2014

2014 what happened?

It started out so great and then last quarter was a disaster. I don't know how it started awesome and ended with dismay.

I get to travel for most part of the year, Philippines (Jan-Feb), US (October/December) and domestic Canada (Toronto - July; Calgary - September).  A lot of firsts also happened this year but not all those first are good memories. There are lessons taught to me and I have to learn it the hard way.

* when you love, save something for yourself because when they leave you'll be left with nothing

* patterns never lie. everything else changes except this one. watch out and look for the signs. Do not ignore it. do not make excuses for him to comfort yourself. 

* learn to appreciate everything (people, things, moments, efforts). it goes a long way. show someone that they are special no matter how busy you are. say hi, send a text or email to your mom, dad, family and friends. ask them how their day went. appreciate the people that cares for you, thank them for the effort and time they put into it. money can be replaced but the time someone has set aside for you is priceless. 

*stand by your word. back in the days, your word is your honor. as for me, when i say, i'll do something, i'll do my best to fulfill it. 

*humility - its not about who is wrong or who is right but sometimes acknowledging that we are not perfect is good enough and assure them that you'll make it up to them.

Still, 2014 is memorable and I like to thank these people who inspired me and made me hope that the best years of my life are still ahead. Here are my 2014 People of the Year

Capt and Biker- They are 2 amazing individuals. I haven't talked to them much but I saw that they were able to fulfill their lifelong dream. They made me hope that someday I too will be able to do my own adventure of a lifetime. Capt has achieved his dream to be become a pilot, it sure did took a while but he got there. He did it! Nothing is impossible while Biker here is currently on an adventure with the love of his life. Cycling from North America to South America, they've been in the road for several months now. I wish I could do that too. It's still on my bucket list and I know I'll do it someday. 

Cla - Thank for being my voice of reason. Thanks for reminding me to love myself and put myself first before others. You may not know all the story but you're always there to listen to me.

ACT - for always, always being there. You never get tired of cheering for me even if i have not been a good friend to you.

AnnKat - You've always come through whenever I need you. Wherever you are, whenever I send you a message you never bail out on me. Thank you for always being there.

Bogart - never a dull moment with you. You've always been a great travel companion. I wish we could live in the same province together. It would be really awesome. Here's to more lakwatsa days, booze and mischief moments.

Midnight Boys (Rye, Jay, Fran & Dave) - working at nights with you guys are always the best! being a night auditor for the first time, you were all supportive and helpful guiding me at work. and when i'm alone, you've always check on me if I am alright. Through heavy snow, dealing with suspicious persons, calming down drunk guest, you always got my back. Graveyard shifts are the best! lol Thank you all for taking good care of me.

Rachel, Nads and Shei - Though we are miles and miles apart, all of you never forget to say Hi or check how am I doing. You don't know how it means a lot to me. Thank you girls for always remembering me.

The constant persons on my list are my family here and back at home. Words are not enough but from the bottom of my heart, Thank you, Thank you for everything, I would not be here without you all. Looking forward to 2015. 

Cheers! 

2013 hits and misses

I never believed the superstition that #13 is unlucky but I must say lady luck was tough on me last 2013. I was struggling to find a job, had a hard time adjusting to the terrible weather and adapting to my new environment. Nevertheless, I still have a lot of things to be thankful for. Here are some of my Hits and Misses last year. 

HITS

*work - After applying in more than 35 companies, I finally got a call and successfully landed on the job that I like.

*travels - I was able to get some time off from work. Wasted no to time to book my ticket and fly to different cities in Ontario; Montreal and of course explore my own province and nearby towns.

Downtown Winnipeg

Niagara, Kenora, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto

*friends - I'm really blessed to have friends that value our friendship despite the distance and time. I may not get to see them but talking to them in a daily basis makes life and living here tolerable. Yay to all my friends! 

meeting in person; chat thru skype, viber and fb

MISSES

*blog - Wrote just a single  entry for 2013. I have a lot of things to say, stories to tell, memories to share and lessons to impart but I was lazy. There were some instances that I started writing but I didn't finish it and it just here in my drafts folder waiting to be published.  Hopefully, this 2014 I can write again. I miss writing; this has been my outlet and lately I am feeling crappy, so maybe I should get back to writing again. 

*death - death was so busy last year, everyone I know has lost someone dear to them. I for one, lost my Nanay (grandma) last year. It was the hardest goodbye I have ever made in my life. 

*snow - i like it here, its just that I can't stand the cold and snow. its a struggle to go to work let alone go outside the house in -40C temperature. And having snow for almost 6 months is pure torture. 

*photo taken from instagram*

So here's to a better year! Cheers 2014! The best is yet to come! 

My 2013 People of the Year

As an annual tradition of this blog, here's a salute to the people who made my 2013 extraordinary.

AnnKat

 - Changing time zones and distance is not a barrier in our friendship. Thank you for listening to my krung-krung and heart break stories. And thank you for not making any judgments on my actions and decisions. kunsitidor! Thank you for being supportive!  wahaha!

"Dex"

- 2013 has been crazy, thank you for keeping me sane. You make each day bearable in this miserable weather. I hope you won't get tired of me. It'll be spring in a month or two, are you still keeping that promise?! I hope so. 

ABC

- Thank you for your never ending faith in me, and I'm sorry if i caused you any pain. I hope you understand. Thank you for always being present whenever I need you. I hope someday I could repay all your kindness. I wish you well for the rest of your life.

Kathy

- Thank you for not getting tired of driving me to and from work even on your rest day. I never hear any complaints from you and you always offered to drop me to work on wee hours in the morning and for that I am grateful.

Tadz and Taby

- I am forever thankful for looking after me; for being my 2nd moms here in Canada; for all the help you have extended not only to me but also to my family. I don't know how I will be able to repay you both but I know God is faithful to give you all His blessings.

Patty

- I dread going to work everyday especially when I was new. Thank you for patiently teaching and guiding me; for making work less stressful; for believing in my capabilities and for always being there to defend me. Thank you! Its always a pleasure working with you.

Marose

- Thank you for being my 1st friend at work. I have found myself a new lakwatsa buddy. We rarely see each other but knowing that you're still with JV gives me relief, I still have a friend at work. 

Bogart

- My evil twin, you never fail to make me laugh with your witty hirits! Looking forward to your everyday rants about weather and school, you make feel normal. hahaha! Thanks for taking the time to meet me last August. Let's plan again this year!

AK barkada

- I won't name all of you, you all know who you are. Thanks for everything ( I know gasgas na yung line but I really mean it). Whenever I read our conversations on our "chatroom" it makes me smile and sad at the same time. (baliw lang?!) I miss you all! Thank you for keeping in touch!

Family

- Thank you for believing me, for loving me unfailing love. I miss you all. I wish we could all be together soon, I hope. 

Thank you for being a constant force in my life.  I am forever grateful to God to have met all these wonderful people in my life. Let's make more memories this 2014. 

my people of the year 2012

Last year, I started a post thanking people that helped me and made an impact on my life. To continue the tradition this post is dedicated to these wonderful people that made my 2012 memorable. Thank you for everything from the bottom of my heart!

Family - If there are people that loves me unconditionally, my family would be on the top of the list. Thank you for being always there when things are not going well, thank you for the boost of confidence and believing in my capabilities.

Tadz  and Taby - Thank you for everything, as in everything. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you -  Tadz.  Taby, thank you for all   help. Thank you to both of you for letting me invade your home with my presence. hehe! :)

Cousins and uncles - Thank you for making time to accompany me and touring me here in winterwonderland called Winnipeg. Thank you for all the treats and presents, and for making me feel welcome in your home.

AA Family
Sheila - Thank you for always keeping in touch despite the distance and time difference.  Thank for always being there; for being a great friend to me and for the encouragement and support.

Mimi - Thank you for being an awesome housemate, i'll miss our night talks, your experimental cooking, your kapraningan, your out-of this-world theories on things. Thank you for accepting me as your housemate.

Patching - Thank you for patiently listening to my kwentos about who-know-you and for trusting me with your own kwento. When I watched the video and you said, to hell with haters! I almost cried, thank you for believing in me. Thank you for always being on my side.

Rachel - My malditang alaga, Thank you for all the laughs. We never have a dull moment together, you made my 'short stay' bearable with your witty one liners and comebacks. And oh, thank you for listing me as one of your nominee. Let's plan our getaway soon! Just like what you said on the video, "see you later, ali-gay-ter!"

Nadine - Thanks to your bubbly personality and your becky speak, my vocab has improved tremendously. I'll miss our halimaw moments that always ruin my DIEt. wahaha!

Remember girls, there is life after _____ (fill in the blanks na lang). Wahaha! Go!

College Barkada  - Its almost 15 years since we met on that classroom and formed this amazing friendship. Thank you for those years we've been together  and even if we only get to meet twice or thrice a year I know we will still be there for each other.  Thank you for the send off dinner get together we had... to be able to meet with you all before I leave is really heart-warming. Special thanks to Nikki for that video message! Goddesses rule. :)

Dex - Thank you for constantly uplifting my spirits and cheering me up. Never told you this before but you can break my facade and make me cry, that sometimes I need a timeout for being tough on myself. You can read through my feelings and moods; and I thank for that! You know me too well. 

Ankat - Thank you for always listening to me, for never judging me, my actions; for always being there to support me in everything I do. I miss our asaran, basagan-ng-helmet talks and lakwatsa. I wish we could see each other soon! I miss you!

Hype Family - Thank you for your help and support especially now that I still unemployed in this foreign land. I'd like all of you to know that I'm thankful for all the assistance you have extended to me.

ABC - Thank you for always being there. I know I have not been a good friend yet you are willing to drop everything for me. I know exactly how you feel (I've been there....) I hope I could make it up to you in some way, someday. Thank you for all the patience and love. I wish you all the happiness you deserve.

To each and everyone on this list, thank you for all the love. I appreciate it and really grateful for all the things you've done for me. I may not be able to express it all the time (you know me naman...) but rest assured I am forever grateful to all of you. 

year twenty twelve

My 2012 is filled with goodbyes and hellos, travels, packing and a lot of uncertainty.

Goodbyes

I would not really call it goodbye because I know we will see each other again. Sheila and Lawrence were the first ones who said their goodbyes. Followed by Nino and Sky late January 2012. Its kinda sad but I know they will have a better future not only for themselves but also for their families.

August came and I got an unexpected email telling me that I'm on the final process of my application. And by October, everything was finalized. November, I said goodbye to my life in the Philippines. Everything went on too fast. Had too many farewell parties with family, friends and colleagues which I really enjoyed... every moment of it.

Goodbye's are not forever. I'd like to say... I'll see you again. Dear friends, see you next year!

Hello's

Hello's are always a pleasant experience. I had a chance to meet again friends whom I haven't seen in years. And I get to meet and gain new friends!

Oh Dex, it was a nice surprise to see you though it was just a few hours; I had a blast. One of the highlights of my 2012.

19th of November, I set foot to the Land of Strong and Free: Canada. Hello to my cousins, aunts and uncles and friends. The aunts, uncles and cousins whom I only get to see on Skype are now all here to meet me and welcome me to their home. Thank you for your generosity.

Finally get to meet friends JK and Lea from my previous work after 7 long years. Had a great time reminiscing all those fun times we had at the airport and catching up with other lives.

And most importantly, hello Canada, hello new life and hello challenges!

Travels

Work has taken a lot of my energy and motivation that I need to get out of it all. So, even without leave credits, I found a way to travel and re-energize and reconnect with my loved ones.

A. Puerto Princesa - The first of the 4 trips I had planned. It was not my first time to go there but still the place amazes me. Click here to find out more about my Puerto Princesa escape.

B. Zambales trip - I  had a chance to travel with friends from my former work. It was an all girls camping trip; we had so many misadventures on this one but it was all worth it. And we vowed to have another trip of this kind. You can read here, here and here about my Zambales' adventures.

C. Boracay - This place is paradise. One can do a lot of things in Boracay. Read here for things you can try when you're in Boracay.

D.  Davao - The last of my domestic flights for 2012. I had to fulfill my promise to visit Patch. We didn't explore the place much but we did make our tummy happy. Food trip!!!

March 2012, I had a chance to go back to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for training. The first and last training I attended with my 'almost' complete MAA family. I wish we had the chance to go to Genting, all the 4 of us. Oh well, there will be another chance to do it and maybe we will be complete.

I was not able to write about my Davao experience and my Canada flight. I hope I'll have the time to do it.

Packing 

Late packer, thats me! Packing away 32 year of my life in 2 suitcases can be so stressful. The things I've accumulated all those years, what will I do with them? Souvenirs, photos, rinkets all those stuff with memories to tell..... How will I sort them? Which one should I throw away, which one should I keep? What should I bring? What will I leave behind? Where will I put all those things that I will leave?  Those were the questions I had to answer and figure out what will I do. I learn to let go of some stuff that I thought were important when I was young but now when I look back those things were irrelevant. 

Uncertainty

Almost always we are faced with uncertainty. Life gives us things that are not yet clearly defined and so vague that we have to grope our way through. The start of 2012 was like that, it felt like I was on borrowed time. I didn't know if I would still have a job or not. Thankfully, I get to keep my job but that was not a guarantee that everything would be smooth sailing. There were times that I felt I was shortchanged but in the end I finally understood that there were better things in store for me. I'd like to say that... there is life after AK. 

The 'big move' happened November and I had to leave the life I had known for the last three decades. All I know is that I'm going to set foot in another continent far away from home. And towards the end of the year, I was still uncertain if I can secure a job right away... but so far everything is good; still enjoying my 'extended' vacation. :) 

This is what I learn from 2012...

No matter what life brings, let's always be thankful. At the end of the day, remember to count the blessings we received rather than sulk and whine. It could have been worse; always look on the bright side. 

Looking forward to more blessings this 2013 and hopefully I get land on a job soon! Cheers! Enjoy 2013!  

the year that was...

2011 has been very challenging right from the start. There were hard lessons that taught me a lot about life, love, friendship and many other things.

*I learn to appreciate those who truly care and never take them for granted. 

*I stopped seeking recognition / approval from those persons that doesn't value who you are. Even if we try to do our best if they didn't care at all it won't matter to them.

*In retrospect, its good to know that God always know everything... as my room mate Mimi would always say, God knows who does not work.

*In love, we will never bring back what you had and everyday we live by that decision/by that regret. so learn to value what you have before its too late.

*There are times when I really want to give up ... Thank you Lord for the reminder that whatever happens YOU are the hope we cling on to. 

This 2012,  I pray that'll be a good year. and I'm happy to say that as of now, it started out great. I've finally received that email I have been waiting for, and it bears good news! 

So here's to a new year filled with more good news and a good life ahead of us.

Let's all....

smile. save. learn more. blog. jog. walk. dream. organize. get moving. de-clutter. unwind. travel. discover. sleep right. move on. let go. love. love. love. go fight win! and lastly, hang on, hold tight and enjoy life's crazy ride!

God bless us all. :)

thank you 2011!

Heartbroken that's how I started my 2011. As they say, Broken hearts don't kill us. We only sometimes wish they did.   Throughout the rest of the year, that's how I have been 'broken' with several happy moments in between. Even if  2011 was not that good, I still have a lot of things to be thankful for. And these people made me survive 2011.

*in random order*

• Tadz - I do not where to start but let me say that I'm forever grateful for all your help. I don't know how to repay all your kindness and generosity not only to me but to the rest of the family. I may not be able to repay all your kindness, but I know HE will be the one to giveyou back all the blessings. 

                                               

• Family - Family will always be there no matter what. With me on the verge of unemployment, my sister agreed to take care of me. :) *it's payback time* wahaha! I told my dad about the situation, he never said a word and was willing to take me back. My mom and brother have been very supportive, I'm very lucky to have all of them in my life.
  

• 'Dex' - Dex and Em.  Em and Dex, that's how it should be. Well, at least in the book and movie. But oftentimes, life does not imitate art. I thought I lost you...  Thank you for teaching me about love, sacrifice and pain. 

• Law - muh brotha from anotha motha. We didn't get along well at first, we were bickering all time. well, we still are but its just us acting childish. Law, you always took care of us and think of our welfare, You'd always come to our rescue whether its a disruptive passenger, or we don't have a ride home, or we need your car for errands, you're always there. You've always been a team player, and you've taken bullets for us. It saddens me that we have to part. Thank you for everything, I'm forever indebted to you.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

• Shei - We've been friends for 8 long years and I tell you this is not goodbye. We've been through some bad times... and yet we still manage to work out our differences. Thank you for being a friend through and through. 

• Rest of MAA - Mimi, Josh and Nel: My Crazy Clark Family. Its been 5 1/2 years and it has been a CRAZY ride with you guys. 

              Mimi -  ever since I  moved in to Clark, you have been very accommodating. Thank you for making my life easier. You patiently listen to my heartbreak stories even if you heard it a million times before and even if I didn't heed your advice I never heard you say,  'I told you so'. I have gazillions reasons to thank you and space is enough, THANK YOU for all the things you've done for me. I may have left my sister in QC but I also found one here in Clark. 

              Josh - you always made me smile. Thank you for keeping up with my unpredictable mood swings and always trying to make things lighter.

             Renel -  you're the last one to join our rowdy family and made the effort to adjust to us.  Thank you for all the support, understanding and love you showed especially when I'm upset or in a bad mood

We will be all working together soon. Till next time. :)

• Whine and Dine Partner - Bambi AKA Bogart and Cla :  From Bangkok to Macau to Hong Kong to Camiguin we traveled far and wide together and been through a lot, I'd like to thank you for listening to my endless whines and sharing yours as well. hehe! :) looking forward for more whine and dine sessions with you two.

             Bogart - My evil twin sister, my partner in kalokohan. :) Thank you for keeping up with my pranks and crazy antics; for not getting tired from listening to my endless chika and whining! We'll continue being crazy in another continent, hopefully soon! *fingers crossed

             Cla - My soul sister, my partner in senti moments.  Whenever I need someone to call just to express my sadness or just need someone to vent out my emo heartaches, you're always there. The one who supports me in everything I do... Thank you Cla! We will soon find Prince Charming. :)

• Nino - You brought fun and spontaneity to my dull after flight nights... chikahan, DVD marathon, food trip, spur of the moment lakwatsa, coffee and inuman sessions I don't drink, I'm just accompanying nino. defensive?! Almost every night whenever we get home you're by the door or at the gate, you've always been friendly and cheerful. You know our weakness... FOOD! You had us by 4 bottles of C2. wahaha! I'm really glad that we got to know you. Thanks to you, every night is fun night! :)

Thank you for making 2011 a memorable one! See you this 2012! :)

A decades recap

Year 2000 was unforgettable. A lot of firsts had happened during that time. Here's a look back on the past decade; my exhilarating, exciting and tumultuous life at 20.

2000 HOPEFUL

believed it or not, I had my first love that year  (late bloomer much?!). I was full of hope, full of life, ready to take on the world.

2001 UNCERTAINTY

bid  college goodbye. I was excited and scared at the same to get 'out there' in the real world. I had my first job, (at a financial institution) not the field I wanted to be in when I graduate. I haven't figured out where I was headed.

2002 BITTERSWEET

had my first heartbreak.  :( and finally landed on the job I always dreamt of. I  started working at the airport as ground stewardess and slowly making a career. I guess you can't have it all.

2003 FREEDOM

I became independent. Moved out from the comforts of our house and lived at the other side of the metro. It was daunting at first, but it was a liberating experience as well. That same year, I harvested the rewards of my hard labor; first out of the country tour with my barkada.

2004 SACRIFICE

Along with the perks of my work are the downsides. One of it, is working on holidays like Christmas, New Year, Holy Week and the likes. It was my first Christmas/ New year without my family. I was welcoming the new year at the airport ramp, meeting families that were going home to celebrate holidays with their loved ones; when everybody else is on holiday mood,  I'm on duty, double time.

2005 OPTIONS

Quit my job at the airport coz I didn't see any growth in my professional life. Tried various jobs but I learned that you'll always go back to the one you love. I got an offer from a sister company of a big European carrier. I was a travel coordinator, my primary duty is to arrange travel documents of the employees'. I was running from one embassy to another, re booking flights, making hotel arrangements among other things.  Money does not equate to happiness, sure the pay is higher than my measly salary at the airport but that office job is not my cup of tea. I can choose to be practical and be miserable or I can be happy and penniless. :) And so, after 6 months (of office work) I handed my resignation. 

2006 LEVEL UP

Good news come to those who wait, got a call from an airline company and I was accepted to work as a ground stewardess aka ground staff. On top of that I'm a direct hire which means I'm not under a ground handling company, (an agency that provides ground stewardess/steward and other ground personnel to airlines) which equates to a decent pay and travel perks. Brought independence in a whole new level, I moved out of the metro and left my comfort zone. This time, I have to pack my bags and move to Pampanga. 

2007 DISCOVERIES

I think this was the year that I became full blown travel bug. I also got interested in blogging thus I started to chronicle my life's journey through this blog. I also spurred interest in photography.

2008 CROSSROADS

Learned how to swim, its never too late to try something new. And after all those hard work, I was able to save up and let my family experience the joys of traveling. It is our first international travel as a family. We visited Mickey  Mouse in Hong Kong, experienced eating egg tarts in Macao and see the mighty Petronas. As for my career, I have to face the most difficult decision of my professional life. When you're made to choose between power or principle, what would you do? I'm sure I made the right decision coz I can walk with my head held up high. I learned a lot that year, I discovered that I am 'strong', I was able to stand up to those 'bullies'. And I can overcome all those adversities with the help of my family, it also helped me strengthen my faith in Him.

2009 JUNKIE

This year, I blew up all my savings (as if I have one). Ha ha! most part of 2009, I was travelling. I'm a travel junkie!  I went to Bohol; Guangzhou, China and Cambodia. I get a different high when I travel. Meeting different people, experiencing new culture, sampling different dishes brings joy to me!  and a little misadventure on the side spices everything up. Also brought my 1st DSLR cam to document my travels and to practice my shooting skills. (skills?! am just kidding about the skills thing) he he!

2010 CHANGE

2010 rolled out slow for me. I jump started my 2010 on Chinese New Year (14 Feb2010) by exploring Northern Part of the Philippines. Travel always get me started and hyped. :) I also celebrated 3 decades of my life here on earth! 3 decades?!? Yes, I'm that young. 30 and thriving! I was able to ticked 2 activities on my bucket list (1) crawl inside Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam; (2) try zip lining. Last year was also made for goodbyes. December of 2010, a 'friend' said his farewell to me. One of the most difficult thing to overcome that year. It was like giving up 5-6 years of my daily life. I have to slowly unlearn some of my habits; like chatting, constantly awaiting for his updates, mostly of things about him and me.  If anything came good out if it, I'm free. But still, everyday is a struggle but I'll get by, one day at a time.

The past decade  have its highlights and some lowlights. This is what life is made of, we have to deal what it throws at us and just hope for the best.

I'm ready to face another decade of challenges, struggles, triumphs, dreams and accomplishments. This is how I roll. Let's get it on! :) \m/

finishing strong

A new year marks the beginning, the beginning of everything. a fresh start, a clean slate, new promises, new dreams, a chance to correct whats wrong or to start over; that's why resolutions are the 'in' thing during new year. 

For 2011, I have only 1 resolution and that is to finish strong. The zeal and passion that got me started (in doing what I will do) this year will still be there till I achieve my goal. 

It is my prayer to be able to finish strong. I may falter along the way but I pray that HE will give me strenght to overcome obstacles, wisdom to discern the right path, may HE guide me all my days. 

So, here's to a new year! Cheers! Be the best you can be! :) God Bless us all!

starting over

Happy Chinese New Year everyone!

They say that if you failed to start the year right last 1jan, you can always jump start it on Chinese New Year!

The start of the year was quite busy for me, I was on duty on New Year's Eve till 3January, aside from full load flights, I still have year-end reports to finish and personal stuff to attend to. Almost everything was in fast forward.

So for this year, i'll get rid off (or lessen) my PROCRASTINATION. I'll finish what i have started. I admit I have this annoying ningas-kugon habit. I still have a long way to go but I will get things going. I'll start anew. And this blog will serve as a testimony to that commitment.

Here's to HOPE, Fresh Start and a New Chapter in our lives.

Again, Happy New Year!

and oh, Happy Valentines too! :)

a look back....

a reflection on what had happened last 2008...

i had a chance to explore Philippine Islands and get to revisit some wonderful place. finally, after saving up for almost a year, i was able to bring my whole family to an adventure they would never forget - an all expense paid Asian trip. my wallet got drained but it's all worth it. they were really happy, pleased and thrilled. (downside is that, they're asking me where are we going this 2009. i thnik they got bitten by the wanderlust bug. they've become addicted to travel. being a wanderlust runs in our veins,don't you think so?!)

with all those travel, aside from experiencing new culture, i get to meet new friends and rekindle old friendships, like my trip with JR and Nelly.

last year was also a year of concerts, there was Simple Plan, Lifehouse, Maroon 5 and Martin Nievera. ( Martins' concert was free, though!) whoa, i overspent last year!

last year was a time for rediscovering myself; my long gone poem writing hobby and my drawing days were over. hopefully, i can still write and draw someday, if i just put more time and practice to it. i used to believe that i'm weak, i discovered that i can be strong. i also found out that people see me as a happy person, an optimist. that took me by surprise, i never thought that others view me as such. i also had my fair share of miseries, misfortunes and mishaps but i'll put it rest for me to move on.

2008 gave me my realizations. sometimes i learn things the hard way, but it's okay, atleast i got the lesson, right?!

this 2009 is a start of a new life.... i'll be moving to a new apartment; there's a new 'boss' at work, new policies and regime; and hopefully a not-new-but-better GaiLie for 2009!

Cheers!

new year

Wow! Its new year, a fresh start... new adventures to take...

My top 10 things to do this 2008

1. Strengthen my Christian life ( I felt that my Christian life have been stagnant for the past year, I was not growing. Maybe because of my work, palagi may pasok pag Sunday, walang time makapag ministry, di makapag quite time. Pero ngayon, I'll DO my best to make time to be with God.)

2. Learn a new language (French language fascinates me. I think learning mandarin would really be useful someday).

3. Learn a new skill, like driving... then maybe test my driving skills sa pamamagitan ng road trip, wehehe! Maybe up north with friends, Mia, ready ka na?! Starting point naten ang Clark, tapos Pangasinan (Hundred Islands, here we come!);  then Baguio, tapos Ilocos Norte/Sur (Vigan, Pagudpod);  Cagayan Valley (Tuguegarao and Callao caves); tapos Nueva Ecija (kila sheila tayo). Don't worry, ako driver, kotse mo nga lang!

4. Climb a mountain. Commune with nature, experience and appreciate God's awesome creations (dean, ung mountain trekking na sinasabi mo, ituloy naten ha?!)

5. Learn how to swim (Mimi, walang iwanan, sabay tayo mag-aaral ha?!) tpos scuba diving naman, pag punta naten bowacay, masulit naten ang stay dun! hehe! hay, sana nga makarating tayo bora!!!

6. Photography lessons pero kailangan ko muna bumili ng camera! kailangan mag save!

7. Volunteer and become a part in a cause oriented group, its my way of giving back, pay it forward ika nga! Masarap ang feeling pag nakakatulong sa kapwa.

8. Try one or two adventure sports (river rafting or bungee jumping or surfing, sana lang I have enough guts to do it! )

9. Learn martial arts! (taekwondo/judo/karatedo)

10. Explore places, learn new culture, meet new faces ----> travel!