How did you measure your life in 2010?
Let me start…
I’m happy that we were able to launch platforms to help the best home-based businesses in Manila promote their products to foodies via Ultimate Taste Tests 4 & 5, Foodie Delivery service and Mercato Centrale Weekend Market.
Also, it was very fulfilling to have coached and inspired the next generation of Internet Mavens via the Maven Secrets Program Batches 3 and 4.
Now, it’s your turn…
How did you measure your life in 2010?
Please answer in the comments section (which will serve as your official entry in the contest).
The top 2 best answers get two (2) orchestra side tickets (worth P3,400) each to RENT: The Musical in the following Our Awesome Planet shows: Opening Saturday Night February 12, 8pm OR February 19, 8pm Saturday show.
Contest deadline: January 16, Sunday, 11.59pm.
Sing-along with the Manila RENT cast (Video Link)
These three RENT Songs inspired me to quit my day job and pursue my passion for Our Awesome Planet. That’s why I love RENT! May you be blessed in the same way when you listen and sing along to these songs.
RENT The Musical is Back!
The hit musical RENT is back in time for Valentine’s Season 2011. It opens this coming February 12, 2011, Saturday, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.
RENT is the imaginative retelling of the classic Puccini opera, La Boheme, set in New York City’s gritty East Village. This unforgettable and timeless story of a group of starving artists, who, despite poverty and illness, learn to fall in love and find their voices, brings a universal message of hope for everyone.1
RENT 2011 Cast
- Gian Magdangal as Roger Davis
- (new) Sheree Baustita (Gian’s real-life girlfriend) as Mimi Marquez
- Fredison Lo as Mark Cohen, the nerdy filmmaker
- Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Maureen Johnson, the larger-than-life performance artist who sings “Over the Moon”
- (new) Mian Dimacali as Maureen Johnson (alternate)
- Job Baustista as Angel Dummott Schunard, Collins’ drag queen street musician lover
- OJ Mariano as Tom Collins, the computer genius
- Lorenz Martinez as Benjamin Coffin III, a former member of the group who, after marrying a wealthy woman, has since become their landlord.
- Jenny Villegas as Joanne Jefferson, Maureen’s public interest lawyer lover
- RENT Ensemble: Peachy Atilano, Harold Cruz, Johann dela Fuente, Gary Junsay, Anna Santamaria and Mark Tayag
Here is a good review of the new cast, particularly during their December run in Powerplant Mall:
Theaterrific | Points to Improve for Rent the Musical Manila
I’m glad Carla is back! I always watch RENT for three songs: Seasons of Love, La Vie Boheme and Over the Moon, especially when it’s performed by Carla.
RENT The Musical | Our Awesome Planet Shows
Feb 12, 2011 (Saturday)
8PM / RCBC Plaza
View the Seat Plan: (click here)
Contact Minnie: amillionmiracles@gmail.com or +63 917 867-6332 to buy your tickets.
(Mention OAP and you’ll get a special treat for the first 20 buyers 🙂
Feb 19, 2011 (Saturday)
8PM / RCBC Plaza
View the Seat Plan: (click here)
Contact Rache: rache@diaz.ph or +63917-531 8949 to buy your tickets.
Ticket Prices:
800 – Balcony
1,200 – Loge Last Row
1,700 – Loge Sides & Center
1,700 – Orchestra Sides
2,000 – Orchestra Center
RENT February 2010 Preview (video link)
Here is the Our Awesome Planet Review for RENT The Musical (February 2010)
Don’t miss this run! I have a feeling this is the last time RENT will be staged in Manila…
January 27 Update:
I’m glad I created this contest. The positive energy blessed everyone reading all the entries. Thanks for all those who joined the contest!
and the winners are….
PRIZE: Two Orchestra Side Tickets to February 12, Saturday 8pm show
1). Tina Vitas said…
I always measure my life in terms of how much I’ve stretched myself into becoming a better version of me – spiritually, mentally, emotionally & physically. And how much I’ve allowed people in my life to change me and on the flipside, how much I’ve somehow inspired them to look at their lives differently, in order for them to change, as well.
Because not too long ago, I defined my life’s purpose. Through private enterprise, it is my fervent desire to empower women, in particular, to change, grow and transform to become the God’s Absolute Best they were destined to be…..
Year 2010 was a monumental year for me. It was the year when I saw the beginnings of a dream fulfilled. In 2004, I came up with the concept of bringing my mom, Mama V’s dips, dressings and marinades to a broader food-loving audience by packaging them in bottles.
After six and a half years, the dream finally bore fruits. I found a business partner, I found all the various elements needed to take what was formerly homemade products to the public and opened my first Chile Vitas store in Robinsons Galleria on 10/10/10 at 10 am as a 42nd birthday present to myself.
Last year definitely marked a milestone in my life. A year when I proved to myself that with incredible faith, nothing is ever impossible! No matter how big and grand the dream may be…..Because I know in my heart we serve a BIG, BIG God who wants us to do BIG, BIG things while we are on this earth. Sometimes, even to do small things, in a BIG way is enough for Him.
In 2010, I took both my faith in the invisible hand that guides me and my fearlessness to a brand new level that I didn’t imagine was possible. What a way to measure a year that was!!!
PRIZE: Two Orchestra Side Tickets to February 19, Saturday 8pm show
2). Vanenie said…
The year 2010 was a year of tribulations and triumphs, of overcoming personal limitations and vanquishing personal demons, of strengthening filial ties and renewing kinship bonds.
We found out that our daughter, our firstborn, is special. She has developmental delays and has to undergo therapy. It was too big for us to handle, my husband and I, when we are just trying to redeem ourselves, to make right whatever missteps we’ve done in 2009. To prove to them that we can handle such a huge responsibility by ourselves, even when our contemporaries are just starting out on their respective careers.
It was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Feeling all the love, support and acceptance coming from both of our families and friends. They were always present, rejoicing with us in every small miracle that our daughter would make. A fighter, that’s what she is. Even up to now, she still amazes us with her tiny accomplishments and improvements.
I had questioned myself, even to the extent of taking the blame for what happened to our daughter. But towards the end of the year, I have learned to forgive myself. This isn’t something anyone had wanted, but life has thrown it in my direction. I have learned not to simply dodge and hold on, but also accept any blows and endure the suffering that comes with it, because that’s just how it is. This “storm” had also proved that our marriage is indeed built on solid grounds. It shook us to the core but it did not manage to crumble us or make us fall apart, and for that I am very thankful.
Lastly, I have returned to God and I have learned not to question his motives. I simply thought of it as His way of saying that “my husband and I are special too” because He will not choose us to be our daughter’s parents if He knew we are not suitable enough.
Faith. Hope. Love. These three I found to have in immeasurable amounts in 2010. 🙂
CONSOLATION PRIZE: 2011 Awesome Life Travel Log Planner
3). Kiel said…
Let me give you a brief background of my life: I used to be a happy-go-lucky person who tends to take things for granted, until I reached college where I learned to struggle for education, life and money especially after spending most of our savings in an attempt to save my mom from aortic aneurysm – but failed. Bearing in mind that my mom was the breadwinner of the family, and my dad is subject to forced retirement due to Chinese family political issues; my siblings and I are now responsible of our own lives. I took this as a slap in the face and realized that I only have my education to start with and lean on to. From that moment on, I have lived my life in a closed book by focusing only on my studies and hope to earn a good college degree that would serve as my stepping stone for a good career and pleasant life.
Losing the physical presence of my mother taught me how true the cliché is: “you don’t know what you’ve got until you lost them.” With this, I believe that everything is meaningless if you don’t have anyone to share it with. Luckily, after earning my college degree and passing the CPA board exam, I am now employed in a well-known audit firm and made it a point to increase my savings little by little. It was only in 2010 that I was able to extend and share my blessings with my beloved family and friends. So how would I measure my life in 2010? Simple, I measured it by the fruits that I was able to harvest after bountiful time and effort in planting seeds; may it be good, bad or the things in between, because everything comes in one package. After years of struggles and sacrifices, I was finally able to spend time with my friends, visit my siblings who live abroad, and consistently spend quality time with my dad. I may not be a well-off and/or powerful person, but I’m blessed for having reasons to smile everyday by continuing to live in a wholesome, God-oriented life, and also touch other people’s hearts even in the simplest ways.
For the new opportunities that opened, for the numerous blessings that I have received, for the obstacles encountered to improve personal growth and maturity, and most of all, for the priceless moments shared with my love ones who made my year very meaningful – thanks to the year 2010 that I was able to see life and measure my life in a different perspective. I look forward to a wonderful 2011 ahead! 🙂
Live an Awesome Life,
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Call or Text Me: +63917 5683-627 (LOVE-OAP)
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Full Disclosure: We are show buyers for the February 19, RENT Show.
1 Source: RENT Manila Official Press Release
P.S. Midnight Mercato will already be open during this time. After the RENT Show, head on over to Midnight Mercato, which is open from 11pm to 3am. RENT+Midnight Mercato would be a perfect pre-Valentine’s gimik!
I measured my Life in 2010 with the “Weight that I Gained” – Shows how much time I spent with Good Food, Great Family and Friends and Good Times.
In 2010, we welcomed the newest and cutest addition to our family. Being a mom again still feels new to me but it has definitely given me so much peace and happiness! 🙂
In 2010, started the year on a really bad note. I got to the point that I felt I was on ground zero and digging deeper. I contemplated killing myself to end everything. Luckily, I did not. Things turned around for me in 2010 in such a way that I found a great job where I excelled, renewed ties with my family, became a better person and generally turned my life around.
I learned to live my life using the mantra “no day but today” and it has helped me maximize life to the fullest. I measure my 2010 by the number of moments that I was able to touch lives through my words and through all the laughter, tears, smiles, hugs, kisses, and lessons learned.
I have always measured my life by His standards & thru His word. Reviewing the past year by the number of gains (gained friends, blessings that are unceasingly & continuously sent my/our way) against the losses, I can say that the ‘losses’ may be considered ‘gains’ because of the lessons I’ve gleaned from them. My constant thirst for His word, knowledge and new experiences (thanks to Anton! :D)and seeing the good in the bad..I can say that 2010 is a life well lived!
I measured my life in 2010 with healing. I had a bad 2009, and I told myself I will heal in 2010. Healing is a process, and there were awful times, feeling that you’re just going downhill or be stuck in a rut. There were a lot of tears and self-blaming. However, recognizing that healing is a process, I became kinder to myself, so that I’ll be kinder to others. Healing is composed of you, God and time. Sometimes, you just have to wait it out, and sometimes, you just have to take a lot of chances. By the end of the year, I realized how much I have healed, and how much thankful I am for the trials and tribulations that are included in healing. Loving yourself more will lead to loving and taking care of others even more 🙂
I measured my life in 2010 by the number of friends i gained, the number of family gatherings that I’ve attended despite the my busy schedule, and by the number of goals that I was able to achieve.
I measured my 2010 by the moments I spent with family and friends, both offline (physical presence) and online (YM, Facebook, Twitter, Skype).
I measured my life in 2010 with hope for every single day as life is never a dead end, just an unending ladder that will make me climb higher and higher over the moon. 🙂
I always measure my life in terms of how much I’ve stretched myself into becoming a better version of me – spiritually, mentally, emotionally & physically. And how much I’ve allowed people in my life to change me and on the flipside, how much I’ve somehow inspired them to look at their lives differently, in order for them to change, as well.
Because not too long ago, I defined my life’s purpose. Through private enterprise, it is my fervent desire to empower women, in particular, to change, grow and transform to become the God’s Absolute Best they were destined to be…..
Year 2010 was a monumental year for me. It was the year when I saw the beginnings of a dream fulfilled. In 2004, I came up with the concept of bringing my mom, Mama V’s dips, dressings and marinades to a broader food-loving audience by packaging them in bottles.
After six and a half years, the dream finally bore fruits. I found a business partner, I found all the various elements needed to take what was formerly homemade products to the public and opened my first Chile Vitas store in Robinsons Galleria on 10/10/10 at 10 am as a 42nd birthday present to myself.
Last year definitely marked a milestone in my life. A year when I proved to myself that with incredible faith, nothing is ever impossible! No matter how big and grand the dream may be…..Because I know in my heart we serve a BIG, BIG God who wants us to do BIG, BIG things while we are on this earth. Sometimes, even to do small things, in a BIG way is enough for Him.
In 2010, I took both my faith in the invisible hand that guides me and my fearlessness to a brand new level that I didn’t imagine was possible. What a way to measure a year that was!!!
My 2010 measured my perseverance as mother when I delivered for the second time in June 2010 a premature baby boy. He might just be two weeks early but he still had difficulty breathing and was in the NICU for 3 days and was left in the huggery for another 7 days. And I looked back at 2010 with a huge grin on my face because my premature baby who is now 7 months is very healthy with no signs of prematurity.
Last year 2010, I was happy that I have acquired my first million. But the happiness do not sustained me during the year which only proved that kind of happiness is short term. Millions or even billions do not really matter. What is important is the relationships I have accumulated,cherished and will continue to nourish, relationships with my family, relatives, friends, collegues, and most especially with God. This is the only basis I measured my life in the year 2010.
I measured my life in 2010 (and every year for that matter) by how I managed to become both father and mother to my two boys. You see, I am a single mom.
My youngest son enrolled in freshman year in 2010. Through my encouragement and prodding, I was able to convince him to apply for a scholarship. At first he was hesitant because, according to him, we are not financially deprived. But I explained to him that the scholarship that he will be applying for is an academic scholarship, because his high school grades are good. So he applied and got a full scholarship!
More than the financial rewards, I looked at my son’s scholarship as something that boosted his confidence and faith in himself. That for me is rewarding as a parent because I was able to let my son realize his potential.
I measured my life in 2010 by how I managed to become a good provider to my loving family. I was able to send my two sisters into college and review center.Who are now professionals and at the same time the emotional and financial needs of my Mom who is undergoing a series of treatment. I’m only 26 to young to experience but this things are enough to measure my life and to see life is good!
It’s funny you should have this contest because I have just recently revisited Rent (the movie) and posted numerous clips on my FB page as it has helped me realize certain things about me (again).
2010 began with me nursing a broken heart and a shattered spirit because of a rather scandalous break up that included having my ex sewing lies to my boss. It really brought my spirits down. I spent a good half of the year regaining back my lost confidence. It was mid-year when I had finally begun to love everything about myself and everything else followed. I had loved everything about myself and welcomed everything that life had blessed me with. It was then that I met someone who made things much sweeter. We had gotten along beautifully until just before Christmas when our wondrous relationship ended. The reason? Let’s just say, we were exact opposites. Just like Maureen and Joanne.
So, there I was, exactly where I had started – a broken heart and spirit. It was then that I came across my copy of the movie and I had watched it as one of my ways of dulling the pain. It was during that seen where they sang “Take Me For What I Am” that I had my own epiphany. I am great as I am and if they can’t see that, then that person is not meant for me because I am a wonderful catch. I don’t need to mold myself into what the other person thinks I should be.
And so, 2010 for me was a year of finding out how wonderful I truly am and how blessed I am for having such a wonderful support group in my family and friends. The joy of finding myself and the deliciousness of knowing I have such magnificent people surrounding me is enough to make me see that there is no room for misery or sadness. It’s with this knowledge that I go into a new year with a renewed faith, a reaffirmed belief in love, a greater desire to just be happy.
Learn, Live, and Love – these three things are my measures in life. Learning has always been part of life. Through Living life, we can dignify our existence and find what we truly want. Finally, it is only when we give true love can we feel immortalized.
RENT– My fave Musical!!
Recently posted my 2010 year-end Blog…. I did measure my 2010 with “My 2010 Tickets!” Just simply sharing… http://iamtonee.blogspot.com/2010/12/2010-year-in-life.html
Wanna win these free tickets!!!!
I measured my life in 2010 by just being my true self(showing the real me) and being carefree. I am enjoying every inch of the story of my life through the good and bad times. I didn’t let my worries to take over but instead cover them up with all the beautiful moments I share with my family, friends and everyone else. What is important is just Enjoying LIFE – God’s greatest gift to us and sharing it with your loved ones, with or without material wealth . 😉
I measured my life in 2010 by each moments of reflection and the experiences it was based on 🙂
My 2010 was quite a ride, if I may say; one that taught me some lessons. It started off with my wife getting pregnant in January. At the end of her first trimester, she had severe uterine contractions, which resulted in us having to stay in the hospital for 3 days. It’s a blessing, though, that I also worked in the hospital where she had to be admitted.
I thought that the only significant event during this year would be my daughter’s birth. She was due in October, but before giving birth, two more things happened. Our “Auntie” (not our blood relative but stays with us at home) had a stroke in September. I recall carrying her to the car because her right side was very weak. She had to stay in the hospital for 3 days. And then, in early October, another event ensued. While my wife and I were on the way to a business meeting, my aunt called me, crying. My maternal grandmother’s cousin, who was also staying in our home, was involved in a truck versus pedestrian accident and died on the spot.
After these dark lows, light finally came. On October 22, 2010 at exactly 12 noon, our baby, Saidah Emery, was born via Caesarean section. She was born strong and healthy. After sickness and death, came new life. This is how I measure 2010: After all the downs and lows, the only way to go is UP. God will never give us any challenge that we cannot overcome. Making God the center of our lives will ultimately help us overcome these challenges.
2010…
a celebration of love since my partner and I celebrated our third year together with all those people who witnessed our start and our growing love for each other
a celebration of life because Martha Portugal came into this world after my brother fully recovered from his heart issues
a celebration of success on landing on a too good to be true opportunity
a celebration of growth for being able to reach the quarter life
a celebration of being a strong child of God after all those heartbreaking trials
2010 wasn’t perfect and not even close to being one, but despite all those negative things that had happened, I’ve managed to look at it at a different light…by citing all the positive things that made me stronger, wiser and a fighter…
now, I’ve managed to embrace and face 2011 with arms wide open:)
Dyza Portugal
dyza.portugal@gmail.com
I measured my life in 2010 by the risks I took. It was in 2010 when I decided I will stop waiting for things to happen to me. I, myself, will grab life by the balls and make things happen! This year, I ran my first 10K, bought a DSLR camera and enrolled in photography workshops and photography clubs (gained new friends in the process), bought a mountain bike so I can bike as an alternative workout to running, and travelled abroad (I saw the magnificent Angkor Wat in Cambodia for the first time, and wow, it was breathtaking). Finally, 2010 was also the year I moved out of my parents’ house. I have been talking about it for ages, but I never really had the guts nor the initiative to really make it happen. Now I live alone in a modest, but nice (and clean!) apartment and I am learning so much about freedom and responsibility that I don’t think I would have learned if I’d stayed in my comfort zone, literally and figuratively. I am sure 2011 will be just as full of adventure and excitement!
Sinukat ko ang aking buhay noong nakaraang taon sa maraming pagsubok at tagumpay na dumating. Sa pamamagitan ng pananampalatayang pinaigting at hininog ng panahon. Sa pamamagitan ng karanasan sa negosyo upang magamit ito sa susunod. Sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulodok sa nakaraan at pagsisimula ng bagong buhay. Sa pamamagitan ng tapang upang harapin ang mga bagong sugal sa tadhana. Sa pamamagitan ng masasarap na pagkaing noon ko lamang natikman. Sa pamamagitan ng mga masasayang oras ng kalayaan at kapayapaan kasama ang mga kaibigan at pamilya. At bilang huli, sinukat ko ang aking buhay noong 2010 sa pamamagitan ng lubos na pagmamahal na ibinigay ko sa aking mapapangasawa.
Ako’y pinagpala na binigyan ako ng Maykapal ng isang napaka ganda at masayang taon sa kabila ng lahat.
Maligayang bagong taon sa lahat! : )
I measured my life in 2010 by how much I’ve touched other people’s lives. I wrote a social enterprise business plan that promotes a sustainable system by connecting our local, small, organic famers directly to consumers. This creates a harmonious relationship that supports the livelihood of our small farmers, promotes eco/enviro-consciousness, bridges understanding between consumers and producers, and all at the same time, nourishing our bodies through healthy eating.
The business plan won grant money from the British Council, which my friends and I have used to implement the plan this year! The business is called Good Food Company and you can search it on FB (or go to http://www.goodfoodcommunity.com). We have received great feedback from the farmers themselves, our NGO partner, and family and friends who’ve been our 1st customers that we are now doing our 2nd trial run this Saturday, Jan 15, with more participants. We hope to encourage more people in supporting our vision for a more sustainable planet by simply adding organics to their diet. 🙂
Have a great year everyone! 😀
Philip Lee Jr.
philipleejr@gmail.com
Indeed, how do you measure a year? I guess this is how I measured my 2010 – just as the song says, “Measure your life in love.”
Not everything goes according to plan, as they say; in 2010, my grandfather was confined in the ICU (up until now), there were financial issues in our family, I’ve lost so much time for myself and others because of school, and many other things.
But in the end, it’s about the way you look at things.
–> I was never really close to my grandfather but ever since I’ve been visiting him and we’ve become closer and we were able to share the love.
–> Despite the financial problems, blessings came and I was able to watch CATS and The Wedding Singer, and my love for theater was reborn.
–> And despite being immersed in my studies (in medicine), God has answered my prayers to give me time for my family and most especially for Him.
In the end, it wasn’t about the bad things, but the opportunities to love and be loved, and the blessings given to me by God because what He gives is always for our best. Life is fleeting, we all know that. We often get too absorbed with what we do and tend to forget the important things in life. But what is constant is His love and that’s what life is all about!
Because of this, I could truly say that 2010 was indeed full of love, and 2011 is going to be even better! I’m looking forward to another year of growth, another year of learning, another year full of blessings from God, and another year full of life and love! 🙂
I assessed my 2010 based on the goals I’ve set at the start of the year. I have concrete resolutions like reading at least 12 books for the year, get a passport and travel out of the country, lose 40 lbs, break a bad habit i.e. procastination, apply for an SSS loan, and find the one. Along with these are my life-goals like building and strengthening relationships, learn something new, surprise myself and always keep the faith.
I may not be successful with some of my goals but I am determined to accomplish them, if not now maybe tomorrow. 🙂 With the guidance from Him, support and love from my family and friends, and marshmallows when I feel down – I know I can do this. 2010 may not be legen—dary but definitely, it’s awesome possum!
So, how did I measure my 2010? As always, I measure it by the smiles, learnings and love that I shared and got.
Please read my year-end post here: http://growthanddk.blogspot.com/2011/01/dexnote-plant-tree-write-book-have-son.html
I really wanted to see Rent. 🙂
Title: Don’t English Me i’m PanIC!!!
GooD Days,…Me likE to Start Saying By HAppy NewYear tO all Of gUys You oUt There…Me mEasUred My lifes iN 2010 bY cOuntings OneByone My BlLessings DayAfterDay, don’t Get me started to Start eveRyone of each stories anD story each Ones to You ok??? rEnt iS favorite oF Me, EspeCially ThE SonG “SEASONS OF LOVE”.. ayyy Luvvv Etttt!!! oN My Seriously Notes tHE past YeAr, i CoUnt, COunting anD CounTed My Life by DiScoVer my real me By FolloWings my PaSSions in LifES anD NEver Afriads oF beiNg DifFereNt to Other peOple…XpreS mY xpressioN bY FooD, PhoThography And the impOrTanT Of theM AlL is My Personal FaMily…and Well welL Well What Do i have Here, i’m gettinG Teary eyEd And EmotIoNals..i’m ashamed Already… mE Will The End THis bY saYing nO Better Measure everythIng wIth Love..sEasons Of Love..
PS. Please let me win this one, it’s my 30th birthday today…Please!!!…
it is almost exactly as i expected but not enough it is not even close to completion i find 2010 still slow in making life even more wonderful even more happier healthier wealthier it is still very slow but it is almost what it should be it tears mein happiness that soooo many are learning more to love themselves so in returned they would know how to love others just like how they love themselves coz if you don’t do it in this one lifetime is when & WHO WILL? one day at a time knowing who they are as people many discovered their own human strenght and became strong willed people wow wow wow let all other filipinos learned these read these feel these happy new 2011 year to all lol
I measured 2010 by the amount of laughter that I did. Despite the harsher memories of the past year, like my dad passing away, I still face 2011 with positivity and enthusiasm, carried mainly by the laughter and joy that i have experienced in the past year.
The laughter represents what is truly important to me- love, friends, helping others out, etc. and no bad memory will keep me from getting my positive vibes! Positive 2011! 🙂
I measured my life in 2010 by the overwhelming joy I feel out of touching and changing other people’s lives for the better and knowing a great deal of my self out of doing such.
I am a bachelor who spends for no one but himself (and I must say that at 28, I have kind of lived my life to the fullest) until I offered to shoulder my nephew’s college education here in Manila. My sister, a single parent to six children, was delighted and overwhelmed by this and I am just grateful that I volunteered as the decision not only unburdened my sister’s constant problem of making ends meet, it also made me a better person. I get to not just take care of my nephew’s financial needs, I get to become a responsible parent too.
But I think I am most proud of my decision to go back to community service last year. I’ve been doing community work since I graduated from college and got my self a job as an instructor in a university that’s high on “giving back,” until workplace politics turned me into a jaded person. Last year, as I celebrated my birthday on my own in Palawan, I realized that something was missing. On my way to a remote town in Palawan, I spotted a little boy, no more than seven, who, unlike everyone else, had nothing on his feet. He was reading his notebook as he walked along the road. Our eyes met. He smiled at me. I wanted to stop the driver, get out of the car, and hug that little boy. The light in his eyes showed passion and not hardship, his smile betrayed the life of poverty he lives.
And then I remembered the hundreds of students back in the Cordilleras who probably share that little boy’s story too, and whose gratitude towards volunteer workers like us saw us through even when we had to endure unending road trips, sleep on the floor, bathe in the most embarrassing manner.
And so, before 2010 came to an end, I packed my bag and with friends high on volunteerism, spent three days in Mt. Province providing free leadership training and theater workshop to high school students. The joy that I got out of meeting new friends, and educating students whose genuine smiles I remember to this day, was incomparable.And I knew then I would be back this year (and the many more years to come)to extend another helping hand.
I am just grateful that 2010 allowed me to know myself better through other people who gave new meaning to Rent’s famous call of living life to the fullest :))
I measured my life in 2010 by taking steps to totally change my life around and make sure that it is a life more well lived…
I used to be extremely overweight and lived with that condition for almost 5 years which put a toll on my health and also affected my relationship with my family and friends…
With perseverance and sheer willpower and the support of my loved ones, 2010 was the year i changed my life positively by making more healthy eating choices and getting active physically…
My efforts did not go unrewarded though because as of present, i already lost 84 lbs…
I still have a long way to go to get to my ideal weight but it is truly a liberating feeling to enjoy all the things that i have foregone for the longest time… Travelling, going to the mall, hanging out with friends and simply enjoying the quality of life that i have not been able to enjoy before…
I feel truly thankful and blessed…:)
My 2010 was measured in the number of blessings that I received. As they say, misery starts when we focus on the 10% things missing in our life rather than seeing the 90% blessings that we have. And so there is no other way I would have measured 2010 but by counting the blessings I had: my promotion at the beginning and at the end of the year, my husband’s promotion, my brother-in-law’s wedding, my sister’s wedding, good health, a business and my pregnancy.
That’s my 2010 measured in blessings and of course love =)
Life in love indeed is the best unit of measure in everything we do. Personally, my 2010 has given me an opportunity to learn what I can and cannot do. To learn to love unconditionally amidst the throbbing of selfish pursuits. I realize that to fight for oneself should be one’s battlecry, for life is short and letting people control you is by far what we don’t want to do—life is all about pursuing your passions, and bringing the best of yourself from the things that you are proud of.
On a scale of 1 to 10, my life measurement would be 5. I am always a work in progress, and it does matter that we work for love.
i measured my life in 2010 from the amount of hugs and kisses i got from my only daughter who just turned six last december. receiving those hugs and kisses are both a joy and a bittersweet feeling, knowing that i must be doing something good with my life for receiving them and at the same time realizing that this wont last forever as they grow up so fast. 🙁
I measured my life in 2010 by what I have learned and experienced..
You see 2010 was like a new beginning for me, I just recently quit my day job to pursue graduate studies, that meant no more paychecks during the 15th and the 30th, but It also meant freedom from the pressures of work, to pursue my dreams in life..
Graduate studies also gave me a chance to prove to myself that I can be the best at what I do as long as I give it my best(with God’s help of course) and persevere. This was because I during my college days I was a bit happy go lucky, no, not a bit, but really happy go lucky, that meant studying only when your almost at the point of failing, and cramming at that.During those times to pass and to graduate was my only goal, I was happy with mediocrity, but now its different I have passion in my studies, and fire in my belly, I am no longer satisfied with just completing the requirements, I now thrived for excellence, not to prove a point to someone else, but to appreciate the talents that God has given me and to prove to myself that I can be what I want to be..
Hopefully I could keep the fire burning towards 2011(this is my graduation year).. 🙂
More power and GodBless to the awesome planet!
I measured my 2010 by the lessons and insights gained; by the number of risks I took; by the amount of debt I owe and was able to repay; by the number of wonderful people who helped make my birthday meaningful & memorable; by the number of trips I took and the number of times my breath was taken away; by the amount of profit and losses I made; and lastly, by the number of times I was sick and absent from work.
One of the things I am most proud of in 2010 is being able to celebrate my birthday at the Gawad Kalinga Village in Payatas 13. My friends and I pooled our resources and we held a kiddie party for 50 SAGIP kids in the area. It was a small gesture of gratitude for all the blessings showered upon us that year.
This year, I also gained a lot of friends and contacts which helped me sell items online and offline. It helped me in my little experiments –> the 3 types of businesses I got involved in this 2010. In February I learned how to bake, package and sell brownies to family, friends and neighbors. From brownies, I shifted to selling bras (hahaha!) during summer up to around September. But by October, I felt I was now ready to bring it to another level so I decided to join Human Nature and sign up as an independent dealer.
Suffice it to say, that the first 2 businesses were both learning experiences for me. The losses I was able to recover in time, and the debts incurred I was able to repay over time but the lessons and insights I gained will continue to mold me and the way I do business today and in the future.
Of course, a year will not be complete without any travel on my list of agendas. In 2010, I also took several trips to revisit some of my favorite destinations : Vigan & Pagudpud in Ilocos; Lucban in Quezon province and Sagada, Mt Province. It was fun to be able to experience an old place in a new way and for the first time, I got to see the Bangui windmills, go up the Burgos lighthouse, soak in the cold waters of Taytay Falls, and shout from the hill overlooking the Echo Valley.
On a sobering note, I got sick quite a few times this year and had to use up all of my leaves because of asthma and a recurring throat infection (toncilitis).
2010 was definitely a balanced year for me. There were both lonely and fun times, panic-mode and serene times, as well as sober and sobering times.
And with that…I hope I get to watch RENT on stage. It would definitely be one of the highlights for my 2011. 😀
2010 for me is all about Family.
My 2010 started by giving up a successful and fulfilling banking career, to take care of my daughters, aged 4 and 3 then gave birth to my third. It was a difficult decision as I loved what I was doing, career wise, but the completeness of being with my daughters and knowing that they are happy with me by just being around, is so worth it.
It is also a start to strengthen my ties with my husband as I am now a “full partner” in his business. As husband and wife, we decide on matters together, whether it be in the finances, personnel or operations of his business.
2010 also marks the start of a new business venture of having our Tagaytay family home, open for events and overnighters. It is nice to share the beauty and serenity of our place and I am happy that others have also appreciated the place, by celebrating their special occasions there or by having their family over, just enjoying the Tagaytay breeze with loved ones.
2010 for me is all about Family.
My 2010 started by giving up a successful and fulfilling banking career, to take care of my daughters, aged 4 and 3 then gave birth to my third. It was a difficult decision as I loved what I was doing, career wise, but the completeness of being with my daughters and knowing that they are happy with me by just being around, is so worth it.
It is also a start to strengthen my ties with my husband as I am now a “full partner” in his business. As husband and wife, we decide on matters together, whether it be in the finances, personnel or operations of his business.
2010 also marks the start of a new business venture of having our Tagaytay family home, open for events and overnighters. It is nice to share the beauty and serenity of our place and I am happy that others have also appreciated the place, by celebrating their special occasions there or by having their family over, just enjoying the Tagaytay breeze with loved ones.
And by that, one’s love for Family cannot be totally measured, nor questioned.
Last year, I grabbed various opportunities that expanded my territory.
First, I took a very challenging job and allowed myself to do bigger things than what I used to do since I graduated from college. I didn’t know I could do such tasks. I learned so much about believing in my abilities and God-confidence.
I also started a campaign “Para sa Guro ng Kinabukasan” to help Gawad Kalinga Sibol Teachers in Los Banos. Each month, generous friends of mine donate 100 pesos each to add up to the meagre allowance that the Sibol teachers receive. This gave me the opportunity not just to bless my used to be co-teachers in GK, but also the chance for my friends to honor those who are giving their life to teach the future hope of our country.
My 2010 would not be complete without our yearly barkada gimmick. Since 2002, we have been visiting two orphanages every December, to celebrate Jesus’ birthday with them.
But most especially, I measured the year that was with how wide I made my God smile, and how many times He proudly said, “Oh, that’s my daughter.”
how do i measure my life in 2010? by the number of smiles from the little children stricken with cancer and indigent patients with whom we celebrated life with? Instead of doing the traditional birthday dinner with family and friends, my friends and I decided to give the chance to the children confined at the UST hospital and the less fortunate patients and their families who have sought temporary shelter at the PCSO compound to celebrate instead. Each child has touched our lives more than we have touched theirs…we vow to continue the life celebration for as long as we could.
In 2010 i was able to be part of the german student exchange program, we went to seven different cities, we met industrial design practitioners, went to different museum-exhibits-events, drink lots of beer and just really sulk the german culture. I measure life in dreams and taking chances, because when you dream and take chances thats when you truly live.
I measured life in 2010 not by the number of times that I fell, but by the number of time I picked myself up and dusted the dirt off. It was not the ignominy of failure that taught me the most valuable lessons; rather, the endless opportunities for learning enabled me (shamed me, almost!) to stand up and try again. Life did not give up on me, it was only fair that I returned the favor.
I measured 2010 by the memories: a number of GREAT stories, waiting to be told over and over again through the coming years. Good times =)
525,600 minutes of 2010 brought me so much joy, blessings and love. That was the year I got my promotion, gained friends and most of all shared precious moments with my family that for after so many years we all sat down on one table having bountiful dinner which for me is priceless…
I measured my life in 2010 by celebrating living more like never before! 😀
My mom and dad celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, i celebrated my 25th birthday also, graduating from my 2nd course, interior design, which is my true passion and finally reconnecting with God.
Having gained new friends and feel blessed that i have the old ones, feels great as i have always longed for their company (me being an only child)
finally looking forward for 2011 – to live, laugh and love more! 🙂
my life reached its peak in 2010. 😉
It can’t be measured! 2010 was too tumultuous a year for me;)
But to answer your question, I measured my life in 2010 through the friendships I lost and the part of myself that I gained back in return…And I measured it too through the things I have written, which will forever be etched in my hard drive. I’ll read those again and think, “What a 2010!”
When I started working in the corporate world, I became so focused on my work,
takings things as they come. I had completely forgotten about other things, and the dreamer in me just died. But thankfully, this changed in the latter half of 2010, when I took some days off and went for a vacation. I met someone and eventually fell in love. This led to a lot of experiences and life lessons. I did things out of the ordinary, things I would normally not do. But out of love and adventure, I did all of them with no regrets. I have always been living in my comfort zone but now, I finally had the courage to take risks. And if you ask me now of my future goals and plans, I could talk on and on about them. 2010 has made me go back to my old self.
The year 2010 was a year of tribulations and triumphs, of overcoming personal limitations and vanquishing personal demons, of strengthening filial ties and renewing kinship bonds.
We found out that our daughter, our firstborn, is special. She has developmental delays and has to undergo therapy. It was too big for us to handle, my husband and I, when we are just trying to redeem ourselves, to make right whatever missteps we’ve done in 2009. To prove to them that we can handle such a huge responsibility by ourselves, even when our contemporaries are just starting out on their respective careers.
It was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Feeling all the love, support and acceptance coming from both of our families and friends. They were always present, rejoicing with us in every small miracle that our daughter would make. A fighter, that’s what she is. Even up to now, she still amazes us with her tiny accomplishments and improvements.
I had questioned myself, even to the extent of taking the blame for what happened to our daughter. But towards the end of the year, I have learned to forgive myself. This isn’t something anyone had wanted, but life has thrown it in my direction. I have learned not to simply dodge and hold on, but also accept any blows and endure the suffering that comes with it, because that’s just how it is. This “storm” had also proved that our marriage is indeed built on solid grounds. It shook us to the core but it did not manage to crumble us or make us fall apart, and for that I am very thankful.
Lastly, I have returned to God and I have learned not to question his motives. I simply thought of it as His way of saying that “my husband and I are special too” because He will not choose us to be our daughter’s parents if He knew we are not suitable enough.
Faith. Hope. Love. These three I found to have in immeasurable amounts in 2010. 🙂
I measure 2010 with the lessons I’ve learned, the times I fell down and got back up again. I measure 2010 with how much I’ve grown and changed for the better or the worse. When I look back at 2010 years from now, I know I will definitely remember vividly all the blessings I received from love to hardships, from moments of chilling to times when I down right had to crawl. 2010 was special. So much so that it marked the start and end of two decades. I believe 2010 is the year I turned a corner and started heading towards a new direction, one where love and happiness is the destination. 🙂
I measured my 2010 by miles I travelled.
Growing up underprivileged, I always have to
pass on school field trips and barkada galaan
as my parents cannot afford anything outside
the basic food/shelter/school expenses. Even
in my early 20s, I felt left out by my
upwardly mobile yuppie peers whenever they jet
off to Boracay or Bangkok as I have 3 brothers
to support. I turned to books and the internet
and emit a wistful sigh whenever a serious
case of wanderlust bites me.
Not anymore. All my stars aligned in 2010, with a promotion that gave me the finances and the time to fulfill my childhood dream and have I travelled!
Last year marked my 1st international trip (to
Bangkok, natch) and I have visited 4 countries
before the year closed. I also had my first
Boracay experience, as well as Cebu, Bohol,
Palawan and Ilocos.
This 2011, I want to extend the wonderful gift
of travel and experiencing other cultures as I
bought my 3 brothers (who has never set foot
on a plane before) tickets to HongKong in the
last fare sale! Life is good.
In 2010, like in the years before it, I ranted and complained how difficult and complicated (my) life was… how frustrating things at home or at work were… and how things can be better if I were somewhere else or doing something else. But as the year (2010) finally came to a close and we have welcomed a new year – the beginning of another decade, it’s a time to reflect and retrospect. If my life in 2010 is to be measured…
it would be with the THANK YOU’s
I gave and should have given
for people and things that came my way…
it would be with the OPPORTUNITIES
to make a difference in people’s lives
and the difference they have made in mine…
it would be with MEMORIES
of time spent with the people I love
and quiet times with myself…
if only there was a way to measure my life in a year
it would be with more than just words…
in SMILES… in LAUGHTER… in LOVING… and LIVING…
2010 was a good year after all. =)
I measured life in 2010 by the greatness of God’s work in every single day that has passed. May it be good or bad, things happen in our lives for a reason. Oftentimes, we could not have it in our way. We just have to always trust in His mercy and let Him guide us as we live our lives according to His plans.
I started smoking in 2009 in a foreign country. I started thinking that hey — I can stop anytime since I JUST started smoking. I was away from my family. I felt strong, independent — I was free. December came and I thought — okay, time to stop now.
But I couldn’t. 2010 for me was a struggle to stop smoking. Of course I treasure the times I spent with friends and family. But if I had continued smoking, the time I had with my family and friends would have been much shorter than it could have been.
It’s no joke trying to stop. A lot of my friends smoke and a lot of them have also tried to stop. And most of them are still at it.
2010 was measured by the seconds, minutes, hours, and days when I didn’t smoke. The days that I treated my body well, the days that I didn’t endanger others’ health through second-hand smoke, and the days that I didn’t add to mother earth’s sufferings.
You have to think about yourself first. Your own health and well-being. I read somewhere that we should think about the instruction we hear while riding a plane: we should make sure that our oxygen masks are on first before assisting others. Because how can we help others when we ourselves are struggling.
Let me give you a brief background of my life: I used to be a happy-go-lucky person who tends to take things for granted, until I reached college where I learned to struggle for education, life and money especially after spending most of our savings in an attempt to save my mom from aortic aneurysm – but failed. Bearing in mind that my mom was the breadwinner of the family, and my dad is subject to forced retirement due to Chinese family political issues; my siblings and I are now responsible of our own lives. I took this as a slap in the face and realized that I only have my education to start with and lean on to. From that moment on, I have lived my life in a closed book by focusing only on my studies and hope to earn a good college degree that would serve as my stepping stone for a good career and pleasant life.
Losing the physical presence of my mother taught me how true the cliché is: “you don’t know what you’ve got until you lost them.” With this, I believe that everything is meaningless if you don’t have anyone to share it with. Luckily, after earning my college degree and passing the CPA board exam, I am now employed in a well-known audit firm and made it a point to increase my savings little by little. It was only in 2010 that I was able to extend and share my blessings with my beloved family and friends. So how would I measure my life in 2010? Simple, I measured it by the fruits that I was able to harvest after bountiful time and effort in planting seeds; may it be good, bad or the things in between, because everything comes in one package. After years of struggles and sacrifices, I was finally able to spend time with my friends, visit my siblings who live abroad, and consistently spend quality time with my dad. I may not be a well-off and/or powerful person, but I’m blessed for having reasons to smile everyday by continuing to live in a wholesome, God-oriented life, and also touch other people’s hearts even in the simplest ways.
For the new opportunities that opened, for the numerous blessings that I have received, for the obstacles encountered to improve personal growth and maturity, and most of all, for the priceless moments shared with my love ones who made my year very meaningful – thanks to the year 2010 that I was able to see life and measure my life in a different perspective. I look forward to a wonderful 2011 ahead! 🙂
Definitely one good combination – Rent + Midnight Mercato, since I’ve been dying to do both but due to the lack of time management and school hoolaboolas. I cannot wait for this! 🙂 http://jonverdavid.wordpress.com
I measured my life in 2010 based on the impact that I made in the people around me. In the end, we will not be measured by our achievements, awards, or recognitions but by the impact that we made in the lives of those who really mattered. If you think about it, most of us will not really remember those who were recognized for their achievements or fame. But I’m sure that we will never forget those who devoted their lives to craft the persons we are today.
2010….
529,599 minutes of breathing mediocrity, saying ” i wish …” and living vicariously
1 minute to decide to spend my next 525, 600 minutes living my dreams, saying “i will” and truly being alive!
As a law student, my 2010 could be measured by the number of highlighters I’ve consumed, the number of cases I’ve read, the number of law provisions I’ve memorized, the number of coffee cups I consume everyday, and even by the days when I rush to get some sleep because the dusk is up and coming already and I am still awake.
Really, it is no easy task being a student of law.
But amidst all the stress and the haggardness, the year’s measure would be incomplete without counting the number of beers I’ve drank after finishing an exam, the parties I’ve attended at the end of the semester after almost depriving myself with social life during the semester’s the entire duration, the roadtrips, the vacations, the new friends I’ve made, the old friends who still remain as warm as before, and the bonding moments with the family whom you know is always there supportive of your every endeavour.
My 2010 might be the most eventful 525,600 minutes of my 21-year long life. This was the year when I really started getting to know myself. At the same time, I was reinventing myself into the kind of person I wanted to grow up to be. I took more risks and started doing things I would normally be too hesitant to do.
First, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life. I ran and won as my college org’s president. More than the victory of getting enough votes though was that I was able to measure my life in the friendships that I had. I saw who my real friends were and found support in the most surprising places.
Second, I took a photojournalism class as an elective in school. I’ve always been really interested in photography but was always afraid that I wasn’t good enough so I never gave it too much effort, thinking that I could use this an excuse whenever I took bad pictures. This year, I measured my life not in the number of successes I’ve had but in the genuine effort that I exerted. I worked harder but I also measured my worth differently. I didn’t let grades or any other secondary forms of measure dictate who I was.
Lastly, I measured my life in cups of coffee. Lots and lots of it! 🙂
I measure 2010 with the experiences and the learnings that the year brought me. 2010 was indeed one of a ride for me. Experiences that brought me into different places, opportunities that made me tried on new things. chances that allowed me to discover myself further as well as cultivated deeper friendships, events that made me hit my highs and lowest points, wherein I’ve hit rock bottom, yet managed to stood up and see things in a much clearer perspective. The learnings that the past year gave me where attributed in these experiences. I’ve learned to embrace my own individuality, appreciated the diversity within my circle, let go of the baggages that consumed me over the previous years, learned to choose my battles, and fought it with grace and learned to accept things the way it should be, thus, making me appreciate life at its finest as I get to remember the love of the people around me.. Truly, 2010, a year that was.
My 2010
Thankful to have turned thirty
Wished I’ve won the P741M lottery
Enchanted with the beauty of Subic, Marinduque, Cebu, Bohol and Bacolod – nature at its best
Notoriously mad when betrayed- felt like the wicked witch of the west
Took a stand and voiced it out loud and clear
Y earned to touch base with family and friends I haven’t seen or heard from for years
Thrilled to have spent time with my 7 and 3-year old nieces
Enjoyed being kid and tapping into my creativity
Nourished my soul with God’s word
In a nutshell, I was blessed to go through the ups and downs of life …feel every type of emotion there is .. .experience the fullness of being God’ s best creation – being human.
I measured it with “first”s:
first job
first department transfer
first training in an unexpected department
first heartache
first gift to myself
first time to live alone by myself
etc. etc.
In the end, despite all the unexpected changes, it was the firsts that made 2010 so much more meaningful and an eye opener to life. 🙂
this is so true. thanks to the writer who wrote this.. let’s do appreciate everything
I measured my 2010 by the way I am able to use my abilities in a way that not only benefits myself, but also helps other people.
I was able to open my own art school in Katipunan, which subsidizes the free art lessons I give to those who can’t afford it.
I continued my work as a college teacher, cherishing the moments when I learn from my students in the same way they, hopefully, learn from me.
In response to Ondoy, I assembled and published “After the Storm,” a book of essays to benefit those who were affected (and to serve as a testament that this event really happened–sometimes we can be such forgetful people). I also organized a Sketch-a-thon, which collected donations in exchange for personalized sketches and artwork from artist friends. Finally, I contributed artwork to another benefit book, Renaissance.
Through it all, I continued pursuing my studies (MA Education), and was somehow still able to find time for my family, my girlfriend, and my friends. Which, I think, in the end, is one of the most amazing things in my life — that, even though I can see how I could have made my work better, how there’s always room for improvement, I am surrounded by these wonderful people who are always so supportive and caring and understanding. About them I have nothing at all to complain about. 🙂
December 2010, that time before christmas, my Dad was diagnosed with bladder cancer and had to be operated as soon as possible because it was malignant. Since he was the only one bringing the money in the family, everyone had to stop and help out to pay the bills. Our family once again became much closer because of this blessing that has been given to us. Now, I guess that is how I measure my 2010.
measure 2010,
nothing really a way or a tool to measure 2010 or even life,
we all dream to be and have the best….
People commonly gauge time,love,day,achievement by how,when or anyway that can be quantify
I do too Believe there is good and bad year,
but I dont measure it that way…
but instead I measure year of life by simple saying thank you lord,
No matter how painful, blissful life is
Its still Blessing,
We are all still part of this life.
we are still able to see light in the dark
maybe we have less than the others.
i maybe sick
but i can be happy
i may be broken hearted but i have family
I learn to appreciate the people around me, and understand their stories, and to live my life like its the last.
and that is what jonathan larson’s rent wanted to show, that in every individual, there is a story to hear…. and a life to live…
Who won the tickets pala? 🙂
I’m glad I created this contest. The positive energy blessed everyone reading all the entries. Thanks for all those who joined the contest!
and the winners are….
PRIZE: Two Orchestra Side Tickets to February 12, Saturday 8pm show
1). Tina Vitas said…
I always measure my life in terms of how much I’ve stretched myself into becoming a better version of me – spiritually, mentally, emotionally & physically. And how much I’ve allowed people in my life to change me and on the flipside, how much I’ve somehow inspired them to look at their lives differently, in order for them to change, as well.
Because not too long ago, I defined my life’s purpose. Through private enterprise, it is my fervent desire to empower women, in particular, to change, grow and transform to become the God’s Absolute Best they were destined to be…..
Year 2010 was a monumental year for me. It was the year when I saw the beginnings of a dream fulfilled. In 2004, I came up with the concept of bringing my mom, Mama V’s dips, dressings and marinades to a broader food-loving audience by packaging them in bottles.
After six and a half years, the dream finally bore fruits. I found a business partner, I found all the various elements needed to take what was formerly homemade products to the public and opened my first Chile Vitas store in Robinsons Galleria on 10/10/10 at 10 am as a 42nd birthday present to myself.
Last year definitely marked a milestone in my life. A year when I proved to myself that with incredible faith, nothing is ever impossible! No matter how big and grand the dream may be…..Because I know in my heart we serve a BIG, BIG God who wants us to do BIG, BIG things while we are on this earth. Sometimes, even to do small things, in a BIG way is enough for Him.
In 2010, I took both my faith in the invisible hand that guides me and my fearlessness to a brand new level that I didn’t imagine was possible. What a way to measure a year that was!!!
PRIZE: Two Orchestra Side Tickets to February 19, Saturday 8pm show
2). Vanenie said…
The year 2010 was a year of tribulations and triumphs, of overcoming personal limitations and vanquishing personal demons, of strengthening filial ties and renewing kinship bonds.
We found out that our daughter, our firstborn, is special. She has developmental delays and has to undergo therapy. It was too big for us to handle, my husband and I, when we are just trying to redeem ourselves, to make right whatever missteps we’ve done in 2009. To prove to them that we can handle such a huge responsibility by ourselves, even when our contemporaries are just starting out on their respective careers.
It was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Feeling all the love, support and acceptance coming from both of our families and friends. They were always present, rejoicing with us in every small miracle that our daughter would make. A fighter, that’s what she is. Even up to now, she still amazes us with her tiny accomplishments and improvements.
I had questioned myself, even to the extent of taking the blame for what happened to our daughter. But towards the end of the year, I have learned to forgive myself. This isn’t something anyone had wanted, but life has thrown it in my direction. I have learned not to simply dodge and hold on, but also accept any blows and endure the suffering that comes with it, because that’s just how it is. This “storm” had also proved that our marriage is indeed built on solid grounds. It shook us to the core but it did not manage to crumble us or make us fall apart, and for that I am very thankful.
Lastly, I have returned to God and I have learned not to question his motives. I simply thought of it as His way of saying that “my husband and I are special too” because He will not choose us to be our daughter’s parents if He knew we are not suitable enough.
Faith. Hope. Love. These three I found to have in immeasurable amounts in 2010. 🙂
CONSOLATION PRIZE: 2011 Awesome Life Travel Log Planner
3). Kiel said…
Let me give you a brief background of my life: I used to be a happy-go-lucky person who tends to take things for granted, until I reached college where I learned to struggle for education, life and money especially after spending most of our savings in an attempt to save my mom from aortic aneurysm – but failed. Bearing in mind that my mom was the breadwinner of the family, and my dad is subject to forced retirement due to Chinese family political issues; my siblings and I are now responsible of our own lives. I took this as a slap in the face and realized that I only have my education to start with and lean on to. From that moment on, I have lived my life in a closed book by focusing only on my studies and hope to earn a good college degree that would serve as my stepping stone for a good career and pleasant life.
Losing the physical presence of my mother taught me how true the cliché is: “you don’t know what you’ve got until you lost them.” With this, I believe that everything is meaningless if you don’t have anyone to share it with. Luckily, after earning my college degree and passing the CPA board exam, I am now employed in a well-known audit firm and made it a point to increase my savings little by little. It was only in 2010 that I was able to extend and share my blessings with my beloved family and friends. So how would I measure my life in 2010? Simple, I measured it by the fruits that I was able to harvest after bountiful time and effort in planting seeds; may it be good, bad or the things in between, because everything comes in one package. After years of struggles and sacrifices, I was finally able to spend time with my friends, visit my siblings who live abroad, and consistently spend quality time with my dad. I may not be a well-off and/or powerful person, but I’m blessed for having reasons to smile everyday by continuing to live in a wholesome, God-oriented life, and also touch other people’s hearts even in the simplest ways.
For the new opportunities that opened, for the numerous blessings that I have received, for the obstacles encountered to improve personal growth and maturity, and most of all, for the priceless moments shared with my love ones who made my year very meaningful – thanks to the year 2010 that I was able to see life and measure my life in a different perspective. I look forward to a wonderful 2011 ahead! 🙂
just posted the winner 🙂
Live an Awesome Life,
Anton Diaz
Founder, http://www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Call or Text Me: +63917 5683-627 (LOVE-OAP)
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Latest Blog Post on Our Awesome Planet: Dek A: Authentic Thai Hole-in-the-Wall Resto in Makati
Thanks so much Anton!!! This is really an unexpected win, given the number and quality of the entries… every story is inspiring. 🙂 I can’t contain my happiness Haha 😀 This is truly an honor. My husband and I were avid followers of this blog. Whenever we want to eat out, we scan your blog first to know if you recommend that certain restaurant. We value your reviews that much. 😉
More power to you and to OAP! May this year be a fruitful one for all of us. 😀
P.S. I’m so excited for the Midnight Mercato. 😀
For March 4 8pm showing of Rent, please text +639175393536. Thanks!