Smiling at 2012

Just in case the world ends tomorrow, I'd like to express my gratitude before I miss my chance. Hahaha. :D

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On set of the year, I was already bracing myself. I was already trying to prepare for whatever (challenges = worst) that's gonna happen. As everybody does, I have a road-length list of targets, wishes, and plans. But as how uncertain life can be, I want to be immuned from despair and frustration as much as possible.

Life sticks to its reputation. Storms visited, and rainbows appeared too. Just sharin' some of my pains which taught me humility and faith, and my joys which taught me the glory of perseverance and determination. And some of these, well, are just stuff I find remarkable (which may don't make sense to others). It's my page so I'm posting anyway. :P

CAREER ISSUES

The Minus

Due to some reasons I cannot elaborate here, I left my work at Stream Global Services where I stayed for more than a year. It was stressful in a way that updating resume was a hassle, and applying in a different company   and to begin from scratch are really tedious. The torment of leaving my comfort zone has caused me too much stress. The first two months were really hard. I was supposed to begin my new work a week after leaving my previous job, unfortunately some changes were done so I have no work for a month. 

The Plus

It turns out that changing to a new working environment  has been a blessing. I loved my new work. It felt good being a part of one of the best companies in the industry. I like the people. I like what I do. Above all, I like my salary.  Hahaha. 

PSEUDO-CAREER ISSUES

The Minus

The call to leave my new comfort zone (new work) came. Just as I was beginning to call it 'home', I was forced to leave my new work for me to chase my dreams and be back on track. The comfort and security that my work offered me were something that were so hard to decline, especially that I am not free to take risks as my sister's education completely depends on me.

The Plus

Having just the courage and faith that the Lord won't leave me, I took the challenge. I left the working society and allowed my self to be engulfed again by a world where I had been once---something familiar, yet completely new, the school! This was a dream that came true.

A little history here: Back in high school, it was really my dream to study in UP (either in UPD or UPLB). Luckily, I passed the UPCAT. I was qualified to take BS Electrical Engineering in UPLB. However, my father (being extremely strict) did not allow me to go there. "It's too far," he said. So there, I initially studied in CSU with a heavy heart. Had I been in my right mind during enrollment, I could have taken BS ECE. Since they suggested I take BS EnviSci, I took it instead.

BEING ISKA

The Minus

It wasn't called UP for nothing. Studying there is not easy. The fact that it has been about three years since I last read  reference books and scientific journals might have made it difficult for me, not to mention I'm in Graduate School. Here, I experienced sleepless nights especially during exams. It  was my first time to study at least 3 days for just a subject and still cry because time  was still not enough. It's mind boggling, and I must admit being here still cracks my brain. The delay of DOST's monthly stipend also worries me.

The  Plus

I'm learning! And I definitely enjoy what I'm doing! Despite the sleepless nights and stress brought by beating deadlines, I'm glad where I am. It's also very timely that the task of 'distributing' of stipend has been  bequested  to UPLB. No more delays! (Except for the first month of the semester).

MY FIRSTS

My first time to cut my hair this short. I could no longer remember what has gotten into me why I was so decided to cut my hair this way. I didn't heed my friends' warning. It was a relief that I didn't look bad wearing a very short hair like this. ^____^

My first time to have a general point average as good as this. I have worked hard for this. I want to exercise my bragging rights. Just this once.

My first attempt to cook food like Bicol Express (which looked more like a potato salad) and chicken adobo (which doesn't really look like one). :P

My first  time to witness Ely Buendia performing live! This was really cool! I wasn't expecting to see him during that night. 

A confession: After he performed, Ate Masong and I sneaked out at the side of D.L. Umali Hall (where his van was parked) in full hopes that we can have a picture with him. Too bad, he went inside as soon as he has changed clothes. 

There are really lot more to share. Remembering all the fears and tension that have shaken me, I feel grateful more than ever. This year has been great, as always. At the end of the day, hardships and challenges always turn out to be blessings in disguise. Thank You, Lord for this wonderful year! All these things are only made possible because of You. Whatever I learned and achieved, I bring the glory solely to You.