How it all began for me...

There are only few simple joys in life that I cherish and nurture. Running, for one. Food is another thing. Then there's my love for books and reading in general. I have Tiya to thank for the latter. Without her stories, years ago and her encouragement for me to read, I wouldn't have discover this wonderful and worthwhile pastime. I don't have to go to far-away places just to read.

I can't remember the exact time when I started my love affair with reading. All I know is, I've always love to read and most of the time, happier when I'm just by myself, with a good book. ( I don't need to seek the company of others when I have a great book with me. Although, I had a great time in AMUMA with my batch mates.)

At first, I was content to read Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Then later on, I found the same story line boring. One day, Tiya gave me a paperback ( Hotel by Arthur Hailey ) and suggested I try it. I did. From then on, I was hooked.

I remember one year, I just stayed home when I'm supposed to start college. Due to reasons that I can't recall, I had to defer going to school for another year. Tiya brought me books every week and I read them all. Paperbacks. Condensed Reader's Digest. With every book was an adventure waiting for me in between the pages.

I moved from reading young-adult ( the Harry Potter series is my all-time favorite ) to more complicated and serious stuff. I'm lucky to read great writings from different excellent and wonderful authors. I've been moved to tears and  laughter. With reading, I learned a lot about the world around me. I began to learn how to think outside the box. To be open to new ideas and think things over.

I prided myself in being able to put up an indifferent countenance about certain things, except for one. I can never pretend that I don't like books or reading ( for that matter ) My reaction to the sight of books neatly stack on shelves ( either inside a library or bookstore ) always give me away. I can't say I read everything. It depends whether it interest me or not.

Reading and books will always be a part of my life. And I'll always be thankful for Tiya for sharing this wonderful gift with me.

Things I like about "You've Got Mail"....

"Don't you just love fall in New York?"

I've always been a movie buff since I was young enough to understand what I'm watching. Let's just say that I used to frequent the movie house whenever I had the time ( and extra cash ) and keep my myself abreast with all the new movies shown. ( Well, not all of them. ) This was during the time when cable TV wasn't popular yet.

I love to watch movies, especially the ones with endings that keep you wondering what happen, long after the credits stopped rolling. "YOU'VE GOT MAIL" is one of my favorites. I'm not really a huge fan of romantic flicks but for this one, I made an exception. And after 14 years when I first watched it, I don't mind  watching it again.

Here's the rundown on why the movie is my all-time favorite...

• It was filmed in New York City.
• Starbucks ( which means coffee )
• Bookstores ( books and reading )
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Cranberries' song "Dreams"
• Meg Ryan's hair

Just  few of  the things about the movie  that resonates with me. The plot and story line is simple but it wasn't boring at all. It's a love story but without the usual "effects" that some films has to entice viewers.

[ I have yet to fulfill my 'dream' of one day going to New York City for a visit. And perhaps, when I'm lucky, run in the New York marathon. So I'll wait and see. :-) ]

I "love" the library...

"A library is a good place to go when you feel unhappy, for there, in a book, you may find encouragement and comfort. A library is a good place to go when you feel bewildered or undecided, for there, in a book, you may have your question answered. Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people---people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book." - E.B. White

If there's one thing I like particularly about being here in Canada---its their library. I know, this confession would prompt comments like, "The library? Big deal." I didn't realize this at first, until after a year of going to the library in Mill Bay.

One of my recent read.

When I was still in school, I was never fond of going to the library, unless it is really necessary. And I dislike the idea of spending countless hours, on a secluded corner, with a book in front of me. In no time, I will be nodding off, the book forgotten. Back then, I view going to the library as something closely related with schoolwork so it's not fun.

And where I come from, a public library is not one of the priority. The few that do exist are stocked with outdated materials and books. Besides, no one really go to this place. Reading is not a popular pastime.

So a few days after I arrived in Canada, my aunt took me to the downtown branch of the library in Nanaimo. I was amazed. I felt like I was a kid inside a toy store. That day I got my library card. I was in heaven. I marveled at all the books on the shelves.

There's something about books that makes me happy and content.

When I moved to Mill Bay, the first I did is check out the library. I was happy to know that it wasn't located far from where I'm going to stay. On my days off, I always go there. It has become one of my "happy place". Every time I step inside the library, it feels like I'm transported to another place. I like the smell of the books, especially the brand new ones. I have this crazy idea--- I'd spend a night in the library, then all the stories in the books will come to life. With one exception though, no scary stuff.

I've read a lot of good books for the past two years, thanks to the library. And the cool thing about it is I can read any book I like, without buying it ( except if I want my own copy ) For someone who thrive on reading,  like me, the library is a great thing. I don't have to go out and do stuff, to amuse myself. Besides, I am always content with a good book ( and a cup of coffee on the side ).

The library will always be one of my favorite place. And hopefully, for a very long time...

I go for series and trilogy too....

The first two...

I've always been fascinated with books and reading. I say, I'm happier when I have a book with me or when I'm in a library or a bookstore.  Since moving to Canada, I've read a lot of books. Thanks in part to the library. I read anything that interest me. Although, there are type of books that don't strike a chord with me.

Even before the HARRY POTTER books became so popular, I already read most of them and watch the film adaptations. It started when I was still back in the Philippines. I enjoyed Harry, Ron and Hermione's adventures all through out the series that I decided to read it again last year. And it was made possible by the VIRL.

Another series that I managed to read, pertained to vampires and werewolves. If you're familiar about Bella and Edward ( with Jacob thrown in to spice things up ), then you know what I'm getting at. Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. Ring a bell? It's a surprise that I can still remember all the titles. The opportunity to read all four books presented itself and I was curious to find out what all the hype was about. Will I read it again? Probably not. Besides, my idea of what a vampire should be, will always be Louis and Lestat ( remember "Interview with the Vampire" )

The first trilogy I come across is from Suzanne Collins---I'm talking about "The Hunger Games", "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay". I read the first two books when I was still back home. And I read the last one, last year. It dealt about futuristic stuff and all that. And it was a fast-paced read.

A nice birthday present.:-)

Then there's Stieg Larsson's Millenium-trilogy that starts with "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo", then "The Girl Who Played With Fire" and "The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets' Nest". All three books were published after the author's death in 2004. The books has been adapted to film. I watched the English version of the first book and it was good. The trilogy deals with various subjects, like corruption, human trafficking and other flaws of society in general. I got all three books for my birthday, two years ago. A birthday present. So there's no excuse not to read them all.

I've started accidentally on Jeffrey Archer's "The Clifton Chronicles". I say accidentally because I didn't plan on reading "Only Time Will Tell", which was the first book. I'm glad I did because it turned out to be a wonderful one and with Jeffrey Archer, being the author, you won't be disappointed. I had to wait for months before I get to read the second book, "The Sins Of The Father". It's worth the long wait. Now, I'm looking forward to the next one. Soon, hopefully.

I watched "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" a few years back. I didn't know then that it was based on a book by C.S. Lewis. It was only recently that I know about it. And there's a whole lot of other books in "The Chronicles of Narnia" series. So I Google d it and jot down the title of the books ( all seven of them ) and the order they should be read. I borrowed "The Magician's Nephew" from the library and finished reading it in just one day. Well, it was a short one and the large print helped too. I have the second book, "The Boy and His Horse" ready to be pick up. So, let's see how this will turn out.

I noticed that I read a lot of series lately so I thought I write something about it. And also to keep track, perhaps. ( Whatever happened to my Book Journal? )

As I've mentioned before, reading is a great pastime. You can never go wrong with it. :-)

Never stop reading.

If I have a million dollars...

I laugh at myself for thinking about winning the lottery. I mean, who wouldn't want to win it? Probably someone nuts.I know money is not everything and all, but it sure does help if you have some.

In my case, I have all the odds stack against me when it comes to winning anything, let alone the lottery. ( Maybe because I seldom buy lotto.) Still, it doesn't hurt to "dream" of the things I'd buy or do if ever I buy the winning ticket. Besides, it doesn't cost me a cent to let my imagination runs free.

So, if I have a million dollars....


I'll buy my first car, just so I have something to stick my "N" on. And I can drive.

Buy my sister and myself a plane ticket and head home, for a much-long visit with the family.


DSLR ( My sister will go crazy about this. She love to be always in front of the camera.)


Buy a new pair of runners and sign up for more races.

Visit New York City ( with my sister, of course)


Go to Disneyland with my girls.


I can go insane and come up with a long list here but the things mentioned above will do just fine for now. Although, I have other things to do ( in case I get lucky ) but I'd rather not share it here.


Dream on...

O Canada, you had me rambling....

Two years ago, I first set foot in Maple Leaf land. Can't say I have regrets being here. So far, I'm doing good and I'm fortunate to be with people who have been so nice to me. There's always that occasional bout of homesickness. Luckily for me, I'm used to being away from home so it wasn't really hard to adjust. But there are times that I do get lonely and wish I'm back home. Times that I crave my mother's cooking so bad, that my stomach makes a growling sound. ( Just writing this line makes my mouth water, especially when I think about my favorite dish that Nanay cooks for me.)

I'm grateful my sister is here too. I have always someone part of "home".

Things have change since I move here. For one, my friend don't talk to me anymore like she used to. The odd chance that we do get to chat online, feels forced and just out of rote. The different time zone doesn't help either. When I asked her how come things are different now, all I got is a "Things have change, so move on." spiel. I have no idea what that means. But it is what it is.

On the home front, after a span of two years, I have now a total of five nieces and three nephews. Of course, AJ will always be my best friend. Too bad I already miss out on two years of her life. I hope she still wants to hang out with me, when the time comes.

One day, someone asked me, what I like being in Canada. It didn't take long for me to think of reasons why I like being here. For one thing, I like their public library. It has become my favorite go-to place especially during my days off. And it has given me the chance to read almost anything that my heart desires, without having to buy the book. Then I get to make a new friend too. How cool is that. :-)

I "love" the library.

I like the temperate climate. I mean, I came from a tropical country, where the sun always shine ( except during a stormy day or two ) and temperature hovers in the 30's. So when I first arrived here and felt what single digit temperature was like, I was shock. I always thought that I'm perpetually stuck inside the fridge. Although over the following months, I slowly adapted to it. I don't sweat anymore like I used to. I'm now "bundled" every time I go out, especially during winter. I survived through all the four seasons. My sister told me that I'm lucky I'm in BC, particularly in the Vancouver Island. Now, I can see why.

I've been told "Your English is good." a few times. I learn English in school and I'm thankful I did. I read and write in English but to hear myself speak the language was awkward. It felt like someone is talking other than me. Eventually, I find that you'll get used to it especially if you have to do it all the time. I can't stay quiet forever. Whether I like it or not, I have to talk and communicate. And so I did. It's one of the things that I want to improve too. One way to do it is to go out of my comfort zone and met people. I'm not saying that I approach strangers randomly and gab about anything. ( A few months back, I made a bold move and made friends with someone. ) Good thing is, I'm with people who encourages me to talk and are interested to know my opinion on certain things. I like the fact that I can say something without being laugh at if I mispronounce a word.

Living in a foreign country is like a balancing act. I try not get too caught up with the way of life here lest I forget my own. But I also need to have an open mind in order to move forward. I have to adapt and adjust and maybe, make a few compromises. I learn a valuable lesson while living in Canada. It pays to be grounded with myself and to be sensible. I learn to make the things within my control works for me and not worry about those that don't.

There's no such thing as a perfect place to be ( except perhaps in my imagination) And I find out that Canada, like any other country, has its own problems and pitfalls. Still, I like it here.

Anyway, just thought I write something random, being "Canada Day!!!" and all....

finally, I have my "N"

"I'm happy to tell you that you pass this time. High five!" These words from the examiner were music to my ears. I was like, "Yes!". I was so happy that day, I feel like jumping. 

When someone asked me if I have any experience in driving, I readily reply that I don't. Of course, I didn't count the time when I had four driving lessons two years ago. It was when I just got my "L" license.

I never thought that I'd ever want to learn how to drive. Where I came from, it's easy to go to places even if you don't drive and own a car. So driving has never entered my mind. But then, things changed, I'm now in a place where driving is a necessary skill and owning a car doesn't mean you're well-off. ( Or maybe it does, because you need to factor in the cost of the car, insurance, repairs and maintenance, gas, etc., )

So with the encouragement and help from a friend, I decided to take driving lessons again. This time I had every intent and desire to take and pass the road test. To pass it and get the "N" is the only way that I can legally drive here on my own or give someone a ride, with restrictions though.

For the past two months, "driving" has taken precedence in my life. I had to stop running for awhile. On top of that, I'm faced with the process of looking for a new job and starting all over again. And trying to get over a loss. My journey to acquire the "N" was  filled with frustrations. Not to mention putting up all my meager savings for driving lessons, then failing the road test twice. I was so disappointed with myself. But finally, after my third try, I made it. I pass!!!

My friend, Wanda, has been instrumental with my passing the road test. She was determined to help me get my "N". She was patient and brave enough to sit with me through all those countless hours we spent on the road, just to give me practice. And after my two failed attempts, she told me not to give up but try again. We drive some more. And when I finally pass, she smiled and said, "I'm so proud of you."

When I think about it now, my preparation for the road test was like cramming for a long exam the next day ( you know, the ones we used to get in school ) Fortunately, it work out well for me in the end.

Looking forward to "hit the road!"

The Power of One

"First with the head and then with the heart, you'll be ahead from the start."

Someone suggested "The Power of One" to me. Few weeks after I got it from the library, it stayed unopened. Not for a lack of interest though. I was reading another book at that time. At first, I wasn't keen to read it because the print were way too fine for me. After reading a few books in large print, my eyes have become accustomed to the nicely spaced, large font.

My boss told me  it's a good book and that I will like it. And true enough, after I read the first two chapters, I'm hooked. The fine print did not matter anymore.

The book allow me a glimpse of a time, a few years back, when I know how it feels like to hit a heavy bag and punched it like crazy, until my knuckles were raw and sometimes, bled.

I read all 530 pages of the book and enjoyed it. Even go as far as jot down phrases I like. Here's one...

"The power of one is above all things the power to believe in yourself, often well beyond any latent ability you may have previously demonstrated. The mind is the athlete; the body is simply the means it uses to run faster or longer, jump higher, shoot straighter, kick better, swim harder, hit further or box better."

I read Stephen King's 11/22/63 in 9 days

"The multiple choices and possibilities of daily life are the music we dance to. "

The concept of time-travel is fascinating. I think it is a neat idea to be able to revisit the past and perhaps, change the course of things, especially the ones that mattered. But then there's also the fact that when things are meant to happen, they do and trifling with them can bring repercussions.

One day, I find myself in the library. My eyes wandered into the new books section and saw 11/22/63. I wasn't reading something at that time so I decided to check it out. This is my first time to read one of Stephen King's work. I am familiar with some of his previous novels, especially the ones adapted into film.

Occam's Razor: The simplest explanation is usually the right one.

So, what made me pick this one? The title intrigued me and more so because it signified a date, thirteen years before I was born. And I think it doesn't hurt to know a little bit more about  American history.

I enjoyed reading this book although it took me more than a week to finished it but it was worth it. Worth the time spent and the overdue fine I have to pay. :-)

"If you've ever been homesick , or felt exiled from all the things and people that once defined you, you'll know how important welcoming words and friendly smiles can be."

What's normal, anyway?

Listen closely. :-)

I remember when I was in junior high school, we had this group activity about "crushes". Of all the topics to talk about. Since I did not fully grasp the logic behind a 'crush' at that time, I decided to make up one, just so I have something to share. When I heard my classmates said that, "If you don't have a crush, you are abnormal." I was more compelled to come up with one. At that time, when everybody wanted to fit in, I sure did not want to be labeled 'abnormal'.

Later on in life, I live my life as I see it fit. I chose to run my own race and I never realize that I set myself apart. I found myself subjected to questions. Sometimes, nasty and annoying ones.

One example, just because I don't have a "boyfriend", some ( you know who you are ) thinks I play for the other team. Seriously, I'm not going to make up one or go at great lengths to look for one. I'm past the point of worrying if I pass as 'normal' or not.

What's normal anyway?

Someone asked me once, about my 'love' life. And all I could say was  it's non-existent. Or so I thought, because I was still trying to fit in the society's notion of what a 'normal' love life is. And I realized that I'm wrong. I am in love and always has been, but not just in the romanticized and commercialized kind. I would not be here if I don't love. I would cease to exist if I don't love ( if you know what I mean ).

I didn't think myself as different until one day, someone commented that I'm autistic. Though she did not say it to my face. I was like, yeah right.

I still don't think myself as different. I'm just being me. If being myself goes against what others think is 'normal' then so be it. People always say things no matter what.

Life is too short to worry about what 'normal' people say about me. And I sure don't give a ______ if they don't like me. :-)

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." - E.E. Cummings

A tale of two sisters

Sister and I

I come from a big family. I have six younger sisters and two younger brothers. You do the math. Growing up, I never really thought about them much except that they were a bunch of kids I had to put up with, look after and get along. Aside from that tiny detail about having the same last name and coming from the same set of parents, we are different.

I can't say I have a favorite sibling or doted one more than the other. Of course, after having witnessed one sister arrived after another, every couple of years or so, the birth of my two younger brothers were more than welcome. And I even get to named the youngest one.

With my number one support crew (?)

But what I'm going to tell you is not about all of my younger siblings. It's about me and this particular sister of mine. She's not my favorite or anything. It's just that we get along well that even if we're extremely opposite from each other, we still get to have fun.

Our grandmother doted on both of us, so that's something we sometimes talk about and reminisce the good memories we had with our cool granny. My sister and I  never had a huge fight well, except for that time when I was so angry at her that I threw all her stuff out from our room. Oh, and there was another time too, when we both got into a heated argument that we ended up hitting each other. But the next day, all was okay again. And we talked and laughed like nothing happened.

We plan our days together in a way that  we'd make the most of our time. Well, it's really me that's always saying this "Hurry up, sister!"

I really have no clear memories of my sister and I growing up together since I'm just three years older than her. We all have weathered various trying times in our life. Deaths of our beloved grandmother and father. Then the births of our nieces and nephews.

When she left for Canada, five years ago, something was amiss in our family. Still, life goes on, my sister embraced the role of a breadwinner, albeit reluctantly. And somehow, I also miss her company. Four years later, I followed her.

To start off 2012.

Looking back, I realized that we're meant to be together. Although, we don't get to see each other often, we always have loads of fun when we hang out. Tiya told me once that, it was meant to be, so we can have each other to lean on, especially on crappy times.

I'm sure that we get along fine not only because we are sisters. I guess it will be boring and not much fun if we have the same likes. Though it would have been  nice if  she also like running but I don't begrudge her that.

Yes, we are.

When I badly needed a good laugh, I go and see her. And not because she's funny-looking or something. It's just that when I'm around my sister, even the simplest thing or occurrence can be a source of fun. Whenever we hang out, we manage to talk and laugh just about anything. Then before we know it, it's time for me to go.

I don't think about how it would have been different if my sister is not here. I'm glad that she is. One day, I complained about how we're working hard and don't have the time to enjoy it. She simply said, "Let's make the time." 

Good call, sister. :-)

reads to start off 2012

Waiting for me ( not in vain, I hope )

If reading can be compared to taking a swig of alcoholic drink then, I'm in a perpetual daze of inebriation. Lately, I've been reading a lot and it helps that the local public library is just within walking distance from the house. Sometimes, I pick up books while out for a short run.

I decided to do away with the usual "resolution" thing that is always seem overrated at the start of every new year. Instead, I came up with this idea to write something about the books I've read lately. I'm still doing the POST-IT thing but I have yet to fill in the first page of my BOOK JOURNAL. I'm lazy, I know.

So, to begin with, I've read three books so far ( and more to come, hopefully ) I get them from the library ( now you can imagine, how my life would have turn out if this 'favorite haunt' wasn't conveniently located )

The Clan of Cave Bears ( Jean Auel )
A very slow read for me. Took me more than a week to finish this one. And I had to read another book in between to get away from it, for a bit. To break the monotony and somewhat dull pace of the story.

What keeps me going? It was interesting and you not only get to read fiction, per se, but also learn about the prehistoric people and all. And there's always that nagging thought to find out what happen next.

The Secret Letter of the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari ( Robin Sharma )
I read this one in  while reading The Clan of Cave Bears ( of course, not at the same time ). I requested this from the library a few months ago. Finally, when it was available, I started reading it, the same day I picked it up. Well, I stayed in the library for a couple of hours at that time.

A great read for me and truly inspiring. I stick POST-IT notes on different pages of the book, filled with phrases I like.

A Secret Kept (Tatiana De Rosnay )
After I've read "Sarah's Key", Tatiana De Rosnay's first book, I know then, that I like the way how she writes. It just took me more than a day to finish "Sarah's Key" and the same thing happened with "A Secret Kept".

A fast-paced read and something I can't easily put down and wait for another time to get back to it. Yes, I stayed up until midnight with this one. And save the few remaining chapters for the next day.

Anyway, this enjoyable activity has keep me preoccupied so far, aside from my other love. :-)

Who says reading is boring?

Winter thoughts ( and it's not even winter yet )

And loving it.

It's that time of the year again, where office Christmas parties are abounding. Christmas songs and carols on the radio ( that frankly, I'm tired of hearing ) 13^th month pays and bonuses are doled out ( which barely make a dent in the ever growing list of ____ ) Gifts to buy and secretly hope to get in return. Yes, definitely it is Christmas time once again.

I wish I can use a 'Port Key' or knows how to 'Apparate'. The 'Floo Network' would be neat too but I don't want the risk of scaring my mother or younger siblings to death when I suddenly leap out from the open flame. Besides, we don't have a chimney so. Now, you're wondering, what is she talking about? If you ever read Harry Potter, then we're on the same page. If not, well.

I found out that 'winter wonderland' is not what it's all cracked up to be. There's no amount of wonder left when you have to endure almost sub-zero temperatures and have to bundle up like an Eskimo. When the walks I used to enjoy this past few months now seemed like a torture ( because of the biting cold ) And I find that fresh snow is neat and all but once it turn to ice, you rather they're not there.

This will be my second time to 'endure' winter. I must say that the novelty of it all is gone now. What remains is the resigned acceptance of the fact that this particular time of the year has become a part of my life ( for as long as I'm willing to stay here )

Christmas?

While some may wish for a white Christmas ( just for the heck of it ), I miss the ones I had back home. Even if they were less than perfect, it was only during those times that I can feel that Christmas is really in the air. So far the best I had was of 2009. Perhaps because it was the last Christmas and New Year's I had with my family before moving here. Now that it's impossible for me to celebrate these two occasions with them, I try to relive it in my mind ( at this point I wish I can have access to a 'Pensieve' ). To recall every distinct smell and sound and the festive feeling that last until the wee hours of the morning. Funny, how you try to keep those memories fresh and as real as can be in your mind, if only to keep your present state more tolerable. Probably, all I'm trying to say is that I miss them and the semblance of a life I have back there, which is not much, I must say.

I will try not to feel nostalgic about it. Frankly, I don't feel anything at all. Someone asked me what are my plans for Christmas and all I could say in reply was, there's none. How about New Year's Eve? Sleep, perhaps?

So, what bring this seemingly despondent thoughts about this season? Nothing really. It so happen that Christmas and New Year takes place a few days after winter 'officially' starts. It's now getting too cold for me and it's way different from what I've been used to. It took me long to realize the stark contrast between the two worlds I've been fortunate to inhabit.

Anyway, there's no sense to feel miserable about it. I'm fine and happy where I'm at. And hopefully, my family is too.

November wrap-up

I'm busy running and reading ( and of course, earning a living ) that I didn't realize that it's already December, until this morning. When I looked at the calendar and heard a Christmas song on the radio ( a first for me ). Okay, I lied. I must be so way 'out there' if I can't remember the days or months for that matter. Now, I have another 31 days ahead of me, to 'exploit' and enjoy.:-)

The opportunity to have your cake and eat it too comes only once a year. And you're not even certain half the time.

But before I get down and bore you with the details of what I'm up to this month ( I have plenty of time to do this later ), allow me to give you a snippet of what I did last month, not that it is extraordinary or something. You have the choice to either skip this post or read on ( and it will be much appreciated by me ).

So, as you know  by now, November is my birth month. I turned 35, more than a week ago. My plan to run on that particular day did not happen. And it's not because for the lack of will. As expected, nothing came out from my "shameless plugging", oh well. I did get a birthday cake, though. ( that is something ) And I will be always be thankful that I'm still here.:-)

And I already miss this.

With regards to my running, I still keep at it. I have to contend with numb and raw fingers now. A runny nose. The biting cold that goes right through me. The sometimes icy road, when the temperature dip so low even if it's sunny. But then I enjoy my run and I'm happy with it, so it's a few compromises I have to live with.

Not a bad post-run munch with a cup of tea on the side.

My reading, on the other hand, is coming along fine. I try to read for a few minutes every day. And with the public library just a walking distance from the house, I'm rarely without a book. ( I can't imagine my life here without the library). I still update my Book List and manage to finish five books last month. Neat.

I welcome December with as much enthusiasm as I have for the past eleven months. It has been a great experience to live through them. What do you think?

What are you grateful for?

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have." - Frederick Keonig

I've been toying with the idea to come up with something about Thanksgiving. It's purely a coincidence that I decided to write about it at the time that Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. From where I'm at, this yearly occasion was celebrated more than a month ago. I'm not saying that I'm partial to them ( the Americans, I mean ) It doesn't matter to me anyway. Besides, I think that each new day ( however it turns out ) is always a good enough reason to be thankful for. And not just a specified date on the calendar.

I'm thankful for this.

I'm THANKFUL for...

• RUNNING because it has given me immense pleasure and a strong sense of doing something great, not to mention crazy ( sometimes ). I'm only exceptionally happy when I run. ( If you know what I mean.)
• BOOKS because I love to read. I can't imagine what my life would be if I don't read. And without books and the library.
• FAMILY because I realized that no matter how my family is 'dysfunctional' at times, it would be pretty isolating and lonesome to not have them to come home to and belong with. Though at present, I'm far from them.

I will always be thankful for the chance to know my girls.

• ANOTHER YEAR because turning a year older just means that I'm still here, alive and well. Always willing and thankful to live life, no matter what.
• BEING HERE because I learned that any place can be as great or crappy as I want them to be. It's just a matter of perspective and the right attitude.
• FRIENDS because even if I'm boring and all, they still take the time to get to know me. ( You all know who you are.)
• HIM because when all is said and done, it all comes down to HIM. What I have, I owe it all to HIM.

Some of the happiest and carefree moments I had are those times spent with them.

"Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living." - Amanda Bradley 

Anyway, I think I've said enough. So, let's hear it, "What are you grateful for?" And, let's have that turkey, already.!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!