Happy New Year!!!

Enthusiasm is the force that leads us to the final victory. ~ Paulo Coelho

♫I'm alive, alert, awake...enthusiastic!♫

Later, even if I'm in the part of the world that won't see the full force of a rare blue moon that would usher in the New Year, knowing that it's there somewhere further gives a reason to be enthusiastic about everything. By God's grace, I gotta feeling that 2010 is gonna be an awesome year! w00t!

"All You Need Is Love" by 156 Countries

There's nothing you can do that can't be done. Nothing you can sing that can't be sung. Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game. It's easy. There's nothing you can make that can't be made. No one you can save that can't be saved. Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time - It's easy.... All you need is love, all you need is love...

So long, 2009!

It’s the last day of the year that hated me the most. I am happy to see it go. - Gang Badoy/ 31 Dec 2009. (Source)

>>I just had to repost this because it sums up EXACTLY how I feel.

Something Wonderful Is Coming in 2010

This New Years Eve Brings the Rarest Blue Moon of All

I gotta feeling...

Where 24/7 videoke sessions would be fine

At last, my aunt’s family has a neighbor. Almost two years after moving into their place and the village has maintained its quiet, in the middle-of-nowhere feel that I love. Fresh air, cool breeze, a very nice view of Mt. Apo, several species of birds flying around or resting on their fence and/on quiet empty streets, and so many ordinary things that never fail to give simple joys and pleasures.

This year’s Christmas family get together was as fun as ever. We used to celebrate family Christmas gatherings at home. But this year, we gathered at what I secretly think of as the “retreat house”. Staying there always makes me feel like I’m in a retreat place minus the rules. Videoke all night and in full volume is twice more fun when there’s no need to worry about disturbing the neighbors.

Merry Christmas!

Looking at this Japanese Christmas Cake makes me feel the spirit even more.

More please!

Elevating the decadent cake experience to new heights. The New Red Ribbon Chocolate Walnut Fudge Cake is one of the best RR cakes I’ve tasted so far.

PH Regular Holidays & Special (Non-working) Days for CY 2010

Pursuant to Malacañang Proclamation No. 1841 dated 21 July 2009.

January 1 (Friday) - New Year’s Day
April 1 (Thursday) - Maundy Thursday
April 2 (Friday) - Good Friday
April 9 (Friday) - Araw ng Kagitingan
May 1 (Saturday) - Labor Day
June 14 (Monday nearest June 12) - Independence Day
August 23 (Monday nearest August 21) - Ninoy Aquino Day
August 30 (Last Monday of August) - National Heroes Day
November 1 (Monday) - All Saints Day
November 29 (Monday nearest November 30) - Bonifacio Day
December 24 (Friday) - Additional Special (Non-working)
December 25 (Saturday) - Christmas Day
December 27 (Monday nearest December 30) - Rizal Day
December 31 (Friday) - Last Day of the Year

a mental note

"Just Do It. Who the hell do you think you are? Are you an athlete? Because if you are, then you know what it means to want to be better, to want to be the best. And if you are, then you understand it’s not enough to want to be the best. You can’t just sit around all day and BS about how much you want it. Show me how much you want it. Stop just “thinking about it” and “wondering about it” and “hoping for it” and actually go out there and get it. Dare to do what it takes to be the best. And then, whether you win, lose, or collapse on the finish line, at least you’ll know exactly who you are." - Nike

And I wonder...

what will my Dad say if he finds out that I don't watch boxing, I actually do it.

Sundays are my Dad's "lose-the-remote-I'm-watching-nothing-but-boxing-on-TV" day. I wonder when he started to become such a big fan. Maybe the Pacman's successes on the ring contributed to his devotion to the sport.

Sometimes I'm tempted to tell him I'm good at it and it's just one of the disciplines incorporated in the martial arts I practice. But then again, I don't like to disabuse him of the notion that I'm still a "girl". If there's one thing I'm pretty sure about my dad, he tends to see things in his own shades of black and white.

I think there's just some things better left unsaid. I get enough labels as it is.

Congratulations Team Philippines!!!

I'll never get tired of saying this, I'm so proud of our athletes! There were not that many live coverage or regular updates in the local news about the 25th SEA Games in Laos but I could almost imagine the best efforts and sheer willpower of our athletes to win in their respective events.

If there's one thing I miss most in being an athlete it is that moment when months or years of training come down to that few minutes of a race or competition. Apart from that, I also miss the opportunities to cheer for other teams as soon as our team's done competing. Sports always have a way of uniting people. I marvel at the irony that sports is highly competitive and yet it usually fosters camaraderie and goodwill.

This SEA Games, our athletes have once again made Filipinos proud! And I wish to congratulate everyone most especially the following:

Wushu Team
Sanshou:
Mark Eddiva - 65Kg Men (GOLD)
Mariane Mariano - 60Kg Women (GOLD)
Benjie Rivera - 56Kg Men (SILVER)
Mary Jane Estimar - 52Kg Women (SILVER)
Rhea Mae Rifani - 48Kg Women (BRONZE)
Jessie Aligaga - 48Kg Men (BRONZE)
Denver Labador - 60Kg Men (BRONZE)

Taolu:
Daniel Parantac - Taijijian - Men (Bronze)

Athletics
Marestella Torres - Long Jump (GOLD)
Rosie Villarito - Javelin Throw(GOLD)

Over the years, I've seen these athletes train and excel in their respective sports. I can't think of a more deserving group of people than these guys. Go Team Philippines!!!

Can't wait

Believe that

(via Pomegranacat)

It's getting personal

(via United Nations Foundation)

Chasing rainbows

	Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - Somewhere Over the Rainbow .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Choosing A Dreamless State

Last night, I woke up when I felt your hand held mine. I was stunned to see you beside me because you already built a vast wall that I could not breach. It really has been too long, long enough for me to try ask you all the questions I meant to ask.

How have you been? Why did you suddenly ignore me completely after that level of friendship we have struck? What did I do to lose a friend I hoped to keep? What was I to you? Questions, I have so many of them because you left me with nothing but questions when you changed so suddenly.

But seeing you again was like finding a blank notebook where I can write stories again. It was like being handed out the chance to start a new chapter that may turn out differently from the last.

Your presence made me feel a deep sense of peace. It was like everything was right with the world again. It felt like I literally pieced myself to that puzzle that made me understand what complete means.

You see, it was real for me. Everything I felt for you was as real as I never imagined it to be. And I guess that was why I chose to love you deep in my heart and let you go. For you chose not to see me that way.

It was a love that was all about choices. Burying that love was the kindest thing I could do for myself. But it did not mean I loved you less.

I felt at peace with the world again when I opened my eyes and saw you holding my hand like that last night. I had you for what seemed like hours and we were happy.

But then, at some point, I slowly realized I woke up in a dream. And that was when I chose to wake up from something that made me want to live within a dream again.

Because we can

Sweet dreams are made of these

I'm taking a leaf off a friend's book who recently came up with his Christmas wish list. I can't remember the last time I made one. One thing I can say about the whole exercise, it makes me feel like a child again.

1. World Peace

'nuff said.

2. Earth Day Every Day

3. A healthier lifestyle for me and my family

4. A Nike Sport Band

4. A Purple iPod Nano

5. A pink Adidas Supernova

6. A box of dark chocolates

7. Complete series of The Southern Vampire Mysteries

8. A purple Sony Cyber-shot


9. Airplane ticket[s]


10. A navy blue FISA polo shirt

I'm SO looking forward to Christmas and 2010 now. Gambatte kudasai!

(All images are from the Internet.)

One day...

"sometimes in my tears I drown
but I never let it get me down"