From my home to yours, I wish you blessings, love and peace this holiday season. May we not forget the real reason why we celebrate this joyous occasion.

I grew up in the 90s. In fact, most of my fond memories was when during this era. I was at that stage when I wasn’t a kid anymore but not quite an adult yet. My parents thought I was old enough to go along with my friends without a chaperone but not old enough on some chores and responsibilities. Ahh.. I loved that transition. Fun times, fun times!

As a reminder of the fun times I had, I decided to get something from the 90s. I was looking through a bunch of old pictures when I noticed the wrist watch that I was wearing on some of them. It was a Benetton watch with a blue strap, with a white bezel and a sailboat design on the background of the dial. It was my favorite timepiece. I have worn it all the time. I could not remember what happened to it. I wish I have taken good care of it.

I got this from ebay for a reasonable price because I think Benetton doesn’t make them anymore. I was quite disappointed that I didn’t get the same watch I used to have.  I guess I will have to settle for this.  The seller said she’s getting rid of some stuff that she doesn’t need anymore and this watch is one of them. I asked a little history of the item. She said it has been tucked away in a cabinet since she bought it about 20 years ago – never worn it. I guess her trash is now my treasure.

I know, I haven’t updated this blog for quite some time now. Creativity and inspiration have left me for a while. But now I’m back … I think … I hope. You, my readers, have fueled my passion and desire to write again. Oh how much I have missed it. I hope I can keep up.

I would like to thank those who have read my ramblings and gave me the thumbs up by liking the posts and leaving your kind comments. Words cannot express my appreciation for your gesture. I am truly grateful. Thank you very much!

Who would have thought that I would enjoy writing this much? It’s been a year since I started this blog and after 43 posts, and now 44, I can’t believe it’s still here.

It was a day after a big snow storm when the idea of creating a blog came up to me. I can’t get out … the unplowed streets were filled with high piles of snow. I know, crazy ideas sometimes come up when I’m bored. I created this blog to be some sort of a journal, where I can share my progress in photography or a reminder of the fun times I had on an adventure.

And so, for signifying the first year of this blog’s existence, I gave it a makeover. I declutterized it and said goodbye to the black background. Again, this is me when I’m bored. I also launched my website for prospective clients who don’t want to read through my ramblings. Check it out. You can also find the link at the top header of this page.

Happy first year, blog! I hope creativity and inspiration will come to me easily just as it was when I started.

I can’t believe 2010 is almost over. It seems like yesterday when I wished people, “Have a happy 2010!” Where did my 2010 go? Let’s see…

I fell in love with portrait photography and decided to create this blog in the beginning of the year. Shoveled what felt like a ton of snow in February. I got invited to a Vegas wedding in March and had a heck of a wonderful time with my lifelong friends. April went by so fast, I can’t even remember what happened then. The peak of the year was in May when I went to Greece. ‘Til this day, I’m still reliving the fun times I had in the Hellas. I was a bit tired but too hyped to stop so on the same month, I went on  a short roadtrip to North Carolina and Tennessee and met up with a friend whom I have not seen for forever.  June, July and August were dull but I can’t complain. I actually welcomed the quiet time. I hung out with my new friends and my old friends in September and had an amazing time! In October, I had a blast on my first family portrait shoot and there I realized that I should get into yoga. I was down with a cold on my natal day in November and as far as I can remember, that was the second time I was sick in bed on my birthday. And, in December, I was able to complete again the nine-day dawn masses held at our church every year.

All I can say is I had an uber fantabulous 2010 and I am thankful for each and every minute of it. I had some good days and some bad days as well. I’m excited and at the same nervous for the coming of the new year. Excited because I’m looking forward for a better year. And, nervous because what if this year won’t be as great as the previous? Let me put that thought aside in the meantime.

So, here’s to 2010 – thank you for a wonderful year. I hope 2011 will be as great as you were.

I wish you and your family a prosperous and meaningful 2011!

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” I feel like singing along Andy Williams. For me, Christmas is truly the most awaited and the most wonderful time of the year. Let us not forget the real reason why we are celebrating this joyous occasion. May we remember to greet Him on His birthday and thank Him for everything He has given us – and everything he has done for us.

“Happy birthday, Jesus! Thank you for loving me – unconditionally.”

My heartfelt wish to you and your family – Have a truly happy Christmas!

Today marks the beginning of winter. It’s time for me to get the tube and the DVD player all cranked up. I mostly spend my winter weekends indoors. I don’t mind the cold weather but I hate driving in snow and ice. Plus the fact that there are drivers out there who acquired all the driving confidence in the world and thought they are pretty good at it in any condition. Lunatics! I’m staying away from them.

So, here’s to winter weekends indoors. My best buds Netflix and Orville Redenbacher are waiting for me. It’s time to catch up with my movies and remove 200 something titles off of my list.

To those who are asking why there’s a spoon in my popcorn. Well, that’s how I attack it. Yes, it’s like eating cereals minus the milk. Why? Because I hate transferring the popcorn powder on to my cellphone, or computer keyboard, or TV remote or what have you.

I know, it’s been awhile since I last updated you, Blog, and I do apologize for that. It’s another severe case of writer’s block. So, while inspiration has gone into hiding, I busied myself with a project. For several months, I worked on my Christmas presents for special friends. I am so delighted on how they turned out. I really had a great time putting them together. It was not an easy task – which made these gifts even more special. Can’t wait for them to see my labor of love. I can’t afford to get them designers and I want to give them something priceless. Hope these gifts would help them preserve the memories.

Now, if only my brother would finally give me the pictures of my niece – which I’ve been asking him for a long time! Oh procrastination! Leave my brother alone! Kuya (big brother), if you are reading this, send them to me already!

A few days ago, I celebrated my nth year of existence in this world — in bed. Mr. Kleenex and Ms. Nyquil were my honorary guests. It was not a good time for a cold but in spite of this, I have plenty of reasons to be thankful for. Among those are my faith, my family and my dear friends. They are my wealth and they are the most important to me.

Sure, I didn’t get the 24-85mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens that I want this year. That’s ok. There’s still next year. For those who care, I will drop more obvious hints next time. And my wedding photgraphy biz? Yeah — It hasn’t picked up yet. That’s alright – with hard work and effort, I’m positive my time will come. Although not all of my wishes came true on my previous year, I still have a lot that I am happy about.

As my birthday song, I’m posting Hand in My Pocket by Alanis Morissette. I actually listen to this song a lot. Especially when my head is clouded with frustrations. “….. What it all comes down to is that everything’s gonna be quite alright.”

Before I end this post, I would like to express my gratitude to the following: To my family, for their unconditional love. You never fail to remind me that I am not alone and that I am always loved. To my true friends, for always being there for me — always willing to listen to my rants and vents. And most importantly, to our God Almighty. Thank you for another year of life and thank you for giving me my family and my true friends. I love you all to bits and pieces.