Life Lately: SEM-BREAK NA!!!

Things have been ticking along quite nicely after the first semester ended. I passed in all my subjects, and earned really good marks even in the subjects I thought I was on the verge of failing. I think I truly deserve them after all those sleepless nights and breakouts that school has caused my face over the past four months. 

That said, I've got one semester left in college to endure, and I know it's not going to be easy, because all the subjects I've been dreading since my first year must be taken this coming sem. I dunno how I will do in sports journalism, business journalism, and PR practise, but I guess I'll just have to go with the flow, because I've got one more major thing to worry about, and it's called THESIS DEFENSE.

But I don't want to worry about that just yet. I'm still trying to ease my brain into the sem-break mode, which is actually harder than I thought it would be. My sleeping pattern has been totally messed up, and I sleep at around 2 am or so every mornight. I'm constantly fidgeting, as though I'm expecting an exam or something, my stomach would still flip in the most random of times, and my heart would suddenly race for no reason at all. Everything's just so weird with me these days. It feels as if I don't even want to cut myself loose from all the stress last sem.

I'm trying, though...

Last Tuesday, I picked up a new book - Katie Cotugno's "How To Love". I haven't finished it yet, but I wish the story gets better, because it's kinda boring me. 

Tuesday evening snack and read :)

I've been watching a lot of movies lately, too. In one day, I'd watch about two to three on my computer (I skip scenes most of the time), and some more on TV. Sometimes, it's scaring me, cos it's like I'm torturing my eyes and brain cells. But then, once school starts again, I won't be able to watch movies that much anymore, so I might as well...

My current favourite film is "About Time". I dunno why I didn't see it before! I loved the story (despite the plot holes and all), the bond and relationship of the characters, and I'm crazy about Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdam's charming chemistry! Bill Weasley and Regina George. Great! 

You might also want to check out my recent list of mouth-watering food flicks, in case you want to go on a movie marathon yourself.

When I'm not reading, watching a film, or surfing the net, I draw and paint. Now, I'm not a super talented artist (I can't even draw a decent cartoon of a person to save my life), but I think my illustrations will look great on greeting cards, since most of them are inspired by nature and places. This may sound ambitious, but I've always wanted to be a greeting card artist. 

Here are some of my fave designs :)

* * *

Today, I woke up with a hangover from heaven after Jason Mraz and Raining Jane's concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night. 

I will never get tired of seeing Jason Mraz perform live. That's for sure.

Three years ago (I can't believe it's been that long!), I went to see Jason Mraz perform an acoustic show with Toca Rivera and after that amazing night, I swore to myself that I will catch him again when he holds another concert in Manila. And he did. Last year. However, I was still in Holland when he arrived in the Philippines for the concert. I was pretty bummed back then but since he's been saying that he adores the Filipino audience, I knew without a doubt that he'd come back.

So last September, when I found out that he's returning for the Manila leg of his YES! Tour with his beautiful collaborators from Raining Jane, I did not dare miss any chances! I raided my measly concert fund, and spent 90 percent of it on a box ticket for Jason's concert (the other 10 percent went to Ed Sheeran's concert in March next year - I bloody needed a compromise!). I also asked my friend, Felis, if she wanted to come with me (she's a bigger fan of Jason Mraz, I think), and I'm so glad she said yes, because it would be my first time to attend a concert with a friend and it would be her first time to attend a "real" concert - as she put it.

Fast forward to yesterday, Felis and I got to:

-Watch Jason Mraz and Raining Jane rehearse for their evening show. There were only a few people who were granted passes, which made us feel really lucky. Most of the people at the soundcheck were women, so a lot of swooning ensued. 

-Meet Jason Mraz in person and we got to hug him! Oh my God. YES, WE HUGGED JASON MRAZ. I could not stress that enough. Most of the fans were just high-fiving him, but NO. We don't want to just high-five Jason Mraz! We wanted to hug him, so we f*cking did! How I wish we have photos to prove our "claims", though, but damn, photography wasn't allowed during the meet and greet. We have a group photo with Jason and some other fans, though. I guess that's good enough. I just don't know where we will be able to find that picture taken by the official photographer of the event.

-Sing our hearts out during the concert <3

During Jason Mraz and Raining Jane's soundcheck...
(I sneakily snapped this photo, since taking pictures wasn't allowed.)

Felis was literally frozen in this position during the entire time we were at the
soundcheck. Gotta love her expression! Haha! :D

Now, here's a funny story: After finishing one of his songs during the soundcheck,

Jason threw his guitar pick, but I was too overwhelmed to even realise what was

happening. The girls around me just suddenly had their hands on the floor, 

frantically looking for the tiny pick. Then it all happened really fast. I glanced 

down, and it was there. Right next to my right foot was what everyone's been 

looking for. I quickly (and tightly!) placed my hand over the pick, while the 

other girls tried to pry my hand off it. All I could remember was saying 

"It's mine!" again and again until they finally gave up and let go of my hand. 

So, even thoughphotos and autographs were not allowed during the soundcheck, at
least, I've got the pick Jason used (the frayed edges and scratches on the surface
will speak for me) to play some of my favourite songs ever. I felt like a winner.

I battle hard like that.

Just before the show started...

Fangirls :D

Here are clips of "Lucky" (with an arrangement I really, really love) and "Love Someone" I took during the concert:

Jason Mraz and Raining Jane taking a long bow after an amazing show in Manila

It was crazy! Seeing Jason Mraz perform live twice in one night was - and still is - so surreal! Last night is truly unforgettable. 

♥Andz