"The moment I see you will be the happiest of my life. And now I leave matters in the hands of God, who is love and whom I love."

I love notes scrawled in the margins of used books. They make me feel like I have a connection with someone out there and that I'm reading her diary =] mooooooohahaaa or whatever an evil laugh sounds like

"the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day"

My favorite brother and wonderful sis =)

#3: Eat new foods that make you uncomfortable

The positive side of waking up and realizing the dissatisfying state of your life is realizing it when you’re waking up. This is because you have the whole day to change the dissatisfying state of your life into a…less dissatisfying state!...

And in this spirit, there now exists a "bucket list" filled with sweet, sweet nothings slash awesomes.

Some are small actions, some are outrageous, others are probably offensive, and most are secret and outside my comfort zone, but I hope all items on my “bucket list” let me sleep bearing a better attitude than the one with which I awaken.

And I whole heartedly recommend making similar “stuff-to-do-in-life” lists or “stuff-that-scares-me-but-I-will-do-them-today” lists especially if you have loyal and unfortunate and intrepid Jonathan-like friends who will accompany you to the end (…of the list. Not like…to death or…to prison?).

Life is so good baby and sometimes you gotta do the absurd to make sure you feel nothing, but gratitude at the end of the day ;]

Oops

The only reason I started this blog was so I could remember what I did and learned in the Philippines. But I realize uhm I didn't really record anything about my actual trip while I was there..haha...oops.
So I guess I'll just note the biggest lessons from God=)

1. Less is more. Sometimes I think it's so easy for people in the States especially to look at people in other countries and to think, 'hey those people are suffering because they don't have nice cars, nice houses, nice clothes, internet, TVs'. But I think suffering's a really relative thing and I also think that maybe WE'RE the ones suffering in our materialism.

2. I'm happier when I don't focus on myself. hm I know that sounds weird. haha. But really! When I was in the PI, I didn't have school worries or future worries, and that really let me focus on my family and my friends. The key to happiness for me is to not look inwards but outwards. Then I realize there's too much for me to be thankful for that there's really no sense, no right for me to NOT be happy.

I'm sure there's more but I forget..haha..

It's the little things

Right when I stepped off the plane, I felt the air get 20 times thicker because of the humidity and then I smelled that distinct "Philippines Smell" from a combination of God-knows-what and then I was like YES I'M HERE. SWEET. And I mean that sincerely! Everytime I smell this pungent, thick, dusty smell (pleasant I know), I instantly feel comforted and think of how content I am and stay every time I'm here.

Also, I suggest that anyone flying to Asia take Korean Airlines and nothing else. Because the food is awesome. I had bibimbap for dinner. And I think this is why my 14 hour flight from NY to Seoul felt so short; I would eat so well that I'd be full and comfortable while I watched movies and read, and then BAM! The next delicious amazing glorious hot Korean meal would be served! sigh. People tell me I think with my heart and then my head, but in actuality, I think with my stomach, my heart, then my head. which..yeah..is bad.

Notes: Not okay with couple outfits/intentionally matching significant other