On Turning 29

I must admit that I get mixed emotions every time my birthday is about to come up. I feel really happy knowing that family and friends take time to greet and surprise me during this day. However, reality does sink in that I am not getting any younger, and that there is still so much I want to do in life, and time seems to be running out.

Of all the birthday's I had, I will never forget my 16th, 18th, and 27th birthday.

On my 16th and 18th birthday, my family and friends gave me a surprise party. I still remember on my 18th birthday, I volunteered to help in the National Elections, and as I got home, my friends and family were all waiting inside our house. I knew something was fishy because there were so many cars parked outside our house. It kind of gave away the surprise, but not knowing who my parents invited and seeing everyone there made me really really happy.

For 4 or 5 years now, my colleagues/ friends have found a way to make me feel special. They'd all come to school in pink, and most or all of my gifts would either be pink or a hello kitty item. Last year, I had a surprise party in the faculty workroom.

My last year with the English dept. 2009

My 27th Birthday 2010

My family in pink

Had a big celebration last 2010...so maraming friends

My 28th birthday (2011) in the office

I specifically had a big celebration last 2010 because I just felt that everything was falling into place. The year started out right, and it seemed that everything I had wished for or wanted eventually followed. I was truly blessed. 

I started 2010 by losing 20 pounds, which evetually I gained back in 2011. I was given a new assignment at work, had exciting travels to Caramoan and Boracay, took driving lessons and bought a car, got a dog, and overcame my fear of blood and needles. I am proud to say that 2010 was my year. 

Unfortunately, 2011 was not as great. I still had some good things to be thankful for like being surprised by my Unit 3 teachers with a simple but heartwarming celebration, being accepted as a runway model for a plus size brand, and finding a buyer for my crappy car, which only gave me headaches in all the 8 months I had it. I didn't have a big celebration last year because my finances were a mess since the car had to be repaired every month.

Anyway those are all in the past now. This 2012, I don't feel as lucky or as negative either. I feel I'm just stable. So far, I haven't broken a single New Year's Resolution. I have actually accomplished most of it in just 5 months. I have won "Biggest Loser" in our school, have started a healthier lifestyle, went on a Korea, Bellarocca and Cebu trip, have given away old things to clean up and organize my closet, and I was able to try a "New Look" (kind of by accident since my hair started to fall off)

So what am I looking forward to this year: A lot of changes! I'm assigned a new role at work again. It's still a bit similar to my old work, but things are still unclear since it's transition year because of the k12 upgrade. I also want to be able to go on a Cambodia trip before my next birthday...

If I could be given a chance, I'd choose not to grow old. Life was way simpler when I was young. Problems were so petty, but with age comes more experiences and more wisdom, and I certainly want that as well. Since I can't stop myself from growing old, I must make the most of the year to come so that I can look back and say that it was a year well lived. 

I pray that God continues to guide me in whatever challenges I'll be facing this year. In the 29 years that I have lived, he is the constant thing in my life who has never disappointed me. Sabi nga nang Spiritual director ko last year, " Chaveli, you are spoiled by God. You are a spoiled brat because God has been so good to you, and almost everything you want in your life he has given, so if he has not given to you the 1 thing that your heart desires, you must be PATIENT"... To this day, I am still praying for that 1 thing he has asked me to be patient about, and I know that God will give everything at the right time : )

So as I celebrate my 29th birthday tomorrow, I pray for courage to face difficulties and for patience because God has a plan for me. 

To my family and friends, i love you all. Thanks for always being there even in the craziest times of my life. 

More than my 29th birthday, I am looking forward to my 30th birthday because I know it will open a more exciting chapter in my life.

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

picture by niagaraparks.com

I must admit that 2011 was not all fireworks for me especially if I compare it to 2010. However, I must say that I am still very lucky and have a lot of things to thank God for this year.

As we begin the year end countdown and prepare for the year to come, let me do a count down of my own.

My 2011 Billboard Top Ten

Top 10: Wedding of two good friends.

I was happy to be part of the wedding of my two good friends. One got married in August, and the other just one just this December.

Top 9: My happy and healthy Family, and alot of TRUE friends

As a family, we go through struggles and difficulties together, which always makes things easier : ) This is the reason why we can get through anything that comes our way. We also spend as much quality time together as we possibly can even if we are all busy with work and school. We have dinners, watch movies and even shop together. I am truly blessed with a great family, whom I can depend on 24/7.

 Our 2011 Christmas Photo

 Celebrating my Mother's Birthday

Having Family Time at Happy Lemon 

(together with us is the boyfriend of my sister and girlfriend of my brother)

... and a lot of TRUE friends who are there for me no matter what : ) and who support me all the way

Top 8:  Getting Rid of My Car

Having my own car was always my ultimate dream. However because I rushed into getting a secondhand car, and didn't have an expert with me when I got it... my dream became a nightmare. After 8 months of keeping up with the repairs, I decided to sell it : ) It was honestly the worst investment I made in my life, and have learned so much from it. On the bright side, it had the best sound system ever and the cutest hello kitty car accessories.
 I also discovered that I had a lot of great loving friends who helped me when I needed them for car advice.

Top 7 :  Getting my Finances back on track. 

Yes!!! After selling my car, everything went back to how it was suppose to be : ) I actually felt my car was bad luck, but now that it is gone, my money is actually starting to go where I want it to... like having fun, bringing my family out or on great fashion finds.
Now, I'm ready to save again and spend on myself and my family.

Top 6: Trip to Boracay, Laiya and Cebu

I was lucky enough to spend my summer in 3 amazing places with great friends.

In Boracay with my Summer Vacation Group

In La Luz Beach Resort, Laiya Batangas, where both the beach and food are amazing. Of course, the company was awesome too.

In Cebu for a Seminar -Since our trip was actually work related, I had time to discover and learn a lot of new relevant things while having lots of fun and meeting new friends : )

Top 5: Taylor Swift's Concert In Manila

Even if my sister and I had to line up for about 6 hours in Araneta Coliseum to get good seats, it was seriously all worth it! Taylor Swift is a total performer, and I got my money's worth. I don't regret having to stand in line just to see her perform.

Top 4:  Reunion with my Grade School Classmates

More people actually committed to going to this reunion, but only a few actually came. Anyway, it was still great to see my former classmates and friends. The last time I saw them was 15 years ago. Hopefully, next time, we get more people to come.

Top 3:  Four Day Silent Retreat in Batangas

At first, I thought I would not survive being quiet for four days...but I DID, and it wasn't that hard!!! I discovered a lot about my life. Thanks to my great group and Spiritual Director. This was a time for me to sit down, pray and talk to God. I thank God for this opportunity to get away from my very busy life.

Top 2:  My Surprise Birthday Party and Buying my First Expensive Bag (As Birthday Gift To Myself)

My office mates, mostly in pink, surprised me on my 28th birthday

I don't like spending too much on myself, but I just couldn't resist this Coach bag and the offer I got from my friend

Top 1: Being Part of the Erzullie Family

Having them as part of my life really completed and made a difference this 2011. : )

 As 2011 comes to a close, I thank God for all the blessings he has given me. May 2012 be as bright or even brighter, not just for me but for everyone I love and care about.

Until next time, Fierce Ladies

xoxo

Andrea