next leading man? I can’t really say. For this time, some things may be better left unsaid. Come on, you say? Well, if good things always come to those who wait, then why rush now? Let me just say I got my sights set on someone and I’m just waiting for the right time. And yeah, time will come. I don’t intend to live a solitary life or end up as a spinster.

Mind you, I didn’t always have rollercoaster love affairs. Okay, maybe 85% of the time. Yes, it’s always been different whenever you just take things slow. Like soap operas -- as the plot develops, the story gets more and more interesting and addicting, albeit corny at times… and even if you already know the climax, you’re just hooked. Well, I am hooked right now. And this feeling that’s inside me is just not something I want to hasten. Slowly but surely kumbaga.

I thought a death in a story was something that always made the dramas even more moving… but it was my beloved Grandma who died recently. It was just too much. I didn’t want that part one bit. (I wished it were someone else.) But I guess, life is just ironic like that -- and the supreme irony of life is that hardly anyone gets out of it alive. I pray for my Grandma everyday and I ask her to watch over me, that I may also find the kind of love that she and my Lolo had. Theirs lasted 56 years until my Lolo passed away in ‘91.

I will always be a hopeless romantic. Come hell or high water, I am in love with love… and the drama will always be part of it. I can’t imagine life without amore. Someone had asked me once some time ago, “You’re always in love, aren’t ya?” Apparently, the answer is yes. I can’t seem to remember a point in my life where I was “loveless”. Loved less perhaps but I feel so lucky still having a lot of love around me. Maybe LOVE is in love with me, too. HAHAHA! Now, I’m being foolish. But then love does that to people, you know. Lots of times, we all act crazy because of love and it’s that feeling I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. The one that lifts us up where we belong. That indescribable feeling. That same love that millions of songs are written about, that people from all races and walks of life could sing their hearts out to. Love is really that thing that makes the world go ‘round… isn’t it?

Now let me end this blog with some lines from a song:

It's all about drama, and love, and relationships
And when the going gets tough, you deal with it
And you don't ever, you never walk away from it
You hold on, and be strong…

It’s a very nice ballad by Babyface. Watch the MV here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3I8L1ofD7A



Until then... I'll write some more next time. :)

⋆✌㋡ღ⋆ ia\m/^_^\m/ai 陳美西

As I walked into unfamiliar territory, curious faces darted some confused looks at me perhaps wondering what a lost soul was doing at a place that wasn't my usual haunt. The bar smelled of smoke and old leather furniture. I haven't been to that place for many years and shocked but friendly faces were perhaps eager to know why a silly-looking girl like me would come alone. Yes, I was just wanting a shot of my poison before I hit the sack. But when my phone beeped as I ordered a shot of vodka, the short message that was about to be read would change the course of things that night.

Initially, I just wanted to be alone -- to think. And perhaps to vent at the elderly bartender and mercilessly have him listen to me pour out my sorrows and despair. But the ominous message kept flashing on my phone so I opened the inbox to see what it was about. I almost choked as I recognized the number that appeared as I took a swig of my favorite drink. His name may not be in my phonebook anymore but I [subconsciously] memorized the 11-digit number for such a long time. It had been almost 5 years since I resolved not to see him anymore. Things were getting too complicated already. But seeing the numbers before my astonished eyes, I could hardly contain my fast-beating heart. Yes, he still had that effect on me. Like an adrenalin pump, he was.

I gulped when I read his SMS which was composed of only 4 characters. "WRU?" My hand started to tremble, and due to my bewilderment compounded with distress, I decided to reply. "@ THE BAR." His reply, after just a few seconds when I told him where I was, took me by another wave of surprise. He said, "I'll pick you up." My heart was on fire. Who does he think he is? And what does he think of me? But furthermore, if he did, how the hell did he know which bar I was at??? So many questions. I didn't want to bombard him with those, so I delighted myself in the sweet smell of alcohol which was embracing me then. Ahhh!!!

I downed 3 more shots when my phone rang. An unassigned ringtone! Could it be him already? I refused to believe it but my heart was pounding so hard that I had to pick it up to make it stop. It was him alright. His voice was crystal clear and sounded like music to my ears. It was a feeling I so long had forgotten. I sensed urgency in his voice and it was obvious that he was outside waiting for me. I paid my tab, surprising the regulars with my sudden departure. I know those dirty rascals in the bar were probably waiting for me to give them free lap dances or see me piss my pants when the spirit of alcohol takes over my body. Suckers! "You're so not getting any of those tonight" was what I murmured as I left a large tip on the table. The old bartender gave me a grateful smile and then my heart started racing so fast.

Was I really going to see him after all these years? Why tonight? Why of all nights did he want to see me tonight? And then I remembered what made me come to the bar in the first place. I had wanted to let loose. De-stress. And let my anger dissipate and drown myself with my heartaches in sheer intoxication. I knew it did not justify me seeing him so hastily. I could picture a trap... yet a very beautiful trap. Strangely, I was feeling somewhat blissful, in some ways it felt like coming home. I stood outside for a few seconds glancing at the parked cars, barely recognizing him in the dark, then I saw him open the door for me.

This was it!!! I was really going to do it. Seeing him after so long sent electrical shocks to my spine. I felt shivers. He must have noticed when he started the car and said, "Still not a fan of air conditioning." He knew me too well... and just then he adjusted the temperature. I caught my breath and relaxed a bit, then asked him where we were headed as we turned around the corner. He said, "I missed driving around with you." That's all? Surely he can do better than that! But he continued, "And I missed talking to you." Oh, come on. He expected me to believe that? But then he said, "Most of all, I missed you." That hit home.

My mouth was sealed shut, no matter how much I wanted to argue with his statement. He stopped the car under a lamplight and turned to face me. "It's been a while." We both spoke at the same time... We laughed at the same time and smiled. The tension disappeared. I felt 5 years younger all of a sudden. Still, words seemed to escape me. I wanted to ask him so many things, but his scent reminded me of the bittersweet, fun times of our clandestine love affair. I started to speak but he held my hand gently. I was once again mesmerized by those gorgeous eyes when he drew closer. I swore he must have heard my heart thumping like crazy! He sure had a way of keeping me quiet. Our lips touched; it was a shy kiss. But it felt oh so right. We kissed some more and it was like telling 5 years of our lives in a passionate locked embrace. I wanted to stop, but I couldn't. The alcohol didn't do much, but he did.

He is STILL my perfect drug.




P.S. This fictional story I wrote is just a figment of my imagination. LOL! It didn't happen in real life.

⋆✌㋡ღ⋆ ia\m/^_^\m/ai 陳美西

Whew! So I'm at this stage now. Because after the drama unfolds, I think I am now facing the scariest time in any romantic relationship -- that is when it starts to look like it’s actually going to work out. Why? I picked up the pieces, made amends, apologized, and vowed to be better. In that light, I am fighting for my love by compromising. I've made peace with myself and tried to with everyone involved in this whole mess. I am hopeful. I am optimistic.

But what I didn't expect, now that the walls have been broken, is the gnawing feeling that once again shakes me to the very core. Okay, stop! I'm not a worrier... but chronic dissatisfaction? Man, I need a shrink.



Though now I realize that love is not about all-or-nothing. It’s about the good, the bad, and the everything. I'll take that advice starting right now, to relax a little more, enjoy a little more, and shelve the judgments and criticisms that create the so-called dissatisfaction.

It is said that once you start accepting others, you’ll accept yourself, and when you’re in touch with yourself, you’ll know exactly what you need to have the best relationship. And the best part? You may already be in that relationship. ^_^

I thank God for the strength, the knowledge to know the difference, and the people who makes a difference.

So let's all turn the page for the next chapter in my book, shall we? Are you guys with me?



⋆✌㋡ღ⋆ ia\m/^_^\m/ai 陳美西

That’s it. I’ve decided to blog my heart out today.

First off, I’ve had it. Had what? I’ve had it with YOU implying that I am controlling my boyfriend. So what’s new? Well, let me tell you... for the Nth time -- I DO NOT CONTROL ANYONE, ESPECIALLY THE LOVE OF MY LIFE.  Love is like a butterfly, hold it tight and it will crush, but hold it loose and it will fly. If he does anything UNBELIEVABLE (by your standards), you hold me accountable. I am not accountable for anyone’s actions. I do not manipulate anyone. If anyone does something far out for me, it’s because that person is in love with me! You would do ANYTHING for the one you love. I know I would do anything for my boyfriend. Wait, wait… HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN LOVE? I mean REALLY in love!? Do you even know what LOVE does to a person? Have you even felt like you can’t live without someone? Well then, why can’t you understand it? It’s not like I’m making my boyfriend jump into the mud or have him wipe the shit out of me! If I’d want him to take me out on a spin, we take my car.  If he takes your car, then your best guess should be because he wants to go out for a ride. I’m just saying this because I have a hunch you’re making so much outrageous comments and snide remarks.

So last night, just because he didn’t answer his phone, you blame it on me? Yes, I happened to read the text message you sent him. I don’t tell him what to do, FYI. If he doesn’t answer his phone, have you even considered it was on silent mode or that he was doing something else and didn’t hear it ring…(it happens to me, too!)... aside from saying it’s because I tell him not to pick it up? I mean…what the hell are you taking me for? SOMEONE LIKE YOU? Come on, you’re the person who wants to prove something. Not me. I don’t need to prove our love because you can see it… In fact, ANYONE can see it. If you can’t, you’re probably blind. If I don’t want you calling my boyfriend, then I could shut off his phone… but because I surely don’t mind it, then I couldn’t give a rat’s ass. Call all you want. Trouble us if that’s what you intend to. You know what, I try to think you don’t exist, for my anger management, but you make it so hard for me to ignore you. Congrats! You succeeded last night.

Seriously, stop pointing fingers at me every time my boyfriend does something. He is 20 years old. Say what? That’s young? Let me tell you, 20 is just a number! I know a lot of 30-to-40-plus-year-old men who don’t know the difference between shit and shawarma. You raised a good son… in fact, he’s like a freaking zombie to you, noh? Oh, that’s right… You’re his mom and you have EVERY RIGHT because what? You own him? Ummm.. whatever, okay? I’m not even going there. My only concern is that YOU STOP POINTING FINGERS AT ME.

Have you considered that he does things because he WANTS to? Take this scenario for example. I work the whole day, but my boyfriend insists he comes over even though I can’t really give him much attention. But why does he do that? He says because he wants to SEE me… and he’s quite content by just doing that. Awww how sweet, right? That’s what people in love do. So don’t even think it’s my freaking idea because seriously, I need to earn a living and I value every single second of my time… (Negosyante man ka karon… time is gold, diba?) But that also does not stop me from seeing him because I am happy whenever I am with him. I don’t mind having him around in spite of my work demands because I love him. If truth be told, my stress disappears… He is also my perfect drug and I can’t live without him, too. I’m pretty sure he feels the same way, not because he tells me so (or because I TOLD HIM so) but because I feel it. People in love feel the need to be together. So please just try to understand that being IN LOVE isn’t bad. Please stop insinuating that I am a slave driver… because if I want a Man Friday, I could freaking hire one.

What? I’m rude now? I’m uncouth, crude, impolite? Well, I am HUMAN. I hurt every time my boyfriend gets hurt… Don’t even ask why. You know very well he gets anxiety attacks and he hyperventilates. Rushing to the emergency room has become very familiar to me now. If you’re his mom then you should know what that’s like. I don’t like it one bit but I put up with it because I can’t lose him. I love him and even if you think I am NOT GOOD for him which bothers me remarkably, I won’t give in to that. I will fight for my love like I told you from the start and with all due respect, if you can’t stand it, please… just stand aside.

Amor vincit omnia.

⋆✌㋡ღ⋆ ia\m/^_^\m/ai 陳美西

 P.S. I feel so much better now. Have a Happy Sunday everyone!

My understanding of love leading to happiness has given everything in my life a new meaning. Now that I’ve come of age, I have felt the contentment that I had always anticipated. Of course, I wouldn’t mind having more money in my measly bank account but as far as relationships and my 25 years of existence are concerned, my life has never been better. I know for a fact that with whatever problems/trials that would come, I would easily breeze through it (perhaps being manhid has its advantages) and that nothing would ever change my mind whenever I set my heart on it. I have proven that and I am as stubborn as ever. Unyielding? You can say that again! Because I never believed in denying one’s happiness, I sometimes become completely tolerant; so tolerant that even if it seems stupid already, as long as it makes you happy (and it doesn’t break the Golden Rule and measures up to the rules of Karma), I am all for it. I mean, Sheryl Crow did sing, “If it makes you happy, it can’t be that bad!”

A text message I received today stated: There’s no point in sacrificing your happiness when it does not conform to what your heart dictates. As everyone is created uniquely, everyone does get a right to choose where they’d be happy. If it ensures lifetime happiness, then GO FOR IT! You wouldn’t want a miserable life faking the world with smiles, right? Right! And I know a lot of people who had sought for the meaning of life and ended up with finding love instead, which eventually led to happiness. I know I did. For me, I think love and happiness go hand in hand. A few Valentines ago, I wrote about not rushing into a relationship because you can never find love if you insist that you are already into it and that you need to try to find time to really understand your real feelings, to know who you really are, and what you really want in a relationship. Only then can one be contented and then be truly happy.



So many things have been written about love. Some people call it love when we can't leave someone and see them crying as we try to let go; we are wrong, it's just pity. Some people call it love when we're too attached and think that losing the one we love will somehow make us weak and unable to face the storms of life; we misunderstood, it’s just that we're too much dependent on them. And then there are people who call it love when we give our whole life to them, the wholeness of us and imagined that if they leave, no one would accept us and our past; we are mistaken, it’s just insecurity.

I have learned over time that searching for that “right” person for yourself isn’t the way it should be. All those fairy tale stories of Prince Charming, the knight in shining armor, or our modern day Edward Cullen, the vampire on a shiny silver Volvo, are just for hopeless romantics. You can wait forever but waiting is all you’ll ever do. On the other hand, you can be the “right” person for someone.  So instead of asking the question, “Is this the right person for me?” why not ask, “Am I being the right person? Am I being a person who comes to a relationship filled with love to share, or am I being a needy person hoping to get love and validation?” I think that our relationships fail not because he or she isn’t the right person, it's because we expected too much and we decided on our own. But I guess the main reason that many relationships don't work is because each person is disappointed in not getting what they expected to get from the other person.



You see, it is actually fairly easy to know if this is the right person for you when your intent in being in a relationship is to learn together and share love. It would be very ideal when two people are truly open to learning about themselves, to growing emotionally and spiritually, to taking responsibility for their own feelings of safety and security, worth and lovability, and will not be attracted to a person who is closed, controlling, and just wants to get love. But remember that knowing if this is the right person for you does not happen instantly. It takes months to discover whether or not a person is who they say they are. I’ve known the person I am in love with for 8 years, and it’s only now that I’ve realized that you cannot really know who a person is until you have conflict and find out what this person does in conflict. Some people can appear very open and loving until a conflict comes up and then they get angry, withdraw, resist or comply, closing down rather than staying open to learning about themselves and the other person. Since none of us enter relationships fully healed, it is very important to know that your partner is willing to explore conflict rather than just protect against it with controlling behavior. Conflict occurs in all relationships, and if both people are not open to learning about themselves and each other within the conflict, the unresolved conflicts will eventually destroy the relationship. We should all keep that in mind.

When we think we're in love the first thing we want the whole world to know is that our love for someone very special can never be taken away from us. Because we are overwhelmed with joy and romance, we forget to learn the meaning of true love. Some are saying that love is unselfish, blind, unconditional, or simply denying oneself for the sake of someone very important in our life. Others are saying love is immortal and can never be defined. George Sand beautifully expressed that, “there is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.” Love can bring authentic happiness and a smile to the most hard-hearted people. There is nothing or no one in life that love cannot change. The simplest way to achieve authentic happiness is by always being surrounded by people you love. When you are around your loved ones, it gives you a sense of belonging which can buffer you from stress. Love is a language the dumb can speak, a wonderful sight that the blind can see, and a harmonious song that the deaf can hear.



As with Feng Shui, if you want happiness then share happiness with all you meet and if you want love then give love freely and from your heart. But you know what is the most important tip for happiness? Love deeply and passionately. Sure enough you will get disappointed and hurt but it’s the only way to live life completely. I am in love and I am happy; therefore, to love is to be happy.



Let's celebrate life and love this coming V-Day!!! Happy Hearts Day, everyone!

⋆✌㋡ღ⋆ ia\m/^_^\m/ai 陳美西

Our way of giving back the luurrrrvvvveee especially this holiday season!!!

So happy to see the smiles on those kids! ^_^



Menu:
Chicken, puso, pancit bihon, and orange juice!



Random street children... nag suroy2x lang mi sa plaza.. kung kinsa man ang naa, amo gihatagan ug food. Weeee...

PLAY THIS IF YOU WANNA HEAR ME TALK AND YOU CAN READ ALONG:



You all know that, right? And if there's any rule I don't intend to break, it's this: Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you. Yes, that's the Golden Rule. But it is the one that sums up everything I do in life... I believe in Good Karma and Bad Karma, too. I'm not religious, even though I was raised sirado catolico. But my faith can move mountains! I have the strength to live because I believe in the Higher Power/Supreme Being, God that is. And aside from that, love keeps me grounded. <3

I may not be as responsible as most 25-year-olds as it wasn't really required of me growing up. I guess it comes with the only-child syndrome or ADHD. I thought I was bipolar. But I know my obligation to my friends, my loved ones, and the people around me. I know what friendship is really about. I know what relationships truly are. I know how to keep those. I know what I want in life and I know how to give back what is due. Remember what Newton said? "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." I'm not being smart. It's a given fact... one that is applicable even in everyday life.

I'm not righteous but I am frank. I don't lie to myself or pretend I'm anything but ordinary. I tried to repair my tattered reputation, for which until now I think I haven't succeeded...yet. But it doesn't really matter. I know myself, my limits, my boundaries, and my capabilities. I live NOT to please anyone. I don't step on anyone's shoes (unless I'm dancing which I'm really bad at!) and if at all I do, I apologize as soon as possible. Everyone makes mistakes... and I am happy to say, I've learned from ALL my mistakes.



More than 10 years ago, a friend of mine gave me a handwritten copy of instructions. This is something I'll share to you if you haven't gotten this through email by now because I presume it's being circulated in cyberspace already. These are also guides I live my life with because when I read this a looooooong time ago, I knew this is the key to living my life to the fullest.

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three Rs:
   • Respect for self
   • Respect for others and
   • Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
13. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.
14. Be gentle with the earth.
15. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
16. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
17. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
18. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

It was even claimed that the Dalai Lama wrote it. But I don't really care who did... because having lived my life like that, it's been rewarding already. Sometimes I think people who have gone to rehab are lucky people. Why? You must think I'm nuts having said that. I've never been to rehab myself for any substance abuse/mental health or whatnot but I've been working pretty close to therapists and their clients. I've seen many who have successfully learned coping skills, reasoning skills, behavioral modification, and everything else that one needs to have a happier and more fulfilling life. People change for the better. It made me believe in second chances.

I've been hurt sooooooooooooo many times. I've fallen a lot. And even though skinned knees are easier to fix than broken hearts, I've survived it all. I'm not manhid. I have feelings, too. I get angry. I get hurt. I am human. And I express it all. I don't hide who I am. This is me. Take it or leave it.

If you got a problem with me, talk to me. I'd be very happy to sit down and discuss. Maybe then we can help each other out... as human beings. After all, what is life here on Earth??? This is all temporary. Don't take life too seriously though... because you will never get out of it alive.

⋆✌㋡ღ⋆ 陳美西


"Live like there's no tomorrow; love like you've never been hurt; work like you don't need the money; dance like no one is watching; party like a rockstar... and f*ck like a porn star!"