Life in Squares: Vol. 1

This post's title is a giveaway, isn't it? By reading the title alone you know what this is all about, but  I'm telling you just the same. With the start of a new month, I decided to start something new on this blog as well. While many of you may have seen similar posts from other blogs, I give you my own version of it. Everyone, welcome to Life in Squares, a sneak peek of what's happening in this mundane life of mine through, well, everyone's favorite social media app, that is Instagram. If you haven't yet, you can follow me along here and let's be friends.

one. last month's trip to Ilocos was less tiring despite the 12- hour drive because of these people. Truly, there is never a dull moment when you're with family. || two. This is the St. Paul's Cathedral in Vigan City, one of the places we visited during our trip. We went there during the holidays and it was so festive. || three. The St. Agustine Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. This one re- affirmed my love for old structures and anything vintage. || four. Caught the sunset in one of the beaches in Pagudpud. A view like this never gets old for  me. This is everything I love, in one picture. || five. Holidays were meant to be spent with family and loved ones. Though I was not able to attend our annual get together, I made sure I squeeze in some time with these awesome ladies, whom I happen to be friends with for 15 years. They're like my sisters from different mothers. Haha. || six. Last year proved to be one tough cookie for me. I couldn't be more grateful enough for having someone to keep me together throughout everything that had happened. || seven. After the New Year, I spent almost a week with B and his family in their hometown. I think life in the province suits me well, no traffic, no hustle and bustle, fresh air, open field. I am happy to have found another home away from home. || eight. Catching up with my lifetime girlfriends over coffee and cupcakes before one of our friend heads back to the States again. It always feels like high school all over again every time I'm with them. || nine. I took this shot over the weekend at Sofitel, where my friend decided to celebrate her birthday. The sunset was stunning as ever. Well, as you can see, I have this thing for sunsets and views like this.

Things to Do in Your Spare Time

With the Bar Exams over, we now have a lot of time to spare. It's like freedom for us. And since I practically have all the time in the world to do everything and anything, that is until I find a job (which is hopefully soon), I made a list of things that will keep my jobless self busy for a while.

Catch up on your TV series

During our review, we missed a lot (almost the whole season) of our favorite shows. So after the bar, the first thing B did was to download all the episodes we've missed. And then we had a series marathon until our eyes bled. Haha

Update your resume and Find a Job

Why? Because we've all got bills to pay, right? While taking a little break or vacation while we await the results of our exam sounds so tempting, it's about time to up our adult game. Hello reality! Yesterday, I took an exam for a possible employment and I'm hoping to hear from them before Christmas.

Update your blog

Due to being overly busy brought about by law school and the review, I admit I have neglected this blog a few times or so. But despite such shortcomings, I still refuse to give up this blog for some reasons. This blog was my escape from the crazies of law school and now that I have time in my hands, I'll try to be more active as  I can. Currently, I am going back to each and every post, salvaging those broken photos, and sending back to drafts those posts that I think shouldn't have been published in the first place.

Learn a new recipe

I'm thinking maybe a no- bake cheesecake? Christmas is just a few days away. And here in the Philippines, Christmas is a time for families to get together and catch up with life over food and drinks. This year would be a little special for our family because my grandmother and aunts would be coming home for the holidays. It will be nice to prepare something for them.

Find a new hobby
Like an adult coloring book, maybe? I know I'm a bit late on this, but I only got my freedom back remember? Thank you to my generous sister for getting me colored pencils. I just realized it's not that easy as those you do in art class back in grade school, I can't even finish a page in one day! But it's still a good way to pass the time.

Go some place new
I have always loved going places, more so the places I haven't been to before. I don't even mind long drives, in fact, I enjoy long drives. I like appreciating the sceneries on the road. There's always a thrill in being in a new place and learning about its history. This year, I volunteered to plan the holiday trip for the family. I almost gave up at first, but I'm happy to say that our trip is pushing thru.

Read a new book
Haven't we had enough reading during our review, you may ask. Yes, but that's all law stuff. So now that I'm done with law stuff, I figured I'd go back to one of my first love, that is reading fiction novels and short stories. I have a downloaded a copy of Grey from a few months back, but which I haven't really had the chance to finish. Currently, it is still sitting in my reader waiting to be read.

Fix your playlist
I've been meaning to do this, really. But I realized that I have little or no patience when it comes to organizing playlists. I give up after 5 minutes! So I just let B do the fixing. Haha. And when he's into it, he's into it. No one can disturb him.

Daydream

Because, why not? Heck, you can dream all you want, it's free for all. These days, most of the things I daydream about is the future. The future can be scary and exciting at the same time.

There, this is what keeps me (us) busy these days. If you have any suggestions on things you do during your spare time, by all means put it in the comments. I would be very happy to add them on my to- do list.

Be Brave Love Deeply Shine Brighter

Well hello all, I'm happy to be back. This will be my first entry after we hurdled one of the toughest licensure exams in the country.

As soon as September hit the calendars I started scouting a planner for myself for 2016. Why? Because it's never too early to prepare for the new year ahead of us! It was a tough choice between one datebook and the Belle de Jour Power Planner. For one, both planners are really cute. Both also reflect my style and each has a unique feature of its own. Having considered all circumstances, I decided to go with the latter, because it's more affordable. Who knows, maybe I'll go for the other one in 2017, when I already have a stable job, and income for that matter. But for now, I went with the smarter choice.

I chose the power planner in leather. The cover is so sleek, by the way. Plus, I love the motto on the cover too. It's pretty on point, agree? It retails for Php 680, but since I ordered it days after it was released, I got it on sale for Php 600. I was surprised by how fast my parcel arrived because it was already on our doorsteps in less than 24 hours.

My favorite features of the planner were the pages for your 2016 goals and the whole spread of the Dream board. With it, I can easily visualize my goals for next year and what I want to achieve in life. It also gives me something concrete to look back to during the times I will feel lost. As of now, I have already started jotting down on these pages and hopefully will be able to fill them up before 2015 ends.

Of course it came with the BDJ 2016 Lifestyle Card which entitles the holder to discounts from partner establishments. That, is besides a number of coupons included in the booklet too. With it, the possibilities are endless!

I know I made the smarter choice because I was even able to get one for my sister too, as a gift this Christmas. Am I a good sister or what? I know. *pats myself on the back*

If you want one for yourself too or maybe as a gift to your friends this Christmas you can visit their website, and choose from their planners the one which best suits you. I think they still sell at a discounted price. Now this is a way to jump start the new year!

Home Will Always Be Home

Last week, I was not my usual self. I was grumpy, irritated, I didn't know what I want. I was hormonal to say the least. Thinking I was probably stressed from our review, B suggested I take a break. Sometimes I think he knows me better than I know myself. And since a vacation somewhere isn't really an option right now (Read: It is just less than 2 months before our bar exams), a break meant meeting up with a close friend for some laughs and going home to my parents over the weekend to spend time with family. I didn't realize I missed home that much until I was in my old bedroom, lying on my bed. It was a MUCH needed weekend break.

Friday's Fight Song

I know Fridays doesn't have to be hyped up because it's that one day of the week everybody is looking forward to. But just in case you need a little push this Friday (like I do), here is one song I'm sure would do the job.

This is my fight song

Take back my life song

Prove I'm alright song

My power's turned on

Starting right now I'll be strong

I'll play my fight song

And I don't really care if nobody else believes

Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me

Fight Song by Rachel Platten hits right in the feels. Right? You're welcome! 

Happy weekend lovelies!

Birthday Blues

Two days ago, I celebrated my birthday. And you know what they say, "Growing old is optional, but growing up is mandatory." As I turned a year older (and wiser), I'd like to share with you my thoughts on that day.

Halfway There

Can someone pinch me right now and tell me it's not the last weekend of June? But wait, it is. Looking back at those past months got me thinking like, "that was fast". We're halfway through 2015, you guys! So where has this year taken you so far?

It was, and still is, challenging for me. From losing a family member, to being unemployed, and failing, this year is proving to be something. If there's one thing I have learned from it all, it would be how to bounce back, FAST. Because the world will not wait for you to be okay, time will not slow down just for you. Harsh, yes, but that's reality for you. In life, we do not get everything we want every time we want it. Life, as they say, is full of surprises. And it will hit you hard when you least expect it. But that doesn't mean that you're not as lucky as others out there, just means you're stronger to face whatever it is life throws at you. Yes, I'd like to think of it that way.

I'm still happy where I am now. I may not have been where I imagined my life would be this time of the year, but maybe life just took me on a detour. Besides, 2015 is not over just yet. It still has 6 more months to offer. And here's to hoping for brighter days ahead!

Looking Back and Moving Forward

To Beginnings and Endings

Months from my last post and life just gets busier. Just when I thought that I would be able to get hold of my time, life seems to have better plans for me. And yes, there's no complaining because I know all the hard work will soon payoff. All the missed movies, summer trips (yes, even that I had to sort of let go), weekends and time spent with the people I love to be around with. All these are just "little sacrifices" for what the future holds, all these for the Bar Exams and that precious four- letter ATTY. before my name.

Graduation Day. (April2014)

Yes, blog friends, I've finally graduated from law school. And this will be my last post with "law school" tagged in it. ;) But I know it doesn't end there. Law school may have ended on graduation day, but the real battle has just began. I have a lot to be thankful for because I know I couldn't have done this on my own. There's my family who has been very supportive from the very start, my bestfriend for being my foodtrip, study, and fashion buddy throughout law school and who was very excited and was the one who called me and told me about the good news, I am very grateful to each and everyone of you.

And of course, to my always and ever supportive boyfriend for always believing in me, pushing me to do my best in everything and for your unending patience and love. You know it means a lot to me knowing that you'll always have my back no matter what. Thank you for continuously being my inspiration and please know that I love you, no matter how moody I get sometimes. This is for both of us. ;)

Happy weekend ladies! 

Reconnecting

Well hello blogging world, feels like ages since I've been here. So I guess the title is very apt. :)

B and I have been kinda curled up in our own ball. Every night after school, all we wanted to do is rush home and hit the sack. (I think that part is just me. LOL). School is just so draining. So one day when my friend invited me for dinner around the area I said why not, it's been years since I last saw them anyway.

Worry- Free Weekend

That weekend was the kind of weekend we needed. A stress- free weekend just before my birthday week. We haven't had this kind of weekend for a while so I consider this an advance present for my birthday. We had a free cut from school and we couldn't be more thankful for the breather.

via

Setting My Priorities

via

Goodbye Summer 2013

Summer is officially over and school starts today. This summer has been one of the best and most well- traveled summer I've ever had. I have been to a lot of places, some of them has a special place in my heart and what's more important is that I was able to spend it with people who matters the most to me. So I am leaving you with my favorite photos from last summer as I bid farewell to my favorite season.

How Is Everyone?

Hi everyone. How was your week? Mine was quite busy. From cleaning and buying stuff for the house to catching up with friends and cousins then finally enrolling for what is hopefully our last semester in law school. #Goal. B and I wanted everything to be in order and organized so we can focus on our classes when it starts. So it was all about general cleaning in the house for us. But we need a break from all of that so over the weekend B met with his friends and I with my cousins.

 

Oh and I am currently blogging from my phone right now because B is using my laptop since his needs to be brought to the repair shop. Hence the lack of blogging as well. I'll do a better post once I get to log in a computer. But for now, pardon this crappy post as I just really missed blogging and wanted to update you guys. ;)

xo,
K

You Don't Get to Choose If You Get Hurt... But You Do Have Some Say in Who Hurts You

I recently finished reading The Fault in our Stars by John Green. Yes, the title of this post is one of my favorite quotes from the book. It had been sitting in my bedside for too long and when I finally decided to take hold of it, I never thought that I'd be done in 7 hours. This book lets you appreciate love in all its different aspects. It shows you the reality of life which, as the Maroon 5 song goes, it's not always rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes, we feel that life is being unfair to us. But complaining won't solve the problem, accepting and doing something about it would. That is reality and I think acceptance would be the first step in  living a good life.

In my 26 years of existence in this world, I have had my fair share of heartbreaks, the last one being the worst. But I've learned to come back from all of them, even when I thought I won't be able to do it. And then B came, sooner than I expected him to be and during the most unexpected time. From that time on we are taking things one step at a time, enjoying every moment we could together. It has been two years and yet we are still discovering and learning new things about each other. Those two years have not been smooth sailing all throughout, we sure had our moments as well. But it's part of what makes the journey worthwhile.

In all of this I've come to learn that for you to appreciate happiness you must first experience its opposite. For how can you know that you're truly happy when it is all that you feel every time? Getting hurt, maybe out of your control, but the people who comes in (and out) of your life is totally up to you. Love is all about making choices, taking chances and risks and eventually liking and  standing up for the choices that you made. And like what Augustus Waters said, I like my choices. I hope he does too.

The Women in My Life

To my mommy, thank you for everything I am and I have. Without you I am and I will have nothing, it may be cliche but it's true. We may not agree about everything and you may not see me often but always remember that I love you to bits and pieces.

To my lola, you (and Tatay) took care of me when I was a baby because my parents had to work. I grew up being spoiled by you and Tatay being your first born grandchild. I could still remember you swinging me in your dress and then you would braid my hair afterwards and Tatay always had something for me when he arrives from work. Now even though you're living in Anaheim (it's my cousins turn to be taken care of. LOL) and Tatay is up in heaven I will forever remember those memories because they are fondest memories I have of my childhood. Thank you, Inay for being the best grandmother one could ask. I love you both, Mommy and Inay. Happy Mother's Day! :)

Why I Love Weekends at Home

So far the weekend has been good to me. Last night I started watching a new series called Da Vinci's Demons while B and I exchange those silly kind of messages. You know, those kind of messages that you send to that person you terribly miss. ;)

Today has been a quiet and steady kind of day, which is good. I woke up and cooked breakfast, cleaned my room and finished my laundry in the morning. And now I have plenty of time in my hands. I planned to study after I had lunch but ended up browsing your lovely blogs, don't blame me, blog hopping is just so addicting. :) After that I decided to try this recipe I found on Pinterest. While sipping this blended coffee I texted B out of the blue (because that's what we do when someone suddenly realizes or thought about something) saying that I realized I wanted to do a lot of things. Blame that on Pinterest.

via

And now, as I am typing this very random blog post, I am currently waiting for my mom to finish cooking her  spaghetti (it's her specialty). It smells so good from where I am and it's making me hungry. That's why mothers are the best. On that note, Happy Mother's Day, Mommy!:) Okay promise I'll try my bestest to study after the spaghetti. ;)

Life is good, isn't it?

The Happiest Wedding I've Ever Been

Weddings have got to be one of the happiest occasions one could ever go to. I always, always get teary- eyed every time I attend weddings. Especially during that moment when the bride walks down the aisle and when the couple recite their vows to each other. I'm a hopeless romantic, I know!

The recent wedding I've been too is a special one because it was my closest aunt who's walking down the aisle this time. I've looked up to her since I was a kid and she's like an older sister to me. And when I became aware of the concept of love and heartbreak I have been secretly wishing that one day she will find the man meant for her and I would be able to wear a gown and march on her wedding. Thank you Ninang for making that little dream of mine come true. LOL. But seriously, Best Wishes to you and Kuya Chris. I wish you a happy married life ahead. :)

 

This wedding gathered everyone together and had turned into a reunion. It was one of the rare times that all of my mom's siblings are here. You see my family is all over the world, in Anaheim, Toronto, Winnipeg, Vienna, I guess we're scattered all over the continents. And they all came home for their youngest sister's special day. So no wonder, this wedding turned out to be the happiest and craziest one I've ever been too. Just look at the entrance video at the reception. ;)

Me and my mom and my cool aunts.

 

Ain't that little guy such a cutie? It was such a fun time to be with family and I LOVE how crazy my family are. Everyone sure had a nice time that night. :)

Yes, my feet got too tired and I went barefoot the rest of the party. LOL

Don't you just love weddings?

Everyone Needs a Little Break Sometimes

I wish this was me. (via)

Do you ever feel the need to get away from the world and everyone else for a while? I usually love to surround myself with people, I like being in a company. I even go livid sometimes at the idea of wanting to be alone because I don't get it. But being with someone who has been so independent all his life has changed that perspective for me. I've come to learn and accept that sometimes, people do really need to be alone.

    

It's good to be with people, especially the people you love. But it's also nice to stay back from the whole world for a while so you can be yourself. When you are with someone, there will always be that urge to spend every minute with them. And sometimes you become so engulfed in the idea of "being together" that you forget that you are your own individual before you met that other person.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but yes, I think we all need our alone time (that real alone time on your own and not that alone time with someone). Does anyone else feel the same?

Happy Weekend! :)

A Perfect Quiet Weekend

Sometimes all you need is some quiet "alone" time at home, good food, a bunch of good movies, and a whole lot of hugs for your weekend to be perfect. I know I do. ;) Yes, that's my perfect weekend. And I am just so lucky to be spending it with a guy who thinks the same. His friend called him and wanted to grab some drinks with him but he passed up on it and decided we go to the grocery instead to see what we can have for dinner. Oh sweetie that made me real happy. :)

So, over the weekend, B and I detained ourselves inside the house because we'd rather spend the time cooking dinner, making nachos (and eating it while watching movies), washing the dishes, doing the laundry and ironing clothes. Haha yes, it may sound silly but I guess we're just silly that way. That's us and I love how we are. ;)

And guess who's doing the cooking now? Yup, that's right, I can now say I'm domesticated. I think I'm beginning to LOVE that word, I just love saying it, domesticated. LOL. I don't know how B tricked seduced got me into it but I suddenly found myself in the kitchen actually cooking, I guess he really has his ways.

 

And I think two menus in one week isn't bad for a starter right? Thank God for the internet, learning becomes so easy these days. Haha. Both of these were his specific requests, that one on the left is Chicken Afritada and the other one is Bulalo (Beef Shank Soup). I'd say not bad for a first- timer. I'm proud of myself. ;)

And what I LOVE about weekends like these is waking up to a peaceful, sunny Sunday morning with a perfect view and an awesome guy beside me. Our conversation Sunday morning went like this:

Me: B, wake up it's 9am already. Do you want breakfast?

Him: Waaaah, Sunday na agad di pa ko nakakatulog! (Translation: It's Sunday already, I haven't even slept yet!)

Yeah, those are the kind of talks we have. And we ended up having breakfast at 10 after I threatened to drag him out of bed. LOL. And the rest of our weekend was peaceful. He is into Adam Sandler movies nowadays so we watched a bunch of them.

A perfect weekend deserves a perfect song. And I am just inlove with this song right now. I think it's my new favorite song. Hoping everyone had a nice weekend as well. ;)