On kicking 2013 off

Start 2013 off with an empty jar and fill it with notes about good things that happen. On new year's eve, empty it and see what awesome stuff happened that year.

I'm starting my 2013 off with a red box instead of a jar. :)

Happy new year!

Feast for my eyes

It's been a long time since I had my lazy days... yes, I just had it. Thanks to the long weekend courtesy of the UAE National Day celebrations. Anyway, I'm glad that I've been productive when it comes to watching films that I wanted to catch a long time like The Help (it made me teary eyed and be more appreciate of the house helpers), 10 years (it's a sort of highschool reunion film, fun watch and unpretentious; makes me want to research about the "Never Had" song), etc.

And just when I'm saying goodbye to the long weekend already, I just found myself reaching for the Eraserheads Reunion concert dvd. There I go, I was transported to some of the best and not so good moments of my highschool and college years. I don't know, Eraserheads can really speak so much to me in so many ways. But overall, they can instantly cheer me up.

I'm happy to have had dedicated the long weekend to the people and stuff that really matter in life. It gave me the push and glow that I need to face the coming (tough) weeks ahead. :)

We don't need to be a millionaire to be happy

Pinoy Payaso, the clown with the eyeglasses whom we met at my inaanak's (godchild's) birthday party.

I'm a huge fan of "investing on experiences" rather than acquiring depreciable stuff and I'm happier when I'm the one gifting instead of being the receiving end. But of course, gifts are welcome anytime. Heehee.

Here's an excerpt from New York Times' Don't Indulge. Be Happy:


Interestingly, and usefully, it turns out that what we do with our money plays a far more important role than how much money we make. Imagine three people each win $1 million in the lottery. Suppose one person attempts to buy every single thing he has ever wanted; one puts it all in the bank and uses the money only sparingly, for special occasions; and one gives it all to charity. At the end of the year, they all would report an additional $1 million of income. Many of us would follow the first person’s strategy, but the latter two winners are likely to get the bigger happiness bang for their buck.

We usually think of having more money as allowing us to buy more and more of the stuff we like for ourselves, from bigger houses to fancier cars to better wine to more finely pixilated televisions. But these typical spending tendencies — buying more, and buying for ourselves — are ineffective at turning money into happiness. A decade of research has demonstrated that if you insist on spending money on yourself, you should shift from buying stuff (TVs and cars) to experiences (trips and special evenings out). Our own recent research shows that in addition to buying more experiences, you’re better served in many cases by simply buying less — and buying for others.

It's amazing when...

It's amazing how simple words of appreciation (not that I am kulang sa pansin) at work can take out all the hardships and eyebags. (*wink*)

It's more amazing when you come to a happy home at the end of the day; the stress at work won't matter at all.

It's most amazing when we sleep peacefully with a big smile painted on our face because we know we did the best that we can (at work, at home, taking care of relationships) without expecting in return.

It's ultra amazing when we know what really matters in life. :)

PS. If you are looking for another fun and feel good reading, Winello the Cat's blog can paint a big smile inside your heart.  Yes, he's my charming kittycat.

The happy home and delicious tinola

Yesterday I really had a bad day in the office, which happens only once in a blue moon. As I reached home and it was probably so obvious, even without the tantrums and pouting, little J (my daughter) said, "You feel bad, huh? But that's nothing! What's more important is that you're now home. And this is a happy home! Everyday you come to a happy home." Imagine her almost dancing while saying that.

"And today is your lucky day... because Ate (our kasambahay/helper) found malunggay leaves so we have more delicious tinola (chicken ginger stew with vegetables) for dinner!", she added.

Wow, I really got no reason to feel bad at all. :)

The 8-hour sleep

Dear God,

When we were kids, our parents used to 'force' us to sleep early but most of the time we've applied delaying tactics. But it's a cycle and now that we're old (errr, grown ups), there was a point when I asked, "can I please buy more hours of sleep?"

I know that You'll be "dead" by Good Friday. But before that, I just want You to know that I'm extra thankful today because finally I got a straight 8-hour sleep. I consider that priceless nowadays.

Happy sleeper,
witsandnuts