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!