Personal: Goals, dreams, and yes, life.

© TINACEMBRANO

"My ultimate goal in life right now is to be happy. Genuinely, intensely, and consistently happy, regardless of what that looks like to others."

Credits to the one who wrote this.

When I first saw that on my news feed, I immediately grabbed the photo and shared it on my Instagram. I felt the need to share it because it was exactly how I felt and I wanted to let the people in my little world to know that. 

2014 has been an awesome ride for me even though the whole roller coaster ride involved a lot of downfalls. I've made such crazy, hard, and very good decisions. I've lost a lot of people last year, and I guess it was just about right. Removing some people in my life has made my life less toxic, and I embrace this new year with smiles.

I agree that it's a bit too late for me to write about what I want this year to be but I'll still write them down. At the end of this year, I want to look in front of the mirror and see how better of a person I am than I was last year.

Goals

I simply do not want to have goals I cannot achieve therefore this is not a list of resolutions or whatnot

Well, my dream since I was in college is about to come to reality this year. It's too early for me to disclose what it is right now, but it's definitely something. As it is slowly becoming more of a reality than a dream, the pressure starts to rise and sometimes it catches me off guard. After being a bum for 7 months now, having that sense of responsibility is really stressful. You know what they say that nothing worth having comes easy? Well, I'm pretty sure the stress I am feeling right now will double really soon and I guess I just have to deal with it. With sensible people around me, I know that I will be able to face every challenge with a strong heart and mind, and a lot of will to make it to the finish line. 

Another goal I have for this year is  to be able to express how I really feel without caring about what other people might say about it. Yes, I admit to being careful with what I post online and tell other people because I am afraid of negative insights. This year, I will remain careful and be more private with my personal relationships, but I will definitely set aside other people's opinions. To be honest, with the personality that I have, this is really a hard thing to do. Then again, realizing how happy I am with people I choose to love now makes me want to disregard all possible negative vibes. This is new to me and I feel very tip-top knowing that people who matter understand what I'm going through and they support me all the way.

This is a fairly impossible thing to goal for but it's on my list anyway - I am aiming to lose weight. Hmm. Yes! Going through my blog archives, I believe I've written about this more than once and it scares me that I might just be doing this for a short period of time and go back to my old lifestyle which is eating too much and not exercising. Well, I've been working out since the start of this year and it seems I am still willed to it. I haven't really lost that much weight yet, but having to wear a belt on my jeans is a good sign. If you ask me, I don't really go on a diet. I plan to work out first, get stronger, and then reach the point where even though I eat the same amount of food that I do, I still burn more. Just like any other Smartphone user who wants to monitor workouts, I downloaded the Nike Running app to keep track of my runs. I've used the application since last year and I noticed how I poorly ran last year. I ran/jogged 3-4km for 1hr which is nothing compared to my record now (averagely 5-6km/hr). I'm excited for more jogging sessions with myself and potentially my parents or friends. I still have issues with my legs and feet during these sessions but I just keep on reminding myself of Miranda Kerr and Candice Swanepoel's bodies and it gets me going. Oh yes, and the very famous no pain, no gain line. Besides, I've grown tired of hearing people tell me how much weight I've gained. Alright people, alright! I get it!

The most important goal I have set for myself is to be able to save enough money by Christmas so I could get my parents and loved ones presentable presents. Last year was such a bad year since I barely had the money to buy anyone a present and it saddens me and hurts my pride. This year, I don't mind if I don't get the curling iron that I want, or clothes that are in style, or whatever the hell I want. This year, I plan to be less selfish and focus on the things that the people I love want. If I get to save more than enough, then I'll buy myself the things I want.

I'm guessing that's about it since my ultimate goal is to be happy. Besides, I no longer want myself to be disappointed with unreached goals. 

Your success and happiness lies in you.

Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you

shall form an invincible host against difficulties.

Hellen Keller

Personal: Bienvenido, 2015!

© Tina Cembrano

Don't you just love it when you get to end a year and start a new year with the people you love the most? 

I spent New Year's Eve with my family here at our humble home. Rab, a very special person in my life, came over to celebrate with us as well. We had a simple celebration unlike the previous years. Prior to midnight, I was already outside waiting for pretty fireworks until it rained. Why did it have to rain on NYE? Oh well, I think it's also for our benefit since it wasn't that smokey after all the fireworks. I just want to say that most of my fireworks shots were ruined because of the rain so there were a few left worth sharing.

After screaming and kissing and greeting each other Happy New Year, my family and I bonded over a few drinks and a good conversation at our lanai. Every time I was quiet, I was thinking of how the previous year's been and I can't help but be grateful for all the things that I've earned and lost. I am nothing but with gratitude. To be honest, I wouldn't have it any other way. 

So looking back, how would I really sum up my 2014?

The year started off really well most especially because my beloved best friend from Dubai and a really good pal from America visited the Philippines. I had four hairstyles last year which was surprising. I quit a job I thought I loved, started a mini business (food cart; which is not on the run now), started to focus again on photo gigs, and pretty much gave more time and love to myself. The ups and downs of my 2014 would probably be my favorite so far, since the reasons behind the downs were clearly defined by the ups. Now that 2015 is here, my mind, my spirit, and my heart is ready. I am ready.

Here are a few more snapshots from my NYE ♥

Another Much Needed Sweet Escape

I'm so happy September's over! Although I want time to slow down since I don't wanna hit November yet, I'm so excited for October! This month will be a very special month for me.

My friends and I have always wanted to go to Boracay altogether but this is the first time it's actually happening in real life. I can't wait to be with them and do such exciting things together. This will be one hell of a ride, I'm sure. I'm still working on my pocket money but I know it'll all be ready once the trip is due. 

As of now, we only have our tickets. Monica told me that we are to book our hotel some time past October 8 so the payment will be on November. I guess that sounds just right. Nevertheless, I won't mind which hotel/inn we're going to stay at. I'm sure we won't be spending time in the room anyways. 

Another thing I have to prepare for is my body. Well, it's October 1; and it's too late to work for that "beach body". I guess I just have to cut down my Starbucks, extra rice, and all unnecessary food intake so I could lose a few pounds before hitting the beach.

Oh my gosh, this entry has been nonsense. Excuse my excitement.

How about you? Any plans for the ber months yet? :)