LINKS I LOVE

How to not suck in making a Powerpoint. Awesome visuals guaranteed.

"A picture is worth a thousand words." These photos clearly justify. Got a bit teary eyed.
  

MANIX ABRERA of KikoMachine Komix! This is a 2011 blog post but I only happened upon it now. I like the interview part and his creative space is so clean. Asteeg! ;)


Awesome self-portraits. A better form of selfie.


 An honest to goodness post about PROCRASTINATION.


A must-read for a cheapskate. 101 Ways To Save Money


Something I'd like to try! I've got spare watercolors from my Art Appreciation class.

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2013 BOOK INVENTORY

Last year, I sort of measured my 2012 with this year recap post. 

Now, 2013 wasn't really THAT eventful for me in the sense that I haven't been anywhere new or nothing really THAT significant happened. It was an "okay" year. Life revolved mainly and comfortably around friends and family and time was spent shuttling between Gensan and Davao. There were little adventures here and there and in case I need some refreshing of those mini-adventures, there's always the Archive button of this blog.

So I came up instead with this "Book Inventory" post, in which I try to share to you an accurate list of books I've read last year. I must say that 2013 happily got me back to reading. 

Anddd, I may be a book lover but firstly, I'm a CHEAPSKATE! So I have to give a big shout out to my friends who lent me their books, free of charge. Haha. God bless awesome friends with awesome books. :)

THE LIST:

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (borrowed from the university library)

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (borrowed from Angela)

The Catcher in the Rye by J. D Salinger (borrowed from Melvin)

Persuasion by Jane Austen (Bought at NBS only for Php 99!)

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (borrowed from Kezia)

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami (borrowed from Toni)

Looking for Alaska by John Green (borrowed from Toni)

Field Guide to Happiness for Women by Barbara Kipfer (borrowed from Ate Stacy)

How To Be Good by Nick Hornby (a Booksale find)

Can You Keep A Secret by Sophie Kinsella (borrowed from Kezia)

Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophie Kinsella (borrowed form Kezia)

The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell (borrowed both from Pat)

Summer and the City by Candace Bushnell (borrowed both from Pat)

 Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle (Kris Kringle gift from Kent)

 

That's the full list of books I've really finished reading. There were a lot of attempts to read more, mostly books loaned out from the library, but I hate paying for fines so I return them with only half of them read. Sad.

But anyway, there will be more time for reading this year. At the moment, I've already finished reading Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote (a present from my highschool BFF). I'm trying to speed-read Man Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus by John Gray (borrowed from Irish) because it will be passed around my blockmates. Plus! I have in my hands Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett which I borrowed from a dear friend. Hopefully, it'll be my first ever Neil Gaiman read (plus a Terry Pratchett at that).

I wish for more awesome books to read.

And I mean not Tax and Law books for school! Haha. Joke. :)

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GRATITUDE ENTRY

It's an accurate thing to say that I'm the type of person who gets overwhelmed easily. The holidays and beginning of the year have been nothing short of overwhelming (for my standards) both in a crazy and good way. The first week of the year has been eventful to say at least. Now, I'm thankful  that I got back somehow my literary bearings and a clear mind ready for some catharsis.

I've been meaning to write an obligatory year-end post but decided to write a Gratitude Entry instead. Rather than recounting the events of the year that was, I guess it's more rewarding to list down things I am truly grateful for. I quote:

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” (William Arthur Ward)

Looking back at 2013, I am most grateful for the ties and relationships I've established. 

I'm forever grateful for the people around me. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful that my brother and sister are trying to become the best persons they can be. I am grateful for my Mom who is always our source of self-less love and care. I am grateful my siblings were both home for Christmas and when New Year came, we were all enveloped in a tight bear hug in each other's arms.

And when I say family, I also mean my extended loved ones. I am thankful for my loving aunts and uncles who never cease to be there for us no matter what. I am thankful for their generosity, patience and never-ending understanding.

I am thankful for my friends. 

I can be at my most natural and real self whenever I'm with them and best part, there's no judging. They see right through me and I see right through them. Whenever I need to hear a loving compliment or a constructive criticism, they are always there to say it to me for my own sake. I'm thankful that at most times, I don't have to explain myself and yet they "get" me. I am thankful for their time, listening ears and endless tolerance to my annoying-ness and korny-ness.

I am thankful people still find in their hearts to forgive a lame person like me. Despite my excuses, shortcomings, and even disappointing them, I'm still a recipient of their understanding.

 

I am thankful for all the struggles. If it weren't for it, I wouldn't have a new-found courage. Life truly rewards you through difficulties.

I am thankful for all the little presents I got for Christmas. I don't mean to sound materialistic but it warms the heart to be a recipient of someone else's thoughtfulness.

I am thankful that I am down to my (hopefully) last three months of college. The possibilities will be endless soon and I'm surely anticipating!

I am thankful for optimism. It pedals you to move forward and hope for a better year.

I am thankful for angels. I know they are there and they really look after us.

I am thankful for good books and awesome authors.They make life worth living.

I am grateful I got to buy a new pen, highlighter and colorful file organizers. It's always humbling to find happiness in the little things.

I am thankful I've got this blog, a personal space for me to write and share.

I am grateful that I can be creature capable of consoling and comforting. Nothing matters more in life than being there for someone in times of need.

I am grateful for life and what it has given me.

Most importantly, I AM TRULY GRATEFUL TO GOD, the BIG-GUY up there who is responsible and the source for all of these wonderful people and things. His love is truly self-less and boundless. :)

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