In about, hmm, an hour and a half Christmas is about to end. I think I gained 5lbs with all the food I ate today, that was aplenty. Gifts? I didn't get anything in my wish list! You fools, I posted a wish list for a reason! Loljk. I hope everyone had a wonderful time because I did, even if I had to work prior to Noche Buena. Good thing I was back right on time to attend the mass with my family.

I'd like to take this time to thank all of the people who made this awful year bearable for me. I love you all so dearly. Also, the universe, for making a stronger person.

Sparkly Tree from here.

I'm not an expert when it comes to the art of cooking but I quite know my way around the kitchen because our Mom raised us well, made sure that we knew how to cook if in any case we happen to suffer a Zombie Apocalypse or be alive to witness the "end of the world". Some weeks ago when the lover was sick, I cooked Shrimp for his brother and sister-in-law for they were coming over to pick him up. I can't say this dish is my specialty but I can say that I've mastered the art of cooking it thus I never go wrong with it. It's quite simple and I'll be giving you instructions on how to cook it, again, no measurements because I don't measure ingredients when I cook.

I know I've posted my initial wish list some weeks ago, and as fickle as my mind can get on the last minute, I had to add more feasible things to my wish list! Why? I know I'm oblivious but I can sense if people are trying to fish for information on things they can get me for Christmas! Lol. You asked for it, you'll definitely get it! This change may not be in time for your Christmas Shopping but isn't January also a nice month for giving gifts? *wink*

This year hasn't really been good to me. If not for occasional hugs from friends and lovely kisses from the lover, I wouldn't have made it through the year. Work was okay bordering on bad, my family has encountered a lot of changes this year--we're about to face the biggest one yet. We're moving out of our house. It's sad because I have separation anxiety, I cry over the slightest things. Now, imagine this house has been my home for the past 23 yrs and we're moving out. Sigh, I really have to learn the art of moving on. 

On to greater things, this year I have to thank for the friends I've gained. Friends who stayed through the worst and of course, the lover who was there throughout everything. 

Baguio City has always been my safe place. I don't ever regret going there for college, an accidental choice became the best decision I've ever made in High school. The boyfriend lives in Baguio, when we were still in a long-distance relationship, I would make it a point to go there once or twice a month if the budget/time permits. 

Going back to the reality I call Metro Manila + work has always been a burden. I even considered working there because I love the place that much to consider building my career in there. But of course, we got bills to pay, sisters to send to school, etc. I had to turn down Baguio for work and live through hell in Manila for the higher pay grade. But Baguio, as always, is never forgotten. Here's a sneek peek of my trip there 2 months ago!

We also took photos of Zola's awesomesauce light architecture! One light bulb for this awesome fixture, how creative! I love how Zola's architecture improved, it feels cozier now sans the smoke.

I know I'm a bit late with my Christmas Wish list, but as they say, it ain't over 'til it's over! My wish list this year is a bit pricey and impossible but who knows! Someone might have a pure heart who's willing to shell out some extra $$$! Lol.

One big house only for me and the boyfran! We will have housekeepers over the weekend but only for an hour or 2 so we can have the house all by ourselves. Oh gaaahd, I wish you could see how dreamy the whole picture was going in my mind but I had to stop at that. 

In my current salary, no matter how much I save per year, it won't be enough for a simple house unless I get myself a loan. 3rd world problems, y'all. This thinking got me interested with Bel-Air residences. 

I'm not very fond of makeup. I'm not the type of person who'd scream if you give me prettifying things from The Face Shop or Etude House. I use the basic cheek tint, gloss and baby power. Yep, you read it right. I still use baby powder for my face. Lol. Some months ago, I was pretty satisfied with the Maybelline Pressed Powder I was using until it cracked its way to destruction. I figured it's more messy to keep a pressed powder than baby powder hence I chose the latter. 

Out of topic because I'll be talking about my current favorite lippie today! A lipstick is the only thing I'd bring if I were to go out because it gives your face and an outfit that instant oomph! No photos of my lips though, I don't really know how to properly apply lipstick so hit me up if you have tips! Meh.

I wasn't really into Starbucks before since all I knew were 3 in 1 coffee and my own home-made coffee. It was a big thing though for the BPO industry, I don't really know why but I joined the bandwagon last yr. I couldn't imagine how coffee can come in so many forms, but it did. I had to learn what not to order and what to order the hard way. Imagine having to endure drinking a Grande Iced Tea with the notion that it tastes like the regular iced tea you usually drink at restaurants--I'm warning you, it's doesn't taste anything like it! 

That's just one of my favorite instances. I wanted to order a safe drink, even Iced Tea is not a safe drink at Starbucks. The only thing I like about it aside from their over priced coffee is the annual Christmas planner! I know I'd have to go there several times with limited choices just so I can garner the required amount of stickers, which by the way is so not me, but I do it nevertheless. This year, I did it again!

Give me constructive criticisms that is. I'll let you in on a not-so-little secret. I'm into photography. What my eyes lack in sharpness, I make up in the form of photos that I take. I'm not very good with it though, but I believe with a little push here and shove there, I will eventually get it down to pat. 

Photography might seem easy but it's not. Some people think they have good photos just because they have an expensive DSLR. As an old colleague said, it still depends on your skill. It doesn't matter if you're using a 2MP camera, if you can shoot, the equipment will not matter. Unless you're going to print it and all, because we all know the quality of a 2-megapixel camera. 

I'm trying to sound kind and all that shit because I'm about to have myself criticized. Yes, that's you. Please be kind or I'll shit bricks and throw them at your face. Just kidding!

This is a long overdue post. The boyf celebrated his birthday last August but I'm only posting this now! Lol. The enthusiasm to say something about the photos is not there anymore. Probably because this is not all about me. I'm so self-centered. Kidding!