a tribute to Wenk's 2004.

currently listening to:Belief/Gavin DeGraw.

Another year has come to an end. It's been an extremely difficult and tiring one, but all the challenges have allowed me to grow as a person.

Allow me to share with you the significant ups and downs of Wenk's 2004, as well as thank the people who have made 2004 the fantastic year that it was.

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Never-ending schoolwork with the greatest of people.
Jackie, Mel, Ces, JC, JJ, Shayne and Rina. The people I see or talk to almost every day, and who are my sources of sanity, as well as insanity. No moment is ever dull with these people, because no matter what, we always find something to laugh about. We cram and cram and cut deadlines waaaay too short, but we always seem to get by pretty well. Thank you guys, so, so much. I look forward to another year of cramming and laughing with such talented people by my side.

Barkada gatherings.
My HS barkada is one group of people I love dearly, but never ever see anymore. This year, I am thankful that I've gotten to spend time with everyone, no matter how short periods of time they may be. In numbers, we have grown, and I am thankful that no matter how far apart we live from one another, and no matter how busy we all our with personal matters, everything is exactly the same when we get together. It's comforting to see that no one has changed, and it is reassuring to know that no matter what, such great people are behind you. To Chesca, Eleanor, Ana, Chard, Yanee, Kenneth, Mayk, She, James, Michelle, Gaby and Kenelm--I love you guys.

The end of a 2 and a half-year relationship.
They say that all good things must come to an end, and I think that they must especially come to an end when things are no longer going well. It was an extremely depressing period of my life, yes, but I know that it was also the right thing to do. Although "we" are over and will probably never talk again, you've taught me things I should and will remember forever. Thank you for a wonderful two years.

A summer of moving on.
After a difficult moment of time for me, Ana, Chard, Aaron, Earl and April were there for me all the way. It was a summer of shopping, eating, joining radio contests, and watching countless movie premieres for free. Thank you so much for being there when I needed you, for helping me realize that there's much in life to be thankful for, like having great friends by your side.

Conversations, conversations, conversations.
Mel, Jackie, Ces, Rina, Albert, JJ, Toni, and Chesca thank you. Thank you for staying awake with me until the strangest hours of the day to talk to me on the phone when we should be tucked into our beds. For all the talks in the amphitheater, or SJ walk, or in Aristo, or in Mcdo, or in Starbucks... or wherever. Thank you for listening to me babble and babble, whether it be about school, people, or the useless things in life--and actually listening to me, and showing interest in what I say instead of just pretending to. Thank you for being there, and for being such great examples of what friends really are. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Volunteering with Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Together with my wishteam, Kimmy and Nika (and a little of Kit), 2 ill children's wishes were granted this year. Rowell Evangelista, who wanted to become a cop and wanted a PS2, and Johnson Caranay, who wanted a PC. There were stressful moments, yes, but gosh, in the end, all the phone calls and headaches were worth it. Here's to more wishgrantings! Thanks Estrada's!

Another great Green Archer season.
Yes, I am very much obsessed with my school, and even more obsessed with UAAP basketball. This year, I am thankful that I've gotten lots and lots of quality time with my dad, my ever-so-loyal UAAP watching partner, as well as my brother Vic, and his wife, Cyn. I am even more thankful that all my ear-splitting screams, earth-moving jumps and glass-shattering cheers did not go to waste. Animo La Salle.

Endless escapades with Chesca and Kenelm.
The three of us have gone on countless movie marathons, lunches, dinners, meriendas, drinking sessions, and aimless road trips. We've posed for more pictures than you could ever deem possible. Strange conversations with these two people are the perfect solution to anyone rotting at home. Thank you.

Getting into Green and White.
I have never been super duper involved with an organization, but I must say that this organization is simply the best one to work with, and that I made an excellent choice. Ever-so-friendly people, lots of work to keep you busy, and even more ever-so-friendly people. Teambuildings, watching movies, endless fast food deliveries, laughs, Word Factory games, cutting classes for residency's sake, staying until 9pm for absolutely no reason at all... I can't imagine what it was like being in school and not being part of Green and White. Thank you to all of you for your open arms and ears. I can't possibly name all of you, but you know who you are. Kasama kayong lahat diyan. All ten billion and one of you. Salamat.

Car rides and Conversations with Ilse and Dian.
Ilse, thanks for the mcdonald's, the jollibee's, and the pancake house's. Thanks for the cups of coffee and the rides. Thanks for feeding me and keeping me entertained when the rest of the world bores us to death. Crepe, coffee, whatever--Di, you've made it unbelievably fun and interesting for both of us. Thanks for listening to me when the rest of the world wouldn't, and for entrusting your secrets and stories with me as well. I love you, sweetie!

Ultimate Track Reunion during the Christmas break.
I was part of the DLSZ track team back in high school, and these people played such a huge part of my life back then. It's sad realizing that everyone has moved on with their lives. During the break, however, I was able to go to the beach for 3 days, hold a dinner for Dirk, who was visiting from Germany, play paintball, have a birthday party for Seph, go on a roadtrip to Tagaytay, and consume unimaginable amounts of alcohol together with these people. Bonds were strengthened, and new ones were made. To PJ, Melai, Aggie, Kimie, Dirk, Hofi, Vince, Dan, Marts, Jojie, Josh, Ramon, Aris, Seph and Keo, it's been a fabulous Christmas break, thank you.

The death of my beautiful dog, Tipsy.
It was especially hard because Tipsy passed away so near to Christmas, which means that she wasn't around to celebrate it with the family. My family and I loved her so, so, so much, and her death has brought so much sadness to our home. We love and miss you greatly, Tipsy.

Another year with the blessing of all blessings, my family.
Nothing extraordinary happened with us Icasases this year, but I am thankful for the fact that we are still complete and healthy. I consider myself blessed to be part of a group of people that I can consider as both my family and my friends. I believe that the bond we have is rare, and I am very much blessed and thankful to be living with such fantastic people. To my family: Dad, Mom, Vic, Cyn, Carl, Paul, and PJ, I love you all so, so much.

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The year ahead may be a tough one, but I look forward to it if it means spending more time with all of you. I am blessed for having such great people in my life, because without you guys, I would have nothing, and I would be nothing.

A happy and prosperous new year to you all!

recap.

currently listening to:Collide (Live)/Howie Day.

after a long, exhausting trimester full of papers, projects, reports, thesis, all-nighters, and coffee, I've finally caught up with my life.

december 20. there was the green and white christmas party, which surprise, surprise, was a kiddie party at mcdo complete with party games and mascot. unfortunately, i didn't have my camera with me, but i guarantee you that it was great seeing everyone wearing their party hats and getting so excited about winning the parlor games.

december 21-23.


melai, beans, hofi, keo, pj, seph, josh and i went to tali beach, batangas. it was great being with the people who were such a huge part of my high school life. most of us were on the zobel track team, and although i see everyone every now and then, it's rare that we're all together in one room for an afternoon--let alone three days. swim, eat, drink, laugh, swim, beach, eat, drink, laugh... God, it was great. apparently, 3/8 of us were photofreaks and clicked the 3days away. pictures here.

december 23.


christmas dinner at ana's house with the barkada. we weren't complete (waaah, no yanee and mayk!), but in fairness, there were surprise appearances of people i havent seen in years. we had fun with the food. too much fun.

on death.

the most loved icasas family member died today.

tipsy hadn't been eating for a few days, and her color was turning yellow. she was brought to the vet, and what we found out wasn't great news at all--her kidneys had failed her completely. she had a chronic kidney disease and the vet decided that if the therapy she was undergoing didnt work, they were going to put her to sleep.

my brother and i went to the vet early this morning, to either lift her spirits or pay our last visit before they put her to sleep--but she was already gone.

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tipsy's home was the lanai, and she could never sleep peacefully without the light open. with it closed, she couldn't see what would be making the sounds she heard. every night, we made sure that the light was open, so that she wouldn't bark in the middle of the night and wake us all up.

for the first time in 6 years... the backyard light is closed.

she's been more than just a family pet for 6 years. she's been our source of laughter, she's kept the household interesting, and she's brought the family together.

christmas this year will be a lonely one with tipsy to open her christmas presents. we won't be able to watch her pee and poop on the newly dry-cleaned rug, or fall for those adorable wide-eyed looks and whines. we won't be looking for the piece of furniture she hid under because of the fireworks of new year's eve. we won't be able to applaud her for pushing open the kitchen door herself. we won't be able to laugh at her as she slips and slides down the staircase and land with a loud, huge thump. we won't be able to sneak into the back of the house at 4am and be greeted by the overfriendly wag of her pompom-like tail.

for the first time in 6 years... the house is silent... and it will be all throughout the night.


to tipsy, the most adorable dog in the world. we'll miss you.

defeated.

currently listening to:Crying Like A Church On Monday/New Radicals.




Up and down and up and down.
Has this see-saw ride no end?
Please stop the ride, Mister.
I need to get off.

TAR.

currently listening to:High and Dry/Jamie Cullum.

i want to cry. in fact, i almost did.

darn it. i loved them. i really, really, really wanted them to win. darn it. darn it, darn it, darn it.

blahblahblah.

currently listening to:Ants Marching/DMB.

im getting tired of the mere routine of my life. yeah, everyday is something a little different, but actually, it feels exactly the same. i feel like i do the same things. i listen to the same songs. i say the same things. i even feel like i eat the same food. i feel like i'm wasting my life away, and that each day passes and absolutely nothing gets accomplished. i do nothing of importance. i need something different. i need to do something productive with my life before i go totally bonkers.

blech.

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Ants Marching
Dave Matthews Band

He wakes up in the morning
Does his teeth bite to eat and he's rolling
Never changes a thing
The week ends the week begins
She thinks, we look at each other
Wondering what the other is thinking
But we never say a thing
And these crimes between us grow deeper

Take these chances
Place them in a box until a quieter time
Lights down, you up and die

Goes to visit his mommy
She feeds him well his concerns he forgets them
And remembers being small
Playing under the table and dreaming

Driving along on this highway
All these cars and upon the sidewalk
People in every direction
No words exchanged, no time to exchange and when
All the little ants are marching
Red and black antennae waving
They all do it the same
They all do it the same way

Candyman tempting the thoughts of a
Sweet tooth tortured by weight loss
Program cutting the corners
Loose end, loose end cut cut
On the fence, not to offend
Cut cut cut cut

Take these chances
Place them in a box until a quieter time
Lights down you up and die
Lights down you up and die

one month of fame.

currently listening to:Fade Into You/Mazzy Star.




if you happen to grab a copy of the december issue of...



... then turn to page 92, and you'll find this:



i repeat. then you'll see this:

haha. my one month of so-called "fame." i guess this is as far as i get in terms of getting my work published--being blogger of the month. how sad. too bad it leads to my old blog.

for those who don't want to spend the P85 on buying the magazine, (neither did i, i just wanted to photocopy it!), here 'ya go.

nyek. feeling ko naman you guys want to read it noh? anyway. too bad. it's my blog. bwahahahahahahahha.

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Kristine is an Orgcomm and Marketing Management student at DLSU. Her top three loves are her friends, her school and Coca-Cola. "I blog 'cause it's an easy way to put random thoughts down, keep in touch with old friends, and make new friends at the same time." Kristine loves the freedom of blogging the most personal of issues and even the most useless of thoughts. She jokes that her blog is also a great way to unleash her natural talkativeness ("especially when my friends won't listen to me!"). Point your browsers to wenkgirl.blogspot.com for more of Kristine's poignant and zany thoughts.

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humor me. isang buwan lang 'to.

discombobulating.

currently listening to:Greatest Story Ever Told/Oliver James.



my friend, mela showed me this site with deep, useless, discombobulating words.

some words that describe me, my lifestyle, or the things i love:

abligurition:
excessive spending on food and drink
adoxography:
skilled writing on an unimportant subject
cachinnation:
loud or hysterical laughter
farctate:
the state of being stuffed with food (overeating)
hamartithia:
being likely to make a mistake
lalochezia:
the use of foul or abusive language to relieve stress or ease pain
mulligrubs:
a state of depression or low spirits
petrichor:
the smell of rain on dry ground
pyknic:
short and fat
quidnunc:
one who always wants to know what is going on
steatopygic:
having a fat behind
ultracrepidarian:
one who offers opinions on matters beyond their knowledge
ventripotent:
big-bellied, gluttonous
xenodocheionology:
love of hotels and inns

some words that don't:

adelphepothia:
an incestuous desire for one's sister
agelast:
a person who never laughs
batrachophagous:
one who eats frogs
bromidrosis:
strongly smelling perspiration
callipygean:
having well-shaped buttocks
matronolagnia:
an attraction to older women, especially ones who have children
ulotrichous:
having very wooly hair
ximelolagnia:
the urge to stare at women who are sitting with crossed legs

haha. wala lang.