Day 5: A Book That Makes You Happy

15:07:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments





I have been looking for this book for quite some time. A certified bestseller that is almost always out of stock on most bookshops, you can imagine my joy when I finally did get to buy my very own copy just last week.

Stupid is Forever is a compilation of jokes, one-liners, pick-up lines, and speeches excerpts of and by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, with a couple of rad illustrations by some of the best illustrators in our country. 
What a fun read! Some contents may not be original (re: pick-up lines) but you got to admire the Senator for her sense of humor, which is lacking on most of the other politicians. She, to me, is one of those few who can tell fraud, or lie and yet you will still believe her. That's how trustworthy and credible she seemed to be. Of course, she too, is not perfect, but her deliveries and choice of words and hardwork are totally commendable. I was even more impressed knowing that despite being sick with lung cancer, she still had the most bill passed in the Senate. Going back to the book, I love the variations and transitions of the contents ranging from funny to witty to inspirational and educational. From the first entry to the last one, it really is worth the long wait.


I hope there would be more sensible people like Senator Miriam.

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Vague Thoughts Are Vague

08:53:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments

We get disappointed when things do not go the way we wanted it to be. And that is sad. We get disappointed when people turned out different from what we have initially known, what we have expected them to be. And that is even more.

But the saddest disappointment is when you know they know and promote and claim that they actually know the "right way" of things, and yet prove to stray otherwise.

But then as overused as it is, who are we to judge?As most would actually argue and say, we only see what we want to see.

But truth be told, we see things at large. We see both side of things but only choose to focus on what we think is the better choice. It could be good, or bad to some but as tough as rocks we do not waver with our beliefs. It may work to be adamant on our views but the egoistic approach to things may not always do its magic, and it should not. Because we need to learn to humble ourselves. We need to be able to accept our faulty judgments and that no matter how we think one action is right, there are still a lot of things that we should consider.

It is not going to be all about us. It's about time to be reasonable and open our eyes and minds to the truth.




--
Sent from Gmail Mobile

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Steadfast! (The Best of 2014)

07:42:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments

From the simplest (not being late for work) to the most fun and remarkable (travels and music festivals to name a few) surely the year has been eventful hence my happiness project was a success. I even lost count on the number of entries for the past year. It was overwhelming and nostalgic that I even made a couple of previews on my Instagram account. Now here's the hardest part: choosing the entries to be included in the annual recap. But to make things easier I will try to break them down into a few categories.

And this is how my year went.



FAITH

"WFA: God Exposed." [April 2]

"The Kamay ni Jesus experience is totally blissful." [April 12]

"It is of full joy that I get to serve the Lord through sending CG Invites." [June 19]

"One 2 One Session 3: Repentance. It is really a refreshing feeling to confess and talk to somebody about our faith." [September 23]

"Unexpected resources when you needed it most. God works in the most unexpected ways, eh? He truly knows when to strike us with so much love. TRUST IN HIM, ALWAYS." [November 8]

This year I am glad that slowly but surely, I was able to establish a better relationship with God through the people that he's been using in my life. I am not there yet, but I will continuously seek for Him for as long as I live.


FRIENDSHIP

"Had a sad get together at Mareng Shee. Legit tears. It still doesn't feel real...that she's gone." [January 19]

"A phonecall from my brother-at-heart saying he's just came back from Japan. OKAERINASAI!!" [March 30]

"Cavinti Falls trekking and water massage: the best. Always nice spending time with my college friends (brothers amd sisters at heart)." [April 19]

"Some people do nothing but leave you high and dry, stubborn as they are. And then there are some who still believes in you even when you yourself would not. So grateful for the latter." [April 23]

"A year in the making Karaoke date with Archies, Milky and Maanne." [February 28]

"A godly friend is one of the kindest gifts the Lord could bestow on us. In this season of giving, think of a woman you know who might benefit from a word of encouragement drawn from your well of experience. Read Proverbs 27:9b, Psalm 94:19"

The year has started real sad when we were struck by the news of one of our college friends dying. We miss her and I cannot believe it will be almost a year this month. But I believe she's happy as she's looking down at us from there.

I am blessed to have spent a lot of days with my friends in the past year. Nothing can beat the love and the memories made. We may not get to talk a lot, not the like each others status and social media posts type  of friends but the mutual understanding is the most important. Traveling with them is also a plus.

 One of my faves, though is not included in here is when I get to bond with Rianne for the first time in years of knowing each other. The afternoon went on like it was not the first time, without the awkwardness and that sure is fun.

LOVE

"'Eh si April?'
'Hindi ko ibibigay yan.' OTL" [August 6]

"April's Future Boyfriend According To ____
1) Dapat lalaki
2) Dapat gwapo

My Future Boyfriend According To Me
1) Just not childish. I am ok with almost anyone lols" [September 17]

"CATHEXIS (n) - investment of emotional significance in an activity or idea." [November 14]

I still do not have a boyfriend (hahaha) but it is but a great feeling to be taken good care of and feel important and loved by people whom are important to you, likewise. I am serving Him (through my little things) as I wait as He is ready-ing my heart for the One. And I know He'll give me no one but the best.

Also, I'm happy to have spent more time in the family last year.

HEALTH

"Fun Fun!!! Color Manila Run 2014!! [January 5]
"Ampalaya for lunch. Definitely my fave!" [October 7]


The lack thereof. This year I hope/I will focus to get to participate on more important things such as our health. 

HALLYU/KOREAN WAVE

"'Once, oh marvelous once, there was a rabbit who found its way home.' Aw yes. Finally bought a physical copy of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (by Kate diCamillo). Do Min-joon feels" [July 10]

"I got my My Love From The Star mp3s. I have LSS-ing to My Destiny for  days now." [June 1]

"Officially in love with Kim Soo-hyun." [June 28]

"I downloaded 5 CNBlue videos!!! Way to go, (closet) Boice." [September-something]

"Everything is CNBlue and nothing hurts. Have I found 'the' one? Eh. Idk. But but. Lee Jung-shin and Kang Min-hyuk....ugh" [December 7]

Well I am not new with this because I have been gaga all over an actor once (Lee Wan). It has been a really long while and truly, watching My Love From The Star has opened up my heart to these Koreans again, most especially Kim Soo-hyun. What's not to like?

What I like the most about this show is that it has introduced me to this simple but heartwarming book of Kate diCamillo.

Also, because of this show, I finally willed myself to listen to more of their (K-pop) music. I still am not hooked to a point of, you know, but I am getting fond of CNBlue as they are one of those few who actually play instruments (and me being a band enthusiast, is truly impressed). It doesn't hurt that most/all of them has good looks as well. Sweet treat. ;) Being loyal of a fangirl as I usually am, as is evident on most of my favourite person/things (when I like something, I like something), this love will stay for a long while.

HUGOT

"All of these random glimpse of you everywhere/anywhere, even in the most unexpected time/place is mking me ALMOST believe that God wants us to be together." [March 26]

"I realised the feeling of complete normalcy and satisfaction of not hving you around. And of how I do not miss you that much anymore." [June 28]

"Lost my other Elder Phone. Sometimes we need to learn to let go, I am reminded." [May 28]

"Here's to being reminded to commit to care and prioritize safety ar work and even outside. #IIF (Incident and Injury-Free)" [October 14]

"Sometimes, help comes from people you least expected (to get the help from)" [October 27]

I cannot even remember where these came from!! Crazy reading all of these hugot entries.

MUSIC/LEISURE

"Pulp Butler has confirmed the reservation of PR pass for We The Kings!!! Woohoo!!" [April 3]

"Met the Mitch Albom in person. Also, had a selfie and my book signed." [February 22]

"Went to ice skate for the first time. Also, did get to meet the Olympian Michael Martinez in there (SM Southmall). So honored! He's so humble and cute." [July 10]

"Rakrakan Festival is so rad!! And Miggy kinda still remembers me (from Bazooka Rocks) ❤️❤️❤️" [December 20]

I am grateful to have watched quite a lot of my favourites perform in the flesh last year. I even get to meet some of them which is such a major bonus! Tagged as a piece of heaven for a fangirl like me, year 2015 promises a lot of great things as the concerts lined up for the first quarter alone are pretty good. Mosh and fangirl harder, sure!

WORK AND GROWING UP

"FC for B33PR05U has been issued!!! Finally!!! Yay!" [March 14]

"The first item for the new project has FINALLY been issued!! Took me long enough to finish, though. Need to work harder for the next one." [October 23]

"A realisation: One is not fully dependent of gadgets/technology. I miss my Blackberry that I stupidly left at home but I am okay and doing fine even with a little (almost none if not for Caren's updates) internet/social media access." [March 26]

"Sang with a band onstage for the first time in my freaking life. Fun, embarassing and rad." [May 21]

"Went to buy gifts for Ms. Bheng's surprise bridal shower. I feel like such a grownup. haha" [December 17]

Entering and buying lingeries for a bridal shower, singing with a band onstage...surely we are not getting any younger and it is nice to experience all that and enjoy everything in the process. Also, there is still a room for improvement (especially at work) and it is a drive to even work harder. 

Lacking on the entries would be the Financial side so I will focus on saving for the coming year. This year has been all about giving and I'm fine with it, though as I have mentioned, we are not getting any younger and we should set our priorities straight. I have a lot of plans that I have been praying that it will be in line with God's plans in my life. I am optimistic as ever that my heart's desire will push through with His guidance. I pray the same for you.

Happy pig has been emptied and now ready to be filled with happy memories and extra bucks for 2015. Try it as well and I swear it is such a fun experience. It will truly remind you to be grateful of the life you are living, in whatever circumstances you are in.

Cheers to the new year!

#moreofYou #lessofme

x

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Of Selfies and Rakrakan Festival 2014

07:40:00 APRILSKELTER 4 Comments

I have appreciated the value of a VIP pass in my recent music escapade at the very successful Rakrakan Festival last December 20th at The Circuit Events Ground, Makati. Not only were we safe from the unexpected drizzles in the open grounds but we get to meet some of these awesome OPM musicians backstage. I had the best time at Bazooka Rocks but this event was made even more special because of the full OPM band lineup. Got to love our very own first, as nationalistic as that may sound. 

70 bands on 3 stages (Mosh, Move and Groove)? Your choice. To be able to experience this for the first time with my concert buddies/junkies Caren and Joyvie has made it even more fun.

From the rocking performances of Urbandub (the best set because I am biased that way.), Jejaview, Kjwan, Wilabaliw, Slapshock and Chicosci to the high school/college nostalgia brought by the set of Callalily, Hilera, Mayonnaise, Rocksteddy and Valley of Chrome/Giniling Festival, the girl power pop rock punk vibe by Save Me Hollywood, Drive Me To Juliet, Moonstar 88, Imago, Gracenote and the forever young and talented Barbie Almalbis and other rock/alternative bands far to many to be mentioned, one cannot ask for more.

It was a memorable musical experience and even though we had to leave for home before Ely Buendia's set, it's already been a rocking night!


Looking forward to more rocking festivals to attend this year! Long live OPM!

4 comments:

New Beginnings

11:59:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments

It's the first day of the new year! What's a blog without the mandatory recap of the year that it has been, right? But since I have not yet finished reading all my entries for the Happiness Project last year (The Happy Pig), let me get a bit personal for the mean time. Although I am completely against the way of people who project their misery to others because to me, I have been there and I do not want them to feel bad the same way I did, I also believe that it is necessary to know the parts where we delved into those dark days and how we have overcome it and let it all out be it on a written journal, an online home just like this, or through conversations with families and friends. The fact that I can write about it now without shedding tears and/or having a heavy heart is just a proof that I am over it. And I want to kind of enlighten those who might have been experiencing the same at the very moment.

It started with a girl who labels people without her knowing the implications on the days to come.

Elementary days, you have met your "best friends" but you were such kids then and everything felt real simple. As real as the relationships have been, being best friends only meant playing together, sitting together, studying together. No more, no less. Zooming in to high school and college days where most relationships become real-lationship you have met a couple of new people. You even get involved with groups. From here on you realised you had the tendency to get inclined on certain people's attention and affection and unconsciously disregard people who offers the same (sometimes even better) affinity. You found it "normal" for people to have that sense of belonging, being in groups and you are happy. Who would not want that, right?

Until you have met this someone and thought, "She's it! She's the best friend I have been praying to have for years!" The fleeting happiness of getting to know somebody who makes you feel like it is okay to be single (for now) and be taken care of like you are the most precious thing in the world. The sheer joy of having someone you can talk about almost anything with after a long tiring day, of whom you can open up without them judging you, of whom will love you as a family member...who would never leave you until it's time to part for the heavens.

Little did you know of her personal issues, of the clouds forming to steal the bright days away. And there came the big storm.

You cling to it thinking that you cannot just give up the best. You stoop down real low and beg for the affinities to not go to an end. You hoped that she feels the same "grief" that you are experiencing. And you ended up feeling alone more than you have ever felt in your life.

You started questioning why God has let them come into your lives and then left you high and dry even when you already know the answer and that is to make you realise that you should not depend your happiness on people but you should focus on His love alone.

Those days were the hardest. You cry yourself at night thinking of what went wrong with all the relationships that you've had in your life. You even thought of revenge but you do not know how. Until He uses people to be of help. And the realisations came in.

Best friends are overrated (in the most not bitter way). Every labels that you've had meant nothing and you learned the value of commitment. It is always about the love that you give away that will always matter. Give and give without asking for anything back. Loving and showing your love is better than being just loved.

Looking back, you thought, God maybe already sending you signals and maybe you are the only one pushing it but you are blinded by the things you thought were the best you would ever have but you are so wrong.

From the simple selfish things then that you thought were normal given your adaptive nature to the big ones, (You are willing to go alone on dark alleys at night and she's never considered to ask you first knowing its dangerous nature/leaving you at the most emotional time of your life, board exam days, when you needed that love the most)  part of you were thankful it finally came to an end. 

But most of all, you were thankful for these are what has made you the strong person that you are now. 

You do not regret anything for it is one for the books now and you are happy that you are both leading a happy life (no matter how little the involvement of each other in each now is) and it is all that you have been wishing for her to have.

You learned to guard your heart on future relationships. You were able to spend more time with people of whom you have unconsciously taken for granted when you were on the best friend cloud. Moreover, you never feel alone anymore because you are closer to The Best-est Friend from up above and that is all that you will ever need. You are happier than you have ever been without feeling all the guilt. You feel loved and blessed and you were able to appreciate more of your life, even the little-est of things. You learned to be more loyal and to speak of only the things that you mean, and not contradicting words and actions.

And you are more equipped now as you go through new beginnings.


--
Sent from Gmail Mobile

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What's Inside....

xx


Me Before You
November 9
P.S. I Still Love You
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
These Inconvenient Fireworks
Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes
Six Earlier Days
Are We There Yet?
Confess


April Ann's favorite books »

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”
- George R.R Martin