Stay With Me Tonight

For the third time this year, let me just say that packing is such sweet sorrow. I tried to start today, but all I ended up doing was scattering my clothes all over my room. Will try again tomorrow.

After "reading" various Lonely Planet books, look what I found for lodging alternatives in South Korea:

• Homestays (staying with a host family)
  
• Temple Stays (staying in a Buddhist temple)

I think both are equally intriguing. Granted, that yes, I wish Kim Rae Won's house is an option, but we cannot have everything in life. Thou shall keep these two options in mind for future reference.

Baby, It's You

Today, a "stork" left me a "little bundle of joy" in front of our doorstep. I decided to call him, "MACulay," "Kulay" for short. I'll let you all use your imagination as to what kind of "talents" Kulay has. In short, Papa and I are proud parents now.

So, I'm complete - materialistically speaking, of course. I don't care to hear about your blue-tooth devices, new cellphone models, or anything that requires electricity. Pen, I'm talking to you; Please find another techie twin dahil ang mahal na ng kuryente dito sa bahay! LoL.

Anyway, the next agenda (besides defying the laws of unemployment in the Philippines) is to focus on myself. Afterall, before you can help others, you must help yourself first.

Seven Days

Let the countdown begin!

Although, I'm not too sure about what to pack. If I end up pursuing a job, then I have to pack work clothes. If I end up traveling around the country, then I have to bring gusgusin clothes. If I end up wanting to lose the weight that I put on just in the last two months, then I have to bring my Adidas gear. All those, in addition to my casual, pang-Manila clothes. And here I thought I would be fine with just one piece of luggage!

This I know for sure:

• backpack (going to Manila for the second time!)
  
• Nalgene water bottle
  
• my cheapy battery-operated fan
  
• cellphone (how much is it to get this unlocked?)
  
• macaroni and cheese for the bride-to-be (huwaging request!)
  
• my black, never been worn dress (wishing may date)

I'm actually debating whether to bring Papa along. Kinakabahan ako dahil baka may mang-agaw sa kanya. Although, I really want to ransack everyone's music stash in Manila and upload them on my iTunes (sharing is caring!). We'll see.

But yeah, man, I'm getting excited and feeling much better about taking this trip. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! ;P

It All Starts With Me

To leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived

This is to have succeeded.

That is part of the Ralph Waldo Emerson poem that I received after finishing my one year stint as Freshman Council Treasurer. The year before, I wrote my personal statement for my college application; it contained what success meant to me. Both had the same sentiments.

In less than a month, the first quarter of my life will be over. Have I worked towards my definition of success? No and I am quite disappointed with myself.

It is easy to say to just do it ala Nike. It is easy to say listen to your heart. But when you're not accustomed to following both adages, it's hard. Couple that with two opposing goals in life, and you're in for a huge dilemma.

This upcoming trip will be an important one. What I do will dictate what the next quarter of my life will be like. It's time to listen to myself more and to be honest with myself. It's time to figure out "the little things in life." It's time to take those itsy bitsy steps towards happiness and a more fulfilling life that I can proud of.

Five Steps to Ensure Financial Freedom

5. Thou shall not participate in conversations regarding material acquisitions.
4. Thou shall charge things to experience and not to debit card.
3. Thou shall remember that the best things in life are free.
2. Thou shall be content with what she has.
1. THOU SHALL NOT BUY ANY MORE TECHIE GADGETS THIS YEAR.

So, help me God, Buddha, Krishna, and the rest of the Almighty Crew.

Amen.