I have questions

1. What should I blog about?

2. If one were to ship baked goodies to London, what would one do to guarantee freshness?

3. Would you be embarrassed to hang out with me if I wore my hair in a ponytail every day for the next month?

4. What’s your favorite blog to read?

5. Would any of you want to guest post for me while I’m away in the land of frijoles and tortillas?

6. Would you be offended if every time your friend talked to you she called you ‘fatty’?

7. How can women walk in high heels?

8. What do you eat for lunch?

9. Is it warm where you live?

10. What should I blog about?

It's a little surreal...

... that I'm sitting outside the porch, looking at a sky full of stars, and I'm posting a blog by using my phone. I can't be the only one who thinks... Wow. That's crazy. I think we continue to take for granted the technological advances. Just like we take for granted the star-filled sky overhead. To say this sky is beautiful is an understatement. To say it is awe-inspiring is not enough. To say it is mesmerizing is true but not close to accurate.

Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens. Your faithfulness to the skies. (Psalm 36:5)

For as amazing and big and vast and awe-inspiring and mesmerizing and beautiful this sky is... God's love is bigger. And just when I think I can focus on how big it is, God's love is bigger still. And then you think of 1 Corinthians 13 that says Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast. It is not proud. It is not rude or self-seeking. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always trusts, always protects, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Then... I think about it again but every time I say the word Love or It, I put in God's name... Or Jesus' Name... And then I stare up at this big ol sky and go ... Wow!! Thanks God for loving me this much. Thanks for loving me regardless, in spite of my faults, through good times and bad...and so on.

Maybe you can go take a peak outside tonight or tomorrow night and catch a glimpse of how big the sky is...and how big His love for you is... It's a lil surreal...

I'm a cry baby :'(

Early this afternoon we were doing some pyramids. Officially, I am the flyer and I have my very strong and beautiful base and a back spotter. As we were practicing different stunts, I couldn’t help but to hurt them, hit them in the face or kick their heads as I land onto their arms. I can sense the pain they were feeling even though they keep telling me that they were fine, but actually they were not. I felt apologetic and dreadful at the same time. I started blaming myself for the fault happened (but I just kept it in my head), because I knew that I need to master more the stunts I am doing.  I haven’t done these before and this was my only opportunity to learn them in order to stay where I am placed right now.

I really want to cry that moment because I was already causing them so many burdens, but I tried to holdback my tears as long as I could so they wouldn’t notice. I want them to know that I am still determined and willing to do better for the team despite of the errors done.

Eventually, when we were doing the ‘twist’, I was able to land perfectly several times without hurting them physically! Finally! Finally! we were able to make it! I suddenly burst down in tears for the joy I felt! And that feeling was beyond words! My company was starting to cry as well. They must have felt the same way too.  I was so glad that I finally did right before the training session ended.

I am so thankful to God for this magnificent day!

How are you, blog?

When was the last time I posted an entry here? It seemed like a month had passed already, although it was just few days ago.

Anyway, my week was full of a lot of assignments to do, reports to prepare, and deadlines to meet, plus the time I spend having my training at the pep squad. I'd never been so stressful before. I've been lacking sleep consecutive days already and the result is I look older than what my age should really tell other people who see me.

I admit, I feel so anxious most of the time. I do everything just to finish all my jobs before the deadline to get high grades and be a dean's Lister, to have a good reputation in and out of the school, and to never fail the expectations of the people who knew about my capability.

It's hard, I know. I even attempt to give up several times, but it never happened, and thank you for that. I'm still this person/ student who strives harder to achieve a lot of things I want, to make my family proud of me and to reach my goals.

Aside from all the school works this week, I had my recollection last Friday. I was so blessed to attend that activity because I know God wants me to spend my whole day with Him. I felt renewed and spiritually heeled from all the sorrows I had in my life. I always remember Him every day and every night, and I know He is always by my side to always reach out.

The following day, Saturday, was the final examination of all first year students for their PE subject (I was exempted in that exam because I am a varsity, and varsities do not have to to attend that subject). They were graded with their cheerdance presentation and it was also a sort of competition w/ the other sections. I didn't join my blockmates because I danced at the opening w/ the pep squad (boy, I'm too proud to brag about it!) Not only that, my section was announced as the champions! That was equivalent to a perfect score for their final exam! Hooray for them! hooray for us!

The Pep Squad 

My champion blockmates!

Everything paid off knowing that news. Saturday was just the day for fun and merriment!

Oh, and have I told you that within those challenging days, there is always this one person who adds strength in me? He used to tell me that I'm strong, that we're both strong, that we can accomplish all the work given to us because we can. I love that boy so much. Too bad, we're both apart and busy with our own businesses. But that's okay, there will be a day that we'll meet and enjoy each others company  in wherever place we plan to go. I'm already happy to know that he is happy with all the activities he does, and the little time he spares to update me with his day.

It feels so good to be inspired--- to be in love with the guy who cares for me even without any words unleashed from his voice. I can strongly feel that in my heart *blushing*. Sigh. I can't wait for that special moment of my life :)

It's late in the evening again. I'd better be in bed now.

Good night, world! Let's always pray to have a better tomorrow!

Good morning!

If you missed the beautiful sunrise that God made this morning, it's okay. All you have to do is look at the mirror and see a real beautiful creation of God.


Say thank you too!

A brand new day, a brand new life.

I wanted to say good morning to all.


I thank God for giving me another day to spend my time with the people I love, to accomplish all the unfinished tasks, to learn new things, to meet new people, to be able to live the life I always wanted.


It's September 1, the day to start all over again.



Always remember that


“ God is the reason why even in pain, we smile; even in confusion, we understand; even in betrayal, we trust and even in fear, we continue to fight.”


Take care, everyone! Time to go to school.

A taken for granted life

Most of the things in our lives are all taken for granted. We never notice the simple lucky things happening to us. Are you still going to ask for more if you're already complete? That you can see clearly, you can walk, you can talk and many more?

You're already so lucky when you were born that way, because there are other people who have nothing to do but to accept what they are. There are even handicap people who can do what you can do but you're just too lazy to do those. The reason for this is you're too confident of what you had.

Try to play with your mind. You don't have to be intelligent to think about simple things. What's important is you know how to observe and that's what matters.

There is even an instance when you even forget to thank God for the new day He has given you, and sometimes you'll wake up with a frown face.

"Today I Don't Feel Like Doing Anything, I Just Wanna Lay In My Bed"

The moment my coach announced that we'll have no training tomorrow and this coming Monday in our pep squad I was so glad! I even wanted to shout on top of my voice "HOORAY!!!" but I couldn't because he might change his mind. So I just blushed in one corner. At least I am given a chance to sleep longer this weekend because I badly need it. Sleeping 4 hours every night really sucks! My eyes automatically close when I'm already in class, and I hate that feeling! Plus, I can do on the following days tons of my assignments that are to be submitted next week.

sigh.

I thank God for the good news, for my safe travel going to school and at home, for my health and for the abundant blessings I keep receiving from Him every day of my life!

Oh, it's 11:40 in the evening again. I should go to sleep now.

I'll talk (blog) more tomorrow for you.

P.S. I keep thinking about this guy before I go to sleep. I hope I dream of him tonight. He just doesn't know how I love him so much! I can't wait for the day I can hug him tightly.

Ok, I said too much. Good night, world!

Theology 101 (2)

Honestly, when theology subject starts it's either I'm hungry or sleepy because our schedule is from 12 noon to 1:30pm (People are supposed to have their lunch or have a little rest that time, right?), that's why I feel so bad when i'm not listening to our professor for he is discussing about God, His good deeds and what He is trying to tell the people. I'd rather doodle random names on my paper and not listen attentively.

Don't get me wrong, but I really do have strong faith in God, and He knows that. But the case in my school, I'm just really running out of energy.

However, when I hear a quote or poem from my professor I always write it down on my notebook, and the quote I got from Him today is:

"The heart has its own thinking that the mind couldn't understand"

After hearing those words, I began to be alive! I secretly smiled. I can relate to what the quote meant.

I know that each one of you had gone through to a certain decision that you let your heart lead than your mind even though you know it's wrong because you choose to be happy than to be right. I did the same.

Sigh.

Human nature.

A humble thought:

"Never look down on anybody...

Unless you are bending to help them up."

-Maegan Lim's GM

Good morning, world! Time to go to school. I hope this quote gives you a new lesson today.

Have a wonderful and blessed day ahead! (I believe I have mine already)

toodles!

A miraculous Tuesday!

I usually set my alarm clock at 4:15 in the morning every Tuesday and Thursday. Since its Tuesday today, I should be awake at that time. I heard my phone alarmed, I already opened my eyes, but I decided to close them for a few minutes because I still feel so sleepy for I just slept at 12 midnight. As I opened my eyes again, I thought 5 or 10 minutes only passed, and then when I checked my phone it was already 5:30 am! I was like, "Oh my, Oh my!!! I'm going to be late. I should be at the terminal this hour!!!"

I hurried myself to take a shower and dressed quickly because I want to travel to school as soon as possible. I know that if I don't leave immediately I might caught by the traffic jams along the way. While traveling, I prayed hard to God to make a miracle today that there is a possibility for me to be there on time.

I arrived in school at 7:47am, and I was already 17mins late. Fortunately, the professor hasn’t checked the attendance yet, so when I was there already I was not marked late.

I felt a relief, and I thank God for this. He is so good!

P.S. This is the also the very first time that I have not eaten my breakfast in my college life. I just sipped an energy drink before I fully left the house.

Hello, Sunday!

Good day to all readers!

I'm glad that I was able to go to church and attend mass today. I feel renewed again.God is really good.

How about you, did you attend mass already?

:D

I'm one of the strongest people on earth

Why?

There are so many people on earth, but God has chosen me to handle a very difficult challenge because He knows i'm STRONG and I can over come it all.

Theology 101

"Will you agree with me that God is calling you everyday?"

- Sir Felix Hacbang

I won't let the temptation go over me!

Because it is holy week we, Christians, have to do some simple sacrifices. Like no meat, no luxury, do fasting, etc., etc...

I was thinking of eating a chocolate this afternoon, just a small one. I'm beginning to imagine the illustration of that mini bar inside my head, twirling around like being shown in the commercial. And the fridge is just 5 steps away to grab one. So I started to walk, while walking nearer I was thinking if I should really eat even just one, because I know to myself that I should make a sacrifice. If I'll go over my temptation and have that delicious, peanut butter filled chocolate I might experience karma! Because God knows this was supposed to be a sacrifice.

Finally, I had my decision to not eat at all. I might have those disgusting pimples around my face. And I want to keep my face clean when I go out next week so I will not feel embarrassed with this friend of mine. 

And because of thinking too much about the chocolate, the karma and the pimples, I bumped my head at the refrigerator not noticing the distance! Dannnggg! That’s my Karma!

Reformation

Lately, I’ve been going to the wrong direction and thinking in a wrong way.  I lost focus of what I always love to do and that is---- to BLOG.  To make some clarifications I asked myself,

“What’s wrong, Erica? What makes you down? How will you be successful if you’re always like this? What are the possible ways to put you on full strength again? Where is the eagerness you used to put in yourself to reach that goal? You need to answer these questions right here, right now. Don’t waste time. Come on! You used to repeat the phrase make use of my time again and again in your mind. But what are you doing? You’re just sitting there and looking at nowhere. Isn’t this the right time to use it? ”.

Don’t get me wrong, but I really talk to myself often.

Remember my last post before this? You can read it back if you want so you can understand clearly what I am talking about.

If you just know, Blogging is a big deal for me, earlier as now I am practicing myself for bigger purposes. I am putting myself to the test, to ready myself to make my career successful in the future, and this is a perfect way to start. I always wanted to be a WRITER. I love writing; I always have abundant imaginations and can make them out of a story.

I often picture myself holding a book in front of the Medias throwing questions of how I made it, that the book I have created is now a bestselling not only in my continent, but also worldwide. That my name is very famous and is always seen in magazines and newspapers, and paparazzi are everywhere to snap photos of me for their own article, and they might also put it in their blogs too. And that I’m well- known by people just like how Ophra Winfrey is right now, and so as Bill Gates, and the others.

Doesn’t it feel good to be true? I want these things to happen, I really do.

But in every big achievement it is necessary to start at the small one, because there is a saying, “In every thousand miles we start with one step”.  But how will it be as big as my imagination to make it in reality if in small areas I am not making a move?  I should stop being happy-go-lucky and should set a goal.

Just like yesterday, I know there’s something nice to blog about a grandpa and my unusual feeling of what happened that the readers will find it touching, but I didn’t post it because I’m lazy and tired. I’m tired because I’ve been doing nothing the whole day.  See? This is not good. When I get a job I can’t be like this. Do you get what I mean?

If you’re telling me that maybe I’m getting the wrong choice of career, you’re wrong. This is what I love, being in the industry of authors, editors, writers, columnists, etc. This is really the profession I wanted to take. I’m just being TOO LAZY.

And I find my courage again when a friend of mine, Mr. John Marine, had an article about blogging stuff which I find it absolutely true. He inspires many people across the world including me. And his words are very powerful and meaningful that you will get up from where you are seated and start doing what you really love that is good for you and for your career. I appreciate everything he does for me all the time.

If you want to meet him, just visit his blog here.

And this time, I’ll make it sure that I’m heading the right direction to success with God’s guidance.

Catching Up...

On Monday, All graduating students went to San Antonio Padua de Parish Church to have a practice for our Baccalaureate Mass for the following day. I was chosen to be the first reader. I always love reading. I became merrier because I'm using my reading skills for God, to give service to Him. And you know what? I am always chosen to be the reader for God. Why? Last time I had my retreat in Saint Michael's I was chosen to be a reader too, and I'll also be the one to lead the prayer in our Graduation Ceremony. I feel so blessed.

I also noticed that whatever skills you have you can use those to serve God. Just like my sister, she's good in dancing, and because of that she danced a praise song together with her classmates, and one of the teachers in my school was also chosen to sing the Psalm response because she has a wonderful voice.

After the practice we directly went home to have our lunch and to enjoy using my dad's Android!

On Tuesday, My family and I went to the church to attend the Baccalaureate Mass. After that, my adviser released the invitation for our graduation. The sequence of the program and the awards were printed there. I was overwhelmed when I read it. I was the only student in my batch to receive the most number of medals! I felt so proud and I know I made my parents proud too!

Below is the invitation:

(I'll be the one to invocate the program)

These are where you can read what awards I will be receiving on stage on my Graduation Day.

Just look for the name PAULE, Joana Erica Danielle B:

 service award

 academic award and best in computer

loyalty award (been there since 2001-2011)

After everything at the church we went to Duty Free to buy some goodies and other imported items like chocolate, clothes, foods, etc..and the main reason why I loved to be there because I can grab lots of fresh milks!! Yummm.. I'm addicted drinking those liquids. I even make them as an alternative for water (which is totally bad!)

I know all of us were already tired but we still proceeded to the mall at Metro Market! Market! to fix our wrist watch and buy my most awaited book of the last series of Fablehaven..

I can feel the over flowing of achievements from these days.

Wednesday, the graduating students were given a chance to have a rest day for all the practices we've been doing. My family decided to go to Pangasinan, which is a 5-hour drive when you go there. We left home at 1 in the morning and was able to be there by 6AM. It was a total hassle because I lacked sleep.We dropped by at the Manaoag Church to attend the mass and buy those special candles. We also bought some 'Tupig', a native food only here in the Philippines, which is so mouth watering!

 Because it was still early we visited our relative in Tarlac and had a little talk with them. I found something interesting inside the house. They have an OWL! It's adorable and friendly. It's like the Owl, Erol, of Ron Weasley in Harry Potter.

After an hour, the whole family decided to go back home before we reach dark. For us not to get bored we brought our laptops and watched TRON LEGACY inside the car.. amazing day I must say!

Before I forgot, we can never leave without some snacks with us so I put these inside my bag:

Lastly, On Thursday, my sister had her big event, her graduation day! We were all proud because she academically excelled and received an award for 3rd proficiency. For a treat, dad brought us in a restaurant for a family dinner.

I went home so drained. I lack sleep yet I forced myself to upload photos on Facebook because I can't wait to publish them on worldwideweb.

The following day will be my own graduation day! Will be posting here too.

Thank God for the wonderful days!

@ St. Michael's Retreat House

At last, I'm home!

I had an overnight stay at Saint Michael's for the seniors' retreat.

I won't make this too vulgar because the speaker said so.

The retreat house is big, clean and peaceful. I was one of the students to be assigned at the clergy room.
No gadgets were allowed so I didn't bring my phone.

We started yesterday at 10 in the morning. Our sessions and other activities were fun. We talked a lot about our parents, family and God. Few about choosing the right friends. I was very emotional inside that session room. I had two handkerchiefs, both soaked in wet. I can't help but to cry. Tears kept falling. They were not tears of sadness, but of happiness. I know for so long that I am very lucky in life. I tried to stop the tears but didn't worked out, i'm just really such a crybaby.

We ended our activity last  night around 10:30. My roommates and I didn't sleep as soon as we entered the clergy room. We had our midnight snack, talked more, and I took a bath even I'm shivering in cold. I was only able to sleep for 4 hours or less.

By 6:15 in the morning, today, the mass had started and i am blessed to be chosen as the 2nd reader and felt more better because I was able to give service this Sunday even if  I'm not with my family together at the church.

We've shared so many stories, listened to their problems, prayed for each other and so much more. I just have to leave them there.

For the second time of my life, after 4 years, I have revived my spiritual and mental health. My heart has recovered from all the pain in the past and was healed by God. I feel so refreshing, accomplished, complete and thankful!

I got home safe and sound around 11:30 in the morning bringing the joy from the retreat house to my own home.

God is so good! :)

Full of Inspiration and Motivation

Good evening to you my friend.

I am just done with my Valedictory speech that I am talking about earlier @ LJ where you can read here.
And before I go to bed, let me tell you more about this very hour.

These past days, many people are making me feel great and fulfilling. Must be the way how I emit my feelings to others. And I am thankful to those people, and to God of course, He is always included in all the gratitudes that I am giving.

As I checked my twitter account, I was full of accomplishments for the compliments that I have read from people who follow me and at the same time I follow them back too.

Here's why: (Click the photo to enlarge)

(There are things that are easy to explain by showing than by saying)

.. and I never thought that not only few enjoy reading my blog, but there are many. And because of those people I just have a new strength to do more greater things in life.

I know that you know who you people are touching my life filling it with glory, love and happiness.

Thank you :)

I am thankful now that...

I saw my name listed as one of the honor students AGAIN in our year level.

Hooray to me! I'm so happy!

I also thank God for this wonderful blessing, for guiding me, giving me strength and the knowledge to do my best to be part of this achievement.

That's not the only reason why I am so glad today. At  first quarter I made a good start, I was placed as 5th. Not bad. But when 2nd Quarter came, my rank went down, I was then placed 8th. Now, this 3rd quarter of  the school year I can't believe I came up to 4th. It's a miracle!

Well, I've always wanted this. I am so blessed, so, so blessed. I don't know what else to say. I just want to share with you my happiness, my bliss!

I made once more my parents proud! I will continue this until the very END.

So help me, God.