Hello everyone! Hope everyone here is enjoying the weekend. As always, I savor the rare times I get more than enough sleep. I wake up without an alarm clock. More importantly, I only see people I like. I mean it. Hahahaha Lesser stress, life is easier and happier. Years ago, I don't care much about weekends. I was excited with work because everything seems new and challenging. When I went to Graduate School, I dread weekends because of Saturday classes. Good thing though, I found a group of friends who made life a little better. When I finished my degree, weekends became boring again. I later started teaching, so weekends became precious for me. The two days give me an opportunity to rest. When I revived my interest in blogging and got addicted with Instagram, the more I love weekends. The days allowed me to divert from my usual work and provide an opportunity to become a little creative. 

Work was manageable the past week. I was able to cope with deadlines, both with office and teaching. The government agency I became in contact with was fast and responsive. I hope everyone will have same experience whenever they transact with any government agency. Everything would be easier and everyone can focus on the more important part of their work and life in general.

While I can never get away with all the problems and unexpected disturbances about work, I feel that I get rewarded with my "life after work." I have a great family and friends. My family may not be perfect, but I haven't been in any major fight or argument with them. In terms of friends, my friend A has been my strongest support system. We started as office neighbors, been to some work related events, traveled together, and before I knew it, I've been blessed with a great friend. I'm thankful every time we go home together, eat the unhealthiest street food after a stressful day and counting the days before payday. On Fridays, we treat ourselves with another set of unhealthy mall food. Mc Donald's, KFC, Bibimbap, to chicaron bituka... while discussing work, life and everything in between... including people we don't like. Hahahahaha

Setting aside this serious aspect of my life, here are the other beautiful things that made the past week

Loving everything vintage - I've been looking for sellers offering vintage items. For the longest time, I wanted to collect the classic bus tickets. I found a seller and artist selling some pieces. Also, my longest quest of finding a reasonably priced die-cast London bus has ended. :) Yes, I love collecting miniatures of vintage cars.

All these pictures I have about vintage stuff intensify my desire to engage in journaling. If only I can still draw or at least sketch. They say that you can find your true calling by recalling the things you enjoyed, back when you don't have to worry about paying bills and all those grown up stuff. ;) As a kid, I really enjoyed drawing, sketching and making crafts. Still wondering when will I rekindle this interest. 

Royce's Potato Chocolate Chip - The rare times this land in our home :) Still feels a little surprised that Christmas gifts are still arriving in our home. I may not know everyone who loves my family, especially the friends of my parents. But really, I already love the people who love my family. 

Postcard from Terra - Thank you Terra for feeding my addiction to Beatrix Potter!!!

All other beautiful things - Patches seem to be a trend these days. I've seen a number of shops offering blouses with the cutest patches. I joined the bandwagon so I acquired one too. ;) The Hello Kitty doll came from a friend. Thanks Mother E! It carries a Paris inspired theme. 

A few days ago, Aggie tagged me to answer her yearend survey. Here are my responses

What did you do in 2016 that you'd never done before? 
The extreme Sand Dunes experience in Ilocos

 Did you keep your new year's resolution and will you make more for next year?
Never managed to make one.

 Did anyone close to you...
get married? None
Give birth? None, most of my friends are single too.
Passed away? None.

What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016?
Skill to deal with people I don't like...

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Can't really remember if I had an achievement

What was your biggest failure?
I became too honest with my sentiments, forgetting that some people are not ready for the truth or honesty for that matter...

What dates in 2016 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
My 2016 birthday was one of the best. This was one of the rare times I get surprised by my closest friends. I got three different birthday surprises. I felt so loved!!! The thought that people took effort to stage a birthday surprise was more than enough for me. 

Did you suffer any illness or injury?
No major illness or injury, but lately I noticed my stomach has become too sensitive

What was the best thing you bought? 
New smartphone in the beginning of 2016

Whose behavior merited celebration? 
My dear friend A and my parents!!!

Where did most of your money go?
Food and bills

What did you really get really, really, really excited about? 
The trip to Hong Kong with my family. It was my first out of the country trip with some family members. 

What songs will always remind you of 2016? 
Little Mix's Black Magic, Weird People, Shout out to my Ex ... for some reason, I love the way they sounded. They reminded me of Spice Girls. 

Compare to this time last year, are you

Happier or Sadder?
Happier!!!

Thinner of fatter?
Fatter by 5 lbs. unfortunately ... the struggle is real!!!

Richer or poorer?
Nothing changed, I believe.

What do you wish you'd done less of?
 Paralysis by overanalysis, spending and becoming affected with all the negative people

How did you spend Christmas?
On a roadtrip visiting some relatives, this year was the best.

Did you fall in love in 2016?
Yes but as always, unrequited. Hahahahaha

What was your favorite TV program?
The Voice Kids, Your Face Sounds Familiar, my dose of K. drama: DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN and YONG PAL

What was the best book you read?
Konmari all the way! But there are other books that I enjoyed in 2016.

What were your greatest musical discoveries?
Still, Little Mix's music!!!

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2016? 
Laidback as always ...  flat shoes, loose tops

What did you want and get?
Smartphone :)

What did you want and not get?
That long awaited opportunity ..... worked hard for it in 2015, but all my efforts ended as futile attempts. As of now, I'm not sure if I still wanted it. I'm too tired chasing it. 

What was your favorite film of the year?
A number of films but what I remember the most is Honor Thy Father

What did you do on your birthday and how old were you? 
Practiced with my groupmates for the Xmas Party's dance number hahaha dinner with my friends after work 

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More time with friends, travel opportunities and at least one brand collaboration

 What kept you sane?
Friends and family

Which celebrity figure did you fancy the most? 
If you are quite investigative, followed me on Instagram, saw the birthday surprise.... you can easily tell. Hahahaha 

What political issue stirred you the most? 
That hereo's burial that betrayed a lot of my fellow Filipinos

Who did you miss?
Some good old friends... and the way they used to be

Who was the best new person you met?
Can't really remember ... but the blogosphere has given me friends I never expected

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016
Be more patient, understanding and keeping some things to myself .... Some people don't appreciate feedback and honesty, which I should respect. Returning to my old self of keeping my silence and become more careful with trusting people.