What a ride, 2019!

I am claiming that 2019 is the year of more abundance, opportunities and gratefulness!

How was my 2019? It's a rollercoaster ride, in between happy and not so.
And YES, I agree, it is a year of more abundance, opportunities and gratefulness.
Here's why! :)

Myself
- Time for #CHU30! Yes, I leveled up in terms of my age, in the 3rd level.
Nothing changed, honestly, just the age. I looked back of my life and am very excited for the years to come. My priority is loving and taking care of myself.
- I did not plan to travel a lot at the last months of the year - but God gave me the chances. I was able to travel to two new countries this year (#lifegoal checked!): Kyrgyzstan & Thailand.
- Had businesses and investments that I know will prosper in the coming years. I should continue to work on them.
- Had checked myself for health concerns and glad, nothing serious. I have to focus and check up as much as possible to be sure.


Family
- I am extremely blessed to have a family like mine. I pray for the good health and peace of mind of my parents. I was able to visit them twice this year. :)
- Had quality time and also update ourselves with our lives (thanks for the FB Messenger).
- Lost an uncle and aunt on my Father's side :( and my Grandmother is still sick, praying for her fast recovery. My dad retired after 40+ years of working, praying for him to adjust and be happy.
- My Mom especially is pushing me on the next level, praying and working on it, Mom! :D And I promise to follow your advices! You know better!


Partner
- On a broad perspective, it was an "okay" year.
- Praying for us being better version of ourselves and to have more stability at work.
- Levi and I had new companies this year and thankfully, we were able to travel together with friends (last time was 2017 in Japan!) Hoping for yearly travels and opportunities.
- I have so many prayers in this aspect of my life. As they say, you cannot have it all. But I'm still grateful. Ikaw na po bahala, Lord. I surrender everything to You.


Work
- At the start of the year, I freed myself in a toxic environment and I did not expect to experience it twice as I changed employers for two times.
- Thankfully, God is good and I personally experienced His perfect timing when I was hired in a "dream job" which I have right now: cool boss + work from home opportunities.
- Hope that it will be sustainable and will continue to work hard & smart.


God

- Back to serve the Lord via Feast Al Barsha! Thankfully, we came back and my heart is full.

- Was able to go back to Tithing, I am blessed! 

This year will be full of chances, level ups and real happiness in simple things. 

I believe I was able to attract what I claimed a year ago.
I am more calm now. I am just taking one step at a time.
I know life is short and am very thankful I am still alive.

Thank you, 2019. Thank you for teaching me a lesson and obtaining God's miracles.
Thank you for the ride!

#THAIristas

My whole family were supposed to visit a country we were longing to go but circumstances happened. My sister decided to suggest to go to another country with our parents.

Welcome to Thailand! It finally happened to really explore this country. I had several opportunities to go here but this is it! 

I was very excited on the eating and shopping parts. First things first. We went to Platinum Shopping Center after we landed hahaha! And bought some on our first hours! Hahaha

Since we are with our parents, we have to do some tours. 

We availed the Floating Market + Railway tour on our 2nd day, The Grand Place & Wat Arun on our 3rd day and the Baiyoke Buffet Package on our 4th day.

It was an experience, a short and tiring one but worthwhile. We shopped ‘til we dropped haha. And ate our hearts out. Super yummy foods, I love especially those in the streets of Pratunam. 

Luckily, I have understanding bosses who allowed me to work on my pace during the trip.

Thank You Lord for this opportunity to travel with my sister and parents. Time is gold. I will forever treasure these moments. Thank You Lord for all blessings and hope to fly with them again on new countries in the future. 

#KyrgSerye

It was a Sunday when my friend called me asking me “G ka ba?” (Go ka ba?)

I answered: “To what?” And history unfolds hahaha. Kidding aside, this really happened and I agreed to go to an undiscovered beauty of Kyrgyzstan! 

I never planned to go here and I don’t regret going with my friends and the love of my life. 

It was National Holidays that’s why we had time to explore and visit the place in our winter clothes. It was -6 degC and even just outside the hotel, we feel cold and see snow! So fascinating how they speak russian, looking more like Asians. 

To have a photographer friend (to think passion pa lang nya yan; not a pro), has its perks. Super beautiful photos were captured which will be forever stored in our minds and hearts and also of other people. Several friends of mine asked me about the country, etc. Hope I will have time to complete a post on how tos going here.

It was worthwhile going to Kyrgyzstan and I still achieved my life goal: to visit at least one new country a year. And I did it even in the last quarter of the year, not just 1 but two new countries! Excited for more travels to come. 

Thank You Lord for these opportunities to travel and explore your creation, to be able to see its beauty and culture, to observe and learn more of what life has to offer. 

Yesterday, I discovered something about myself and it was scary. Then, I realized “buti na lang ginagawa ko na ung mga dapat kong gawin”. Life is short and I am able to utilize it, kahit papaano. 

I’m excited, still. Baka ganun talaga, laging may “catch”. 

Few more days, and the year will change. 

I’m literally working from home. I’m grateful on these chances; and will choose to be happy. 

Wish me luck! Good luck to you, as well :)