Week in Review: 3.21.08

Hello lovely readers--time for a recap of the ongoings of this week! Now this week overall has been, quite honestly, a blur, and frankly I don't even remember what has happened on which day of the week, so here is a list of the random pleasures of the past few days.

1) Coldplay have been the true highlight of this week! With all the album buzz, especially one of the album title called Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends (updated since my last blog post concerning it) and the supposedly new artsy layout for the official website! My fansite of choice has been refreshed everyone minute for the past several days--I'm not going to miss any news ever again!

[[photo from Coldplaying.net]]

2) Finally, after waiting for weeks, I get my April issue of Elle, with who else on the cover? Natalie Portman. The epitome of intelligence and grace that Hollywood should have more of. She's beautiful, talented, intelligent, level-headed, and kind: a true inspiration for me. I have been looking up to this woman ever since I was thirteen, and she has motivated me to strive to reach my 'unreachable' goals. Plus, this issue is the Intelligent Women Issue. How apropos to have her on the cover! Natalie aside, this issue has truly impressed me, with Joe Zee's new column called Style from A to Zee and the showcasing of 'power' clothes, from structured blazers to sexy secretary skirt that would make those male corporate zombies turn their heads. As a self-proclaimed feminist, I find it totally empowering and inspirational to have an issue such as this--full of different muses to inspire women to work it and be fierce.

3) At last, I found time to make those chocolate truffles I've been meaning to get to yesterday- a delectable recipe of Ghirardelli semisweet dark chocolate chips, cream, and butter to create a rich ganache. After chilling in the fridge all night, I planning to roll them into balls and sprinkle them with cocoa powder tonight. A great Easter treat!

[[photo from wikipedia]]

4) Hurrah for Spring! Yesterday was the first day of Spring, and although it was still quite chilly to be deemed spring, I fancied myself a nice free cup of Rita's Water Ice yesterday, in Cherry flavor, of course, though I did quite like the Mango flavor my sister had. Mmmm what's better than a free water ice? Especially from Rita's!

[[photo from weblogs.newsday.com]]

What's coming up this weekend?

**Well, I hope to go see The Other Boleyn Girl with a few of my friends tonight, which stars Natalie Portman (of course) and Scarlett Johansson as the infamous Boleyn sisters.

[[photo from imdb.com]]

**Tomorrow, I hope to be able to be able to shop in the new outlet stores in Limerick, but the chance of that seems slim. :[

**Easter Sunday this year, unlike the ones of yesteryears, will be quite uneventual. I doubt I'll be receiving a basketful of eggs and chocolates this year, but I suppose it's fitting, for I have been indulging in so much of it lately. Guess I'll only have the chocolate truffles to munch on. My family is planning to go furniture shopping (probably the most boring kind of shopping, if that's at all possible) but my home is in the midst of a makeover, so some fierce furniture is necessary. And of course, the most important part of Sunday? Grand.Slam.Sunday.

Of course it's not College Basketball, silly! Do I seem like a girl who likes College Basketball? Nay, it is indeed footie, and probably the most fateful day of footie this season. The Big Four--Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea battle it out this Sunday, with the Mancs against the Scousers and the Gunners against the Chavs. I'll definitely be tentatively keeping close watch of both matches, for as much as Arsenal need a win, Manchester needs to lose or at least draw against Liverpool in order for the gunners to truly win on Sunday. I don't like to make predictions, for I'm quite superstitious about this kind of thing (Ade's hair, anyone?). But it's definitely going to be a day of football no one's ever going to forget.

Quite a long post, no? Well, makes up for the ubershort birthday post yesterday (who someone wasn't happy about...why? Don't know..).

Have fun on the last few days of Spring Break everyone!

¡Feliz Cumpleaños Al Niño!

[[photo from Dailymail.co.uk]]

Happy birthday, Mr. 20-goals-this-season!!! Hope you enjoy some Spanish pastel with those Scousers!!!


(Arsenal will beat you in two weeks, so enjoy your happiness for now!!)

Shoes are like children...

...I can't pick favorites. All are special in their own way, and I'll be damned if I ever have to pick only one pair for the rest of my life.

[[photo from Smart Bargains]]

But recently I've been loving my Sam Edelman flats in grey lately. Even though I got these nearly a month ago, I have just recently just been so in love with its patent shininess. Although they were rather new, I'm quite nervous that it won't last me so long--I've practically worn them out already from trekking around school in them so much, and I'm hoping the metallic silver soles won't scuff of anytime soon. Oh not to mention I got them for only $35! Actually, after failing to convince my mom to let me order (with my own money, mind you) the Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse flats for 50% off, she tried to sidetrack me from those expensive shoes and found these for me. They are no Mouse flats, but very cute and versatile nonetheless. Mother does knows best sometimes.

Of course I'm very proud of my shoes, but when I have friends who joke about my ever-growing shoe collection (hehehehe...you know who you are), it's about time to snap back into reality and think elsewhere. Such as, the AP American History project I have to complete this spring break...


...while I dream up my next shoe rendezvous.

¡Viva La Vida!

[[photo from Rolling Stone]]

Murphy's Law can be a pain sometimes. The afternoon I sleep for four hours is the afternoon that Coldplay announce their official album title and release date!!!

Upon finding out about it I could not help but to feel ANGRY that 1) I was so lazy to check and chose to fall asleep instead and 2)My computer hogging prick of a brother kept the computer for so long, that I didn't find out til 10 PM--probably a good six hours after everyone else did. But nevertheless, after waiting for years, this surpasses the wait for Radiohead by DAYS!

The news? The album will be called Viva La Vida, and will come out in the states on June 17th. Many are weary about the title, for the latest speculation of Famous Old Painters seemed like a better title. However, I quite like the new title (but maybe that's just because of my infatuation with anything Spanish). I think it'll fuly represent the new 'feel' and 'vibe' the band is going for. I can't help but think of gorgeous frescos in ancient cathedrals and classical guitar riffs.

T-minus 91 days...oh can't you tell I'm so bloody excited? Coldplay has been on rotation on iTunes for the past week, that and the Coldplay-related dream I had whilst sleeping was definitely a sign.

¡Long live Coldplay!

Chocolates are a girl's best friend.

Lately, I've had this undeniable craving for all things chocolate! Cookies, truffles, on fruit, with tea...the wonders of this tasty treat is amazing.

My recent craving was sparked when my dad was on his way to the supermarket the other day and asked me what I needed. Not being able to think of something, I simply asked for dark chocolate. Even though I didn't necessarily needit, but I thought it would be a nice treat to indulge.
And so he came back with a purely delectable Perugina Dark Chocolate bar. Mmmm, it was oh so delicious. I relished the goodness for as long as I could, only eating several pieces at a time, and was horribly disappointed when I finished my last piece.

And now with the two bags of Ghiradelli Semisweet Chocolate Chips my dad was also kind enough to get for me in his latest Wegman's rendezvous, I am planning on concocting some delicious chocolate truffles dusted with cocoa powder. Mmmmm...now those would perhaps last me another few days. They would make nice gifts for friends as well! (Maybe if you are worthy, you will get one on Monday...;])

"Sweet" dreams!

Stand By Your Man...Unless He's Ashley Cole...

...or any guy for that matter.

It's official: Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole took back her cheating, arsehole, crap footballer husband Ashley Cole. I had such high hopes that she'd leave him for good. Any man crazy enough to ever cheat on her, of all women, should not deserve such forgiveness. Please, the man paid hush-money to his one-night-stands, who claim that he was vomiting like a baby whilst in bed with them. How bloody embarrassing is that?

It almost angered me when I first heard of this from an article in The Sun. Come on, Cheryl, I thought you knew so much better than that! What happened to all that 'if he cheats on me, he'll be dead' talk from last year? Things change when you are actually married and when it actually happens I suppose, but I find that infidelity is not just a mistake. It's disrespect to the person you love by betraying them in the worse way possible. If you love a person so much, why on earth would you sleep with some slag you found in a club? And for a "class" footballer, why get so drunk? It only proved my point more that Ashley Cole, or what I like to call him "Cashley A.Hole", is a wanker that does not deserve to play in a big club with an even more greater wife.

I have always made it very clear that if a man would ever cheat on me, he would be kicked out of the house and to never return again. It's the biggest insult to me, to my family, and lastly, to himself. He obviously doesn't love me that much, or even at all, if he was to ever lust after another woman. As much as I don't think I'm that great of a person, I know that I deserve much more than a cheating scumbag that does not take my love and marriage seriously.

I can't ever understand why women take back their two-timing men because 'they really love them'. How can you love such a person? A person that doesn't really love you back? I know I have no right to judge other people's marriages, but the pieces just don't fit, and I guess I will never truly understand.

I apologize for this tirade, but the issue of infidelity has always been something that I have been extremely opinionated about, and this Cole affair has only made me express my opinions on it even more.

A Fierce Winner.

After studying nonstop for an AP US History test, I finally had some time to unwind at the end of the night and enjoy the season finale of Project Runway!

At first, I was very skeptical that Christian, my oh so fierce favorite would really win. From the look of this feather drainpipe pants, the odds seemed slim, and Jillian's and Rami's collection were looking pretty darn amazing.

But alas, my little ferosha coutura won Project Runway! Not to sound sappy, but I shed a few tears upon seeing Christian cry his own. And it's amazing how talented youth can be these days!!

My second part of the finale? Victoria Beckham as the guest judge! Yes, Miss Posh herself. And although I am not her biggest fan, I do admire how she's very carefree and doesn't care about what people say about her. She has confidence that I seriously lack. And she looked better than ever, I think it's the first time I've ever seen her smile! Maybe I like her better now because I saw a grin, because as of late I've thought she was a soulless, boobie droid.

I'm dying to order the Christian Siriano t-shirt from the Bravo TV website. I think I need it more than anything. After all, I'm kind of a big deal.

A Proud Papa...

Stuck in a Rut

I remember back in the days of yesteryear, I had trouble grasping the word 'happy'. Because, well, I wasn't happy.

Sometimes I would go home and feel hopeless. As if there was nothing left. And all I could conjure up to do was listen to music and cry.

Melodramatic, perhaps. Many would look at me and tell me that I was overreacting and being 'emo', or whatever kids these days say now. But even though in retrospect, I came out 'kinda' okay, the inner demons I faced were not pretty. Friends were slipping away, and I could not find any window to let out my emotions. They were just boiling inside of me.

My escape was writing numerous poems, slowly letting the truth come out of me. Sure, no one really suspected I truly felt what I wrote about, but it helped nonetheless.

But now, things are so different, and I feel so numb.

Perhaps it's because of my overload of work and stress. Usually stress would stretch these emotions out by miles, but somehow things are just different now. Tackling hard classes and the piles of work every night is tough on my mind and body. It's as if all this work is blocking me from witnessing what I really feel.

I have not broken down since the beginning of school. I have not felt that slip that I did in middle school. I don't even like a guy. Not that it's easy for me to like a guy, but the lack of compassion I have toward people now is astounding. I have become a bitter smartass who seriously needs to keep her mouth shut. And yet, I have no control, and I don't care.

Is this new lifestyle of mine not letting me able to connect with my emotions? I feel like I don't have any emotions, and even if I do bad in school, I never feel anything wrong. I just take it as it is.

It may seem good that I don't feel sad again, but the last thing I want to do is lie to myself. If I feel sad, I want to truly feel it, so I could do something about it, not deny its existence.

I might have bored you with this ridiculous rant, but after all the footie talk, I just wanted to poke a hole and let you all have a peek inside my life right now, because you (I assume) all care. That's why you read this, right?

Cesc Mate!

When Arsenal and AC Milan were to face off in the Champions League matches, many questioned whether or not the young legs of Arsenal could withstand the experienced souls of the defending champions, AC Milan. As a matter of fact, many discouraged the idea of Arsenal ever even having a chance of winning. After all, their Premier League and FA Cup performances as of late haven't been outstanding, and the first leg of the Champions League matches were unbearable to watch.

Well, for those who doubt these young gunners, you all are HORRIBLY mistaken.

The second leg of Arsenal vs. AC Milan: the match that would answer all the questions, put all the doubters to shame. And so they were.

After a match full of chances and frustrating tackles, it came down to the wire. Nearly turning off the TV in saddness and anger, I was halted by an amazing goal by who else? MY CESC FABREGAS at the 84'! So beautiful from 30 yards away, and Kalac did not see it coming!!

My heart skipped a beat, I couldn't believe it! I know my love is an amazing player, but did he really score that goal? Was it even a goal? Was it offside??? I hated that I was doubting him, but alas, my questions were answered upon watching the numerous replays after the fateful goal. Milan were shaking their boots, now!

As if that goal lifted those cinder blocks off the gunners shoulders, they were even more fired up than before! Fierce passes while flying down the field, I could not even see little Walcott as he passed the ball to Adebayor, who would then kick the ball in for Arsenal's second goal of the night at 90' +2!!! Maybe his new haircut is indeed good luck...

I could hear the Milanese's heart clanging on the ground. The defending champions were beaten. Arsenal made football history, being the first English team to beat AC Milan at home!

The whistle blew, the gunners on the field were nearly in tears. The cameras panned to the Arsenal fans in San Siro, waving their team scarves and shouting about 'ADEBAYORRRRRR, ADEBAYORRRRRRRR.' The king of North London prevailed once again.

Not only did I find my scarf, brooch, and bracelet (which I lost two months ago) today, but my club won against AC MILAN. I certainly knew it wasn't impossible to beat them, but surely I thought that they would at least score a goal.

I guess those young legs were whipped into shape by Arsene Wenger over the weekend!

As for Milan? They had their fair share of glory last season, perhaps it's time for them to pass down the football glory to the young'uns. :]

Close Call.

Perhaps miracles do happen.

After a grueling train-wreck of a match, Arsenal equalize with Aston Villa 1-1.

Although I could wipe my forehand and let out a sigh of relief, there is no denying that the game should have been completely ours, even though our team is surely lacking this Saturday afternoon. I mean, without Senderos's OWN GOAL we could have been three points clear, rather than the one point that is just keeping us neck and neck with Manchester United.

It wasn't til the 90' that Nikolas Bendtner, Arsenal's Danish savior, scored the goal that would keep the gunners at the top of the league.

Sure, I could still keep thinking about Senderos and how MINDLESS he is, but there is no complaining after such a close loss.

You got lucky, Arsene! But smack some sense into the team!!!! It's heading towards the end of the season...

I wonder what Arsene Wenger's thinking there...