I don’t know about you but whenever I get to sit alone in one corner, I think about a lot of things. I think about my family, my friends, my career plans, my dreams and the things I have always wanted to do but haven’t done yet due to either budget or time constraints. I tend to be very excited about or eager on doing something that I’d make a plan right there and then in my head. I also tend to put the details into writing the moment I get the chance. This year, I want to make a difference in my life by trying my best to do these 10 things I have long been meaning to do:

1. A shopping trip to Landmark with my two sisters. I just realized I haven’t scheduled this one yet. Though my favorite shopping buddy is none other than my Superfriend, I have always dreamed of a time when I could just drag my two sisters to go out and shop with me. So far, our trips are limited to the supermarkets where we usually have fun buying canned goods, toiletries and cleaning supplies. (We’ve been to Divisoria a couple of times but we were with my brother). As for the destination, I chose Landmark because it’s like Baclaran in an air-conditioned setting. There are lots of great deals there, but only if you know how and where to look.

2. A trip to Mall of Asia (MOA) with my entire family. We’ve been to MOA several times before but it’s just me and my siblings. Yesterday while I was serving a well-off family having lunch in La Cocina, they suddenly started talking about their family trips abroad and how eating out at restaurants as a group is a common thing for them. It’s like their bonding moment which I find sweet and meaningful. And made me remember that I’ve always wanted to take my entire family to MOA (especially my mom who hasn’t been there yet ever, haha) for some bonding activities but have never done so due to my hectic work schedule. I know it’s not going to be cheap because we’re six all in all but I really want this to push thru anytime this year so I’m saving up for it. We’ll watch a fun movie, eat in a nice restaurant and perhaps, do some shopping (and lots of window shopping, haha). From Cavite, MOA is less than two hours away when commuting and I don’t think it’ll be a problem to us.

3. A trip to Boracay with Edwin. Should we push thru with our plans to visit Boracay in October (our birthday month!), it’s going to be the second time we’re traveling solo, meaning just the two of us. The first time was when we traveled all the way up to Baguio in 2007. Trips like this are very meaningful to me. There’s more to them than just bonding moments. It’s been a while that we’ve done this so this is surely gonna be a welcome development in our 5-year old relationship as couple.

4. Visit Hong Kong. When we were experiencing instability in our jobs recently, my officemates and I made a promise that we will go on an out-of-the-country trip should we get retained, and we did! The destination we unanimously chose was Hong Kong, just because we haven’t been there yet and we wanted to experience Hong Kong Disneyland, among other things. I really hope we push thru with this travel plan. I know it’s gonna be 100% fun.

5. Treat my jobs more seriously. The recent events in my full-time job have, in no doubt, made me a better person. I realized God really answers people’s prayers and mine are no exception. I have been blessed because I was allowed to continue my services in the office. I promised myself that I will do my best to prove to my boss that I am worthy of her trust and confidence. And that I’ll take my work in the office ‘more seriously’ now. I’ll just leave the meaning of that to myself. Haha.

About my two part-time jobs, I guess I just need more dedication. I’m doing great (in fact I’ve just received an increase, whew!) at La Cocina and I think I’d just have to keep my services there as professional and consistent as possible. With my oDesk job, I am lucky to have a boss who is anything but demanding. He’s a good mentor and I’m learning a lot from him on link building, SEO and other stuff.

With my three jobs at present, I really can’t ask for more. I just have to manage my time more effectively and I’ll be far from trouble. Oooops, I think I also need to find some time to rest and unwind. Otherwise, I’ll crash. 

6. A crossover buffet at Dusit Thani Hotel – Makati. I’ve long been meaning to try this buffet, but I don’t have the time to do so. I’ve heard (and read!) from my blogger friends a lot of good things about this offering. I really look forward to having a Sunday brunch made of pure gastronomic delights at not one but four restaurants participating in this amazing buffet. I so looooove eating!

7. Going on an out-of-town trip alone. Traveling solo has always crossed my mind. But the lack of courage and determination prevent me from doing so. If there is a place I want to visit alone, it would be Batanes. For me, the place has a distinct air of mystery and serenity infused with warm people and spectacular landscape, just what I need for a completely rejuvenating ‘me’ time.

8. Getting a really short, man-like haircut. I dunno if this kind of look would suit my face, though. But from what I read somewhere online, people with oval faces (like me!) can carry all types of haircut. I’m still thinking about taking ‘the risk’ or not but the year is still long, so I’ll just wait and see.

9. Getting myself a Dorothy Perkins quilted bag in black. For me, it’s the closest thing to Channel’s famous quilted bag. Once I saw one over at Ebay UK bidding at just L7.50. I didn’t bid right away because I wanna know first the shipping cost. So I wrote to the seller thru the ‘contact seller’ section. The seller did reply to my query but when I checked the item again to bid, I learned that the bidding had closed and some lucky soul already got the bag I was eyeing. I dunno if Dorothy Perkins stores here in Manila still carry that style of bag. Please lemme know if ever you see one and what branch. I’ll greatly appreciate it.

10. Learn to drive. I’ve always wanted to learn to drive and have my own car. Edwin and I once saved up money so that we could buy our dream car. But our priorities have changed. Instead of a car, Edwin bought a house and lot in Cavite (ehem!) while I got several home improvement projects (e.g. kitchen extension, tile flooring, etc.) done in our house which happens to be located in Cavite also.

Get a tattoo! I’ve always admired those people having themselves inked because they have the guts to express themselves not just in words but in art/symbols etched in their body parts. But no, I haven’t mustered enough courage yet to get a tattoo nor do I have a particular design in mind. I don’t even know which body part to use for it. But sometimes I imagine myself getting inked for reasons I can’t seem to fathom. Tattoo isn’t my priority this year. And I’m not so sure it will be in the coming years.

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