man, she did it again.

MONTE CARLO, Monaco -- Russia's Yelena Isinbayeva has broken her own world record in the women's pole vault with a leap of 5.04 meters as she warmed up for her Olympic defense.

The record came at the Monaco Grand Prix on Tuesday on her third and final attempt at the height.

Her previous record of 5.03 meters was set in Rome on July 11.

Isinbayeva is the reigning Olympic and world champion.

gossip girl has been my new best friend again ever since the writer's strike ended, till just an hour ago that is. finished watching the whole of season 1.

well, in retrospect, it wasn't such a good use of time. though it was really eventful and fast paced, the story returned back to where it all began. Dan was back with Vanessa, Serena and nate, Lilly and chuck's dad (what's his name?) and an almost blair-chuck. all the promising people who came up in the season all slowly disappeared out of the lime light, eg. lil' J, Georgina, serena's bro (oops, sry. names don't register well with me) etc.

but, there was one pleasant change after the 18 episodes. Humphrey senior (Rufas, is it?) managed to get his band going again.

Well, i guess that extravagant Manhattan lifestyle is something most of us crave for. Private jets, mansions, million dollar parties, designer dresses, limos, status, power, just to name a few. but then again, there's the Brooklyn side of the story; the Humphrey family, which is where most of us are standing financially. We're blessed not to be living on the streets but then again not loaded enough to be having caviars at every meal nor willing to spend $15,000 on a dress.

doesn't it relate perfectly to all of us at different social classes? for those who can afford the extravagant lifestyle they'll understand the luxury of luxury and the pain from the loss of popularity. and as for those like dan, we all are able to relate that there are many things beyond our reach and sometimes we always feel we need those things to fulfill our happiness. but after chasing the material stuffs, you then realize actually that the things that make you happy have been by your side the whole time. as for the extravagant lifestyles, dreams, perfectly reflected.

Having the whole season summarized in such simple philosophies makes me feel like such a real bump to have had my eyes glued on it for 18 episodes. but honestly, the story line is so exciting. An absolute contrast to the boring Korean and Chinese dramas. And, the fashion and hairstyling was so beautiful, and i haven't even touched on the actors and actresses in them.

i made a friend two years ago, full of ambition, goals, dreams. had morals which seemingly couldn't be shaken, not even by peers nor media. an extraodinaire. but within six months, that friend was lost. the person that is left, has a wavering target and a flickering mind, easily influenced by everything around. what was once a strong firm unmovable foundation is now a push over, easily succommed by the waves of whatever. even a soft whisper could be deemed as a strong influence.

i was wowed by the friend i made 2 years ago. had total admiration. even dreamed of how life would be like in the future with both of us as really close friends. then things change, so did that friend. i still held on, not wanting to believe in the change. it was not possible that some one i deeply admire could change into someone so... different, and ordinary.

truth to be told, that friend i made two years ago has long passed away. my trust was broken, my dreams were a lie, and my hope for a come back had faded.

after months of toiling with myself, and my thoughts, i've lost. i've lost the battle in beliving that that friend will return, and most of all, i've lost a friend. an acknoledgement one and a half years too late.