10 Things That Make Life Better

Life is a journey and there may be bumps along the way. Let us not allow those bumps to prevent us from enjoying the ride. I have my moments of frustrations and a few times I have exclaimed in my head, “What have I gotten myself into?” I am an advocate to taking responsibility for my actions and taking risks. If something fails, there is a lesson to learn somewhere in the experience. And if you find success, it is a sign to enjoy the sweet rewards.

I tend to find the positive side of things. I can be the annoying and cheery girl who tries to inject humor in conversations. ( Sige na nga, minsan corny.)

Here are the ten things that made my life better the past month:

1. Skype. My aunt in Canada just recently learned how to Skype. It took awhile for us to use this means of communication because I do not have a decent webcam. Early this year, I bought a laptop because when my computer broke down on Christmas day, I realized how my work depends a lot on having a computer. I also get to talk to my cousin in Cagayan de Oro through Skype. We goofed around. When she tried to show me the neck pillow she uses, I showed her mine. Yes, we were like our crazy ten-year-old selves.

2. Little surprises. This was a creative pay-it-forward meme circulating on Facebook early this year.

I got my creative pay-it-forward gift. Thanks, Alma!

3. Random visits. My cousin came for a visit. She is my first friend in this world. Yes, she is the same person on Skype.

4. New desserts. We forgot to try this cake store in one of the subdivisions here because it is quite far from our place. Good thing that another cousin who dropped by to visit us gave us this cake. Yummy!

5. The new pope. For some reason, I am drawn to the simplicity of the new pope. I am a Catholic but I was never religious. I go to church, pray and try to be good person but I do not like joining religious organizations. I always feel like a sinner around these people. Pope Francis looks like a regular grandpa and it makes me hopeful. If you are on twitter, you can follow him here.

6. Rekindling traditions. We have not joined dawn Easter mass in years because we could not wake up that early. This time around we made an effort to wake up and I never regretted joining the mass. It was held near the park. There were a lot of people already but we found a spot where we can sit down.

Two days before Easter, there was an incident in a mountainous part of the city where pilgrims observe the Station of the Cross. I wanted to join that activity because I have not yet been to that part of the city. Good thing I did not go because I was not able to find a companion or I could have been one of those who got caught in the crossfire.

7. Friends. One classmate had a vacation here from overseas so my classmates and I were invited to his house. It was a fun afternoon of reminiscing high school memories for which, ironically, I was not a part of. When I say classmates, they were my classmates in grade school. I was the outsider but I never felt like one. We arrange another get together for another classmate and he did not show up. (Sa madaling salita, he stood us up!) He was apologetic and we understood. He had to look after his son that night. Since friends already brought food, we spent the night chatting and taking the 5 languages of love quiz. It is based on a book by Gary Chapman. It was meant to determine the method for which you show or accept love from another person. I found out that I want quality time. One friend wants physical touch and another loves receiving gifts.

8. Zumba. I felt the need to really lose weight. I already quit drinking coke and other beverages regularly. I only drink water. (Full disclosure: I drank coke three times since April 1.) I also don’t eat for 12 hours. I still have not observe changes in my body so I thought of engaging in an exercise activity. I thought of Zumba because it is fun. I try to exercise three times a week and I schedule it during brownouts. Mindanao has been experiencing rotational brownouts. To maximize my time, I exercise during brownouts because I cannot work without an internet connection. I still have not achieved my desired weight and I have not gained back my graceful moves (ha!) but the fun dancing is worth the trouble especially when I have nothing to do during the brownouts.

9. Free food. McDonalds gave away McMuffins on March 18 and my aunt got a free coupon for it when she came out from church that morning. She forgot to ask for extra coupons for us so we all shared this one piece of McMuffin. Ha! 10. Game of Thrones is back. I have to rub that in. I have read the book and I think the series is better than the book only because I had a hard time reading it. A friend shared this photo which made me laugh. How about you? What are the things that make your life better?

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