byline whore...and then some

I have been churning a handful of write-ups lately, most of which, I am happy to say, have my byline. I am already on my third article, and there's one more to go before this week ends.

I admit it's not really an easy task, especially when I get distracted by the Internet. Boo. Actually, the hard part there is getting distracted in the middle of transcribing an hour-long interview. I hate transcribing. Anyone who says it's fun to do can get my share. But the writing part is very much welcome. It's weird, but I feel...happy when I write. There's a certain challenge to it that brings me this awesome fulfilled feeling after I've typed (or edited) away the last few concluding words. And of course, there's a byline. In my job at a semi-ad agency department, nobody cares about credits because, well, there's none. Most of the time, though, that works because at least no one would know you did a mediocre material based not on your own concept but on the one who pays you to execute their concept. So you see.

Anyway, it's good to be able to write a decent piece of article. It keeps my brain alive. (And it's also good to know that someone else is cramming to beat deadlines, i.e., my husband. He's not writing, though; he's trying to map out river basins, whatever that means.)

Before I ramble on some more, let me get back to my deadline.

a sneak peek

I was finally able to bring my Sanuk to Baguio!
This is me waking up at 7am to lounge and read at
PNKY's garden before embarking on a long shoot day.

I have been terribly busy this week--so busy that I am barely blogging. In fact, I was horrified to discover that my last entry in my other blog was two months ago! (Well, I just updated it, so there.) My aim to regularly (as in weekly) blog seems to be failing. Tsk, tsk, tsk. I blame work.

Anyway, I've been busy lately mainly on things I love to do. Just recently, I went up again to Baguio on a writing assignment, and it was fun, fun, fun! Because I am not yet allowed to divulge the details, let me just say that my recent trip is one for the books. Why? Two names: BenCab and Ben-Hur. These photos will prove that I've rubbed elbows with these two art maestros.

Me with the crew and National Artist Ben Cabrera

While Ben-Hur was happily regaling us with his stories
and lessons in life, I just had to have a photo op!

That's all for now! Imma get back to transcribing my BenCab interview (which was on-the-spot, I barely have prepared questions; but more on that when I'm already free to talk about the details of the trip). I'll come back with more stories to tell as soon as I beat my deadlines.

my books will now be happy!

Finally, after almost a week of waiting (yes, that's already a long wait for me), I am now a proud owner of an Aklat Eklat leather book jacket! I am so happy! Now, I no longer have to pressure myself into (plastic) covering my books before I even read them--no more fraying the covers!

The label comes with care instructions at the back.

I used to feel very uncomfortable reading an uncovered book; thanks to Aklat Eklat, I can now immediately devour books (I am sounding like an endorser here, I know!). But of course, I'd still wrap them after reading in case someone else wants to borrow my treasures.

My initials (yay!) and the built-in bookmark.
Isn't that convenient, not to mention cute?

I'd definitely buy another one in a bigger size and a brighter color combination. For now, I shall read in peace and with panache, as Aklat Eklat says!

P.S.
Now where can I buy a leather protectant for my book jacket? Any ideas?

yes, i am all for immediate gratification

So last night was almost a downer if not for Despicable Me. Two things: First, Aklat Eklat made a mistake with my initials so I had to return the item and wait for a few more days for the correct one. It's just weird that I had a feeling something might go wrong with the book jacket I ordered, and something did. Bleh! But Aklat was kind enough to promise me the new jacket will be ready within this week. Good thing they have one more of the color I chose; otherwise, I'd have to wait for three weeks--and that's torture for me! I want my book jacket asap, before I go to Baguio for a writing assignment. I want it with me making my book feel all cozy and snug in that cold, magical place.

Second, I forgot to use my Citibank "coupons" to avail of a movie discount. I totally forgot that I have receipts worth a Php200 discount, all because I was so stoked about my book jacket. So hubby and I ended up paying the full price for the movie. But since we just opted for a regular showing (no 3D for us for this one), we didn't have to shell out a lot.

Now my night would've ended in such tragedy if not for Despicable Me. It is such an adooooorable movie! The overflowing cuteness made up for the so-so plot. It made me forget how upset I am. And to be honest, I think the Minions upstaged Agnes when it comes to cuteness overload.

If you don't find the Minions cute, then poor you!

tonight, i have a plan

In a few minutes, I shall zoom past the office lobby door and rush to SM The Block to:

1) watch Despicable Me with the hubby

"Does this count as annoyin'?"
(Image from michleong.blogspot.com)

and 2) get my super awesome leather book jacket from Aklat Eklat!

Image from aklateklat.multiply.com

I am so stoked!

Then maybe tonight or tomorrow, I shall blog about my Aklat Eklat purchase. Then I will read and read and read and read. Yay!