Who says you are too short to model? America's Next Top Model is changing the game and for the first time in the history of fashion industry, petite aspiring models - 5'7" and under were given the chance to prove to the world that you are never too short to stand out and be on top.

I just finished watching the episodes in Youtube. I know, it was kinda late for me to watch this cycle.. ANTM even finished its cycle 14.. but this was kinda special to me cause somehow it gave me hope.. No, don't get me wrong here! I am not vying for the ANTM title. Yes, I've always wanted to model! In fact, it is my wildest dream to walk in the runway and be able to strut my stuff and model.. hehe But my point here is that this cycle has done something that at least made me proud of myself and I'm sure there are a lot of other girls who have dreams like mine that were proud of themselves too out of this show particularly this cycle. 'Cause in a way someone's going to represent those females all over the world who want to model but lost hope because they think they fall too short to be on top.

Ok! so much for that. Nicole who only stands 5'7" was this cycle's winner and I think that she totally deserved it. Somehow I can relate myself to her - her being different and awkward 'cause I got a lot of intimidating first impressions. Although, i don't consider myself a dork like her but I also have issues when it comes to talking to people. hehe I think that she was so impressive to be different but came out having lots of potential and she's even doing it effortlessly.

People may say that she doesn't have a personality but I think they're completely wrong. Being silent, different and awkward doesn't always mean you don't have a personality. Silent waters run very deep, baby and Nicole totally embodies that kind of individual. Now, look at what she's turned into - AMERICA's NEXT TOP Petite MODEL.

Here's the finale episode:

FINAL RUNWAY SHOW. It all boils down to the moment when Tyra reveals who will become America's Next Top Model. The 2 finalist - Nicole and Laura must pull out all the stops to impress the judges and nail their final CoverGirl commercial in Hawaii. They both did great especially Laura having to struggle from extreme dyslexia. They also did their final runway show featuring Julie Clancey's "glamorous and fun" designs.

I've read the book "Dear John." Indeed, it was a tear-jerking love story of a soldier named John and a conservative college student Savannah. They met up while John is on a two-week leave and Savannah is spending her spring break. John first met Savannah after he dives into the ocean to retrieve her purse that had fallen off the pier. While Savannah is spending her vacation helping build a house for Habitat for Humanity, John joins in with her. Along the way a budding romance occurs, and they both fall deeply in love with each other. Now, after a couple of weeks, (Yes, it only took two weeks for Savannah to fall for John. It was a line she uttered in the movie) as she is about to go back to college, she promises to write John overseas during the next 12-months until he returns to her after completing his enlistment. However, their love is put to the test when John reenlists after the 9/11 attack.

I actually cried while reading the book. It was so noble of John to choose to serve his country over fulfilling his promise to Savannah but it was even more noble of him to sell her late father's most priced possessions just to save the life of Tim - Savannah's husband. Yes, they never end up together. That part of the story was actually frustrating. T_T

I've also watched the movie adaptation. I was having an uncontrollable outburst of tears while watching it. Good thing, I never got to watched it with someone in the movie theatre. I was supposed to watch it with him. Glad it didn't happen 'cause that would be very awkward and shameful. I could definitely relate myself to the story, I've had a long distance relationship before and indeed, it was hard. All the worries, distrust and the longing for that someone only leaves you frustrated each passing day. And just like the story, we didn't last. T_T Well, i guess long distance relationships aren't supposed to be relationships in the first place.

Undergoing MyBlogLog Verification

Six of Swords: Time to travel, perhaps near or to water. Move to a new area. A change of pace and scenery. A slowing down. This part of your journey needs reverence and thought. Pick up the pieces and move on. Regained health, but it's been a slow process. Take slow methodical steps. Keep your chin up; this is a time of recovery. Sadness, but not depression. Coping. Hope is renewed.

And I would like to dedicate this song to you.. ^^

I know! I'm supposed to be sleeping now for my 1:30 pm karate class later but insomnia is kicking in again. I think I'm becoming nocturnal.

Yes! I just recently engage myself in karate. In fact, It'll be my second session later. A housemate of mine invited me to join with her. Although I was hesitant at first because I am too girly for such combative sport, I was convinced eventually for self-defense purposes.

In preparation, I looked up online and researched some infos about karate.

Here's what I've learned:

Karate, as defined by wikipedia, is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called te, literally "hand"; ti in Okinawan) and Chinese kenpo. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands (karate chop). Grappling, locks, restraints, throws, and vital point strikes are taught in some styles. A karate practitioner is called a karateka.

It sounds extreme but If I am going to engage in martial arts I prefer it be something that features overall combat techniques from punching to knee/elbow strikes and kicking unlike with some other forms - taekwando, for example, that emphasizes only on kicking.

So, we met up with sensei Rommel @ beefit gym and introduced us to the class. We're actually the oldest among the karatekas. The students we're mostly in their teenage years but who cares, we're never too old to learn something new. ^^

Eva, a rokyu karateka introduced me the shotokan or the basics namely Gedan barai, Age Uke and Soto Uke.

A gedan barai is a karate technique mainly used for blocking an attack. The approximate English meaning is "downward block." A vulnerable spot called the "solar plexus" is protected using this technique by basically deflecting an incoming strike.

Age Uke or Rising Block is used to stiffly block or deflect an incoming high attack. Alternately, it can also be used to receive an incoming attack, sweeping it overhead while maintaining contact with the attacking instrument (limb or weapon).

A soto uke is a karate blocking technique used for blocking mid-level incoming attacks. It is translated as "From outside block".

So, how do i find karate? It was very exhausting. It is more intense than a workout but I think I am going to carry on this activity as my past time. Good luck to me! ^^

I played this song a number of times today. Honestly, I would never get to appreciate this song if not for this revision. I was simply moved by the lyrics especially on this part:

Did you try to live on your own

When you burned down the house and home?

Did you stand too close to the fire

Like a liar looking for forgiveness from a stone?

Hope you like the song as much as I do. ^^

Ten of Wands: Overburdened. Load too much to bear for one person.

Everything now settled and in place. Cycle complete and order can be maintained.

A gathering of all pieces and putting them away in completion.

No more discussion, it is done and finalized.

A monument to hard work materializes and stands testament to perseverance.

What was begun is now done.

It's been five days since my last post. I was busy doing my task - article spinning. Actually, the last five days was just plain ordinary. So, I didn't have anything interesting to write about.

Earlier today, I've invited mom to come over and watched with me this movie entitled "Here Comes the Bride." Kuya happen to dropped by my place after doing his errand and so the three of us watched movie together. The movie was totally hilarious! A must-see, I must say.. ^^

Then after, we shop some stuff and dined.. but of course, I never missed to capture the moment.. ^^

mamako & kuyako ^^

mamako & me ^^

It's my first time to vote. Finally, i have

a say on what will be the outcome of this

new leadership. Too bad I lost my French tip!

^_^

The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness.

~Honoré de Balzac~

I actually never get to bond with my mom very often and it's not like we get to see each other on a daily basis. It's because I've been living on my own for more than two years now. Ha!

So, this Mother's day i made sure that I could spend quality time with her. And i really did! We went out shopping earlier today. I bought her stuffs she wants. Basically, I became her Genie for a day (well, as always!) "Your wish is my command, mah!" ^_^

But I know that you've wanted more than those stuffs and I'm sorry if I couldn't grant it.. perhaps in time.. as TIME HEALS ALL WOUNDS.

Featured here are some of the photos I've taken as we dined @ Greenwhich.

"All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother."

Here I am back to blogging.. I have previous blogs but i want to start anew with this one.. I actually don't know what topic to post here as my first blog but since it's mother's day, i guess that would be my first topic to feature here..

Basically, i am just going to feature a photo of me and my mom, and a music video that i specially dedicate to her. Actually, this music video says everything about the kind of relationship i have with my mom.. ^_^

"Indeed, mom! All that you did was LOVE."

~your Grace~