New Year

Happy New Year!!! :-)
The holiday season has come and gone. I just want to write what I have learned and experienced this season, in a nutshell. This is not in any particular order...

1. It sure pays to shop for gifts and also to distribute them early. You should shop coinciding with the pre-season sale in order to get big discounts. Last-minute shopping is so stressful what with the huge crowds and rush of shoppers.

2. Giving is way more rewarding during this season. Admittedly, I gave away more than I received this Christmas, but I still felt very fulfilled and happy.

3. Things that I actually wanted were a Batman t-shirt, and someone's picture. I did'nt get either, but among the things that I got were polo shirts, shades, shoes, and a digital camera! You may not get what you want but you're bound to get what you really need - that's the magic of Christmas!

4. Christmas is a season of forgiving and being forgiven. 'Nuff said.

5. Children are the priority during this season. The smiles on their faces as they receive gifts or how they simply enjoy at kid's parties is priceless. I think it is also better to give educational toys rather than toy guns and the like.

6. The season is filled with so many traditions that it would be a waste not to enjoy these things: Simbang Gabi, decorations, Christmas trees, lanterns and lantern parades, choirs and carolling.

7. Food is aplenty but the season and weight loss are not mutually exclusive. Moderation is the key word.

8. More than any time during the year, it is a season for rebirth, renewal, and resolutions.

9. It may sound cliche, but people sometimes forget the real reason for the season: It is the birth of Jesus. He is God's ultimate gift to man, so that we may be redeemed.

10. Make the most of the season, say what you want to say and mean it... because you might not get another chance.


My last two books read:


Hugs for the Hurting is one of the "Hugs" books specifically written to inspire and encourage those who are suffering from sorrowful emotions through relevant stories and biblical verses. It is a very short book but it also has space for you to write your personal thoughts/reflections. It is a very enlightening read!


Inkheart was written by Cornelia Funke and was originally written in German. It tells the story of book-loving 12 year old Meggie and his father Mortimer as they become entangled in the books that they read. It is quite a thick book, but the story is fast-paced and straightforward, ideal for kids and young adult readers. It's sequel, Inkspell, promises also to be as endearing as Inkheart.