Of Celebrating Birthdays (Semi Post-Birthday Entry)

We all have that one day to commemorate our being born. When we were young, we used to be excited and looked forward to that special day. Times are changing and as we grow older, the excitement fades little by little. In fact, I've heard people say they see their birthday as just an ordinary day. Some people also dislike having to grow older especially when they feel they haven't achieved their goals at a certain age.

I, myself, am not as how I used to be whenever my birthday draws to a near. I used to be uptight about it, expecting the world to celebrate, then I realized how I am putting myself in a position where I will be disappointed because of unrealistic expectations (i.e. expecting to be surprised with a celebration, gifts, calls or greetings). These days, I view my birthday as still a special day - one that is blessed because I get to receive the best gift of all which is Life. Also the very reason why I make it a point to celebrate the day with people I love.

Celebrating Rai's birthday is a different story.

During his first birthday after we became a couple, I gave him flowers (much to his embarrassment LOL), an original (came straight from Japan) Kon plushie because at that time Bleach was his favorite anime , and a bag (as I wanted to give him something of use). The next year, I tried coming up with 27 things to give him since the month of April started. Then, together with his college friends, we were able to surprise him at his house. Also, we threw him a surprise semi-kiddie party in the office. Last year's pre-birthday gifts were: a surprise dinner with his college friends and a surprise lazer tag game with his office friends. This year, I planned a memorable weekend getaway in Tagaytay with office friends and college friends (left here in Manila) altogether.

Even with him not expecting anything from me, it has become my goal to make his birthday always an extra-special day. I'm glad that even if Rai sometimes is hard to please, it doesn't take much to make him smile and happy on his day (that, or he just doesn't want to disappoint me? :p). :) Most importantly, it's my way of reminding him how blessed he is for having these many people around who care for him and love him.

And so, to Rai, belated Happy Birthday once again. I hope you're looking forward to the new year of opportunities to accomplish personal goals. :)

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2009 Meme

1. What did you do last year that you'd never done before?
Being tightly fastened in a coaster that is titled 55 degrees on the edge of the 38th floor of Crown Regency Hotel in Cebu!

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't recall making a new year's resolution last year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
None.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
None as well.

5. What countries did you visit?
It wasn't a travel year for me. I only got to visit Singapore. Hopefully I get to explore more countries this year :)

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
More quiet time with God.

7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
February. Most trying month for me that I don't want to divulge.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Knowing myself better.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Being unsuccessful in making my relationship with the Lord stronger.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No. But I kept having colds every now and then.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My aluminum MacBook :)

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mine? Hahahaha

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Appalled probably but not depressed... Someone in the office.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Food trips and shoes!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
First out of town trip with college friends.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
I Gotta Feeling. woooohoooooo!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?
Happier because I am more at peace.

ii. thinner or fatter?
Fatter. I will do something about it this year though.

iii. richer or poorer?
Not richer but not poorer. I would have saved more if it weren't for my macbook and for the out of the country and out of town trips... but it's all good. :)

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Bonding moments with my mom and my sister.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Procrastinate hehe and spend too much time facebooking LOL.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
For this year's Christmas, I would want to go somewhere with my family.

21. What was your favorite month of 2009?
December, I suppose. :)

22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
I did, all over again with the same person from 3 years ago. :)

23. How many one-night stands?
None.

24. What was your favorite TV program?
It wasn't a year of TV programs for me... but more of Anime. Avatar, the Last Airbender it is!

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Disliked is more apt. Yes, I do.

26. What was the best book you read?
No specific book I can say is the best. Then again, I didn't read that much. Will catch up this year as well heehee

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Taylor Swift. Hahaha I wasn't much into her before but now I don't just like her music, I crush her, too!

28. What did you want and get?
My own laptop.

29. What did you want and not get?
A vacation of total R&R.

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
500 Days of Summer!

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 28. Spent it with Rai half of the day, and with family the other half.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A bigger income so I could have traveled more!

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
I'd like to think it's versatile.

34. What kept you sane?
God.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Taylor Swift.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Nothing lol. I probably was a little apathetic when it came to this topic.

37. Who did you miss?
Jun.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Gace. Because she's so hyper. I like!

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
To be more courageous.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I will be still and know You are God.

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Quick New Year Post

Happy New Year!!!

I can't believe it's 2010 already. I wanted to make a rundown post of 2009 for me and make a list of resolutions, too. There's just so little time as of the moment to do so. In fact, I haven't actually stayed in the house for more than 2 days since the Christmas holiday started (that is December 24 until January 3 for me). A first time since I'm used to just staying home to spend December break. I might really need a vacation soon.

But for the meantime, here's my 2009 in pictures.

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Christmas Stress

I've been stressed since the 2nd week of December came in. I thought I started early with my Christmas list and shopping to avoid the Christmas rush. Apparently, my definition of early wasn't enough.

Rai's unexpected business trip caused me to shop for two people. Helping out in organizing the 'other' company Christmas party also took a toll on me. Additionally, some of my time were spent meeting up with people for those get-togethers.

All these, plus the hassle of going home even during midnight made me sleep less and function more.

It may sound as if I'm complaining... But I'm not (my body probably is, though). I still consider this season my favorite and the most happy. Most importantly, I believe this season is all about giving - no amount of stress or burn out can compare to the fulfillment of knowing you've given your all for others.

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Rain, Rain, Go Away

disclaimer: so as not to confuse the readers with the post below, this blog is not just about me and rai's interests, it's also about our sentiments too.

Most people close to me know how I dislike the rain.

It's because... I like blue and I like looking at fluffy clouds. Gray clouds give me that gloomy and heavy feeling. It may be weird for some people to hear of weather affecting someone's mood, but it does to me.

Because rainy days make people want to just stay indoors but because we have things to attend to, we can't do just that. A commuter then faces the following dilemma: how to get to his destination in one piece. Often, the scenario is: most public utility vehicles are full to the brink that the commuter decides to just walk. If the commuter is fortunate enough to get a seat at his chosen puv, his fortune ends there because next thing the commuter knows, he is stuck in traffic and the next best thing to do is, again, just walk. He then encounters the used-to-be-ankle-deep-now-waist-deep water on the streets. By this time, he must be anything but soaking wet. Talk about inconvenience.

Because I can't enjoy taking a bath as much as I usually do. Cold water is hard to tolerate that it cuts short my bath time. I can always use hot water instead and just face the consequence (that chilly feeling once you get out of the bathroom) after.

Because I don't like bringing an umbrella with me.

Yes, my reasons aren't exactly the best ones to influence someone to not like rain as well anymore (not like I plan to do that). And as much I have discussed these things, I admit: rainy days isn't all that bad.

Rain's the perfect excuse to laze around in fact it's actually the best time to self-indulge at home.

And so while there's non-stop rain outside, let me do just these (something that i terribly missed doing): drown the pitter-patter sound with some soulful music, snuggle in my bed, and get back to reading Jodi Picoult's The Pact.

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About Time

The idea of putting up a joint blog with Rai came a year ago. But due to procrastination and indecision, it is only now that we were able to finally put that idea into action.

We thought that a blog may be a good outlet for us to share our thoughts on some of the things that are of interest to us. It doesn't necessarily mean that we will be writing things we mutually like or dislike. Basically, we are allowed to agree and/or disagree with each other here. In addition, we hope that other people might find whatever it is we might write here useful.

I have been blogging since 2002, back when the word 'blog' was just starting to become a buzzword. I thought by now, I am already a 'pro' at this.
Apparently not.
Because if I am, creating a new one wouldn't be as stressful as it is for me now. The difference probably is that with my other blog, I was trying to to be low-key. Here, it's the exact opposite.

So what if it took a year before the plan finally came to fruition? At least the first step has been made.

And about time, too.

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