My Kind of Weekend

Last weekend was one of my favorite kinds of weekends. It’s been a bit surprising if I’m being honest. It hasn’t been a busy one but it felt like a lot went on for me. I couldn’t help but feel proud of how I’m able to do things for myself nowadays. I haven’t been this so independent before. Simple things such as cooking my own home-made dinner, doing groceries, budgeting my monthly expenses and learning how to use an automatic washing machine make me feel like a bad-ass woman! Haha 🙂 It sounds silly but it really makes me feel proud how I’ve been able to get through each day. My mama would be really proud too! 😉

There are still so many things I need to learn as I continue to live an independent life – I realize that every day. I can’t believe I’ve been in Dubai for almost a year now. To be honest, it has not been perfect. It has not been exactly what I thought and wish it would be but hey, I survived! I kept on saying that it hasn’t been a smooth ride kasi hindi naman talaga. Whenever I do a quick catch up (online) with close friends from Manila, they would always give one common comment and that is “Pang-movie talaga ang buhay mo Shyne!” At some extent, they’re kind of right.But aren’t we all part of that movie called life? In a span of one year, I’ve had my share of drama, action, suspense and of course love story. (Ano pa nga ba?!?) 🙂 But I don’t want to give people the impression of an orchestrated life I have here. I’m certainly not even half way towards the achievement of my dreams in this foreign country. As a matter of fact, I’m just getting started in here. Warm-up pa lang yung first year and again, it’s okay. God has been good to me – constantly guiding me along the way and giving me a lot of opportunities. I know that He has been preparing me because He has the most beautiful plan for my life. I learned to trust that the Lord put us in some situations for a reason.

What is it that making me all so “full of positivity” right at this moment? I don’t know. Maybe, it’s the boiled egg and crackers for lunch or the fact that work is over in 2 hours. (We only have to work for 6 hours because it’s Ramadan!) Yeah!!! Maybe because it’s finally July and I’m excited about it. Some things have to end to give way to a new beginning. Also thanks to Jennifer Lopez’s new song “Back it Up’, I’m in high spirits lately.

Or maybe, it must be the effect of running every day. I’m on my second week now! (Ahemm!) That’s probably the reason why my happy cells are dancing. Here’s my little take away from the weekend that was.

Since I was in my “everything-will-be-okay” mood last weekend, I decided to exceed my 30 minutes limit. By now, I’ve already learned the right pacing. Run moderately for the first few minutes and focus on my breathing. Take it slow and then go faster as time goes by. I promised to be kinder to myself so I made sure to run at a speed that worked for me. I changed my path too. It was a bit windy that day so instead of running from Street 8 to Street 13, I did the opposite. I ran towards the direction of Street 8 where it felt like I was running with the wind. Instead of going against it, I ran with it. The technique worked for me. I got excited. Suddenly, I felt too eager to reach my destination so I ran faster and faster. In other words, I got carried away! I forgot about the correct pacing and breathing. I forced it. That’s when something went wrong. I felt a sudden pain. I felt my legs hurt and I was panting. Yet I ignored it. I kept going. I told myself, “You want this so bad. Try harder. There’s still something that you can do. You’ve gone this far babe.” It was hard at that moment. What happened to just enjoying it? My body was pleading me to stop not because it couldn’t run anymore but because I’ve already done what I have to. I have given all that I have. Yet my stubborn mind was telling me to run further until I exceeded my limit. But sometimes, there’s only so much that we can do. I was aiming to run for at least 45 minutes that day but was able to complete 35 minutes of continuous run instead. It was painful and I was almost out of breath – I had to stop. When I calmed down, I gave myself a genuine pat on the back. I realized, hey that wasn’t so bad! At least, I was progressing. 🙂

Same with life, we tend to rush things. We become impatient. We get too excited so we force things to happen. We forget to enjoy it so it makes us sad when things don’t go our way. It hurts us. Don’t push yourself to anyone or anything because that pushes your destiny away. You know what I discovered? In order not to feel and endure the pain in your legs when you’re running too fast – listen (I mean really listen) to the music playing in your ear. (It helps to have a really good playlist!) Just enjoy it. Take the lyrics in and run as if you’re dancing. (If that even makes sense) 🙂 Slow down until you regain your energy…until you’re ready to move forward.

Life is not really a race. For me, it’s not a matter of who’s running ahead of the others, who’s leading or who’s winning. We all have the right to run at our own pace. There will always be someone faster than us. Just be true to yourself and to the people around you. Get real. That’s the best feeling in the world. It’s okay to admit that you fail at one point but it’s more okay when you own up to this failure and found a way to start again. You will definitely get better in time. It’s okay not to be okay. It’s okay to trip or stumble or fall. When that happens, just get back up and keep going.

I have always been guilty of rushing things to happen. I wanted things to happen based on the ideal story I’ve written in my head. (Eh writer kasi, pasensya na!) 🙂 I had my share of being impatient too and it didn’t really turn out well for me. I made this mistake over and over, until I learned to focus on the bigger picture. Right now, I consider myself as a work in progress which means that I will get there a little at a time, not all at once.

Be kind to yourself in this moment, no matter what’s happening. No matter if you’re not where you think you should be in your life, body, relationship or career. How can you expect to get anywhere when you have someone constantly cutting you down? Be your own cheerleader and best friend, you could use it.

I’m beginning to appreciate my life in Dubai and that is a good sign. Last weekend was indeed my kind of weekend. I’m praying and wishing for more days and weekends just like that – ordinary ones that feel special. 🙂

4 Lessons in Life I Realized While Running

“I DID IT!!!”

After being able to run and complete 2 rounds within 30 minutes from Street 8 to Street 13 of Discovery Gardens, I almost shouted these three words. (But of course, I did not!) Yes, I know…30 minutes worth of running is for amateur but hey that’s already a big achievement for me. Seriously! 🙂

A couple of days ago, my auntie gave me a challenge and I should be able to fulfil it in a span of one month. Considering that the outcome will benefit me more than anyone else, I gladly went for it. Challenge accepted! Plus, it would be a really great distraction for me – a much needed one. (For what? I’ll write about it on a later post) 😉 So the challenge includes running everyday for at least 30 minutes. At first I felt obligated but after Day 1, I started loving it. I was talking to Joel, a friend of mine/dedicated runner himself while writing this post and he was so spot on saying that this could be my “Road to Version 2.0”.  He’s totally right – running can be a great metaphor for life. (I know… here I go again with my metaphors!) But isn’t it true? I have been so excited to write about this since Day 4. Take a breath, do some stretching and look up at the afternoon sky. As you take those first few strides, think about life because that’s what I do. 🙂

Here are 4 Lessons in Life I Realized While Running

It’s okay to take it slow.

I started to like running only after I came to Dubai. It was most probably because I enjoyed my first few running sessions with my auntie at the beautiful park in Green Community. I love how you can see the sunset and hear the birds chirping while you run in this park. Every time I visit her during the weekend, running here is something I couldn’t miss. They say I run fast (that’s why I easily get tired). I’m not a professional runner (far from being one) but I started loving it now. However, I admit that I might be doing it incorrectly at times. I’m too focused on “just” being able to get it done. I only pay attention to the distance. All that used to matter was that I was able to run around the whole Green Community Park – the faster, the better.

Oh, I was wrong. One night, I decided to just run and enjoy it. I did it at a relaxing pace and did not force myself.  I enjoyed every minute of it – listened to each song in my playlist and felt the humid air in my face as I took each stride. Before I knew it, I was already able to run around the whole park! I checked my timer and it just took me 15 minutes.  How ironic!

Lesson: Sometimes, it’s not about how fast you get there. Patience, my dear. Nowadays, everything seems to move in a fast-forward motion. We don’t enjoy the whole process anymore because we’re so fond of short-cuts.  When we rush things and focus more on how fast we get there – the more we feel exhausted, the more we feel worn out and tired. We’re supposed to be enjoying the journey but since we’re too caught up in either failing or succeeding – we tend to miss the view, the lessons learned, the sunset, the mix of emotions and sometimes, even the significant people we encounter along the way. Allow me to quote, “it’s all about the journey not the destination.” (Bow!) 🙂

Once in awhile, it will hurt. Once in a while, you will get injured.

“I almost die!” That’s my favorite line whenever someone asked me how was my run for the day. I might be overreacting but please understand I’m no veteran to this yet. 🙂 It’s definitely not easy! When I first challenged myself to do a continuous 15-minute run, I almost die! (See, that’s my favorite expression)  I was literally out of breath! My legs felt numb and my knees were trembling. I think I even considered sitting in the sidewalk because I was tired as hell.“Why am I doing this again?!?”, I asked myself. Haha 🙂 But you know what? It felt so damn good. With all the sweat falling down my face and blood rushing through my whole body – I felt so liberated. (Yes, that’s the adjective I want to use) It makes me feel happy and proud of myself whenever I’m able to beat my own record. From 15 minutes to 20 minutes then 30 minutes. Hey, I can’t even run for a good 5 minutes before! Don’t judge! 😉 My motivation? I know that those mornings when I can barely stand because my legs and whole body hurt (soooooo much) will soon be worth it. A friend told me, “You’re on your way to becoming better, stronger and…. hotter?” Thank God for supportive friends! 🙂

Lesson: Life’s a bitch. Yes it is. Sometimes, it’s a good bitch. Sometimes, it’s really bad! We get hurt, we feel pain, we disappoint others and they disappoint us. But remember how the toughest times in our lives make us want to become better and stronger? We mature as we overcome the simple trials of our everyday lives. We learn the proper approach. Eventually, we become more confident to get out of our comfort zone and push ourselves to the limit. Whenever we’re able to get through one big problem in life (I mean, really big and serious), we get this feeling that there’s nothing that we can overcome anymore. Sure, there will be times you just want to quit and ask yourself why you’re even doing it. At the end of the day, you realize that after the pain’s gone and you’ve recovered – you feel proud of the person you have become.

Being lost is part of the route you have to take.

It’s funny because when I first told a friend that I’m starting this whole running thing, she instantly asked me the magic question, “Are you broken-hearted?” (Okaaay… I won’t deny I’ve been broken-hearted a couple of times so my friends know my coping strategies by now and yes that includes something like running) Haha 🙂 As I said, more on that at a later post maybe. 😉

During Day 4, I decided to change my route. Normally, I would run the whole stretch of pavement from Street 8 to Street 13 of Discovery Gardens. I love that route near the highway. For some reason, I attempted trying a different route. I thought of running around several blocks within the area. Needless to say, I got lost. I wish I could show you how our neighborhood in Discovery Gardens looks like because you can really get lost in here! It’s like going round and round a maze and besides all the buildings look exactly the same. In the end, I was able to find my way to my usual route and started running again.  After completing my lapse for the night, I headed home. I was enjoying my playlist too much that I hardly notice I entered the wrong building! (I told you the buildings around our area are identical!) So I entered the wrong building, went up the 1^st floor and found myself standing in front of the wrong door! Good thing, no one had seen me – so much for attempting to change my usual running route. I may have been lost a couple of times that night but hey, it was still a good run.

Lesson: Tell me one person who hasn’t been lost in his/her life ever? Lost in love, lost in careeror lost in life in general. We all have our share of making a decision to take a risk and try a different route. Some do it for the thrill, some for the hope of a better outcome. There’s no guarantee that it will work out fine but at least you tried – at least you experienced it right? I’ve hesitated twice in taking that different route. I guess that’s normal. There will be a lot of “going back and forth” and “moving backward and forward” until you find your way again.  (I can totally relate to this!) If you’ll think about it, being lost gives you the opportunity to find yourself.  It’s tempting to just stay where your comfort zone is, to just say yes to everyone and everything and take the easy way out even if you know that you are capable of so much more. Listen.You may do stupid decisions, do crazy things and look silly while you’re lost in whatever maze you’re in right now – don’t worry, you’ll find your way back to that straight highway and the right door will open for you. Just don’t give up. Not yet.

Run for yourself not for anyone else.

I hesitated trying running before for two reasons:

1.) It’s an outdoor physical activity. (I’m more of an indoor kind of girl)

2.) Because of #1, I might look silly doing it compared to the fast runners I might bump into along the way. (I might be too slow for them!)

Guess what? Not anymore! Honestly, one of the lessons in life Dubai (and running) has taught me is that I got to do things for myself. I have control over myself.  It’s all about me – I determine the songs I include in my playlist, I decide if I would take it slow or fast today, I lead my own way. No one else matters. One of my favorite songs to listen to while running is “Cheerleader by OMI”. The lyrics go like: “I think I found myself a cheerleader. She is always right there when I need here.”  For some reason, listening to this song lifts up my mood. After all, I’m my own cheerleader.

I have a confession to make. At first, I decided to start running because of someone else (aside from my auntie) 😉 This person came as a lesson in my life and made me want to become the better version of myself. But as I write this post, I realized I should not do it for anyone else but myself. Running is my new addiction. I look forward to doing it now. Can you believe that? I’m not doing this because I want to impress other people – I’m doing this because I feel happy doing it… That’s all that matters.

Lesson: Start making your own happiness a priority. Stop being a people-pleaser. Stop putting on hold the things that you’ve always wanted to do for yourself because of what others might say or think about you. The only person who’s stopping you from being the best that you can be is yourself. Sometimes, we let our insecurities, fears, and doubts get in the way.  Stop it. Seriously. You know, you’re pretty amazing! It’s not too late. Do it for yourself. Okay?

I’m not an expert when it comes to life (Oh definitely not! If you only knew..) and I’m far from being a professional runner. I’m just someone ordinary who believes (and can attest) that life lessons are everywhere (even during a 30-minute run). I guess, you just have to know how to recognize them when you see them. I just started so there’s definitely a lot more “light bulb” moments to come. For now, let me put on my running shoes and turn the volume up on my playlist. It’s almost 7PM. Let’s do this! 😉

A Father’s Love

A father is every girl’s first love and every boy’s first best friend. He was there crying tears of joy the moment you were born. He was there looking at your face when you open your eyes for the first time. He was there watching you sleep. He was by your side ready to catch you in case you stumble while you were taking your first baby steps. He was there on your first day of school telling you that your classmates will become your new friends and that you will get a star for being a smart kid.

He is there to teach you and tease you and laugh with you. He is there constantly reminding you to take care of yourself, bring an umbrella, pray before you leave the house and not to go home late. He is always ready with that look in his face if you did something wrong. He gets angry and strict at times but he cares for you – a lot. He doesn’t talk too much but he is there to listen. He is there watching you as you walk your graduation march and feels so proud of how you have grown up right before his eyes. He is there to approve, disapprove, accept and forgive.

He is there to witness how you make your dreams come true. He is like a wall you can depend on when you feel like falling. He is there no matter how stupid your decisions are, no matter how stubborn you get and even if you have hurt or disappointed him a hundred times. He is there to welcome you home after you decided to leave. He is there to walk you down the aisle. He is there to remind your future husband to love you unconditionally – same way he does. He is there to show you how to be a good man. He is there to see his grandchildren grow up and tell them stories about how you were as a little kid. He will always be there to remind you that you will always be daddy’s little girl or dad’s little man.

Most of all, he is there to love you….ALWAYS.

22 Things I Love About My Sister

Time check: 3:00 PM Dubai Time. I’m on my late lunch break and I’ve got 30 minutes left to spare for this post. It seemed easy but now that I started writing, I can’t manage to find any. Haha 🙂 Of course, that’s hardly true because I could come up with a million reasons why I love my not-so-baby sister anymore, but I’ll stick to 22 for now.

22 Reasons Why I Love Janessa

1. Because she looks like me! 🙂

2. Because she’s my personal clown – she can always make me laugh (yung napapaiyak pa sa sobrang tawa) with her special talents.

3. Because she’s the best selfie buddy in the world!

4. Because for some reasons her clothes fit me and mine fits her. (Tipid!)

5. Because she has great advocacy in life.

6. Because she’s really, really smart! (the effect kasi lagi ko syang nabibitawan everytime karga ko siya nung baby siya.)

7. Because she’s always willing to date me!

8. Because she will always be my Ana and I will be her Elsa.

9. Because she’s always there for me when times are tough.

10. Even better, because she’s there for me when times are amazing.

11. Because she’s my secret keeper. I can share everything to her – EVERY LITTLE THING.

12. Because she may be younger than me but there are times she scolds me like she’s the “big sister”.

13. Because she’s getting prettier as she grows old.

14. Because she’s my number one fan.

15. Because despite being “maldita”, she loves our parents, Jhemuel and me (hindi lang showy). 😉

16. Because my friends love her too.

17.Because she always listens to my stories (kahit antok na antok na siya).

18. Because even if we’re thousands of miles apart, our life is interconnected with each other in almost all aspects (parang pelikula). Haha 🙂

19. Because we will travel the world together. (Bring me to Thailand bae!)

20. Because she promised to be at my side for life. #mayforever

21. Because she is HER.

22. Just… because.

Happy birthday bae! ♥♥♥

Time check: 3:15 PM See, it did not take me that long because it’s so easy to come up with reasons why I love her.. As a matter of fact, I’ve got more than 22! 🙂