Eulogy.

My grandpa died recently.

He was a really good guy. He cared about his family (grandma, my mom and her sisters, his grandchildren, and myself). He liked making people happy. He took my advice and tried to become healthier, and started reading his Bible and going to church.

He spoiled us a lot. Whatever we asked him to buy us, he'd get it. In fact, he'd buy me a whole load of stuff I never asked for, and things I thought I'd seriously never use. But I guess that's how he wanted to show how much he thought about us and how much he wants to be a part of our lives. Sometimes people would get mad at him, like my grandma, or whoever, and he'd try to keep his cool and listen. Even if he did some things that we didn't want him to be doing - eating foods he wasn't supposed to eat, spending money at Vegas - he loved us all the same.

He was just full of love that he wanted to share with us.

-----

When my family and I go to the states this monday, and when we arrive, I'll have to do his eulogy. My mom said, "A eulogy is when you say something nice about person because he's dead." But I believe it's really more than that. It's not just a speech saying how sweet this guy was, or how all his achievements made you proud: it's bringing someone to life again, even it's just for a couple of minutes. It's showing people his whole person and what he meant to you. It's like a big show-and-tell where you want people to appreciate who this person was, before you all try to move on and stash to memories away.

I hope I can do my Grandpa Pops justice when I do his eulogy. He deserves it.

-----

Thanks guys. :) God bless, and take care.

See you people in the States, soon!!! :)

Sick of being home.

Sigh. I've been sick these past 4 days. Colds, cough, and I had slight fever yesterday. And I hate don't like it. I've been staying home for two days, and frankly, I don't know what I'm going to do all day.

My friend *ahem ahem, Matt* gave me and idea to post...

Things To Do When You're Sick and Stuck At Home

1. Watch TV
As always. :P But sometimes there's really nothing to watch. :| Marathons are good, though. :D

2. Eat!
This is always an option. It works best for 1 day viruses though. Any longer and... *Faaat*

3. Read a book.
Fun and educational. But it'll probably only last you a couple of hours.

4. Write a song.
5. Make a new language.
6. Talk in 3rd person.
7. Have a tea party.
8. Label all the electric cords.
9. Organize your room.

10. Write in your blog. :P


See. I'm soo bored. :))

God bless, take care. :)

Welcome, 2008! :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!! :)

Okay, I know, it's a tad bit late. :D But what the heck, it's still a NEW YEAR! :) Everyone has celebrated, blown up fireworks and written their resolutions. It's a time to look at ourselves and see what we need to change and start over with. A time to appreciate everyone who had helped us in the year and those whom we want to make even more memories with. :)

So let's welcome this new year 2008 with a list. XD :))

Things to Expect in 2008!

1. New friends. :)

We meet new people everyday, and we'll never know who might be our new best friend or maybe even our new crush. :> hehe. But whatever the case, don't miss an oppurtunity to shake the hand of someone new.

2. New memories!

Every year, something happens that makes a difference in our lives. Whether it be an outing with your friends, a conversation over the phone with your relative, or even just a stroll in your neighborhood, expect to learn something new and to add a new moment to remember in your hearts. :)

3. New mistakes. :

We are only human. We will make mistakes once in a while. They may be small, or they may be life changing. But whatever our mistakes are, we should look at them in a positive view and grab the lesson that needs to be learnt from it! Mistakes are given to us by our God for us to change our wrongdoings and to realize what needs to be fixed in our lives. Mistakes can either make us better people, or worse. You decide. ;)

4. New disasters. :(

Well, let's hope not. But it's true: things happen, things that are out of our control. There was 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the tsunami in Asia... and the list goes on. But again, look at them as oppurtunities! Oppurtunities to lend a hand, to help out, and to show our concern. And when lives are lost, it is an oppurtunity to see our lives in a different light. We can realize how blessed we are, and be more thankful for the lives given to us. :)

5. New lessons. :)

"You learn something new everyday." This saying is true. :) But only a few lessons stick in our minds, and in our hearts, too. They may be learnt through a person, through an experience, through a mistake, or through some epiphany, maybe. However they are discovered, let's remember that they all come from our Lord, and that we have to use them for the good of all. :) (woaaah. haha.)

Happy new year to everyone. :) Hope your 2008 is gonna be even better than our '07. :>

God bless, take care.

Love,
Nicah.

P.S. I know how to solve a Rubik's Cube. :>

P.P.S. I'm sorry, I had no time to Christmas post. XD This year nalang. :D

Coffee.

It's been a while since I've posted one of my lists. :) I think it's due time that I do. :P

As most of my friends know, I'm a total COFFEE LOVER. And the Christmas season is also my coffee season. Can you guess why? The Starbucks special flavors, of course. :P I enjoy walking into the beautiful Starbucks threshold (either alone, with friends, or with my family), walking up to the counter, and finally telling the barista, "One tall, decaf, peppermint mocha latte please, warm." with a big smile and confidence in my voice. Oh yes, PEPPERMINT.

What is it about coffee that I absolutely love? Here's my list:

What I Totally LOVE About Coffee

1. The scent.
It's undeniable. Taking a whiff of your still-hot cup of coffee is surrenderance to its strong temptation to, "Don't wait 'till I'm warm, Nicah. You know you want me NOW, when I'm still scorching hot." It's pure seduction! And all you can do is indulge, indulge, indulge.

2. The look.
Okay, so it's brown. But then what happens when you add your creamer, sugar, cinnamon powder and what-haves? You get a nice soft hazel brown, just like the fur of my little chihuahua (hence the name, Frappie :P). Plus, have you seen pictures of newly-stirred and steaming coffee? With the cream still marble-ing into the dark brown solution? It's beautiful. :)

3. The warmth.
You know how the mug or cup feels like when there's warm coffee inside? It's so comforting. :) It's like your hands being wrapped in nice, soft, thick blankets. And the warmth resonates to the other parts of your body. :) And the climax of the warmth is when the coffee is finally sliding down your throat: it's pure magic. :)

4. The taste! (finally.)
Oh my goodness. If you've never tasted coffee, then you're missing out on a lot... Oh gee, I don't even know how to express it. Just get yourself a cup of good coffee. Now. Run to Starbucks, Gloria Jean's, or whatever. Just get your coffee. You probably desperately need it. :


AH yes, coffee. Who doesn't love it? Some tall person, probably. :)) I'm really short. :)) Because of all the caffeine. But at least I'm cute and petite, right? :D Mom says some guys like petite. Makes them feel that they can protect me more. :))

Anyway, enjoy your coffee, sweeties. :) Enjoy your Christmas season. :)

Chimo!

Nicah.

P.S. I'll be out of town for a while, I'll write as soon as I get back. :)

I'm back! And in a partying mood, too. :>

Oh wow, I haven't blogged in a loooong time. :| But now I'm here again, and hopefully I'm here to stay. :D Oh bloggie, I've missed you so! *insert romantic reuniting scene here*

Anyway, today, at school, we had our Christmas party. Oh yes, CHRISTMAS PARTY! We had loads of food and fun games (e.g. plastic bag dance, the longest line, fastest nail polish application?). DigiCams were flashing everywhere, taking stolen (not to mention embarrassing!) pictures, and catching on film memory card the bonding and funny moments we were having with each other. :)

I got loaads of gifts! Including this ADORABLE cow that my best friend, Camille, got me. :D (I don't think I've mentioned that I absolutely LOVE COWS.) I named it Poogie. As in the Filipino word for "handsome", pogi, except with a long O. :> I'll shall post his life story soon. :P

So what do these 2 weeks of vacation have in store for me? Well, let's see:

What's Up Christmas Break o7-o8

1. Last-minute Christmas shopping!

oh yes, I wasn't able to finish everything with all the studying I had to do, honey. :|

2. Planning for somebody's *insert inaudible whispering here*.

heeheehee. :D

3. Going to Ba-gui-ohh City. :>

tonna go horseback riding in the cold of the December Philippine highlands. :> :| :))

4. Celebrating Christmas!!! :)

there will be loads of food, music, beautiful lights, and presents! We're going to spend Christmas as a family, and celebrate the birthday of our Lord and Savior. :)

5. My group is going to be doing our I.P. (investigatory project) video at my place. :>

actually, afterwards, we're going swimming at the country club. :))

6. Starting band rehearsals to prepare for the grade school fair. :>

enough said, my dear. :D

7.  Going out of town for the second time. :)

I forget where... :)) I think... Bacolod ata?

8. NEW YEAR'S PARTY!!!!

we're all going to be talking loud, stuffing our mouths, watching fireworks, staying up reaaally late!, and jumping REALLY high to become REALLY tall. :D (especially I) Time to write those resolutions!

9. Barkada gimmick, anyone?

oh yes, time to have some fuuuun. 

10. Being thankful for the break. :)

I've been working so hard lately... I need this break! Thank God. But I will miss my friends. :( :D

That's all for now, friends. 

God bless you all! Take care.

Have a Merry Christmas! :)

'Till next time,

Nicah.

P.S. Please leave a note in my cbox, over there, on the side. :D Thanks!

Reaching Out

Okay, so I haven't blogged in a long while. But I'm back! :) And with an experience I'd like to share. :D

Yesterday was a really cool day.

Our school has an program called the Kapitbahay Outreach Program. "Kapitbahay", in Tagalog, means "neighbor", and the idea is that we reach out to our less-fortunate neighbors from different squatter areas and public schools. And yesterday, we had our Grade 7 Kapitbahay.

It was raining early in the morning yesterday, so the original plan, to ride a jeepney to Krus Na Ligas Public School, was cancelled. Instead, the students will be coming to us. With our ensaymadas and tetra pack juices ready, and with our donation of books and school supplies at hand, we were ready for them.

They each came in one by one, going to their respective ates, whom were expected to take care of their kids for the rest of the wet morning. My partner and I received a boy named Rinnel. He looked much like the quiet type. Gabin (meh partner) and I asked him about his family and his life at school.
He has 6 other siblings, each studying at the same school. His dad works as a carpenter, and his mom stays at home to care for him and his siblings. His favorite subject is Math, and he enjoys drawing more than reading. Someday, he wants to become a teacher.

Talking to him was interesting. I realized that he lived a pretty much normal life, with family and school, and with the same dreams as anyone else. And he definitely wasn't the shy type.

My partner and I began to read to him, when he said that he wanted to read on his own. So he read the Filipino book out loud to us, and Gabin and I were surprised when he was reading even more fluently then she and I were! :) I couldn't help but smile.
During to Response to Literature portion of the program, Rinnel drew his favorite character, a talking car, with cartoonist-like precision. He wanted his drawing to look exactly like the one in the book. We were again surprised with his perfectionist style and how headstrong he was on completing the drawing. :)

It was time to eat. We offered him a really yummy-looking ensaymada and some juice. He said he wasn't hungry. Although we begged him to eat, he really didn't want to. It was kind of weird to us. Then we realized we should ask him why, and he responded, in Tagalog, "I want to bring it home to my family." My partner and I smiled, and said that he could have more to take home after he ate. He smiled and took a bite. :)

Saying goodbye was bittersweet. All of my classmates enjoyed spending time with their Kapitbahay kid, and all of us were surprised to see their works of art and to hear how well they understood the story read to them. The kids were clearly happy to bring home new pencils, crayons and books. Not to mention food. But their hugs goodbye made us want to spend more time with them. :( And when they left, all we had left to remember them by were our memories.

Meeting the students, especially Rinnel, has changed my attitude towards my studies, and towards the less-fortunate. Those kids were just like any kids in the fourth grade, except that maybe they really work hard to get high grades, they listen in class, and they study because they're thankful for the oppurtunity, and they want to make their families happy. Makes me want to do better at school, myself. :)

If someday you read this Rinnel, thanks. :) God bless, take care! :)

Nicah.

Life Verses. :D

Just recently, I remembered a challenge our discipleship group leader gave us. She said to find a life verse. She said that a life verse is a Bible verse that best applies to your life, or a Bible verse that strikes you in a different way than other verses. So anyway, I decided to take the challenge. :) I found 2 verses that affected me most.

1. Psalm 73:25
My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
I really like this verse because it is such a great encouragement and assurance of God's love. It says that people are weak, and we can't do everything on our own. In fact, we can't do anything on our own. So when our own strength fails, and when we think we can't take it anymore, God is the strength of our hearts. He loves us so much, and He'll help us keep on going. :) He's the reason why we can go on even after a fight with our parents or a struggle we have, or whatever.. :)

Here's a song that came from this verse:

Whom have I in heaven but You
There is nothing on earth I desire beside You
My heart and my strength many times they fail
But there is one truth that always will prevail

God is the strength of my heart
God is the strength of my heart
God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever, forever

2. 1 Timothy 4:12
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
I like this one, too, because it tells us that even the young, and maybe those who aren't as smart or tall or even as pretty as others can be an example to other other people. And for me, it says that I can make a difference for God in the lives of other people. :) And that pushes me even more to be a better person. :)

Being able to find my life verse/s is a great achievement for me. :) Praise God. If you guys have a life verse too, feel free to share it with me! :) Comment please. :D

God bless you guys, take care! :)

When the cup cakes,
Nicah

P.S. I miss you JI people!

Feelin' Fabulous. ;)

Fabu. Faboolous. Whatever you want to call it... That's how I'm feeling. :D

I dunno, I guess everything's been going so well. I got my scores for the examinations, and they were pretty good. Praise God. :) and school work is still light. Friends, family life has been good. And I feel really good about myself. :) I'm at the peak of my happiness joy (joy- long lasting happiness) level for this past week. :) and that's really really good.

I do miss my lists though. :D So here is a list of the things that I need to make my life perfect right now:

Things I Need To Make My Life Perfect (Right Now)

1. A good book to read.
I haven't read a book in a long time. I kind of need it when I'm bored... and when there's nothing better to do. XD

2. People who want chihuahua puppies!
Let me explain. :)) My dog (a beautiful, chocolate-fawn colored, brown-eyed, long-coat chihuahua) is going to be in heat next month. I'm planning to make her have one litter of puppies. :D We already have a stud. :D And I'm really really excited for her pups! Problem is, my family doesn't plan on keeping any of them, so we're going to sell them... And I'm already looking for loving homes. :D

So while I have the chance to advertise... Litter of chihuahua puppies for sale! Beautiful mother, father is full stud. :D Expected delivery: some time in November, ready to take home in february 2008. :D P15,000 for male, P17,000 for female. (tentative price)

3. My relatives and friends in the states to come over here. :(
I miss so many people from the US. :( My ninangs, godsister, friends, family. :( I really wish I could go to them, or they could go to me.

4. Sleepover!
I'm inviting some friends to sleepover at my place this saturday so some people could go to a Youth event with me. :D I really want them to come. :)

5. The ability to play the piano and be perfect pitch. :D
Haha, in my DREAMS. :P

6. The ability to play any sport!!!!
must I say more? :))

7. A shopping spree. :D
To buy all the things I want. Then load my closet and CD collection. :))

8. A purtee dress. :D
Every girl needs a pretty dress. :D hahaha.

God bless you guys! Hope you're feeling FABULOUS!

Nicaaah.

Reading

I'm back, bloggie. I've missed you. I'm sor - no, it's not another website, it's jus - I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. You wouldn't want me to fill you up with boring stuff, would you? There, there, I'm not losing my touch. Things will be fine. Lookie, I have a new entry already! Now, there's the smile I've missed. :)

[forgive me, my blog is just a bit sensitive. She doesn't like it when I "forget" to post. She has issues.]

I'll admit it: I'm a bookworm. I just love books. Especially fantasy and realistic fiction... and maybe sci-fi too. But that's aside from the point. I just don't understand how somebody can hate dislike reading.

Let's do a sanity check. [refer to previous blog entry if this is all unclear to you]

Why Reading Is So Likeable (And No, That's Not A Typo)

1. It's a great way to get rid of boredom.
If you have the right kind of book, reading can be a great way to kill* time. I remember that when I was reading the 5th Harry Potter book (props to Ms. Rowling), I started reading at around 2 in the afternoon, and ended at 5 pm. Gosh that was a good book. But, yeah, there's my point. If you're stuck at home, ripping your hair out 'cause you're bored to the extent of being willing to watch grass grow, don't watch grass grow. That's just too weird. Grab a book. Your hair will thank you.

2. It takes you to different places, into different dimensions, into different people's lives. You get it.
Great authors, such as J.K. Rowling, James Patterson, Lois Lowry and Andrew Clements know how to take their readers into their characters' setting. That's technically speaking. And fortunately, I'm not technical. Technical people talk extremely boringly and deeply. I am more.... Free-versed. Yeah, whatever. :)) So in free-versed terms, amazing authors just completely make you WANT to read their books because they're just so amazingly interesting. Let's say.... James Patterson decided to turn Star Wars into a book. While reading it, you can feel yourself as Anakin Skywalker. You can feel yourself flying in a trooper, and kicking clone butt. That's just how great of an author Mr. Patterson is. *bows in reverence*

3. It gives your imagination wings, and your hands a mind of their own.
In boring technical terms, reading develops our writing skills and our capabilities to imagine. Props again to Mr. Patterson for helping me hone my book-writing skills. ;)

4. Your teachers and parents will appreciate your love for reading.
Adults just love seeing kids read. I don't know why, but they do. Oh, wait, let me ask my dad.

Nicah: Why do adults like seeing kids read?
Dad: Because... Reading is... Fun - damental.

...Don't mind him, he's only 20 percent adult. Too bad it only shows when he gets mad. :| Anyway, adults just like it. And if you're already an adult (thanks for reading my blog, by the way :D), reading just makes you feel good about yourself.

5. It's a good excuse for staying up late at night.
For those night owls who just can't sleep at night, reading's a good way to spend your restless nights. ;) As simple as that.


I'm sure there are more reasons. But I can't name them all. Much too many. ;) You guys... Just try it out. Maybe a lot of people dislike reading 'cause they haven't exactly given it a chance because they think it's dorky or something... but seriously, it's not. I bet even Brad Pitt reads. :P And consider yourselves extremely blessed, because a lot of people can't even read. It's a gift that you should take advantage of and put to use in the best of ways.

So just take the chance to read while you still have good eyesight, and while the good books are still on the shelves. And if you STILL don't like it, oh well. At least you tried. ;)

God bless you guys. Take care. :)

P.S. I love Maximum Ride. That's a good book to read. :D By, of course, Mr. James Patterson.

*psycho music starts playing

Blogging

You know what, I don't really understand the main purpose of blogging. So today, I'm going to make a list of the possible purposes. As a great teacher once said, "Making lists is a way of making sure you're still sane." I'm living proof of this. Yeah, right.

Purposes of Blogging

1. To let strangers friends into your personal life.
It's always good to keep your friends updated on what's happening in your ever-eventful life (especially for us almost teens). Especially if your friends are in the states or something. So I guess that's one good use for blogs. But beware people. Stalkers and hackers lurk these webs. *evil laugh* Honestly.

2. A form of self-expression.
Sometimes, us human beings *ahem ahem* just want to rant about our awful day and let everything out. And that's just another purpose of the blog. It's much more "hi-tech" than keeping a journal, and let's face it, who REALLY wants to spend time writing in an old notebook with any old pen when you can use a fancy LCD monitor and a keyboard? That's right, nobody does. :))

3. To get into the "in" crowd.
This might sound like a lame reason, but it's true. Blogging is becoming sort of a "fad", if I may say so. What kind of person sits around enjoying writing in any old journal while all her friends are on Blogger, or Multiply? Some strangely weird person, that's who (not that there's anything wrong with strangely weird people. Hehe).

4. To speak your mind out without revealing your identity.
The truth must be revealed: a lot of people trash their enemies (and sometimes, friends) through their blogs. And what's extremely convenient for them is that it's very easy to lie on the Internet about your identity and such. I bet you've read the word !@#! and ?&*#$ way too many times on the Internet. Alright, so this might not be a very NICE feature of blogs, but hey, it's MY list. >:)

5. To get rid of boredom.
Must I say more? :D


...So I've come to the conclusion that blogs are just something every person has a use for. Honestly. So get a blog today. *wink*

Eww. I sound like an ad. :))

God bless you guys, take care!