After A Month...

Wow! Time flew by that fast?!?!?! It has already been a month since I last talked to you guys or myself.. talked to myself it is. I can't believe that January was lost that fast.

Since my last post, a ton of things also happened and I was able to accomplish a few things from my Goals and Whatnots post (or my last post). My dad got critical again on the first week of January and was once again reintubated. We were really scared for him at that time, but long story short, with God's amazing grace and love, he is finally home, after staying in the hospital for the longest time of two and a half months. ^.^ I am still stunned, dumbfounded, amazed, in awe of God's mercy and love for my dad and our family. We have surely been through a lot these past few months but we are positively looking forward for the months to come! 

While my dad was hospitalized, I had some time to read and start with my 12 book goal this year. Blessedly, I was able to finish 2 books! :) I guess this is just a starter's luck or beginning-of-the-year excitement to accomplish something. The next 10 books will now be the problem! :) I finished these two books:

I was able to read them through our iPad with the help of shop4ebook.tumblr.com, which is an online ebook store that sells ebooks for only Php 10! You should check out her site and browse through her wide array of titles! :) On the other hand, to sum up my review of the books, The Fault In Our Stars (TFIOS) for me is overrated but is a good read. I just find it overrated in the sense that it was the talk of the town for some time last year and I don't see why. While, Love Virtually, is quite an unexpected read, I thought it was some king of Love, Rosie by Cecilia Ahern kind of book but it isn't, it is more serious and (spoiler alert!) it has a sequel that I can't get hold of a copy just now! :) I like how short, concise and sensible each book was written. And since my dad was at the ICU, I was able to read TFIOS in 24 hours, Love Virtually, for 2 days! I was so happy then, but now I have a readers block but I will do my best to knock it down and continue reading more books (e-books that is).

I still haven't gone to church this year because I am somewhat in full time with taking care of my dad but I make sure that I do my devotions and reading of God's word the best that I can, it may not be everyday but I am really trying my best. (Now that I think about it, I feel ashamed that I am able to read books and finish it and not my Father's Word. Shame on me.) Will have to try harder and spend more time with Him! I Promise!

With losing weight (deep breathe), now it's a lot harder. Now that I am taking care of my dad, I am not able to focus or think about what I am eating. My mentality becomes "Since I am tired, I don't care how much is on my plate! I'm gonna eat my heart out!" But, thank God, because I let myself have some blood works done and everything seems to be fine, no diabetes (which is the one I fear the most to have), and everything else is also in the normal range.  I had a pledge this month though, and that is not to have the love of my life in to my tummy. It is non other than, MILK TEA!! :) I will do my best to add in SODA and JUICE and SUGAR this month. I made it a month because I wanna know how much I can endure. I mean my losing weight might take a long time to happen but I will get there. I promised my dad. 100lbs! ^.^ 加油!

So these are the updates I have so far.. Definitely have been spending a lot of time with my family and have no regrets! ^.^ Be positive.

Sending all the positive vibes, feelings, auras to all of you! God bless!

Goals and whatnots

This year I would like to make much more attainable goals for me. But I'm not sure if they should be specific or in general. For example, my first goal would be to lose weight. Then I wonder if I should state the amount of weight I want to lose or just stick with the idea of losing it. Because, I find it discouraging and disappointing to set specific goals and find out in the end that you didn't succeed in attaining it, rather than having the thought or feeling that, hey, I lost weight. 

Hmm.. So much ranting for that so lets just see what my goals would be for the year 2013, may it be specific or general. 

Lose weight. I promised my dad that I would lose a 100 lbs. There isn't really a timeline for this but that doesn't mean that I won't take this promise seriously. Seeing him in the hospital and going through a lot of medical conditions scare me and makes me think of a lot of "what-ifs" with my own health and future. So! Lose weight! Eat less. Eat healthier. Though, above all this, stay happy.

Read 12 books and make it happen. For the past 2 years, I have been trying to make myself meet the goals I have when it comes to the number of books I read but I just can't make it by one title. :( It always ends up that way, I am always unable to get my 12th book read before the year ends. This year, I will make it happen.

Spend most of my time with people I love. More specifically, my family. The past few months of last year also made me realize that family is family. They are just the most wonderful precious blessing our God has given us. Will make sure that I will spend more time with them and make them all happy and stay that way. It can be a bit hard since a family won't be complete without fights and misunderstandings but I will do my best to refrain from it. I will.

Friends. It is quite true that it doesn't matter of you have a few or a lot of friends with you. What matters is that they are true and would always be there for you. Getting older let you realize a lot of things, (I'm feeling mature at the moment), and one of which is you only really need a few good and true friends who would tell you good and bad things they see in you. They might be harsh and all but its better to be told about it to your  face rather than behind your back.

Go to church and be active. Last year, I wasn't on my best when it comes to my faith and relationship with God. I was not that active in my fellowship group and my relationship with God was not at its best. This year, I will make it a point that it will be greater than last year and whatever I can do for my Church, I would offer wholeheartedly as long as I can and He will use me as His tool to bring light and joy to other people.

Positivity. No matter what this year will give and bring to me. I promise to see the positive note of it and hold on to my faith and believe that God has a great plan for my life and of the lives of the people around me. Everyday, I will make it a point to see the good in things. The previous year gave me and us a lot of hardships, but when you are down and low, the only way left is UP!

Motto for my goals. I can. I will. I will make it happen with God's help.

So............. I guess these are my simple, attainable, general to specific goals for the year 2013. 2012 taught me a lot of things and has made me appreciate more important stuff than the those materialistic things I sometimes still think of. To have true happiness, one must open their eyes and hearts to things that are simple and free. Blessings and happiness are not the things that are bought. They are the things that we can remember forever and just treasure for a long time.

How's your 2013 so far? Hope you are enjoying and making each day and moment count. God bless you! 

Lots of love, hugs and some kisses...

A new year and a birthday

Been out for a long time because my dad got really sick. Please pray for his speedy improvement and greater health condition.Thanks!

Just here to post a photo I saw on the web. :) Would you dare do these things?

something funny and challenging.

Hoping for the best this year. Happy new year to everyone. Stay inspired, motivated, happy, healthy and blessed. Keep the faith.

p.s. It's my 21st today so.... This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 
Psalm 118:24 :)