A Lengthy and Pointless Narration-Rant on Microsoft Windows Fails (And a bit of solution on how I resolved those)

First of all, I am a Microsoft Windows user for like forever. I used Windows 97, 98, 2000 and XP in our computer classes then XP, Windows 7, Windows 8 and finally Windows 8.1 for the family desktop computer and three personal laptops. I am no techie but I can easily follow instructions and tutorials online. For smartphones, I haven’t used Windows; only used Blackberry OS and Android. For tablets, I have only used iOS (I strongly believed back then that tablets are of little use and are redundant that’s why I haven’t even thought of replacing my very old iPad mini 1^st gen).

So here’s the thing: I am exhausted and exasperated of Microsoft Windows. Here’s a rundown of what happened a few years back and recently that almost made me cry and/or throw my laptop (fix/solution highlighted):

1.       Updating Windows 7

I believe that updating any system is a must. Well, just because. And since the action center (from the taskbar) always prompts any user of Windows to “Install Updates Automatically (recommended),” I would then turn on the automatic updating. It was in 2014, using my previous laptop which was a Lenovo having an OS of Windows 7 Basic, that a troublesome update occurred. After updating an hour or so, the laptop finally shut down. Then, when I powered it on the following day for a very urgent document I was working on, the screen flashed something along the lines of ‘an error occurred during update, undoing changes.’ It took forever for system to undo the changes and I badly needed to use it. I searched online for a fix and found a solution which was a System Restore. It solved the issue in a jiffy. Consequently, I turned off the automatic updates.

2.       Windows 8.1

In 2015, I got a new laptop which is an Acer Aspire E 11. This Acer laptop employs Windows 8.1. I found the new Windows fascinating, what with the new touchpad gestures just like on a Mac and cool new features; however, the laptop seemed to be too slow in booting up, there are functions that I found too slow in processing or responding and it always ended up hanging up. Take note, I had that impression with a newly purchased product. As a result, I always felt frustration creeping up and so I avoided using the laptop. Actually, I can’t determine for sure if the fault lie on Windows or Acer. But, as a fix, I tweaked the system a bit and improved my patience. Though these, of course, did not fully eradicate the problems.

3.       Updating Windows 8.1

Again, I believe that updating any system is a must. This time I have a reason and that is for a permanent fix to no. 2 above. And so whenever the action center would prompt me that I have to update, I would update. I even turned on the automatic updating (which I turned off at first because of no. 1) because I didn’t encounter slow updates anymore. That is only until I encountered a relatively few updates that took a particularly long time to update; to make matters worse, when the laptop restarted, I encountered the similar problem with no. 1 with the message exactly being: “We couldn’t complete the updates, Undoing Changes, Please don’t turn off the computer.” At that time, I also badly needed to use the laptop but, since I also have other more important things to finish up than stress myself again with the same problem, I opted to let it be. I didn’t do anything to fix it and just waited for like hours and hours on end until it finished up. After that, I learned my lesson and turned off the automatic downloading of updates.

4.       Upgrading to Windows 10

I checked my e-mail the past month and noticed a couple of messages from Windows notifying me of a free upgrade to Windows 10. Since I am in dire need to permanently fix no. 2 and 3 above, I did the upgrade. However, there’s a lot of things amiss with Windows 10 after the install. Before anything else, I love how Windows 10 looked.

The feels upon seeing the login screen.

But there are more reasons to hate it than to love it primarily because I didn’t get to actually and fully experience it.

At first, the Start button can be clicked but then the next time I tried it, it didn’t function anymore. Even pressing the Windows logo on the keyboard does not do the trick. Frustrating as it may seem, there’s more. Booting up, restarting and waking up the laptop took forever. When booting up, I need a goodly amount of time before I can finally see the desktop. When I say goodly amount, it does not only take 10 long minutes but half an hour! The Wi-Fi connection does not work. Ironically, before the OS can finish setting up, it asked for a wireless Internet connection. So how come it cannot detect any network?

I tried my best to give Windows 10 a chance to redeem itself since I really want to try it out (especially because it is a free upgrade). I let the laptop sit by a whole day as if resting it could actually solve the problem. I tried to restart the device a lot of times as if this could also help the device get used to booting up and solve the problem with the wireless connection. I looked for solutions online but to no avail.

Much to my dismay, I decided to revert to Windows 8.1 so that I could finally use the laptop. I looked online for ways to go back to the old one and found out that I had to open up the Start menu > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Go back to Windows 8.1. Remember, I cannot even click on the Start menu! It does not work! How can I get rid of the very problematic Windows 10 if the very problem I was encountering (i.e. Start menu) is the way to get rid of the problem! It took thousands of restarting and rebooting until the Start menu finally worked. I even thought that had I not prayed, it wouldn’t even work even after millions of rebooting. When I finally returned to Windows 8.1, there was a pop-up window asking why I reverted to Windows 8.1 and there I made a long feedback (I'm a bit hoping that Microsoft Windows would respond to it).

5.       Unwittingly Updating Windows 8.1

Just this last Good Friday, Avast notified me that I had to renew my purchase or something. Then I noticed that my laptop is actually not protected since Avast had stopped working. I uninstalled Avast, turned on the Windows Defender for the time being and updated its virus and spyware definitions, and decided to look for a new security software. Eventually, I decided on a trial version of Bitdefender. After installing, obviously I had to restart. I had already clicked on “Update and Restart” when I noticed that there’s that ominous word: Update. Instead of restarting, the screen flashed: Installing updates 0 of 385.  I really didn’t have any important thing to do but I was horror-struck. It’s mainly because of the trauma (yeah, exaggerated but still…) I experienced before when my laptop would decide to update during a time that I badly needed it. And, I don’t want to experience for a third time that updating the OS would make me insanely frustrated (does that description make sense?). Also, it said 385—not just a hundred but 385! Since I can’t do anything, I just slept through it.

Surprisingly and fortunately, it didn’t take an hour to finish the 385 updates and when it finally restarted it didn’t take long to get past the finishing-updates-something message. Then, I turned off Windows Defender and performed a full scan using Bitdefender. All seemed well until I had to restart for reasons I can’t remember. Again, I only noticed the scary word “Update” when I had already clicked on “Update and Restart.” At this point, I realized that I had forgotten to check why the laptop performed an automatic download of updates (thinking back, I think updating the Windows Defender triggered this automatic update). Then the screen flashed: Installing updates 0 of 81. I thought, “Whew! Okay so that’s just 81. This would just take 5 minutes at most.” Unfortunately, it took, if I remember correctly, 4 hours or so. At 1 a.m., it got to 81 of 81 then the message on the screen changed into something like “Installing Updates 0%.” FTW. I tried waiting for it for an hour but it didn’t even change to 1%. So, I went to bed hoping that when I wake up it would already be finished. Unfortunately, it didn’t. The laptop decided that it wanted to join me in sleep and went into hibernation mode even if it was still updating. When I powered it up, the screen flashed:

I waited for it for 6 hours while the laptop flashed that message, restarted, flashed the message again, restarted again and flashed the message again. Basically, it's in a reboot loop. I also tried manually restarting it even if it said that I should not turn it off, hoping that this may change the cycle. After a while, I had had it so I looked for how to solve it.

Solving my Most Recent Microsoft Windows Frustration

Unfortunately, the solutions (using cmd prompt and uninstalling updates) I found online entails going to the Advanced Startup Options which the article says can be accessed by a variety of ways if you can log in to Windows but if you couldn’t (just like in my case) it is by pressing F8 or Shift + F8 before the logo of the laptop appears. Tried this one several times but nothing. After a day (already Easter Sunday), I found out through Microsoft Window’s website that F8 only functions on Windows 7 and that Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 “boots up too fast” (yeah riiiiiight) that it cannot detect anymore the interruption the user is trying to do (i.e. F8). I’ve read that pressing F12 would do it but still it did not. Then, I found out how to access the Advanced Startup Options (I was supposed to link it here but I can’t find where it was anymore). Instead of F8, it’s supposed to be Alt + F10 (you can also access this by pressing the Windows logo key + F10; I’m not entirely sure what this does but once you use this there would be a message under the brand logo saying something like troubleshooting and doing repairs but eventually this would take you to the blue screen where you can access the Startup Setting). I also read somewhere that Microsoft gave the laptop brands the liberty to assign which function key to use. So I’m not entirely sure if F10 would actually work on other brands (I’m using an Acer).

Moving on, you should press Alt + F10 right after you pressed the power button even before the laptop logo appears. You would know it worked if the message “Please wait” appeared under the logo. Remember, this is not instant so wait until you are taken to the blue screen with several options. Click Troubleshoot

Then click on Advanced Options

Then click on Startup Settings (according to Windows Help and Support, this is already the new name for the Advanced Startup Options for Windows 8 onwards).

Once you’re in Startup Settings, click Restart.

The laptop logo would appear again then you would be taken to the Startup Settings again. This time there would be a numbered list of choices to do. Press 4 on your keyboard (or whatever number indicates the Enable Safe Mode).

Then the logo reappears. You’ll be take then to the login screen. If you’re using a PIN (like me; that’s why I’m used to only inputting PIN in order to log in) but you also have a password saved on your account, you’ll be asked for a password. Once in Safe Mode, open the Control Panel. In my case, I can’t search for it from the Charms Bar since there are no words appearing when I type. In this case, Control Panel can be accessed by right-clicking the Windows logo/Start menu on the taskbar. Click Programs and Features. On the left pane, click on the View Installed Updates. There would be a list of updates you made. Uninstall all updates that were recently made. Uninstalling it would take time (according to the pop-up window). After uninstalling, restart your PC. If you still got the "Undoing Changes" screen, just wait it out. According to the articles I read online, this should do the trick. In my case, after clicking uninstall update, a message appeared saying that it failed to uninstall the update. I tried uninstalling the others but I still got the same result.

I looked for another fix and found one that entails using a cmd prompt. I don’t want to detail on this anymore since I’m not even sure myself what I actually did then. I think I tried two sets of commands but, still, it didn’t work. In short, the only solutions I found online in order to get rid of the stupid updates didn’t work! I decided to do a System Restore hoping this would solve the problem I had with updates in Windows 7. In order to do a System Restore, go to Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore. Using a System Restore would not delete any personal files (e.g. documents, pictures) but if there were recently installed programs or drivers, those would be uninstalled (you just have to reinstall). You can also access this by pressing Alt + F10 before laptop logo appears > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.

Doing a System Restore would only take half an hour or less. Unfortunately, this still didn’t work for me. I was notified that it didn’t work because a security software is preventing the process. So what I did next was to go back to Safe Mode. I tried opening up the recently installed Bitdefender so I can disable it and go through the System Restore; however, it cannot open up. Maybe because I was in Safe Mode and so there were a lot of things that cannot function. Bottom line: I can’t even do System Restore! I was too exhausted to look for or even think of other solutions, making me decide to just reset. Resetting could be accessed by pressing Alt + F10 before laptop logo appears > Troubleshoot > Reset your PC.

Resetting would mean erasing all data and reverting the laptop to its original state. I have a copy of my documents in a flash drive yet I cannot bring myself to resolve on actually resetting my laptop. I looked for the contact information of Microsoft Windows as well as Acer, hoping that their technical support can lead me through. Unfortunately, their offices were already closed by that time.

I decided to call them up the following day (i.e. yesterday, Easter Monday). Before calling them up, I powered up the laptop then prayed to God to please help me get over this problem (yep, another hyperbole but I actually called on God! LOL). After 15 minutes, I surprisingly, amazingly, wonderfully saw the login screen! I spent the past three days, searching the Internet for a fix, leaving no stone unturned yet I never thought that the only solution I ever needed is muttering “God.”

Verdict

Maybe it’s just me being restless, impatient and ignorant of how things work (again, I’m no techie). Nonetheless, I am way too exhausted with the incompetency and inefficiency of Microsoft Windows. I will save money to buy a MacBook. Hopefully, I’ll be saved from all the drama, failure and shiz of Microsoft Windows. I’ll deal with the cons of a MacBook (mostly on cost. LOL.) later on when I even have the money to buy it.

Photos not mine:

http://www.techkhoji.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/windows-10-login-screen.png

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/We-couldnt-complete-the-updates.jpg

https://wpcf.neosmart.net/sites/5/2014/02/windows-8-recovery-options-screen-troubleshoot.png

http://cdn.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/windows-8-advanced-startup-options.png?b68665

http://www.bleepstatic.com/tutorials/windows-8/advancd-startup-options-menu/advanced-options.jpg

http://www.download3k.com/article_images/0/948/full_13_0ec1bd41c892e8d5ed02eb16bcedb5b3.png

http://www.winability.com/info/safe-mode-restart-startup-settings-restart-choose-number.png

Meenya Zavoot Alex Udinov

I am no Russian. But you might be wondering about the name I'm using since you might have heard it already.

It's a name of a character in the US TV series Nikita, Alexandra "Alex" Udinov. I fell in love with Maggie Q and the story of Nikita but I liked the sound of Alex's name. So when I was about to make a new google mail specifically for all the gaming apps I'm playing (since I don't want my actual e-mail littered with other non-essential stuff), her name just popped in my head and I just used it.

Lyndsy Fonseca as Alex at the left and Maggie Q as Nikita at the right

Now, upon my 4th attempt of getting back into writing (discussed in an earlier blog post), I want a fresh start so I used this gmail instead. My other concern is that I don't want my new acquaintances to find me in the Internet and see this trashy blog. They are bullies. Or so I labeled them. Anyway, I don't want to be the topic of any of their discussions or ridicule that's why it's better to have an alternate name here instead of the real one. Even if I posted photos here with my face on it, it's kind of far-fetched for them to google image it and find this blog.

Hence, I do intend to act as a poser if ever there is a real living person with the same name. I also do not intend to act as Nikita's Alex Udinov. I simply like the name. :)

Experiencing Ace Water Spa

As a Christmas bonding and a relaxing trip for my family, my mother and I thought of going back to Wensha Spa and buying vouchers from Metrodeal. We had gone there twice with my younger sister.

Wensha Spa in Pasay

But then, we would be doing this so-called family bonding without my father again and I kinda feel bad about my dad always being left alone at home while we're having all the fun (my mom doesn't like my dad to usually go with us because my dad is either a killjoy or is always thinking, "I thought we didn't have the money"). And so, I convinced my mom that we should instead go to Ace Water Spa since it would defeat the purpose if we went to Wensha and just be separated from my dad (FYI: In Wensha Spa, you go into hot/cold jacuzzi, steam bath and sauna naked; so, obviously, men and women are separated).

Ace Water Spa makes use of hydrotherapy massage. According to its website's FAQs, it is a kind of therapeutic massage that utilizes "Ultrasonic Jet System" that massages specific areas of the body with its aquatic jets strategically located to relax and soothe tired and aching muscles.

Hence, I searched for discounted vouchers in Metrodeal. Metrodeal offers discounted rates to Ace Water Spa that you can avail most of the year, so be sure to check it out before heading out. (Here's the link where I got ours: Ace Water Spa discount) 

I got a 37% off the actual price, which is Php550 for adult (Kids 4ft. below pegged at Php250 so it would be better if you buy there than in Metrodeal) so we only paid Php349/head. With that amount, you get to enjoy their amenities for 4 hours. Actually, we didn't finish the whole 4 hours in the pool since it was too much. I think we stayed for 3 and a half hours inclusive of changing and taking a shower afterwards.

While processing the vouchers, you would be prompted what branch you would like to use the vouchers with. Although I'd like to experience the bigger Pasig branch, we opted the Quezon City branch since it's more convenient for us coming from the north. Trivia: QC branch is its first branch.

Preparations

The following are a few things to remember in preparing to go there:

1. Make sure to wear the proper swim wear.

In the vocabulary of Ace Water Spa's management, proper means fitted swimwear with the material made of nylon or polyester but preferably spandex. Fitted means no boardshorts for boys and no cover-ups for girls.

Just a fair reminder to the ladies, although wearing a two-piece is definitely a proper swimwear, just make sure that you have a "reliable" knot/enclosures on those as some pool areas would have a strong water pressure equivalent to a hard massage (the knot on my top did not come off but the actual cup got blown off and slid sideways. Craaay! Luckily, I recovered really fast and, since the water pressure is strong, there were lots of bubbles so my right boobie was safe from the limelight. Whew!).

WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE FITTED?

Simply because you don't want to look like SpongeBob getting bloated with water inside him (water pressure is really strong in some areas as it is equal to a hard massage) hence exposing what's underneath that not-so-fitted swimwear (since you cannot wear any undergarment). Also because, according to Ace Water Spa's FAQs, this is in order for you to get the maximum health benefit derived from the spa.

ARE THEY STRICT WITH THE PROPER ATTIRE?

Yes!

If they saw you wearing cotton material or a not fitted swimwear, they would courteously ask you to change, even if you were already long enjoying their amenities. In case you didn't bring any spare swimwear, you can either buy or rent from them. Rent fees are as follows, if my memory served me right:

       Trunks - Php100.00

       Swimsuit - Php250.00

       Kiddie Swimsuit - Php150.00

In addition to proper swim attire, they don't allow any underwear. For instance, while in the pool, I heard two women beside me say to their male companion that they had to go back to the changing room (they were already in the pool) to remove their bras and panties underneath their rash guard and cycling shorts as one of the life guards noticed them. Lucky for you if ever you got away with wearing undies. Teehee.

2. Bring your own towel
Unlike other spas where you are provided with the towel, here you have to bring your own. Don't worry if ever you forgot it since they have a towel for rent at Php150.00. But then again, would you like to waste that money? Naah. So just bring one.

3. No need to bring your own swim caps
Upon check-in, you would be given their red swim caps but you need to return it before you go. A basket is place at the foot of the stairs leading to the changing rooms where you can return the swim caps. However, if you find it gross, you are free to use your own.

4. You can bring salbabida as well! 
Just like a typical pool, you are free to bring your arm rings, inflatable floaters and swimming boards. You can even bring your goggles.

5. No need to bring flipflops
Even if you were wearing sneakers or high heels going to Ace Water Spa, no need to bring a pair of flipflops. Upon entering the changing room, you will be asked to deposit your footwear. Then you have the choice to wear their (humongous) rubber slip-ons or not. Either way, you can only wear those slip-ons while inside the changing room and not when going down to the pool area.

6. No need to bring toiletries
If you don't mind using a "head to toe" liquid soap, then no need to bring shampoo and soap! But let me just remind you that your hair (especially for the girls) will definitely be dry and sticky. So, you may want to at least bring a sachet of conditioner.

7. Don't bring too bulky stuff
Just a heads up, if you intend to bring like half of your closet (I understand the feeling of being I-am-clueless-so-I-might-as-well-prepare-for-the-worst), then don't. The provided locker is small, about the size of a regular square throw pillow. During peak seasons, you may even find yourself sharing a locker with your companions. So if you have a car with you, you might want to leave non-essential things in your car. If you don't have one, then just bring the important stuff rather than risk leaving your belongings with the busy personnel at the footwear deposit area.

Going there

If you got a car, no problems going there as it is an easy to reach place being at a convenient location. But if you were only commuting and you don't know how to get to Del Monte Ave., then better follow these:

From North

1. From Munoz market/Roosevelt Ave., ride a southbound jeepney plying the routes Blumentritt, Quiapo or any jeep going to Manila; you can also find those jeepneys near S&R along Congressional Ave. or in front of Green Paddle (aka Jackman Plaza) along EDSA northbound.

BUT, to be sure, ask the driver first if it would be via Del Monte Ave. 

2. Get off at Ace Water Spa. You should see it at your right side.

The red X mark points to Walter Mart.
(Sorry for the faint gray line marking the route from Walter Mart to Ace Water Spa.)

You should only pay the minimum fare (currently at Php7.50). Travel time should just be around 10-20 mins.

You would know if you're near when you saw Savemore then Sienna College, both at the left side of the road.

From South

1.1 From Blumentritt LRT 1 station, cross the street and walk towards 7-Eleven. There should be jeepneys waiting for passengers going to Munoz/Frisco.

You should only pay the minimum fare (currently at Php7.50).

The red X mark points to 7-Eleven at Blumentritt Road.
(Sorry for the faint gray line marking the route from Blumentritt to Ace Water Spa.)

1.2 From Divisoria/Taft Ave./Manila City Hall/Quiapo, ride a northbound jeepney with a signboard Munoz/Frisco.

Sorry, but I'm not sure how much exactly the fare would be since I went there from the north. But according to the rates in the LTFRB website:

from Divisoria: Php12.50.

from Vito Cruz (via Sta. Cruz): Php23.50

from Manila City Hall (via Sta. Cruz): Php17.50

from Manila City Hall (via Quiapo): Php13.00

The red X mark points to Manila City Hall
(Sorry for the faint gray line marking the route from Manila City Hall to Ace Water Spa.)

Either 1.1 or 1.2, to be sure, ask the driver first if it would be via Del Monte Ave. 

2. Get off at DSL Building (houses a laundry shop) which is the establishment in front of Ace Water Spa.

Either 1.1 or 1.2, you would know if you're near when you saw RCBC adjacent to PSBank on the right side of the road then China Bank. You should also see Z Square Mall at the left side of the road after a few breaths. Teehee.

Ignore all the banners; I wasn't able to take a photo. That is what you should be expecting to see. As you may notice, parking space may be a problem during peak season.

A Few Reminders

1. Ace Water Spa is open everyday even on holidays. Business hours start as early as 6 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. but every Fridays and Saturdays it is open until 11 p.m.
2. If you bought a voucher, you cannot avail their service on holidays but you may do so any day, even on weekends!
3. You cannot bring food/snacks in there. If you were able to, you cannot eat or drink it once you got in. If you got too thirsty during the treatment, there are available drinking stations.
4. It is advisable that you do not eat 30 minutes prior to the spa treatment. This is just like the typical reminder that you should avoid eating prior to water activities. But more importantly, since many treatment are focused at the torso, you might vomit due to the water pressure.
5. Taking photos are not allowed. Perhaps it's because of its strict rule on swim wear. So you might be able to take some covert shots while inside the changing room or at the top of the stairs going to the spa area but, mind you, the personnel are really vigilant.
6. You might see a lot of kids with their goggles on their heads milling around. They might be taking swimming lessons from Bert Lozada Swim School offered at Ace Water Spa. After all, it got a lap pool.
7. If you bought a voucher, make sure to print it at home since they don't tolerate copies in tablets or asking them to print it for you at the reception.
8. There is a separate lane accommodating Metrodeal voucher holders and walk-in guests. During peak season (like when we went there which was December 26), the line for voucher holders would be really long. And during peak season, I think, the staff prioritizes the walk-in guests.
9. During peak season, it could take almost an hour to line up then wait for a key for your locker. Lockers may also be for sharing at times like this.
10. For most, you need to press a button to activate the water treatment at an area (I know it goes without saying but I just want to make the list 10. Teehee).

Boon or Flop?

My family and I will definitely visit Ace Water Spa again. It's really relaxing and convenient place to go to in case you suddenly need a quick breather from the hustle and bustle of the city. And you really get the value for your money since it's affordable (especially if you availed of their discount vouchers).

However, there is still, of course, room for improvement. I'd say they should ask voucher holders to call beforehand to schedule their visit if they intend to visit the place during peak season just so the guests could avoid really inconvenient queue that could take an hour, not to mention sharing of lockers.

I also don't know how they are able to identify which among the guests already used up all their 4 hours. So perhaps it would be better to remind the guests upon checking-in how they would be reminded.

Even if they are not scowling, the staff at the reception do not look friendly and accommodating. Maybe it's also because of the crowd when we went there. Even so, they should still maintain their smiles and accommodating gestures.

Overall, we enjoyed our stay there and positively achieved our goal: family bonding. :)

Here are some pictures we sneakily shot inside:

We were in front of the doors leading to the changing rooms. Beyond the "no to everything" signage at the background would be the stairs going down to the spa area. As you can see at the signage, taking of pictures are not allowed. Teehee!

We were towards the end of the changing room and beyond the curtain at the back right side would be the hallway towards the stairs leading to the spa area.

And this is my family at the facade:

Photos not mine:
https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/03/ba/96/06/wensha-spa.jpg

http://www.philgift.com/gc/big/ace_water_spa.gif
http://static.flickr.com/41/76725140_db79a26b3e.jpg

Here's to Trying-To-Go-Back-Into-Writing (a.k.a. nothing)!

Well, I had a fairly consistent blog when I was in high school back then until early college years (Multiply was the 'in' thing back my high school days maybe because it's one of the few blog sites where you can actually use HTML and personalize how the entire blog would look or something like that, I don't know what I'm saying. Haha!). I even kind of remembered starting it even in grade school, if my memory served me right, because I was so into Madison Finn during those times.

From the Files of Madison Finn by Laura Dower

One of the books I hoard and hide between the shelves because I already had the limited 3 titles per borrowing but I don't want others to borrow it just yet because it would take forever before I get to borrow it. Naughty me. Haha!

However, one of the most precious entry I had then was one of the last entries I ever posted as a regular blogger in Multiply. It's actually for some extra points in a general subject class in Academic Writing during my 2nd year college. What made it precious is that my professor, who's not that handsome but was a heartthrob among students, commended the article I'd put up (too bad I can't screen-cap the actual comment of my professor since Multiply's down already. I didn't even know back in 2012 that my blog was about to be permanently deleted. Well, yeah, I was really proud of that one so it was really such a waste). It was about dreams and at that time Inception was showing in the cinemas. After that comment, I watched the movie. Tee-hee.

The logo of Multiply back then. I just regret the fact that I was not able to save a copy of my photos uploaded there since those were the only copies I had--in addition to the screen-cap of my professor's comment. :(

After that, I don't think I had or continued to use any kind of blogging sites. My writing skills (If I really had any. Pfft) were put into use in (a somewhat reminiscent form of) creative writing (I am a Literature graduate, btw) and journalism (I was a part of the official student publication of our university). Then came graduation and work, and so my writing skills were really put into uselessness and idleness. The only aspect of my linguistic intelligence as per Gardner's Multiple Intelligence that remained in tact and useful is my habit of editing and correcting compositions (as I was also an editor during my stint in the student publication. Alright, kind of a grammar nazi too).

Actually, I attempted maybe thrice to revive doing something that could help me get back to writing something (includes Wattpad). But those were futile. So here's my 4th attempt at it. I actually don't know if I'll be able to keep this up or this could be the last and only entry in this blog. Perhaps it's because of a combination of lack of motivation (i.e. lack of readers because back then when I was still into blogging, I got my friends and acquaintances to read and comment on it), the laziness in me and my habit of not finishing or keeping up anything I started (even fully using a hard-earned Starbucks planner).

Well, I'd soon find out. :)