Closing Time

It's 2010. Happy New Year everyone!

I've been neglectful of blogging recently. Two simple reasons: (1) I couldn't find the time to write down my thoughts, and (2) I got tired of writing.

Maybe I'm experiencing the equivalent of a quarter-life-crisis for blogging?

Anyway, I spent the whole Christmas holidays mostly alone (because I was on duty at my workplace) and therefore had the solitude to think things over. Plenty of things, in fact.

And among them was blogging.

I've decided to part with my Mind Wrecks. It's been a great 5 years of blogging. I'm a dominantly kinesthetic person, and blogging has been enjoyable for me as I write (or type) down my thoughts into digital words. Skimming through my past posts I've seen how some parts of my life has changed while some has stayed the same over the years.

Anyway, this post wouldn't be complete without giving tribute to key persons who've made 2009 a roller-coaster ride for me:

1. Marlon, Kat and Ren: Hands down, the Apo climb is my most significant outdoor event this year. I still couldn't believe we conquered the country's tallest mountain without any guides or porters. And that we were lugging 20+ kilogram fullpacks for 4 days! Nothing beats a mountaineering high.

2. Paolo: Pinsan, (well, technically second cousin) idol kita on surviving life -- a broken heart, deaths in the family and trying to earn to survive. Glad to see you all well and happy with your career gamble at Singapore. I haven't seen you that happy in years! I'm happy for you and Michelle, despite the long-distance relationship. Next time we meet, ako ang taya sa inuman! And I'm expecting na ako ang mag-h-host ng wedding reception program nyo in the future. Cheers!

3. Ube: Thanks for making my mom happy. And I apologize for the hot-seat-treatment that my favorite ninong (Uncle Tommy) has subjected you to. I hope that doesn't scare you in joining our family's future events, you're practically a part of it. *kindat*

4. Quito: Dude, for a best friend, you've really tested our friendship this year! Hahaha! This year, nakaka-stress sa akin by being your best friend. I feel like an accomplice to a crime whenever we buddy-ied up. Hahaha.

5. Fishyfishies and mushywarrior groups: Alam nyo na yun kung bakit, enough said. For the good old times!

6. Kayumanggi + friends of KAYU: I never would have thought na mag-s-seryoso ako sa paglalaro ng ultimate frisbee. I'm two shades darker, and I don't think mababawi ko na yung previous skin tone ko. Playing this sport has been challenging and fun, but playing it with you guys and all those after-parties have made it more fun. AND, binyagan ba naman ako as bosing-papi-chief-ninong!! Ayan tuloy, pati yung mga ibang teams ang tawag na sa kin ay bosing-papi. Hahahaha! Shot!

7. DOTA-mates: Hahaha... you guys managed to re-kindle my previous love (and addiction) for LAN-gaming.

8. The Cool Kids: Bai, Kaye and Jaywyn. Kayong 3, you brought out the worst in me. Hahahaha! But it's been real fun to hang out with you guys... magkakasingtanda lang kasi tayo bwahahaha!

9. The new Pamplona family: Well well well, you guys are the first family that I have affinities to everyone --- Dad / Mom / Son. I find our dynamics both comforting and amusing. I'm counting on you to give me advice when the time comes that... well, you know what comes next for me --- yung pinaka-inaabangan ng buong bayan! Hahaha! And I can't wait to hand Gyro his first PSP (or whatever portable gaming device is around by the time he's 5).

and lastly,

10. Mandrake Guy: We were a classic example of how an immovable object meets an unstoppable force. Ended up in a stalemate. In a stalemate, there are only two options: start the game over, or just let both kings concede. I'd rather have a re-match instead of conceding, so as not to let the previous game go to waste.


Happy New Year to all! Thanks for the great 5 years so far in the history of Mind Wrecks.

And now, it's closing time.

- Stip