Man’s bestfriend. This is the common definition of dogs. But to me, dogs are not just a mere “bestfriend”… they are family.

So what is this post all about? This post is dedicated to my beloved brothers, sisters, sons, and/or [?] daughters. I would like to give them the honor they deserve and to somehow give back the love they have showered me for many years.

Presenting the extended members of the Arellano family:

Benicio a.k.a. Beni

[Benchkiks, Boom-boom chik-chik, Bunchkiks]

I got Beni when I was in third year high school. My mom bought him from a friend, and I fell in love with him at once. He was super cute and playful. I consider him as one of my bestest friends, a brother, and a son. Since he is a Golden Retriever, he’s quite huge so sometimes he also acts as my huge ‘teddy bear’.

Putchi

[Madamme Poochita Lokreta dela Vega, Pooch] 

She is the leader of the Amazonas. My friend Butchi gave her to me when we were in second year high school, making her the oldest of all the members of our ‘extended family’. She’s also the head of the Amazona’s family, so she gains most of the respect and ‘power’ from the other dogs.

Whenever two of the other Amazonas would give birth, she would always rush out and steal the puppies from them. The other Amazonas can’t complain because of the power Putchi has over them.

She got her name from my friend Butchi.

Grapes

[Just Grapes. Hihihi~]

Grapes is one of Putchi’s ‘daughters’ [what is the correct term for this?]. Grapes got her name from grapes-orchard-like collection of ticks and fleas when there was an outbreak [and probably the worst outbreak we’ve experienced so far].

Sammy

[Just Sammy hahaha~]

Sammy is Grape’s daughter, and the third in the Amazona’s hierarchy. Out of the three, she’s the most bullied especially if she’s the only one who has her puppies. She got her name from a family friend who somehow looks ‘similar’ to her while sleeping. Haha.

Beni ‘Jr.’

Last but definitely not the least is Beni ‘Jr.,’ the youngest of the Amazonas. He’s actually a boy but he’s part of the Amazonas. He got his name from Beni since he looked so similar to him when he was a puppy. He’s very playful and mischievous and can also be naughty most of the time. Even if he’s super makulit most of time, he’s a really sweet dog.

These dogs have showered me with love for many years. They provided me the strength and comfort whenever the waves of life would break me down. It pierces my heart whenever I see them get hurt. They are also one of the reasons why I am who I am today.

To the special members of the family, I love you. So so much. And thank you. :3

Ever since my dad passed away, my birthday slowly lost its colors… my whole life actually. January 7 passes like every other day. I still have my mom, brother and his family, Tito Boboy, and Beni [oh, and we have the amazonas too pa pala. Hihihi :3], but having my father’s presence is still different. Even if I smile and “celebrate”, I still feel the emptiness in my heart. My date of birth became just an ordinary day.  

Let me tell you a fact about myself. I may appear crazy and wacky most of the time, but deep inside, I’m a really really lonely person. There are times when I feel lost, alone, and unloved.  I hate rainy days and sunsets for it reminds me of death. I compare myself to a rainbow, so no matter how much I hate rainy days, I know that I need it to be able to see the rainbow.   

This year was different. After a long time, this was the first time that I actually felt special on my special day [redundant ba? Hehe.] Maybe my mom’s surprise did a huge part for making me feel this way na rin. She ordered a fondant cake especially for me… and of course it was pink. Haha. I’m not really a fan of fondant cakes but I was really touched [especially because of her effort in keeping her surprise a secret]. The cake is sweet, as well as she. ♥

My officemates were also a big part of this happiness on my special day. I actually went to the office to go to the gym [since my contract already ended last month]. But they suggested that we eat-out for lunch. Since I don’t want them to be late, we just had our food delivered from KFC. I was surprised to see a blueberry cheesecake from Beanhub [which is really really yummy] WITH a hand-made [?? lol] candle. It was a funny and brilliant idea which touched my heart. We will celebrate again on Thursday. Yeeey.

And then on Saturday, I will cook my special Carbonara ala Tiniwiniyelopolkadatbikinee for Towties [plus my thesismates?].

Even though I feel the pressure as another year has been added to my age [most of the people at home wants me to find him], as of now I am already satisfied since I feel loved and super blessed. My friends and family made January 7 a very special day once again.

To those people who became a part of my 23 years of existence, thank you very much. Thank you for going through this wonderful adventure called life with me. Cheers!   

Hello 2014!

I’m not really the type of person who makes New Year’s Resolution since I believe that you don’t really need to wait for the New Year to start thinking of things that you want to change or improve about yourself. But after a series of self-reflection these past few days, I realized the issues that need to be addressed ASAP.

I’m not sure if you can call these New Year’s Resolution but, these are the improvements I want to achieve this year:

Be Healthier.  

 

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I’m a self-proclaimed carnivore and that is the first thing that I want to change. There’s this popular cli'ché that you are what you eat… so I’m healthy like one of my favorite sources of meat [if you know what I mean, haha].

There is also more than just losing those excess pounds. I have serious self-esteem issues right now and the first step to improve the situation is by eating healthy. By eating healthy, you will feel good inside and it will reflect on the outside, thus making you feel more confident and satisfied with yourself.   

Go Out More Often.

Going out doesn’t really mean, going to clubs, drinking and partying. ‘Going out,’ in my vocabulary means going to other places and meeting new people. To be honest, my social life sucks. Hahaha.

I feel the need to also go out in the real world. I’m stuck with my comfort zone and I don’t really have the chance to go out anymore because of my busy schedule. Let’s be clear, I love my circle of friends and I enjoy their company A LOT, but there’s nothing wrong with meeting new people, right? Hehe~

Be a Better Christian.

I have to admit that 2013 had been a busy year for me so I wasn’t able to put much effort on my spiritual growth. I haven’t opened my Bible for more than 6 months now… tsss. Bad Tini.

Two years ago, I was actually scared of reading the Bible especially the Book of Revelations. But then, my Christian friends encouraged me to read it, so I did. I can still remember the first time I read it. I don’t know how to explain it, but the feeling of happiness is different. Parang ang gaan-gaan ng feeling and I can feel His presence. I felt L O V E D.

I want to feel that again, so I will do my best to reconnect with the Lord.

Learn to Trust My Abilities.

If there is someone who always doubt the things that I will do, that would be: myself. F E A R is my worst enemy and I know that it is slowly pulling me down, keeping me from becoming not just a successful career-woman but also a better person.

I always worry about things and situations that are not yet happening and if I could do certain things. Belittling myself has become a hobby. I know that I wouldn’t reach anything if I continue to hold myself back, so I MUST change this attitude.

I cannot promise to become a "perfect" person because no matter what I do, I will never be one. I'm just a mere human, hello? But this year, I'll try to become better by putting a little more faith in the abilities that God has given me. I promise to take risks and get out from my comfort zone.

Yes, New Year marks the beginning of a new journey. A journey filled with expectations, surprises, and new learnings. So, let us all welcome 2014 with a blast! Cheers~