☼☀Freshly Sparkling★☆

Like my friend, I am also a strong believer of God's perfect and divine plan for all of us. I sincerely accept the fact that God's hands work in our lives. This, however, does not mean that everything has to depend on that plan. We are given our own body and free will to fulfill it. In my heart, I genuinely know that I live for something. And since it's already new year tomorrow, without a doubt, I know that something great --FRESHLY SPARKLING-- is going to happen next year. That's why this coming 2013, these are the things that I would like to accomplish:

It's going to be in detail this time, because I've read on Yahoo that details make our plans more realistic. Again, God willing, these are my goals next year:

1. Be a better member of our family.
☆I will be a better daughter to my parents by being more patient with them. I have
to understand that their age makes them a little irritated at times and that they
sometimes don't feel well. I have to be kind and loving to them all the time.
☆I will be a better sister. Being a better sister means being more considerate and
generous to my siblings.
☀Jesus, You know my prayers for my family. Their good health, happiness, contentment, long life, peace of mind, and drive to be better are what I always ask for. Amen.

2. Be a better and more effective teacher.
☆I shall be more patient thinking of good lesson plans.
☆I shall submit my lesson plans and instructional materials on time.
☆I shall be more prepared coming to class.
☆I shall check test papers and exams right away, so I could return them on time.
☆I shall continue going to school early.
☆I shall continue to respect my students and my colleagues.
☆I shall continue to study by researching, attending seminars, and learning from my colleagues.
☆I shall be kinder, more understanding, and more patient.
☀To our Greatest Teacher, teaching is one of the most noble jobs in the world, and I am honored to be a teacher. Please help me do my job in the right way. Amen.

3. Be even more confident (but not braggy).
☆I shall lose 15 more pounds by exercising regularly and eating right. That means
working out for at least 4 times a week. Enrolling in boxing sessions would
definitely help, but I'll continue going to the gym, running, and dancing. I have
to remind myself from time to time that I am what I eat. If I want to be healthy,
I need to take in nutritious food and necessary vitamins.
☆I shall continue with my beauty regimen -- facial wash/beauty soap, toner, and moisturizer. Moreover, I will start to apply anti aging cream when I already have enough budget.
☆I shall enroll in a class that would teach my how to dress up, put on make up, and be more confident.
☀Best friend J, You already helped me on this. Please continue to keep up with me, so I could go back in track to living a healthy lifestyle. Amen.

4. Finish my master's degree.
☆I will think of a meaningful and helpful research topic.
☆I will choose effective thesis advisers.
☆I will do my best to research about my topic and conduct the study.
☆I will will write a meaningful and useful thesis.
☆I will pass all my thesis defense with flying colors.
☀Lord, it's not being haughty, I used "will" because I am certain that You are on my side. Amen.

5. Learn how to drive.
☆I will save money.
☆I will enroll in a driving school or ask an expert to teach me how to drive.
☆I will practice driving.
☀My Savior, I know that my start isn't that good. I also know that the end does not justify the mean. I am sorry! I already have my license, but rest assured that I will first learn how to drive. Amen.

6. Enjoy being single.
☆I will save money.
☆I will learn how to play guitar.
☆I will make boxing/volleyball/badminton my sport.
☆I will learn how to cook either through internet or class.
☆I will enroll in an art and writing classes.
☆I will travel with my family and my friends --Hongkong and Macau or Japan/Korea, Batanes, Davao, Zambles, Corregidor.
☆I will be more updated when it comes to current news, books, music, and movies.
☆I will continue studying Spanish.
☆I will join Singles for Christ, so I could at the same time serve You and meet new people.
☀God, enjoying doesn't mean that I want to be single forever. In Your time, I know that someone will come along. In Your Perfect time, the perfect guy will be brave enough to pursue me. Amen.

7. Manage my time well.
☆I shall have a schedule.
☆I shall follow my schedule.
☆I shall wake up early.
☆I shall prioritize the things that have to be done first.
☆I shall know how to relax.
☆I shall sleep early.
☀To the One I trust the most, I've been saying this almost all my life, but I've never been consistent. Please help me stick to this. Amen.

8. Have our own house and car.
☆I will start to look for possible schools abroad.
☆I will apply abroad to study and work at the same time, either in Japan, in Korea, or in Singapore first.
☆I will prepare for the interview and the application process.
☆I will study and work abroad.
☆I will save money.
☆I will send my family money.
☀To our Greatesr Provider, Bo Sanchez once said that You do not want us to be poor. One of my dreams to let my parents experience the good things in life -- being able to travel, have their own house and car, see their daughter have a happy married life, taste good food, and so on and so forth. Amen.

I should stop now. Hihi. Besides the fact that I'm already sleepy, eight, they say, is a lucky number. Of course, Jesus, You know my heart's deepest desires. In the long run, two of my major dreams are to have a happy married life and have a successful career/business while I still have my parents and my sister. Actually, my ultimate goal is to be happy. Those are the things that would make me happy, as far as I know. As always, by believing, praying, dreaming, working on it and being patient, the final decision is still Yours. I leave everything to You.

In Your will, 2013 is going to be FRESHLY SPARKLING. It's going to be our best year yet. THE BEST IS YET TO COME. As my friend said, we will rise, shine, and boom 2013! With your help, my family's, friends' and other people's, my dreams are coming true. 2013! I am so ready for you! Weee!☀☆★☼

THANK YOU, JESUS!Ü

Thank you, 2012! Ü

What can I say, but time really does fly swiftly! I think that was how I started my blog almost the same time a year ago. It feels like it was just yesterday, and it will surely take me some time to get used to writing 2013 again. 2013. What do you have in store for me? However, before I dwell on that, I would first like to look back and see what transpired in 2012. Since I am truly trying to be optimistic, let me go over each blessing that God gave me this year.

1. Life
Sadly, there were some mishaps that happened this year that took some people's lives, that's why being able to breathe to chase my dreams is indeed a blessing.

2. Family
My family is God's greatest gift to me, and in His grace, no matter what happens, we are always intact.

3. Friends/Colleagues/Students
After my family, like any other normal people, my friends are the ones that make me stronger, and the ones that remind me that I can do something.

4. Work
I must admit that there were a lot of times this year that I complained for the workload that I have as a teacher. And I am sorry for that.

5. Strangers
In one way or another, I am sure that a stranger or two helped me.

6. Material Things
My family and I have enough money. We have house. We eat everyday. We get to try out new food.

7. Beauty
Although inner beauty is better than the physical side, we cannot deny the fact that the latter also matters. This year, God helped me to lose 20 lbs. This year, I became more conscious of my appearance, and it feels good. I became more confident.

8. Comprehensive Exams
Last July, I passed the exams. This only means that I'm only a few step to getting my Masters Degree, God willing.

9. Places
I finally got to visit one of the places in Mindanao. Dreams really do come true. Besides that, I also went to Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and Samar.

10. License
Last but not the least, I finally got my driver's license last week!

Wow! Those are just the major blessings that God gave me. I know there are more. 2012 is undeniably kind to me! *Wink wink* Thank You!

Wiser This Time *God Willing*

A friend once told me that for you to be able to forget someone you love, you must have a new love. Well, can this be true? Isn't it a rebound? It can't be in my case, since there was never a real relationship. Haha.

Last night, I had a get-together with my two sets of friends. Wow! I had so much fun. They are still awesome! They still make me laugh my head off and cry my eyes out. I had a roller coaster of emotions. We had lots of laugh trips, emo modes, and serious talks. Maybe I can talk about those on my next entry.

I had a weird feeling when I got home, and it was still odd when I woke up this morning. In almost three years, this is the first time that I did not think of him. Surprisingly, I am happy with that, so happy in fact. Now, I'm more certain that it's going to be for real this time. Now, there's another person in my mind, an old friend.

That old friend kept on asking me about what I learned in what I want to be called "past love." I just looked and smiled at him. I actually haven't thought about it yet. He was the one who answered his question. He said, next time, I should never assume and expect too much. I know, right? That sounds so familiar. That's what I've been hearing at the start of that "past love." I did try not to expect, but I just couldn't control it. That I guess is normal for people in love. Then again, real smart people have to know how to handle their feelings. Yes, and I have to be smarter this time.

Smarter. Wiser. Stronger. Lovelier. More Beautiful. Healthier. More loving. More sensitive. More God-centered. I am. No expectations. Mutual. REAL, hopefully, this time.

Good Vibes, I need you. NOW!

Sigh. Why am I so negative today? I'm feeling so low and somber. Maybe, I need a new environment. Maybe, I need to leave. Maybe I need to go somewhere far away from him, somewhere where I can completely move on and forget him, forget all about him. I just can't stand this anymore. The feeling keeps coming back. I really really want to move on already. Or maybe I need to talk to a psychologist or a psychiatrist. Good vibes, this is the time when I need you the most. Please! NOW!

Moody, I am!

Sometimes, I really do not understand myself. My mood swing last week was acceptable. Yes, because I had my period, but how about these past few days? I really do not get it. I've been thinking of a lot of things. I have to stop. NOW. I need to convince myself and believe that everything is going to be fine in the end. Yes. That should do because God is always there to help and guide me.

Funny Me

I just wanted to share what popped up in my mind! I just realized that my dreams are coming true already. I should be thankful. And I should continue to be patient, to keep on hoping, dreaming, believing, and praying. God does love me, that's for sure!

Serendipity or Coincidence

Earlier when I turned on the radio, the DJs were talking about serendipity and coincidence. Interesting, isn't it? It made me think. I mean, I do believe that everything happens for a reason, but does it mean that every single thing does? Well, I'm not so sure about that. The only thing I know is that so far, when I think about things, it seems that they do happen for a bigger purpose. It's like nothing really happens by accident. It may sound mushy, but when I look back, nothing has really been wasted. The cliche is true after all. I am what I am because of my past experiences. It boils down to my question. Earlier as well, the caller on the radio had the same problem as mine. She wasn't sure if her "friend" really likes her or what. What did the DJs advise her? "DO NOT ASSUME." That is also what my friends tell me. I know it's not healthy anymore, but it keeps on happening. Now, I'll tell myself that I won't assume anymore, and that I will try to forget what I'm feeling already. But what happens? I always eat what I say. Oh Good Lord, please help me. If every little thing really does happen for a reason, is it a sign for me to stop already? Whew! I need to help myself! Please guide me, Lord.

Can it be a Sign

God answered my prayer. Thank You! While asking for this one, I was thinking if it could also be a sign. Then, as what I said... IT WAS ANSWERED.

Not again!

It does hurt! He hurt me again. Or is it more appropriate to say that I let him hurt me again? It hurts so bad. So bad. Why do I always have to feel this way? How many times should my heart be broken? I know God has plans for me, but it's really difficult when you're in this situation. It's too ouchy! Help me, God. Please? I'm begging you.

You're Seen

Wow! Life can sometimes be both funny and weird.

Just last night, just as I always do, I was pondering about things. This time, I was thinking about my college life. I thought of the things that I should be thankful for. Then, it dawned on me that one of the people who helped me have self-confidence during that time was my first year English professor. Of all my classmates coming from prestigious high schools in the Metro, I was among the three students she picked to represent our section for a speech contest or performance. It may be just a little thing for some, but it's really something for me. Why? Because I was a bit insecure that time. Coming from a small town, it was really difficult to adjust and understand the "Manila girls," as they say. The way I dress was entirely different from how they did. That's why I really can't thank my teacher enough for seeing me, but I just neglect not remembering her name. That, I have to find out soon.

Anyway, I'm reading an article on Oprah's website about seven gifts from the universe that everybody gets. Actually, I'm still in the second gift. Just to give you an idea, the first one's you senselessly win. You just win. You just receive something you never thought you wanted. Great, right? I guess I haven't received that gift. Now for the second gift: You're seen. That's where my English teacher entered in the picture. She saw something in me. I'm not really sure how she did it, but she knew that I had the talent. Thank God!

What's my point for writing this? My point is life is not really unfair after all. There's always a reason to smile and to be thankful for. I hope that sticks in my mind. I pray that everyone realizes that. And again, it's just weird that everything seems to happen the way they should be. Everything is just in timing. You're wonderful, God! And yes, You are the One who never fails to see me. Thank You!

I do :)

They say that everything can happen if one believes... I DO BELIEVE, MY LORD! I would like to believe that he's already the one I've been waiting for, Your gift for me.

Because it's Love Month!♥

Is it REALLY time to let go?

:'(

I am Alive!

What a way to start the year! Thank You, Jesus Christ! I believe I'm back on track again! Wow, looking back, I just focused on him for the whole year of 2011! I almost forgot my dreams! I am grateful for all that happened and to my friend who helped me realize this. I love You, Jesus! Please continue to help me focus on what matters in life.

Kaboom 2012! This will be my best year yet! I am so ready for you, 2012! I'm wishing all of us a joyous, healthier, love-filled, blessed, and meaning year! Cheers!

MY DREAMS WILL DO COME TRUE. :) GOD WILL HELP ME.