Dear Santa...

I found this post about funny but clever Letters to Santa written by innocently-smart kids...

Here are some of my favorites:

I'd like to have clever kids someday. But I know I should be careful with what I wish for. Cunning ones can be troublesome too.

Be Better, Not Bitter :)

Indeed, you're the only one who's going to suffer if you keep on sulking over trivial matters. So instead of allowing bitterness and loneliness take over your life, why don't you embrace the fact that nothing's ever going to change unless you do something to become a better person? This has been my preach to myself...

Now that it's a new year, we are all given a new chance to either start a new life or improve what we already have. I am quite certain that there are lots in store for each of us this new year. All we have to do is harness that latent drive to do better.

I have been feeling so down before 2012 ended. But this new year, I have firmly decided to make a difference. I know I can't do this on my own. I need God's grace, mercy and love. Nevertheless, I'm sure He will always provide.

Several painful events have made my heart more protective and cynical. Sure enough, I haven't moved on yet from some of those things which I never saw coming. But maybe I've become weaker or more comfortable with the fact that I have a lot of people who are so good to me. I have forgotten that people change, and that they will come and go. Even so, I will not lose faith in my being a people-person. Just lessen ties, maybe.

Now there are so many reasons for me to smile and be happy... so why would I continue to entertain negative vibes? This new year, I will surely be better. I hope the same goes for you all, especially for those who feel taken for granted. Be the change that you want to see in humanity.

The Start of Something New? :)

Hear ye, hear ye!!! Grab the opportunity to start a clean slate while it lasts...

2012 has been quite a wonderful year for me and my family. Though we've been through a lot of ups and downs, (well, I think it's quite natural... so, not bad...) I could say that we all managed to survive another spectacular year. I'm really praying that 2012 will be better--more productive and fulfilling.

And since I'm trying to catch my breath and race with my heartbeat due to excitement while writing this post so, at least, I could do some sort of a year-end special, I'll try to make it short by sharing these photos of places I've been to this year; places which remind me how magnificent life is, especially when you always make an effort to travel, explore and learn new things with remarkable people in your life...

Happy New Year, everyone. May we all have a more blessed one. *cheers*

Studio Ghibli - Totoro Collection

Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli will always be an important part of my being a kid-at-heart. I bet a lot of people, especially anime/animation/cartoon fans know what I'm talking about. And although I'm not that addicted to all of Miyazaki's animation movies *winks*, I just can't stop digging into what Studio Ghibli can offer. Fortunately, such animation studio has a lot in store for their ardent fans who are always in the lookout for more.

I have been pensive about the thought of visiting the studio's museum in Japan (of course). I know it's never impossible. But someday, soon... maybe. Why not? hehe After all, Japan is a place I've always been dreaming to explore. If only I don't have to strive learning for a new/different language.

My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke and Ponyo are just some of my favorites from Miyazaki's studio. When I watched them again together with my siblings and niece, I just couldn't help but think of collecting plush toys and other collectibles of each movie's characters.

Imagine how my heart did some somersaults and cartwheels upon seeing this:

I'm not a Lego enthusiast; so somehow, I'm not 'that' captivated by this concept. But a lot of fascinating ideas came to mind when I stumbled upon this setup. *smugs*

This, on the other hand, just made me delirious and envious. To think it's only/mostly a Totoro collection... It could've been more begrudging if the owner also possess other SG collectibles. *swoons*

 When can I ever enjoy this kind of collection? I bet I'd really go broke if I just follow my instincts. But well, I'm a *coughs* responsible *coughs* kind of person. Hence, deal with the priorities before anything else. Nevertheless, I have practical ideas on how to come up with my own SG collection along with my fave anime and the like. I will surely share my works of art, if I could ever find the time and resources to do so.