Of Angels and Seagulls: Anyone else but you *

"You're a part-time lover and a full-time friend."

Seven years ago, we met and became acquaintances through a youth formation. You were in a band, and I saw you played at the town plaza that year, for the first time. Too bad that I only got to hear the last line of your last song which goes "I could be the man who grows old with you."

We became friends a year forward. We had these small conversations at Friendster back then. And when you learned that I write poems, I let you read my works. You appreciated them and promised me to make a music for that particular poem that you liked. I'm still waiting for that promise. Hehe! I started listening to bands and songs that you listen to. You even gave me a compilation of happy songs, sort of like a mixed tape only in CD. I lent you some of my favorite records and you loved them. That year, we became lovers.

"I kiss you all starry eyed, my body swings from side to side."

It all happened so fast. And I realized that you don't want me to get sad, that's why you always do your best to make us happy. There were times that you kept on asking if I was mad or sad, especially when I wasn't talking. That year, you gave me mixed CDs, with good songs I still love to hear even up to these days. When I want to be reminded of how WE began, I look for those songs and remember how each song meant to us. I wrote poems about you and let you read them. And I want you to know that I meant every part of each poem. I remember when I went with your band where you played Orange and Lemons' "A Beginning of Something Wonderful," you were looking straight at me when you sang along with the chorus. And I believe, that was exactly a beginning of something much wonderful.

When you had to go back to work abroad, we were both sad. That year had been challenging for us, but we learned to adjust. We had to schedule our chat time, beyond the distance, the time difference and crappy internet connections. We have learned so much about ourselves, relationship and friendship. And it's surprising that I got to know you better even when we're not physically together.

"We sure are cute for two ugly people."

When you took your vacation from work, we finally had time to catch up. We have changed and I was happy how we progressed. We could talk about anything, laugh about anyone, and argue about smallest things. And those things even made US more colorful. Our small fights had been often that time but they helped us on who we are today. I love US, not the Tom-and-Summer way, but in our simple ways.

When you went back abroad, I enjoyed recording and playing songs. I sent them to you and you loved them. Of course, you should! Hehe. And you also sent me your records, including your original riffs. And I loved them, of course. We shared the music that we discovered, movies that touched us, and Wimpy Kid series that we both loved. Zoo-wee-mama!

"You are always trying to keep it real, I'm in love with how you feel."

When you opted to resign from work abroad, I was with you on that decision. I was happy that you won't be stressed anymore because of that work. We had the chance to celebrate together for the first time: Valentine's and our Anniversary. I gave enough time when you reviewed for the Board Examination for Civil Engineers and I celebrated with you when you passed it. I was so proud of you at that time, and still am.

We had more time to spend happy days together and planned trips. We went to concerts of your favorite bands (MxPx and The Ataris) for free. We attended music fair and independent films screening. We traveled to and ate (a lot) at different places and tasted anything that we could want. We even planned to make a food blog that never materialized, because we like eating more than writing. We climbed mountain, played together, and enjoyed our commitments to the Antioch community. I have grown up through you, through us.

"We both have shiny happy fits of rage. You want more fans, I want more stage."

Our long time plan to record songs happened on an ordinary day when we couldn't find anything to do. We finally called ourselves Norah Moans as a duo band, which I still laugh at whenever I remember why we came up with that name. I am happy when I sing while you play, even my voice isn't good. At the end of each record, you'd tell me how I sounded good even when I know I didn't, but anyway you'd still think I did. I love you for that. And it is not usual to have a greatest fan other than my own self.

"Doo doo doo, doo doo doo, doo doo doo, I don't see what anyone can see in anyone else but you."

And now we're on our 4th year together, it's kind of hard to believe that time flies really fast. We've gone through many things. We've learned to love and accept even the most unlovable and unacceptable in us. And I will always be thankful and grateful that God did make us meet and grow together, learn, accept and be content on what we have. I love you, and your weaknesses and strengths. And it fascinates me that I still learn a lot about you even we've been together this long. I could not imagine my life spending each day without the thought of you on it. I love you and here's to forever! :) God bless us! :)