My Happiness

I'll be celebrating my 24th birthday in the next few days so I'm thinking of giving myself tribute in the form of blog posts about myself. My first birthday-related post is about happiness.

I'm a naturally happy person but sad to say, many people often label me as snob, bitchy and intimidating. Well maybe if they only know what makes me happy, they'll not think of me as such. That explains why I'm enumerating here the things that can really paint a smile on my face...

• Being with my family and knowing that they are all okay.
• Waking up in the morning without having to worry that I'll be late for work.
• Talking (or listening to them talk) to my naughty and inquisitive nephews and nieces.
• My mother's tasty dishes like estofado, creamy chicken macaroni soup, valenciana and a lot more. (might make a separate post about it)
• Looking at old photographs.
• Hanging out with my hilarious friends.
• Getting positive feedbacks from my boss.
• Eating fruits - apple, guyabano, pineapple and more. I love fruits!
• Biking, running... being sweaty!
• Long night walks
• Nature-tripping
• Newly changed bed sheet, pillow cases and blanket.
• The smell of newly trimmed grass.
• The smell of rice plants being harvested.
• Good books
• Not slacking
• Clean toenails
• Shoes with super comfortable insoles (Good for me because I self-diagnosed me with plantar fasciitis) :P

• Carpeted floor (so that I can walk barefoot)
• My social networking accounts and this blog.
• Gummy candies
• Mirrors
• Sunnies

Pretty lame list but what can I do? Those things are making me happy. As what we, Filipinos, say, "mababaw ang kaligayahan".

Great Week-ender

I love Fridays! I always feel ecstatic and restless every time this day comes. Even if it is still a working day (unless otherwise declared by the government or the company), it is my favorite because for me, it signifies a better tomorrow, literally. Who doesn't love weekends by the way? In addition, Friday also gives me the opportunity to wake up a bit late especially if I wasn't late in going to work from Monday to Thursday (three lates in a week is subject for investigation and sanction in our company). Unlike other working days, I can sleep as late as I can during Friday nights and can wake up as late as I can too the next day.

And what is better way to end the day than some positive remarks from your boss? This skype conversation of me and my client really made my day. I find these conversations really uplifting and motivating. It feels good to have a boss who treats you not just as someone on his payroll but also a friend... a daughter.

This weekend is gonna be busy for me because it is the feast day of Sta. Rita de Cascia, one of my mom's favorite saints and also the patron saint of the area where I grew up so definitely I'll be spending the day there. It is also my niece 3rd birthday so I might join her party as well. Sunday is bonding time with my friends.

Now I need to finish some tasks before finally saying, "Happy Friday everyone!"

I believe

This was sent by a client through email and I'm kind of "can relate" that is why I'm posting it here:

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends, if we understand that friends change.

I Believe....
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe....
That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe....
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe....
That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe....
That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I Believe....
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe....
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe....
That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself..

I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe....
Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I Believe....
That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

Walking in Comfort

I was at the mall with my mom earlier today when I remembered that I need to buy a new beige foot cover because my old one is already worn out. I went to look for the type/brand I used to buy but to no avail. The need to try something else kicked in so I decided to look for other brands. The sales lady handed me a pair from a brand I have not even heard of until today and when I opened to see it... oh boy I was amazed. It has sole cushion and small massaging circles in the ankle area for added comfort. Plus, it is super low-cut so I'm sure it wouldn't be visible when I wear my flats.

This type is perfect for me since my feet are always painful every time I am not wearing socks.

I have been using foot socks throughout my college life but I haven't seen one like this. Maybe this type has been here all along but I just haven't noticed because my taste is set to something else. Can't wait to wear this soon!

(the round patch of cloth is the sole cushion)

(small massaging circles in the ankle)

For Her

If there is one person (apart from God) that I am grateful for, it would be my Nanay. This may seem an overused sentence but I’ll say it anyway, “I wouldn’t be where I am now without her.” God knows what she went through for me and my brother especially when our father died when she was four months pregnant with me.

Our life was far from being bed of roses but she never gave up on us. She became our source of strength even if she herself feels like she has nothing to give anymore. She sacrificed her own happiness for us. She is the only one who understands and accepts us even on our worse.

Though we sometimes act blind to all her efforts, she still remains supportive to all our endeavors. I cannot remember of a single moment in which she left me alone especially when I needed her the most. She has always been there whether I need her or not, whether I want her or not.

She may be starting to age now but that doesn’t change the love she always has for me. Me, in return is always making sure that she knows that I love her by doing simple things that can really make her happy. One is spending more time with her especially now that my only brother is gone. Even if my friends are sometimes mocking me for not spending more time with them the way I used to, I do not care…. I won’t care. They do not know what it feels like to lose a father, a brother and only has a mother to share my life with. And besides, good friends will always understand you and will always respect your decisions. The least I want right now are people who pressure me to do this and that without considering my situation.

Oopps! This post is starting to become emotional so before I bawl my eyes out, I’d like to share with you some heartwarming songs that I’d like to sing to my mother if only I am blessed enough to do it. Here are my picks...

• A Song for Mama by Boyz II Men
• The Perfect Fan by Backstreet Boys
• You'll be in me Heart by Phil Collins
• I'm Amazed by Lila McCann featuring Jim Brickman
• Mama by Spice Girls
• Rock and Roll Lullaby by B.J. Thomas
• Mama Tried by Merle Haggard
• Mama Don't You Cry by Steelheart
• Thank You Mom by Good Charlotte
• You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban
• A Mother's Prayer by Celine Dion

But since I cannot obviously sing these songs, I'll just compile this into a CD. Perfect for Mother's Day! :)

Check out songs for mom to listen to these songs!