Books The Widower And I 12:54 PM The Widower And I It´s rare for someone to say something to you just a few words really and actually make you see yourself from a completely different vantage point. -How To Talk To A Widower This post contains affiliate links so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you. The Widower And I This 22nd day of the The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge: "What fictional character in a movie, TV show, or book do you identify with and why?" got me stuck for 4 days! It was so hard to pick one character that I could identify with. Actually, I knew who to write about the first time I saw the 22nd challenge---Doug in How To Talk To A Widower. I just had some hesitations. Doug is a guy and he is a widower! I'm a single woman in my 20s. If you haven't read How To Talk To A Widower yet, please PLEASE do!Especially if you like unpretentious characters like Holden Caulfield in The Catcher In The Rye. Doug was devastated when his wife Hailey died. He tries to live and to stay normal but he couldn't escape the ruthlessness of being lonely at night. He hates it when people feel sorry for him. He knows he'll be okay soon, but that doesn't mean he'll stop feeling the pain. He doesn't hurry up, he lets time heal him, he lets Hailey's memories comfort him, he allows himself to feel his love for her even after she's gone. He trips, he fails, he struggles through the cruelty of life, but he doesn't stop living. He tries to be okay. He knows he'll be okay. He is so human. So real, so gritty...so me. You'll laugh at his boo boos, you'll grieve with him, you'll feel his love, you'll love his imperfections. Let me write here again why I love Doug: I know exactly what it means to act as normal as possible for the world to see. I know how hard it is to hold on to something you used to have but isn't there anymore. I know how awful it is to deal with something that happened so abruptly, so sudden, and how cruel it is that the world would not even give you enough time to let it sink in first before it goes on. I know how crazy it is to get pissed and then feel guilty about getting pissed and then get pissed about feeling guilty. I know how difficult it is to cry yourself to sleep, wake up without feeling the purpose of waking up anymore but getting up anyway and showing the world you're still okay. I just know how messed up Doug felt and I’m glad that he made me realize I’m not alone, even if he’s just a fictional character. Between the Widower and I, we all have a Doug in us.
Lux Thinking Aloud Chillux. Cook, Chat And Chill With Lux 6:35 AM The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge Day 21: How would you pitch a reality show about yourself? To what network? Chillux. Cook, Chat And Chill With Lux One of my fleeting childhood dreams was to have my own TV. show. Ironic because I've always been a timid kid. If I'd pitch a reality show for myself, it will most likely be shown on TLC or Food Network. It will be me welcoming friends at home or going to a friend's house and us cooking, eating and chatting the day away (got the idea from one of my fave local T.V. shows Spoon). No script, no by-the-book measurement of ingredients and just casual, sensible and fun conversation. Sharing interests, opinions and what-have-you's. I think that's what people need to SEE at the end of a very busy stressful day. I seldom cook now because I'd rather spend my time online, read a book or catch up on some zzzz's on my free time. I miss it though. Especially when I get the taste right and I see people enjoy the fruit of my labor. I also love simple, honest and casual conversations shared during a meal. It's where you really build relationships and get to know people. A heartwarming meal shared with people close to your heart. No complications, just good food, good times with good friends...exactly the way I want things to be. I think that's what people need to HAVE at the end of a very busy stressful day. Welcome to "Chillux". Let's cook, chat and chill with Lux! Not bad for a tagline, huh? Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Lux Thinking Aloud 5 Things About Me That Will Surprise You 12:46 AM The The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge Day 19: What is something about you that people would be surprised to learn? A few things about me that (some) people would be surprised to learn: 1. I curse like a sailor. Family and old friends know about this because they already heard me drop some expletives before. It will be a surprise to those I met maybe 3 years ago. I've stopped inserting swear words in my sentences a long time ago. But piss me off real good and I can bring out that foul mouthed bitch in me. 2. I've gone through a LOT of rejections, disappointments, betrayals, accusations and whatnot, (hey, who hasn't?) but I can still manage to smile, keep walking, keep moving forward, keep on living. 3. I am an investor. 4. I can punch really hard despite my small frame and skinny arms. 5. I am very intuitive. I sometimes dream about something before it happens. Sometimes I start thinking about someone out of the blue and later learn that something's going on with this person. Especially if we have a deep connection. Or most of the time I know what's going on but I refuse to say it because I want to hear it first from the person or I want to know how honest that person is. So most of the time if someone tells me something, it's not a confession, it's a confirmation (but of course I act surprised). I know, women. It's our gift and our curse. There are more, but I don't think I would want the world to know. How about you? What's your little secret? Surprise me. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Life Lessons 20 Things I Would Tell My High School Self 11:48 PM You may feel like it's the end, but it's only the beginning. The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge Day 18: If you could have a conversation with yourself in high school, what would you say? There are things I would like to tell my high school self. Don't we all wish we have a time machine so we can go back and redo or undo a few things? I bet if we could, most of us will go back to high school. That's when majority of our boo boos happened. It's also when we met great people who became our lifelong friends, when we couldn't care less, when we learned some of the best life lessons, and when some wonderful moments happened. 20 Things I Would Tell My High School Self 1. You've got brilliant ideas! Don't be afraid to speak up and share it to the world. I used to always hold back in sharing especially during a class. I know the answers while the rest of my classmates would stare back blankly when a teacher asks a question. Then I'd hate hate hate it when the teacher would reveal the answer because it's exactly what I was thinking. This did not happen just once, but all throughout my student life. 2. Time is important. Discipline begins now. 3. Don't cut your hair too short! It won't be as lustrous as it is now when it grows back. 4. Haters are confused admirers. Enjoy the attention but continue to work on improving yourself. 5. Watch T.V. less. 6. Learn to say "no" as early as now. 7. Careful who you trust. Not everyone who calls you friend are really your friends. 8. ALWAYS wear lotion. 9. Eat more veggies! You'll thank me later. 10. Sleep, sleep, sleep. 11. Don't take life too seriously. You're only young once. 12. Sweet Valley is nice, but read more John Grishams and Sidney Sheldons. You'll never have enough time to read. 13. Now is the best time to start tithing and investing. 14. Go take that risk! 15. Don't use that product. 16. Everything will make sense a little later. 17. Keep on dancing! 18. It will sometimes suck, but just hang in there. 19. You are the only one stopping you. 20. You may feel like it's the end, but it's only the beginning. High school is a beautiful prerequisite to the real world. It exposed us to different kinds of people, allowed us to experience different things, gave us our highs and our lows, gave us a preview of what life is going to be, provided us our first taste of hellos and goodbyes. My high school self had a blast. I know I could have done better, I could have made wiser decisions and I could have been more cautious. If I could go back, I'd tell my high school self all these 20 things. But maybe I would also just let myself be, and watch myself trip, fall, laugh and discover life the way I did. That's where the fun really was. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Lux Thinking Aloud Inside My Time Capsule 8:26 AM The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge Day 16: If you planted a time capsule right now of your life to be opened in 20 years, what would be in it? Twenty years from now I would like to look back in my life that has been with a smile on my face and warmth in my heart. If I were to plant a time capsule right now, these are the things that I'll include so when I open it 20 years from now, that's exactly what I'll do---smile, maybe shed tears of joy with a heart full of gratefulness. Inside My Time Capsule 1. Pictures of the people in my life, places I've been and things I like. 2. My favorite books. I have a long list and if the space inside my time capsule is limited, then I'll just choose a few that has really impacted my life; inspired me, entertained me, spoke to me, I stayed up late reading, I dreamed about and made me laugh or cry. a.) Cliche as it may sound, I'd put my Bible in. It's a gift from my priest friend (when he was still a seminarian). Every lesson you need in life is there. It is our Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. b.) Simplify and Live Abundance by Bo Sanchez. It taught me how to live simply (live within or under my means), stay contented but strive for a better life and become rich without robbing your soul. c.) To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee d.) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Among the 7 books, this is my favorite. e.) The Single Woman by Mandy Hale. It taught me to appreciate, affirm, celebrate my single life and be as happy as I should be regardless of my status. f.) Where We Belong by Emily Griffin g.) Master Of The Game by Sidney Sheldon 3. My brother's stuffed bear who we consider as family. Every time I go home I borrow it from him and we sleep with Bearbear on our bed. 4. My journal with all my dreams, struggles and even everyday mundane whereabouts recorded. 5. My laptop (let's assume that it will still work after 20 years). This is like cheating though since most of the things valuable to me are kept in my files here. My "unpublished" blogs, pictures, favorite songs, movies, T.V. shows and important files are stored here. I can only be excited as to what my life will turn out 20 years from now. So I'm cherishing the things that are in the present and even feel the pain if it's there. I am preparing for the worst but definitely expecting only the best. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Lux Thinking Aloud Really Truly Blissful 6:06 AM A grateful heart is a happy heart. The The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge Day 14: Describe The Last Moment You Felt Really, Truly Blissful It's so easy to make me happy. Chick flicks, good music, a corny joke, a slice of cheesecake, shopping for less, book fairs, visiting a new place. These are just a few simple things that can put a smile on my face. Really Truly Blissful The last time I felt really truly blissful though was when my blog 9,000++ views! For some it's not a big deal, but for me who's baring my soul to my readers (no matter how few I believe they are) and wanting to impart wisdom and encouragement from my great experiences to the boo boos I made, it is huge! It's an accomplishment! I don't know how many people viewed my blog for how many times or if they liked what they saw or even cared to read it. Maybe some just closed the window right after the page loaded. Nevertheless, looking at my stat and seeing 9,000++ views (and counting every minute) gives me bliss. Reading the comments too and knowing that there are people who are also going through the same phase and that they learn from what they read gives me self-fulfillment. It's knowing that I have impacted in my own little way, the lives of others and that I made someone feel less alone is a huge bonus. Some readers would tell me that I did help enlighten them, they learned from what they read or that they're going through something and reading some of my posts is so timely for them. I made them feel better afterwards. That gives me the sense of satisfaction knowing that I'm serving the purpose of my life. I always say that I am not a good writer technically, but I always write from the heart (even when it's bleeding sometimes). So, thank you to everyone who wasted a few minutes of their time visiting my page, those who wasted an extra more to send me an email or drop a comment or two. If you think I've helped you feel better and made a difference in your lives, you don't know how you make this soul sings with gladness every time you drop by her page. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
The Story Of Warren Buffet 10:01 PM Honesty is a very expensive gift, Don't expect it from cheap people. -Warren Buffet The first time I heard Warren Buffet's story, I was amazed. How can someone so wealthy remain so down to earth? More importantly, how can someone so simple became the world's greatest money maker? See for yourself.
Day 13: The Last Person I Texted 4:48 AM The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge Day 13: Describe How You Met The Last Person You Texted And Talk About Your Friendship/Relationship Today's topic will reveal how often I text. Answer: once in a blue moon. I don't like texting so I only text when it's important, if I need to ask or reply to a query, if I need to meet someone and discuss the meeting, etc. (I guess somebody in the past overused and abused the power of texting on me and made me lost my faith in it. Good reason enough). Anyway, to answer today's topic, the last person I texted was my housemate and it's me asking a favor; "Please buy me this for lunch". I know, not that grand. My housemate and I are officemates so my relationship with this person is that we're workmates, we live under the same roof and we share common interests including our love for the same T.V series like How I Met Your Mother and Big Bang Theory. Nothing much to say yet because I just moved in a couple of months ago, but so far, since we both give each other the space and the freedom we both need I'd say we live harmoniously, no fuss whatsoever. Today's topic reminds me that maybe I really do need to try harder in communicating or staying connected with the people in my life. That includes texting more often and not just relying on Facebook as, let's face it, not everyone's got the time to go online everyday. Lesson learned.
Lux Thinking Aloud My Proudest Accomplishment 4:31 AM Helping someone reach their dreams is far better than any material things put together. The Single Woman's 30-Day Blogging Challenge Day 12: Your Proudest Accomplishment My proudest accomplishment so far is that I was able to help my siblings finish college. Do I get an applause for that? See, it's not easy. While some yuppies are enjoying and splurging, I was budgeting my money to the last cent because I've got tuition fees and school projects to pay. I couldn't buy that pair of shoes or bag I so coveted at the mall because I need to send some cash for allowance. During that time I admit it kind of sucked. I'm working my ass off to earn and I couldn't even enjoy the fruit of my labor. Looking back though, that experience taught me to be more generous, more selfless and it even helped me sort out my priorities in life. I've learned early on (as early as 21) the difference between needs and wants. Delaying gratification has the best results. Helping someone reach their dreams is far better than any material things put together. For this I could proudly say I'm not just wealthy, I'm truly rich. Linked here. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Lux Thinking Aloud I'm A Once In A Lifetime Kind Of Woman 3:18 PM I'm a once-in-a-lifetime kind of woman. "I am not just a one-in-a-million kind of girl. I am rare. I am precious." Claim that, ladies! Don't buy the lies that boys say to get to your pants. You are worth the effort. You are worth the wait. You are valuable. You are worth more than eight cows (read the story's reference here). Don't dumb yourself down so you'll be more approachable. Don't shortchange yourself. Being choosy about the people you let into your life is okay. Protect your inner circle. Don't surround yourself with those who are not contributing to your well-being. When you finally free yourself from people who don't value you, you make more space for those who do. Don't let labels or stereotypes define you. Don't succumb to what society dictates. Be the Proverbs woman. Be like Ruth, who didn't sit around waiting for a man to rescue her situation. Raise your standards, and don't apologize for it. Be a once in a lifetime kind of woman so those who let you go thinking they can do better will realize that you're the one who got away. Never apologize for having high standards. People who really want to be in your life will rise to meet them. -Ziad K. Abdelnour
