Friday, October 26, 2007 

Perseverance pays off!

After searching and searching web nurseries online, I finally found Corbin's first baby picture, courtesy of Inland Valley Regional Medical Center.

Look at that spikey hairdo!

Edit: I stand corrected - he's Corbin-Lee Paul Cruz Benavente. There was a last minute name update after he was born, but I knew him as just Corbin Lee for so long. My bad :-P

Tuesday, October 23, 2007 

Corbin's born!

I don't have any details, but all I know is that Chet and Corbin are doing alright :-D

EDIT: Chet gave me a quick phone call this morning - born through natural birth and epidural, Corbin's 6 pounds 12 ounces, 19 inches length, has dark brown to black hair, has Vic's ears, hands and feet, and his facial features are a mix of both Chet and Vic - he's got their dimples, Vic's cleft chin, but for some reason Chet says when she looks at Corbin at certain angles, he reminds her of Val, Trev and Me ^_^ and he's got Chet's light complexion :-D Yay! Now all we have to do is wait for pics!

I dedicate this song to both Chet and Corbin. I LOVE YOU BOTH!


Friday, October 19, 2007 

I love anime because...

...there's some GOOD music you'll hear with many anime opening and ending theme songs.
------------------------------------------------

Like this song called "Kirei na kanjou" by Arai Akino. It was the ending theme song to one of my favorite anime series, Noir.



translated English lyrics found on Animelyrics.com

Like suddenly noticing the sound of birds for the first time
Upon awakening in the morning
I finally noticed how cold this cheek was
Upon being gently touched

I don't know anything yet
What the heart is seeking
I don't know

I was looking at nothing but the sky
Since sometime, like this
Sending my thoughts flying to right below those clouds

Like living the continuation of a dream
I am unreliable, but love me nonetheless

What colour are the tears in the fountain of the heart
What colour is sorrow...

The morning light now enveloped the solitude
The moment you opened your eyes and smiled

I was looking at nothing but the sky
From the window, at the far distance
Take me to right below those clouds

In both hands the overflowing
Pure emotions
I want to dedicate them to you

Gently be touching
Gently this cheek
Gently gently
----------------------------------

And another song called "Duvet" by BoA, which was the opening theme song of another favorite anime of mine called Serial Experiments: Lain.



lyrics found on Animelyrics.com

And you don't seem to understand
A shame you seemed an honest man
And all the fears you hold so dear
Will turn to whisper in your ear
And you know what they say might hurt you
And you know that it means so much
And you don't even feel a thing

I am falling, I am fading
I have lost it all

And you don't seem the lying kind
A shame then I can read your mind
And all the things that I read there
Candle lit smile that we both share
and you know I don't mean to hurt you
But you know that it means so much
And you don't even feel a thing

I am falling, I am fading, I am drowning
Help me to breathe
I am hurting, I have lost it all
I am losing
Help me to breathe
-------------------------------------

There are many more songs, but these are the two that came to mind today.

You gotta love anime ^_^

Thursday, October 18, 2007 

A good j-dorama

It took me forever to download this j-dorama, Karei naru ichizoku, but it was well worth it! I haven't cried so much and so hard in ages! Actually, I only cried during the very last episode - but man, I don't recommend anyone crying when you've got a respiratory illness. I seriously was choking last night. I felt my upper airways constrict more than usual, to the point where it was difficult to breathe.

Scary!


But I really recommend this j-dorama for all to watch. I downloaded a RAW version of the series (no english subtitles within the video), and luckily a site called S-projects made SOFTSUBS (they made subtitle files separately for each episode, which can be used during the RAW video playback).

As always, Kimutaku (Kimura Takuya) was MAGNIFICENT. I guess that's why I love his dramas so much - he's a great actor ^_^


So, I'm too lazy to write a synopsis or describe this j-dorama in-depth. I just want everyone to know they should watch it :-D

Here's what the doomed family looks like:


Wednesday, October 17, 2007 

We are all waiting

Chet hasn't popped out Corbin yet. The kid must love it in the womb :-P

Hurry up Corbin! We can't wait to see you!




Tuesday, October 16, 2007 

Sick as hell

If you see me, don't come near me. I'm very sick with some kind of flu-cold combination shit - it's nasty! I've been febrile for the past 3 days, I feel so fatigued, and my usual body aches from my thyroid problem have become 10 times worse due to this damn illness.

I am pretty sure that this thing is VIRAL in origin, so I know antibiotics won't do shit to it. What I need to do is manage the symptoms with cold medicines, antipyretics, and the like. What I need to do is hydrate and rest. I can do the medicine part without fail - but the hydrate and rest part seems impossible, as work won't even let me have one sick day.

You heard right. Work is denying me sick leave this week due to the TOPOFF 4 exercises.

Well, you know what - TOPOFF can just FUCK OFF.

I'm sick dammit.

I'm already chronically ill, and to have this acute illness on top of everything else - you might as well just kill me now.

I guess they don't care if I die on the unit while giving patient care. They don't care if I spread my shit to already ill patients. They don't care for employees welfare at all. They don't care that I'm at greater risk for fucking up on the job, potentially decreasing patient safety and quality care. They just need a body to do the work. That's it.

Motherfucker.

Thursday, October 11, 2007 

Some survey thingies and myspace

I've had a couple of myspace accounts since 19-forgotten - and only now I'm really doing something with one of them - veronachase. I think I'll use this to keep in touch mainly with Chet, but if you wanna add me on as a friend, then please do ^_^

So, I checked out Sabete's myspace - nice and halloweeny already :-D She's got Zoey for her pic - so cute! And I decided to copy and paste those survey thingies she had on there. So, here are my answers:

PS...I'm looking around for some myspace layouts to spice up my page - if you see something, let me know please!

MARATHON SURVEY

Where were you 2 hours ago?
Asleep in bed.

What do you think of your last kiss?
I’d rather not think about that.

Do you kiss a lot of people?
Nope.

Are you wearing socks right now?
Nope.

When is the last time you went out of state?
Out of my state of mind? All the time :-P

Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days?
Nope. It’s probably been months since I’ve last seen a movie at a theater. I generally dislike the pop-corn saturated air, the sticky-yucky floors, the crying kids…

What was the last thing you had to drink?
Milk.

When did you last cry?
I can’t remember when. I don’t like crying.

Who was the last person to make you smile?
I smile everyday at work but not because someone else made me smile – I put on a nice, cheery face for my coworkers and patients – no one likes to see a MEAN nurse. I don’t really smile anywhere else unless I have to. Sad, eh?

What are you wearing?
T-shirt and Shorts, and undies, of course :-D

What was the last food you ate?
I had milk and ranchu-pakku pan for breakfast – it’s a Japanese snack – it’s white bread filled with special flavored fillings – I had the margarine and maple syrup version today. Yesterday was the coffee and caramel version. I also love the choco-crunch and choco-banana versions too. Gotta love Tokyo Mart!

What did you eat this a.m.?
As stated above – breakfast.

Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?
Nope. I’ve been wanting to go shopping though…just can’t get myself out of the house on my days off. I don’t know if it’s laziness or if it’s because I’m always in pain…

Do you have a pet?
Nope.

What did you do last night?
Worked my 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM shift at GMH. Got home by midnight. Went to bed by 2 AM. My usual routine. Nothing spectacular.

If you could be anywhere you want where would it be?
I don’t know. I honestly don’t know.

What is the last thing you purchased online?
I think the last thing I bought online was software? I can’t remember.

One thing you hate about others?
Not necessarily hate – I’d say irritating. And there are many things that can irritate me, especially if I’m in a mood.

What does the 10th text in your inbox say?
I don’t understand this question…what 10th text?

Do you miss anyone?
Yeah…mainly my family – like my Chetman. And Mom is over in Oregon right now – will soon be with Chet in Cali

Last movie you saw?
I asked Myloe to rent me some BBV DVD’s on my last day off, so I got to watch the latest UFC championship, a corny comedy called Wild Hogs with Tim Allen, John Travolta, Martin Lawrence and some other dude, and the 1st volume of an anime series that really didn’t catch my attention, so I can’t recall the name.

Are you often misunderstood?
I probably am – I misunderstand myself all the time, so I’m unsure of how I come across to others. At times, I come off as mean to others, when I really didn’t intend to. Sometimes I blurt words out that I shouldn’t have. I have no tact in most social situations. Really, I’m quite inept. It’s amazing how I manage to work with my patients – I guess it’s the act that I put on for them. It’s draining, really. When it comes to other personal relationships, I really think I suck.

Best Quality?
I dunno. I’ll let you know when I find out.

What are your plans for the day?
It’s almost time for me to get ready for work. Work is what I have planned for today. Nothing else. Same shit, different day.

Did you have fun today?
My day is just beginning…no fun so far…and work is not really fun – it’s work.

Who is your last text message from?
It was from Val.

What do you do?
GMH pays me to providing nursing care to its patients. It’s a tough job.

Were you an honor roll student in school?
Yep – was in the National Honor Society, finished number 8 in the top 10 of our high school graduating class. Graduated from UOG as Cum Laude. BUT….it took me a total of 9 years, in and out of school, to finish that damn Bachelors degree. And really, I don’t want to further my education at this point. I hate school.

What do you know about the future?
The future will come whether I want it to or not. So…yeah…just live.

Who was the last person you rode in a car with?
I really just drive myself everywhere.

Do you have a tan?
I try not to tan – I only end up getting RED. I want to be whiter than paper :-P

Did you meet anyone new today?
Nope. Haven’t ventured out of the house yet.

Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
Only my ears are pierced, and I hate earrings.

How do you like your soda?
I LOVE ROOT BEER.

What is one thing you've learned this year?
That the appendix is probably not a useless remnant of evolution – that it might actually hold a super-concentration of normal gut flora, which can be used to recolonize the gut if needed.


What are you doing tomorrow?
It’s my day off…so I will do what I normally do – stay in, be a complete bum, do whatever the hell I want. Basically, be unproductive.

What day is tomorrow?
Friday, October 12, 2007

What is your current mood?
Sore, in pain, tired, low self-esteem. Sorry, can’t just have ONE mood.

Are you younger than 19?
No. Why?

Your dream car?
A luxury vehicle, preferably European :-D After that, an exotic vehicle ^_^

Have you ever kissed Tom?
Funny this is mentioned. I don’t know what Tom this survey is talking about – if it’s that Tom that everyone is friends with when they sign up in myspace – NO. There was another Tom in my life that I kissed. Actually – it was my very first kiss, now that I think of it. I think Val knows who I’m talking about.

How many shoes do you own?
Most of my shoes are for work, but I own at least 4-5 pairs, and maybe another 3 pairs for other things. Actually, I need to trash some of those work shoes and get new ones – I’ve worn them out :-P

Do you have children?
I don’t have any. Lately I’ve been thinking that maybe I shouldn’t pass on my genes for posterity…

Do you want more kids?
See above. I don’t think I want to have kids at this point.

Do you like the color green?
Not especially.

Are you in a relationship?
Romantic relationship? NO.

Have you eaten sushi?
I’m part Japanese. Sushi is essential to my being :-D

What song are you listening to right now?
Actually, I’m only listening to the song that’s playing on Chet’s myspace page at the moment – some Kanye West song.

Favorite Jeans?
Comfortable jeans. I tend to like the darker blue colored ones.

Is there a place you'd like to visit?
I want to see many places…if I had the time and money, I would travel EVERYWHERE.

Have you seen snow?
Never in real life.

Have you met Mickey?
Nope. Don’t feel the need to.

Pet Peeves?
I have lots of pet peeves. Just depends on my moods.

Are you in a band?
The same band that Sabete is in ^_^

Do you like parties?
Not really. I like coffee!

What are you scared of?
Cockroaches, bees, wasps…generally insects/bugs. Scared of catching all kinds of illnesses from work and bringing them home. Scared of myself sometimes.

How long have you had a myspace for?
Probably a long time, I just never used it until now :-P

Favorite beverage?
Coffee and water. Water and Coffee. In any order.

If you were to own a monkey, would you?
Only if they were house broken and can fend for themselves. If I have to take care of it, forget it.

Do you own anything from American Eagle?
Nope.

Do you listen to rap?
Not recently. And generally, nope. I like rock/alternative/electronica…

Favorite disney movie?
I dunno…Did Disney make Cars? Hmmm…I should ask Justin…

Do you like fruit?
Not all fruit.

Have you ever given a random person your number?
Not my number – the number to Domino’s :-P

How clean is your room?
Not clean. I think I need to take vacation from work just to clean my room.

What color(s) is your room?
The walls are white. I don’t have energy to paint it another color.

Is there a calendar in your room?
Nope. I hate calendars.

Do you regret anything?
Sure…lots. But what can you do?

What are you excited for?
Nothing in particular.

Ever received an award?
Lots when I was in school. I get a couple from work now these days.

Are you an artist?
I dunno. Are you?

What did you eat for dinner?
Shrimp tempura, rice and gobo as side dish – see…I need Japanese food!

What did you do today?
Just woke up, ate breakfast, popped my pills, and started browsing myspace, and happened upon this survey from Sabete’s myspace and decided to fill it in for myself.

How many pillows do you sleep with?
Two pillows – one for my head, one to hug.

Do you like hugs and kisses?
Sure.

Favorite websites?
Sabete’s site is my homepage. Other than that, Google and Youtube are great. And Dattebayo is where I get the latest Bleach and Naruto episodes.

Are you conservative?
I dunno. Are you?

Do you cook and are you any good?
I don’t cook, I’m not good at it, ‘cause I don’t do it at all or practice. But I EAT.

What did you do last night?
This survey thing is repeating, like Sabete said.

What kind of purse are you using now?
An olive green Bench bag has been my regular bag for a while. I think I need a new one.

Do you play sports?
Nope. But I play table tennis.

Do you fall asleep easily?
I don’t think so. Thoughts still stir about in my head even when falling asleep. That’s why Xanax helps.

=====================================

ANOTHER SURVEY

1. Who is the last person who touched your butt?
Umm…nobody touches my butt except for me, it’s owner :-P

2. Last awkward moment?
I got off from work and had to go to Kmart to get Justin’s birthday gift. But prior to this, at work, my coworker was complaining of feeling itchy and rashy, and I was feeling warm and flushed after eating something she ate as well at work – it was a very sweet, coconutty dessert one of our other coworkers brought to share – I didn’t break out in a rash, thankfully. BUT…she also went to Kmart that night, and she saw me looking for gift wrappers – and the first thing I said to her, and probably not in a low voice, was “How’s your rash?” I didn’t realize how stupid I sounded and how embarrassing that was until a minute later.

3. Who do you find yourself crushing on currently?
No one in particular.

4. Have you ever fallen backwards down a set of stairs?
Not backwards. Forwards, yes. Luckily nothing broke.

5. Ever been to a friend's house and starved the whole time?
Nope.

6. Ever found more than a dollar in a random place?
I don’t think I have. I’m not that lucky.

9. When a friend walks out of your life, do you go after them or let them go?
I tried to go after one of them, but I did let go eventually.

10. Have you ever been corrected at your workplace?
Yep. It’s essential, but the manner in which it is done is sometimes embarrassing.

12. Do you still see any of your ex's?
Nope. I hope I don’t ever have to.

13. Last time you smiled?
Not smiled…but I laughed at something just a couple minutes ago.

14. What do you do when a telemarketer calls?
I listen to what they’re saying, but I make no promises and decline.

15. Would life be the same without alcohol?
I think so. There’s other things to do.

16. Would you go a month without washing your hair to save a loved one?
I guess I would.

17. Have you had "the best night of your life"?
I dunno. Nothing’s really “BEST”. It’s just OKAY.

18. Do you think your current pets will be alive ten years from now?
My pets are all dead. So I don’t have anymore.

19. When was your last bubble bath?
I don’t do bubble baths.

20. Do you know anyone by the name of Dennis?
Dennis the menace.

21. What was the last thing you ate?
I answered this in that other survey already…

22. Where is your pet right now?
I don’t have any on earth – they all must be in Dog Heaven.

23. Name 5 things you did yesterday?
1. stopped by Tokyo Mart to buy food for work
2. went to work
3. got home from work
4. played on the PC a little bit
5. went to sleep


25. How many kids do you want?
I don’t think I want any…I discussed this in the other survey.

26. Current outfit:
same outfit I was in during the other survey :-P I’m doing these surveys before I get ready for work.

27. What color is your underwear?
I don’t know…you want me to look? It’s a dark teal color :-P

29. What are you doing tomorrow?
Having a day off.

30. Do you know someone who likes you?
I dunno.

31. Have you ever had a friend named Fred, Frank, or Felipe?
Yep.

32. What color is your hair?
Brown with my highlights fading away. I need to have my hair done soon.

34. What were you doing 10 minutes ago?
Finishing the other survey.

35. Have you ever said "I Love You" and not meant it?
Probably. I thought I meant it, but I think I didn’t. Doesn’t that make me a horrible person?

36. Have you ever liked someone with a boyfriend/girlfriend?
Nope.

38. Are you gay, straight, or a lesbian?
I’m Homo Sapien Sapien. A Biped with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing.

39. Have you ever been back stabbed by a friend?
I don’t think so.

40. Did you enjoy your last party?
I dunno. I can’t remember my last party.

41. Do you believe in ghosts?
I’m not really sure. But I don’t wanna see any ghosts.

42. Have you eaten popcorn in the last 48 hours?
Actually, I have :-P

43. Do you have over 20 really close friends?
Nope. That’s too many.

44. Do you have a friend with benefits?
That kind of friend? No.

45. Have you ever read an entire book in one day?
No. I think it took me over a month to read War and Peace, and now, I’m done with books.

Sunday, October 07, 2007 

For little baby Zoey



And to her proud mommy, daddy, and grandparents:

Wednesday, October 03, 2007 

Ever heard of this song?

Remember those James Bond movie theme songs with the same titles as their respective movies? Like, "License to kill" by Gladys Knight, for the License to Kill movie, "The World is Not Enough" by Garbage, for the World is Not Enough movie, and finally, "Tomorrow Never Dies" by Sheryl Crow, for the Tomorrow Never Dies movie.

Well...I found out something interesting last night. You see, I fell in love with one song called "Tomorrow Never Dies", while playing a mission on my PC Game - Hitman Bloodmoney. It's a song by Swan Lee, a swedish group.

I discovered through James Bond movie trivia, that the Swan Lee song of "Tomorrow Never Dies" was originally supposed to be the theme song for the movie - BUT, it was turned down due to the swedish group not being well-known. SO - when asked if they would allow somebody famous to sing their song, Swan Lee said HELL NO.

Thus, we have the Sheryl Crow version as the theme song. 'Cause Sheryl Crow is famous.

Yeah.

I kind of like the Swan Lee song more that Sheryl Crow's. Sorry Sheryl.

So, let me share this beautiful song with you :-D It's simple...the lyrics are simple, but the melody is kind of haunting, yet soothing ^_^

"Tomorrow Never Dies" by Swan Lee



Lyrics - I listened to the song and got these lyrics out of it - there are no official lyrics posted anywhere, so...here ya go:

Stars in the night is all I see
and the gloomy moon is beaming out for me
Shining in the starlight of my eye
as I fly away, I'm whispering, "bye bye"

I'm just another kind of girl
and I'm leaving for another kind of world
Shining skies above, inviting me
Don't be sorry 'cause tomorrow never dies

Floating on the flyaway tonight
and I'm sweeping through the sky in speedy flight
Leaving all the dreariness behind
to another space, another time

I'm just another kind of girl
and I'm leaving for another kind of world
Shining skies above, inviting me
Don't be sorry 'cause tomorrow never dies

I'm just another kind of girl
and I'm leaving for another kind of world
Shining skies above, inviting me
Don't be sorry 'cause tomorrow never dies

Tomorrow never dies

 

More japanese music

Here's more japanese music for y'all

"Life" by YUI


lyrics from corichan.com

In the city I'm not used to that's full of dirt,
I can't laugh the same and I walked with my head down
People pass by in a quick pace

I ask "has their dreams come true?" But I'm still struggling

I want to try living in the present
rather than returning to my childhood

It's my nature to be a coward


If I go to a sunny spot and stretch my arms out,
I wonder if I can go beyond the sky

that's what I thought


The wings I use to fly away are still invisible

It's because it's not simple that I can go on living

I just picked up a wet puppy
and for a while, I laughed so much that tears spilled
"I want to be loved, I just want to be loved"

is what I said. It's no good just to ask for it


I want to try living in the present
rather than returning to my childhood

It's my nature to be a coward


I went to a sunny spot and tried holding your hand tightly

I will destroy that place, that time so I can change my life


But I really can't express everything that's in my heart

It's because it's not simple that I can go on living


I went to a sunny spot and spread out my map, but
I know... You know... that even the path of doubts can't be helped

I can change my life


All the days that have passed make up the me that's here now

It's because it's not simple that I can go on living

=================================================

"Tsuki no uta" by Gackt



lyrics from animelyrics.com

Shining pure white t-shirt
A rainbow surfacing in the spray
Absentmindedly I gaze upon

Nothingness was happiness for us alone.

Sinking more deeply than anyone else
Even my heart drowned
And now in this place I gaze only at you;
If it is a dream that will never return, then I will break it

Laying mirages side by side
Gathering your shadows,
I continue to wait while the hands of time remain frozen

Sleepless nights and mornings of sighs
Your favorite ballad of the moon

Without notice even your body left me far behind
And now only I am left in this place
I believed we would remain together unchanging
Like that time, once again, I loved