Penny for your thoughts.

If only the world is filled with sweet surprises.

Then any obstacles would be an easy task to overcome.

There is no time to waste.

Hello there! Greetings here from school. Yes. As of this moment, I am writing here at our school.

Finally, a time for me to write. It has been a week of whirlwind for me - exams, deadlines, projects. My eyes are screaming sleep already.

Anyway, did you guys remembered I said I'll be posting something about sticking to your resolution for this year? If not, too bad. But it's actually all right though, I know lapses in time often results to forgetting something.

We're almost reaching the end of the month. I find it to surreal because it feels we have just celebrated New Year and now, we are about to celebrate Chinese New Year. Come to think of it, sooner or later we shall be celebrating Valentine's Day. Ah, time really flies by fast.

This rushed feeling makes me remember something. I still have not made a move towards my resolution.

Every year, I'd make a point in making at least one resolution (Hey, don't blame me if I want to play it safe). However, at the end of the year, I will realize that I have not been consistent with my resolution. There would be times that I'd really do something for it, but most of the times I'd slack off. It really bugs me that I have not been doing what I really want to do (ace that exam, finish deadlines with great results, exercise, eat right and so much more). It's like I have been on a maze - always going back to where I started.

This year I wanted to make a difference in myself. Not because I felt I'm not getting any younger, but because I am simply tired of having regrets. That's right regrets.  It is my weakness that I fall prey to regrets and still do not act to change it. I really hate it. I suppose people think that regrets should not exist, but for someone like me, regrets are painful part of my existence. No, I'm not talking about leaving your boyfriend and the like. I am talking about how to achieve your dreams. Dreams that includes financial goals, professional aspirations and so on. Come on, we draw up resolutions because we have dreams, right?

So I've decided to look for ways to achieve my dreams. I've looked for inspirations on books, people, and surrounding. And hence, I made my own mantra. Though I think its a too harsh on my part as a mere human. I will not post it here for the privacy of [figuratively] knowing that I have my own mantra. But I will do leave something that will inspire you to achieve your dreams. I just read this in Candy magazine, and it struck me because the stuff was really inspiring and true.

Candy Magazine - January/February 2011 Issue

Candy Magazine - January/February 2011 Issue

Pay close attention to tip numbers 2, 4, 7, 9, 26, 32, and 36 :)

Well, I do hope you find this post enriching,

'Til next post.

Ciao,

Maddie

The Post-Christmas feeling.

How was your first work/school week this 2011?

My first school week was excruciating Although I hated the fact that I need to go back to classes, what can a hapless student like me do. I just have to remind myself that I was already given a break for me to unwind and relax, so today is the time for me to go back to work - school that is.

In my last post, I told you guys that I will be writing something for Christmas, it turns out that last January 2 was the celebration of Three Kings already. And here I am thinking Christmas would end by the 6th. I need to be reminded that Christmas ends in the first Sunday of January not on the 6th.

Anyway, I will still post what I promised last time: something for that post-Christmas feeling.

I will have to ask you first. How do know that Christmas is already near, just by staying in your homes? Although a lot of you may think of other stuff, for me the only thing that makes me feel that Christmas is near is the sight of a Christmas tree. Yeap -  a Christmas tree.

Our family celebrates a peaceful Christmas every year. Last 2009, we were not able to decorate a tree because we were all so busy and that we forgot to purchase a new tree. So during the holiday break last 2010, my mom and I went to different places in search for that perfect tree. Mom wanted to have a color themed Christmas in the house, so she was planning to buy a white tree. After all the walking, the achy feet and growling stomach, we did in fact found one. But, there was something that stopped my mom from buying it. The oh-so-perfect white tree had also an oh-so-perfect-for-the-rich price.

We went home buying nothing.

Still, that did not stop my mom from thinking of a way to have a tree in the house (or any resemblance of it). The Lord gave her an inspiration and decided to create her own tree and came up with a very pretty and unique tree (though for me it looked more like a Jesse tree).

Although the tree my mom designed was not like the ones included in the Dusit Thani Manila Christmas Tree Project (more pictures here), I am proud that this tree is borne out from my mom's dedication and inspiration to have a beautiful tree in our home.

Sweets, ribbons and colorful balls!

These are candies by the way.

It took my mom hours just to put these in order :)

I know this post is delayed too much, but I hope it still gives you that warm Christmas feeling all over again. And with creativity, inspiration, dedication and guidance from God, there is always a way. Oh! By the way, I love how the January breeze feels :)

What did your Christmas tree looked like? Was it glamorous as those in the contest? Do share with me :)

'Til the next post!

Ciao,

Maddie

A short blog.

And I do mean short!

I would just like to give out my New Year's greeting to all. And I would quote what the priest from the mass a while ago told us:

"A Blessed and Peaceful New Year to All!".

I would be posting some overdue topics about Christmas (Hey, it is still Christmas until the 6th.) and some inspiring post for 2011.

So there. All done.

Ciao,

Maddie <3