Happy Friday/ Pay Day/ Pi Day! I'm in a celebratory mood today because I am going to see Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on Sunday! ヽ(´ー`)ﾉ 

As for my concert ticket giveaway sponsored by SM Accessories, I had a great time reading your comments about your favorite songs from The Heist, and I wish I can give more tickets away but unfortunately I can only choose one winner. So, congratulations Kimberly Camille Tiu! You won a pair of Lower Box B tickets to the Manila leg of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis's Tour! I will email you shortly on how you can claim your prize. :)

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are set to perform at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, March 16. Pre-party beats will be taken care of by DJ Mars Miranda and Those Damn Nerds! Are you going to the concert, too? Tweet me! 

It's not that this blog is slowly turning into a book blog, it's just that my workdays are almost always crazy-busy these days that the little me-time I can spare has been dedicated almost entirely to reading. (My weekends are reserved for other personal projects/ pursuits and my friends, although I am not really sure if they like seeing their faces plastered all over this website. I haven't really checked LOL.) This is a book review of The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. It is easily one of the cleverest romantic comedies I have ever read and I would love to make more people aware of its existence. I chose it because of the glowing reviews it has received as I needed something fun to read after the whopping disappointment that was Divergent. The Rosie Project is an interesting love story framed by a search for an unknown father peppered with DNA testings, genetics trivia, psychology, and other things in between. Spoiler alert: I loved it. It was a really fun read and I'm glad I chose well.

Don Tillman, professor of genetics, has never been on a second date. He is a man who can count all his friends on the fingers of one hand, whose lifelong difficulty with social rituals has convinced him that he is simply not wired for romance. So when an acquaintance informs him that he would make a “wonderful” husband, his first reaction is shock. Yet he must concede to the statistical probability that there is someone for everyone, and he embarks upon The Wife Project. In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which he approaches all things, Don sets out to find the perfect partner. She will be punctual and logical—most definitely not a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver. 

Yet Rosie Jarman is all these things. She is also beguiling, fiery, intelligent—and on a quest of her own. She is looking for her biological father, a search that a certain DNA expert might be able to help her with. Don's Wife Project takes a back burner to the Father Project and an unlikely relationship blooms, forcing the scientifically minded geneticist to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie—and the realization that love is not always what looks good on paper.

I first encountered the term Asperger's Syndrome from a Daily Mail article years ago. I was fascinated by the subject and tried to read more about it because in hindsight, a guy I dated might have it as he exhibited the signs. Obviously a relationship between us didn't work out, but learning about it explained a lot.

Going back to the book, Don is aware that most people he interacts with find him different, and he is fine with that. He is awkward, he is funny, he is adorable, but he also cannot relate much to people. He reminded me of Sheldon Cooper of The Big Bang Theory a lot. For someone like me who empathizes just a little too much, it was an unfamiliar territory to tread at first. Anyway, the wheels of the story were set in motion when he set his heart on finding a wife. I felt for all the women who have had to go through the sixteen page(!!!) questionnaire, but I also couldn't help but root for Don. His predicament makes you wonder how someone so smart could be so naive.

“I've sequenced the questions for maximum speed of elimination,’ I explained. ‘I believe I can eliminate most women in less than forty seconds. Then you can choose the topic of discussion for the remaining time.’
‘But then it won’t matter,’ said Frances. ‘I’ll have been eliminated.’
‘Only as a potential partner. We may still be able to have an interesting discussion.’
‘But I’ll have been eliminated.’
I nodded. ‘Do you smoke?’
‘Occasionally,’ she said.
I put the questionnaire away. ‘Excellent.’ I was pleased that my question sequencing was working so well. We could have wasted time talking about ice-cream flavours and make-up only to find that she smoked. Needless to say, smoking was not negotiable. ‘No more questions. What would you like to discuss?”

Since the book is told from Don's point of view, we get an insight into everything that goes on in his mind with every new situation he faces. Mr. Simsion was successful in giving him such a unique voice that sounds natural and credible without mocking him and everyone who has Asperger's. He has always operated on a rigid schedule and found reading visual cues and acting properly on social functions a bit of a challenge that I found myself rooting for him and wanting to encourage him. Don's automatic inclination to describe everyone he meets according to their supposed age and BMI amused me endlessly.

Rosie, Don, and the other supporting characters are all so endearing even with all their faults. Don is a hero through and through and it was exhilarating to see him in his "normal" state, see him be smitten and not know what hit him, see him try to act according to what he's predisposed to, and see him just forego logic and surrender to love completely. Good job, Don!

I loved the references to other romantic comedies, too. I wouldn't mind dealing with Don myself as he looks like Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird although I can offer more candidates to the search for the World's Sexiest Man *wink*.

According to the acknowledgements, The Rosie Project was actually meant to be a screenplay; that explains the fast pacing and the snappy dialogue because in movies, every scene counts. I think it's great that Mr. Simsion made it a novel instead but I also would really want to see it in the big screen, with Paul Rudd perhaps playing the part of Don? I can see it now, he'll be perfect.

Rosie and Don's story is so refreshing and absolutely delightful, I didn't even mind that the results of the Father Project were a wee bit predictable. From this book, I realized that "compatibility was as viable a foundation for marriage as love." And yes, regardless of the characters' quirks, it's ultimately a story about a man who just wants to find someone to accept him for who and what he is. And really, don't we all?

The Rosie Project was an incredible read and I couldn't recommend it enough. Read it when you get the chance.

I have started looking around for swimsuits in preparation for *crosses fingers* a couple of beach trips this summer, and these pieces from Freeway's Seascape and Tropical Swimwear collection became a quick favorite! I am looking forward to seeing them in person. I just hope I have the body to wear them. :D Read on...

It’s that time of the year again where we take advantage of the sun’s zealous heat by making it a perfect canvass for thrill and relaxation! What better way to match that summer backdrop than picking the right swimsuit that goes perfectly with it?

Let Freeway help you project that alluring island vibe as you bask in sand, salt water and sun with the release of Freeway Summer Swimwear 2014 collection this March! 

Freeway Summer Swimwear 2014 Collection boasts its very own original prints to complement the hotter months as they come in shades of cool green and blue. The original designs come in three tropical prints: seascape, green flora and multi-colored stripes perfectly creating a refreshing aura. Think: nature and seascapes strategically placed on one-piece maillots, bikinis, bandeau and tankinis. What’s awesome is that you can reinvent the pieces and mix them up to show your own summer vibe!

Another bestseller of Freeway’s swimwear collection is its wide array of underwired bikini tops for that flattering and sexy support. These bikini sets come in bright summer hues to fun prints. Very sexy, comfy, and fun!

Lounging about on the beach or at a bar at night? Of course, Freeway makes sure you are attractive all the way. The collection’s matching cover-ups using sheer georgettes to fun stretch zip-up nets will surely make you enjoy that worry-free, all-fun tropical summer indulgence. Don’t forget to wear a fabulous pair from Janylin to match your get up!

Visit Freeway's official website to view the entire collection or to shop online, it’s easy and reliable! You may also connect with Freeway thru Facebook and follow on Twitter and Instagram.

I am very passionate and willing to chase after things that bring me joy. Three of my favorite pleasures are writing, learning new things, and doing something with my hands, and when I found something that marries the three, then you bet I am more than willing to try it! I have been wanting to go to a calligraphy class but I've never been able to until today.

I had my doubts, of course. I can't draw to save my life and my journals are full of unintelligible entries written by myself, after all. But when I saw the announcement about the workshop on Ellana's Facebook page, I signed up then and there! I bit the bullet, and I am so glad I did.

Eula's Nifty Nibs workshop was held in the Ellana Minerals showroom this afternoon, and it felt so great to meet new people who are interested in the same things as I am!

For a minimal fee, Eula taught us the nuances among different calligraphy styles, basic calligraphy techniques, and the right tools and materials to get. We were also given our own calligraphy kits! Each one contains a nib holder, one piece each of Esterbrook 356 and Speedball C2 nibs, an instruction booklet, patterns, and different types of paper to practice on. The last workshop I attended was last year's stamp-making workshop with Craft MNL and it felt so great to work with my hands again without incessant keyboard noises.

There was only one garnet-colored nib holder and Eula said she pre-drew my name to have it. Awesome! It was such a "the wand chooses the wizard" moment for me, you guys.

After several exercises, Eula made us do our own postcards. I spent most of my available time going through my favorite quotes and song lyrics so I can write them in calligraphy, but a particular quote from How I Met Your Mother jumped out at me. 

These moments will be stories one day, and that is the mantra with which I am trying to live my life. Each moment will be a story someday so I have to make the most out of it, so I can have a great life full of great stories.

Forgive my wonky-looking umbrella. I told you I can't draw to save my life. :(

Calligraphy looks easy but it's actually a little more complicated than it looks. My outputs are far from perfect but I'm very happy with how they turned out considering how terrible my penmanship is. I know I need to practice more and I'm looking forward to refining my skills for this art form.

I'm a proud student!

Pat G, Jezza, me, Meg, Eula, and Pat

Eula looks like an unconventional pirate because she scratched her cornea (ouch!) Hope you get better soon!

Eula advised us to wear something we don't mind getting a few ink splatters on and I thought of wearing this shirt not only because it's old (it has been with me for more than five years!) but also in keeping with today's typography theme hee #writingnerd

I was meaning to pass by Deovir in SM North EDSA to get a jar or two of calligraphy ink but being the geographical knowledge-impaired person I am, I got in the wrong train. Ugh. I'll probably be able to visit there again either tomorrow or on Monday. My wallet is dreading it but I personally can't wait!

Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us, Eula! I'm looking forward to seeing you at the Revelations of the Book lecture two weeks from now!

Oh hey, I am giving away a pair of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis concert tickets happening at the MOA Arena next week! Click here to join.

When it comes to music, my favorite genres are alternative, indie-rock, and pop-rock. I am not the biggest fan of hip hop and rap but I do enjoy listening to it every now and then. When Macklemore & Ryan Lewis entered the music scene, everyone including myself took notice. I guess you can't win four Grammy Awards and expect to scoot through life unnoticed heh. Ryan Lewis was also interviewed by DJs Mo Twister, Sam Oh, and Mikey Bustos on the Magic Morning Show about three weeks ago and it struck me how eloquent and humble he was that I found myself wanting to go to the Manila leg of their World Tour even though as I said, I am not a big hip hop/ rap fan. I love going to concerts but I've never been to a hip hop/ rap show so it might be a cool new experience.

Thanks to SM Accessories, I will get the chance to do just that! What an awesome advanced birthday gift! Thanks, guys! And because they are extra generous, one reader of krissyfied.com can also win a pair of Lower Box B tickets to the concert!

Check out the Rafflecopter widget below to join.

This giveaway is open to everyone who will be able to claim the tickets from SM Accessories's office in case they win. The giveaway ends on March 14 and I will announce the winner on the same day. Are you as excited as I am? I hope you are! Big thanks to SM Accessories again!

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are set to perform at the Mall of Asia Arena on March 16, 2014. Presented by Viber and VISA. Brought to you by Wize & Ope Watches. Official residence is Solaire Resort and Casino. Media partners include 2nd Avenue, ETC, JackTV, MYX, BusinessWorld, Philippine Daily Inquirer, BusinessMirror, Philippine Star, Monster RX 93.1, 105.9 Radio High, 99.5 PlayFM, PEP.ph, ClickTheCity, PhilippineConcerts.com, Wheninmanila, Circuit Magazine, Status Magazine, Pinoytuner, IndieJam.Org, Odyssey, SM Mall of Asia, SM North Edsa, and GrabTaxi. Tickets are available at all SM Tickets outlets, and online or call 470-222. Tickets prices are: Moshpit, P 5940; Patron, P 4770; VIP Standing, P 3180; Lower Box A, P 3500, Lower Box B, 2650. Another world-class production brought to you by Concertus Manila. For more information, call Concertus Manila at 403-8678.

The weekend has done a lot of good and I feel a lot better since my last post. I just want to turn things around and begin the new month on a positive note, so why not do it by talking about things I love?

Fellow book lovers are most probably already familiar with this site but for those who are not, let me tell you that if you love books then you should open a Goodreads account.

Quick note: I am not affiliated with Goodreads in any way but I am the type of person who loves recommending things to people who might find them great or useful or helpful in any way.

Goodreads is the world's largest site for readers and book recommendations. Launched in 2007, their mission is "to help people find and share books they love." Through the site, you can see what your friends are reading, what they read, and what they would want to read. It's basically a social networking site for book lovers! Here's a link to my account - add me!

If you don't care about any of those stuff, you can still open an account just to have online shelves to keep track of books you have read, want to read, and are currently reading. Browsing books recommended to me according to the genre I have chosen as well as the books I've already added have resulted to a rapid increase of titles being added to my Want-to-read shelf, making shopping for books much easier. When I'm in a bookstore or when I'm going through ebooks, I just have to consult my Want-to-read shelf and base my choices there! I'm happy to say it hasn't failed me so far.

My favorite thing about Goodreads is the way it offers a fast and easy way to look up a title, see the synopsis and other details about the book (like date of publication, different book covers, et cetera), and read reviews to determine whether the book is worth reading or not.

Each book's individual page also shows information about the author, trivia and quizzes, and quotes from the book. Excellent resource for when you write book reviews or when you want a kickass Facebook status or tweet, LOL.

For those who are almost always on mobile, you can also install the Goodreads app on your phone. The books' pages only offer the shelving options, the synopsis, and reviews though.

The app also has a Barcode Scan feature that automatically brings you to the book's page when you scan the barcode . I think it's super cool LOL.

It means I wouldn't have to manually add everything in my Read book because the Barcode Scan will do it for me! Am I the only one who finds it awesome? One of these days, I will be able to update my Goodreads account with all the books I have ever read and it will be ah-ma-zing.

If you've reached this point and you're still reading this, I figure you're a kindred spirit so I'd just go ahead and give you a heads up on this event by Ayala Museum. 

The Printed Word: Revelations of the Book A lecture and exhibition with book historian Dr. May Jurilla A lecture on the history of books, printing, and publishing in the Philippines as revealed by the treasures and curiosities by the Rare Books collection of the Filipinas Heritage Library

Again, I am not affiliated with Ayala Museum nor the Filipinas Heritage Library but I do believe in spreading the word out and if you are reading this post then there's a chance you might find it interesting. I've already reserved a slot and if you want to do the same, you can visit this page for more information.

I'm ending this post with a few throwback photos I found while going through my old Facebook albums.

Tagaytay, February 2011

Laguna, September 2011

Tagaytay, March 2012

Tali, February 2013

Except for the last photo, everything was taken candidly on my unguarded moments. It just proves that even on out-of-town trips, my bag won't be complete without a book. That's why I'm so glad I have a Kindle now as it has made carrying lots of titles much easier and my bag a lot lighter 

This coming week is going to be crazy-busy but it's okay. I'm ready. Have a great March, everyone!