Instamonth: September 2013

Crazy how fast this year is whizzing past me. I can't believe it's already October! Didn't we just say hello to the new year? I credit this lightning speed to an incredibly long to-do list that never seems to run out!

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September was an awfully busy month. September is a big month in the publishing industry. While most people have their fashown issues, we've got the Candy Cuties special. And for the past 7 years, September also means it's Candy Fair time! When I look back to the very first one (we had it outdoors!), I can't believe how much it has changed and yet remained the same. It's still a gathering of the sweetest Candy Girls, who go crazy over Candy Cuties and scream at their fave celebrities and performers. I'm so grateful to be part of a team that gets along so well, whether in or out of work. (: And thankful for the very appreciative readers who really let us know how happy they are after every Candy Fair. ♥

I'm happy to report that I haven't stopped making things with my hands. I joined Alessa's first hand drawn pattern making workshop, where we got to design our own patterns and got them printed on fabric! I made a pencil case for my new Sharpies (the workshop came with a set of 12!) plus a small pillow for my favorite person, Little Miss Mira. Also dropped by Mikko's paracord bracelet workshop (already attended the first) and made even more funky bracelets to add to my arm party. And last but definitely not the least, I got to attend Mansy's 3D Washi Monogram party at Moonleaf last weekend. I was a little bit ambitious with my piñata 'M,' but my efforts did not go unnoticed as I was one of the three winners they picked. Haha! Piñata M now happily resides on my office desk. Excited for a crafty retreat with these three crazies in 2 weeks!

Another thing of note for the month of September was my Hong Kong trip. Last year, I did a day trip with my cousin and her parents when we went to Macau. This time around, I got to explore more of HK with my friends Blanche and Mimi (who was celebrating her birthday that weekend). Our biggest surprise of the trip was Typhoon Usagi, who literally would not let us leave. We had to stay two extra nights (one of which was spent attempting to sleep in HKIA!!!), making it one trip to remember! I'm super broke (bahahaha), but my traveling feet are very, very happy. I work to travel and eat often, and looks like I'm doing a pretty good job. Hehe.

It's only been 5 days into October and I can already tell how busy and tiring it will be. But I've got a beach trip to look forward to, a baby to see today, and my birthday is in a month! I hope I don't forget to check back in before then. (:

Instamonth: August 2013

I've been quite the delinquent poster. Thank goodness for the photo-a-day challenge for our website, I have (more or less) been posting daily on Instagram. It's not quite an accurate record of my daily activities, but it's better than nothing! Ha!

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Today's the first of September, which only means one thing: Christmas is only three months away! I can't believe how fast this year is going.

13 Going On 30

Right before I turned 25, I was a mess. I was insecure, afraid, and didn't know if I was where I was supposed to be. But I've come to realize that you can't compare yourself to others or pattern your life after someone else's. And I think that's why I've been more carefree and have finally let go of worrying about what people think. I'll live my life the way I know best. (:

Who knew that at 30 I would...
♥ Still love my job the way I did almost 7 years ago.
♥ Flail over Nick Jonas, Logan Lerman, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and One Direction with the same intensity? HAHA!
♥ Work on 3 books and a fan magazine.
♥ Contribute to a house that my brothers and I work very hard for.
♥ Welcome my third decade at a veggie resto (loved my salubong at Pipino, where Patty took this photo of me).
♥ Be okay with not having some grand celebration and instead take time to be with people I love.
♥ Learn to know when it's time to let go—of things, of people, of issues.

I'm really excited about this new year in my life. I can feel something big is just waiting for me around the corner. (:

Weekend Report

This week has been pretty toxic. I've been sick all week, but I've been trying to mask it by taking medicine, which I usually don't do. I like to just let the fever, cold, cough, etc run its course rather than take chemicals into my body. BUT getting sick isn't really an option these days. Too many things to do, too little time to do them. So you really have no choice but to suck it up and get things done.

I'm happy to report that I survived the week. Ticking off all but one on my unusually lengthy to-do list. I know it's been done before and I'm pretty sure we'll survive, but it will take some getting used to.

There were a few disappointments this week, but nothing that would send me into depression. I guess it's really just another lesson learned and that sometimes, you just have to let go and move on. Also, we lost quiz night this week! Boo, maybe we shouldn't have worn matching stripes. Haha!

I've been feeling really stuffy and icky all week (right after quiz night!) so I plan to stay in bed all day till I need to head out for Church and for my best friend's birthday dinner tonight. I hope staying up late won't get me sick again. s:

Hope you all have an awesome weekend ahead! I couldn't be happier to say hello to mine.

Weekend Wind Down

January has been on full speed so far and I'm glad I have today to kind of take it easy. I made Red Velvet cupcakes this morning, an order for a friend celebrating a belated Chinese New Year. Letters to Juliet is on cable right now and I'm enjoying some well-deserved me time before heading out to fulfill my maid of honor duties. In 6 days, my best friend is marrying the love of her life. (:

Someone said that it isn't going to be a very good year for people born on The Year of the Dog (I'm a water dog). And I have to admit, the first four weeks of 2012 haven't exactly been easy. But in the spirit of "happiness is a choice," I am trying to see the good things and hoping for the best.

Starting with: Ending my work week with the Lolas seeing a hilariously cheesy-baduy film, my Red Velvet cupcakes coming out perfect even if my oven's light magically turned itself off, a yummy Saturday breakfast, our book project finally taking shape, the magazine I started working on also slowly but surely moving forward, and I am NOT working from home this weekend. (: See? It isn't so bad after all.

'Cause this ride's never gonna stop

I am totally loving the new Blogger interface! So sleek and clean. (:

I just wanted to let y'all know (all 3 of you, including myself, sigh) that I'm still alive. For a really short work week, this sure felt like the longest one yet.

Here's hoping I survive the rest of September, because it certainly feels like I'm in for a ride.

Recharging

I'm still alive! Didn't realize I haven't blogged for over a month—going on two in a couple of weeks. Whoops.

What happened to me?


Chopped off my locks—twice!


Painted my nails 3 different shades.


Had Pumpkin Ravioli and Banana Amaretto French Toast from Borough in Podium. So good. I can't wait to go back.


Got a few gifts from friends. <3


Went on 2 weekend getaways with the lolas. (:

I thought I had completely recharged myself but as soon as I got back from the beach, my throat was scratchy and my nose was dripping. Ugh. After a weekend of working, I decided to stay home today and rest. But because I can't seem to help it, I keep refreshing my office email just in case I need to send something to someone. How's that for fake leave?

Still, I'm looking forward to another working weekend. Just need to get better so I can enjoy it!