2011 – A Good Year That Was

There are so many things to be grateful for this year. A mere 'Thank You' is an understatement. I had my share of smile and tears. Tears that made me stronger. Smile that lifted me higher. Join me as I recall how good 2011 was.

New Career.

Put simply, in my entire years with the corporate world - I have verified one thing - that hard-core accounting is not for me. Really. And I am forever thankful to the Lord because He gives 2nd chances. First quarter of 2011 was a career crossroad for me.  Things turned out perfectly. It was such a whirlwind process, but I experienced this proverb first-hand: 

"Kung para sa iyo, para sa yo." {Universe will conspire if something is for you}-- Love life? Career? Regardless. Totoo siya sa parehong aspeto.  

I can gladly say that I found a place where I can grow career-wise. That each working day, I find myself excited (okay, not super excited, but acceptably-excited) to learn new things. That I know I have my workmates for me and not against me. That I have built a friendship in the workplace. That each day is more of a happy and fulfilling day!  

Lastly, here's an excerpt of my mail to my boss:  

...allow me to take this opportunity to say Thank You to you, {name} and {name} for being the coolest bosses I’ve ever had (not pulling your leg, seriously).  

To me, {insert Company Name} is not only a corporate entity, it’s more of a family that I can come home to. Cheers to 2012 and more years ahead!...

 

Travel.

I am thankful that I got to see Taiwan and Prague (Czech Republic) this year. One East. Another West. There's just that certain magic in travelling that 'resets' the way people see things. This was also the first year that I traveled - read: Alone (at least for Prague). Being alone was not as scary as I thought. My travel this year opened my eyes on things (and people) that matter to me. Feel free to see my other blog entries on travelling : Why One Should Travel More Often? , Yotel & Netherlands and 9 Fast Facts about Prague.
 

Lowest Weight This Year.

And I wish there will be more pound-shed in 2012. I lose 10 pounds (approx) this year. I think me being in another country contributed much to this. This is just my opinion, I think rice is the culprit. Because, each day I eat M&M's there. I drink Hot Choco every after lunch. But rice is scarce there, so I grubbed potatoes or pasta instead. Doesn't matter. What matters is I lose. Therefore, I win!

Family.

This is one thing I'll always be grateful for.  They've seen me at my best and worst. At times, dad thinks of me as his baby when I am no longer is! Mom is one of my best friends. Jay wants to teach me how to drive and believes I can drive - though I myself doubt if I can. Gets? Whatever. I know for sure that that Mamchings (Mom), Doodies (Dad) and Jayzins (Jay) will always be there to show me lotsa love. ♥ Ps: Dad is not grumpy sa picture. Normal nia yan pag gutom. Joke. :)

God's Yes and No answers.

One thing that I learned this year is that Yes is an answer. And NO is an answer too. It took me litres of tears to realize that some things are just not meant to be. And life goes on. This quote had me thinking : "You've got to get to the stage in life where going for it is more important than winning or losing." Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.  In my journey through life, I always call these 3 words into my mind -- I HAVE GOD. And He says:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  

Happy 2012 Everyone -CMK

New Year Greetings!

New Space for the New Year

New life. New Year. New is an "in" word these days. In a manner of speaking - old should be gone to make a space for new ones. Whatever that may be. But here's my point, you need to let go of some stuffs and make way for new ones. Tangible things I mean.

1. Magazines. You'll probably say that you need such and such for references but hey, if you'll only be honest. 2010 issues. On your mag rack. Seriously?

2. Make-Up. One year rule. It's either that or you'll risk having some skin allergies.

3. Unused Clothes. I am also one of those nostalgic peeps who like to keep my shirt since grade school. Yet, Mom is right, you have to look beyond your selfish agenda and put some smile on other people's face. Specially to the one who needs it the most.

4. Girly Stuffs. Lotion, body wash, feminine wash if you dare. Point is - you'll go shopping this 2012 right? So you might as well give it to someone who can use it pronto!

5. Old Books. I'm talking of your college History books. Or any other books whom you can depart with for the good of the academe world. To us, that may just be old pile of papers and glue, but this means so much to the less fortunate ones. -CMK

credits: http://www.vinyl-wall-decals.com/?pn=Live+simply+-+Give+more+-+Expect+less&cn=Inspirational&p=929&c=27

Top 5 Books for the Year

I confess. I now join the "Top-Whatever-for-the-year" bandwagon. But it's fun. Sharing a couple of books (or literatures) I've read this year. You might want them on your collection too.

* How to Mend a Broken Heart by Nelson Dy. It's a hybrid of falling in love and picking yourself up "even" after. What's interesting about this book is that it was written by a man. It has numerous insights for those whose going through 'the' ordeal. Please do me a favor by not asking why I've read the book. But yes, this is a good one.

* Like the Flowing River by Paulo Coelho. A collection of short stories - Coelho's style. This literature brings up interesting topics like What life is all about? Brotherhood. Travelling. Enjoying the here and now. Personally, it encourages me to appreciate what I have now. No second thoughts about it.

* Holy Bible. With all due respect to other religions, this is my life book. I don't intend to fire a debate on this topic but personally, this is the reason why I am still sane now. Comfort. Respite. A tap on my shoulder. Rebuke if I need one. And let me share with you that I had this Bible since I was 12 years old. Yes! And the words below - these describe the very words that I want to tell Him over and over again.

* Cosmopolitan Magazines. Fashion File anyone? This is where all my fashion sensibilities came from. Though (again personally), I ripped all unwholesome articles on the mag. Not for any other reasons, it's just that some things are worthy to be looked at and for some, I believe they have their own proper place (and it's definitely not in the magazine on your bed side table). Other than this, career nook, weekend getaway ideas, fashion ideas - where to look at? Definitely at Cosmopolitan.

* Archie Comics. My first-ever English vice back in my 3rd grade years. Hehe. I grew up with Archie. But my heart sank knowing that Archie ended up with Veronica Lodge and not Betty Cooper! Wahh. You can read that by buying 'The Best of Archie' below. While writing this entry, I suddenly recalled how I eat my chocolates and slump in our sofa set and read Archie comics again and again. Hehe. Childhood days. Haaaa... -CMK

Let me give you one last reason why you should read a book: “No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.” - Confucius

2012 Belle de Jour Planner

Thinking of chugging 20+ coffee cups just to get a planner? 

If you're sold that it's worth it - go indulge.

Yet, if you're having 2nd thoughts (I can see light bulbs on top of your head) - you may want to be wallet-friendly (and may I add, diet-friendly) this year.

Bella, meet BDJ Planner. It is a one-stop shop treasure. Here's why... 

1. Overall package.  

Okay there's a pink and black theme but it is sophisticated enough to tag along in your business meetings or other agenda. They have 2 variants - ring-bound and this one.

2. Writing ease.  If you are not-a-fan of lined and uber structured planner, this one's your best bet. Sure it has thin fine lines but they are kinda-invisible. Scribble-friendly I should say.

3. Discount Coupons Alert!  Basically, the benefit of all the discounts embedded on this planner outweighs BDJ's cost (SRP is less than Php 600.00). CBTL, The Ramp, Ace Water Spa, The Spa, etc. It's raining freebies! 

4. Useful Articles.  Tidbits about fashion, relationships, travel and career add an unusual kick to BDJ. It's age appropriate for career women, in general.

5. Happy me.  I don't know - but getting my share of BDJ Planner makes me happy. :) Maybe because it makes planning more exciting. Especially, if you're like me, whose not really into planning. 

You can visit their website by clicking this Belle de Jour link. Happy Scribbling! -CMK