2013 is almost over and I can’t
wait for 2014 to begin. But before I start planning for my resolutions and
goals for the New Year, let me just recap and see how good the current year is
for me.
the things that went well for me
in 2013:
1. I
got to bring my family (minus my brother; plus my soon-to-be-brother-in-law)
to that beautiful place on top of the mountain called Monasterio de Tarlac,
where a relic of the Cross of Jesus is kept and His magnificent statue stands.
3. I
continued to attend our bible study every Wednesdays. Our 3rd and last
module will end in January. But come February, there’s another weekly spiritual
event that I signed up for.
(My
primary goal in this endeavor was for me to get to know God more and to have a more
intimate relationship with Him. I also hoped I'd be more loving and kind but this part
has not been easy. But, I also learned to be more forgiving and patient with myself
so I am taking things slow and giving myself time to learn and progress. I am
glad I have my friend, Michi, who is also a colleague who is constantly
observing me and my actions towards other people and she calls my attention
when I am being mean to her and others.)
4. In
my quest to have a balanced life, I needed to have a healthy soul so apart from
the weekly bible sessions, I also joined a whole day retreat at the peaceful
greenery of Sacred Heart Novitiate, where I felt God’s immense love for me, strange as it is, through the rustling leaves, swaying branches as the wind moved by. I hope that
I shall not forget that day.
5. If
anything, I managed to start my day with a prayer, scripture reading and spiritual
journal. Thanks to Joy’s gift last Christmas- Companion, as my guide. Maybe I have missed a few days.
But those are very few, like only 10 out of 365 days.
6. I
was part of a political campaign during the national elections. I like that
sort of thing. Unfortunately, I was part of the boring team preparing briefers.
I only got to join campaign rallies thrice and part of the backstaff for 1 tv and 2 radio interviews. Back in my province, I organized a small sortie of
sorts to give away flyers for a day, which included my nephews aged 4 and 7.
They were so thrilled!
7. So
glad my boss won a seat in public office and that he kept me as one of his staff. I wish I got to
explain this clearly to our chief of staff. He took it to mean I was happy to
be part of that public office. There’s a difference.
8. I
made new friends during the campaign and with some new people in the office. I am
thankful for them. I have a lot to learn from them about humility, being
pleasant and good-natured.
9. My
parents and I visited Bangkok and we had a good time eating tom yum and pad thai.
11. On
financial matters, I managed to attend 1 financial seminar. I got my money back
from someone who swindled me. Little by little, I was able to grow my
investment in the stock market thru Citiseconline and mutual funds. By
November, I got approved for a lower interest on my real estate property, thus
lower monthly payment so I have more to put into my monthly investment scheme.
12. I
didn’t die! I could have drowned while swimming as the current surreptitiously brought
me to the deep end when my friends and I went on an expedition to Sumilon in
Cebu but by God’s mercy, I didn’t. My friends, Rhei and Jinj and a well-meaning
hotel guest, Joseph managed to keep me calm and most importantly, afloat while
waiting for year for the lifeguard to rescue me/us from the sea.
13. I
celebrated my 40th birthday for a cause at a home for women in crisis with dear friends. Special thanks to my good old friend Monique and her husband Arnold for the help.
14. I
felt like an angel when I was able to give our parish priest and 2 parishioners
tickets to Kerygma Conference in November. I know fully well how much Fr. Ralphie wants
to hear Bo Sanchez livethe moment I had those spare tickets, I
asked my mom to invite him.
15. I was gifted with 4 books this year, 2 of which are – Bo Sanchez’s Abundance Formula from
a newfound friend Tita Pat, and Gretchen Rubin’s Happiness Project from my good
old friend Donch.
16. I
am more positive in my outlook in life than in the previous years. I think I am
more forgiving, lighthearted, easygoing and happier now.
17. I
am glad that an opportunity to help the fashion industry opened up for me and while
having coffee with old friends, some ideas were floated for us to start some
business on the side. I hope something good comes out of it. That’s all I’m going to say for now. Will write about it when something has materialized.
18. I love getting a massage and this year, my friends and I made 3 new spa discoveries: Nuat Thai along Sct. Limbaga and Ahavia Lounge Spa along Sct. Torillo; and Blue Water Day Spa at Capitol Hills (for special occasions only. Unlike the first 2, Blue Water is a bit expensive for me.) Instantly, they became our favorites. I love Blue Water's mini-theater room where you get to watch a movie while getting a massage, complete with popcorn and iced tea.
19. I was so lucky to be at Megamall this month when Fr. Joey Faller held a healing mass at the chapel on its 5th floor. Talk about being at the right place at the right time! I also got to go to a confession in time for Christmas and got the opportunity to receive the gift of glitters from Mama Mary. But unlike my seatmate, a kind elderly woman who showed me the glitter on her palm, I didn't get any (Fr. Joey said, we can all pray and ask for it anytime.) but just the same, I was just happy to be there feeling God's presence in my quivering heart (the good kind).
20. Our family’s answered prayer for my brother and his wife - a little darling angel of a daughter - our greatest blessing!
With all these, I couldn't thank God more. Here's looking forward for more of His best for me and my family this coming 2014!
How about you? What are you most grateful for for 2013? Tell me about it. Happy New Year everyone!
How about you? What are you most grateful for for 2013? Tell me about it. Happy New Year everyone!
