ME BEFORE YOU by JOJO MOYES

Used to a life of excitement and adventures, Will Traynor was devastated when he met an unfortunate accident that turned him into a quadriplegic always in need of someone else’s hands to do even the simplest things for him. Louisa Clark was hired to be the extra hand he needs and to keep him company daily. What was initially employee-employer relationship turns into something special. What starts out as solely a means for her family to survive the recession gives her a deeper purpose which later becomes her love-driven mission in life – to keep Will’s interest in life alive.

All I can say is that you make me... you make me into someone I couldn't even imagine. You make me happy, even when you're awful. I would rather be with you - even the you that you seem to think is diminished - than with anyone else in the world. – Lou Clark

Me Before You is another sad, moving love story about two people who were both introduced and separated by an ill-fated circumstance.

It was a sad story but not as sad. I liked how it was building up to the love affair while also keeping it a bit hollow and shallow, not making the attachment too hard to let go, so it became really sad in a way that it did not give the reader false hopes.

It became very easy for me to understand where both central characters were coming from and why they acted as such and such, especially with Lou. She had no known knowledge about Will’s situation, so everything began from rags with her. How everything built up for her was also how everything built up for me as a reader.

You only get one life. It's actually your duty to live it as fully as possible. – Will Traynor

It was good that it did not just revolve around Will and Lou. It also captured the side of the other characters while in the process of being affected by the life of the two central characters. If anything though, the other voices/perspectives used only added variety but didn’t make much of an impact.

I felt like the last part was cut hastily, that final conversation between Will and Louisa. It could’ve been stretched out longer to be made more heartrending. I was already feeling the emotions but before I reach the most painful words, it was over.  It was like there were “almost” tears that never happened.

Push yourself. Don't Settle. Just live well. Just LIVE. – Will Traynor

It was not the kind of ending I had hoped for. Of course, I wanted the ideal, happy ending that would put a smile on everyone, but I later on realized it was the nicer ending for it gave better meaning to the real intention of the story.

Me Before You is a beautiful read for someone who wishes to enjoy something that cuts straight through the heart.

Are you done reading this book? What are your thoughts? I’d like to know them! Feel free to share them below!

Photo source: http://www.sheknows.com/

THIS JUST IN Vol. 2: New Binge x New Splurge x New Eats

Well, life’s still life. It goes on – pretty quickly actually. So… I am sharing here some of the new stuff that came in/took place during the previous months first.

IN TV SERIES

Yes to Game of Thrones Seasons 2, 3 and 4 – hell to the yeah! The politics going on between kingdoms and inside each clan is what amuses my fancy mind so much. It’s fascinatingly intriguing, the flavorful politics. Love it!

Also, there are way too many additions to the already tons of characters and subplots to go crazy about. The dragons are my hero at present. I see them as the ones most likely to take over if ever a kingdom-wide battle begins soon. The son of Stannis caught me a little off guard, though (because what’s really up with the shadow son?!), but I’m still going to give it the benefit of the doubt. We’ll see what happens in the coming seasons. Hope its existence will serve an awesome purpose. And then there are the White Walkers! It’s like GOT meets The Walking Dead, and that surely ought to make a good combo. :)

Related but unimportant and I’m also not proud of this, I’m now playing Clash of Clans simply because it reminds me so much of GOT, and I like imagining myself leading my own village GOT-style.

And the twists, baaam! Right in our freaking faces! Without knowing what, where and why things happen, things happen. Why do all the characters I root for die? Why?! Hahaha!

S05 is already happening! Can’t wait to be back in King’s Landing!

IN MOVIES

I have decided to take on the challenge of slashing one film after another off the list of the 99 MINDFUCK MOVIES sent to me by my friend Kreng. I have an initial headstart of already watching eight of 99 which isn’t much I must admit, but those eight were just super crazy and twisted and mindblowing that they motivate me to get on with this list. I am not sure if all the movies here will appeal to me, though, as most were filmed during the ‘80s and ‘90s. Haha. Whatever, I’ll try watching everything and decide for myself which ones are my yeah-bsolute favorites.

But then again, I know for sure I’ll feel dizzy watching, so I’ll have to be mentally ready first. Until then, I shall keep them hidden in my laptop. Lol

IN STUFF

FINALLY, AN AIR MAX FOR MYSELF! I had been on the lookout for the dopest (wow, dopest hahaha) Air Max 90 around. I had seen some of the most kickass ones pass me by because I didn’t have the money to burn at the time, so I was so stoked when I was able to put my hands on a really nice pair at last. It’s very retro! I’ve been wearing sneakers for far too long that it felt kind of different when I first tried on my AMs, different in a nice way. My new kicks can be an eye turner on their own even when they have very simple colorways or even when paired with the most normcore outfits I can think of. Also, if I’m not mistaken, they are my first ever Nike shoes. What?! Oh, well. J I’m ready for the streets! By the way, super late but belated Happy Air Max Day!

My eyes are eyeing the AM1s this time. Oh, shoot. ;)

Also, I got an art work for a gift! How awesome is that?! J I just ran an errand, and I got home with a pretty painting from Ate Sarita, a relative from Daddy’s side. Cool thaaaang! Why didn’t I get her skillzz?! Hahaha. I have always admired her creative hands ever since we were kids, and this token just takes me back to childhood and beautiful drawings. Happy memories!

IN EATS

Since my first post under the food segment of this blog series, my nothing-can-get-more-amateurish potato experiment has been followed up with a few other simple recipes which I’m proud of despite the easiness of said preps. This also has become a routine I always look forward to since the boyfriend and I made this one of our chances to further bond. Food is the third wheel in this relationship. Lol (I guess there’s no questioning why we’re getting flabbier and flabbier each day huhuhaha). Tacos, quesadillas and, now, pizzas! *insert heart-shaped eyes here* They tasted so good!!! We just used the ready-made dough available in the supermarket. We topped our pizza with pepperoni and bacon. We all know nothing could go wrong with bacon, so yes, it was a pretty successful try. We made pizzas twice already. We used mini dough the first time and regular-sized ones the second time. Such a delightful feeling to learn something new!

What should we try making next?

P.S.

Holy Week went by just like that. I didn’t even feel the long break, but at least my family and I were still able to join everyone in our little barangay in the annual Way of the Cross last Good Friday as we followed the 14 Stations of the Cross from our San Isidro Labrador Church to the comboni on the hilltop. It was an opportune chance to fast, reflect and pray. It was my own little sacrifice, my panata. Grateful for the experience, as always.

xx

(Edited late post)

Arem and Kate’s Wedding: Bridesmaid Duties

Ladyhood has always been a challenge for me because I know it takes a lot before a girl can become a proper lady. Admittedly, I cannot yet call myself a lady, and, sadly, I may never be one. Hahaha. Good thing a pretty make-up and a decent red gown were able to cover up my true ragged self, and I was able to front my face as a fine, young lady for a day.

It was my first time to attend a wedding as a bridesmaid, and I enjoyed it so much. It wasn’t really the duties that come with being it that made it fun for me but the striking womanly feel it brought out in me. It was new for me, so the experience was unforgettable.

Also, the people/new family I was with were just as crazy and carefree as me. Young and old, they were all nothing short of awesome! They showed just how possible it is for people from different generations to have the same grasp and acceptance of modern-life jokes, customs and attitudes.

Anyway, here are some of the photos from Wednesday’s wedding!

This bouquet is a symbol of the other things that happened that wedding day. No, I didn't catch it, not really. Everything had been predetermined, and I was just a part of it, a victim. That's all I'm gonna say. Hahaha!

Congratulations, Kate and Arem! Your wedding was elegant and heartfelt. What a beautiful day for your wedding. Glad to have witnessed your true love. Thank you for having me! I already feel so welcome in the family. :)

It was also Basty’s Dedication day!

Sadly, I was unable to take pictures.  But here’s a dolled up photo of him. The titas did this to him. Hahaha. Cute!

I love you, Basty! Please stay fluffy!

The rest of the day was spent swimming in the pool with water in just the perfect temperature, neither too cold nor hot, just right. Also, billiards happened. Stoked!

P.S.

All photos were taken from my S5, and I have to say I am absolutely enjoying my phone more and more each day. It seems like the only thing I need to get by in this “ultra social” world.

xx