Yes, I am back.

Okay. So it's been a quarter through the year since I wrote. Work has been crazy and demanding that I don't even have time to do anything else. Seriously. But now that I managed to have a spare time (thanks to my family who woke me up at 5am!) and finally pushing myself to stop being lazy and just update this blog for Pete's sake (who's Pete? lol). So, now that I am doing it, what should I write about?

I guess since it's summer, I might as well write about mine. Well, at least the spare time that is the weekend for us who are working. :(

Prior to the beach season, me and my sister enrolled ourselves in a new sport. Not just to lose weight and all, but also to be fit and have a least a bit of an exercise and work out since we are getting older and prone to health complications. Plus, I do want to have that beach bod before we go to Boracay. lol. So I do tennis over the weekend for an hour or two. Sucks tho that since I've been busy, I missed two weeks already. And I so can't wait to be back in the court. Trust me, you think tennis is hard? It is! But it's definitely interesting how it's not just your arm that gets worked out, but your whole body too. It needs hand-feet-body coordination which I totally suck at. Haha. So far, I am still a newbie but I am getting there.

After such a long time of dreaming and wanting to study in a fashion school, I finally had the guts to enroll in a class this summer! Plus the guts to borrow money from my dad. lol. Me and my officemate are taking up a Fashion Merchandising class every Saturdays until next month. It's such an amazing experience being back in school and learning again. Not to mention having to study for exams and doing home works and activities. Yup, just like college. lol.

And so, my weekend is as always, packed. Not to mention I went to Baguio before Holy week, and went to work during Maundy Thursday. Sucks, I know. At least I will get paid double! Staying on the bright side never hurt.

As May kicks in, I've got more and more adventures to begin and I am looking forward to it. Boracay, last few weeks 'til my class ends and then on to... GRAD SCHOOL! I never thought I would also push through with this. I mean, this is just one of those things that I said I wanted to do back in college. But now that I am about to, I don't know what to feel. All the more, I don't know how the heck am I gonna manage my time between work and school and life. Guess I'll have to sacrifice not being able to see my friends nor much of my family. I have to say goodbye to my New York trip until I get to save up for both school and a plane ticket. Well, I chose this so I better deal with it. Life isn't perfect but I'll try to make the most out of it. :)

Xo,

L.

T-minus 6 hours

So, I still can't believe that in just a few hours, 2013 is gonna end and we're moving on to the next year. I'm still overwhelmed by the moments and experiences that I had this wonderful year. It is really one heck of a year, a roller coaster ride. If last year was a stressful year, this year is much much more. haha. Here's 3 things that can probably describe my 2013:

1. Changes

I think this year has been a year of changes. Changes that I had to go through to learn, grow and discover. I quit my first job and spent 6 months as a bum. I was allowed by my parents to spend the summer travelling abroad. Visited and spent time with relatives I never got a chance to see. Met new people, saw new places (i.e. the Hampton! lol) and ate a lot. My brother now went to college. Finally got a new job at a great company. And even going on a mission trips outside the city. But the best change that ever happened was when I start to see things differently. Getting a new perspective and being wiser in the way I see things, people and places, and even the experiences that I am able to experience. It was always hard for me to accept change when it happens, I admit. I always try and keep things the way they were inside my head. But by allowing it to happen and accepting the differences that goes on as I grow older, it made me realize that I, too, did change and grew up. That I was not the same person as I was before. And I am grateful for these experiences that made me who I am now and brought me where I am meant to be.

2. Challenges

Not only did change brought a good deal of amazing experiences, it also came with a lot of challenges that I had to conquer to embrace the change. This year was indeed fun, but it wasn't always happy. I'm thankful that I am able to get through the challenges that came this year. From something as simple as being broke, freezing to death in a new city, 13-hour bus ride to AZ, having a "buwis-buhay" moment every single day. To tougher times like being away from my family and being alone miles away, getting dengue after coming home, drowning my iPad, hitting a car and my own, and to my grandmother passing away (also some of my friends' loved ones). It's these times that I was able to hold myself together and learn how to be strong to get through it not only for myself but for my loved ones.

3. Faith

Of course, everything wouldn't be possible without God and this year was really all about faith. How my faith in Him grew more through the changes and the challenges that came. I know I'm far from becoming the best version of who He wants me to be but I'm definitely sure that I'm on my way. Experiencing our community's conferences and being able to serve and be part of it gave me different realizations and slowly understood His plans for me. And it's amazing how faith makes you suddenly see the bigger picture and understand the wisdom of the purpose of each and every situations in your life. 

Thus, by ending 2013, we're about to take on new changes and challenges that can keep our faith and relationship with Him grow. It's hard to believe that all those things happened in just a year and it will soon come to an end then we're about to face a new beginning. But that's just how it is. We shall embrace and accept whatever it is that's about to come. 

So as we say goodbye to 2013 in just a few hours, here's some photos of the moments that made my year the best yet.

Happy 2014!! Cheers!

Xo,
L.

Number 23

Lame title, I know. I couldn't think of anything better. Well anyways, here I am writing this year's wish list as I turn 23, and welcome the Christmas season next month. Looking though my previous lists - from when I was still 16 up 'til last year - I find myself laughing at how ridiculous and silly some of my wishes were; some where constant (well, duh. I need to change my planner ever year) and some where different.

I noticed that getting older and growing up really do change you, it changes what you want in your life as well. And so far, this year has been the best change yet. I've been through a lot of ups and downs and I am thankful to be where I am now. As I have been thinking of writing my wish list since the month started, I couldn't even think the things that I wanted to have would reach 23 (since I told myself I get the same number of wishes as my age). So I'll just write down whatever.

1. 2014 Planner - Like what I've said, I need one every year, even though I'm not able to bring it with me ever since I started working. It's just nice to have one. :)) Got my CBTL planner with the help of my officemates! Got another one c/o kuya Kev too!

2. Macbook Pro - This is what I'm currently saving up for. I don't have a personal computer to use since my laptop broke down and it's been a long time since I had a new one. So hoping I could save up and buy one really soon. :) Without me asking for it personally, we (and I mean my family-gave-it-to-me) got one a few months ago and I decided to hog it all to myself. lol.

3. iPhone Charger/ Adaptor - I lost mine while I was in Mindanao during our mission trip and been using just the spare one I use at home. Hoping I could have one to bring with me all the time. Unless, I would get an iPhone upgrade. ;) Found a super cute Mickey Mouse powerbank instead! A bit pricey but thank God for salary loans c/o my boss. LOL

4. Instax Films - I was able to buy a lot when I was in the states but I used 'em all up already. I haven't bought one since thinking that it's way more expensive here. :(

5. Chelsea Boots - I've gotten my Docs' but I still wanted this kind of boots. Collecting boots is sort of addicting. LOL. H&M has one and I'm a size 6. ;)

6. Gold Watch - Something I wasn't able to get last year. Though I've got a silver one from my dad. Didn't get a gold one, but my dad gave me a black one, 3rd watch for my birthday.

Okay, enough with really expensive things I know no one will give me. LOL. So here's the simple things I do wish for:

7. Books - I've been reading e-books for the past few months and I would like to read an actual book. I'm a sucker for chic lit, btw. But anything is fine, as long as it's not boring. :))

8. Choco Butternut from DD's - It's really a bummer to find out that one of my fave flavors has increased its price. And since it's a bit pricey for what it's really worth, I always stick with the Nutty Choco. Officemate brought a box filled with chocobutternut munchkins and even dared me not to cough for an hour just so I can eat since I had a cold. ha!

9. Black Mascara - I don't really use it that much but when I do, I regret not having one in my kit.

10. Make Up Brush Kit - I've been obsessing to get a set/kit of brushes that I could use. I have some brushes but I want one with a kit. Like those pro brushes or even something from F21. :)

I really can't think of anything else so I'll just have to put in whatever comes into my mind. So yeah, this will be my silly wishes. haha.

11. An Ukay-Ukay Shopping Spree - I love shopping. But what makes ukay shopping better is when you're able to find some good stuff that you won't get to see in stores (well, not anymore). Plus it's cheaper than buying in the mall. LOL.

12. Impromptu road trips or food trips -  I hate that planned things never happen and I do love a great adventure, so I do wish for more spontaneous moments as turning 23 might be boring. :P

13.  An Actual Photo Album with Actual Photos - Ever since digital cameras arrived, it's quite rare for me to print out photos, or just even upload one. So I'd like to get something that's more tangible to remember people and the special moments. Aside from my Instax photos. :)

And thinking about growing up makes me think about taking another step in my education.

14. Applying/Getting in an MBA Program - I do wish I could apply in the states like I initially planned, but I guess the Big Guy up there wants me to start here. Finally pushing through! Class starts May 2014!

15. Enrolling in a Fashion Course - Another one in my list since I'm in pursuit of building a career in the industry. Unfortunately, Fashion Merchandising courses are very limited here in the country :( Got to enroll with my officemate! and thanks to my dad for lending me money. :P

I really can't think of anything else. I guess this is what happens when you grow older. hahaha.

Update: Also got a bible, which I forgot to include on the list. And a G-tech and a new EOS 600D from my dad, both which I removed from my list this year but did came true. Hihi.

All in all, I just wish that my 23rd year will be better, and more memorable, though I doubt it will top off this year. But I guess it's up to me (and YOU) to make it happen. :)

Xo,
L.

Limitless

So it's been a month now since I wrote, though I've been meaning to but unfortunately was too busy to type such a blog post. Well, now I can and I wanna say that life is good. I'm enjoying my new work and I've been learning a lot of things since it's a totally different field from what I used to do. I enjoy the company of my new workmates, and everything else. Except for the commute though and the overtime. Huhu. Then again, life isn't perfect.

Yes, life is not perfect. It may come close to your ideal life or become way far from it. But no matter what happens in life, you should never limit yourself in getting more out of it. Be it a bad experience from the past, the happiness you have today, or the future that you want to achieve, never ever box yourself to those things only. Always remember that God is in control. He holds the ball and knows what to do with it.

Last week, I was able to fly to Ozamis, Mindanao to join the mission team of our community, Youth for Family and Life, in organising our annual event which is the Youthfest. Years ago, I can only dream of going to other places for our mission trips. I wanted to go anywhere so bad just for the sake of going to a different place. But God doesn't want me to. He knew I - my heart and my maturity - wasn't ready. And going someplace might just not be worth the airfare. So yeah, I was disappointed back then as to why I cannot go when I believe that I was capable. Well, He knew better.

So finally, by His grace, and my parents' too, I went to Ozamis and supported our event. I never expected anything nor did I overthink about what my experience would be. And my crazy work schedule didn't even allow me to have room to think about anything. hahaha. So I was there for just one purpose. I just kept thinking that I will be there to serve, to inspire more people to be closer to God. And hopefully I did. I was so happy that I was able to share in an event as big as this for the first time (since there weren't many of us in the team lol).

It was a very successful event despite the numerous oppressions that has happened, from what I heard. The event wasn't as grand as the ones we hold here in Manila but the point is that we delivered the message clearly: that God is limitless and our faith, too, shall be limitless. Hearing the talks and looking back, it really applies in my life and I can say that truly He is a limitless God, and His limitless love for me is what made me to who I am today.

Even though I was just there for 2 days because I have to get back to work, I was still blessed to have some R&R in Ozamis. So the very welcoming YFLs and SFLs from there showed me around town and I was amazed to how different life is over there and it's such a humbling reminder to never take what I have for granted, and that I shouldn't complain for whatever shortcomings we have. Contrary to the stereotyped comments when you hear "Mindanao", it was such a beautiful and peaceful place with very friendly people.

Never did I expect to be brought there and have such an amazing experience (not to mention the huge amount of food that I ate. haha!). All because I let God take control of my life and I can't wait to see what else He has planned for me. :)

Here's some photos from our mission trip:

Xo,
L.