Annnnnnnddddddddddd we're done with the half of the year 2016!!!

How are you all doin'?

As I was reviewing my goals for this year, I realized that I have fulfilled only a few on my list. And its already August. What was I doing all this time? But instead of dwelling with my sluggish progress, I'll enjoy first the things that I was able to accomplish. And on the months to come, I will double my effort so I can finish the goals I've set for this year come December. *fingers crossed*

Here's the list of things I am really proud of attaining:

1. Blood Sugar Went Down. Iiihhhhhh!!! I giggle whenever I think about it! From 170+ sugar level down to 110. I'm so happy I was able to reach my number one goal! All I need to do now is maintain the number or maybe I can pull it down a little more to 100 so I can definitely say "Diabetes, you're going down!". I'll celebrate this by eating 1 pint of ice cream... just kidding! Ha ha!


2. Bought A Brand New Nissan Almera. Ok, we are still in the process of paying for the car loan, and that would take 5 years to fully pay the loan so, technically speaking, its not yet ours. But I'm just so happy we made our first brand new car purchase! It is not the high-end Almera car but we love it and my husband and I are enthusiastic about it because somehow, it indicates that we are moving forward with our relationship and our status as well. We are both frugal in some ways, truth to be told. The main reason we wanted a car is because we feel the need to drive rather commute whenever we have to go to Manila from Bulacan and vice-versa. Jayson's parents lives in Pasay and we live with my father, so we think its just practical to have a car rather than take the PUVs because I think everybody would agree that commuting in Manila is just sooo bad (with a rainpour, its a chaos... nope, not exaggerating). And with a growing and hyper kid in tow, what a relief it is to have your own car.


3. Learned How to Drive. As of this writing, I managed to finish a 7-hour driving course in one of the small driving schools in Balagtas. Somehow, it gave me confidence in hitting the road. Of course, I cannot fully say that I am a defensive driver now. It would take me some more time to be able to muster the guts to enter EDSA! hahaha! To be honest, I've discovered that I kinda scare the road. While practicing how to drive, I realized that I am not that confident driving. I always feel like I might bump someone or something or the car might not fit in small opening streets. Well... as they say "lakasan ang loob"! I give myself 6months of practicing (I only practice during weekends because Jayson and I are busy during weekdays), and I really, really am praying and wishing that I can drive on my own (without guidance from hubby) better and confidently. But this one I consider to be a goal achieved because, technically I can drive, its just that I need more confidence while holding the steering wheel. So... Aja!


4. Started Homeschooling. This one is the toughest I must say. Its really hard to teach when you know for yourself that you are not a teacher by heart. But thank God for the privilege of being a mother -- I almost always can do anything and everything! Sure it takes a lot of crying and emotional blah blah but I'm just happy we've started. Its always the hardest in the beginning, not knowing if we're doing everything correctly, but I know God will guide and help us. I just wish I will have more energy and enthusiasm because it can really be tiring to homeschool a toddler after a whole day's office work. I'll write more about homeschooling next time because a single paragraph won't accommodate my entire feels about homeschooling haha!


Still, I have so much to accomplish for this year. But I still have 6months to do so. And I am happy with the results of my goal setting because slowly things are beginning to materialize. I may or may not be able to reach 100% of my goal for this year (lets see by December), but I am glad that I was able to reach those that I really prioritized.

So, whether you're at 99% or 20% completion of your goals right now, keep in mind that the most important thing is to keep on going. Never ever compare your achievement to other people's achievement because you will never ever catch up. What you need to always check on is your own progress.

And now to end this post, I wish all of us goodluck for the next few months to come before the end of 2016! May we all reach our goals this year! As for me, my ultimate goal for December: 120 lbs weight.


Mood:




Stay positive and pass it on.

grabbed from Writing About Writing Facebook page.

And that, my friends, is my main motivation for today's post. :)

I wish I could have the enthusiasm to write every single day. Unfortunately, there are some days my mood affects my drive to write. And when that happens, I really struggle to go back to writing as I feel that I do not have any interesting subject/topic to write about.

Thankfully, I stumbled upon this FB page: Writing About Writing and saw the picture above. It was hilarious at the same time reminded me of how long my blog has been idled. The owner of the FB page would also posts things about not giving up when it comes to writing though a lot of times it takes a great effort to put into words what is exactly going on in your mind. So, thank you for this FB page! I figured out I am not alone in the struggle :)

The truth is, I have so many things in my mind that I want to write about. Unfortunately, when I am about to start writing, something would always come up, like I need to attend the my kid, or a household chore needs to be finished, etc. And then the motivation to write suddenly goes down when things like these cut you off just when you are in the momentum to type in every single thought that wants to burst out of your brain. Can you imagine how frustrating is that???

Although I don't consider myself a "professional" writer or blogger, I do write because I love to and not just because I have nothing to do (obviously, I barely have time for myself being a mother). I feel like I'm unloading a pile of thoughts out of head everytime I write and publish a post. Its my euphoria.

And so from now on, I've decided that this is going to be my mantra every day until I convince myself apply this in my life:

grabbed from FB page of Writing About Writing

I really, really wish to become a better blogger. But I do know for a fact that the only way I can be better in this field is by writing even more. So goodluck to me on to becoming a professional writer and blogger. I am starting to believe that this is the profession I am gonna be someday which I will never want to retire.

Dear Universe, please let me be a professional blogger! Thank you in advanced!

At long last! I was able to purchase a planner for myself for 2013. It took me 4 National Bookstore branch to find this because all seems to be out of stock. Well why not? To incorporate positivism in your organizer may just be the little help you need to push yourself to achieve what you want. And that is what this planner is all about. I posted on my previous entry Christmas Wishlist that I would like to have a Belle de Jour planner. Well, if you really want it, you're gonna get it:



The Belle de Jour planner comes in different types to suit every female's preference. This one I chose because its simple and it conveys my perspective for 2013 and that is ... everything is possible! There are little notes and quotes inside the planner to somehow give you boost when you're starting to feel down. There's also a page for you to create a mood or visual board of what you want to achieve this year. A page for listing down your short term and long term goals is also provided. Then from that list you can pick what are your top priorities and how can you achieve them. Each month also comes with a page dedicated to encourage you if you want to develop a new habit.

Just a trivia, this is the first time I am going to use a planner all my life hahaha! I know I should have used a planner a long time ago but did not. I was really unorganized person and never do planning at all. I have lots of dreams and goals but never list them down. But for 2013, let's see how this planner could change my lifestyle. After all, my 2013 planner says it all, everything is possible.

The Belle de Jour planners are available at selected National Book Store, selected Powerbooks Store, selected Fullybooked branches of course, and Belle de Jour Power Planner website where you could order online.

Let's thank the Lord for the year that was. Indeed, it was a very challenging year for me. With so many changes and discoveries. But what I learned is that, I am stronger than I used to think! Coping with life's challenges was never easy, but giving up was a heavier task to fulfill. I know 2013 would be different from the past since I already left corporate world and starting a new career. Nevertheless, I am so ready for the new changes and risks because I know the Lord will guide in every step of the way. So for 2013, let's go for  gold!!!

Stay positive... and pass it on!

“This life is what you make it. Not matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And baby, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up because if you give up, you'll never find your soul mate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about.”




Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

These past few days, I've been consulted by two of my girlfriends regarding their wedding planning. I think a lot of girls of would agree if I say that weddings, not debuts, are the ladies' ultimate celebration of their beauty and femininity. I remember planning my own wedding. It was stressful yet so addicting. Unfortunately, I was not able to execute my dream wedding. Even so, I am still very much happy with the outcome of our wedding. It was beautiful and intimate with only the closest people who have really touched our lives as a couple were able to witness our exchange of vows.

So, what happened then, what was actually my dream wedding? The truth is, my dream wedding theme is really the next thing to impossible since I am aiming for... a winter wedding theme! I wish I could have snow in my wedding but Philippines being the tropical country I've always loved, I knew from the very start this cannot come into realization. Nevertheless, I would always want to witness a friend maybe, to have a winter wedding. Here's a mood board I've created to show you how elegant this wedding theme could be:

My Winter Wedding Dream

And as everybody says, its not the wedding that's most important but the marriage. Before you say I do, make sure you can differentiate the two. Spread the Love!

I know that I have a lot more to learn when it comes to financial literacy. But as far as I'm concerned, a lot of readers of this blog may have the same goal as mine, to reach their first million peso. I know its not a lot but hey, its still the start of becoming a millionaire! I am in the process of realizing this goal and hopefully by the end of the year this would materialize. Stay positive everyone!

Yesterday was the 6th month birthday of my baby, Nealon. How time flies. Just months ago, I remember the time when I first held my baby. He was the most precious I've ever laid eyes upon and ever touched with my hands. I could not ask for more back then. Now, six months after, I don't think I can say the same thing.

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that I am not contented just for having Nealon by my side. What I meant is that, I want him to live the life of comfort and satisfaction that he can do anything he wants (not the bad ones of course), anything he takes passion for, without having to choose weather the act would be benefiting or would gain something in return. I believe that my parents did all their best and have provided us more than what they're supposed to be giving us, but really, money does not come that easy. I understand that in full honesty and I've always been grateful for what my parents have given us but for my own son, I just want to give him more. Maybe when you get to be a parent yourself, you would realize just how much you can give to your child and for them to have it all is the prime goal of your life. All else becomes second ones.

I believe that all parents want nothing than to be able to give the very best of everything for their child. For me, what I want for my baby is for him to find his passion and be able focus himself on it and excel on it. I want my son to do what he enjoys doing without having to think if doing so would earn money or material wealth. Back in my college days, just before graduation, my perspective of the life ahead is all about getting a job that gives above average pay for a neophyte like me to be able to easily get rich and buy all the things I've always wanted. And where did I end up? In a call center. My first job was in a call center. Did I enjoy my work as an agent? No. Its not because I hate the job, but the truth is, it was never my passion. It wasn't enjoyable for me because being an agent and working night shifts is not something that interests me. I know a lot of people enjoy their work in the call center industry and was able to climb the top of the ladder in their industry, and for me, they were able to reach that because that is their passion. Maybe they do better during night shifts or maybe speaking with clients over the phone is something that they enjoy doing and for that, they were able to efficiently do their work. It doesn't matter what kind of job you do have. I've realized that the more passionate you are in what you are doing, the more you will excel.

Whether Nealon wants to be a pilot, a musician, an artist, a businessman, an IT engineer (just like me and daddy!), a writer, a showbiz actor, a public servant, a priest, an engineer, a photographer etc. I will let him be. My main goal in life right now is to provide him the support he needs to get him there. To enrich him with the wisdom he needs for him to grab his dreams. I want him to really chase his dreams and not easily give up. I don't want him to end up being a mediocre of some sort. After all, I think I have just found the most passionate thing I could ever do in this lifetime, and that is to rear my child into being a well brought-up and first class individual.

Happy 6th month, dear son. Thank you for letting me find one of my passions. I love you in my every heartbeat.

Yesterday, my 2 year old nephew Miguel visited us at home together with his mother and brother. While at home, Mig and his mother kept on showcasing to me his new learning. One of the questions Mig was supposed to answer correctly was: "Miguel, what do you want to be when you grow up?" To which the kiddo answered, "Pilot". Which led me to thinking the topic for today's post. How many of us were rally able to achieve our dream job when we were still a child? When we were asked during childhood days, "What do you want to be when you grow up?," what was then your answer? Do you still have the same dream as of today?

As for me, I had so many dream careers when I was a child. But none of them was ever materialized! Haha! But no bitterness, I believe that God has His own purpose for not giving us everything we want. After all, I don't think I would be living the life I'm loving right now if I had taken a different path.

I remember when I was in kindergarten, I had always wanted to be a nun.



A nun! Maybe God was saying then, "For God's sake! Please leave the convention alone!" HAHAHA! I studied in a Catholic school then and I really admired the nuns. I think that they are all beautiful and kind and neat and is very much close to the Lord. And I wanna be just like that. Unfortunately, my growing up years made me realized I may not be a good candidate to enter the abbey. I might just end up like "Maria" in the "Sound of Music" movie wherein she was every nun's despair.


Then, my elementary years were spent dreaming about becoming a flight stewardess.


I think I'm qualified with the smile. :D
So I started passing my resume to some airline companies, both local and abroad when I was 24 years of age. I was hoping maybe I can fulfill this dream.








Only then I realized that they had some physical requirement. Firstly, you've got to have long legs because they have a height requirement (at least 5'3"). Secondly, you've got to be an anorexic of some sort because there's also a weight requirement. Thirdly, thin legs and small waistline for that perfect proportional body. Whoaa! now that just pissed me off. Seriously. Because I've got big legs (not long) and I eat 6 times a day but I believe I still always fall on the normal weight category. I think I can still pull off that uniform. Why the discrimination with girls with big legs? Duh.

Highschool came and I just had another dream career. I want to be a travel show host or a journalist of some kind.

You know that travel show hosted by Angel Aquino and other fab girls? That's what you call "Dream Job". I get to travel for free, see myself on tv, showcase the beauty of each places I get to, try out new foods, discover new hobby, try out that new spa, dress the way I like etc. Angel, why can't I have your job? We do have the same color right? Again, maybe this job isn't for me just because I always get a migraine after long hours of travel. Aaawww!

So, here I am. I ended up battling my way to the top in the IT industry. Do I love this job? Somehow. I still love the fact that I'm working in an Anti-Virus company with all the nerds (joke!) challenging me. But definitely not all the time. And you know what I just figured out all these years? Now I want to be an entrepreneur. I want to own a cafe. I just love coffee and I think I could have Starbucks cafe as my home. Its the perfect home aroma for me. I also want to be a make up artist! Then own a store full of cosmetics. I want to beautify everyone!

This is where the challenge begins. Whichever comes first, a make up artist or a cafe owner, what matters is that I was able to achieve it. What I need now is the motivation and the action. So help me Lord, and you guys reading this too, please help me get motivated. If this is what my heart wants, then surely God will guide me. Again stay positive and I know next few years, I'm gonna have that cafe and cosmetics store. Just like these pictures below. These will be my inspirations.;)

My Future Coffee Shop

My Own Sephora

How in the world would I own these? I'm still clueless but I know God will help me to achieve the desires of my heart.

"Believe you can, and you're halfway there."

Yesterday, my 2 year old nephew Miguel visited us at home together with his mother and brother. While at home, Mig and his mother kept on showcasing to me his new learning. One of the questions Mig was supposed to answer correctly was: "Miguel, what do you want to be when you grow up?" To which the kiddo answered, "Pilot". Which led me to thinking the topic for today's post. How many of us were rally able to achieve our dream job when we were still a child? When we were asked during childhood days, "What do you want to be when you grow up?," what was then your answer? Do you still have the same dream as of today?

As for me, I had so many dream careers when I was a child. But none of them was ever materialized! Haha! But no bitterness, I believe that God has His own purpose for not giving us everything we want. After all, I don't think I would be living the life I'm loving right now if I had taken a different path.

I remember when I was in kindergarten, I had always wanted to be a nun.



A nun! Maybe God was saying then, "For God's sake! Please leave the convention alone!" HAHAHA! I studied in a Catholic school then and I really admired the nuns. I think that they are all beautiful and kind and neat and is very much close to the Lord. And I wanna be just like that. Unfortunately, my growing up years made me realized I may not be a good candidate to enter the abbey. I might just end up like "Maria" in the "Sound of Music" movie wherein she was every nun's despair.


Then, my elementary years were spent dreaming about becoming a flight stewardess.


I think I'm qualified with the smile. :D
So I started passing my resume to some airline companies, both local and abroad when I was 24 years of age. I was hoping maybe I can fulfill this dream.








Only then I realized that they had some physical requirement. Firstly, you've got to have long legs because they have a height requirement (at least 5'3"). Secondly, you've got to be an anorexic of some sort because there's also a weight requirement. Thirdly, thin legs and small waistline for that perfect proportional body. Whoaa! now that just pissed me off. Seriously. Because I've got big legs (not long) and I eat 6 times a day but I believe I still always fall on the normal weight category. I think I can still pull off that uniform. Why the discrimination with girls with big legs? Duh.

Highschool came and I just had another dream career. I want to be a travel show host or a journalist of some kind.

You know that travel show hosted by Angel Aquino and other fab girls? That's what you call "Dream Job". I get to travel for free, see myself on tv, showcase the beauty of each places I get to, try out new foods, discover new hobby, try out that new spa, dress the way I like etc. Angel, why can't I have your job? We do have the same color right? Again, maybe this job isn't for me just because I always get a migraine after long hours of travel. Aaawww!

So, here I am. I ended up battling my way to the top in the IT industry. Do I love this job? Somehow. I still love the fact that I'm working in an Anti-Virus company with all the nerds (joke!) challenging me. But definitely not all the time. And you know what I just figured out all these years? Now I want to be an entrepreneur. I want to own a cafe. I just love coffee and I think I could have Starbucks cafe as my home. Its the perfect home aroma for me. I also want to be a make up artist! Then own a store full of cosmetics. I want to beautify everyone!

This is where the challenge begins. Whichever comes first, a make up artist or a cafe owner, what matters is that I was able to achieve it. What I need now is the motivation and the action. So help me Lord, and you guys reading this too, please help me get motivated. If this is what my heart wants, then surely God will guide me. Again stay positive and I know next few years, I'm gonna have that cafe and cosmetics store. Just like these pictures below. These will be my inspirations.;)

My Future Coffee Shop

My Own Sephora

How in the world would I own these? I'm still clueless but I know God will help me to achieve the desires of my heart.

"Believe you can, and you're halfway there."