happy thoughts in 2008

I'm feeling more anxious today than I should be. As the new year approaches, I have decided to take big risks and major decisions in my life. I feel so low and my eyes are about to swell in tears. I know that I should not let this anxiety swallow me. Before I finally say good bye to 2008, I want to reminisce some of the joyous moments and blessings I received this year.

January - What a charmed way to start the year as my first niece was born - Joaquin Afridel Cay Roque. We call her Quintin or Prinsesita (Tagalog word for little princess).


February - I finally got my own ride - Bruce. It's a Honda esi 95 model and Gilbert bought it second hand from a good pal, Alek.


March - After several years of amortization, we got our Land Title for the lots Gilbert and I purchased in 2002. At the same month, my brother Ejae and pretty sister-in-law Princess officially pledged to love one another in the sacrament of Matrimony. Hooray!


April - It was my birthday! More to that, the whole family spent an adventurous summer in Subic Island Cove, Zoobic Safari).


May - Gilbert's high-spirited family visited us for a gathering in one of Pampanga's swimming resorts. We celebrated my dear mother-in-law's 64th birthday.


June - Luck is on our side as we celebrated a Holy Mass and met the Healing Priest, Among Fernando Suarez.


July - Gilbert's birthday! I also had a chance to file for a voluntary time-off from work.


August - It's detox time from our busy lives. We took a day off and spent an overnight stay at Hotel Vida (Managed by Fuego Hotels and Properties). I was offered a reasonable Junior Suite package from the visually stunning tavern. So our 08-08-08 story was all about our Hotel Vida experience - from the cozy ambiance to the great staff service.


September - Wanting a more inspiring activity, we trekked Pampanga and journeyed to the Seven Churches.

1. Sta. Monica Parish Church, Minalin
2. Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando
3. St. Augustine Parish Church, Lubao
4. Immaculate Concepcion Parish, Guagua
5. San Guillermo Parish Church, Bacolor
6. St James Parish Church, Betis
7. Holy Rosary Parish Church, Angeles City
October - Together with good friends, Helen and Roel, we invaded Tagaytay City and Enchanted Kingdom for a weekend escapade.


November - With the help of our ever reliable carpenter, Kuya Bong, we had a temporary fence on our Holy Angel Village lot.


December - After ten long years of relationship, our close friends - Inna and Armand - finally tied the knot. It was a funny, romantic, coffee themed wedding.


Dwelling lovingly on each memory assures me that God has not given up on me. He was standing right next to me all throughout the year with His infinite love. To this day, I am surrounded with colleagues turned best friends, supportive families, and a loving better half.

I'll let this wonderful thought sink deep into my spirit.

Now I'm ready to welcome 2009.

seed starting

Early this morning, I was exuberant seeing the first few Pomegranate leaves. Gilbert transferred them into separate plastic containers so we can plant them tomorrow in a bigger space. These plants can survive hot or cold temperatures although we only give them partial shade.

I'm not an expert in gardening but I would really want to have a simple garden at home and grow this healthy and delicious plant. I know I have to wait several years to enjoy them but it's definitely worth it.

my christmas wish

...is to be accepted for who I am and to be loved for who I can still become.

pulling up the stakes

One of the biggest decisions anyone could make is quitting their job. It isn't easy, believe me.

Later in the afternoon, I will formally tender my resignation as a Training Facilitator for eTelecare Clark Services. It was a decision that should have happened months ago. I kept on postponing it because I was too afraid to move out of my comfort zone.

my workstation (taken January 2007)

You see, I've been with the company since 1999. This is my first job and the place, my second home. I've spent almost a decade of laughter and trials with people I treasure. In fact, this is where I met the man of my dreams - we call it Love@AOL. (AOL is my original employer. It was acquired by eTelecare in October 2007.)

If there is one thing holding me back, that would be the wonderful relationships I have built both here and abroad. Some moved on with their lives outside the company. Others are still eager to climb the corporate ladder.

I have no plans to work in another call center but still, I want to resign tactfully as it is not wise to burn bridges. My work desk is free from clutter. I'm almost done disposing all paper documents, personal files and e-mail. I also coordinated with the Human Resource Department to confirm my benefit options. I want to leave my job with a clean slate, maintaining positive relationship with the company.

Am I afraid?
Yes, but what an irrational fear!

Am I ready?
It doesn't matter, does it? Ready or not, I've made up my mind.

Am I prepared not to get a regular paycheck?
I will be. Money isn't everything.

It is heartbreaking to say good bye but at the same time, I feel charged and elated to nourish my social and family life. I've contributed more than what was expected of me at work. It's time for me to move on.

living the fit life

For the past few days, I have the urge to lose weight and increase my aerobic exercise. I was looking for a truly healthy weight range for my small frame and height. So thanks to the power of Internet, I got it confirmed at an instant - I am overweight.


Yikes!

Even if I don't have extra time for a strict work-out, it doesn't mean I couldn't stay fit. I need to lose those extra pounds. With the food feasting holidays fast approaching, I need to start now or I might end up gaining more weight. We know how tempting holiday meals are - with tasty array of pinoy kakanin (local sweets) and special banquets.

The solution? A more disciplined me.

I really want a healthier lifestyle and make an enjoyable exercise routine that I can keep. I'll start by parking the car a little farther from the main entrance at work for more walking experience. I'll take the stairs when shopping instead of using an elevator/escalator. I'm also considering pairing up with Gilbert in a weekly badminton game. He's always been my work-out buddy and he was telling me last night how eager he is to have me join his badminton group (again!).

I don't plan to starve myself to death but I'll definitely choose my meals more prudently by picking the right food (preferably fresh veggies or fruits) and eating only a good amount.

So there.

My plan: Exercise more and eat less.

I could start with that and then just add more routines the following months.

It may sound simple and uncomplicated but I need to work on it. And the best time to start is now.

they're selling what?

Before I splurge on Christmas shopping, I made plans on how I can cut back on expenses. Checking out flea markets or "tiangge" before actually purchasing from malls is number one on my list. I usually find nice items with a much reasonable price in a tiangge.

And as Gilbert and I finally headed flea markets last weekend, we saw this funny sign.


It made me wonder at first if they were selling pear-shaped coins or a pear-shaped coin purse. When I double checked, what they're selling are simply coin purses. It was really a misspelled sign.

bridal shower (slightly scandalous) games

A good friend is tying the knot on the 23rd of December. We want to make her really happy, so we planned a naughty fun bridal shower, setting the tone with "feel good" music and playing slightly scandalous games with an intimate group of pals.

The party kicked off with the Hot Cucumber game. At the start of the music, the goal is to pass the cucumber from between their legs to the next person to their left or right - but using only their legs. When the music stops, the person left with the cucumber between their legs will answer a question like Do you view sex as an emotional feeling or a duty, why?, Which do you think is important: performance or size, why?, and Have you ever been caught doing something naughty?

After learning a little about my friends' secrets, we proceeded to the second kinky game. The group was divided into two and each group should arrange (or should I say disarrange) an assigned room. The concept is "How will the couple's room look like after their honeymoon?" One group prepared a short skit depicting the couple's bed scene while the other group explained every funny detail of their room.

We took a quick break after a laughing session with the previous game. When everyone is eager for more fun, we proceeded to the third sexy, mind game. Still in two groups, they should come up with a complete sentence or thought about a given topic. Each group member is allowed to say only one word. The group who could come up spontaneously with a complete thought earns a point. The topics were:

1. Describe what the bride was wearing during their honeymoon.
2. Describe the bride's hair after their honeymoon.
3. Explain what the groom whispered to the bride after the honeymoon.

I can hear the walls shaking with tons of laughter and screams with this game. The last game was strictly for ladies. I gave them rolls of huge papers (flip charts) and masking tapes and their goal is to shape or form the paper into the best male anatomy. A friend who is almost four months pregnant won the game.

Then at late night, we started chatting, dancing and drinking. Funny how our discussion always turns to the opposite sex and relationships. We talked about why men cheat, why some women tolerate cheating men, what makes a marriage strong and more about families. We shared funny first kiss stories and showed the bride-to-be that she has our support. It was indeed a comfortable, memorable time with everyone laughing and worth reminiscing for the years to come.

if you read Cosmo, try this

As a Taurean, I like keeping things in order, have my time organized and make my goals well planned. I started keeping a yearly planner when I was in high school. I plot my exam schedules, study hours, group activities, and so on. My reliable planner included my life long plans, social events and friendly dates in College. And when I worked as a Training Facilitator in AOL, I was given a yearly FranklinCovey organizer which costs around $60 to $70. (Great one, complete with address book, etc)

Now that 2008 is almost over, I had to buy a new planner. Thank God I found a fun and chic Cosmopolitan Date Book. It's as complete as my work planner but this one has a more creative design and pages.

It was designed specifically for a fun, fearless female. Hold on tight because it's not just an ordinary planner. It includes a budget tracker, life-changing ideas, so-fab fashion tips, exclusive freebies, mantras, helpful ways in managing a woman's life and yes, it even has a clear-cut plotter to track my monthly flow. Ain't that cool?

So to all Cosmo chicks out there, try this personalized daily planner. I bought mine at SM Clark, National Bookstore for only Php200.00.

Eat RICE and shine

In other countries, rice is considered one of the best side dishes, but for us, Filipinos, it plays a major part of our food life. We don't call the food a meal without the rice.

Cooking rice is also a basic kitchen task yet many people have difficulty making it fluffy and tender especially when using a stove top rather than a rice cooker.

Here's how you can cook rice using a stove top:

Step One: Rinse the uncooked rice with water at least two times to remove the talc used in processing or other impurities. For other rice like Jasmine, soaking the rice for about 15-30 minutes after rinsing helps the rice reach its maximum length.

Step Two: Measure the amount of water for your rice. If you're cooking 1 cup of white rice, use 1 and 1/2 cup of liquid. Brown rice on the other hand, requires more water.

TIP: More water produces softer, stickier rice while less water results in firmer rice, making each grain distinct. Although Filipinos generally use water when cooking rice, you can experiment by adding salt or oil. Some countries, also use vegetable broth, chicken stock or beef stock to enhance the flavor.

Step Three: Cooking Process - Bring to boil. After boiling, you can place the cover at an angle, allowing steam to escape and then reduce to medium heat.

Step Four: When you can see the holes or craters, cover on the pan tightly, and reduce to low heat. Let it stand for another 5-7 minutes before serving for a more uniform texture.

Cooking rice on a stove top requires attention since you need to reduce the heat (or add more water) at a certain time. Of course, you would want to prevent scorching on the bottom of your pan. If you're in a hurry or you don't have time to check the cooking rice every now and then, you may want to use a rice cooker. Its ability to adjust the heat automatically will come in handy. Rice cookers cost around Php 300 to as much as 2,000, depending on the brand and size.

There are more than a hundred types of rice but here are some that I have in the pantry for everyday cooking:

White Long Grain rice - four to five times longer than its width and slender kernel, great with Filipino local dishes

White Jasmine rice – very fragrant rice, best in spicy food

White Japanese rice - white, clean, rounded grains and must be cooked properly to prevent it from being too sticky

Brown rice – unpolished and in its natural state with the inedible husk removed which makes it richer in vitamins and minerals than white rice, but takes longer to cook

Other rice that I'd like to try in the future are Wild rice (I heard that this is the most expensive type), and Avorio rice (common for European dishes like Risotto).

Every Filipino kitchen shelf is definitely filled with rice. We use it for our daily local meals, other Spanish derived dishes like paella or even for afternoon desserts like rice cakes. It doesn't really bother us because rice is indeed low in fats and calories and a great source of carbohydrates, similar to pasta and bread.

So if you're planning to create a heart-healthy food list, make sure to include rice as it provides fast energy and one of the easiest grains to digest. Eat RICE and shine!

Ronald McDonald on the loose

On our way to Manila last week, we saw a glimpse of Ronald disguising himself as a biker.

How did we know it was him?

Check out those clown shoes :::wink:::

Mumbai Tragedy

Reading the news today is disheartening.

Wave of terror attacked Mumbai's tourist, business, and financial district. Hostages were trapped inside Taj and Oberoi Hotels in Mumbai after police and gunmen exchanged fire. Casualty figures varied at this time but one thing is for sure - several innocent people were injured and killed.

photos from the internet

I unconsciously covered my mouth with my hand as I read the morning news. I have been to India in 2004, met a lot of good friends and stayed at an Oberoi Hotel in Bangalore. A CNN employee, Yasmin Wong, got a call from the Taj Hotel staff and was asked to turn her lights off, place a wet towel by her door, and never attempt to leave the room until further notice. I could imagine how horrible this experience could be.

Raging fire, explosions, black smoke, blood, panic and screams - Where has all the love gone?

Late in the evening, I saw mom and asked if she heard about the Mumbai terror. She nodded. I told her I was so frightened that this could also happen in our country. She inquired, "Why are you afraid of such thing? You should not fear anyone but the Lord."

I was dumbfounded. Mom was right. We can never predict what the future holds. It can be terrifying but come to think of it, I should know whom to trust. Our life is with the Lord, our only salvation.

Love and prayers
to all victims of the Mumbai tragedy.

one more top notch performer

Another everyday companion is my silver, 7.1 megapixel Canon Digital Ixus 750 named Pixie. It has 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD screen.

There are nine different scene modes for beginners and a more advanced Manual mode for those who want greater control. Thanks to its self-timer (2 seconds, 10 seconds and custom), I can also shoot a maximum of 10 shots with my friends or family anytime.

This pretty camera is perfect at taking photos with precision and clarity. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Overall, Canon Ixus 750 is well-constructed with an ultra compact size and is one of the finest digital cameras that you should buy.

my first Pomegranate experience

Gilbert flipped out when he saw a bag of Pomegranate at SM Hypermarket last week. He was like a fulfilled deep-sea treasure hunter with his energetic smile glowing from ear to ear. He was telling me about this "mysterious" fruit several years back. Tasting it first when he was just seven, he searched here and there. He actually claimed buying a Pomegranate (Granada as they call it here in the Philippines) months ago but he insisted it was not the one he tasted as a young child. With a twinkle in his eyes, he was assuring me that it was the right fruit this time. It was a bit expensive (Php 350.00 for two pieces) but I couldn't resist Gilbert's pleading charm so I placed the plastic bag in our grocery cart without hesitation.

So we bought the fruit and true enough, the experience was rather amazing.

He was trying to do two things at the same time when we reached home - his right hand was quickly scanning through some online sites about Pomegranate and his left hand was itching to open the fruit. The reddish, leathery-skinned fruit is nearly round and crowned at the base, similar to a guava. He was very impatient so he opened it by cracking it into half with his bare hands, making a mess, squirting some of the juices. You'll notice a white, spongy covering. Remove that carefully and you'll be surprised to see lots of vivid red sacs filled with very sweet and juicy pulps.

He handed me the other half, reminding me not to swallow the sac because it has a small seed inside. I ate it just like how I eat oranges. His eating style was unique though. He popped out the seeds using his fingers (much the same as how you remove corn kernels from the cob), pierced and sipped all the juice in his mouth and then spit the tiny seeds. Eating it was such a mess but it was "bloody" awesome.

It took him only about three minutes to finish his part. I gave him a stern look then he laughed so hard. I know him so well and I know he wants to get a piece of my share. I'm certainly enjoying the fruit too so he's not getting any. Well, not really. I handed him a few pulps after a couple of seconds.

While we're both savoring our Pomegranate moment, I took the opportunity to search images online about the fruit that he bought months back. It turned out to be a Dragon Fruit. He must have gotten confused at that time because both fruits are roundish and red.

We then collected all the tiny seeds and our next goal now is to plant them. It's difficult to find Pomegranate in the Philippines. I'm curious why this amazing, nutricious fruit is not readily available in our local markets. It's a tropical fruit and I think it's best to plant them here. We're looking forward in growing them successfully so we don't need to ransack every market.

Thanksgiving Awakening

It's almost Thanksgiving. Although it is not much anticipated in the Philippines, I understand it's a time to express gratitude to God for a common purpose - usually for one's material and spiritual wealth. Most Americans prepare for this holiday with festive food and ambiance. There's obviously more to this holiday than feasting. Reflecting on what I have to be thankful for, I came to realize...

My career is not my only life. - Here's the math. I spend nearly 12 hours a day at work, 6-7 hours of sleep and only 4-5 hours for my husband/family/friends and spiritual moment. The smallest portion of my time is spent with the most important people in my life. This has been the case since 2005, after I got my promotion as a trainer. Don't get me wrong, I'm VERY thankful for my career but clearly, I can't keep it like this. Not now, not anymore.

The Lord's timing is always right and I don't need to be anxious. - There's a time for everything - cooking an elaborate meal, pressing on the car's brake pedal, hitting a shuttlecock or simply cracking a good joke. I am delighted with the Lord's flawless timing and I shall be eternally thankful for His presence in my life. Casting all my fears upon the Lord, I proclaim that He will provide what is best for me and Gilbert, in His time. Why should I worry when lilies of the field and the birds of the sky are cared for? How much more will our Heavenly Father take care of us? We have confidence in the Lord and we believe that He will grant us our little angel with His perfect love, in His perfect time.

The people I love can also hurt me. - I cherish friends and relationships. But I can't hide the fact that I'm stricken and wounded when people don't love me the way I love them. A close confidant is acting quite weird lately and a relative is showing insensibility and meanness. They're not the usual selfless, considerate, thoughtful people. It hurts me that they're indifferent but I try HARD to see the goodness in their hearts. Maybe, just maybe - they're passing through some personal struggles and I should not allow negativity to steal my peace and joy.

This Thanksgiving, I'll further examine my priorities, ask God's help in discerning what decisions to make and most certainly use these realizations to be a better me.

a boxing event

When I saw my brothers watching a boxing event with much rapt and intent yesterday, gladness filled my heart. I can vividly remember their growing up years - mimicking boxers, committing mayhem around the house with their energy, exuberance, and ardor not simmering down.

They grew up together yet their qualities are entirely distinctive. One is laid back and lighthearted and the other is a systematic leader, full of conviction. They have one thing in common though - their sense of humor (I think it runs through our veins). Evening dinner and chit chats won't be complete without their comic antics tickling every member of the family.

Now that they're both of age, I pray to the Lord that they remain generous, loving and happy. May they counterpunch life's trials, throwing a series of uppercuts at problems, just like a professional, disciplined boxer who is utterly undefeated by a unanimous decision.

Deep in my heart, I know they were raised to be responsible and courageous. If their opponent gets aggressive and throws a jab at them, there's no doubt that they can block or slip past them and respond with an inside power punch.

They are in-charge of their own lives but I'll still be here to love them - unfailingly.

more about my phone...

What cracks me up is that my dad, brothers and sisters are now wondering what I'll do with AiAi. My phone may be six year old but it really has a very few scratches and works perfectly well. They're hammering out a deal among themselves who gets to keep it.

I guess, they were encouraging me to upgrade to a newer phone all along because each one has a hidden desire for my Nokia 6310i.

Confessions of an addict

I am an addict.

I am addicted to love.

This should be the reason I've developed an insatiable "thirst" for Edward and Bella's story. I must admit. I am yet another victim of the novel Twilight (by Stephenie Meyer).

This is not your ordinary horrifying, gory vampire novel. The plot has a unique light than the blood-sucking horror they were in the past. No black coffins, no bats, no cob webs, nor freaky hairstyles. It is indeed a spellbinding romance and suspense which “will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.”

I can so identify with Bella’s insecurities, clumsiness, and her irrevocable passion for love. And Edward, He’s definitely one H.O.T. vampire. I like how Meyer described his constant struggle against the primal pull of Bella’s scent. He resisted every urge although the answer was evident - change her - he couldn't damn her soul.

Gilbert got me a LIT file (original Bella’s perspective) and I got another PDF file (Edward’s perspective) from a friend. So I've buried myself in the novel four times in the last five days - on my personal computer, my mom’s computer, my office computer, my sister’s laptop, or my hubby’s PSP.

With every single chance, I go back to the last page I’ve read and satisfy my addiction.

Still can't get enough of Edward and Bella.

I was begging for more.

I don’t think I’m ready to read Meyer’s second novel, New Moon. I want to linger on this moment for quite some time. Reading it was like a breath of fresh romantic air, leaving me with a shivery, thrilling feeling after.

I’m like floating on my natural high.

Nokia still wins my heart

I had a Nokia 6310i since 2002 and it did not disappoint me at all. It was one of the most impressive cellular phones at that time, brimming with technology that a business minded individual would need. I have abundant good memories with AiAi. (I name almost all of my things)

1. It has the ability to record sounds/voices with a maximum of two minutes. My ex-boyfriend, Gilbert (now my hubby) left me a secret message way back in 2003 and I still listen to it when I feel like listening to his voice.

2. The IR and Bluetooth capabilities also come in handy. Bonding time is "Snake" time with my brothers!

3. Its unbeatable battery life gives me much delight, knowing that it won't let me down today and the days after. It can go for a week (or more) without charging. In fact, I got in touch with my family when I was in India, Singapore, Malaysia and United States and never had a problem with connection.

4. It fits fairly in my pocket and easy to hold. I can bring it anywhere I go. When I need to buy some groceries, I only bring two things with me - cash and AiAi. I use the calculator feature and it keeps me within my budget.

5. It tirelessly wakes me up with its alarm every morning, reminds me what to do within the day and notifies me about special occasions with its reminder feature.

Regrettably, it is out of date for today's hot new phones. As you may already know, just about everybody in the Philippines has a cell phone. Even the unemployed, housewives, street vendors and young kids have one.

My close friends and family are teasing me about it for the longest time. They are all decided that I should upgrade. My dad and brothers enjoy spending evening dinners boasting that they're willing to buy it from me at Php500. No way! I bought it for Php16,000 in 2002. I defend myself and proclaim how useful it is for me. I tease them back saying they're just jealous of my iPhone (6310i). It may not have a built-in camera and the ring tone is monophonic but it still serves its purpose - I can make a call.

I tried sending a text message one day to a friend when the inevitable happened. AiAi froze. I stood still and I realized that "Oh, some good things never really last." I switched it off and turned it on again after a couple of minutes. It worked well after restarting it but I knew it was a sign.

The following weeks (or should I say months) were spent scouting for my next dear phone. It should still be Nokia. Definitely Nokia. I need a more reliable and smart phone, similar to AiAi or even better. Until I saw a perfect replacement for my veteran 6310i.

A shiny, gorgeous Nokia E71 caught my eye. It looks practical for someone with small, nimble fingers like mine.

After some thinking and persuasion from my family and close friends (again), I bought one a few days ago and I'm totally in-love with this miniature masterpiece.

Hello to Qwerty world! It was weird sending a text message on my first few attempts but I truly fancy the elegant, sleek design. With 3.2 megapixel camera, integrated wi-fi and GPS, 3G, memory card slot, large screen, adobe reader, polyphonic ring tones and quad band, what more can I ask for? It's like a pocket-sized laptop. I can check mails, surf the net, and download music anytime.

I'm so excited. I can't wait to make more precious memories with my new phone, Eva!

What I've done so far...

"Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom." - Laozi, Chinese mystic philosopher

Surfing the net today, I came across a compilation of fun, naughty, serious and inspirational things that any person could have done in their life. What a cunning way to know yourself better.

Mine are highlighted in red. Justified some of my revelations.

1. Flown a kite
2. Fallen asleep at work
3. Made a complete and utter fool of myself
4. Cheated while playing a game (adding spice to the game)
5. Attended at least one major sporting event
6. Felt an earthquake (it was terrible)
7. Been pushed into a pool/lake with all your clothes on
8. Skinny-dipped at midnight
9. Sent a message in a bottle
10. Touched a snake (life is short, touch a snake! make sure it's in a cage though)
11. Slept beneath the stars
12. Told someone the story of your life, sparing no details
13. Won a contest (no cheating this time)
14. Made love on a forest floor
15. Wrote a fan letter to your favorite celebrity (Shannen Doherty of BH 90210)
16. Hugged a tree
17. Lost over 20 pounds
18. Helped a stranger
19. Built your own PC from parts
20. Talked on the phone for more than 6 hours straight
21. Showered in a waterfall
22. Asked for a raise (I need a raise Dad!)
23. Sang a great song in front of an audience (well, it was great for me)
24. Used a fake ID
25. Spent a whole day reading a great novel (Twilight!!!!)
26. Learned to bartend
27. Not taken a shower for three days (after a major surgery, i just couldn't)
28. Fired a pistol, shotgun or rifle (Gilbert is a gun enthusiast)
29. Had more than 30 pairs of shoes at a time
30. Wrote your name on a public place (good old high school days)
31. Got up in a hot-air balloon
32. Collected stamps
33. Slept naked
34. Had feelings for someone who didn’t have them back (sob)
35. Been arrested
36. Slapped a person (he deserve it!)
37. Gone on a blind date
38. Had a threesome
39. Asked forgiveness from an enemy (It was hard but it felt good)
40. Farted in a crowded space (I'm human!)
41. Witnessed a crime
42. Been to a strip club
43. Met someone from the Internet in person
44. Made cookies from scratch (and cakes too!)
45. Gone backstage at a concert
46. Lain outside in the grass and watched cloud shapes go by
47. Spent a holiday alone
48. Been suspended from school
49. Had braces
50. Felt like an outcast
51. Eaten a whole pint of ice cream in one night
52. Had major surgery
53. Totaled a car (not much, thank God!)
54. Donated cash to an orphan shelter
55. Paid for a meal with only coins
56. Been to the opposite side of the world
57. Learned to Tango
58. Mentored someone at work
59. Cried yourself to sleep
60. Swum in the ocean
61. Created your Family Tree
62. Thrown up in a bar
63. Done something you told yourself you wouldn’t
64. Made prank phone calls
65. Fed a homeless man
66. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
67. Cut down on clutter (once a month, at least)
68. Gone bungee jumping
69. Screamed in public
70. Had a one night stand
71. Kissed a mirror (applied lipstick - curious how my lips looked like)
72. Gotten your fingers stuck together with super glue
73. Volunteered at a home shelter
74. Shoplifted
75. Had a crush on a teacher
76. Pretended to be a superhero (i'm a wonder woman fanatic)
77. Played a guitar or piano
78. Been kissed under the mistletoe
79. Saved another person's life
80. Crashed a party
81. Seen a tornado
82. Wrote an article for a newspaper (The Voice - our town's local newspaper)
83. Drove a race car
84. Cooked a gourmet meal
85. Winked at a cute stranger
86. Hosted a big event at work
87. Been a cheerleader
88. Lied about your real age

Wow, my life's not that plain after all.

day one

My husband laughed to the highest heavens and called me a late bloomer when I told him I’m ready to start my blogging career. I kept a diary as a child and writing has always been my first love.

The last few years have been a shuffle of radical life events and I can't seem to catch my breath – getting a promotion, marrying my best friend, moving to an apartment as our new home, trying to conceive, losing a dear aunt, opening a water station business, transitioning to a new company. All of which require me enormous mental, spiritual and physical strength. Despite the hectic days and never ending demands, I know something is missing.

I was thinking that if I could start writing again, it would give me time to relax, express myself and connect with the real world. Hoping that this would help me focus on what truly matters to me. I want to appreciate love and treasure life.

I missed so many chances of making myself a better person, countless opportunities to show people I care about how I truly feel and moments that I could have shared my success to people dear to me.

Starting today, I’ll do what I love to do. I’ll do the things I always wanted to do and I’ll do the things that I thought I could never do.

So roll up your sleeves, brace yourselves and get ready as I venture the up’s and down’s of my life and my metanoia.