13.

My first UN Christmas -- just a little less than five months since I arrived in Manila from Cebu.
I just turned 26 in this picture. I was 30 pounds lighter. I had big dreams.
And no, I can't remember why I was the only one who looked very happy in this picture. Haha.
Here with colleagues Masako, Dr Vic, Adam, and Angela.
. . . . .
It has been 13 years since I left Cebu to work here in Manila.
Those who know me long enough know I celebrate my anniversary every year. This year, I totally forgot! It was only last week when I remembered. So last weekend, J and I celebrated with an unhealthy meal at Chili's -- it was already a month and a few days late.
My journey has not been very easy, that is why I celebrate every year. I celebrate in gratitude for the all the blessings, experiences, lessons learned, adventures, misadventures, and friends I met along the way.
Last year, I wrote this and I feel more grateful now for everything.
Happy Anniversary, Self.
And THANK YOU to everyone who witnessed my beginnings and loved me since.

Took a leap of faith about five years ago and pursued what I always loved -- photography.
That's me taking pictures during our Bali trip. Thank you, Rissa, for this! :D
. . . . .
I am very hopeful about the future.
While I have plans, I am also open to serendipity. I am allowing life to surprise me. I am utterly excited about the next 13, 14, 15 years.
I have also been ticking off items in my Life List and I know that I will be ticking off more items as I go on with my journey. I know there will be more adventures, more learning, more friends, more blessings, more worlds to conquer, more memories to keep.
THANK YOU, Universe.

8 left some love :
I know you will Ai... keep the dreams alive, and thank you for the inspiration...
Congratulations on your 13th year!
Cindy said...
I know you will Ai... keep the dreams alive, and thank you for the inspiration...
Congratulations on your 13th year!
. . . . .
Thank you, Cinds! I'm grateful for your friendship. :)
your life has been an open book and because it is, you have been an inspiration since day 1..
I love that photo of you in your christmas party;-) yes, you were the only one who was so happy. because you are;-)
13!! that is a lucky number here in the UK;-)
i wish you continued success, more ticked off lists, and a healthier you;-)
kookooforcocopuffs said...
your life has been an open book and because it is, you have been an inspiration since day 1..
I love that photo of you in your christmas party;-) yes, you were the only one who was so happy. because you are;-)
13!! that is a lucky number here in the UK;-)
i wish you continued success, more ticked off lists, and a healthier you;-)
. . . . .
Oh, thank you, Chel! You've loved me since Day 1 and I will always be grateful. :)
Maybe, this 13th year, I'd be lucky enough to visit the UK! :D
Thank you for the wonderful wishes, Chel. I appreciate that a lot. :)
Happy 13th Anniversary to you and Manila! Hehehe. Everything you've put your heart into, you've been successful. I wish you nothing but the best in the next 13 years!:-) ~Liza
Anonymous said...
Happy 13th Anniversary to you and Manila! Hehehe. Everything you've put your heart into, you've been successful. I wish you nothing but the best in the next 13 years!:-) ~Liza
. . . . .
Thank you, Liz! And thank you for being part of my first 13! :)
happy 13th, leen! keep inspiring us and a lot of people.
Mimi said...
happy 13th, leen! keep inspiring us and a lot of people.
. . . . .
Thanks, Mi! Be well! :)
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