2010, a round-up

Or, alternatively, the yearender

You were one of the hardest, 2010, in terms of challenges. This year: a computerized national elections, a new president, a book spanning 25 years and 25 simultaneous read-along sessions. Dear 2010, you pushed me to my limits, shoved me up against a wall and encouraged me to fight back. Now I can look back and say, Well. That was one damned good fight, wasn't that. (And I still have all of my limbs.)

This year I am thankful for the people from whom I have steadily drawn my strength all these months. For the times you bore with me no matter how visibly I may have worn my stress on my sleeve - thank you. For sticking with me despite my temper - thank you.

This year I admit I must have been a difficult thing to love; for doing so anyway, thank you. After all these years, thank you.

Cut for a month-by-month rundown.

a series of brief letters to younger selves

i was here.

i. Dear 19,


Oh, I remember us -- we were like waking up in entirely new skin.

(Under cut: letters to 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23)

twenty-six

or, alternatively, The Birthday Post
 
Turned twenty-six on Tuesday! Thanks to all who remembered! =) Started off my seven-day holiday rest with a trip to La Mesa Eco-Park with the Ates:

Here be the riot! The gang around the lunch table.

Met the first contingent at Market! Market! where we picked up our Buddy's pancit lucban and roasted chicken, then we headed to Savemore Katipunan where we met the second contingent before heading to La Mesa Ecopark in a two-vehicle convoy. At La Mesa - picnic, plus a bit of sightseeing, camwhorage, some pseudo-guitar playing then Pinoy Henyo.

Then we headed to Gayuma ni Maria on V. Luna Extension for coffee and cake and more camwhorage:

A room full of ghosts
(Not really. I just liked this accident of a shot.)

Then we went to Rockwell to check newly opened Muji out, before heading to Ayala Triangle to watch the lights and have dinner plus dessert in Banapple, where they sprung their annual Birthday Surprise (where someone distracts me momentarily and then when I look back at them they're all wearing something ridiculous and birthday related -- a couple of years ago, they wore Panda masks. This year they wore birthday hats. AND I WAS THERE WITH THEM SA TABLE. How I always fall for these surprises/distractions is baffling haha. I am not-so-secretly nine.)

I love how this feels like a photo off my mother's old albums haha.
This is me with a fluffy scepter. It has lights!

Thanks guys for making the night before my birthday one to remember!
Thanks love, you're the bestest best EVER. I love you! :)

dear december's next 10 days-- (part 3)

December 21: Editorial Christmas Party

The mother of all parties. Brought Andrea's camera to set-up a guerrilla photobooth of sorts in the section. Started the day with the Research dept Christmas lunch. Bought ice cream and pancit and wine and cheese. It was all awesome. Scored some discounted Novellinos and promptly downed two bottles throughout the day with my research sibs. NO TEQUILA which meant I was able to go home in one, not-so-shattered piece. Hurray for self-control and ninja skills LOL. As usual, malas sa raffle. Haha but it's okay bawi na lang tayo sa videoke.

I HAVE 24 PHOTOS TO SHARE ABOUT THIS NIGHT. WARNING.

(Cut for massive picspam and one more party)

dear december's next 10 days-- (part 2)

December 20: Elaine's wedding in Caleruega

Tagged along with Andrea and Lilie to attend their college friend Elaine's wedding to longtime sweetheart Libert in famous wedding spot Caleruega in Nasugbu, Batangas. I was in a dress. It was chilly out and the scenery was breathtaking. I really think we should all get out of Metro Manila once in a while because man our countrysides are AWESOME. We took a lot of pictures of each other in dresses LOL. Lilie was a bridesmaid and Andrea was a reader. Hurray for friendships that span years and withstand the test of time, naks :) Best wishes and congratulations, Elaine and Libert! Ngl, naiyak ako sa vows niyo haha.

(Photos under cut!)