The Countdown Begins

Before bravely heading into the new year with all new hopes, wishes, and experiences and events to look forward to, let us not forget to take time to look back, remember, and be thankful for the significant events and moments of this past year. A good friend of mine from High School inspired me to do this (and for that, thank you so much, Guilly!). Isn't it inspiring how people remember to look back and give thanks? And you know what they say, in order to receive we must first learn to say thank you. Annie (Malin Akerman) in Happythankyoumoreplease put it perfectly: "Everyone is looking for love. Everyone is looking for happiness. The secret is to say thank you."

So before we open up to all the possibilities and blessings that 2012 will bring, let's say thank you first for those brought by 2011. Here goes mine.

Thank you for..

A great end to our term as officers of our school organization.
At the end of the academic year, TeamComm ranked top 14 out of 38 after the 2nd org accreditation. But that was just the icing on the cake: our whole term as officers was a very fun, fulfilling, and inspiring one. More than the promising rank we earned, I think we were successful as well in bringing back the "familial" bond in the team.

The best getaway with the best company ever. And it wasn't even summer yet!
The uber unforgettable trip to Anawangin with our childhood and village friends. Spent two days and one night in an island without electricity and slept in tents. It was a great time to bond and just have fun! We all wished we could stay longer, but there are more trips to look forward to in the coming year.

Thesis. 
I feel very blessed to have been able to work with and become friends with such an amazing, inspiring group of young deaf students for our thesis documentary. The experience changed our lives and defied our limits.

My own summer of love.
April 2011 was my very own summer of love because I saw 2 of my favorite bands perform live that month. I can not thank God and the Universe enough for giving me the chance to see The Script Live in Manila and then Switchfoot's Hello Hurricane Tour 2 weeks later.. and my friends and brother for coming with me. Those concerts changed my life forever, I kid you not.

2012 looks like another very promising year for music, concerts, and shows. And for that I can't wait. Cheers to another summer--and a whole year--of love!

The chance to get published and broadcasted.
Two more reasons April 2011 was my summer of love: I started writing (as a contributor) for K-Zone Philippines and got published for the first time in my life immediately a couple of months later, and joined a workshop at a radio station and became a student DJ for almost about 6 months. Met really inspiring and influential people and got the chance to go on air with the DJs! Yay!

I continue to write for K-Zone but had to end my stint as a student DJ since I graduated and got a full time job. But there is no doubt these 2 experiences influenced me and will continue to in the coming years. Wait for it. Watch out for me ;)

Witnessing DLSU's Centennial Celebration.
Not all students get the chance to witness such a grandiose event for and by their school. That long crazy green and white day, and all the celebrations before and after it, made me proud to be green even more.

Turning 20 and graduating!
This year I turned 20 and, although there wasn't really any grand celebration, I was glad and pretty excited to start another decade--or should I say chapter--in my life, surrounded by amazing family and friends.

Soon after turning the big 2-0, I put on my toga and marched with my friends and classmates down PICC and up that stage to receive our diplomas. It was literally an exhilirating experience. Nothing like it.

My sister's happily ever after.
They got married in the States, right after my graduation. But we did not miss it, no! We witnessed my sister and my now brother-in-law Collin exchange their vows in front of our family who lived in the States as well, via Skype. Technology is a wonderful thing. Now I am very happy to announce that they are expecting a baby girl mid-next year and we are all really excited for the little munchkin to arrive!

Mom and dad's 30th wedding anniversary and better health.
Early this month my parents celebrated their pearl wedding anniversary. To celebrate this, my brother and I prepared a little surprise for them at home which they loved, of course. Haha. I really look up to my parents and admire them for staying strong together and individually after all the challenges.

Finding a job, learning, and making new friends. 
My first day at work was in the last week of November. Getting hired so quickly was unexpected but I embraced the opportunity and am keeping an open mind and learning as much as I can now that I am in the organization.  

Continuing friendships.
Angels on earth.

Thank you, 2011, for all these and everything in between. Heads up, 2012, you better be good! :)

What's on your thank you list?

Wishing you all the best in the new year.

Let the countdown begin! Cheers,

Nikki xx

New Hopes for the New Year

It seems like the Holidays just get shorter year after year. Christmas this year went by so quickly, and to put it bluntly there really was nothing special about it except that it was my first as a working, earning girl. So I had a little extra to get special gifts for my loved ones. Other than that, it was just like any regular weekend.

Still, no matter how uninspired the recent holidays has left me, I have high hopes for the new year. I hope and pray that 2012 will be a great year of adventure and new, exciting experiences and that it will bring me more courage and energy to follow my heart and do what I really want to do, to make my dreams come true, one at a time. I hope as well to find fulfillment where I did not before and for the year to just generally be less boring than the previous. I look forward to learning new things, seeing new places, meeting new people, and finding myself, as cheesy as it may sound. And that the previous year's disappointments will not happen again and there will be less in the new year. 

Generally speaking, in 2012 I look forward to growing up but not losing my childlike thirst for life and my passions. I look forward to doing, acting, and making more things happen on my own.

To learn to play the guitar, travel, get a tattoo, sing again, act, see more great bands and shows live, and so much more.. Cheers to 2012!

What are your hopes, wishes and resolutions for the new year?

x Nikki