I am 22!

I have been seeing a lot of my facebook friends' statuses complaining about August, and wanting it to be finished right away. I have a different view for obvious reasons, but it's not just about August in particular, it's about August 2011!!!

Yes, I'm so lovin' this month! I even said that what I had last Friday-Saturday-Sunday is a top contender for my bestbirthdayever! How I wish I could share pictures though. I don't own a camera, so I got a good cam-phone instead. But my bluetooth and USB sharing devices have been failing me for months now and I haven't got the time, or the strong urge, to go to a service center and have it repaired. It's all in my mind, so now let me put it in words to treasure this awesome month! My memory may fail me, but I have this blog to back me up..haha...Thank you Lord!

August 05, 2011
12:00 am: Spent the first few minutes in a teleconference in the office with our bosses in the States. I got my first few greetings from them!
12:15 am: Sandwich and Ice cream party (break from work) with office mates courtesy of moi...for a group of 5 people, I think we finished the whole loaf of bread, tuna spread, and half gallon of ice cream (Hershey's with almonds) pretty fast...fun, filling, cheap treat:)
12:45am-7am: Alternated work with sleep...haha
7:00 am: Went off to MJC Press at Pandacan for yearbook work; left at past 3pm
3:30-5:30 pm Long bus ride from Manila to UP Diliman
5:30 pm- Met up with my sisters, bought a book (The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff), ate fries for a few minutes, bought siomai; then walked to UP Law to invite Ate Angel's mates in Law Christian Fellowship to come with us at VCF's Youth service in a building nearby
6:30 pm- Was late for the 6pm youth service but we still had a great, refreshing time
around 7:30-8pm- Went to McDo (near MRT Quezon Ave. Station) where we had dinner while waiting for Papa to arrive
after 10 years, he arrived at past 11pm...we went home, fixed the things he brought with him (food mostly) then went to sleep very tired but happy

August 6, 2011
Celebration at home with my home-cooked baked spaghetti, Conti's Mango Bravo, and KFC Fried Chicken

August 7, 2011
Papa went back home to La Union; attended worship service at VCF QC at 5pm, food trip at UP, then bummed the rest of the evening at home

My actual birthday was very tiring because I was practically awake for more than 24 hours, except for the short naps I got at work. I was all over everywhere, working and meeting up with people, but finally being able to submit all our yearbook requirements was a very fulfilling achievement, and gift for myself. I met a few younger schoolmates from SLU at the press also doing their yearbook (what are the odds?:). One jokingly greeted me Happy Birthday and it was only when I said 'Thank You!' that they realized it was really my birthday. They asked me about a lot of things (career and life-related), as if they think I know a lot...haha. It was just what I needed I guess to realize that I'm older; and more than that, that I've grown up- in knowledge, experience, wisdom, and maturity. This I can say not because I think I know better than those younger boys and girls, but because I know better than I did a year ago. This a birthday lesson I've learned and always relearn, that growth is not measured by comparing yourself to others, but by knowing yourself then, and knowing yourself better now, reflecting on how you've changed, and hoping to see that you've changed for the better.

I got a lot of unexpected birthday prayers/release of blessing too from Ate's LCF mates and from those who attended the Youth Service with us. I also got a simple gift from VCF together with all the August birthday celebrators present in the crowd. Nothing really cheers me up like birthday surprises do!

It was also my first time to experience food trip with my sisters at UP and I'm definitely coming back! Conti's Mango Bravo was worth all the anticipation. And my first try at baked spaghetti was a smashing success!!!

And just when I thought all the surprises were done, I got a gift from our very thoughtful neighbors Ate Shiela and their family, which were very pretty Kickers Sandals. I didn't know that they asked for my shoe size from Micah so I was really surprised, and so happy!

Thank you Lord for making my birthday celebration a blast!!! I hope to celebrate it with adequate sleep next year but whatever you throw in would be good, because I have complete trust that you know what makes me happy, and what works best for me:) After all, it may not always be my birthday, but you never run out of ways and blessings to pour out, to put the 'happy', and 'grateful', in each day. I'm looking forward to more of your surprises! Thank you for making each day a wonderful gift! I love you with all my heart, and I am yours forever:)

A Leap of Faith

On my 22nd birthday, I'm rewarding myself with a leap of faith.

And no, it has nothing to do with allowing oneself to fall in love (why it's the first thing that comes to mind is weird and unknown to me; but the good thing is, I'm not that predictable after all..haha:); and I don't think a boyfriend is someone who would qualify as a birthday gift.

I am talking about investing for my future. Yes, at this very young age of mine, on my first job at that, I've decided to get an insurance.

I've known about Sun Life since high school, having learned that Papa also has life insurance with them. I also usually accompany him when he goes to the bank and there was one time when I assisted him in paying for his annual fee. I knew it was an insurance company and I have been thinking of getting one since my office mate offered it to me, but saying yes wasn't in my plan for the year. Things changed however, when our neighbor, Kuya Manny Veluz, who, it turned out, has been a Sun Life Advisor for 3 years now, came to our house with complete powerpoint presentation and explained the plan to us. I agreed with it, there was no question about that. My concern though is whether I could do it- pay the annual fee for 10 years or more. I needed guidance, so like any decision I make in my life, big or small, I consulted it to God in prayer.

And the answer, the enlightenment I needed came with last Sunday's preaching. It is a challenge, but God has always been faithful, and we never lacked anything in our life with his constant divine providence that secures us and assures us that we will always have enough and more. With my salary to start with, it is truly a leap of faith; but nothing is impossible with God. I have also examined my predicament and I know it can be done. I just need to tap on my high financial IQ and be responsible with my resources, so help me God. I aim to balance saving with spending, without sacrificing our needs, and a little of our wants.  

10 years is a long time, and many say that 22 is too young, but the best time is now. I get to pay a lower premium and because I started early, I'll also finish early. For now, I guess I would have to rely on gifts to tick off the more expensive entries on my bucket list:)

I just realized how this birthday gift of mine reflects so much of my views about life, and my personality. Living in the here and now does not mean spending all your resources for whatever makes you happy. Even what makes us happy is relative. For others, it could be acquiring whatever catches their eye, or for some people like me, planning and securing the future for myself and my family, which brings a longer brand of happiness. But of course, it really all boils down to balance, and I have no plans of becoming a miser just to keep this up. My mantra since elementary has always been Phil 4:13- I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

And my Lord has never failed me. Life is good, because He is good all the time.

Happy Birthday to me!