Listicle 17 Things I Love About My Husband 2:00 PM I want to honor my better half as we celebrate our wedding anniversary. Allow me to share 17 things I love about my husband. 17 reasons why I'm thankful to have him as my life partner.17 Things I Love About My Husband1. He is patient.From deciding on everything by myself to sharing my life with someone, marriage is a big adjustment.Our cultural differences also make it difficult for us to understand each other sometimes.Despite our contrasting personalities and shortcomings, my husband is patient with me. I love that about him.2. He's responsible. My husband sees to it that I don't have to worry about things around the house. From fixing a leak to running errands, he makes sure we are comfortable. He takes care and provides for our needs. I love that he has the initiative to take out the trash without being asked. He doesn't put off until later what needs to be done at the moment.3. He makes me laugh. I love it when he does silly things to give me a little break from working. He shares amusing stories to help keep my stress level down.4. He's smart. He thinks like an engineer, he's math-savvy, inquisitive, methodical, systematic. My husband is perceptive, thorough, logical, and analytical.He's an eloquent speaker and I couldn't be prouder.5. He's loyal. When my husband finds a good restaurant, we keep going back to that place, order the same food, and even sit at the same table whenever possible. He asks for the same hairstylist, masseuse, and driver every time he needs their service.Most of all, he is loyal to me. 6. He makes me feel at peace.Because I know that no matter what happens he will take care of me, fight for our relationship and he will never hurt me intentionally, I am at peace.I know how it is to be in a relationship where you're unsure of your partner's loyalty. Or when there's always a conflict to work on.You're always on edge. I appreciate not having to worry about these things anymore.7. He is thoughtful.No matter how busy he gets, my husband always thinks about me and my needs. He knows that my language of love is gifts so he sees to it that I receive a gift even if it's just a flower he's picked on his way home.8. He puts Christ first.When I was single, I heard someone say, "Find a man who puts God first and you, second. He will not look for a third."I don't mind being my husband's second priority as long as God is his first. As it is, marriage is a covenant between you, God, and your partner. 9. He wants me to take care of myself.My husband always reminds me to pamper myself. He's also willing and eager to wait while I get my hair and nails done.I love that when I shop, he doesn't just follow me around. I can ask for his opinion and I know that he'll give me honest feedback and good suggestions.10. He's humble. Our marriage is not perfect but he's willing to change his ways to be better.Being the leader in our relationship, he's humble enough to apologize first - even when sometimes I'm at fault. 😛11. He's romantic.My husband is the most loving, most caring, and most romantic partner I know. He can make me feel special and loved even at the most ordinary of times. He makes me feel like I'm the most beautiful woman in the world even when I don't feel like I'm at my best.12. He's selfless.He puts my needs and comfort first before his. I am included in all his dreams and plans.13. He's clean.My husband takes hygiene seriously. He smells fresh and is always clean. We don't have a messy house; he cleans up the kitchen even before eating (unlike me, I wait until we're done before I wash the dishes), and most of all, we always sleep with clean sheets. I can't imagine living with a sloppy person. I'm glad my husband isn't one.15. He has no vices.My husband doesn't smoke and has not had alcohol for a decade now. He doesn't gamble, and he has no bad habits.He loves watching movies so much that I could say that's his only "vice" but I get to binge-watch with him sometimes so all good. 16. He's the best travel companion ever.I love that I've found the best travel planner and partner I could ever ask for. From making sure we get the best deal without compromising our comfort and safety, to planning our itinerary, to packing our travel needs, he's on top of things.On the day of the trip, from waking me up (forcing me out of bed really lol), preparing our breakfast and bags, securing our house, carrying my luggage, and ensuring that we enjoy the trip, I can rely on him.Can't wait to travel with him again.17. He's a wonderful life companion. There are days when I need my space and he respects that. We can sit in silence comfortably or talk endlessly ---mostly depending on my mood. 😁My husband and I couldn't be more different. I can multitask but he needs to focus on one thing. As all men do, I think.I'm 99% introverted (according to the personality test we took) and he's a full-blown extrovert.Yet I know we can turn our differences into delight.I prayed for a good partner and God has given me more than what I asked for. My husband is another reason why I love my life and why I consider myself blessed.I do like to say that I love my husband because he could be my best friend, most trusted confidant, most supportive cheerleader, and worst critic at the same time.There are many things I love about my husband and I'm excited to discover more in the coming years.Happy anniversary, Honey! 😘
Life Lessons How Would You Rate Yourself 6:54 AM No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. -Eleanor Roosevelt How would you rate yourself?This is a common question when applying for a job. From 1-10, how would you rate yourself as a candidate or employee?Should you be humble and give a low number? Or would you be bold enough to sell yourself; your skills, your assets, and what-have-yous?Never say 1.It means that you don't know anything, you have self-esteem issues, or you're faking humility. Don't say 10 either because that's a perfect score and that means there's no room left for improvement. For job interviews, the safe and recommended answer to the question "How would you rate yourself?" is...an 8 or a 9. Why would you give yourself this rating?It means you know enough about the industry and your role, and you're aware of your strengths. Plus, you're humble and wise enough to know that you can still improve.It shows you're willing to grow and learn.No company would want to hire someone who's hard to train and a know-it-all.Go SocialHow would you rate yourself is one of the most common questions during an interview that most people find hard to answer.Here are other common job interview questions and how to answer them.How would you rate your life?How about in life? How would you rate yourself?Where are you now vs where you thought you'd be?Are you living your dream life or were you delayed because there was a detour?How are you doing? If you're still standing after the storm...If you're still fighting despite the failures...If you still believe that everything will work out despite the messy situation you're currently in...Give yourself a pat on the back and cut yourself some slack.You won't always get what you want, but God will provide what you need.Sometimes on your way to your dreams, you'd get lost. But you'll find yourself. And you'll realize there's something better.You may not be a 10 according to society but as long as you're doing your best, who cares?Celebrate small victories.Say this with me: I'm nowhere near perfect. I'm a work in progress. But, I'm also far from the person I used to be. You are improving. You are better than the person you were yesterday.Isn't that more important than what society thinks?Be humble enough to know you're no better than anybody and wise enough to know you're unique.We have different paths to take. Your vision and dreams may not make sense to others because they weren't given that vision.I saw this funny meme on Instagram that says, "No one else is supposed to understand your calling. It wasn't a conference call."Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle, or your middle to someone else's end. Don't compare the start of your second quarter of life to someone else's third quarter. (Jon Acuff)Quit overthinking. This book can help you:And when you rate yourself, remember to extend yourself a little kindness. You are a work in progress but you are enough.This post contains affiliate links so I'd get a commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. This helps me maintain my site. Thanks in advance!
Listicle 10 Things I Wish They Taught Us In School 5:47 AM Another day has passed and I didn't get to use Algebra and Calculus once. Phew! 😂Why did I take it up again? Oh, right. It's required to get my degree. I wish they'd given us the chance to choose what we want to learn. Or that they change the curriculum and teach us the essential things in life.Do you also wish that sometimes? I mean, do you even remember what the Pythagorean theorem is and its purpose?Here are 10 things I wish they taught us in school.10 Things I Wish They Taught Us in School1. Filing taxes and how we can save or pay lessI remember taxes being explained briefly in school.I don't remember our school teaching us how to lessen the amount we need to pay. I know there are rich people who find a loophole in taxes. They're so rich because they can get around it. I wish they taught us an easier way to file taxes. The basic ones. So we don't dread tax season and do not have to hire a bookkeeper or accountant as much as possible.Thankfully, there are YouTube channels now explaining how certain taxes should be filed.2. Mental Health Care There's a stigma about people suffering from mental health problems.I wish they taught us how to deal with anxiety for example not only when you're taking up psychology, psychiatry, or the like.How to take care of our mental health should be taught early on to avoid making it worse. And for the person suffering from it to not be scared to open up and seek help.It's important to let young people know what they feel is normal or if it's time for them to get professional help. What can they do when they feel paralyzed by fear?How should we talk to someone who is going through depression?If mental health has been given the focus and importance it deserves, maybe more suicides and self-harm could've been avoided.More people wouldn't feel bad, lost, or guilty for feeling their feelings.People would be more sensitive and empathetic towards others.3. The truth about animal agriculture or how our food is made.This is not to force people to go vegan (though it would be nice if you would). This is to give you the option. To know what you're choosing and the consequences of your choice.When I found out about what they do to animals, how disgusting and dreadful the situation is, I felt duped. Why didn't anyone tell me how horrible the process was for my cheeseburger to be made?Thank goodness for plant-based alternatives now.Show your kids real footage and not staged videos of animals killed for food. Then let them decide for themselves.4. How to live more sustainably. Rich people are trying to discover how we can thrive on other planets, but...Shouldn't we spend more time and money to save what we have instead of looking for another planet to abuse and corrupt live on?There's nothing wrong with progress. I'm here for a future with flying cars and all the high-tech fun.But it shouldn't mean we should trash our planet while working our way to a better future, right?May we learn to live sustainably even when schools don't focus on teaching us how.5. Laws and rightsIn the US alone, more than 30,000 statutes have been enacted since 1789.We studied the basics of law and those that are important in the field you study. For example, we have a subject on Ethics and Jurisprudence in Pharmacy.But there are people who are not aware of some of their basic rights like the right to fair wages. That's especially true in my country.Side note: Do you know that it's illegal to fly a kite in Victoria, Australia, and Buenos Aires, Argentina?What other crazy laws do you know of?6. How to invest or the different kinds of investmentIs there a conspiracy theory that keeps the poor poor and helps the rich become richer? Because why aren't they teaching us how to grow our money properly in school?All I learned about investing and growing your money exponentially, I learned from financial gurus.If I could learn simple investment through a one-day seminar and follow it up with YouTube videos, imagine what we could do if we learn it all our years spent in school. I'm sure you've heard stories of Chinese families talking about money at the dining table even with their young kids as naturally and casually as talking about their favorite Disney characters.No wonder they're good at businesses and investments.7. How to start and grow a businessSpeaking of business, not everyone's good at it.But maybe just because we don't know what we can sell or how to sell. Our every day involves marketing. We use marketing in convincing our parents to give us money. Why did you add that product to your cart even if you don't really need it? Effective marketing.We recommend products to our friends. We are natural salespersons. Might as well use that skill to start a business and help us grow our money.In Robert Kiyosaki's book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, his rich dad taught him about selling and business while he was young. Something even his poor dad who's a professor is not knowledgeable about.8. The power of the law of attraction or having the right mindsetWhy don't they teach us the importance of having the right mindset? The winning mentality? Or that we have the power to make things happen?We see it in movies and in other people we know. We read it in self-help books. Some of the people we met are generous enough to share this with us.Why not start this in school?9. Self-defenseSelf-defense should be mandated to be taught in schools. It's vital in survival. Not every parent has the time and resources to bring their kids to a martial arts class.Since we're already going to school every day, might as well teach us how to defend ourselves from possible assault. ROTC was a requirement when I was in school. What did we get out of it really?Here are 27 basic self-defense tricks for women.10. The importance of marriage. I used to think that marriage is only a contract between two people. A piece of paper you sign for legal purposes.Maybe that's why people jump into it and walk out just as easily.Marriage is a covenant. After the beautiful wedding ceremony comes the real test and it's not always easy.The enemy doesn't need to destroy a nation. He just needs to target the family, the basic unit of our society. And it's easy to destroy a family when the husband and wife are at war with each other.Education is supposed to give us a solid foundation before going out into the world.But how many of those lessons taught inside the classroom are we really able to use every day?I've not looked for the value of X since I stepped out of school for good.If life is a battle we need to be equipped with the right weapon.Sometimes when I do "adult" things that are quite challenging, like filing my taxes or struggling with stress, I can't help but wish they taught us how to properly handle these things in school. Instead of wasting our time memorizing formulas we'll never use or terminologies we forget the moment we graduate, these things are more life and sanity-saving.What are the things you wish they taught us in school?
Listicle 10 Common Misconceptions About Introverts 9:24 AM Telling an introvert to go to a party is like telling a saint to go to hell. - Criss Jami They're the silent ones in a gathering. You see them eating alone. Sometimes they avoid your eyes. You get misconceptions about them thinking they're snobs or lonely. Or that they hate people.Introverts. They are easily misunderstood. Maybe because they don't talk much and their silence could be interpreted in many ways.But introverts are extraordinary beings. Here are 10 common misconceptions about them. 10 Common Misconceptions about Introverts 1. Introverts are nerds. Not always the case. This stereotyping may be because introverts don't always go out and are often seen absorbed in their own thoughts. Geeks may be busy thinking about and tinkering with technology, science, and other fields of interest, but introverts may just be enjoying their alone time without doing anything geeky. Sometimes they write or blog (ahem), read a book (not necessarily the geeky ones), stay in and watch Netflix, or dabble in art like painting or drawing.Speaking of drawing or illustrations, check out how artist Lingvistov captured introverts in these cute and funny illustrations.If you're looking for a fantasy illustrator, or an illustrator of any kind, to capture your imagination or daily life, you can find a few online.And that's another thing introverts love. Doing transactions online. No face-to-face meetings and not requiring them to speak to people. 2. Introverts are snobs. Probably the most common misconception about introverts is that they are snobs.It's nothing personal. Introverts just hate small talks. They don't see social pleasantries as a must in life.You'd get a slight nod of acknowledgment and a small smile and that's already a huge deal. Be appreciative. 3. Introverts are depressed or miserable. Just because they'd rather be alone and often retreat to their quiet and private world doesn't mean introverts are going through something depressing. Scientifically, introverts need to be alone because that's how they recharge. Dopamine level tends to go down when in a crowd and they need to pump it up with peace and quiet. It's biological. 4. Introverts are shy. There are a lot of successful speakers who are introverted in person. A shy person can't talk on stage in front of a crowd. Introverts aren't shy. They just don't enjoy the limelight as much as others do. Introverts don't avoid the crowd because they're shy, but they're not comfortable in it. 5. Introverts don't like people. Introverts don't hate people. They just don't like social gatherings.Introverts like to meet up and hang out with friends. Some even love to travel. They prefer a more intimate or one-on-one interaction over partying. They have a tight circle which they adore and cherish. 6. Introverts are boring. Fun is relative. It may be fun for you to go bar-hopping, mountain climbing, bungee jumping, or cliff diving, but it may be boring or scary for another. You may get bored watching reruns, curling up on a couch and reading a good book, or sitting quietly and watching the sunset. But, some people get a high doing that. We often associate quiet and serene with boring, but you won't really know or understand how fun it is just sitting in a corner, watching people, or enjoying the moment---unless you're an introvert. 7. Introverts don't work well with a team or can't lead a group. Introverts can function well alone, but that doesn't mean they can't work in a group.Introverts can get along well with others and you'd be surprised that these leaders are introverts: Eleanor RooseveltBill Gates Abraham Lincoln Warren BuffettElon MuskMahatma GandhiBo Sanchez 8. Introverts can't be happier than extroverts. Extroverts are loud so you'd know when they're happy. You can see it. That doesn't mean they're happier than introverts though. Happiness is a choice.Just because you're the life of the party and outgoing doesn't necessarily mean you're happy. 9. Introverts don't like to talk. Give them a topic they love and surround them with people they're most comfortable with and they can talk for hours. David Letterman and Susan Cain are both introverts. 10. Introverts won't make it big. Never underestimate the power of silence. And never take calmness for timidity. Most of the time, there's boldness inside, waiting for the right moment to strike...and shake the world. "Still waters run deep". Just ask these introverts who made it big: J. K. RowlingMichael Jackson Warren Buffett Steven Spielberg Johnny Depp Albert Einstein Mahatma Gandhi Mother Teresa Emma Watson Are you an introvert? What do people assume about you?What misconceptions do you have about introverts? Gifs from Google images
Books 2021 Reading Challenge Completed And 12 Short Book Reviews 8:34 AM Who else did not open a book in 2020? Just me? Okay.2020 was like a nightmare. I couldn't even bring myself to read a book then.So I made a promise that I'll go back to reading again this year.Thus, my "Read one book or one series in a month for one year" Reading Challenge started.I joyfully and proudly completed the task I gave myself at the start of the year. 😄 Oh, the commitment it took and the feeling of accomplishment after. You should try it. I'm sharing here my short reviews for the books I've read in 12 months in the year 2021. Hope this helps you decide which book to and not to pick for your next reading challenge.This post contains affiliate links so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you.2021 Reading Challenge Completed & 12 Short Book Reviews1. January 2021 - Fifty Shades Trilogy by E.L. JamesRating: ⭐⭐ I'm not saying this to diss the author because I can only imagine the time, effort, sleepless nights, cups of coffee, and glasses of wine involved in writing a series. High respect.But about the book...You'd know right away that it's written by a woman...A drop-dead gorgeous young multi-millionaire who wants to give you the world, a sex god who also just happened to have a big heart for the needy, with an equally kind-hearted family...Anastasia Steel is supposed to be an English Lit student who later on became editor-in-chief. But can she have a more boring train of thought? There are so many lines that I wish were deleted as it made me cringe and want to throw the book across the room.I will never understand why the first book outsold JK Rowling's Harry Potter. Okay, maybe I do. Sex really does sell. No matter how jejune the narrative is, no matter how gray the characters are (pun intended), if there's crazy sex involved, it will sell.I also read Fifty Shades as Told by Christian Trilogy: Grey, Darker, Freed and I would say it's better.Rating: ⭐⭐⭐Maybe because Christian is a successful young entrepreneur so his everyday life is more exciting. His past is also colorful, to say the least. He's a complex human being so there's a curiosity in trying to figure out why he is the way he is and what's going on in his mind.It's less torture to read as Christian doesn't have an inner goddess who bounces, spins, pole vaults, and pirouettes annoyingly. It's more tolerable.Whatever you think about this series, I'd say I started my 2021 Reading Challenge with a bang. 😄If you want an honest trailer about the movie adaptation and have a good laugh, you should watch this:2. February 2021 - The Red Queen by Victoria AveyardRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I didn't know this was a part of a series when I picked it up at the bookstore. It reminds me of Hunger Games and Divergent. In this novel, their society is divided into Silvers and Reds. The Reds are the inferior community and the Silver possesses superpowers.Lo and behold, they discovered that Mare, the protagonist of the story is a Red with special gifts.Though I predicted who the real villain was, I like how it was written creatively. The battle scenes are thrilling. And there's still an element of surprise.I can't wait to finish the whole series soon (it's currently out of stock in the bookstores here).And I'm also wishing that this will be made into a movie or series. Hi, Hollywood. Please?3. March 2021 - Thy Brother's Wife by Andrew GreeleyRating: ⭐⭐⭐It's intriguing but not as engrossing as I expected it to be. Two brothers - a senator and a priest - fell in love with their adopted sister.They both thought the other one deserved the woman better, but they lived out their lives according to how their father planned it to be. It's about the struggles of being human.Struggles of children who follow their parents' dreams instead of following their hearts.Struggles of siblings who want the best for each other that they're willing to risk their own morality and principles.Struggles of humans seeking God's answers and looking for signs when going through a dark time. Struggles of a young priest.This novel also reminded me about how things could grandly change if only we learn to say what is really in our hearts. 4. April 2021 - Eleven Minutes by Paulo CoelhoRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Eleven Minutes is about discovering love in the most unexpected place from unconventional people, and how far a person is willing to go for ambition or dreams.It's the first Paulo Coelho novel I read so fast I finished it in days. It didn't lull me to sleep. :D I love that airport scene. It's the least I expected from this character so it's a pleasant surprise. I literally had to stop reading and squeal like a high school girl. I've not done that since Eleanor & Park.It made me wonder why Maria the prostitute's thoughts are more eloquent, poetic, and sensible than English Lit major Anastasia Steel's. I wouldn't have predicted why it's titled Eleven Minutes. That's another great discovery. 5. May 2021 - After Series by Anna ToddRating: ⭐⭐Another book that sold probably because of all the sex involved. My friend already warned me that it's hard to read (too wordy) and I should have listened.I was reading fast to get it done and over with. I want to know if Tessa finally realized her worth and allowed herself to find the healthy love she deserves.There are some similarities with Fifty Shades of Grey or at least with the characters. Tessa is also a bibliophile and a virgin. Hardin is an enigmatic guy with a complex past who fell obsessively in love with this naive girl. Both men don't have a problem when it comes to money. Both don't seem to make an effort; Hardin in school and Christian in his Forbes 500 business, but are thriving anyway.Both have aggressive or violent tendencies.Though when it comes to red flags, Hardin is the winner."Toxic" is an understatement to describe their relationship. Their story is about trying to fix someone who doesn't want to be fixed and suffering through the toxic cycle. If you want to know what red flags to look out for and what happens if instead of dodging them you meet them head-on, read this book. 6. June 2021 - Great Cases of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan DoyleRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐It's exciting to read how the brilliant mind of Sherlock Holmes unravels mystery after mystery but I would say the TV series and the movies are better.There were cases that I thought were easy to solve and there were plot twists I didn't see coming.A great break from the previous romance books I've read that's for sure.7. July 2021 - Write It Down Make It Happen by Henriette KlauserRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I've always believed in the power of written words. My thoughts and plans get more organized too when I see them written down on paper. Heartwarming, inspiring, and astounding sharing of people who have turned their dreams into reality by writing them down is waiting for you in this book.It renewed my faith and reminded me just how powerful we are in creating our destinies and shaping our future.8. August 2021- Whiteout by Ken FollettWhiteout by Ken FollettRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Another novel I'd like to be made into a movie. I love how the story is written plain and simple but it's full of suspense. I seldom see plots wherein the heart of the action climaxed and (almost) ended in one location.Not everyone loves a happy ending but I do. Needless to say, I closed this book with a smile on my face.9. September 2021 - Forced RestThat's not the title of my September read. I got sick during this month and I didn't have the energy to read a book. So I took a break and read two books for October instead.10. October 2021 - nullBeach Town by Mary Kay AndrewsRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Greer and Eben. The two characters in this book were a breath of fresh air from Christian + Anastasia and Hardin + Tessa. Eben is uncomplicated, genuine, and honest. Greer is no-nonsense especially when it comes to her job.I love how the story happened in one place - the Beach Town, of course. The simple way they live in Cypress Key reminds me of my old hometown. I miss going to the beach and this book makes me want to live near one.It's not a complex story - no suspense, no action, no heavy drama, and most importantly, no mysterious boyfriend with heavy baggage to carry.But it makes me look forward to what's going to happen next, especially with where Greer and Eben's relationship is going.It brought me that pleasant summer vibe even though I read it in October.This book is a good come-back read for me after struggling with my health. October - The Distance Between Us by Maggie O'FarrellRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I'm not really a fan of flashback scenes in books but I don't mind it with The Distance Between Us. It's highly relevant to the story and effective in piquing your curiosity. Why do these sisters have this unique bond? Why does Stella keep seeing this man or thinks she did and why is he making her feel this way?What is she running away from?How in the world is she going to meet Jake when he's halfway across the globe?How are they going to work things out when they seem to be living in different worlds?How is Jake going to make peace with his past?Questions that keep adding up as you read along but in the end were answered satisfactorily. Both Jake and Stella didn't have a good past but you'd know they'll have a promising future. 11. November 2021- The Road Home by Rose TremainRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐It's raw and moving. A story about a man who at one point became homeless in the hopes of providing a better life for his family back home.It's good to be reminded of how kindness even from people we barely know can change the course of our lives. And that we really have no idea what the other person is going through.I love how Lev did not let his present circumstances hinder him from dreaming new dreams.He worked hard, and persevered to not only save his family but also turn his dream into reality. To give the people in their small town another chance.There's also a part about the wrong love he chose that still haunts him but that which makes him more human.And that's what I love about this story. It doesn't shy away from the reality of life. Only four stars though because I wish he's found peace in his heart and allowed himself to move on and be really happy. 12. December 2021- The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by Chip Heath and Dan HeathRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I read this book as a requirement from our club. It was reading out of obligation at first which was no fun but I eventually enjoyed it.Enlightening, perceptive, and sometimes funny.As someone who's been working with customers for about 18 years now, there are many eureka moments for me here.Not only are the insights helpful for work or business, but they also gave me an idea of how to create powerful moments in an otherwise ordinary time, how to build a stronger relationship with others, and how to turn something unpleasant into an opportunity for an epic moment.A must-read especially for entrepreneurs or those who want to improve their career in customer care.When I was a few pages away from completing my 2021 Reading Challenge, there was an incredible sense of pride and satisfaction in me.This year was far from perfect but at least I've been productive and I've learned more than I did in the last year.I hope my picks for my 2022 Reading Challenge would be much better.What's on your reading list for 2022? Recommendations are welcome.
Holiday May Your Days Be Merry And Bright 5:04 AM As you get into the festivities of the celebration, may you remember what this day is really about.May you find reasons to be more thankful for the year that was. And may you look forward to the coming years with a positive outlook. Indeed, may your stomachs and hearts be full tonight, and may your days be merry and bright. May Your Days Be Merry And Bright Amidst the heavy traffic and the long queue at the malls, While you're caught in the merriment of the occasion, As you give and receive warm hugs and answer calls, May you not forget the Reason for the season. May you remember the Baby born of the virgin and laid in the manger, Who sacrificed and left His glorious throne above, Who gave His all without asking anything from you but hopes you remember, That Someone important and infinite wants to give you His love. So believing in Him or not go on and get into the spirit, Celebrate this wonderful time, get drunk with love tonight, Forget about the year's lows and let the joy of the season get you lifted, May love fill your hearts and may your days be merry and bright. Happy CHRISTmas!
Holiday 7 Simple Steps To Save Money During The Holidays 4:45 AM It's the most wonderful...and most expensive time of the year. It's nice to be gathering with your loved ones to celebrate the holidays, but gift-giving could hurt your budget if you're not careful. Here's how you can save money during the holidays. 7 Simple Steps to Save Money During the Holidays 1. Make a list and check it twiceBe like Santa. Make a list and check it not to find out who's naughty or nice but to see how much you're going to spend on presents.Write the name of the recipients in one column, the gift options you're getting them in another, and the price. It's good to have more than one gift option so you have a backup in case one item is unavailable or more expensive than you expected. 2. Start early When is the best time to start your Christmas shopping? As early as you can. Luckily for most of us, there's a monthly sale in some online stores. No need to wait for major holiday sales to start buying Christmas presents. This helps you avoid the Christmas rush. If you are in a hurry, chances are you would not be able to think clearly and end up spending more than you planned.Personally, I usually start in August. How about you? 3. Recycle giftsIt's not as bad as you think. Recycling gifts is a practical and sustainable way to celebrate the holiday.For example, my friend gave me a coin purse on my birthday. After a year of it sitting in my closet and accumulating dust, I gave it to my other friend who's not connected with her.Rather than hoard items you don't use, give them away. Don't be afraid to recycle gifts. It is yours to give anyway. 4. Use coupons or vouchers Make use of coupons, gift checks or certificates, or vouchers. They're there to make your shopping life better. You can use them to buy gifts or give them as gifts. It is a practical and thoughtful present especially to those who seem to have everything they need. Or for moms who'd love to buy some groceries or items around the house instead. 5. Shop online Online shopping helps you avoid the long lines at the stores. You save time and effort going outside to buy, and the options are endless. The items get delivered to your doorsteps. You practically don't have to leave the house. Buy gifts that give back to the community, the environment, and to yourself from Human Nature Lucky Shop. 6. Volunteer Give your time, talent, and treasure to those who can't pay you back. But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. -Luke 14:13-14There are many charity works being done in the communities during the holiday. Lend a helping hand.7. Give a DIY giftA gift that's not only picked out at the store but was given a lot of time planning and creating is the best! Make your own Christmas card.Create a photo album or scrapbook of memories you have with the recipient.Give them DIY sugar scrub, bath bomb, or body butter.Cook something. Christmas is the season of giving and giving is rewarding. Whatever happens, know that God can never be outdone in generosity.Remember that this Christmas, you can enjoy yourself without overspending. Do you have money-saving tips for the holidays?
