"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art—write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can; and I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself."
~Neil Gaiman

In a Word- Progress.

I started the year off with this unwavering faith in life. I knew it, in my bones, that this year was gonna be great. I had a feeling that things were about to change, that life was about to get so much better, and that the answers i had been looking for for so long would finally reveal itself.
And i was right.

I did a lot of growing up. I faced a lot of fears. I got over issues. Did some things i never thought i'd ever experience. I got to know myself better. I started making more serious decisions.

I was at a Christmas party a few weeks ago and was asked to give one word to sum up my year. I thought about it long and hard. Something that put everything together and what the year in its entirety represented. Looking back at everything, i figured it out. This year was about moving forward. It was about learning mistakes and not repeating them. It was about realizing where i was going and taking charge of the reins. It was about knowing what i wanted and going for it. It was about taking responsibility for everything that was mine. It was about learning who i really was and knowing that i was good with that. It was about making decisions and having confidence that i made good ones. It was about letting go and forgiveness. It was change.
In a word- progress.

I could tell that it was the start of something huge. I know it is.
It's funny how people think that the beginning of a new year is the opportunity to make changes and start over. The reality is that it is only continuity. You have the power to change anything at anytime throughout the year.

However, the break between each year is refreshing. The time to reflect is empowering. Starting off with a clean slate is always a good way to look at anything and the thought of "leaving behind" unwanted baggage is a relief.

So here's to the good life- whatever that may be to you.
Happy New Year!

"The result of conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself."
~unknown

On The Spot

I'm talking to Ian on Skype.
Dylan sits next to me and says he wants to talk to him.
He grabs the headphones, looks into the screen and says, "Hey Ian. Who do you like better? Dylan or Mommy?"

=)
Cute.

Paid a visit to the local Baguio City Market early this morning. Surprisingly, people have way more manners over there as compared to the "civilized" supermarket.

Who knew?

Strawberries are in season.
I still haven't found arugula.
Nobody knows what "bread flour" is- but whatever it is, 8 people directed us to the same stall.
Vegetables sold on the outer areas can cost up to twice as much as the veggies sold in the heart of the market. I guess it depends on how much you're willing to spend.
People out there work hard for their money.

I forgot to bring the camera. Again.

Grumble*

Christmas is over and New Years Eve is 2 days away.

This little city up in the mountains is crammed with people on vacation. The traffic is ridiculous. There are swarms of people everywhere!
If there's anything i hate- it's crowded malls. I will avoid it as much as i can.
If there's anything i hate even more- inconsiderate & incompetent people that crowd the malls.

Mall/Supermarket Etiquette:
1. I wish there was a rule for cutting lines that gave me the right to backhand slap or dropkick anybody that tries.
-have some goddamn respect.
-no, you're NOT special. We all waited, why the hell shouldn't you? Yeah, we're in a rush too.

2. Huge grocery carts do not belong parked in the middle of a small ass isle (or any other opening that is meant for passage, for that matter). Diagonally parked is even worse (only because it's harder for me to kick it out of the way).

3. "Excuse me..." is easy to learn. It's also necessary. So learn it.

4. You do not need to breath down my neck when we're standing in line. As little at 12 inches (a foot) behind me is enough to let people know you're right behind me.

5. When you knock something over, especially if it falls in the way of other people (even if it doesn't), pick it up. Put it back on the shelf. It's polite. It's appropriate. It's EASY.

6. When you hit someone with a cart (perhaps because you were not paying attention or was just in too much of a rush to give a rat's ass)- apologize. It's the right thing to do. Children know this.

7. What is up with people who take forever at the ATM??? I need an explanation for this, because honestly- i don't understand.

8. When someone is trying to get out of traffic (shopping cart traffic), and you're in the way, it's really simple- MOVE. When the person says "Excuse me"- MOVE. Dirty looks are not necessary because, woman... we're doing you a favor. Unless you wanted to join the gridlock- just let me get out of your way and you can go ahead and do that. Don't worry- you will get to where you want to go.

9. When you see me heading in your direction faster than you... don't speed up. WTF, dude?

10. LOOK WHERE YOU'RE GOING.
If you're browsing, then STOP. It's fine if you knew what you were doing or if the store was empty... but you're at a crowded supermarket!

11. If my cart is in the way, let me know. Again- simply saying, "Excuse me" works. Don't move it to the middle of the isle like i'm a dumbass. Which then makes me look like i'm responsible for #2.

12. It's not okay to pick up my son for a hug. Seriously, it's not.

***
Yeah, it was so terrible today i couldn't help it. I actually experienced stress for the first time in a loooong time. And here i was thinking i had already mastered the art of the freedom of stress.
I can't wait til everything falls back to normality.

Market and baking tomorrow.
Yay! =)

"Saying 'I love you' is like saying Superman is just strong."

~Best analogy ever. Best boyfriend ever.

Arbitrary Mind Picks #31

1. I have a set of values, i abide by them. I do get irritated, but at least i'm not a hater.
That's a winner.

2. I'm always myself. I don't have to pretend to be someone i'm not. It makes life easier.
I know what sincerity looks like, i've learned my lessons well, and i choose wisely. With that, i have real friends.
Win. Again.

3. I actually like who i am and i'm comfortable in my own skin. I don't need gratification from anyone else. I don't thrive on attention. I know what i know- that's good enough for me.
"The one in the room who is the loudest motherf***er... is the weakest motherf***er."
-Frank Lucas, American Gangster
Boo-yah.

4. I never try to bring anybody down to get ahead. I don't go back on my word. When i make poor judgment calls- i admit to it and i apologize. I keep it real- that shows character. With this, you gain respect.
effin-F-effin-T-effin-W.

5. He loves me- more than anything. He picked me. With that, i have already won.
Boom.

***
Now back to my regular (zen) programming.

***

That's Fresh.
I wanted to make shelves out of decks for Dylan in his room... too bad i can't drill holes on our wall. Or can i?