Thank you 2011

"Grateful for 2011, excited for 2012".

There went my facebook status update last New Year's day.  The past year could have been really tough, in fact a turning point in my life, yet I am greatly thankful for every experience, lesson and friends I gained along the way.  Let me share with you the year that was that greatly affected who I am today.

The first quarter saw a liberating light as I decided to take on drastic changes relationship-wise, irrespective of the painful consequences.  That experience is pivotal in my life as it opened my eyes and hearts to a whole new world of opportunities in career, business, relationships and self development.

Before the first quarter ended, I was offered a job less stressful and more challenging than what I previously had.  It was actually an answered prayer and was a surprise.  That job offer was one of the least expected, since I had no plans of moving to a new post last year. But truly, God knows what is best and I am more than grateful for the career shift.

pictorial after my violin recital

I also had my second violin recital the last week of February.  It felt good because I know I sounded far better than the first time I had my recital, thanks to my ever patient teacher and well-wishers who were present during the event.

By mid-year, I got to participate for a showchoir competition during the Singles for Christ Metro Manila Conference.  And as a bonus, our team won the grand prize.  It really felt good to know that through the endeavor, I helped some people feel good and confident about themselves and at the same time, share the talent the Lord has given me for His greater glory.

baby Jerone at 2 months

Also coincident with the Gloree showchoir preparations, I had my first public violin performance in GMA--a dream come true.  My classmate requested me to play along with her the Mga Kwentong Pambata ni Jose Rizal theme during the General Assembly.  After the event, I felt so elated to receive a lot of positive acclaim from friends and managers in the office.

September1, a new baby in the family was born.  Jerone Andrew, my sisters second son, is the cuddly bundle of joy who now takes most of my weekends.

By September, I got accepted for graduate school but eventually did not enroll due to schedule conflicts. Hopefully, this 2012, I can have my workshift adjusted to accommodate plans to pursue my MBA.

October, my business partners and I launched Sublime, a clothing line for the young, chic and budget-conscious fashionista.  My friends from Singles for Christ and I had put up our company GALZ and started joining bazaars to kick off our clothing line.

To end the our bazaar season, we took a quick break and headed far north in Ilocos.  Here I experienced more of God's love through the breathtaking beauty that was presented in front of me.

at the Paoay church in Ilocos

in Vigan, Ilocos Sur

I got to celebrate the Christmas season with my family, and hosted our first reunion in years.  I know that wherever Mama is now, she is very happy with the way things turned out in our clan after her death.

As of my lovelife, I know 2012 will be a very good year to work on that.  With fervent prayers, I know will find the one I can share my passion with.  For now, I will just continue to enjoy life and relish every moment in love and service of the Lord.

My Christmas wishlist 2011

With only a few days before Christmas and a hectic schedule, I can't even draft my wishlist in just one go.  Everything seems to fly so fast that I haven't even digested all the events of this year yet.

What do I really want for 2012?  Some said it will be the end of the world by then.  If that will be so, I'll have to be more concrete, and maybe a little bit more ambitious and at the same time hopeful that this list will be achieved next year.

the 13M 68 Roces townhouse

Ambitious mode:

- a car for my business

- a QC townhouse, a few minutes from the office

- Holy Land tour

- more beach trips

- a shopping escapade with unlimited budget

Reality check:

- enrollment in advanced violin class

- a superior quality violin

- schedule adjustment to accommodate marketing classes on weekdays

- gym membership

- a new pair of trainers and workout outfit
- trip to Korea with my sister

Proenza Schouler PS1 medium, the "it" satchel

I'm a material girl

- 15" Cambridge satchel in red

- Proenza Schouler PS1 medium leather in blue or orange

- Sisterhood of the Traveling pants series books

- Forever21 Hello Kitty collection

- Ipad2 wifi + 3g

Angry birds cupcake from Gooeyfudge

Simple joys:

- Chocolate oatmeal cookies

- Christmas parties with Sagip kids

- Angry birds cupcakes

- cutesy stationeries

- a bookshelf

But still, there really is nothing more I want this Christmas than my family to be complete and celebrating it together over a sumptuous noche buena lovingly prepared.  I also look forward to spending the first Christmas with the new boy in my life. Weee! excited to hug my nephew and see him clad in a Christmas-y outfit. La vita e bella! :)

Delays

I hate delays.  With my rigid and well-planned hectic schedule, I ought to have much patience to deal with them.  But recently, I've learned to accept delays as part of God's greater plan.

Here's how delays changed my life:

1.  I had to delay my enrollment for the business school for another term due to schedule conflicts. The program coordinator offered me two options: either I fix my work schedule so I can come to school in the evening or take a new program offering a weekend class.  Should I go with the first option, I only had two days to negotiate with my boss my workshift (omg, that is not possible!). So I chose option 2.  I had to condition myself to like and embrace whole-heatedly the new program offered to me.  But I can't be admitted this term because I only have two days to process my application that normally takes two months. Hence I decided to delay my enrollment until the next semester.  It took a great deal of effort to understand the situation, and much faith to  hold on to believing that God's hands is working behind all those delays.  Patience and my total surrender helped me accept that something better is up for me.  

Now I am so much grateful for that delay, as it paved the way for me to help a friend in need, and as a bonus, introduced me to a wide array of business opportunities.  Through the event I spearheaded, I met several hardworking people who share the same passion as mine, and eventually became my business partners.  Wow!  Truly, the Lord rewards us more than what we expect when we entrust our endeavours to His mighty hands.

2.  Our holiday trip to Ilocos was postponed because of a bad weather.  I felt so devastated when the trip that took us months to prepare had to be rescheduled the last minute because of a typhoon.  So we moved our trip to a date that coincides an event that I don't want to attend.  Isn't that fantastic?  I am now saved from creating alibis.

3.  I have been applying for the current post I am holding since 2007 and in fact, I have been rejected twice.  And early this year, without me applying for the post, I was offered by my manager the same job, but this time with a higher rate and rank than what I was applying for four years ago.  See how God works through delays as He prepares you for the best.

From these recent experiences I learned to embrace delays as part of life, sometimes inevitable though really annoying. When things go not according to our plans, our faith and optimism can save us from getting frustrated about life. In short, allowing changes with an open heart and mind, being optimistic and letting the hand of God take over are the keys to a life free from unnecessary worries.

May God bless you through delays. :)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...dadada...

It really is sooo here.  And I mean, Christmas!

In the office, we started playing Christmas songs and in one department, I already saw a tree up.  Wow! 

So excited for this year's Yule, contrary to how I thought before (never mind my post last year).  

As early as Sept1, God has already given me a new cuddly, cute baby nephew Andrew as a gift.

I also have a few out-of-town trips and activities lined up (since I got a term delay in school--a blessing in disguise, actually).  I plan to focus more on GK Sagip activities.  And I am excited to return to the music school this second semester so I can play Christmas tunes with my Ivy (violin) again.

Bits of Beads Holiday 2010 collection.  Watch out for the 2011 collection. :)

Aside from those, I am excited to launch my new line of clothing (still thinking of a name) and Bits of Beads holiday collection this last quarter of the year.  I think it's best to launch products every Christmas season because people tend to be more impulsive with all the bonuses and cash gifts (hence, tag-yaman season).

Early this week, I already made my gift list (I really am so excited). I want to plan ahead this year (1) to avoid the Christmas rush, (2) so I can choose better gifts, and (3) to catch the pre-Holiday sale.

Perhaps this planning ahead thing is just one manifestation of my maturity (read: being 30).  I am just glad that Christmas knows no age, and just smelling the Holidays makes me nostalgic and transports me back to my childhood. :P

something new

September marks a new chapter in my life.

I'm so excited for the new baby in the family.  Another bundle of joy is expected  and I just can't wait! Last weekend, we shopped for baby things, so cute and everything in sky blue. 

Also this September, I'll be stepping in a new university as a student.  Enrolling for this course has been a long-time dream that finally materialized.  After two years in the music school, I guess it's now time for formal schooling.

One setback though is missing the Sagip kids every Saturday.  And no out-of-town trips for the meantime, but I think it will be worth the sacrifice.


With all the blessings I receive, the more I feel grateful that I know i should serve Him more.  Which, by the way, reminds me that September is also the start of SFC-Claret's Christian Life Program and 14th anniversary.

So happy that there are so many things to look forward to the last quarter of 2011.  I should say, 2011 is the Alta year.  This is our year. :)

Love and Music

My violin teacher announced the dates of the assessment and recital. I should be nervous. But I am not, really.

I am in fact thankful I have a lot of time to practice. Though I will play happy tunes for the recital, contrary to what I’m feeling right now, I welcome it as a good balance to my lovelife’s traumatic aftermath. And at least there is something to be excited about. This March, I will walk up the stage again to perform in front of fellow musicians, hoping I’d do better the second time around. Less pressure since I don’t expect any fans or well-wishers to attend my recital. But of course, I’d love to see someone holding out a bouquet for me after the performance *wish*. The whole Abelardo Hall will light up a thousand twinkling lights, like it’s just him and me there, not minding the teachers and other students gathered in the auditorium. That’s so magical! Then poof! Back to reality. I shouldn’t expect so much, I’d just enjoy every minute of the recital.

The jitters are different from that I get everytime I have a theatrical performance. And this is not the first time I’d step into the limelight with a broken heart. The last time, I even got a best actress nomination.

What does that tell me? Relishing this current state of aloneness gives me more time to focus on my craft. I should not be distracted by the past, and the upcoming romantic interests especially now. I should get my priorities straight. I need to regain every inch of self esteem I lost. And I hope this performance is going to help me a lot.

The Project Green Mind

7 days
6 boxes of paper clips sorted
5 bookstores rummaged
4 malls explored
3 department stores searched
2 big bags filled
and 1 sweet diva


This is what I call so cheesy.


Anyway, here's the result of my Project Green Mind

my Project Green Mind collage. All Green, all Fresh! :)



Only for the number1 friend in the whole wide Green universe



welcome 2011

The year is coming to a close and still there are things I should do before 2010 ends:

- get a haircut.  I'd like to have my short pixie bob again
- manicure, pedicure and foot spa.  Since I've been so busy these days, I miss going to the manicurista so much.
-  get myself a 2011 planner.  Thanks to May who's giving me Starbucks booklets with stickers.  I only need to get a few peppermint mochas to have the planner.  Can't wait.
 - buy a 2011 Companion journal.  This has helped me in my prayertime so much that I'd like to continue it this 2010.
-  desk and mobile ped cleaning.  I started cleaning my desk already since I'm moving to a new cube this week.
-  de-clutter.  I need to do a great closet cleanup.
- buy a new pair of sturdy flats.  But this can wait until next year.
- do a cosmetics inventory.  I must to throw away those expired make-up in my kikay kit
- draft my 2011 business and career plan.  This should be on top of my list.  I want 2011 to be the year for my business so I'd better carefully map out my plan.  Also, with the new and tougher assignment, I should prep myself before coming to work on January.

Now that I have my checklist, I think I can finish everything before the year ends. 

Timecheck:  It's only 3 days to go before 2011.  Good luck to me! :P

2011 with a bang!

I am claiming that 2011 is my year.

2010 wasn't that good for me.  And since life is like a wheel, I believe it's my turn to go up this time.  There are so much to hope for this coming year.  Let me enumerate some:

-- starting the book2 of our violin lesson
-- ICON 2011 in CamSur (I haven't registered though.  But I think I can join this time)
-- Alta Summer Frolic:  Will it be North or South?  Ilocos, La Union, Pagudpud, Boracay, Palawan? Or why not all of them.
-- my 30th birthday. Believe it or not, I'm excited to leap into the next decade of my life.  Can't wait what being in the 30s has in store for me.
-- new work assignment, bigger responsibilities
-- more prospering relationships.
-- more Alta Fitness Program activities (jogging, badminton and we can also try swimming)
-- debt-free 2011 onwards (target date: April 2011)
-- 15th Friendship Anniversary
-- 11.11.11
-- more sales for Bits of Beads.  Or I can take this business a step higher.

and the list goes on.  I am really looking forward to 2011. While 2010 is still here, let me enjoy the remaining days with the people I care most.

Planning to get a Planner

Since 2010 is coming to a close, I am planning to get my own planner (redundant huh?).  It’s actually in my to-do list this weekend so while I haven’t bought a planner yet, I checked online the hottest planners in town.

The Starbucks planner:

Should I want this before the year ends, I’d better treat all my friends to a coffee at Starbucks.  This planner has been a fad for years.  And some people I know just collect and never use the planners at all.

This year, the famed planner comes in three cover designs:  metal, wood and velvet. If you don’t want to end up palpitating from caffeine overdose, you can buy online (sulit.com or ebay.ph) for P1,500.  Too much for a planner, huh?

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf 2011 Giving Back Journal

For me, CBTL is love.  It’s actually my favourite coffee shop in our T.Morato neighbourhood.    So when they finally launched this year’s journal/planner (last year’s only a blank page neat notebook), I was so thrilled.  The planner’s actually simple, just like the one’s you see in our local bookstores.  But I love the 101 Ways to Give Back page, a list of inspiring things to do for your family and friends.

Belle de Jour:

I’ve been using the BDJ planner for 2 years now and I’m very satisfied by it’s contents.  The several trackers, especially the expenses and the savings tracker are really helpful to me.  This year, they added Project Tracker, something that can really be helpful to me (after all, I’m a Project Specialist by profession).  So this remains on top of my list, plus the discount coupons worth around P10K that I can enjoy the whole of 2011.  Not bad for a planner priced at only P598.

But I find it very bulky and heavy that I end up leaving it on my desk.  I wish there’s a smaller version of this.

For more information: http://belledejourpowerplanner.com/

The “Relaks, Puso Lang Yan, Malayo sa Bituka” Planner 2011.

From the makers of 2010’s “I Was Supposed to Get that Coffeehouse Planner but I Got Fat Broke on the 10^th Frappe”, comes another witty planner that is set to be a talk of the town.  This year, the theme is Moving On and finding a new one (a partner) in life.  Since I’m in that kinda moving on stage too, I’m actually considering this one.  And besides, humour in this planner can come in handy too on those gloomy days.

Each planner costs only P350.

2010 planner of  Witty Will Save the World

For more information: http://www.facebook.com/wittywillsavetheworld

Powerbooks Pilipinas planner

photo courtesy: spot.ph

Before I can get a hold of this, I should first spend P2,500 at Powerbooks.  And since I’m on a tipid mode these days, this planner is out of my list.

Planner People Planner

photo courtesy: plannerpeople

These uber cute planners are for those who prefer it no-frills yet useful.  What I love about this planner aside from being reasonably priced at P200, they are lightweight and I can actually bring anywhere.

For more information:  http://plannerpeople.tumblr.com/ or http://planner.wedgienet.net/

Still can’t decide which planner to get.  So help me God.  J