¡VIVA ESPAÑA!

[[photo from Tiscali]]

After 44 persevering years, Spain finally did it. Curse after curse was broken in this year's Euro Cup, and España brilliantly shined against the other European nations competing for the prestigious prize.

Despite having many skeptics doubting their success this year, they have put all the haters to shame in winning Euro 2008!

At first I was extremely worried. Sure, they did very well in the group stages, winning all the matches. But I didn't want a repeat of tournament's past, with only progressing til the quarterfinals. And so, after a horribly frustrating match against Italy, my little Spanish fires won on PKs (And those amazing saves by Iker Casillas as well!!!). Then in the semis, I did have the same optimism as I did in the group stages, for Russia had just KO Holland, another strong team, in the quarterfinals. But alas, in Russia and Spain's second meet-up there was another 3-point margin to the Spaniards.

And here we are, Spain the new European champions, beating three-time champions Germany! After years and years of not being good enough, their actual talent and sportsmanship reigned supreme. Never have I seen a national team with such good hearts and wonderful teamwork. No one ever fought for the glory of scoring a European goal, all they fought for was the possession of the ball against the opponents. With an amazing midfield consisting of Fabregas and Senna, opportunities for goals were immense. Not to mention, David Villa won the Golden Boot of the tournament, scoring the most goals of Euro 2008, with four fantastic goals including a hattrick and a late match winner in the group stages.

So where does La Furia Roja go from here? Well, I suppose they'll continue their victory celebration sans clothing (Iker in undies, yes please!!) But this only gets me even more excited to see their talent and determination in the next World Cup in 2010. South Africa, here they come! La Selección is ready to take the rest of the world on!

A time of self-exploration...

Every summer, I give myself goals to achieve that pertain to dreams that I've always wanted to fulfill. I would vow that everyday I would do something worthwhile and productive, contribute to society. And every summer, it's the same old failure. Because of sheer laziness, I would always end up on the couch killing my time, as well as my brain cells, watching the telly. The summer would pass by, with me not feeling very fulfilled whatsoever.

So as I did the previous summers, I set myself some goals. Along with having different goals, I have a different approach to achieving these goals. Rather than just waiting for the time to give me the opportunities, I am going to tackle these goals head on. One of the lessons that I've learned this year is that I can't ever wait for things to happen; I need to make things happen myself and take things into my own hands. After all, it's my life, I should be able to control what I want in it. And so, with these goals in mind, I will grab my opportunities by the horns and tell them who's boss.

Now that I am back from my time in California, summer has officially started for me. The empty feeling of time and heart lingering within, and having very little, if not nothing, to do. And so I wondered, what are some self-fulfilling achievements I can actually reach, while simultaneously learn about life and myself? Sure, all this sounds mighty philosophical, almost beyond weird for a sixteen year-old to ponder. But I figure my life is short, and if I am going to make the most of it, I might as well start right now. After some time of contemplation during my vacation in California and some quirky incidences in my life, I have thought of several goals to set for myself. And with much luck and determination, I hope to achieve them by the end of the summer (...as well as my AP English homework).

Goal of Self-exploration #1: Learn French

[[photo from ANU]]

After almost three years, I still get nags from my relatives saying "how come you didn't take French? After all, most of my family speaks French, and here I am, the oddball who took Spanish instead. And though I really do love the romanticisms of the rolling Rs of Spanish, I have always had a passion for learning about new cultures, and it's no different for languages. Surely French wouldn't be too difficult with my previous knowledge of Spanish, and it would be quite useful when I spend time in Paris during the Holidays. With the drive to learn, all I need to do now is whip out those How-To books my mom has stashed in the garage...

Goal of Self-Exploration #2: Read a book a week

[[photo from Amazon]]

Sounds quite ambitious, huh? I love to read books, and with the work overload this year, I sadly did not have the time to read as much as I wished to. But with all my horrid classes done and over with, I finally have time to indulge in some fantastic novels. With a long grocery-list of books I want, I'm sure I won't have any trouble finding some new stories to delve into. I am currently reading Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat Pray Love. And I must say, it's quite apropos with my time of self-exploration at the moment. I highly recommend it, and I personally think everyone can take a lesson or two on life from this memoir.

Goal of Self-exploration #3: Crepes galore!

[[photo from flickr]]

Ah, the delectable French dessert. I absolutely love these paper-thin pancakes, and I am determined to perfect the Parisian crepe this summer. Personal preference leads me to make batches and batches filled with ripe strawberries and whipping cream, as well as slathered with lots of Nutella.

Goal of Self-Exploration #4: Italian Cuisine

[[photo from Pesto's Italian]]

Surprised that it's another food-related goal? You shouldn't be, if you truly know me. I'm the biggest foodie a sixteen year-old could ever be. And this summer, I will (attempt to) hone my Italian cuisine skills. I'll be the aficionado of antipasto, the connoisseur of cannolis, the spaghetti specialist, the pizza perfectionist. There is nothing more pleasurable than the taste and goodness of great Italian food, and I am willing to double my weight over the next couple months as long as I can finally make a substantial Puttanesca sauce.

Goal of Self-exploration #5: Euro History

[[photo from Britannica]]

Despite loathing AP US history, I am very intrigued by early European history. Perhaps it's the opulence and enlightenment of the time period, but I can't help but yearn for more knowledge of King Henry VIII and his six wives. Although I already know briefly about each marriage (and in chronological order!), I feel like I could use more learning in that sphere. Also, I am interested in the extravagant fluff that was Marie Antoinette. Sure, the Sofia Coppola movie was anti-climatic, but who can resist the history behind those pastries? Hopefully by the end of the summer I will know the entire significance of the Magna Carta.

Goal of Self-exploration #6: Formula 1

[[photo from Wikipedia]]

At first, I was skeptical about the idea of Formula 1. Isn't it the same as NASCAR? But alas, both are quite different, and after conversing over this with a good friend (who is a huge fan), I am curious and willing to give this a try. Contrasting NASCAR, Formula 1 seems more on the classier side and with much more speed. With the British Grand Prix next week, I will surely give this sport a whirl and will hopefully enjoy this spectacle! (Props to Grace!)

Goal of Self-exploration #7: BLOG!

How else would I learn about myself if I don't know anything about myself first?! Despite the three-month hiatus, I'm back and ready to blog once again. And hopefully through reading my thoughts and ponderings, I will know more about myself and how I should handle my life conundrums.

You might think, What the fuck does all this have to do with self-exploration?! Well, simpletons, I figure that with all these curiosities and intrigues pushing me to experience further knowledge, I might just learn of new passions and what I truly want in life. Sure, gelato might not make my heart love more (...or could it?), but perhaps I will learn of my true potential and what I'm capable of. And hopefully, with new skills and knowledge, I can venture out more into the depths of the world and love it even more.

It's been a long time coming...

[[Photo from Emilie Wood]]

Ah, summer had finally blessed my little heart. And although I can finally let out a sigh of relief, I really do miss everyone from school, even if they did annoy me at times. And being across the country makes me long to see everyone even more. But I'm not complaining, California has been wonderful, and it's about time I get some time to relax!

I know it has been quite some time since I last updated, and I am truly sorry. Ever since the fourth marking period began, my mind has been at a standstill. With football season, TV season, fashion weeks, and school (nearly) over, the passion that ran through my veins during the year ran dry, and I had little to indulge. Despite this, I have always believed in a silver lining, and though my usual loves were done for the time being, I had other things to keep my emotions raging. So don't be afraid, even though I was lacking things to blog about, my heart is still beating as usual, if not a little harder.

Here's to a great summer, and I am determined to keep this blog alive!!

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!