The Ego Episodes

Latest Five
I May Be Out of Here Soon - Sunday, Aug. 21, 2005
Home Alone - Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2005
What's Your Star Sign? - Monday, Aug. 15, 2005
Politics. Headache. - Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005
Sentosa Outing 2005 - Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2005

Sunday, Apr. 17, 2005

Untimely Obsessions

I promised myself I am going to write for only half an hour so if this feels rushed, it's because it is. Had mac and cheese for dinner. Was craving for it the whole day yesterday, but I know it's not practical to go out to the store just to buy the ingredients (although I have done this many times). I have to study! So I told myself (firmly) to STOP THINKING ABOUT MAC AND CHEESE because I have no time to cook anyway. I have to study! Being stubborn and all, I didn't listen to reason.

After church, (since I was already out) I went to buy some large pasta shells (replacing the macaroni), eggs (the "rare" white ones, yay!), milk, and of course, cheese. Deciding what kind of cheese to buy took about an hour. Yes, I take food shopping seriously. Anyway, I got the Kraft Classic Melts, which is a combination of shredded American, Monterey Jack and mild cheddar cheeses. Actually, the mac and cheese recipe called for sharp cheddar cheese but I decided to try the combo.

So for dinner, I cooked mac and cheese (using pasta shells instead). It turned out okay. A little bit on the dry side, but it's okay, it's cheesy and flavorful, but not too salty. Next time, more milk (in proportion to egg) and much lower heat. I realized it's not that much different from the carbonara I cooked except that I didn't use parmesan cheese and there's no bacon. Okay, I think I lost most of you but cooking has been one of my favorite activities recently (since last year, I think). I'm going to post about my cooking successes and failures next time (with pictures). I will also include lessons learned and tips. It will be like a reference. ANYWAY, what I wanted to talk about was, music.

Have you ever geeked out over a radio program? I have. Just this week. I wanted to relax, but not by watching a tv show because my goodness, I couldn't stop. I forgot this little fact about myself when I watched (for the first time) an episode of Desperate Housewives. I don't know what happened but I found myself thinking about the show after I watched an episode. In other words, I was seduced. At first, I was disciplined enough to limit myself to 2 episodes per day, you know, to watch during meal times. But then. I became helplessly addicted and the withdrawal symptoms were so ugly I had to do something. So yeah, I finished watching the 18 episodes (so far) of DH in like 4 days. I am crazy.

Anyway, back to the radio. Have you ever tuned in to Power 98 FM's Rock Revolution with Mario? Wow. The songs are awesome! Just now? "Runaway Train", by Soul Asylum, followed by "Just a Gigolo" by someone who I thought was Robert Downey, Jr. but is actually by Van Halen. But nevertheless, good vocals, exciting arrangement. Oh, if you haven't heard Robert Downey, Jr. sing, you should go have a listen. He's got that hoarse voice with just the right amount of raw to bring the emotion of the song across. I love listening to him when I'm depressed. A few minutes later, a song from 13 Senses came on, and then "Wherever You Will Go", the acoustic version. Wow, right? The other day I heard "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" (which I totally dig) by Green Day. With a line that goes "My shadow's the only one that walks beside me", that is such a sad song, but beautiful to listen to. Honestly, I'm happy for this band. I have a feeling they will go down in history as one of the greatest bands (or maybe they already are?).

If I'm not mistaken, Rock Revolution goes from 6-8 pm.* You will not get bored.

Okay, one more song and I'll shut up. Have you heard of that duet song by Delta Goodrem and Brian McFadden? "Almost Here"? I'm sure you have. I'm usually the last one to come across new songs because I'm more of an oldies type. Anyway, this song? Currently my favorite. When I first heard it, I didn't know who was the guy. I was impressed at the "Bruised and battered by your words" part because I could feel the vulnerability from the voice that sang it. Again, it has that hoarseness that sends a mixture of urgency and hurt. I did not think the voice came from a boyband member. Brian McFadden never sounded better. So kudos to you, Brian. Glad you agreed to do this song. And you really sounded different here**. And of course, Delta is as awesome as before. She has one of the most beautifully controlled voice I have ever heard. When I mentioned this to Tim, he said, "She's a very stylish singer." I couldn't agree more. She had me at "Lost Without You".

Whew. All that geekiness. And I haven't even started on books. I am so addicted by those, too. Well, next time. Oh, and stained-glass (ish) painting ... Seriously, next time. (Uh, I exceeded my half an hour time limit. Heh.)

* I realized that since I'm pimping a show, I should get the time slot right, so I would like to clarify that Rock Revolution airs every Sunday, 5-7pm, not, 6-8 pm.

**Also? Did anybody notice that Brian McFadden LOOKED A UNIVERSE APART from what he looked like when he was still in Westlife (yeah, I was a fan)? When I visited his website, I was like, "Wha-- WHO IS THIS GUY? This is NOT Brian McFadden!" It's the hair (both growing on his head and on his face). To his credit, I prefer Unscrubbed Brian to Westlife Brian.