2013 Bucket List

Now that we're beyond that 12.21.12 end of the world craze, it's time to start anew and plan anew and list anew. Hahahaha. There were many things I wanted to do in 2012 but somethings got in the way. So we'll put them in the 2013 bucket list.

1. Drive. Responsibly.

Really. I have a car to drive, a driver's license and I know how to drive. But I can't -- or more like, my mom won't let me. I am actually computing my possible incomes in the next month as whether I can buy my own car from my own money or I would ask for a gracious donation from dad. Whatever. Basta. Car. This year.

2. Update gadgets.

If not the car, then update the gadgets. Damn you Apple. Kelangan laging may bago?

3. Get own Glock.

Maybe after the gunban because of the elections. But I am aiming on getting a small one and joining a decent gun club.

4. Travel.

With Donut coming home sometime before summer (!!!) and my roommates from college flying in for Marj's wedding in May, madaming makakasamang gumala. Catch up na din since I haven't seen some of them in what -- five years?

5. Seriously redecorate.

Not just redecorate but also repair my apartment's electrical sockets and switches. Also send home stuff that are just gathering dirt. And maybe replace my microwave (hindi na gumagana!).

6. Seriously declutter.

My red suite also needs serious cleaning up to do. Mom is suggesting that I buy a new (bigger) bed. I told her I will only buy a bed when I have to (like when I have someone to sleep on it with). But for now, my single (twin) bed will do just fine.

7. Lose weight and maintain it.

I'm losing weight for my Candle Sponsor gig in a Tagaytay wedding on May. But after that, what? Of course I have to maintain. Which, from experience, is actually harder than losing the weight.

8. Finish all dental stuffs.

With my two 3rd molars gone, it's time to repair and reconstruct the damage they did. Looks like I'll be losing another molar but it depends as to whether it's salvageable by root canal or I will have to settle for a prosthetic thing.

9. "Cook" up a storm.

Yeah, I haven't cooked a decent (5-course) meal since what -- 2007? I need to start again.

10. Invest.

Maybe in a mutual fund or time deposit. My bestfriend knows this sh*t. I want to get a decent account by mid-2013.

The Gifts of 2012

Christmas is over and the new year is upon us. At dahil wala namang Thanksgiving dito sa Pilipinas, I give thanks for the "gifts" of the year during Christmastide. This year was not really that great. Madaming blunders, madaming obstacles, pero I learned to look past that and saw the blessings despite being concealed in what seems to be difficulties.  So here's the ten things I am thankful for that happened (or about to happen or still happening) this year.

1. Love.

If there's one thing that I am most thankful for this past year is that I am still very much in love. Nevermind that it's an unorthodox relationship or that it still has a lot to overcome. What matters most is that we are happy and despite what others say, we are very much compatible. I guess that's the way love works. This was unexpected but somehow, the things that come when we least expect it to are the ones that make us happy.

2. Reconnections.

Just a few days ago, I was reunited with some of my gradeschool classmates through the wedding of two of our "kababata", Michele and Collins -- I can call them that because I've known them since before I can even read -- especially Chelie. Hoping to see more of them in 2013 and onwards.

3. Realizations.

Most of the times, we see our true friends in the face of adversity. I've seen and experienced that this year. Though it was not a very pleasant experience, Somehow, I am thankful it did.

4. Responsibility.

More of it actually. I have worked before and I know how hard it is to earn money when you're an employee. More so when you run your own business. Sure you don't get to do the hard work (although sometimes, you do), handling and managing a small staff can be stressful.

5. Thrift.

My boyfriend came from a relatively "simpler" family than us. And growing up with three brothers with only just enough to make him make his every peso go the extra mile, especially now that he and two other brothers are in college at the same time. It is from him that I learned to stretch my peso too. And through me, he learned that although it is wise to save, it is not bad to splurge a little bit. In Filipino, tinuruan niya akong maging kuripot, tinuruan ko siyang maging gastador.

6. Staying Fit.

I got a gym membership to lose a few pounds and get into some sort of healthy lifestyle. So now, its hit the gym at least 3 times a week. Eat more greens, cut the down the reds and a whole lot of multi-grains.

7. Technology.

I'm not really a techie person but I acquired a few techie-techie stuff this year. Like my iPhone, Macbook and... well, that is pretty much it. But I never really joined the gadget and techie stuff bandwagon until now. I lost a few other things earlier this year which I hope to replace this year, though.

8. Time.

Although I don't really want more time in my hands, somehow, the Universe gave it to me this year. So what do we do with free time, learn new things, reconnect with old friends, develop what can still be improved. So what started off as a blunder at first may actually be a blessing in disguise.

9. Passion.

Once again, I found myself passionate over hobbies like baking and making accessories and even business. When I was younger, I found out that I function better when I have many things in my mind because I get to organize stuff to fit them all in schedule.

10. Life.

Sometime after summer, robbers broke into our house and took some of our valuables, but despite that, we are still very thankful that we weren't harmed. 

So there, a lot of things to be thankful for in 2012, despite everything that happened. Happy 2013 guys! Here's to another year of love, life and everything in between!