All the small things...

Ominous Dream(s) or Perhaps Nightmare(s)

2012-02-05T10:01:00.003-05:00

Hi again. Haven't been posting much but you must forgive me! Classes are getting tougher and tougher to handle these days, I guess.

So I'm not exactly sure what to call the moving images from my subconscious state. Dreams or nightmares? Maybe you can help me decide.

It starts off with a female of unknown origin. In reality I don't know her, but in this realm of dreams I was her friend. She's of some enhanced clan of warriors. The last of her kind. Apparently they live to train and fight. Don't ask me how I knew, the information was just there.

Another being had challenged her. If she did not go however, he would destroy all those dear to her. [I apologize if this series of scenes causes confusion, you'll just have to bear with me.]

Of course, she had to take on this evil. She wouldn't have involved the ones she cared for. The scene that plays out in front of me is a confusion of images but I knew she was left barely alive. The only reason she was still breathing was because of her enhanced blood. She was built to endure more than the human race. The other being left, most likely assuming she would expire any second. She had been the only survivor of his attacks, even then, it was barely. She had dragged her torn body back home and that was the last of that scene as it faded into a completely different place.

This time, I was myself. It was a group of us. And we were running from something. Hiding. The adrenaline was thick in the air. We managed to lock ourselves in a large chamber that looked very much like a lab strewn with tables and such. The lot of us were searching for a way out of this dead end that would keep us safe until they were able to break down the doors. I, myself, was climbing tables tearing grates from the vents high above. Unfortunately, they were too small for any of us to fit through. The last of my thoughts was sh*t, we're so screwed as the scene changed yet again.

This time it was my death warrant. I had received a similar challenge as the being from the initial scene. A swarm of thoughts attacked my mind. There was only one sole survivor and she was left in quite a terrible state. I had been frantically looking for loopholes, thinking he must have the wrong person. I was your average human being with no enhanced strength or speed; no combat abilities. But I had a deadline.

I had resigned to the knowledge that I would be dead very soon. I had to go meet him. He would not have my friends and family. Speaking of friends and family, I needed to break the news to them. They were not going to change my mind but they needed to know.

My father and mother looked devastated. I was given a phone that was bugged. Apparently it was linked to my soul and as soon as I died it would let them know I was gone and where to retrieve my body. They too had assumed the worst but hoped for a different outcome. My best friend had been out shopping. I went to meet her; to tell her of the news. She hid her feelings but the dread and tension hung so heavily in the air. I reached for a pair of shoes she was looking at and told her that when I got out of it I would get us both a pair so that she would have something to look forward too. Haha. It looked more like she wanted to punch me in the face when she asked, "how can you still kid around so easily with this hanging above your head?"

I didn't have to come up with an answer because at that point the dream had once again warped into a different scene. This time all my relatives were gathered for dinner. My farewell dinner I supposed, as everyone was wearing such mournful faces and of course all black. They said their goodbyes and ate. My grandfather had no words, just tears. It broke my heart. My grandmother spoke to keep the tears at bay. Told me to eat, that everything was going to be okay.

Then a mysterious earthquake hit. A quiet one. Only slight tremors were felt. But I knew it was time when everyone in the place seemed to falling into a lull; a hypnosis of some sort. I was the only one to be attentive. Everyone seemed to have fainted but one touch and they were back. I ran around getting them back up.

After seeing to that, the scene had twisted once again and this time I was heading for the location of my challenge. That was the last of it. I don't know what happened next because I woke up. How anticlimactic right?

I went back to sleep thinking maybe I could find out the end of the story and also because it was 3 in the morning. haha... but the story was gone and another formed in its place. This time I was also part of it. A group of classmates were with me. A professor of some sort. His appearance had always been a strange one to me. He had been tall with a skinny frame. Long neck and sagging facial features. Small, beady eyes with scarcely any hair left on his head.

He was taking us on a tour through an "acclaimed" horror house museum where people disappeared all the time. We assumed it was just a set that movie makers used for their slasher movies. But no one has ever heard of it before.

Then one by one, some of our classmates began disappearing. The professor was no where to be found. Screams were heard. Then he was back with us. Eyes wild. But not because he was afraid. He was the culprit and hungered for more. But out of no where a strange being came out of the shadows and speared him between the eyes stating that she had been searching for him for the longest time and looked down upon his sprees of murder; murmuring something about our generation being the future of this planet.

He didn't stay dead for long though. When we looked again he had been gone and the spear lay on the floor where he had been. It was unbelievable since we watched the thing hit him smack in the middle but who were we to question. The other being led us to safety away from the place.

That about finishes up the series of moving images. My subconscious is mad crazy, huh? I have yet to decipher it.

Shadow Kin - M.J. Scott

2011-10-01T18:24:00.017-04:00

Shadow Kin
by M.J. Scott

Blurb on the back of the book:
On one side, the Night World, rules by the Blood Lords and the Beast Kind. On the other, the elusive Fae and the humans, protected by their steadfast mages...

Born a wraith, Lily is a shadow who slips between worlds. Brought up by a Blood Lord and raised to be his assassin, she is little more than a slave. But when Lily meets her match in target Simon DuCaine, the unlikely bond that develops between them threatens to disrupt an already stretched peace in a city on the verge of being torn apart...

So instead of studying for an exam, I read this in a mattter of six hours! The characters each have their own story to tell and it's a change in pace of what I'm used to reading. The mystery behind wraiths are quite fascinating and I don't regret buying this book for one second. I would love to write more however, it's time I got back to reading my TextBook on Extemporaneous Compounding!

Oh how I wish I could disappear into the shadow like Lily!

Doesn't this cover look absolutely gorgeous?!

2011-10-01T18:07:00.002-04:00

Click on the image to be redirected to the Author's site!

It's been the longest time.

2011-10-01T15:14:00.002-04:00

I realize I haven't blogged as much as I've wanted to. There's a lot of stuff that I haven't gotten around to doing. I want to blame it on time but perhaps I'm just lazy. That's gotta be it. Lazy.

And also, I have no idea what to say while I am in a race against time to study for an exam on Monday in addition to two quizzes and perhaps a lab. What have I become? How could I let my procrastination get so far?

I have come to despise the person that I am and I wish I knew what to do to change that. I need time but time is not given out like that. All I ever used to do was dream and now I feel unaccomplished because these dreams, these goals seem so far away.

This Semester

2011-05-04T19:32:00.003-04:00

This semester has been the best semester ever, although it's coming to an end quickly, not mentioning exams and assignments.

This semester, I've met some great people. I don't want the summer to come yet, since that would mean everyone will be doing their own thing.

The people you meet just make everything so much brighter, even pharmacy school! hahas ;p

It's February...

2011-02-02T08:56:00.001-05:00

and it's freezing...

Days like these...

2010-12-20T00:33:00.003-05:00

Days like these simply make wonderful memories! ♥this group!

The following pic is of the initial group but it was much better with just the few of us haha!

Cannot wait for the next~

爱

2010-12-08T00:31:00.000-05:00

It has to be something called LOVE. xD

I am...

2010-09-04T23:17:00.004-04:00

so very tired. おやすみなさい。

Last Week Before School Starts...

2010-08-26T20:11:00.010-04:00

Random Posting

I'm thinking of changing my name. If I ever planned to move over to Hong Kong, I'm pretty sure the people there will have a hard time pronouncing my current one. My friend Kenji does the best impression! "Mawwnick...." LOL but yeah... anyways..

So... just a few more days left. Let's party it UP! or maybe not. hahas.

Been super busy. Finally got work. Um... am now panicking about textbooks and whatnot. Lots of stress from other things. That's about it. Wondering how to balance study and work. Praying for guidance.

Fire.

2010-08-23T20:31:00.001-04:00

Careful when playing with fire...　Hehes I love fire!

いい天気ですよね。

2010-08-18T00:38:00.001-04:00

It's quite nice weather tonight. ♪( ´▽｀)

Love Love Love

2010-07-18T02:06:00.002-04:00

Absolutely loved my day today. Although it ended up starting late, everything turned out really well. Bummed at the beach. Played some frisbee. Waded in the salt water. Then dinner at St. Mark's. Met two new amazing people. Insane drives though.. So much time consumed sitting in the car. Still, Long Beach is worth the drive as long as you make sure you don't get lost like my friend♥ :p

Beach!

2010-07-16T12:54:00.002-04:00

Finally going to the beach tomorrow. Hopefully plans don't change. Looking forward to it.

The Last Airbender

2010-07-14T23:09:00.002-04:00

Haven't been updating in a while. Didn't watch the movie but am currently watching the anime. hahas. It's good.

Random. Do not read.

2010-06-23T17:07:00.005-04:00

Beneath that beautiful mask
once was a warm, lovely soul.

What once was will never be.
Now beneath that beautiful masks exists a soul too dark to see.

One that haunts my nightmares and devours the light.
The light it once brought into my life.

How did this happen?
When did this change?

You say that it was me.
Yet I only changed to battle the monster you have become.

You won't listen.
You only scream.

You say that you don't want to fight,
when I tell you to fight for your dreams.

Yet you fight with me over mine.
You fight to control me.

Yet you squirm and flail when I try to help
And tell me that I am trying to control you.

What is this monster you have become?
What is this monster I have become?

I wish beneath that mask was a soul
to reflect the beauty I once saw.

Another day

2010-06-22T13:02:00.002-04:00

Been sleeping too much lately. Hate sleep.
Sleep is when the things of nightmares come to haunt you.

Mondays...

2010-06-21T22:15:00.002-04:00

Not having a good day. Should watch what I say.
People are such fragile things. They never understand.

今日も暑いですね。

2010-06-20T17:54:00.002-04:00

It's been quite hot these past few days. Too hot.
Good beach weather though. Should probably go.

The house is getting fixed up. Roof and siding done.
Only the windows are left. For that we have to clean.

It's been boring around the house. So very boring.
No books to read yet. Running out of anime to watch.

If only life was a story that could be edited...

2010-05-09T18:41:00.002-04:00

...if only it were that easy to delete scenes and mistakes... if only it were that easy to rewrite the plot... if only...

I should probably get back to studying...

2010-05-06T23:14:00.002-04:00

I'll keep this short. I haven't slept in days. It's currently finals week. Just thought I would pop in to say hi. procrastinate a bit. and then say bye. okay, bye.

The sun. It burns.

2010-04-07T18:57:00.007-04:00

Just thought I should stop by and do a short post since it's been quite some time since I last wrote.

It's been one crazy semester and still going. Honestly, I wish I could just cry and everything will be better. The classes I've been attending are getting to be quite overwhelming. But yeah... anyways let's not talk about failing!

Onto better news! It's getting warm here in New York! But then again, we never know how long the weather will last since it's been quite random and fluctuating a lot. Looking forward to the summer ^^

I haven't been able to read in quite a long time TT^TT I really wish I could just stop and pick up a book from the pile and read! It really sucks knowing that they're so close but I can't touch them until I finish studying. Well anyways, less babbling now.

Hope everyone has a great week. Umm... I'm thinking of splitting this blog so that I have two, one for entries about whatever comes to mind and another for reviews. haha but I will think on that another time! Back to typing up my lab report!

No thanks... I don't want to wake up yet ...

2010-03-01T21:57:00.006-05:00

... so yeah. Please don't wake me 'til spring comes around the corner :p I'm hibernating!

haha. I really wish I could sleep until Spring comes around. Sadly, although I like to nap and am hungry all the time, I am no bear and have no time to sleep my winter away. For me and my buddies, it's week after week of stress!

Last week, we got a small break... in the form of a snow day! So we ended up getting Friday off, but yeah... that was a lot of snow... that needed shoveling. Guess what took up most of Friday? That's right, lots of shoveling and little rest. After shoveling I didn't feel the urge to nap anymore since I had a feeling that if I did, once I wake up my muscles would be in a lot of pain :O haha so I ended up just kinda laying around here and there being lazy until nighttime came around.

Because it was a snow day on Friday, my Metaphysics midterm got pushed to today in the afternoon. That's the third examination of the semester. Thursday will be Pharmacoeconomics midterm and then, two Wednesdays from this week is the Public Health midterm. I am bummed. And I can't help but feel overwhelmed. However, I was talking to my friend last week at church about college and St. John's Pharm D program specifically. And I told her that I just hope I don't fail out first, but she reminded me that if this is where God wants me, then this is where God will put me. I just need to let go of my worries and put my trust in His hands. I haven't been doing that much lately but she reminded me that God has plans for me and it's best to just trust Him with everything.

I still can't help but feel overwhelmed, but knowing that He is watching and being able to trust him with my worries does take a burden off my shoulders. I know, I'm a terrible Christian and I don't really fully rely on him but He has always been there and you know what? He loves me whether I'm terrible or not. My sister often reminds me too. haha She's a more faithful Christian than me. bad monique! always doubting and forgetting to talk to God! Hopefully as time passes, I'll be able to get over this obstacle and really trust him with everything. It is His will where he wants me.

Also, I have pretty awesome friends that help me through troubling times and I'm really glad that they're also here to stop me from giving up and to support me when even I don't believe in myself. There are always times when we feel terrible but look around. There's gotta be people who support you all around. You just need to stop looking down. and yeah, I know I need to start taking my own advice too... haha I'm always the one looking down. always dreading the passing days... it's alright though I have my flaws and well... I have people who look past my flaws and help my good traits shine... and when I stop and realize that, well my days look better and no matter how many times I revert back to this depression of mine they will always be there right behind me nudging me on, and for that I am grateful. Just remember, that whenever you feel down, just look around!

Spring break is right around the corner and I can't wait since it will be a little more relaxing (even though it will involve some studying) and I can spend time with all of my awesome buddies together!

Right! Well, I have to get back to studying now. haha. Pharmeco is a pain in the butt :p Wish me and my friends luck! Have a great week.

Biochemistry, Anatomy&Physiology, and Metaphysics Galore...

2010-02-23T19:59:00.004-05:00

So~ I haven't stopped by in a while... and well I obviously have an excuse for that. It's gonna be one long and tiring semester. This week, I have a paper and three tests plus lab all lined up. =.=;; hahas. I'm pretty bummed. First off is Biochemistry test tomorrow T_T apparently this professor's tests are pretty tough, no curves and well he tends to wander off on awkward tangents in class so we never know what's important or not. Regardless, he's very enthusiastic about this subject and well hey hopefully it's not so bad. If I screw up this test, there's still a chance to pull it up to a B right? xD well let's hope it'll all work out for everyone who's taking this test. My metaphysics paper is due tomorrow afternoon and well let's just say I have no clue what's going on... haha. but here's crossing my fingers that the professor thinks my paper is alright. ahh... so Thursday is our Anatomy&Physiology exam. Apparently A&P is out professor's forte. It's not a bad subject but I'm just worried about the memorization of all the tiny little details. Here's hoping I can pull off an A if I study well. Lab is due the same day. Lab isn't hard but it takes time out of study and is quite tedious and I never know what to write to get my report a full 10 out of 10 and then there's lab quizzes... -_-'' Friday, last but not least is my Metaphysics exam.... no comment. Busy busy week, huh? I haven't gotten a chance to do much outside of school work and study. But let's pray that this week goes smoothly and all my buddies in my classes do well too! For now, until the craziness is over, my presence online will be minimal. Good luck to everyone! みんなさん、がんばります！

Embrace the Night - Karen Chance

2010-02-04T20:23:00.006-05:00

Embrace the Night
by Karen Chance

Blurb on the back of the Book:
Recently named the world’s chief clairvoyant, Cassandra Palmer still has a thorn in her side. As long as Cassie and a certain master vampire—the sizzling-hot Mircea—are magically bound to each other, her life will never be her own …

The spell that binds them can only be broken with an incantation found in the Codex Merlini, an ancient grimoire. The Codex’s location has been lost in the present day, so Cassie will have to seek it out in the only place it can still be found—the past.

But Cassie soon realizes the Codex has been lost for a reason. The book is rumored to contain some seriously dangerous spells, and retrieving it may help Cassie to deal with Mircea, but it could also endanger the world…

Third in the Cassie Palmer Series, Embrace the Night quite literally starts off with a bang! Or you could say several bangs as Cassie Palmer searches for the world's most dangerous grimoire, the Codex Merlini, with war mages hot on her trail, and let's just say that they pack a lot of ammunition.

Cassie, a clairvoyant that can communicate with the spirits, was just recently given the title of the world's chief clairvoyant, the Pythia, whether she was ready or not. And because she wasn't trained she knows almost absolutely nothing about her newly gained powers and how to control them.

Previously, she discovered that she was magically linked to the extremely seductive master vampire, Mircea, but due to a mishap while taking a trip back in time, let's just say that it backfired, and well now for as long as they are bound, she may never be free again. To fight it would be to intensify it with a burning desire that will eventually push them off the ledge, so to speak, and let's just say that if the bond is not completed, the pain may drive them mad. The secret to reversing the spell that bound them lies in the lost grimoire, the Codex Merlini and Cassie must find it before Mircea becomes incapacitated.

With a bounty on her head, she searches quite restlessly and comes to realize why the Codex is missing and why it should stay missing, but without it how will she reverse the bond?

A must read with lots of unexpected plot twists and quite the unexpected ending. Cassie is one tough chic. And well, Pritkin, the war mage who opts to help her out is pretty bad ass. Mircea, the master vampire Senate member is quite the devil himself. I absolutely love all the characters of the series! The book consists of a world intertwined with vampires, mages, the dark fey, ghosts, spirits, demons, god like beings and more.

Don't forget to check out the books preceding Embrace the Night in the Cassie Palmer series: Touch the Dark, Claimed by Shadow.

Up next in the series is: Curse the Dawn.

Claimed by Shadow - Karen Chance

2010-02-04T17:56:00.014-05:00

Claimed by Shadow
by Karen Chance

Blurb on the back of the Book:
A recent legacy made Cassandra Palmer heir to the title of Pythia, the world's chief clairvoyant. It's a position that usually comes with years of training, but Cassie's circumstances are a little...unusual. Now she's stuck with a whopping amount of power that every vamp, fey, and mage in town wants to either monopolize or eradicate-and that she herself doesn't dare use.

What's more, she's just discovered that a certain arrogant master vampire has a geis on her-a magical claim that warns off any would-be suitors, and might also explain the rather ... intense attraction between them. But Cassie's had it with being jerked around, and anyone who tries it from now on is going to find out that she makes a very bad enemy...

Claimed by Shadow, the second of the Cassie Palmer series, follows Karen Chance's Touch the Dark. And is yet another exhilarating read.

Claimed by Shadow starts off with Cassie's continuing search for the boss of the vampire mafioso, Tony, that once held claims to her. Her father had worked for him until an unfortunate incident. Tony had claimed to have taken Cassie in when her parents were both killed in a car accident, which she later discovered had actually been rigged. And the one who gave the orders was Tony himself.

Tony has somehow disappeared off the radar, but there are leads that he's hiding out in faerie where the dark fey reside. Tony has a powerful ally, a rogue sybil named Myra, who is threatening to disrupt time to try to take Cassie out before the she fully becomes Pythia. Now Cassie must try to find them first before it's too late.

She is joined by the infamous war mage Pritkin and a friend of his, Mac in her search. Pritkin's reasons for helping in the search of the rogue sybil is questionable but she dares not journey into faerie alone without at least some back up since human magic doesn't work so well in that world.

A series of unfortunate events occur that eventually end up in their arrival into faerie and let's just say that the fey aren't too welcoming and prove to be quite lethal. Not only is she juggling with all these problems, but it seems that the all too sexy master vampire, Mircea, has placed a geis on her that basically binds her to him and warns off any would be suitors. Complications occur and well they've got a lot on their hands at the moment.

Seductive, exhilarating, humorous, and unpredictable. Claimed by Shadow is another amazing read from Ms. Chance, with a world filled with magical creatures, vampires, clairvoyants, dark fey, ghosts, and much, much more. You will perhaps fall in love with every single character besides the bad guys. The plot wasn't too hard to follow and like most of her books, contained lots of twists and turns. Join Cassie as she journeys to faerie and all over the time-line.

Next in this series is Embrace the Night! Check out Karen Chance's other books and series here.

She was ready.

2010-01-30T13:19:00.008-05:00

She was ready to go, but no matter how ready she was and no matter how much any of us anticipated it, I wasn't ready to let her go, just like how I was never ready to let him go.

10.19.96 Born into this life as beautiful as can be. so beautiful...

Ling Ling,

Do you remember when you used to come visit you in Pennsylvania when you were still too young to be brought home? Do you remember how I used to play with you in my lap when I was but a toddler? Remember how we used to run around all over the playground together? Do you remember that time where you were too excited and dragged me halfway across the playground?

Do you remember all those times we would walk you? Remember Benji? Do you remember when you used to come visit us? Remember the times I would come and sit with you in the basement? Remember when I used to complain to you when I got frustrated? Remember how you would stare at me with your big brown eyes? How you would roll onto your belly when you wanted to cheer me up?

Remember that last Saturday I came over to see you? Did you know then? Did you know? Did you know that that was the last time I would ever get to see your beautiful face?

Do you remember me now that you're gone? Will you remember me?

Ling Ling, you were the most beautiful dog in the world. You were the greatest friend anyone could ever have and I love you with my whole heart. We grew up together. I'll miss you so much. Please don't forget.

Sunday, January 24, 2010. She knew. She'd known. She insisted on walking through the rooms of the house. She would take lingering glances in every direction. She wasn't curious. She knew where everything was or should be. She was just trying to burn into her memory the things she would miss when she left. She'd known but she was ready to let go. And then she was gone.

I didn't know it would be so soon. I just saw her on Saturday. She walked around with me in the basement. I gave her a treat and sat down next to her while she rested in her bed. Maybe I should've known. She looked sad. But she licked my arms reassuringly. I think she wanted me to be strong. She watched me go. Other days she would stay in bed. That day she followed me to the steps and watched after me. She must've known. I should've known.

But I wasn't ready.

Monday, January 25, 2010. They found you stiff with rigor mortis. Beautiful eyes, dull. Cold. So cold. You knew you were going. You knew you would miss us. It hurt to let us go, but you were ready. You were strong to the end.

You wanted us to be strong. But how can I be? I wasn't ready. I wasn't ready when Benji left. I certainly wasn't ready when you left. Beautiful dogs... how could we let you go?

She was ready to go, but no matter how ready she was and no matter how much any of us anticipated it, I wasn't ready to let her go, just like how I was never ready to let him go. But that's how life is, right? We live, we laugh, we love, we cry, we die.

No matter how much we hang on... no matter how unprepared we are, everyone and everything has a time to go. Cry, but never forget. Be strong.

... you will be missed.

May she rest in peace. 10.19.96 - 01.25.10 おやすみ Good night, my beautiful. Until we meet again.

My Fairytale...

2010-01-29T09:42:00.010-05:00

...consists nothing of school. yet lo and behold I have class five days a week xD. I would love to read more but there's no time for that. Blogs will probably be scarce through the semester, but hey when I do... you'll know when I do :p

On a side note, I thought I'd share that I am in love with angels! Not the ones from Legion, of course, but you know, the really pretty ones with white wings and beautiful voices and whatnot :p [random ^_^]but yeah... I should probably stop here 'cuz I need to head over to class soon!

Est-ce que vous êtes folle?

2010-01-20T23:32:00.008-05:00

Well, the first day of school has come to an end... and well... I can't help but feel overwhelmed.

Monday through Thursday, school starts basically either at 7:35 or 8:00. Waking up is.... well... waking up -_-'' It takes me quite some time to actually regain full consciousness to sit up and think oh hey, I should probably get ready. Unless... I'm late. haha... then, I just jump out of bed after looking at the time and like pull on whatever clothing is closest, shove my feet into socks and whichever pair of shoes is easiest to put on, and well i grab my bag and run! ^_^ what a fun routine huh? :p

This morning, it took a while to get used to waking up extra early since for the past month I've been sleeping in and waking mostly at 12:00. I set five alarms on my phone and was a bit disoriented when groping around in the dark to stop the irritating sounds. XDD My sister later told me that I only woke to the third alarm. hahas. I guess I'm a deep sleeper.

The first class of the day was Biochem with Dr. Stephani! Two hours long! It's okay since I get to see lots of people I know in that class. However that excited mode I was in was immediately put out when my arch nemesis, who I shall not name, decided to sit down next to my two friends, Jackey and Danny, immediately not giving me or my other friend Li a chance to take a seat next to them. (She's not my arch nemesis btw. and it would take forever to explain the situation so let's not ^_^) We settled for sitting a row further up.

Then, the class started! To me, time flew. But that was probably due to the fact that I was doodling in my notebook. Li, however, felt the full effects, with her 15 million yawns which she failed to stifle! (hehe...) The professor kind of wanders off on tangents but it's not so bad as sometimes the things he says are interesting. The only thing I'm worried about is his exams. And I really hope to pull all A's this semester. Li tells me that he has terrible ratings and that a lot of people don't think he's that great. To tell the truth, I am scared. But hey, who says you can't get an A if the prof. has bad ratings? It's not impossible and well, shoot for the stars, people! We got this! (hopefully... :p )

The class after biochem was Intro to Public Health with Dr. Baturay, and let's just say this class is going to be hell to keep up with. It's not that the material is hard. It's more like she has a powerpoint up from which she reads directly and then jumps to the next page without giving much time for us to copy notes. And well, if we miss it then too bad because she doesn't post the powerpoints up for us to review. She also had terrible ratings. But I'm sure once we figure out how to keep up we'll be able to pull through. Li and I were discussing recording if possible or taking pics of the slides. haha. but yeah, apparently Baturay reminds Li of Ms. Arcuri from BTHS. XDD She's supposedly a legend at my former high school. hahas. Either way, I'm sure we can do this too!

Last but not least, the class I ended with was Metaphysics with Prof. Fernandez! He has a hell of a sense of humor and well I'm really looking forward to this class. I really hope to pass this class with flying colors, but of course you never know... There's two pop quizzes, two papers, and two exams that go into final grades. Despite the workload that seems to be presented, I think I can do it! Also, it was nice to end the day with a pretty fun class. And well hey, at least I didn't end all gloomy and tired like last semester!

However, tomorrow isn't looking very good T_T Anatomy&Physiology with Dr. Carroll, Pharmacoeconomics with Dr. Khan, and Biomed Lab. sigh* A&P is Carroll's forte so we gotta know our stuff if we want A's. Khan got very very very bad ratings. And Biomed Lab just seems to be too much work. gahhhh...

This is the part where I ask myself, Est-ce que vous êtes folle? (French for: Are you insane?) hehe... I feel like I'm already drowning from anxiety and our second day has yet to begin. And I certainly regret choosing this block schedule. I wish I had better teachers, but it's not something we can help, you know? And that's when I recalled something a really good friend blogged about:

" [...] When everything looks down, never give up. Things may look bad now, but you can always improve on them. regrets and mistakes are only stepping stones to become a better person. Even id the road before you is broken, that just means that you now have to repair it. Never. Give. Up."
- Alger (If you're reading this, thanks! hehe. you really helped pick me up!) :D

Never give up! That is something I want to stay with me this new year! I want to perservere no matter how bad the professors seem. I want to be able to get really good grades, graduate from this program, and then travel to Japan and other Asian countries like Hong Kong and Taiwan. It's good to dream sometimes ;D hehe....

Okay kiddies, time for bed. But one last thing: WE GOT THIS! Let's all do our best! and Never. Ever. Give. Up! ^_^ Looking forward to another day, to more opportunties, and of course a trip to Japan! And with that in mind: Est-ce que vous êtes folle? Non! Bonne nuit. Au revoir :p

Final Fantasy VII Advent Children!

2010-01-14T23:29:00.008-05:00

A strange disease is decimating the land and it's up to the hero Cloud to emerge from solitude and defeat a new breed of enemy in the computer animated feature that picks up where Final Fantasy VII left off. It has been two years since the events of Final Fantasy VII, and though the ruins of Midgar still stand to show the sacrifices made for peace, a new threat to mankind has arrived. With the citizens of the countryside falling ill and old enemies rising from the ashes to seek revenge, Cloud must leap back into action and help his fellow friends lest his solitude leave all of mankind vulnerable to another devastating attack.

Even if you have not played Final Fantasy VII, which I have not, you will still absolutely love this movie! As I've mentioned before I am in love with the graphics that Square Enix seems to constantly provide. This movie was released quite some time ago but it is worth watching over and over and over again. hehe... forgive me. i am seriously in love with Final Fantasy graphics :p

By the way, Cloud, the protagonist, although quite effeminate, is very good looking in my terms. The antagonists aren't that bad either. I just love the way they all look! XDD

Did I already mention? The graphics are to die for! hehe. same kind of graphics used for up and coming final fantasy games that I've mentioned in previous posts!

Daybreakers

2010-01-14T22:49:00.005-05:00

Two-time Academy Award nominee® Ethan Hawke plays Edward Dalton, a researcher in the year 2019, in which an unknown plague has transformed the world's population into vampires. As the human population nears extinction, vampires must capture and farm every remaining human, or find a blood substitute before time runs out. However, a covert group of vampires makes a remarkable discovery, one which has the power to save the human race.

So I finally got a chance to watch Daybreakers with my friends earlier in the day. It was a pretty gruesome and gory film. It wasn't as great as I had expected, but overall it was a pretty good film. I would probably give this movie a 6.5 out of 10.

Warning *there might be spoilers. apologies in advance*

Daybreakers started quite slowly for me. For like the first 20 minutes of the film, there wasn't much going on. You just kind of get a feel of the vampiric plague and the city's emptiness during the day. Then of course you see the productivity of the city skyrocket as night falls.

Lack of human blood turns chaotic and Edward Dalton (Ethan Hawke), head hematologist, is rushed to provide a blood substitute before the lack of blood is felt by all. Deadly creatures result from starvation and well, like I said, it gets pretty chaotic.

Some scenes here and there will make you jump out of your seats. The effects were pretty awesome, if you ask me. Oh and I must say they did a good job with the vampires, especially with the teeth and the amber eyes.

However, the ending proved to be quite lacking. I was expecting more, but it just simply ended. There's a cure. But how do they carry out the cure? How do they cure the whole world when there's deadly creatures on the loose?

All in all, this vampire film was one that I enjoyed for the most part. And I do love vampires :p just not too much the twilight kind. don't shoot me :p

Avatar

2010-01-14T22:00:00.003-05:00

When his brother is killed in battle, paraplegic Marine Jake Sully decides to take his place in a mission on the distant world of Pandora. There he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge's intentions of driving off the native humanoid "Na'vi" in order to mine for the precious material scattered throughout their rich woodland. In exchange for the spinal surgery that will fix his legs, Jake gathers intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch, while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na'vi people with the use of an "avatar" identity. While Jake begins to bond with the native tribe and quickly falls in love with the beautiful alien Neytiri, the restless Colonel moves forward with his ruthless extermination tactics, forcing the soldier to take a stand - and fight back in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora.

Epic Movie.

It may have had a predictable story line but it was carried out brilliantly. I must applaud their graphics as well. This world which James Cameron has created is beautifully exotic and fascinating. A must see! It left me speechless.

Touch the Dark - Karen Chance

2010-01-14T00:06:00.013-05:00

Touch the Dark
by Karen Chance

Blurb on the back of the Book:
Cassandra Palmer can see the future and communicate with spirits-talents that make her attractive to the dead and the undead. The ghosts of the dead aren't usually dangerous; they just like to talk...a lot. The undead are another matter.

Like any sensible girl, Cassie tries to avoid vampires. But when the bloodsucking Mafioso she escaped three years ago finds Cassie again with vengeance on his mind, she's forced to turn to the vampire Senate for protection. The undead senators won't help her for nothing, and Cassie finds herself working with one of their most powerful members, a dangerously seductive master vampire-and the price he demands may be more than Cassie is willing to pay...

Just finished rereading this one! And I must say it was as good as the first time reading it :p Another thriller by Karen Chance. Vampires, werewolves, war mages, witches, faeries! Oh my oh my! I absolutely love this series.

Touch the Dark is the first of the Cassandra Palmer series. Karen Chance does wonders with this enchanting book.

Did I mention Louis-Cesare is in this book?! I would learn to fence and speak French just for that sexy master vampire! ;x

Anyways, The leading role here goes to Cassandra Palmer who is a clairvoyant on the run! She is a witty one and well you just have to love her! The lead vampire in this story however is no longer Louis-Cesare but another "dangerously seductive master vampire," Mircea! Trust me, you will fall in love with the book and the characters!

Another great read. Well done Ms. Chance, I absolutely love your books!

Next in this series is Claimed by Shadow! Check out her other books and series here.

Final Fantasy XIII versus, I want you more!!

2010-01-13T23:51:00.000-05:00

OH MY GOODNESS! Noctis, you are my definition of SEXY! wowowoww... I love the graphics. way to go Square Enix!!!

Final Fantasy XIII, I want you!

2010-01-13T21:28:00.004-05:00

THIS IS AMAZING. Square Enix, you are awesome. http://www.finalfantasyxiii.com/

Death's Mistress - Karen Chance

2010-01-13T19:47:00.014-05:00

Death's Mistress
by Karen Chance

Blurb on the back of the Book:
Dorina Basarab is a dhampir—half-human, half-vampire. Subject to uncontrollable rages, most dhampirs live very short, very violent lives. So far, Dory has managed to maintain her sanity by unleashing her anger on those demons and vampires who deserve killing.

Back home in Brooklyn after the demise of her insane uncle Dracula, Dory’s hoping her life is about to calm down. But then she gets some visitors. A friend wants Dory’s help in finding a magical Fey relic, and the gorgeous vampire, Louis-Cesare, is desperate to find his former mistress Christine.

Dory and Louis-Cesare quickly discover that the same master vampire Christine is bound to is also rumored to be in possession of the relic. But when the master vampire turns up dead, they realize that there’s more at stake than a missing mistress. Someone is killing vampire Senate members, and if Dory and Louis-Cesare can’t stop the murderer, they may be next…

Death's Mistress is the second of the Dorina Basarab series and I must say I'm in love with this book too. You have to tag along on this wild ride. The storyline is as thrilling as the last and the characters as sexy as the last!

You get to see Dory and Louis-Cesare back in action and well I'm still in love with them :] Dory has been running errands for her vampire father since she needs the money to pay the rent. However, he doesn't seem to be telling her everything she needs to know about certain errands, and well she's found herself in a dilemma and Louis-Cesare's sexy ass has just made her problems harder to deal with.

Not all is fun and games however. There's some serious crap happening with the vampire Senate and well the shit's about to hit the fan. The ending is quite a shocker and quite the unexpected.

Death's Mistress was a fun and thrilling read. And I absolutely cannot wait to read the next one! Did I mention, Louis-Cesare is one sexy ass vamp :] sigh... what I would give to be in Dorina's place :p

Preceding Death's Mistress in the Dorina Basarab series is Midnight's Daughter! Check out her other books and series here. Reviews for her other books and series should be up or coming soon!

Midnight's Daughter - Karen Chance

2010-01-13T19:45:00.006-05:00

Midnight's Daughter
by Karen Chance

Blurb on the back of the Book:
Dorina Basarab is a dhampir—half-human, half-vampire. Subject to uncontrollable rages, most dhampirs live very short, very violent lives. So far, Dory has managed to maintain her sanity by unleashing her anger on those demons and vampires who deserve killing.

Now Dory’s vampire father has come back into her life. Her uncle Dracula (yes, the Dracula) infamous even among vampires for his cruelty and murderous ways, has escaped his prison. And her father wants Dory to work with the gorgeous master vampire Louis-Cesare to put him back there.

Vampires and dhampirs are mortal enemies, and Dory prefers to work alone. But Dracula is the only thing on earth that truly scares her, and when Dory has to go up against him, she’ll take all the help she can get…

This is one of my favorite books of all time.

Midnight's Daughter is the first book of it's series. It was a thrilling read and Ms. Chance's ability to create such a world where magic, love, lust and everything paranormal exist hand in hand is absolutely amazing!

I immediately fell in love with the heroine, Dory. She doesn't take orders from no one, but of course for a dhampir like her, things tend to get a little complicated. Especially when the vampire assigned to her is a gorgeous master vampire, with rich auburn curls and sexy blue eyes.

Dory's roommate has somehow disappeared and she will go to all extents to bring her back safe and sound. Her vampire father, of course chose this time to come back into her life and ask for her help. And well, it's an offer she can't refuse as he offers to use the resources that she does not have to help her in her search. The catch? She has to capture the infamous Dracula, which also happens to be her uncle! what a shocker huh?

And I must say, her assigned partner is one sexy ass vampire! I would absolutely fall head over heels for Louis-Cesare, if only he was real!

Be prepared to tag along on Dory's mission. It's one wild ride! By the way, not only vamps are involved. The fey can prove to be quite sexy as well. And well, some are just dangerous! You can't not fall in love with this story and it's fantastic characters that will have you addicted and demanding for more!

The next in the series is Death's Mistress! Check out her other books and series here. Reviews for her other books and series should be up or coming soon!

Another Weird Dreammmm~

2010-01-11T20:38:00.001-05:00

Talk about weird...

It wasn't as clear as the last one and I'm already forgetting most parts, but here goes... hahas... a mini summary of my most recent dream:

My female boss was in love with me. She was confessing her love to me. She didn't care if I was with her for career benefits or just because I had feelings for her too. Even if I just wanted a higher position, she said she wouldn't mind as long as she gets to love me....

...scene change...

We were all packed and ready for vacation. A vacation to Japan! The trunk was full. Everyone's got smiles on their faces. Who doesn't wanna go to Japan? But I couldn't get rid of that feeling like I was forgetting something. Then it hit me! I forgot to bring socks! oh no! we had to go back and my parents were wondering what I was looking for...

hahas... first part was the most awkward ever! the second part makes me contemplate how I'm always forgetting a sock or two and maybe some shoes in my dreams. :p

Up and Coming Releases...

2010-01-11T01:24:00.000-05:00

... that I'm waiting so anxiously for! There will probably be more but I probably couldn't find any info. Will update once I do! I absolutely love these series and especially these authors!

02.02.10 - FLIRT (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Series #18) by Laurell K. Hamilton

02.09.10 - First Drop of Crimson (Night Huntress World Series #1) by Jeaniene Frost

03.30.10 - Succubus Shadows (Georgina Kincaid Series #5) by Richelle Mead

04.27.10 - Burned (House of Night Series #7) by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

05.18.10 - Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy Series 5) by Richelle Mead

05.25.10 - Moon Sworn (Riley Jenson Guardian Series #9) by Keri Arthur

06.01.10 - Bullet (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Series #19) by Laurell K. Hamilton

07.27.10 - Eternal Kiss of Darkness (Night Huntress World #2) by Jeaniene Frost

Talk about weird dreams...

2010-01-10T22:11:00.000-05:00

Since it's winter break for us college students, I've actually been able to get more sleep than four hours a night. And being able to sleep longer, I think I've finally gave my mind enough time to go into dream mode. Back when school was in, I did have dreams but they were rare and brief, or maybe I just don't remember. Recently, however, they're more abundant and more vivid and quite awkward. haha

Let's see, last night's....

It was a small bubble tea cafe. The interior was a warm yellow. They happened to be giving out complementary drinks, but those were limited, so it was first come first serve. My sisters were with me. There were others but I can't seem to remember. I was up and well, they offered me the last of the complementary drinks, but I ended up giving the free drink to my sister who was in line before me. I ended up chatting with the guy who was handing the drinks out. I can't remember what he looks like, but he was cute. I just remember thinking that. He was really cute. I was blushing...

...then the scene changed...

Somehow the cute guy was suddenly my boyfriend. I was browsing through shelves and shelves of books while he playfully tugged on my sleeves. I picked up a really adorable Christmas card but then remembered Christmas had passed sometime ago so I put it back down. He was hugging me from behind while I skimmed through a few pages of an interesting book. I was hoping my dad wasn't in view. I told him that my dad wouldn't like it if he saw. My dad doesn't like guys hanging all over me. He just laughed it off and continued to browse the shelves with his arm around my waist.

"Your father wouldn't mind. He likes me. Plus, look over there." He pointed in the directions of a seating set-up in the store.

I looked over, my father happened to be there flipping through some books of his own. He looked up, smiled, and waved. I was surprised. He wasn't upset to see I had a boyfriend or the fact that he was so close to me. I remember thinking, 'That's never happened before. My dad never liked my boyfriend. Oh well...'

...another scene change...

I couldn't seem to find him. He'd gone off somewhere but I couldn't find him. I was getting worried. However, I did manage to find my father with my sisters at this round table that we have in our kitchen. They were having steak for dinner. I was hungry so I asked to have some. After two slices I was very full. That was awkward, normally I would be able to eat more. But it's okay, I was more worried about looking for him. My dad asked me to sit around and chat. I squirmed in my seat, anxious. I don't remember what we talked about but was finally relieved to be away from the table, back on with my search.

...then the awkwardness begins ( for some reason I'm seeing everything my 'boyfriend' is. So this is his scene)...

Through my eyes, the surroundings looked strange. Everything seemed to be a bit fuzzy around the edges with a green tinge. 'What's this? What's wrong with my vision,' I was thinking to myself. Then I heard the sound of footsteps and in a hurry I went to find a hiding place. I was hiding from something. Something dangerous. 'What's going on..?' I felt quite disoriented. I felt something in my hand. I looked down to find myself holding something. It was a grenade. 'What am I doing holding this...?'

The footsteps drew nearer. I climbed on top of a laundry machine. I was hunched. Ready to strike whatever was threatening to take me away. They were coming down the stairs. They had guns in there hands. 'Oh my God. What's going on?' I was panic stricken. Then someone came forward. He looked different, strange even. His skin had this deathly pale glow, his eyes sunken.

I remember now. There was a zombie epidemic. This guy approaching me was a zombie. What was he doing with a group of humans with guns? Then he spoke. "It's okay, hand me your weapon. Everything will be alright."

I was shocked. Zombies don't speak. 'What's going on...' I handed him the dangerous weight in my hand. The men with guns went away. The zombie stayed behind. "How come you're speaking? How come the men haven't killed you? Aren't they hunting zombies? Aren't you one?"

"Well. Yeah I am one but like you, I managed to retain my consciousness. I'm not one of those homicidal zombies who attack everyone... and yes they're taking out zombies but just the crazy mindless ones who attack anyone and anything."

My heart stopped. '.... like me...' What did he mean? "What do you mean, like me?"

"Hey pal, sorry to break it to ya, but you're like me. And you've managed to retain your consciousness, so you're no threat. well, at least i hope not..."

He walked with me up the stairs. I was speechless... 'how... when...sigh....'

...and then the scene changes again. (i'm back in my own body.) but i seem to see what he's thinking too although my dream self doesn't... yeah it's kinda hard to explain... hahas. bear with me....

"Hey, where have you been? I've been looking all over for you. I was so worried with the breakout and all. I'm so glad your safe!" I hugged him.

'At least she doesn't see me differently. I hope she doesn't know what I've turned into. I don't want her to turn away from me after seeing the monster I've become,' he thought to himself.

He hugs me back, "Don't worry. I'm here now. Smile a bit." He gives me a kiss on the forehead.

I had to smile. He was back at my side. The love of my life. I would die if anything happened to him.

...then the scene is different... i'm seeing it third person...

Everyone's there. It seems to be some sort of a gathering to just hang around. Everyone's throwing blankets in the air and running around. It looked like fun. It probably was fun. My 'boyfriend' is there laughing. But he looks different. I'm with him. We were holding hands, laughing, running around.

And then I woke up...

Yeah so I have no idea what to make of it either XDD but I have to say it's quite awkward....

2010-01-10T22:08:00.001-05:00

A story I started not so long ago...

2009-02-18T00:18:00.000-05:00

Here goes:

It all began after waking abruptly from my dream, or as one might say a nightmare. There was so much blood and gore that I couldn’t make any sense of it. Amid all the chaos, was a guy not much older than myself. He had been standing in the middle of it all. His shirt was matted down with a liquid so dark and thick that it made it hard to tell whether it was dark or just fully covered in blood . The most significant thing about him was his face. It was utterly stunning, outlined by true black hair. His skin was as pale as snow, which brought out his eyes. Those eyes held some sort of an understanding between us that I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

When it was all coming to an end, and my mind was slowly bringing me back to reality, a warm vanilla scent gently filled the air around me and erased any memory of the metallic scent of blood that hung in the air. He reached, with blood soaked hands, for me with a look of confusion on his face. I couldn’t help but reach for him, seeing the pain and distress in his eyes. Just as the warmth of his hand enclosed my hand, a darkness swept over us.

The next thing I knew, I was awake. I found myself panting as I sat up, trying to untangle myself from the sheets. I hadn’t wanted to wake up; I hadn’t wanted to leave him all alone. I couldn’t help but wonder what would’ve happened if I had saved him.

As I began to get out of bed, I felt a presence in the corner of my room. It was still dark, and I couldn’t see who or what was there. My heart was probably beating a million miles per minute at the time. Still watching carefully, I turned on the lamp by the side of the bed, and flinched when the shadows moved.

TO BE CONTINUED!!!

Chapter One

2008-10-21T17:58:00.000-04:00

The weeping branches of the bent willow trees swayed as the breeze blew by softly. I was sitting on a green bench at one of my favorite parks in New York City, watching one of those beautiful weeping willows. I had been waiting for someone but at that moment I could think of no one but watch the beautiful scenery before my eyes. The autumn air was nice and crisp. Leaves of varying colors rustled by as the wind grew stronger. The sky was soft blue with barely any clouds. The water in the pond in front of me rippled as fish and turtles swam to the surface in search of food.

Then a stranger passed by on a bike. More people came along, some hand in hand and some walking dogs. But for a while, the one I waited for did not pass. I didn’t mind; I had a beautiful start to a wonderful day in a wonderful park with wonderful scenery. The breeze had picked up a bit since I had been there. I wrapped my sweater more closely around me and as the time passed, I seemed to have let my mind wander too far. I had dozed off a bit.

The next thing I knew, a young man had approached me. He was wearing a green shirt with a gray sweater. It was the person I had been waiting for. I was greeted with a warm, innocent smile. I felt a similar smile spread across my face as I stood up to wrap my arms around this person. I was warmed up in a flash in his tight embrace. I felt as light as a feather when he planted a neat, gentle kiss on my cheek. My cheeks flushed red and I hid my face in his sweater.

Suddenly there was a tug on my scarf. I looked up, only to see his kind eyes staring straight at my face. I felt my face burn bright red once again. Pretending as if nothing had happened, I managed to let out a questioning sound, “Hmm?”

A gentle chuckle escaped his lips as he said, “Oh, it’s nothing. I just thought that I recognized the scarf from somewhere.”

I pulled away a bit, just enough to look down at my scarf. It had thick, pastel green and purple stripes, along with pastel green polka dots at the ends. I smiled and in reply, said, “Of course you would recognize it. You bought it for me, silly!”

That innocent smile of his was wide across his face once more. “Oh, that’s right. I just remembered.” This time, as he spoke I examined his face more closely. He had such smooth, pale skin in addition to his dark, soft hair and beautiful lips. There was still a bit of stubble on his chin. His eyes held great promises of a wonderful future. His smile warmed up my heart. I hadn’t noticed how long I’d been looking up at his face until he had chuckled once more and asked once again, “Is there something on my face? Why do you keep looking at me like that?”

My smile widened as he spoke. “Oh, it’s nothing. Let’s sit down okay?” We sat down where I had been on the bench just a few moments before. “Really, there isn’t anything,” I said trying to sustain my laughter at his questioning look. And then all broke loose. I was giggling like a little girl.

“That’s it, tell me what’s on my face!” he demanded as he began tickling me. I was laughing so hard, that it was getting hard to breathe, but he would not stop until I submitted to telling him why I was so intent on staring at his face.

“Nothing. Really, there isn’t anything on your face,” I managed to get in between breaths. He still hadn’t let up yet and had started tickling me harder. This time, I was laughing so hard that I almost fell off the bench, but I ended up lying with my back on the bench looking straight up at him with my head on his leg.

Then, all time seemed to stop. We were frozen in that spot staring into each others’ faces. At that moment, my day was complete; the perfect guy to top off my wonderful day at a wonderful park with wonderful scenery. Nothing could’ve been better. And then, time went on, once again as he began tickling me again, saying, “There must be something on my face, you keep looking at it all funny!”

This memory of my distant past and happiness visits me from time to time to remind me of what I once had; what I could’ve held on to but had chosen otherwise. If I had been so happy, why did I let it go? I didn’t, or at least that wasn’t how it was supposed to end. It was either that happiness or family. I had been forced to choose and my conscience had won over. I know; I must be a horrible person to do such a thing, but let me explain before anyone judges me or criticizes the person that I am.