Tuesday, January 22, 2013

2012 In Pictures


The year Mayans predicted as the end of the world is the year I took big leaps in every aspect of my life. I partly believe in what they call, "the end of the world," because as it was, the year have been a complete struggle with ending and leaving behind what is unnecessary as I boldly took a step into the new beginning.

I always made a habit to look back at what has happened in the previous year because it helps me more focused on my goals and aspirations in the coming year. It makes me feel a lot more thankful, blessed, and ever determined to be what I want to become.

So, here are the highlights of my year:


MY FIRST ACQUIRED PROPERTY
On this parcel of land, the house that I've ever dreamed of since I was young will be built here. It will be an abode which will be filled with people I love, celebrations, laughters, and will be a witness of all the things and dreams that have yet to be.


A NEW MEMBER OF THE FAMILY
Finally got a new member in the family! And yes, you will realize that in our world today, families come in different faces! Our Singaporean Malchi (Maltese Chihuahua), Xiao Bai brings so much colour in our everyday lives. We always find it hard to book for overseas travels, because we have a baby that will be left behind. (Talk about how expensive dog hotels are in this country.) That is what you call, responsible parenthood.


"IT'S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES" ADVOCATE
What is more patriotic than bringing your boss-turned-out-to-be-your-close-friend to your native land? What is more humbling than trusting her own life to you? It has been a week of eating good food, seeing beautiful places, and experiencing how enchanting the Philippines is. She couldn't get enough of how beautiful it is, she asked me again if I could tour her around the Southern part since we mostly covered the Northern part. In a heartbeat, of course, I said yes! I have become even more proud of being a Filipino.





NOMADIC ADVENTURES
It has also been a year of good travels. Went strawberry picking in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. Ran vigorously on the streets of Saigon. Went inside one of the Cu Chi tunnels. Saw the overwhelming Bangui Windmills. Strolled along Calle Crisologo at night. Revisited the majestic Mines View Park in Baguio. Surfed in the gigantic waves of San Juan, La Union. Universe, more of these please for this year?







WHAT I LOVE
What is more fulfilling than doing the things you love? Sewing. Crocheting. Crafts. Gardening. Baking. Cooking. I've never been this grateful to the Universe for giving me a creative mind and an ever powerful pair of hands. These are the things that make me look forward to every weekends. And from the moment I opened the door for making all these, it's just pure immeasurable bliss. I am blessed too that J has ever been so supportive of the things I love doing. She gave me gifts that kept on giving -- sewing machine and an oven. Since then, I have started giving people personalized gifts on their birthdays, and even last Christmas! Aside from that, I commissioned projects such as quilted blankets, dresses, and hair accessories. I opened my online shop, FRESH! before the holidays and I was able to accommodate more than fifty orders for friends and friends of friends as gifts. I've been baking cupcakes and even made and designed birthday cupcakes for my favorite boss! I've finally decided to experience my first ever garage sale which I sold not only my crafts but also pre-loved clothes. Honestly, it's not the monetary amount that I get from all these that makes me fulfilled. It's actually doing what I love and making people happy because of what I do. And I think, it's more than enough.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

30 Before Thirty

What a better way to welcome the year with an even braver heart to embrace change and growth.

This year, I will be turning into an age most people are dreading to face. And yet, here I am, even more convinced than ever that this is going to be a great adventure!

This is my own take on the 30 things I want to achieve before reaching the big 3-0!

With crossed fingers and a gleam in my heart, let's do this, 2013!