At least once a year, my friend Maria and her hubby Chris make it a point to spend a weekend at their cabin up in Sunshine Coast. And we're very fortunate to be always invited when they gather up family and friends to take with them for a much-needed rest and relaxation weekend. To be away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a couple of days is always a treat. And with network and reception being bad there, you're also forced to do a digital detox. Yes, that is such a thing now in this digital time. I'm telling you, it is wonderful to be without smartphones and internet for a couple of days - you can actually lift your head up and look around, take everything in and revel in God's grace and goodness. And just breathe.

Life Is Good ☺

Life's been pretty hectic lately - it's summer and we're all trying to get the most out of the sun before we hibernate in fall and winter months. We've been traveling to places - Seattle, Whistler, Vegas, Ladner (blueberry picking), Spanish Banks Beach, Allouette Lake (best lake in BC!), and in between, getting settled into a new lifestyle, and partying and hanging out with family and friends. And though it's hectic and leaves me exhausted almost exhausted everyday, life's been good. It could be better with a few changes but looking at where we are now, even with the current circumstance, we're pretty blessed. And that, I am always thankful to God for. :)

I am a little bit displeased with myself though - not for anything life-changing - it's just occurred to me that I haven't introduced my little boybun! My friends and family have seen him all over Facebook, of course, but how dare I forget to mention him here? He's been my little bundle of joy and cuddles ever since having him in my life - my silly bun Casper! Got him late October last year and he's now a year old - birth month is August.

Happy Couples Do This, This, and This and That

I've seen so many lists all over the internet of advices on how to keep a relationship going strong and happy - what to do and what not to do. And everyone's digging them and inhaling them - in hopes to remember to apply these in their own relationships or for future ones. I admit to being a fan of these lists when I was single, and even more when I got into a relationship. But however much I read them, I can't seem to retain what's been advised. When I was single, I did it so I know what to do when he finally comes along and when he finally did, I read to check if we're doing the right thing in our relationship, according to what the lists said.

Of Weddings, Swings, Instax Pics, Roses, And He Who Makes Me Happy

It has been a long while. And I'm happy to report that so much has changed. Changes that are for the better, changes that I've been waiting for, for quite a while now.

A best friend has gotten married to the love of her life as I stood happily witnessing their union as their Maid of Honor. With their union came new acquaintances and friends, and a new kind of fun and adventure began, with unexpected results that can now be told as funny albeit somewhat embarrassing stories.

It's Christmas From Where I Live

Yes, this early. So judge me.

Canadians would say it's too early, well even some of my Filipino friends thought it was too early when I posted that I've done my Christmas decoration already one Friday night. November 1st. Lol. Just indulge me in this. I didn't do Christmas decors the past years I've lived on my own and just had the urge to do so - thanks to Pinterest and A Beautiful Mess and all the craft DIY ideas they've posted. Makes me wanna go on a DIY crafts craze! I scrolled through pages and pages, I fell in love and felt so inspired to do everything! Haha! And I just had this thought: "If I ever became a housewife, I'd make such an awesome homemaker!" Confidence. I has it! Lol.

Appreciating You

Memories of school wouldn't be complete without the constant teasing of friends and classmates alike about one thing or another, so of course I had my fair share of it. And it's always been about my massive hair - which is as curly as Goldilocks' hair can be, except with the added humidity, became such a messy bush. I so can relate to Hermione Granger! But don't get me wrong, I didn't cry over the teasing (not that HG did) but it didn't help with me appreciating and loving my natural curls. But I'd laugh with my classmates over their comments of my hair being the result of my dad's grounding me of my pleasures every time my grades drop. It was pretty funny seeing how I was constantly grounded and my hair being the way it is. I'd like to think not being too insecure about it was what saved me from experiencing the lowest of self-esteem. Though that's the case, I still wouldn't let my hair down and as such, ponytail was the only hairstyle I knew back then.

It's The Little Things Really

 

    Tea w/ pastry
    Worship music
    Classical music
    Warm coffee in the morning
    Bonding w/ family
    Talking it out with God
    Jane Austen classics
    Reading books
    Reading books by the park
    Swimming in the lake
    Movies with friends
    Laughing w/ friends
    Giving a helping hand
    Smiling
    Productive day at work
    Gratitude
    Meaningful conversations w/ trustworthy friends
    Great workout
    Watching animes
    Watching movies
    Writing/blogging/journaling thoughts
    Preparing food
    Baking
    Lomography photos
    Eating out w/ friends
    Keeping house clean
    Prettifying my place
    Travelling
    Berry pickings
    Hugs
    Word of God
    Devotionals
    Being praised for good work
    Learning
    Fashion
    Babies
    Weddings
    Chocolates
    Healthy living
    Zumba
    Pilates
    Vacations
    Beach
    Korean food
    Japanese food
    Colored contact lenses
    Bubzbeauty's and Michelle Phan's videos
    Campus gels
    Reminiscing old times through photos
    Comfortable silence
    Inspiring quotes
    Walks in the park
    Watching children play
    Productivity
    Sleep
    * Hearing God's voice

This is what's in my "What Makes Me Happy" list that I wrote a few months back. They are in no particular order as I just listed off stuff that comes to mind. I'm sure there'll be lots more and this list will continue to grow as I go through life. For now, it's a great reminder that it really doesn't take much to turn a bad day around and that I don't have to look far for inspiration.  

Keep livin' happy! ☺