See The World ^_^

Ever since I started working at home, I felt that I have been missing a lot; particularly when it comes to those places I usually see on my way back home or on my way to the office. I miss the busy streets, the busy people roaming the malls, the jeepneys and all sorts of random sights that an everyday life in a small city could offer. Although I wasn't that active in exploring the city before, I could feel some drive within me that's wanting to explore different places within the City. I know there are still lots of corners and streets that I haven't visited even once although our City is a bit small and easy to navigate. And even though a part of me is telling me that what I wanted to do could be a bit risky, well, I'd rather explore than die from a monotonous living. After all, I'm a sucker for adventure.

My love for traveling, I figured, should not be given any limits. I should go out and see the world! Of course, I ought to start from where I live. The city may be small, but I know there are lots in store; waiting to be discovered. What I had been planning to do, is go out every single day... do some short to long walks... starting from our vicinity to as far as I could go. Of course, I'd take a camera with me to take shots of random people, sights or anything that could capture my interest. It doesn't have to be grand or something very spectacular. Otherwise, I'd feel pressure to find something remarkable. I'll just have to enjoy my walks, and the scenes that would unfold before me. Still, I'm hoping that many fun and memorable things would come my way.

Hey, isn't that another way to exercise? lol Yeah, that could be another advantage to this endeavor. Hopefully, I won't get lazy. But I only feel lazy when it's raining or the weather isn't that assuring. I'm still thinking about the time for when I should go out; either during my lunch break or after my working hours. well, maybe depends on the mood; what matters is that I shouldn't miss a day without making any discovery. This was also triggered by some great photos I've seen a few days ago. I was inspired by those people who were able to capture real-life, random events. But hey, they looked extraordinary when presented well. I wish I have a high-quality camera. Though I don't really want to go around holding those inconvenient-looking DSLRs; they may be able to capture really good images. But I don't want to attract so much attention.

Well, that's all for now. I have lots of plans and goals for this year. Hopefully, I can get them done; even just half of it. Hopefully, this would serve as a good start for me :D

Looking Back O_O

As I've mentioned a couple of times here, the year 2011 has been very rough and tough for me. But then I realized that the obstacles and sufferings I've faced were nothing compared to others. As you may already know, the Philippines has gone through a lot of tragedies this year due to natural calamities and other forces of nature. And I am quite sure that more people suffered a more cruel fate. Thus, I should refrain from feeling sorry for myself; especially after I somehow counted all the blessings, privileges and great opportunities bestowed upon me.

2011 has been a year for travels and trips. It's the year where I had gone to various places, far and near. Those trips served as bonding moments with whomever I was with. It was also a way for me to forget all the bad happenings. And though some unnecessary and unwanted events tried to ruin some of my trips, I was still able to enjoy every moment like it was my last. I just hope that more trips will come my way this year.

Going to Cebu-Bohol with (Teampourra) my largest circle of friends was perhaps the most adventurous and very memorable trip. We visited a lot of places, and experienced caving like no other. It was really fun; although I had been a killjoy for quite some time. lol I always have a hard time "eliminating" whenever I'm traveling. Maybe that's one of the reasons why I had mood swings. lol

We also went to witnessed our friend's wedding that was held, of course, in the province or hometown of his wife. The wedding was fun and cool, although it was rainy. And the memories were added when we visited the Sampaguita Garden where we all felt young and "childish." 

The place was amazing; full of detailed and mesmerizing dolls. I wished we could have stayed overnight. I bet the place is more beautiful with some colorful lights on during the night. But the experience was more than enough to satisfy our crave for new places.

My last trip before the year ended was our 6-pax trip to Agho Island, Concepcion. It was a magnificent island with white sands, massive rocks and lots of corals. That was the best trip with fewer people; and one that I did not organize. It really felt good to just relax and enjoy the moment. We had good laughs, good food, good accommodation and a great scenery. I could stay in that place for a week without getting bored!

And before I forget, last year has also been the year for Food Trips. We were kind of prone to "mass starvation" and guilty pleasures of monstrous tummy. Unfortunately, I'm not a voracious eater like my other girlfriends even though I "seem" to be the one with big appetite. lol Office food trips were actually the ones that sort of blew me off. It's like, we were always hungry as we were always eating! Ice cream and Pizza became a natural sight in our pantry. And as much as I want to go on a diet, I just can't say No; especially if you're being blackmailed. lol

The opportunity to finally consider working at home has also presented itself. Some bad things made me decide to pass my resignation. Actually, I have been planning to resign from that company; I just wanted to have a reasonable reason for doing so. But when I was given the chance to work together with my friend, I stayed. So when the exit door caught my attention, I did not waste any moment and started to pave my way through being a home-based agent. So far, so good. :)

Welcome, Year of the Tora-Dora! ^_^

Hurray!!! A New Year has begun! Finally, it's 2012!

Goodbye, 2011; for all the hardships, lessons and blessings--Thank you so much. I just hope I really am a better person now. But hey, I know there's still room for improvement. So, let's see what's in store for me this year.

And yeah, since 2012 is said to be the year of the Water Dragon, it's a Tora-Dora year for me.

What's up with this Tora-Dora, anyway? Well, I actually got it from an Anime (of course, where else? lol); it's about two people who always clash; but turned out to be compatible and somewhat fated to meet/love each other. Aww, cheesy... lol But that anime, the Tora Dora, was really fun and simply-romantic. Although not your typical love story--which for me is a good thing since I don't really fancy love-related anime and stuff.

Simply put, Tora = Tiger and Dora = Dragon. It's a ToraDora year for me because I'm a Tiger-born that's eager to face the year of the Dragon. I wonder what challenges await me this time. Luckily, Tigers are kind of compatible with Dragons (according to my research; I just hope it's for real). I really thought that Dragons sort of loathe the Tigers since the two 'animals' are like rivals. And seeing how much trouble I've been through in the hands of the so-called peace-loving Rabbits, I was kinda concerned of my fate this year because maybe, just maybe, the Dragons might also get tempted to do power-tripping. And hey, they're more powerful and dominant, right?

But, I shouldn't concern myself with trivial matters I know. I will be in-charged of my own destiny; of course, with His guidance and blessings. I was able to get through all the pain and suffering that some wicked rabbits bestowed upon me last year. So why would I give up this year? I've been given a new year to start anew; learn from the pasts, learn from my mistakes, explore more, live more and be happier! Thus, instead of entertaining fear and other negative emotions, I am very much indulging myself in positive vibes, positive aura and positive outlook in life. I know I will be better. So, bring it on 2012! I'm ready if you are ;)

What's Up With This Flu?!! x_x

Damn. I feel like I'm just wasting time with this bad-of-a-timing Flu. It's barely 3 days before the New Year, and here I am getting sick. I really don't get it; but I'm just trying to convince myself that things happen for a reason. Maybe this is God's way of making me get rid of annoying viruses and stuff before the year ends. That way, I'll face the New Year with a good health and good aura. Hopefully, this flu will be gone before 2012 starts.

Somehow, it's also my fault why I got this sickness. I danced in the rain, and filled my throat with more sweets and cold drinks than I could handle. Alas! I'm rewarded with this warning--get more, and you're doomed next year. lol. So, okay. i get it. Control, control, control. Will just have to take things positively, so the Next Year's going to be more awesome! Hello to you, Water Dragon. Please be nice to me although I'm a Tiger-born. :D

On Being "Nakama" ^ ^

I just love the anime One Piece. It's my favorite next to Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X), Naruto, Fairy Tale, and History's Strongest Disciple - Kenichi. Not only because of the comedy factor (although I can't really explain the reason why I love it so much lol) but also because it values friendship so much; which for me is a really important thing. I have this strong connection with the said anime series, especially to the main character--Luffy. I can remember how my co-worker described the feeling that this anime brought to him "It's like love at first sight." lol

I encountered a lot of issues this year, particularly when it comes to relationships, or Friendship to be precised. Since 2011 is a year of the rabbit, they said this year's going to be peaceful seeing as how peace-loving rabbits are. But I guess peace has not been applicable to Tiger-borns like me. Maybe the rabbits took this opportunity as a way to serve revenge to their predators. They gave me hell. I've gone through a lot of heartaches. But hey, I'm still alive and kicking! lol It's as if I'd back down because of those trials :P

I learned a lot of lessons this year; and yeah, I learned them the hard way. I had cried several times, and felt pathetic mainly because I was too friendly or something. Yeah, that sucks. And I now realized that some people are just not worthy of your trust and affection. I should have listened to some real friends when they told me not to give chances easily (to random people). but hey, this is me. It won't make me feel any better to drive away or ignore people who seemed nice and all. Anyway, I may have been hurt; but it's not my lost. Karma is a bitch. So, good luck to those who know nothing but to mess with people's feelings.

The bottomline is that I now know how to refrain and control myself from being attached (so emotionally-attached) to those people who come into my life (old and new). I won't put up an unbreakable wall nor would be too meticulous in choosing whom to hang out with. Instead, I will accept them for what they are, give them chances but won't take things seriously. I;ll enjoy every moment, but won't be anticipating for more. Got to learn to be contented with the kinds of friends I already have--as they are more than enough, way better than any new acquaintances.

Holiday Rants & Ramblings

Well, Christmas is already in the air. And the Holiday Rush is just so stressful. It's a good thing I'm working at home now; spares me from the traffic and the sight of busy people all over the place. Although I'm excited for this Yuletide Season, I just can't help but feel so sorry about those people who lost their families and properties because of the flood.

This would be the first time, after many years, that my siblings and I are going to celebrate Christmas together. But still, my family's not complete. Dad won't be around. Too bad you can't have the best of both worlds. But I sure understand that things happen for a reason. Especially all the bad things that happened this year. I bet they made me stronger and wiser.

I've engaged myself in a lot of foolishness this year; so I guess I don't have the right to ask Santa for some special gifts. But all I really want is to end this year right and well. It's really too bad if you plan a lot of things for the future. Fate really has its way of testing your limits. Nevertheless, I'm still up for some challenges. I'll keep on moving on whatever comes my way. And though some people would still try to bring me down, I'll make sure they learn the essence of "piss off!"

And The Curtain Falls

Well, this is actually a continuation of the "To Win or Lose" post.

I can't actually remember all the challenges I've accepted, accomplished and failed. So I'm just going to end my dare-related posts with this...

"You Lose!"

The first dare that I got and started was also the one that I ridiculously messed up. I thought it was the simplest; but it seems I just underestimated the dare, and my friend who gave it. I have forgotten how sinister he is, of how good... of a jinx... he is... always... to me.

The dare was to text "someone" with cheesy, love-related quotes for 3 consecutive days. Sounds easy, right? But yeah, I failed. And I will never forgot how that "friend" of mine rejoiced. Of course, he had so much fun pestering me about my failure. I failed because on the 2nd day, I ran out of cellphone load just when I was about to send the message. And since it was already late at night, I wasn't able to do anything.

Well, it was actually because I wasn't that motivated to complete the dare. It's not that I wanted to lose either. But maybe because of the lack of thrill and motivation that I didn't do my best to accomplish it. Hey, I'm not trying to make excuses; I'm just explaining myself of why I stupidly let myself lose on that very simple dare. I expected so much from that witch!!! And yet he gave me something that did not even tickle my senses! x_x  

Another dare that gave me that "I-so-hate-people-who-know-nothing-but-to-bring-you-down" feeling was the "dress-up" dare. It was meant for 3 days, but I sort of screwed on the 2nd. Well, partly because some annoying people stood in my way. But yeah, all is well even some things didn't end well. I'm just happy that even for a day, my co-workers were able to see me in a different light. lol They were so persistent about it; you know, to see me wearing a dress while on high heels.

On the 2nd day, my accomplices and I were reprimanded for being loiterers. lol. It was because of the makeup and hairdo session. Since I don't know how to put a makeup on or curl my hair all on my own, I asked two of my office friends to help me out. Obviously, I got them in trouble. But it's okay; we were somehow able to make some memories out of it. ;)

Of course, I don't want to end this "documentary" with just negative stuff. Two of my other dares, which I successfully completed, became somewhat "controversial" and very fulfilling.

The very funny and controversial one was the "update your relationship status on facebook." I had to ask a friend (that many people like to pair me with) to connive with me in changing my relationship status. Of course, that friend has to pretend that he was in relationship with me. lol. Fortunately, only on facebook, and just for a week. But we don't have to explain things or really act out us couple. It was really a good thing that I was allowed to ask that person's permission and cooperation. If I had to do it without his knowledge, I'd die of humiliation! lol That dare made me realize that most of the people I know wanted me so much to have a boyfriend that they were so happy upon 'knowing' that, finally, I'm in a relationship. Well, enough of the details; getting tired already lol

One of the most fulfilling dare, and one that I'm so proud I accomplished, was a test of my self-control (and yeah, resistance to my addiction lol). Indeed, I had to say no to manga and anime for almost a month or so; a month and some days before my birthday!!! Imagine the torture! lol But yeah, I succeeded on that dare. It was one of those dares that strengthened my patience, persistence and self-discipline. Thanks to "lalake" for that awesome challenge.

At last! I'm done documenting!!! lol Now, I can go back to posting other crazy stuff. :P