[Project FeeTrail December 2013]: Mascot and Me

For my December 2013, Project FeeTrail, I have a special guest: A Mascot.

It was my first time in Sky Ranch, Tagaytay. Nothing spectacular, really. When you come to think of it, Enchanted Kingdom is cheaper, especially when you buy the unlimited rides ticket.

But this event is not for adults because we brought kids in tow. I just couldn't resist having a photo with a mascot...of any kind actually. I'm more scared of clowns. I don't know why, but I feel like I want to punch them in the face.

This photo reminds me a lot, of what I've been reading lately. Enjoying the NOW. Being a worrywart practically since I gained my adult senses and during the recent events in our family, it's so damn hard not to worry. I may not look like it, but I worry about everything.

Now by looking at the photo, I am reminded not to take A LOT of things seriously. I read something in pinterest that "Anxiety happens when you have to figure out everything. Trust in the Lord for he has better plans" and that's exactly what I'm doing for next year. I need to trust more.

I hope you a had a good 2013. Thank you 2013 for being so kind.

Strangers with good intentions

Yesterday we went grocery shopping.

My mother went to the toothpaste aisle to get four tubes of toothpaste. She dropped it in my push cart and disappeared to another aisle while I cross over to the sweets section.

One of the staff of the supermarket went to me and asked if it's the same cart where the lady (my mom) placed the four tubes of toothpaste. He told me that he's going to replace the toothpaste tubes with the promo ones so we can save more money.

Seeing that he was in uniform, I said yes, so he bent over and reached for the four tubes and replaced it with two "buy-one-get-one" packs. I agreed but still with suspicion because I am the queen of "buy one take one" signs and I swear, that's not on the display, especially with this Christmas season. And I am also the queen of paranoia that strangers, especially male, who talks to me out of nowhere automatically goes to my "budol-budol" (swindler) list.

After 5 mins, thinking I'm scammed, I went back to the toothpaste aisle to make a quick scan. The guy in uniform was there, monitoring customers. I made a quick scan to check if I missed out the buy one get one sign, it was not there. I still kept the two tubes that he gave me earlier.

As we were paying for the toothpaste, I told the lady if I may open the tube to see the actual size. I turned to see if there are actually two tubes inside. Because if it turns out to be just one tube inside the pack, I'm going to take it up to the manager. But no. Two tubes are inside the box, in perfect condition.

This guy really wanted us to save money through the promo packs that they have in hiding. I don't know if that is even legal, because he told me about it in a low voice as if what he is doing is supposed to be a secret. Maybe there are strangers with genuinely good intentions. And no, he didn't even ask for a tip or something.

P.S.
As if my realization wasn't enough, I sent my sister Aprille back to the toothpaste aisle, to see how much we have saved and yes, we saved a lot. Thank you dear stranger.

For the purpose of privacy, I will not disclose the brand of toothpaste, the name of the grocery store and as well as the branch location.

Christmas is in two days! Happy holidays everyone!

Personal discoveries at age 30

By 30:

You may not know still what you want in life, but you have a stronger stand on what you don't want or like.

You have a better grasp of your sense of self, enough to make use of your strengths and weaknesses.

You have outgrown some of your old friends and vice versa and realize that...it's honestly okay.

Not only you know how to choose battles, but this time you already know which battles are worth losing. 

It has become easier to say "No".

Your instinct is telling you something, most of the time it's the truth.

I also learned that: 

True happiness is not about you.

Lessen 50% of your daily stress by not taking things personal.

You need to stop craving for the approval of others. Sometimes that includes family members but certain rules apply.

The person who is intentionally hurting you is actually fighting a harder battle.

Not sharing money is the same as having no money at all.  

There is wisdom in waiting. Even if you don't know why and what you are waiting for.

It pays more to pay it forward.

Genuinely good human relationships are golden treasures.

And counting... 

Battle of the Epic splits!

Which Epic Split do you like best?

Jean Claude Van-Damme's?

Or Chuck Norris'?

Happy Holidays everyone!

Didn't really expect myself to say this but #MaramingSalamatBieber @justinbieber

Before I get hate mail about what I wrote before about Justin, please let me take it back. The boy guy earned my respect. 

He's been trending yesterday all over Twitter, and this time, for a good cause. I like that he flew unannounced and performed for Tacloban residents. I was monitoring activities via social media and I have to say, I gotta hand it over to him. Thank you very much Justin Bieber.  He even raised over $500,000.00 for Yolanda Relief operations. 

All photos are not mine and each image links back to its original source.

Just looking at the photos, at thirty years old, OMG, I think I may even become a fan.

Bonggak Pastries offers Oreo Cream cheese and Coonies!

Bonggak pastries, known for delectable personalized fondant cakes, picture cakes and sugar cookies offers new addition to their line of fondant cakes and sugar cookies! I'm featuring two of my favorite Christmas season limited edition desserts that I encourage you to try.

1. The Oreo Cream cheese cookie: 

It looks like cookies and cream, the actual cookie version, but after one bite, a certain kick will fill you in as the cream cheese will navigate its way to your fancy. This is my personal favorite.

Reason for your wrecked plans

Today, I got a nice surprise visit from my friend in graduate school, Nina, and we got into instant catch up mode to talk about how we've been, although I think we've seen each other within 2 months. 

She's one of those friends that I have that when you see each other, you instantly pick up the conversation where you left off, like as if you have just talked about it a few days ago. I shared with her something that I've been reading, and how we're both Ms. "Planner", and shared stories of people we know (besides us) that made plans only to find out that God has better plans for us. All in a span of less than 30 minutes.

Fast forward to hours later, I was browsing pinterest when I saw this. And I vouch this to be true:

Although I still have some discomfort and fear of the unknown, everyday I am working on leaving it all up to faith. 

Ms.Universe 2013 3rd runner up Ariella Arida came to light up the town (UPLB)!

The Christmas decor and the popular UPLB belen awaits to be lit up by Miss Universe 3rd runner up and alumna, Ms. Ariella "Ära" Arida. 

By December 5, 2013 morning it looked like this: