tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53172949270239598842023-11-16T20:21:26.207+08:00jonettevalenciano.comJonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.comBlogger347125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-83145693065738177262012-07-16T23:36:00.003+08:002012-07-16T23:45:01.480+08:00Awesome July: Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/tumblr_m55ry67UAY1qdu4dpo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/tumblr_m55ry67UAY1qdu4dpo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">At least, </span>the first half of my July. </div>
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James turned 30 on the 5th. This is the story of the celebration. </div>
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Right after my shift on the 4th, I asked around for a great 24-hour restaurant. PJ enthusiastically pointed me to Borough at The Podium, and armed me with with a number of her own recommendations. </div>
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I remember walking up to the outside entrance to Borough in my rough-and-tumble denim skirt, pink everyday flip-flops, and an unremarkable tee. "Okay, this is your first time at one of the higher-end restaurants in the metro. Be cool. How difficult can it be?" </div>
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Hello huge, elbow--and-shoulder-rubbing, beer-bottle-wielding crowd singing in unison to Axl Rose and Bon Jovi songs. It was a 4th of July party, and everyone was in a merry and huggy disposition. Ehehe. </div>
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I was lucky enough to secure a waiter in a red mohawk wig for myself and shout my take-out order at him; "Living on a Prayer" was on, and the crowd wasn't going to miss belting along to it. (I had a feeling if James were here, he'd belt along, too.) Red was quite cool about it, being very patient and helpful with the menu, and we agreed on finding me on one of the outside tables in the mall. I managed to extricate myself from all the merriment just before a band came on and started playing Eraserhead song covers. </div>
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So! I came home with birthday breakfast which consisted of: </div>
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<li>a pulled-pork sub with ranch dip and coleslaw for James; </li>
<li>a felafel pita sandwich with garlic-onion-mayo dip for me, </li>
<li>and two helpings of their Cookies n' Milk, a house special. </li>
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We both had bites of each other's sandwiches. They were so good, I kept making derp faces throughout the meal. And the super-soft cookies and yummy Borough milk blend? Ulllllltra-derpiness. Hurrrrr. </div>
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Later that day, we took some time figuring out how to best celebrate his day. We decided to wing it and try Sambo Kojin in Eastwood, walk in without a reservation, distract the restaurant staff by being giddy and cute, and expect to come out full. It worked! (Or at least, we fell in line at a waiting list and decided to have a quick game of Magic elsewhere.) </div>
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Oh snap! Sorry, no pictures, folks. We were too busy enjoying ourselves at the time. Instead, I will regale you with tales of sumptuous grilled meats, and platters of sushi, and tiny cakes, couched in helpful advice.</div>
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Savor the anticipation of a sumptuous meal as you climb the stairs into the grand dining area of the restaurant. As soon as you're seated in Sambo Kojin, the waiter will encourage you to get started on the buffet, and will ask if you'd like to have some sukiyaki soup to go with your meal? Say yes. The hot soup will be a boon to you throughout the course of your buffet stay.</div>
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There are three sections of food in Sambo Kojin: The sushi and salads, the griller meats and pre-cooked food, and the desserts. All are extemely delicious. Do not panic. </div>
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At the sushi section,feel free to pick and choose. It is usually wiser to take one of each type of sushi you'd like to try before loading up on one particular type. Don't rush; the sushi buffet platters usually refill themselves every now and then, and will even sometimes offer something completely different. Should you miss out on particular type before it's replaced, don't fret. There are no real losses at the sushi buffet; just new excitements you haven't tried yet. Do take some <i>wasabi </i>if you're so inclined, and don't (for heaven's sake) mix it in with the <i>murasaki</i>, or soy sauce: It mottles up the fresh shushi flavor, and you'll break the sushi chef's heart this way. </div>
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While we're at it, why don't I share more etiquette tips on sushi?</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.cheftaro.com/foodamentals/how-eat-sushi-etiquette" target="_blank">{source}</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://injapan.gaijinpot.com/uncategorized/2010/01/26/how-to-eat-sushi/" target="_blank">{source}</a></span></div>
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There. We good? Good. </div>
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At the griller meats bar, do use the tongs to pick up your choice of meats. Observe the tiny rolls: there are rolls of straw mushroom, shiitake mushroom cap slices, asparagus, salmon, and so on. These rolls are wrapped in different types of beef. Have a keen eye for meat color, and you will be richly rewarded at the grill.There will also be two types of beef slices on offer. Well done, the Marble Beef is delectable, creamy, and a bit sweet; the Tender Beef will be robust, savory, and full-flavored. If you are more inclined to chicken and fish, do help yourself to them too. </div>
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At the pre-cooked foods section, one of the cooks may offer you kimchi. Say yes, or no thank you. Resist the urge to add rice to your evening repertoire; it tends to take up space in you that could have been occupied by a new food discovery, or even dessert. Do try dishes you've never had, but do so sparingly. There will be five types of tempura, and two kinds of shrimp tempura -- one will be wrapped in fluffy batter, and the other in a crunchy shell. Choose both, or one of them, or none at all. </div>
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At your own table, the grill will be waiting for you, hot and ready. Do not touch the grill itself to see if it's on, but pass your hand half a foot above from the grill surface. Do consider the sauces at your disposal on the table. There will be six types. They are good not just for dipping, but also for a quick marinade before grilling. Enjoy your sushi as you grill your meats, but do not let the meats grill for too long; a minute or a minute and a half at most is fine. When you feel a little full, slurp your soup; enjoy the heat swathing your belly, convincing you that a little more meat won't hurt. </div>
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When you start feeling full, do consider the dessert bar, or not. There will be petit eclairs, tiny cakes, fresh fruit, ice cream, and chocolate fondue skewers waiting. Don't be surprised if the cakes aren't overly swee. They're meant to be that way as to not overpower your tastebuds should you wish to sample all the cakes, like I did. </div>
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Do thank the reception ladies, and check if you may have left an umbrella upstairs. Head home, kiss your birthday boy, and discuss about the finer details and hilarious moments of your grand dinner. Give your belly time to digest. Have hot tea. Try to stay up. Fail. Snore majestically in bed. </div>
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</div>Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-62174424867520167232012-06-23T02:29:00.004+08:002012-06-23T02:44:02.974+08:00Why I Love Miss Bennett (or Why My Heart is About To Be Blown To Smithereens From all These Feelings)<i>[In the ever-so-slighty-off-a-million-in-one chance Miss Bennett sees this, I do humbly and sincerely apologize in advance. The happiness made me do it.] </i><br />
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This week. Has been wonderful.<br />
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So much love has happened on my Tumblr, and now I want to share the love here, too.<br />
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So, you folks know of my love for <a href="http://the-hobby-horse.blogspot.com/2012/06/videos-music-steam-powered-giraffe.html" target="_blank">Steam Powered Giraffe</a>, yes? Well, a bleary and troubled mid-week somehow led me to Rabbit's Tumblr, and...<br />
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The name is Bunny Bennett, esteemed sirs and madams. <br />
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I cannot begin to tell you how my heart feels right now. Her responses to people's questions and her stands on certain issues made me feel valid, brave, a bit wiser, and a bit more courageous. <br />
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I cannot begin to tell you how my heart feels right now. Perhaps I can, because<a href="http://awesomethingsaregoodforyou.tumblr.com/post/25580295490/i-have-a-lot-of-feelings-for-ms-bunny-bennett-right" target="_blank"> I dared to write about it</a>. <br />
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And that's how I fangirl -- I go all Cyrano de Bergerac inside, in a non-romantic way. <br />
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I slept immensely well that night, no nightmares. I felt thankful and very, very lucky to have reaped some wisdom from her, and then, you know what happened?<br />
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This.<br />
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My heart. Oh dear Miss Bunny, you are going to send me to the hospital for this. <br />
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Which is perhaps all well and good. I would trade this weak, bloody pulp of a heart for one made of steel and gears and springs, if only to be a little bit more like her. <br />
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<b>This </b>is how I get high. <br />
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<br />Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-82624553834565814142012-06-19T02:11:00.000+08:002012-06-19T02:12:47.593+08:00Palengke Shots.<iframe src="http://files.photosnack.com/iframe/embed.html?hash=puk94m5j&bgcolor=000000&wmode=window&t=1339680695" width="600" height="400" seamless="seamless" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe>
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Photo-editing courtesy of <a href="http://picmonkey.com/" target="_blank">PicMonkey</a>. </div>
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I fully intend to keep this album growing. </div>
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Oh, and wear your headsets. </div>Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-90446016914112648842012-06-15T19:32:00.003+08:002012-06-15T19:32:46.528+08:00Please, don't ever, ever forget:<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emilie79/7182681735/" title="Dear Lady Eiffel by emilie79*, on Flickr"><img alt="Dear Lady Eiffel" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7182681735_4abe5e1609_c.jpg" width="575" /></a></div>Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-23311573509347086062012-06-15T18:51:00.000+08:002012-06-15T18:55:57.934+08:00Callooh Callay!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://nanazumi.tumblr.com/post/24944770444/over-ture-carousel-by-jon-siegel" target="_blank">{source}</a></span></div>
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Step right up for another ride 'round the carousel! </div>
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<li><a href="http://www.trinketsinbloom.com/inspiration/importance-of-diy-and-crafts/" target="_blank">The importance of DIY and Crafts. </a></li>
<li>A <a href="http://www.trinketsinbloom.com/wearable-diy/spoon-rose-pin-diy/" target="_blank">plastic spoon rose pin</a> for you to make. </li>
<li>Make a classy <a href="http://www.lovemaegan.com/2011/09/old-hollywood-lace-halter-bustier-diy.html">lace halter bustier DIY.</a> Great for dinner dates and ladies' nights!</li>
<li><b>[Pour la Lolita]</b> <a href="http://www.fleecefun.com/make-mini-pirate-hat-or-mini-tricorn-hat.html" target="_blank">A mini tricorn hat tutorial</a>, with free downloadable patterns! If you've been lusting over Marie Antoinette's hat in the movie, now's your chance. (PS: Naergi is in the process of <a href="http://www.naergilien.info/my-costumes/various/marie-antoinette-tricorn/marie-antoinette-tricorn/" target="_blank">reproducing the entire costume!</a> I'm dying here! We're rooting for you, Naergi!) </li>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.naergilien.info/my-costumes/various/marie-antoinette-tricorn/marie-antoinette-tricorn/" target="_blank">{source} </a></span></div>
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<li><a href="http://thisfashionismine.blogspot.com/2011/10/diy-galaxy-print-tee.html" target="_blank">DIY galaxy print</a> on a shirt. See, bleach can be fun! </li>
<li><a href="http://www.brit.co/style/meet-the-pocket-tie-turn-any-tie-into-a-wearable-wallet/" target="_blank">The pocket-tie </a>-- be free from clunky-pocket syndrome and wrecked pant lines!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.chictopia.com/photo/show/591287-DIY+FISH+TAIL+SKIRT-black-skirt" target="_blank">DIY fish-tail skirt. </a>Also known as "the mullet skirt" -- business in the front, party in the back! </li>
<li>If you've been weeping over books with beautiful covers lunched on by termites, weep no further. Give the beloved book a stylish second life as a <a href="http://www.brit.co/style/meet-the-pocket-tie-turn-any-tie-into-a-wearable-wallet/" target="_blank">DIY book clutch.</a></li>
<li><a href="http://8tracks.com/shinythings/music-for-the-reluctant-studyer" target="_blank">Music for the reluctant studyer.</a> It... rather helps, actually. </li>
<li><a href="http://img03.ti-da.net/usr/tsukinosakana/enkai-l.jpg" target="_blank"><i>Okawari! (Pour me another one!)</i></a> How many Studio Ghibli characters can you name? </li>
<li>For bibliophiles out there: <a href="http://www.medicaldaily.com/news/20120514/9878/book-reading-experience-taking-psychology-character-fiction.htm" target="_blank">psychologists discover how people subconsciously become their fave fictional characters.</a> What do you think? </li>
<li><b>[Pictograph]</b> <a href="http://cdn.bitrebels.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Time-For-Tea-History-Infographic-1.png" target="_blank">Time for Tea: The History and Customs of High Tea.</a> I find myself leaning more to High Tea. </li>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">See? Even Sherlock knows to not lift his pinkie. </span></div>
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<li> <a href="http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/lucylou/118769/206975/original.jpg">Cornish Game Hen, The Plea, and The Loaf! </a></li>
<li>Terry Pratchett is not scared of dying, but of <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/hay-festival/9315277/Hay-Festival-2012-Sir-Terry-Pratchett-scared-of-dying-badly.html">"dying badly."</a> Amazing man. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn21114-sabretoothed-squirrel-scurried-at-dinosaurs-feet.html">Scrat was real!</a> It's is proven, because Science. </li>
<li><b>[Game Time] </b><a href="http://www.bartbonte.com/factoryballs4/">Factory Balls 4. </a>If you like color, problem-solving, and sequencing, give this game a go. </li>
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<span style="font-size: small;">All the love, and all the awards. Have tissues handy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Their grand-kid is going to be such a lucky, lucky duck! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Yes! James and I had fun over this,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">and half the time I was going "oh my god, so true!"</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ikAb-NYkseI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> If there's anything good for you that you're going to do today,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">please do watch this. </span></div>
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</ul>Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-18746146895574365352012-06-15T15:54:00.001+08:002012-06-15T15:54:06.508+08:00Motivation Friday: Steal Like an Artist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/tumblr_m188dfs98B1qbpaixo1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/tumblr_m188dfs98B1qbpaixo1_500.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
To learn more, head to <a href="http://www.austinkleon.com/steal/">AustinKleon.com.</a></div>
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<br /></div>Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-47471682276310370642012-06-14T02:26:00.000+08:002012-07-15T09:11:29.106+08:00homemaking, or something like itFinally, some semblance of order in our apartment!<br />
<br />
This is what happens when I get up earlier than James, see to the litter box, and decide that some empty boxes have just<i> got </i>to go. <br />
<br />
Observe:<br />
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/Neatspace-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/Neatspace-1.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<br />
Ignore the flat iron. He's kinda lost.<br />
<a name='more'></a>And the torn-up cardboard box. I'm working on that. <br />
<br />
I fully intend to administer the same kind of treatment to the rest of the corners of our pad's first floor. It's just going to be... tricky.<br />
<br />
In other parts of the apartment, I've also rediscovered the charm of hanging up framed art.<br />
<br />
Allow me to introduce one of my favorite pieces to you:<br />
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/RamaSita1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/RamaSita1.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div>
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Five points for who this couple is, five more for where they are, and ten if you can tell me what his hand is doing on her breast. (Mind out of the gutter! That's my job.) </div>
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I thought, "hey, this would really look great on our bedroom door". My inner lech was wink-winking and nudge-nudging as I turned the piece over, and... </div>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/RamaSita3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/RamaSita3.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div>
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"Aw, bummer, nothing to hang it from!" </div>
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But wait, what's this? </div>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/RamaSita2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/RamaSita2.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Well. Looks like I've got a re-purposed butterfly shadowbox on my hands. </div>
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(For you inner-entomologists and plain curious out there, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vindula_arsinoe" target="_blank">here's</a> what a Vindula arsinae looks like.)</div>
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An hour and a half later, the art piece was hanging quite nicely from our door. (bendy wire, industrial-strength superglue, and extra cardboard works wonders.) As soon as I can bring home a fresh pack of sticky mini-hooks, I've got one with Gimli's name and mug on it. </div>
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<br /></div>Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-90835512992368133832012-06-08T02:02:00.002+08:002012-06-08T02:03:10.491+08:00Motivation Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/tumblr_m520rbJepH1qh87sco1_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/tumblr_m520rbJepH1qh87sco1_1280.png" width="550" /></a></div>
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Here's to Friday, you lovelies! </div>Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-9629753759630853892012-06-08T01:23:00.001+08:002012-06-23T02:12:36.304+08:00Videos + Music: Steam Powered GiraffeI have weird crushes. And I <b>revel </b>in them.<br />
<br />
When a particular group or person has two or three of my favorite things wrapped up in on gorgeous package, that makes me crush on them even harder.<br />
<br />
Take Steam Powered Giraffe, for example.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gQWY-JOhF2I?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Wasn't that awesome? See me beaming with glee and making my cheeks ache from all the smiling. I can't stop rocking out, and no, you can't make me.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dDRHx4cPgbE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
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<b>Steam Powered Giraffe</b> is composed of three robots built by a certain Peter A. Walter I in the year 1896 : <b>Rabbit</b>, a copper clockwork android with charming brows and vents on his cheeks; <b>The Spine</b>, a deiselpunk robot with very human-like mannerisms, and <b>The Jon</b>, an art-deco robot who runs on Crystal Pepsi. Every time they take to the stage, madcap miming, jokes, sketches, three-part harmony and great music are sure to fill the concert hall. The trio and their band are often seen performing at the San Diego Fair, the San Diego Zoo, and distinguished halls all over. <br />
<br />
I'd like front-row seats to your next show, fellas.<br />
<br />
Enough! More music! <br />
<br />
Here's another song to whet your appetite, and a great example of why I've developed, uh, kind of a huge crush on The Spine. <br />
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/gdlXv_gdGqs/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gdlXv_gdGqs&fs=1&source=uds" />
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" />
<embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gdlXv_gdGqs&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
A-<b>hem</b>.
Right.<br />
<br />
These guys never fail to perk me up after a tough day at work, or any time a great mood and slightly dance-y disposition is of the essence. Their songs make me dream of happier, more stylish, more playful, more care-free times. Their music makes me want them back so.<br />
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I'd like to leave you with one last song of theirs that sets my heart all warm and aglow, and makes me want to cuddle up to a certain someone I know is waiting for me at home right now.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ojYK6CW8gdw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Hope you enjoyed the music of Steam Powered Giraffe!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>PS: To get more SPG, I wholeheartedly encourage you to click this finely-crafted <a href="http://www.steampoweredgiraffe.com/" target="_blank">link</a>. If you'd also like to buy their music, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/artist/steam-powered-giraffe/id316683061" target="_blank">their page on iTunes</a> can furnish you with their own pleasurable brand of exquisite aural vigor and delight.</i></blockquote>
</blockquote>Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-9166291505794804722012-06-02T20:42:00.003+08:002012-06-02T20:49:23.705+08:00Ureshii + Calooh Callay!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/identity_crisis_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/identity_crisis_large.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://tamaxxx.egoism.jp/illust_a/girl/identity_crisis.htm" target="_blank">{source}</a></span></div>
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Hi, everyone, and welcome to a delightfully conjoined post of my two (mostly) weekly segments. </div>
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<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Things that made me happy this week: </h2>
<ul>
<li><b>Being well-taken-care of. </b>I've unfortunately had to stay home on absolute voice rest for majority of the week due to the combined efforts of laryngitis <i>and </i>pharyngitis. (Wow, talk about another two-in-one.) However, it feels great to be pampered and seen to by James. Our days have been idyllic and quiet, and all in all, I think this was the kind of rest I was looking forward to. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Hot shrimp porridge in the morning. '</b>Nuff said. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Currently savoring <i>Catching Fire</i> of <i>The Hunger Games</i> trilogy.</b> I'm constantly a ball of emotional emotions when I read it. Yes, you read that right, it makes my emotions have emotions. God, that President Snow, I hate him. And Peeta! Poor bebe.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Anime I love right now -- <b>Aquarion EVOL</b> (great opening and ending music themes, great character development, and oh the relationships!), <b>Acchi Kochi </b>(for light-hearted fun), <b>Sankarea </b>(love and zombies), <b>Kimi to Boku 2 </b>(the hijinks these boys get into), <b>Medaka Box </b>(I swear, that girl does everything -- and can do everything -- in epic proportions), and <b>Tsuritama </b>(for the bright colors, fun art, and fishing trivia!)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>In this cold weather, <b>the cats are perfect hot water bottles. </b>They vibrate, too. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b> Tidying up corners in the flat.</b> It feels good to be able to do some focused cleaning. I've still half a mind to toss out certain boxes we don't need anymore, though. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Bonding over <i>Immortal Throne</i> and lean pizza.</b> While most of the gaming world are right now slugging it out with demons, abominations, and surprise error stops in<i> Diablo III</i>, James and I have gone Greek and hunt satyrs, cyclops and medusae. My Corsair and his Soothsayer are getting along quite famously. Yes, the family that plays together, stays together. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/ojdzeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/ojdzeg.jpg" /></a></div>
<h2>
Callooh Callay! </h2>
<ul>
<li>These cute kittens <a href="http://nicoshop.nicovideo.jp/item/G020000000624/" target="_blank">are earphone jacks. </a>Seriously. <br />
</li>
<li>If you're into whimsical 3D animal jewelry, I highly recommend these <a href="http://dotoly.storenvy.com/collections/75947-all-products" target="_blank">cute rings from Dotoly</a> on Storenvy. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Here, have some <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Spools-of-Thread-Cake-Pops/" target="_blank">cake pops as spools of thread.</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> On your <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Chalkboard-Table/" target="_blank">chalkboard table. </a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> That you made with <a href="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/02/how-to-mix-chalkboard-paint-in-any-color.html" target="_blank">chalkboard paint you mixed yourself. </a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Well, here's some unlikely fun -- <a href="http://soundcloud.com/djbumper_k/adele-vs-britney-toxic-in-the" target="_blank">a mashup between Adele and Britney Spears</a>. Booty-shaking encouraged. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://color.method.ac/" target="_blank">A color game of great skill. </a>James said it's actually harder than it looks, and I agree. It's hard, and it's fun! </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.mangahere.com/manga/oooku/" target="_blank">Manga reads -- <i>Ooku.</i> </a>An epidemic in Edo-period Japan has wiped out three-fourths of the country's male population. Women have taken on traditional male roles in the home, on the streets, even in positions of great power. Male survivors, the seed-carriers, are deemed precious, and the most beautiful of them are sent to serve in the Shogun's Inner Chambers. It's a very intriguing view on gender roles, politics, and relationships, rendered in archaic language. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>John Cleese speaks on the<a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/04/12/john-cleese-on-creativity-1991/" target="_blank"> 5 factors that make your life more creative</a>. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Here's also how <a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2011/09/12/fear-creativity/" target="_blank">Fear and the Creative Process work together, </a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>and <a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/03/26/flash-rosenberg-jonah-lehrer-imagine/" target="_blank">why getting frustrated as you create something can be a good thing</a>. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Now then, for the Alton Brown fans -- <a href="http://www.goodeatsfanpage.com/GEFP/EpisodeByOrder.htm" target="_blank">a listing of links to Good Eats episodes</a>. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"Yes, even Batman will be largely forgotten, at some point. Maybe in your lifetime. Sorry.<a href="http://io9.com/5878720/how-to-create-a-brand-new-iconic-hero-or-villain" target="_blank"> So you need new cult icons to replace the old ones.</a>"</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>For you lovely readers out there of the frillier persuasion -- <a href="http://www.parfaitdoll.com/2011/07/so-you-want-to-be-a-lolita-model.html" target="_blank"> So You Want To Be a Lolita Model. </a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Also from the same author, <a href="http://www.parfaitdoll.com/2011/03/but-being-a-lolita-is-hard.html" target="_blank">But Being a Lolita is Hard!</a>, a particularly inspiring piece on creating yourself. </li>
</ul>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/q0IUl2UMwt4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This amazing child. I have no words. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/8UVNT4wvIGY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Help, I can't stop listening to and watching this video! </div>
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Or maybe you can just watch this with me. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/yHV04eSGzAA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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There's this unsettling and manic quality to the song </div>
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that I find prettily rendered when paired with the video. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/XXCHM3tnEYM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While the original version can be quite the <i>kawaii </i>earworm,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I like this male version a lot more.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And, that's it for my list. What made your week? </div>
<ul>
</ul>Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-35568593339835076062012-06-01T17:15:00.000+08:002012-06-01T17:15:49.702+08:00Motivation Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/tumblr_m0yv8iUFQT1rrord6o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/tumblr_m0yv8iUFQT1rrord6o1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
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Happy weekend, everyone! </div>Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-54159916439792570652012-05-31T15:14:00.003+08:002012-05-31T15:19:00.858+08:00Cook it! Honeyed Cottonii (Guso) Seaweed Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/guso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/guso.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Ah, seaweed. Your variety, crunchy freshness, and strong sea smell warm the cockles of my heart. You're quite easy to prepare, quite nutritious, and are one usually interesting addition to the menu. The fact that you sometimes raise eyebrows in young and old alike is a big plus in my book. Also, you're quite cheap. Like really cheap. Did I mention cheap? Oh, right.<br />
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Now for a bit of education. This type of seaweed is known by a number of names. Scientists will know it as <i>Kappaphycus alvarazii,</i> a very good source of carragean. Carragean is used to help keep things viscous, moist, and gel-like, and can be found in a lot of things -- fire extinguishers, lipstick, shampoos, bread dough, beer, and ham, to name just a few. It's also commercially known as <i>cottonii </i>seaweed. If you find yourself in a local wet market, just ask for <i>Guso</i>. (Remember, say it with a glottal stop on the last syllable.)<br />
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Now, I'm not entirely sure if I should even but calling this entry "Cook It!", because, well, there's practically no cooking involved. <b>None whatsoever.</b> (Except maybe for the blanching bit, but you wouldn't call that cooking per se, would you?)<br />
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Guso is usually seasoned with a mix of vinegar, chopped red onion, and some green peppers. If you want your seaweed with a nice spicy bite, that's fine. Let me show you my own sweeter version. <br />
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<h2 style="color: cyan;">
You will need: </h2>
<ul>
<li>1 kilo of <i>guso</i>, washed</li>
<li>3 cups hot water</li>
<li>4 tablespoons white vinegar </li>
<li>5 tablespoons honey </li>
</ul>
<h2 style="color: orange;">
Let's Get Started! </h2>
<ul>
<li> Set your 3 cups of water to boil. Once it's worked itself up to a vigorous boil, blanch the <i>guso </i>with the water. Make sure to get all the branches washed this way. Set <i>guso </i>aside. </li>
<ul>
<li><b>Note</b>: If you notice the seaweed shrinking, go slowly with the hot water. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Combine your vinegar and your honey in a small bowl, and mix well. If you want to make it a bit sourer or sweeter, adjust accordingly, and taste a bit to make sure you like it. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Pour honey-vinegar mixture over the <i>guso</i>, and toss for a bit. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Serve. Freak out your friends by stuffing your mouth with the stuff and pretending to be a sea monster, and maybe entertain the kids in your house, but don't forget to eat your seaweed greens. </li>
</ul>
Seriously, it's as easy as that.<br />
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I've half a mind to further experiment with the honey-vinegar mix, and maybe tweak it further into vinaigrette territory. Well, we'll see.<br />
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Hope you enjoyed this easy recipe!<br />
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<br />Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-34419915266107552432012-05-28T17:55:00.001+08:002012-06-06T03:19:17.488+08:00Callooh Callay is back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/tumblr_m317bvhzU91qhnbtd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/tumblr_m317bvhzU91qhnbtd.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sianmelton/4647851915/in/photostream" target="_blank">{source}</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Hey everyone, and welcome back to a fresh, new <i>Callooh Callay</i> post! </span>Let the link-loving and discoveries commence! </div>
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<li>Thanks to Mary, I've just discovered just how wonderful the designs of <a href="http://www.stylebible.ph/gallery/popup/fashion-shows/2892#1_1305099840051111" target="_blank">JC Buendia</a>, <a href="http://www.stylebible.ph/gallery/popup/fashion-shows/2891#12_1305099616051111" target="_blank">Eric Pineda</a>, and <a href="http://www.dolcegabbana.com/dg/fashion-show/woman/runway/" target="_blank">Dolce and Gabbana F/W 2013</a> can be. Hnnnnnnnnng.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.anymanga.com/ashita-no-ousama" target="_blank"><i> Ashita no Ousama</i></a>. Yuu is a simple country girl who most people think could learn to be more stylish. An afternoon at the theater lights a spark inside her, and many mad-cap circumstances take her well into the art of the stage. Seriously, the manga had me at "Theater". </li>
<li> <a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2011/03/25/polly-law-the-word-project/"><i>The Word Project: Odd and Obscure Words in Bricolage.</i></a> <i>Nurgling </i>is such a lovely word. </li>
<li>From Gala Darling -- <a href="http://ilovewildfox.com/iloveyouwildfox/2012/5/2/my-pisces-sign-is-screaming.html">Mermaids galore</a>. Gor-geous. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.hernewleaf.com/2011/07/21/diy-banana-republic-braided-neck-tee-shirt/">Braid your t-shirt a la Banana Republic</a>. Remind me to do this to a number of my shirts soon. </li>
<li><i><a href="http://www.kiriakakis.net/aday.html">A Day at the Park</a></i> -- a web comic on questions, answers, and the virtue of a lack of meaning. Worth a read, in my humble opinion. </li>
<li><a href="http://io9.com/5901980/fancy-girls-dress-up-as-droids-daleks-and-death-stars">Droid-, Dalek-, and Death Star-dresses</a>, oh my! </li>
<li><i><a href="http://nova-sf.de/internova/?p=669">Kaming Mga Seroks</a></i>, a sci-fi short story by David Hontiveros of clones, culture, civil rights, and a conniving conspiracy of continental capacities. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/ceanirminger">Cean Irminger's fabric prints</a> made me go nuts in glee. I will own these pretties and make beautiful things out of these one day, so I do swear by my left hand. It is a good hand. </li>
<li>How to style two types of braids: <a href="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/04/how-to-style-a-reverse-crown-braid.html">a reverse crown braid</a>, and a <a href="http://ultimategothguide.blogspot.com/2012/05/vlog-braided-hairstyle-tutorial.html">braided hairstyle</a> that I now realize is so like Dominique Swain's in <i>Lolita </i>-- this time, with bangs. Both quite elegant, and great for hot weather. </li>
<li>Two extremely educational links from PJ on geishas: <a href="http://geisha-licious.tumblr.com/post/9996488771">The differences of Maikos and Geikos</a>, and <a href="http://geisha-licious.tumblr.com/post/10078549192">a guide to kanzashi through the months. </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/video/The-History-of-English-in-10-Minutes.html">The History of English in Ten Minutes. </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/How-the-Chicken-Conquered-the-World.html">How the Chicken Conquered the World.</a> Yum! -- with some science, anthropology, and culture on the side. </li>
</ul>
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Marchesa Fall/Winter 2012. Gor-geous. </div>
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Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2012. Gor-geous. </div>Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-8207283901564491992012-05-28T15:53:00.002+08:002012-07-16T16:16:36.130+08:00Cook It!: Kinunot, or Demonfish Cooked in Coconut MilkWhy yes, you read the title right.<br />
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About <a href="http://the-hobby-horse.blogspot.com/2011/05/quick-hello-from-donsol.html">a year and a few weeks ago</a>, Mik and I found ourselves stranded in a whale shark-watching resort in Donsol, no thanks to man-high floods on the main road and terrible weather. The resort staff and tour team kept us mostly-dry and warm, and fed us, educating our palates a bit more.<br />
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Everyone, meet dinner.<br />
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/manta_ray1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/manta_ray1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">original picture from <a href="http://superpunch.blogspot.com/2010/04/giant-manta-ray-link-roundup.html">superpunch</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">vintage label from <a href="http://justsomethingimade.com/2009/05/free-digital-ephemera-and-labels/">justsomethingimade.com</a></span></div>
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Well, not really, but you get the idea. </div>
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<a name='more'></a> The meat texture was rather surprising: yielding, stringy, and tasted interestingly like chicken. The ginger and peppers cooked in the coconut milk helped our appetites along. </div>
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My wet market run last week put me smack dab in front of a stall selling fresh demon fish, or ray meat. The fishmonger running the store was quite kind and patient. He skinned and de-boned a kilo of the stuff for me, and taught me the recipe as he worked with the ropey, dense, piscine muscles. </div>
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(<b>Caveat</b>: There are some regions in the Philippines where fishing for rays is legal, and there are some where it is not. Allow me to point you to a cautionary tale where<a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/04/090407-megamouth-shark-eaten-picture.html"> a few fishermen caught a rare megamouth shark and cooked it</a> in a melange of coconut, peppers, and ginger -- much to the horror of naturalists and conservationists everywhere. It is the very same recipe I will teach you now. Just be careful with your choice of meat, and know where it comes from.) </div>
</blockquote>
<h2 style="color: cyan; text-align: left;">
<b> </b></h2>
<h2 style="color: cyan; text-align: left;">
<b>You Will Need: </b></h2>
<ul>
<li>1 kilo of ray meat </li>
<li>3 cups of coconut milk</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups of white vinegar</li>
<li>1/2 cup of water </li>
<li>a handful of ginger</li>
<li>half a garlic head</li>
<li>1 medium-sized onion</li>
<li>2-3 large green chilies</li>
<li>2 tablespoons peppercorns</li>
<li>clean hands</li>
<li>a clear conscience </li>
</ul>
<h2>
<span style="color: orange;"> </span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: orange;">Let's Get Started! </span></h2>
<ul>
<li>Peel and crush about two thumbs' worth of ginger. Heat the vinegar and water in a Teflon-lined casserole. (The teflon part is important. You don't want this to turn into a chemistry experiment off the bat, I assure you.) Toss in your peeled-and-crushed ginger thumbs. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Take your ray meat, and wash it well. You might encounter a strange ammonia-like smell to it -- don't panic. It's just the way the meat is. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Once the vinegar's begun to steam a bit, put in the ray meat, and let it boil. Make sure all of its parts are boiled properly. This step is to remove any extreme fishy smell to it.(Note: boiling it for five to ten minutes makes the meat a bit chewy; twenty to forty minutes makes it tender.)</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/kinunot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/kinunot1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>When the meat's a nice whitish color, drain it, and set it on a plate to cool. (You will want this to cool because you will be using your fingers on this later.) Throw away your boiled ginger; it has served its purpose. Let it sit for five to seven minutes.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>By now, your ray meat will have cooled enough. Now take it, preferably with a willing accomplice, and follow the gif below. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/kinunot8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/kinunot8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The end result of your shredding endeavors:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">a mountain of meat. </span></div>
<ul>
<li>Assemble the rest of the cast. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/kininuotassemble.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/kininuotassemble.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Take out a larger Teflon-lined casserole (or wash the last one you
used, if that was your largest one.) Put your coconut milk in it, and
set it to simmer. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/kinunot2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/kinunot2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Add the assembly of garlic, onion, ginger, peppers and peppercorns to it. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/kinunot6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/kinunot6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Mix well. Let it simmer some more on your lowest heat setting.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Add the shredded meat to the spiced
coconut milk melange. Mix well, and simmer for a few more minutes. Go and wash your hands, because they now smell of the deep blue, and maybe even a Deep One. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Serve over steaming rice. Best enjoyed with someone adventurous you love. </li>
</ul>
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If I had the chance to do this over, I would maybe toss in a few more sliced green chilies into the mix. <br />
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Thanks for reading, and hope you enjoyed this recipe.<br />
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</div>Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-20825300052549551752012-05-24T03:02:00.002+08:002012-05-24T13:45:34.261+08:00Cook It! Hearty White Corn Soup with Moringa<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Corn. I love corn.<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></b></span><br />
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/cornsoup7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/cornsoup7.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">When I was in college, my trips to the UP Physics Building often meant a chance to sneak out and buy a pack of Japanese Sweet Corn and bring it home. It tore a gaping hole in my backpack for sheer size and bulk, but hey, I was bringing three kilos of wholesome deliciousness home, so there.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Then there's grilled sweet corn at stands that dotted the campus. It seems my dad was one of the blessed few who were privy to their locations and hours. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">And there's Hominy, or White Corn. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">I love White Corn. It's got body and chewiness to it, and boiled long enough, it pops and puffs up and coagulates into a mushy porridge of deliciousness. Add some sugar and grated coconut, and you have some wonderful form of heaven-in-a-bowl called <i><a href="http://blog.junbelen.com/2011/06/22/how-to-make-binatog-boiled-white-corn-with-coconut-and-sugar/">binatog</a></i>. (Another wonderful recipe for yet another time.)</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">I went out to do my wet market run earlier this week, and went home in sleepy-addled glee with a kilo of the stuff nestled in one of my bags. James and I ate well the morning after, and here's how we did so. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><h2>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: cyan;">You will need: </span></span></h2>
<ul>
<li>1 kilo of hominy, or grated white corn, soaked, washed, and drained </li>
<li>2 cups of moringa (or <i>malunggay</i>) leaves. (If you don't have moringa, try it with chili pepper leaves, or chopped spinach.)</li>
<li>3 cups of chicken broth (the bouillon version will do just fine)</li>
<li>a cup of diced onion</li>
<li>a tablespoon of crushed and diced garlic</li>
<li>2 tablespoons olive oil</li>
<li>salt and pepper to taste</li>
<li>pork rinds <i>(optional)</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: orange;">Let's get started! </span></h2>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan. Saute the garlic first, then toss the onion in. Saute, saute, saute, and dream of happy days in the warm, inviting smell. </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Add the hominy. <b>All of it. </b>Trust me on this. Mix well. </li>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/Cornsoup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/Cornsoup2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>Add the chicken broth, </li>
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<li>... And stir well. Let it simmer to a boil as you <strike>torment </strike>bond with your cats with snorggles and kisses. </li>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/Cornsoup4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/Cornsoup4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>When it begins to boil merrily, put in the moringa leaves. </li>
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<ul>
<li>Stir well. Again, let it simmer to a boil for five to ten minutes. Add salt an pepper to taste. </li>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/CornSoup6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/CornSoup6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>Let the soup cool for a bit. If you want to add crushed pork rinds into the mix, now is the time to do so. Be generous.</li>
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<li> Ladle into serving bowls. Best shared with someone you love. </li>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/cornsoup7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/cornsoup7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Hope you enjoyed this recipe! </h3>
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<br /></div>Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-19225001055731990042012-05-16T01:51:00.000+08:002012-05-19T16:19:20.697+08:00The Butler Did It!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/Butler1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/Butler1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hi, everyone. Meet Butler. <br />
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Butler's been part of our household ever since the earlier months of 2012. He's currently four or five months old, and weighs about four kilos.<br />
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I... guess that explains the picture, yes?<br />
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Butler does not mew. He <b>yips</b>. Like a puppy. and I think, a bit like a high-pitched Basenji. <br />
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He also has a thing for going after dangly things (that includes towel corners, watercress, and unhooked bras, oh my), talking to himself all by his lonesome, and being <i>yaoi </i>with Bandit.<br />
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He seems to enjoy being <i>seme </i>more than <i>uke</i>, but let's Bandit have his fun anyway. I love my <i>yaoi </i>boys.<br />
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Here's another shot of Butler, being all cute and sleepy:<br />
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<br />Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-38874388716551849822012-05-16T01:27:00.001+08:002012-05-16T13:06:16.435+08:00Ureshii!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache1.pinterest.com/upload/34551122111672788_5mr6Y8hD_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache1.pinterest.com/upload/34551122111672788_5mr6Y8hD_f.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/dosego12/illustration-concept/" target="_blank">{source}</a></span></div>
<br />
Hi everyone, and welcome to all-new, tasty-fresh, and piping-hot edition of <i>Ureshii!</i> It's been a while since my last ureshii post, and it's good to be back in the swing of things.<br />
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Things I am thankful for:<br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Sewing again.</b> Aside from the eco-bags you've probably already seen, I've begun cannibalizing my own petticoat to re-sew and fit it according to <a href="http://the-hobby-horse.blogspot.com/2009/06/first-scarf-commission-commencement.html" target="_blank">Susan</a>'s measurements. For all the work I have cut out for her, she'll need the extra poof, not me. </li>
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<li><b>Reminiscing with James about schoolyard treats and comics over a spaghetti breakfast.</b> An assortment of candy, chibi <i>Street Fighter</i> stickers, plastic <i>Ultraman </i>inch-high figures, and twenty-peso comics that made our fingers smell of glorious dusty newsprint. <i>Yeeeeeeeah</i>, those were the days. </li>
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<li><b>Spending time with lovely like-minded folk </b>like Mary, Fai, and Arman talking about creativity, confidence, public opinion, and doing what you have to do, for you. I'm also very thankful for friends like TJ, Anton, Adrian, and Mezarc for pointing me to right direction and widening my creative "review of related literature". </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b> Relishing two of Nick Bantock's books</b> -- <i>Griffin and Sabine: An Extraordinary Correspondence</i>, and <i>The Museum at Purgatory</i>. Many, many thanks to Fai for letting me in on this new pleasure. Mr. Bantock has this gift for creating characters and telling stories through crafting almost anything he can set his mind to -- fake correspondence, tops, games, stamps, postcards, you name it. <i>The Museum</i> left quite an imprint on me, and I find myself wanting to tell stories with the same caliber that he does, in my own way. </li>
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<li> <b>Making a speech for PJ for her wedding day!</b> <b style="color: magenta;">Omigoshomigoshomigosh</b><span style="color: magenta;">.</span> So stoked! Again, take it way, Rainbow Dash. </li>
</ul>
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<li> <b>Playing catch-up with my dad and grandmother on the telephone.</b> It's been five months -- five months! -- since I last saw them. Talking to them and taking in their wisdom and experience is a balm to my soul. </li>
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<ul>
<li><b> The Avengers. </b>Need I even say more? <i>This movie, I like it. Another!</i> Joss Whedon is our king. </li>
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<ul>
<li><strike>I er, think I just became a Whovian.</strike><b> I just became a Whovian! </b>Woo-hoo! I have currently added <i>Doctor Who</i> to my roster of loved shows, and I am love-love-loving it! The Ninth Doctor is a pretty cool fellow, and I can't wait to see more of his adventures. I'm also looking forward to meeting the Tenth and the Eleventh! <i>Bowties. Bowties are cool. </i></li>
</ul>
Aaaand, that's it for now. Allow me to leave you with the TARDIS, and may your adventures be ever amazing! <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Psst. Plus points for getting the references in the list up yonder! </span>Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-90632919001612669022012-05-12T01:04:00.000+08:002012-05-12T01:05:27.622+08:00More bags join the fray!Three came around, one was given away.<br />
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Since there's quite a number of pictures to go through, I've arranged them in a little slideshow for easy viewing. I'm looking forward to making more bags from other colorful sacks. </div>
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Thanks, everyone, and hope you enjoy. </div>
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="400" scrolling="no" seamless="seamless" src="http://files.photosnack.com/iframe/embed.html?hash=pzjldssi&wmode=transparent&t=1336755443" width="500"></iframe>
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</div>Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-23458109967276304332012-05-04T12:21:00.000+08:002012-05-04T12:21:40.191+08:00Making things: recycled shopping bag from a pet food sack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/whiskas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/whiskas1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Me? I just detest having too much plastic around. <a name='more'></a></div>
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Our favorite pet supplies store got it right — whenever James and I bought items from them, they’d take out one of their 7kg. pet food sacks, cut out an oblong hole near the top, and put our purchases in it. It was a great idea to use the sack like a bayong, but I thought, what if I needed to use my hands for something else? </div>
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I decided to take it a step further, and now you see what’s come of it.</div>
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I hope to make “Friskies” and “Pedigree” versions of this bag soon.</div>
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</span>Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-16870045065690582752012-04-30T20:52:00.002+08:002012-04-30T20:52:59.617+08:00Blog under constructionHi, all. the blog is undergoing some major makeover, so do sit tight. :)Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-22280494170689605482012-04-27T17:19:00.002+08:002012-05-07T00:47:14.095+08:00Motivation Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://zenpencils.com/comic/40-calvin-coolidge-never-give-up/" target="_blank">Thank you, Zen Pencils.</a></div>
<br />Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-47060622278242940232012-04-26T00:41:00.000+08:002012-04-26T00:41:26.082+08:00Another -- Anamnesis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/E1STOPm2Trs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
I was finally home after my wet market duty at 4:00am. I had been lugging around about seven kilos of fresh meat and produce from one city to another. My sandals were mucky, slightly slippery, and smelled of chicken liver and fish scales. I smelled of fish scales and exhaust pipes. My hair was mussed-up, and I wanted a bed badly.<br />
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James had the above song playing. The stroller handle and vegetable bayong were out of my hands, and beside the table. My eyes had forgotten how to focus. I felt my arms being lifted around a neck, and another pair of arms finding their way around my waist.<br />
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Then, slow, subtle swaying. A warm and gentle nose nuzzling my cheek.<br />
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I guess he knew how worked up I could get on a wet market run. And I think I remember asking him why we haven’t ever slow-danced yet.
We slow-danced to the ending theme of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Another_(novel)" target="_blank">a horror-suspense anime,</a> and it was warm and lovely.Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-37569514785550735762012-04-19T02:58:00.001+08:002012-06-10T17:04:30.796+08:00Dusting off drawing skills, and getting it done<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/tumblr_ktc9aeM3xE1qzcrd8o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/tumblr_ktc9aeM3xE1qzcrd8o1_500.jpg" width="331" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://csebastian.tumblr.com/post/305304119" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{source}</span></a></div>
<br />
Hi, guys and dolls. I've simply been letting my creativity take me where it wants to go. It feels a bit like when grown-ups let kids drag them to places unfamiliar, impractical, and maybe even a bit embarrassing, but as these sort of things go, it's never a dull moment.<br />
<br />
It seems the place of choice at present is <strike>sketching </strike>fashion design.<br />
<br />
<b>Fashion design.</b><br />
<br />
<i>(There, I've said it. Currently quelling inner panic, but I think I'll manage.)</i><br />
<br />
It's been ages since I've taken pencil to paper, but well, you know, why not give it a try? It's good practice, gets my ideas out in the open to see how work-able and do-able they are, and I don't really lose much, except perhaps a bit of my comfort zone. Plus, it's a good way to beat the living daylights out of my self-consciousness and self-doubt, and just get the work done. <br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h2>
Self-doubt and panic attacks </h2>
<h2>
</h2>
Kicking self-consciousness and constant worry to the curb can be a good thing for us to do, no matter how scary the thought can get. I say <i>scary</i>, because it's been noted that every time we set out to do something we've never done before, there's this tiny, nervous voice at the back of our heads that sets panic alarms off.<br />
<br />
<i>"Oh wow, this is kinda new for me. I wonder how well I can pull this off. Can I actually pull this off? I mean, other folks do it so amazingly well, I don't know if I can get up to their level. Oh gosh, do I even have the right skill set for this? Do I have the right perspective to this? What if I do it and give it all I've got, and it comes out an absolute fail next to their work? Was I meant for this? What the hell am I even doing here?! How could I even think I could actually do this?! I can't even --"</i><br />
<br />
Sounds familiar?<br />
<br />
It sure does to me.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
I can't even begin to tell you how often I've had panic attacks like that in my mind. It's happened for my writing, my sewing, my sketching, even for my yoga. Heck, it's even happened when James and I first moved in together! I ran all these questions in my mind over and over again, got all worked up, left my pens and pencils untouched, and buried my face in a pillow.<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h2>
Realizations </h2>
<h2>
</h2>
A bit later on, -- okay, <i>waaaay </i>later on, -- I realized all that time I spent having panic attacks and rolling around in self-doubt could have been spent <b>(1) getting the work done, </b>and <b>(2) not giving a toss if it failed or what.</b> If it's good or great, then okay; if it sucks, well, then it sucks. That's that. <b>What mattered was -- and is-- I got the work done. </b><br />
<br />
I also realized that (1) I had been a complete idiot wasting all that time worrying and panicking needlessly, and (2) I could still do something about this, and (3) it's time to get things done.<br />
<br />
The key here, I believe, is to not get stuck on #1. <br />
<br />
Buddhist teaching says that wisdom comes after the folly, so the best teachers are actually the ones who speed up the folly. In this light, I suppose I am my own best teacher.<br />
<br />
Some pensive thoughts and a few timid sketches later, it dawned on me why it was so important to get the work done, crappy, brilliant, or otherwise.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 19px;">Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working. -- Pablo Picasso </span></blockquote>
<br />
There will be days when I will turn out mind-blowingly brilliant pieces, and days when my ideas will be derpier than a pile of rocks. Squeezing water out of a stone may also seem like genius next to my work, and I could even get to a point where table-flipping in rage and frustration will seem like an absolutely reasonable reaction.<br />
<br />
These could all happen. These are all very real.<br />
<br />
The point is <b>to keep working. </b><br />
<br />
<b>I now share this with you: </b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
Work through your brilliant days. Work through your dumb-as-rocks days. Work through your "lol i dunno" days. <b>Just. keep. working. </b><br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>The real deal </b></h2>
<h2>
<b> </b></h2>
Allow me now to harshly debunk a few cherished myths:<br />
<ul>
<li>Keeping at it will not turn you into a genius overnight, over the week, over the month, and so on. </li>
<li>... will not instantly earn you the respect or admiration of friends and family. </li>
<li>... will not magically make your day job any easier, nor your everyday chores any lighter. </li>
<li>... will not turn you into the next multi-millionaire at the drop of a hat.</li>
<li>... will not guide the biggest and hottest talent scouts, TV shows, publications, celebrities, or brands by some some unseen hand to your doorstep and offer you The Chance of a Lifetime. </li>
<li>... will not pull you and your family out of poverty in a year or more, the way the TV dramas love to show it. </li>
</ul>
<br />
Nope. Sorry. Keeping at it will do none of these for you. Zero. Nada.<br />
<br />
However, keeping at it <b>will </b>do a number of other things for you.<br />
<br />
Keeping at it will help you discover new skills and techniques you never thought you had, and it will encourage you to keep getting better at these.<br />
<br />
Keeping at it will give you a body of work -- depending on how often you keep at it and how much you put yourself into it --, and this will give you a sense of growth, help you gauge how much you've improved, where you are now, and where you are heading, skill-wise.<br />
<br />
This will also help you observe how you've developed your own personal perspective with your work, what aspects of your point-of-view got discarded, what got strengthened as more defined, and so on. Later on, you will realize this is what some people call <b>an artist's style. </b><br />
<br />
This will help you figure out what your strengths and weaknesses are, and what you can do with both of them to come out with something you can be proud of. Yes, I said <b>both of them. </b><br />
<br />
This will give you more opportunities to challenge yourself to try something new, and when you eventually become very good at this something new, you can move on to another something new. You eventually grow your repertoire this way.<br />
<br />
This can open you up to other like-minded folks. You will have opportunities to exchange ideas, learn from them, try ideas out, ask for feedback, and maybe even do collaborations with them. If you're lucky, they might even tell you they like your work.<br />
<br />
This helps you maintain your body of work fresh, current, and at its best. If you're lucky -- really lucky -- when an opportunity comes, you will <b>want </b>to be ready.<br />
<br />
Take note, I said <b>an </b>opportunity. Not <b>the </b>opportunity.<br />
<br />
This will help you <a href="http://news.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html" target="_blank">stay hungry, stay foolish </a>and keep asking the kind of questions that don't really need to have answers. These are the best kinds of questions, actually, because they keep you pondering and arriving at more possibilities and realizations. Don't be surprised if these birth more questions -- cherish them. They're 100% yours, and through your questions, you learn in a much more personal and self-realizing way.<br />
<br />
<b>Keeping at it</b> will take you one slow step in front of the other, onward and always forward, until you look back and realize how far you've come, and how much different you are now from the you when you first started. A sense of accomplishment does wonders for a person, believe me.<br />
<br />
Hopefully, I'll be able to buy a decent set of either coloring pencils, or watercolors soon. There's lots of work to be done.<br />
<br />
How do you keep yourself motivated to keep working?<br />
<br />
<br />Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-27041798757638816392012-04-16T16:28:00.002+08:002012-04-16T19:39:47.985+08:00I want to stay in this lovely glow the weekend has given me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/tumblr_m11ntw0GVg1qmiepro1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/putingtikbalang/TheHobbyHorse%20on%20Blogger/blog%20post%20pictures/tumblr_m11ntw0GVg1qmiepro1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://nanazumi.tumblr.com/post/19569625068" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">{source}</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Dear Weekend, </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
You've been so good to me. I have no words. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
Thank you for having James and I take a chance and spend a pleasant evening in the company of good food, a few drinks, and excellent company.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Thank you for James teaching Fai and Anja </span><em style="background-color: white;">Magic: The Gathering 101</em><span style="background-color: white;">, then have me mentor along as they kicked each other's asses most awesomely with Koth and Venser decks. </span>
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<br /></div>
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Thank you for taking me into Marissa's home, inspiring and feeding my spirit with all the history and character and beautiful art it contained. It taught me a lot of things ---- being unapologetic about one's creative spirit, how trusting your keen eyes and taking things "other people throw out" (as Marissa says) can make a beautiful home, and how I have every right and reason to dream and make them happen. James and I now know what kind of home we'd both like to grow old in -- I definitely know what kind of home I'd want to grow and make my art in. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Thank you for wonderful conversation, wonderful food, and wonderful hospitality. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Thank you for kind, warm colleagues and car rides. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Thank you for mother-in-law meals and desserts, and for half a cavan of rice and some mangoes to take home. This will feed us for two months, maybe even more. </div>
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I have sooooo much to be thankful for, and I want to stay in this state of mind for as long as I can, and keep finding more things to be thankful for. </div>Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5317294927023959884.post-21204347603679313492012-04-15T11:38:00.001+08:002012-04-15T11:38:22.711+08:00I am proud to be a Brony.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/X0sW8KrZF5s?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><i>A while ago if you would ask me what I watch in my spare time,</i></span></div>
<i><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
No I probably wouldn't tell you what was really on my mind.</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
But lately I've been thinking of a reason I should hide</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
FiM as if to mention it where painful, when it feels so good inside!</div>
</span></i><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<i><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Why can't I mention Fluttershy and her timid loving mind,</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
How she can be herself near animals, but shies away from her own kind?</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Why can't I mention Pinkie Pie? And the way she kind of acts a bit like me sometimes?</div>
</span></i><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<i><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
You see I use to hate that I liked my little pony. Not any more...</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
I'm proud to be a brony!</div>
</span></i><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<i><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
(Sound bytes from the show during bridge.)</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"FOREVER!"</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"Can't hear ya, I'm asleep."</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"Ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh OHMYGOSH!!"</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"Thiiis is whiiining!"</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"You rock! woohoo..."</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"can you do that? Can you explode twice?"</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"It needs to be about twenty percent cooler."</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"Oatmeal?! Are you crazy!?"</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"I don't wanna talk about it..."</div>
</span></i><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>*grin*</i></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<i><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Many try to make me feel embarrassed but their attempts have been in vain,</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
For though they tell me I'm the one with problems, they're the ones who are insane!</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
So for those watch but won't admit it; well you shouldn't be like that.</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Cause you could be twenty percent cooler in ten seconds flat!</div>
</span></i><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<i><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Why don't you mention Rainbow Dash and her acrobatic skill,</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
How she will try her hoof at anything just to get a little thrill?</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Why don't you mention Apple Jack, and talk about her honest southern style power of will?</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
See you don't have to fake that you hate my little pony. Shout it out!</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"I'm proud to be a brony!"</div>
</span></i><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>---Musical Interlude---</i></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<i><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"My Little Pony"</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"Winter Wrap Up"</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"Art of the Dress"</div>
</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"Cupcakes"</div>
</span></i><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<i><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
So I'm gonna mention Rarity and how she's oh so lady like,</div>
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But even though she's prim and proper, she could make it in a fight!</div>
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And I'm gonna mention Twilight, and though she's kinda nerdy, boasts a power tucked away, could take an Ursa any day!</div>
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So how about you? Would you do what I do, or be phony?</div>
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I'm asking you now...</div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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Are you proud to be a brony?!</div>
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Are you proud to be a brony?...</div>
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~*~*~*~</div>
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Props to <a href="http://blackgryph0n.deviantart.com/art/Proud-to-be-a-Brony-SONG-252972815" target="_blank">BlackGryphon </a>for creating this awesome fan song. </div>
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Smile! You just got 20% cooler. </div>
</span>Jonettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07343641251452435519noreply@blogger.com0