These Little Wonders

"You'll never know how strong you are until being strong is your only option." Yesterday, I got to prove that yet again.  Since I have been in a relationship with my headache for a week now and with my toothache for more than a month already, I finally decided to set an appointment with my dentist.  I told her I still have work in the afternoon so we scheduled it in the morning. She said two hours is more than enough.  My headache was still killing me softly so I got up a little late. Traffic was also bad, so by the time I was seated on the dental chair, it was already 11AM. My dentist said we can finish by 1PM.  It wasn't my first time to undergo tooth extraction, and I thought to myself, heck, I've been through two surgeries already, this should be easy.  After several shots of anesthesia, my dentist was ready to extract the tooth that has been causing me pain. After two hours, she still wasn't able to get it. Apparently, it wasn...

How To Be Me? ...sit still, look pretty Yes, it's that simple.  I wish it were.  I wish I have a comfortable life, but I don't.  On April 21, 2011, I wrote this on my journal:  Five years from now, I see myself as a successful woman with a stable and growing career in the field of writing, education or research, and online communication, a happy and fulfilled marriage, at least two beautiful kids, a business of my own, and a cause I have fought and will continue to fight for. Pretty much a balanced and abundant life - mentally, financially, emotionally, and spiritually.  More than five years after, everything still remains a vision. Because while I have my plans, God has His own, and I chose to believe they're better, more beautiful than mine.  So how am I now? Where am I now?  Not much has changed. Except for the fact that I'm now living alone. And while I'm still working at the Global Mission Center, I am now ent...

One famous motto in life is "CARPE DIEM" which is the Latin translation of "seize the day." It is a reminder to embrace the now and truly live in the present. And the "present" begins in the morning. And yes, there's some truth to the saying "win the day by winning the morning." To be honest, I don't consider myself a morning person. Since I had an operation late last year, I really find it a challenge to wake up early in the morning. I literally never want to leave my bed. I could think of so many reasons why I'd rather sleep a little longer. But then I realized, it all boils down to making a decision . Remember, we always have a choice . :) So how does one win the morning? I believe there's no one perfect formula that will work for everyone, but as for me, I have resolved to do the following rituals:  1. Nourish my relationships first. Basically, I am in a relationship with everyone around me, but what I value the ...

One of the things I learned in Splash is BRAND LOYALTY. Of course you have to try it first to believe it . But when you have proven that a brand (or service) works for you, you can stick with it forever (I believe it does exist!).  Over the years, I've come up with my own list of brands and services that work perfectly for me. I am a strict critic and I really go for quality all the time. With a lot of rewards and loyalty programs available, how do you know which ones are worth it?  In my humble opinion, you really have to know "what's in it for you" before choosing to sign up for a loyalty program and availing/purchasing a loyalty/rewards card.  I highly recommend the following:  1. SM Advantage You can use it not only to earn points from Watsons, SM Department Store, and SM Supermarket but also from their wide range of partners . I've been a member since 2010 and I have already paid for a number of items (including a gift for a former bos...

Yesterday, I hailed a taxi in the rain. No, I wasn't fixing a broken heart. I was just rushing to attend the mass.  The driver was Tatay Nestor Yancha, 74 years old, lives in Kamuning with his wife and 5 daughters.  I salute you, Tatay Nestor! ♥ When he retired from his former job at the city hall, he decided to be a taxi driver to support his children's schooling. He needs Php800 a day to give them ample allowance. That means, he needs to earn at least 2,600 (Php800 for the boundary, Php1000 for gas). His eldest is a graduating Education student at New Era University. The other two are enrolled at RTU Boni (he also told me their courses but I have forgotten, my bad), and the youngest two are high school students at Ramon Magsaysay High School Cubao.  When I asked him why his children are still young, he told me he got married at 60, and his wife, during that time was just 24 (the reason why he still had children).Yep, even before there was Vic and Pau...

Last Sunday was special, as every day is when spent with the people you love. ♥ From the celebration of the Holy Eucharist to watching two epic basketball games, God's message was consistent. And I heard it loud and clear. Four letters. One word. PRAY. Let's begin with the Gospel (Luke 11:1-13): Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples."  He said to them, "When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread  and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test." And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,  for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,'  and he says...

One of the things I'd like to accomplish before I turn 30 is to have a legit personal savings account. For years, it seemed an impossible dream due to the fact that I don't earn that much. The little salary that I get for being an analyst at the GMC is merely enough for my personal needs. It is only by God's grace and providence that I am able to survive, and in some occasions, obtain my "wants." So, opening a savings account was just too difficult for me.  But then again, "all it takes is a decision." :)  This year, I resolved to open an account. No more ifs and buts. I did a little research and discovered the best savings account for starters. Yeah, I'm still learning how to be an adult. I admit I am a late bloomer when it comes to financial literacy. And now that I'm seeing the "fruits" of my little investment with AXA, I could only wish I started sooner.  Anyway, didn't I just say that it's never too late ? :) ...