I knew you weren’t expecting a gift from me, much less something as elaborately prepared as this one, but I wanted to give you something personal to mark the occasion since you truly wanted to celebrate your 30th year. I decided to put together a gift that I hope will make you laugh, and realise — because of who you are — turning 30 ain’t so bad.

Celebrating your 30th year with 30 things can be a trying task but allow me this lighthearted attempt in putting together a care package which, as you can see, observes the number’s significance.

Let me start off with (1) 12 paper clips, a paper clip per month to bind memories together in any given year.

Since you like taking photos, (2) a photo album can help store the pictures.

I encourage you to write down your plans, activities, thoughts and dreams on a (3) journal, or any piece of paper. Write them in such a way that you can either make them permanent by the use of (4) pens, use a (5) ruler to check alignment on some, or to measure the distance on another, or to create straight circles simply because it’s silly to do so. Use a (6) permanent marker to put emphasis on some points or all, and you can even use (7) colour pencils to make it interesting. Ultimately, it’s up to you.

Or you can also make them not-so permanent by the use of (8) pencils and I believe we’re all allowed, at least, 3 attempts before we can consider scratching out something from our list. There’s always a (9) sharpenerto keep you writing those semi-permanent plans. With a (10) highlighter, identify the ones you want to prioritise, and then (11) pin it up on your fridge to help remind you.

If you’ll need more than a fridge magnet to help with reminders, there are post its at your disposal. (12) One to help with tiny notes or to remind you of places you can go to and (13) another for tasks that will help get you where you want and need to go.

On the subject of scratching things out, I’ve allocated you (14) 8 Erasers. One for each day of the week, emblematic of opportunities when you need to correct mistakes, plus an extra one for those moments that one eraser simply won’t do.

I also included a simple picker-upper, (15) Words of Wisdom for Teachers. We all can’t have 100% good days so a little self-help thing can’t hurt.

Chalk will always be something that will remind me of you because of your profession. Have ‘em in (16) plain to serve its purpose, straight-up. And for the listless, uninspired days, wherein (17) a touch of colour might help, you’re pretty much covered, too. Of course, I didn’t forget to include (18) a board eraser, something to remind you that as you teach, you aren’t infallible. Admit, erase, and start over.

Since you’re constantly surrounded by books to read, either for work or leisure, a (19) bookmark will always come handy. Can’t wait for the next book you’d recommend that I read, too.

Pick up and read (20) Pugad Baboy, esp on days when only laughter can rectify soreness, and your mood is in dire need of a lift. You’re one of the few people I know who can appreciate something like this. Or go off and sharpen your mind in a different way as you solve the (21) puzzle. That, and because I want you to remember to take time off from work, play with the (22) jackstones! It might also be fun to reminisce a bit, right? Or go spend time with people and this (23) Icebreaker game might help. To let you know that asking the right question will help strengthen friendships and push you to keep on meeting new people.

Time for a bit of kikay stuff. A couple of (24) hair bands might be mighty useful to create the perfect teacher’s bun. It’s always good to keep a (25) hand sanitizer close by because you’re around kids a lot.

Time to take better care of your skin if you haven’t started on a skin regimen — (26) an anti-wrinkle eye cream and (27) a bottle of lotion. What can I say? You really have to accept that it’s all part of growing old up.

Of course, (28) lipstick! Do I need to remind you that you need to take time off to enjoying being a girl? Put it on and go out!

The (29) box that holds everything can serve as a place to keep memories and a reminder that there’s a way to keep things organised.

And, lastly, a (30) hand-written note. Technology has made communicating easy but I hope that a hand-written note is still appreciated over emails, calls, or text messages.

Here’s to embracing your age and getting a kick out of the realisation that there’s truth in the old adage, “age is just a number.” Let this simple gift serve as a great way to remember how far you’ve come and how some simple things hold a bit of wisdom when seen in a different light.

Cheers to a life that’s worth celebrating!

- – - – -

For my readers, since it’s gift giving season, I had decided to share this note with you to serve as a gift guide. It was a themed care package I had put together as a birthday gift to my friend.

The idea is to come up with a box or a bag filled with stuff relevant to a theme you’ve chosen. It can be a set of favourite things, color-coordinated, season-relevant, break-up/get-well kit, or any other theme you can come up with. Trick is to tailor it around the person you’re giving the care package (gift) to. This will certainly make the recipient and the occasion feel special, or extra-special at best.

This is the sort of gift that doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. A package can be composed of an assortment of IOU certificates (think “dishes for a week,” “you get a foot rub,” or “slave forever” sort of thing) that don’t cost much to make or fill it with a painting, doodle notes, hand-made knickknacks, or crafts! Yes, you can even bag candies or crisps if you know it will play a significant role in the theme of the care package you’re putting together.

Have you ever considered putting together a themed care package as a gift? What sort of theme have you tried? Are you done with your Christmas shopping?

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So, whatever caused me to prep and head off to the mall as soon as my mum got home that day, still remains a mystery. I did it with a sense of purpose and certainty that you’d think I’ve been planning it for weeks. Then again, I have thought about it — been telling my friends I want to get a new phone and even talked about narrowed down options with my bestfriend — without setting a definite time, though. I knew I’d get to it eventually.

A couple of hours later, I was tinkering with MrBob, a BlackBerry Bold 9900.

In the age of snazzy touch screen mobile phones (esp at the eve of the iPhone 4s release in the country), some have wondered why I had opted to get a BlackBerry. Answer is simple. I don’t know. I’ve always preferred a ‘real’ QWERTY keyboard on my mobile phone, reflected on my previous choices: MrE, a Nokia E71 and Barry, a BlackBerry Bold 9000. Besides, I’ve got MrTots, an iPod Touch, to satisfy my Apple cravings (so to speak) and everything, Touch-related-ish inclinations.

When I first held it in my hands, I was immediately reminded of Barry. The general shape and width are so similar. However, MrBob is definitely slimmer. It’s the slimmest BlackBerry phone to date. Bad remake, it’s not.

Topping the new sleek look was the very bit that had me bowled over when I experienced it, MrBob is both Touch and Type. Yes, touch display combined with a QWERTY keyboard (graphics ain’t bad to boot) — I was truly impressed when I got to try it out. Totally awesome thing in a phone, I tell ‘ya.

Of course, it comes with BlackBerry 7 which has new features like voice-activated universal search, and Near Field Communication (NFC). I’m back to enjoying BBM (For old contacts, time to update my PIN on your contact list! For new ones, care to exchange PINs?) and push email on EDGE again, haha. Oh, yea — I’ve got BB Maps and a friggin’ digital compass, too. Yea, I go crazy with these things, haha!

MrBob and I are still in the early stages of our relationship, aka honeymoon phase. I’m still exploring and experimenting. It IS a crying shame that app selections available in BB App World are so limited and most of the decent ones are too price-y. I’ll tell you more about it sometime.

Ah, December. It’s my birthday month once again and I’m starting things off with one of them sporadic gadget geekery bursts as I gift myself early with such tech artistry in a mobile phone.

Aren’t you feeling the festive atmosphere that this month usually brings?

Images from blackberry.com

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I call her Gigi and she goes real well with MrBoo’s looks, wouldn’t you agree?

It’s funny how things have changed as a read that post over again. From using my brother’s 17″ HP Pavilion dv9000 (March 2008) to my own 15″ Macbook Pro called MrBoo (April 2010). From a Canon 400D called MrX (February 2007) to a Canon 60D called MrSixty (January 2011). The Pav’s dead and MrX is up for sale. Teri’s still very much alive and kicking and I now have Gigi since she’s portable and will come handy to transport digital stash and what nots.

Good thing that Teri is compatible with the Mac OSx, which made the transition easy. Gigi is, too. But let me give you a quick run down on the 411: Western Digital My Passport Essential 500GB/Go Portable Hard Drive with USB 3.0.

What’s in the box: Portable hard drive, USB cable, WD SmartWare software, Quick install guide

Compatibility: Requires reformatting for Mac OS Leopard or Snow Leopard; Formatted NTFS for Windows XP, Vista, or 7 (may vary depending on user’s hardware configuration and OS)

Damage: Php 3,640.00

I also got me one of those cases esp for portable EHDs from Case Logic which made a dent of Php 899.00. And, while we’re on the subject of cases, my bestfriend Mel and I finally got one of those affordable Halo gadget cases for our mobile gadgets. MrE (a Nokia e71) and MrTots (an Apple iPod Touch 4) are now roomies in a canvas case which only costs Php 175.00 (compared to the one at Case Logic which was 300% more expensive than that!).

I got Gigi at a nearby PC Express store while I was at my bestfriend’s house procuring my dose of digital stash. I had Teri with me but somehow was a bit of a snob and wouldn’t let her be touched by anyone else. LOL. I knew I had plans on buying a portable hard drive but I wasn’t planning on getting it that day. Plans change according to needs, I guess. Why is it that these two EHD I bought sits too close to my bestfriend’s influence? Well, I do rely on her technical expertise like when I recently had to buy a new router whom I call MrLink.

MrLink is a Cisco Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router WRT320N, Wireless Productivity. I wanted to get the one with a media server but twas way over my budget. I settled for a damage of Php 4,400.00.

Speaking of my bestfriend, I’ve “officially” started one of my pet projects. Er, well.. I invested a fairly good amount of moolah on it and the only person I told it to is her since she, well, used to be big at doing stuff like this project. It was one of those trips to Santana Grove (ah, my second home!) and popping into National Book Store.

I’m quite excited (like how I feel about new hobby-esque projects I’d start to do) about it. She’s given me tips on tools and things that I should remember to use. I took mental notes. What is the pet project, you ask? Well, I think it’s better if I’ve got visuals ready to show you folks to make telling it all the more entertainingly interesting. For now, I’m trying to put most of my work out of the way so I’ll have time to spend offline.

What about you folks? Added any new gadgets to your tech arsenal? How about new projects?

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Anyone can drive and not all will. A number of folks simply can’t be bothered with learning how to drive, a few are forced to learn only out of necessity, and the rest because they find joy in driving and the feel of being on the road. I’d like to think I fall under the 3rd classification. I’ve always wanted to drive.

I can recall watching my dad drive as he drove us to school each morning. I had looked forward to the year when it was my turn to sit on the passenger seat so I can watch his feet and visually learn how to shift gears. Occasionally, I would inquire after certain advanced driving techniques he’d use and, of course, a lot of basic ones. My dad would often give out tips on offensive and defensive driving (though he didn’t exactly use those terms), which I found useful when it was my turn to be behind the wheel.

I was in 2nd year highschool when I tested out all the theories I had about driving. As most of you may have guessed, it wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. I learned how to shift gears when I was in 3rd year but only truly drove, after going through a year on permits, back in 2001. Yea, I only became a licensed driver at age of 24. Pretty late for folks in my generation. And I had my first car at the age of 27 (a white Toyota Corolla, spiffed up vroom-vroom muffler, turbo engine and all — classic guy ‘drag’ car, it was often described). It was a sad day when I had to say goodbye to him the year I had to leave for Australia. But something had to give to cover the travel costs. Ah, well. Had I not went, I wouldn’t be here, blogging. True story!

Now, at 33, I’m happy to welcome my 2nd car, whom I’m calling MrLynx. Obviously, the name was lifted from the Ford sedan model, Lynx. It’s strange how it felt like history repeating, only in reverse. I wish I have the energy to explain it but I reckon I’ll save that story for another day.

Maybe it’s for the best. Perhaps MrLynx came into my life for the very purpose that’s only becoming clear to me. I’ve always loved driving even with all the you-won’t-believe-it-when-I-tell-you experiences. Driving has always been a source of great comfort. With over a decade of experience, I own this sh*t. Of course, it helps that I’ve got my dad’s ultimate compliment under my belt — he christened me Amado Junior when it comes to driving and if you knew him and his driving skills, you’ll understand why I consider it a compliment (not just because he’s my dad, hehe).

With every new thing and esp since MrLynx is a car meant to be taken out, I took him for a spin. I decided to hang out at the usual Starbucks near my place, somewhat introducing him to my routine.

Must either be that he liked the place too much that he wanted to stay the night or a hiccup as he adjusts to being with me, MrLynx actually stayed overnight since he refused to budge regardless of all ready efforts to prod him to come back into life (i.e. the car wouldn’t start, LOL). So come the following morning, I found myself repeating a scene from the previous night.

After a few hours of waiting for the car to be up and running again, I decided that it’s time to give MrLynx his first bath (er, from the moment he came into my possession, that is).

I’d love to claim that I wash my own car but I don’t. I used to. I will if there’s no other choice but for now, I’m availing the services of a local carwash station.

Shampoo. Check. Wax. Check. Vacuum interiors. Check. Tire black. Check. Empty the ashtray. Check! I solemnly swear I will religiously schedule periodic carwash sessions after this. But must schedule a trip to the casa to have everything checked, e.g. oil, A/T fluid, etc. (yea, it’s a ‘matic which I’m not too keen about but.. ah, well.).

I sat staring at MrLynx earlier today and I was engulfed with excitement from the countless imagined possibilities to make on the road. I had pictured the places we’d see, people we’d be with and the millions of pixels captured by MrSixty, MrPoPo and MrTots (whom you’ll meet one of these days).

It’s a mixture of longing and fear knowing that the streets and circumstances are different now. But I’m accepting the things I know I cannot change. I’ll simply continue riding the wave, face life (and the streets) head on.

♫ “There is no load I can’t hold.
Roads so rough this I know.
I’ll be there when the light comes in.” ♫
(Tom Cochrane, Life is a Highway)

Life is indeed a highway. I do want to ride it all night long.

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Yes, say hello to MrSixty. He’s a Canon EOS 60D that comes with an EF-S 18-135mm IS lens as a kit. Yea, it’s my other new toy apart from MrPoPo the Polaroid PoGo.

After 4 eventful and memorable years, he replaces MrX in my life. Wow, it seems only yesterday when I came home from Hidalgo lugging my first-ever digital camera. MrX, a Canon 400D or Digital Rebel XTi, proved to be a fantastic companion as I ventured into learning photography. With every light captured and pixel processed, he and I laboured on getting better at the craft. But as seasons change and circumstances requires room to accommodate changes, I bid the latter goodbye. I’m still learning and growing as a photography hobbyist. Though the machine will never define me as a photographer, I needed to address the technical and creative needs that surfaced.

It was a Saturday of January when MrSixty came into my life. Like the first time, there was an incredible rush of excitement as I held him in my hands. It felt both surreal and familiar at the same time. The experience captured what I’ve only heard of before; when it’s right, you’ll know. [MrSixty's birthday: 08 January 2011]

Was it the 18 MP resolution, the 3″ vari-angle LCD with over a million MP VGA resolution with a 3:2 aspect ratio, the full HD movie capture, the 5.3 fps shooting or the maximum shutter 1/8000 sec, the DIGIC 4, the Flash sync 1/250 sec, the integrated Speedlite transmitter, or the in-camera RAW processing?

Frankly, I wasn’t entirely listening during the required demo nor did I really consider a particular feature. I knew that I’ll get to learn what I need to learn about the camera (which makes it a fantastic match for me and my needs) while I’m using it. Though it’s true that the features ought to be considered but most of them (save from the changes in the body) are present in MrX. It’s just that MrSixty boasts of carrying a higher number on each. Know what I mean? I guess, this is one of the times when you’ll see that I’m not much of a techie or a geek about gadgets. Choices, for me, are highly relative plus over-all experience matters and not just what’s listed on the tech spec sheet.

Yes, when it comes to photography. I really don’t like talking about the technical stuff. I guess, the most I can offer you would be the reason why I opted for the current kit lens I got with MrSixty. Though I’m a 50mm prime girl, I wanted a more flexible walk-around lens. That’s it.

Some sample photos taken using MrSixty:

Oh, yea. Here’s a sample video I did for the Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful post on Style Manila.

Not bad, eh? Yes, I used MrSixty to shoot the video and the iMovie on MrBoo, to edit.

Like every relationship, each offers new things and experiences. A slight shift in perspective, a different inspiration, and a countless source of frustration. These come as both adjust until rhythm is established. It’s good that this switch happened at this time. I started the new year with a fresh pair of eyes as I get into the groove of getting to know my new companion while I do my traversing around the world (figuratively, of course!). The journey ahead will be captured using MrSixty — the people whose paths I’ll cross, the place where my feet will lead me to and the emotion and memory captured in every photograph. I’m taking each step with eyes wide open, an engaged mind and an inflamed heart.

Other accessories that I got along with the new camera are the following:

• Tamrac camera bag 6X
• Canon Remote Control
• Pop-up Flash Diffuser
• Lens hood, Petal (Generic)

* the Transcend 8GB SD HC already came with the camera

How about you? What sort of camera do you use now? Do share because I’d really love to know!

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When I bought the PS3 back in early 2008, I was hooked on Guitar Hero III and Assassin’s Creed but the latter proved to be the sort of game that I can see myself playing more of. I still can’t believe that I actually played it non-stop, hence, finishing it in 4 consecutive days (took breaks for food, sleep and trips to the loo. LOL). So, during a quick trip to the mall on errand day, I popped in at one of those game shops and gave in to buying the 2nd installment of the said Ubisoft game: Assassin’s Creed II Complete Edition for PS3.

Image: playnewera.com

I’m not the sort who’d shell out a considerable amount on a game but I did. I find that this game’s worth it. The story’s brilliant, game features are fantastic and yes, awesome graphics to boot. I had raved about it then and I’m still raving about it now. Still haven’t played it yet but I’ll get around to doing that real soon!

Image: eatsleepgeek.com

Image: fastdls.com

Image: gamingmojo.com

On the fly (esp during days wherein I can’t spend too much time in front of the PS3), I like playing mobile and computer games (Bejeweled, anyone? or perhaps a game of Text Twist?) and social games (Fashion World, Cafe World, Farmville, It Girl, Backyard Monsters, etc) on Facebook. But one particular game captured the heart of this quasi-gamer: Angry Birds!

Image: rovio.com

First seen on the iPad and finished the free version on an iTouch, it’s a game that almost drove me to buy an iPad or iTouch. My nephew C and I would pore over it while we’re in the car stuck in traffic en route to some place during the holidays.

I never meant to buy the full version for MAC but my curiosity over the App Store icon included in a recent MAC software update lead me to charging $4.99 on my credit card. LOL.

Image: enoda.co.uk

Yes, the dock on MrBoo now has an icon with that Angry little Bird on it! And I actually finished the 21 levels on the 1st episode in one sitting. Hahaha!

Image: osxdaily.com

It’s not as easy as it seems but with a little knowledge of physics and putting in a little effort understanding the strengths of the Angry Birds then you’ll have the green pigs sweating like, er, pigs. Hehe.

Image: fareaststreet.com

It’s a great game that both kids and adults will enjoy. I’ve seen parents play the game with their kids so that’s a fantastic thing, yes? Entertainment value is 5 out of 5 stars!

How about you folks? Do you consider yourself a gamer? What sort of games do you usually play?

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It took me a while — and several million of pixels too! — before I realised that it’s something that I truly wanted to do. It’s just one of the things I grew into but there’s always something about passion that leaves a mark on anything we do which, I reckon, made all the difference. Most of my close friends know how I started out, borrowing various kinds of digital cameras and fiddling with phone cams and had used 2MP P&S cams. When I did consider buying my own, I was at the stage wherein only an SLR would satisfy me, therefore, ending up with a Canon 400D aka MrX as my first-ever camera. It was a whirlwind of photos since then.

That was 4 years ago. Again, I can’t believe that it’s been that long. I’ve been using that camera as I learned more about photography, constantly pushing myself to learn and master the machine. The experience can be likened to a rollercoaster ride. Days of frustration, an occasional lull and moments of immense satisfaction. I can be too intense sometimes, you see. That’s why I keep reminding myself to loosen up a bit and to have fun. Never take the fun out of anything I do. That’s why, after months and months of mulling over, I had decided that I needed something to bring a little kick to my hobby. I scrapped the idea of getting the rangefinder and a Diana F+ camera (at least for the time being) and focused my energy on getting me one of my life-long dream camera buy, a Polaroid.

Culled from a number of great camera options, my heart skipped a beat when I found an adorable piece of technology, the Polaroid PoGo.

It’s not the sort of Polaroid camera that I really want but it combines my want of instant photography and the digital. I had considered getting the classic instant camera (still am actually!) but the practicality of the PoGo won. It’s both an instant and a digital camera you see. I have the freedom to take as much photos as the SD card will take and choose which one to print out. Yes, I can even process (not too much though) the photos if I want. I love the idea that I can easily share the photos (without the need of a scanner) online and print them out, too!

Now, it’s my go-to camera for the I’m-too-lazy-to-lug-the-big-ass-camera days or practically everyday for that matter. I am aware that it doesn’t produce the same sort of photos as my DSLR and I’m totally fine with it. What is the point of having two cameras that can produce the same sort of photos anyway?

The Polaroid PoGo, which I fondly call MrPoPo (originally twas MrPoo, hehe), is a great source of new photo ideas. It’s bringing me to a different place, photography-wise. It’s been a nifty companion during the holidays, allowing me to take as much photos as I can to document the special occasion.

Some of the photos I took proved to be too precious and priceless, which made buying MrPoPo absolutely worthwhile.

After looking at the photos and spending lots of time on photography nowadays, I’m lemming for a new one. Again. I need to get a grip and probably find some form of compromise to save my wallet from going to rack and ruin. Gah.

Ah, photography. It truly is an expensive hobby. And I haven’t even told you about the other camera. If I wasn’t too ecstatic about my new toys, I’d probably go ballistic with all the spending.

If you were to name one hobby that you’re nuts about, which one will it be? How much of your budget do you normally allot to your hobby? Come, let’s have fun talking about our hobbies today!

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I’m especially glad that I got new books over the holidays. Some are even totally new to me. I like getting introduced to new titles and authors. It widens the scope of what I read.

I actually already gobbled up a couple of books included in the photo.

Two of the titles, I bought:

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
I like how the author gradually tells the story in an unhurried manner. How she introduces each character and how familiar her writing style seems to me after having read her other book. I’m not finished with this one because I’m too excited to read the other new books. Hahaha!

A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff
Romance that’s not too sappy. It’s a feel good read, actually. I believe that this books falls under Chick Lit (funny coincidence, really. You’ll see why as you read on) I like that it didn’t center around a broken relationship, a new guy or her fabulous new vintage shop. What’s too unreal was that everything was going in her favour in such a short span of time. Plus it felt like the author wanted everyone to have a happy ending too. Ah, well. Like I said, it’s a feel good read.

Gifted by my sister, Shai Coggins, are the following:

Will Write for Shoes | How to Write a Chick Lit Novel
by Cathy Yardley
I wonder if she’s telling me to *really* write. Sure, I will gladly write for shoes but to actually sit down and finish an entire novel, Chick Lit or something else, I’m not sure if a pair of shoes is enough to tempt me. Besides, I’ll leave all the writing prowess to my sister. She’s the published writer and not I. Let’s keep it that way. It’s been an interesting read so far. It’s sort of dissecting Chick Lit for me.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
by Stieg Larsson
We’ve had talked about this book, er, the series actually when we discovered that we both are planning to read them. She was gifted the 2nd book and she gave me a “going away” gift which included this title and the next one..

The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
She mentioned that she had initially planned on giving me the entire set (3 books) for Christmas but plans fell through. She then proceeded to tell me why she wanted to give it to me (told me the gist of the story since I admitted to not being familiar with the trilogy) and I ended up really curious. I’m so happy she decided to give me the 1st book because if she didn’t, I might not have known how awesome a read The Hunger Games trilogy is! I’m not into the whole sci-fi genre but the trilogy touches that in a way that’s not too unattractive for my reading taste. Now, I’m SO hooked!

Yes, I immediately searched for the rest of the books as soon as I got the chance. It took me a while to find the 2nd one and, boy, I had to stop myself from jumping up and down when the cashier at a local NSB told me they’ve got it in stock.

Coffee table book – Photo Idea Index: People by Jim Krause
2nd & 3rd books in The Hunger Games Trilogy – Catching Fire and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

I’ve also grown a soft spot for hard covers too. I’m seeing my growing preference in buying these over paperbacks.

And out of my passion for reading and hanging out, I’ve gotten myself a new reading nook — if you look at the photo, it’s slightly visible in the background). I’ve always wanted a swing out on our porch and now, we do. It caused a dent in my wallet but it’s well worth it! Apart from the fact there’s a certain feeling that makes me feel good inside whenever I buy furniture, I do love spending my mornings (when I’m awake at that time that is) with a cup of tea or coffee or my afternoons with a cold drink and a book.

Life is good. <3

P.S. The two photos included in this post were taken by my two new toys — a Polaroid PoGo and a Canon 60D. I’ll tell you folks about them in a different post!

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Bene95 Reunion. However informal it was, people still showed up which was great. I got the chance to see a lot of folks I haven’t seen for ages! Twas fun taking a quick trip down memory lane.

I heart this photo! [(c) Charles Montecillo]

It’s actually fantastic to see new faces this year. Everyone had a great time! [(c) Melvin Pulayan]

I can’t believe some of us practically grew up together! [(c) Melvin Pulayan]

WWCF Mini-reunion. A small get together of folks from the church we all used to go to (or presently attending) soon after my sister, Shai, arrived in Manila.

Thanks for this, Mona! @ Myron’s Place, Greenbelt 5 [(c) Mar Pimentel]

I first met these people when I was in my late teens. @ Fish & Co., Greenbelt 3 [(c) Shai Coggins]

Annual Cousins Only Christmas Dinner. Folks in attendance inflated since there were a few who were in Manila (Australia, Canada and Singapore) plus others who finally were interested enough to join the mayhem.

I wonder when our other cousins will be able to join us? Next year perhaps? [(c) Penny Umali]

Yay, a new photo with my sister! Hehe [(c)Penny Umali]

And, of course, the coming together of my family. We all live in different parts of the world so getting to spend Christmas and New Year with folks who came from Australia, US and even my younger brother who’s currently in Canada for a business trip is quite a tremendous feat. Twas reunion and the introduction for new members of the family to the rest whom they haven’t met in person before.

It’s great to see the family growing beautifully! [(c) Miguel Olfindo]

Yes, arranged according to age. Left to right! [(c) Miguel Olfindo]

I absolutely adore this photo of C and myself! <3 [(c) Miguel Olfindo]

This is my favourite family portrait! It’s my desktop wallpaper on MrBoo. Hehehe [(c) Miguel Olfindo]

These events have been a few of the great ways to end my 2010. Now, I’ve got 2011 ahead of me. From where I’m standing, the future is looking quite promising. I’m so excited!

If you were to look back on how the last few months of 2010 turned out for you, did reunions play a part in it too? What other events can you name which gave you opportunities to reconnect and re-affirm relationships?

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I had toyed with the idea of doing a post on “33 wishes..” but I reckon, rather than wishing for things, I’d like to start off with an expression of gratitude, highlighting some of the many things that came my way this past year that I’m grateful for.

Friends & Family. Beautiful people I will always treasure and be thankful for.

Old photo of sisters. Circa 2005.

Welcomed by the Coggins at the Adelaide Aiport, Australia 2008 with my sister taking the photo

With my mum, taken last year 2009

Highschool Barkada: (L-R) Candice, Ricky, Mel and myself. Not in photo: Dem, Joanne, Jason, and Jo. Taken December 2009

Cousins, nephews plus my baby bro. Taken December 2009.

CG: (L-R) Me, Raissa, Marivic and Happy. Not in photo: Kanch. Taken December 2009.

Thea, Hannah and myself. Taken December 2009.

There are more folks but I don’t have photos of them. Hehe.

Style Ambassador for Nokia Philippines. I assumed the role late 2009 and expired early this year. Twas the first opportunity that helped me explore and strengthen my support for the efficacy of online media.

Throw in a few other print and TV features that happened last year which I may have failed to mention to you folks (since I, ironically, hardly blogged here last year, heh): Feature on QTV’s Qtube, Interview for QTV’s Fit n Fab and that bit on UNO Magazine.

Work fulfillment. It’s always great that folks recognise the hard work and passion you put in.

MrBoo. Owning a Macbook as been one of my lifelong dreams. Buying an MBP  to reward myself helped in reinforcing the idea of dreams and reaping the fruits of one’s labour.

Mini-feature as a Twitter user on Philippine Star. This sort of thing — regardless of how big or small it is — always put a smile on my face.

Beauty Ambassador for Dove Philippines. Celebrating real beauty and being an acknowledged advocate is an opportunity that I was grateful for. Check out the videos I made for the No Mirror Challenge: A Week With No Mirrors: Day 1 and 2, A Week With No Mirrors: Day 3 and 4, and A Week With No Mirrors: Day 5, 6 and 7.

Getting to experience Mt. Pinatubo. It’s “one place I’d recommend you folks see at least once before you die”. A very humbling, thought-provoking experience.

And the most recent piece of good fortune’s pie that landed on my plate was becoming the Featured Blogger for Fashion & Beauty of Philippine Star’s UNBLOGGED. You can read the first two articles that I contributed: In the name of all things pretty and Wearing the animal print

I can list more things that I’m thankful for and significant events in the past year which will make the festivities complete but the space just might not be enough for them (and I might have a problem remembering them all, gah). For now, I’m content with sharing these few things since it’s just the 1st day of my Birthday Month. I’ve got 30 days left to add on to the list. Besides, once I’ve got my birthday plans set, I’m sure there will definitely be more things to be thankful for.

How about you? What are the things you’re most thankful for so far? And, yea, which of the 12 is your birthday month?

Listening to ♫

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