Traditions, no more?

On Christmas day, I tweeted "Christmas feels different as you get older". True. It doesn't only feel different, it transforms.

Growing up, Christmas parties are the signs that the countdown should start. It also means I am ready to accept my gifts and beso in gratitude. And most importantly, no more class for the next 3 weeks! I would also used to look forward to our yearly Nemenzo reunions because all uncles are compelled to give gifts. Lucky for me, I have 6! Lolo used to act as the Santa Clause. He picks out a gift then announce who is it for and who is it from. After his stroke tho, one of my uncles took over. It was everyday reunion for us. There would be talent portions too and cash is being handed out to the brave ones. So much fun and super festive!

That's how I remember Christmas growing up. It was definitely something to look forward to.

Christmas for the past years hasn't been the same at all. Since the olds died. My uncles from Manila don't go home anymore. We don't have reunions anymore. No more gift-giving. It's become just another day. It's really sad that we haven't continued the great tradition, for the new generation, at least.

Maybe it's time to create our own tradition. Christmas day, Tito Marvin called up my mom, saying they wanted to drop by the house. But we were having lunch with my mom's family, so she invited them to dinner instead. We were complete. As far as Tito's and ours are concerned. We had a festive dinner, drank wine, the kids played and laughed all night. It was almost like the old times. Incomplete but better than none.



Hope you all had a great Christmas!

Great Year

This year has been such a great one for me! I got what I wished for and more!

After passing the bar exams, I didn't exactly know what I wanted. So I hung around my first job. After a few months tho, something in me is screaming that this is not where I should be or what I should be doing. So I went on ahead to applying for the typical lawyers job. Law firm. I honestly thought I have an edge because of my U.S. immigration background. So I went on to finding a firm that has U.S. immigration as one of its practice areas. There are quite a few, much to my delightful surprise. So anyway, I went to one interview. My mouth just dropped on the floor. Taken aback was an understatement. Of course, during the interview, I was selling myself to be employable. But as the pleasantries were shoved aside, I was realizing that I didn't want to be hired anymore. Work hazards of being a girl in a man's world, I guess. From then on, I didn't want to be in a firm unless I knew the Senior partners. That's my only condition. Then I decided I will only work in 2 organizations. (1) government and (2) hard core corporate, whichever comes first.

After a month more of hanging around my previous job, I woke up one day and decided to resign, pack my things and come back home. Supposedly for good. Bummed around. Did a couple of court appearances. But quite frankly, it was difficult because the cash was nowhere to be found. Not to mention I was overly becoming bored. Province life just doesn't appeal to me anymore. My 'for good' timeline was shortened to 1 year, then to 6 months. But only 4 months, I found myself hired by, what i wanted, a government agency in Manila!

2 weeks. That was all it took. Applying. Initial Interview. Panel Interview. Then I'm on to my new life, new job and another beginning. Of course I was super thrilled! I didn't know what to expect. But I was absolutely ready for anything!

This year was so grand for me! Got to travel to KL, Malaysia at my own expense with my friends. I also went to Davao and Cebu this year. Made several flights to Bacolod too! Hmmm, that's where most of my money went this year. Oh and of course, a few nice suits from Zara and Mango, my LongChamp and Kate Spade bags and last but not the least, my priced possession, Nikon D90.

















I was busy spending time with the family too here in Manila. Which reminds me to be thankful of my work schedule. More flexible and 3-day weekend! Wohoo for that! And of course weekends with my girls. And a shout out to my old and new boss too!


















Looking over my photos made me realize one important thing. This year, I 'threw away' my money by purchasing plane tickets and making memories... I think that's what life is supposedly be about. We should live each day like it were our last, right. I guess it's safe to say that this year, I lived it like it were my last!

I am very grateful for all the opportunities, experiences and memories that I have for this year. Thank you Lord! I am looking forward to what next year has instore for me.

Merry Christmas and Have a great New Year to all!!!