On my part, I’ve listed a few simple, basic things to follow:  (1) eat a healthy diet, (2) sleep at least 8 hours a day (to which I’ve already accumulated a huge amount of sleep debt already. Got to improve on item 2!), (3) exercise regularly, (4) maintain basic good grooming daily, and (5) wear something that’s clean and comfortable.  No frills and fuss. No questions like, “what’s the best diet pills for women?”  Unlike my facial skin concern, the genetic code on my metabolism endowed me with a healthy one such that dieting has never been a concern for me. =)  

For the past 15 years, my choice of jeans always circulates between straight and boot cuts (sometimes tight but still boot cut).  It’s classic and comfortable – safe.  These are easily paired with my staple boots and select sexy pumps.  This year, however, brought me to a retail therapy session that was most welcome, that I want to figure in again in the future, and that added a new style of jeans to my closet – the apple bottom jeans.

I knew it would fit, like second skin.  The image of me in the mirror projects the curves of a woman’s body.  No, I wasn’t surprised that I have them.  I just did not expect that I can find the right fit that would accentuate the curves.  Wearing them added a cup of womanly feeling.  It’s like eating dark chocolate but with a stronger, longer high.  I never dreamt that I would wear one, ever!  And at 3-0!  Woman, have you?

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on that sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Thomas Dylan

On beds, in my experience so far, Astoria Plaza has the bed that best suits my sleeping needs — correct support (it yields to the natural contours of our bodies but doesn’t sag in the middle with our weight) and comfort (neither soft nor hard). This also comes with plush pillows that seemed to give me the feeling that my head’s being cradled. It was the most rested 3-hour sleep I’ve had. I also dig their headboards and the large mirror in front of the dining table! Did I mention that the air conditioner units do not make rattling noises like the ones at Kabayan Hotel? Cool.

Now I’m (very) envious with Ian’s new lodging benefit provided by their Company. Oh, I can just imagine waking up every day on that bed well rested, free of pain and discomfort.

When I get back to Manila, I intend to maintain this newly-revisited health regimen. But since I have no one yet who can join me jog in Manila, I will just do it by myself. I can just see it now — sweat dripping from my forehead as the sun’s beautiful early morning light bathes my body. I also plan on having my iPod around with me, so I can listen to feel good music as I do my rounds. For this, I would need to purchase ipod accessories so I can get a strap that can fasten my iPod securely in place as I begin my day right.

World, get ready as I become a healthier me!

As Linford Christie says, “Adopting a new healthier lifestyle can involve changing diet to include more fresh fruit and vegetables as well as increasing levels of exercise.”

We even documented the experience underwater. Thanks to JM, a former officemate and close friend.

I am in the crossroads. Not literally, though. Have you ever found yourself weighing your options and likening it to the analogy of the chicken and the egg? That is where I am precisely at right now. I am speaking in metaphors here. LoL.

Say you already have a chick, but at the same time, you have in your hands an egg, so full of potential. Whereas your chick is already right there before your eyes, your egg, however big it may be, is not 100% sure to hatch. So you are faced with a dilemma. The chick, or the egg? The egg could be that of an ostrich, and your full grown chicken would pale in comparison to that, right? I am finding it funny to think of it that way. Anyway, I am already quite tired from a day full of meetings. Time to rest. I leave you with a picture of what I am really trying to say. I found it funny. I hope you do too.

I woke up this morning feeling fully recuperated. When you are sick and lying on your back on your bed resting, you can only wish you’re healthy as a horse. So this morning was full of gratefulness to God for healing me completely. I offered a silent prayer of thanks to Him for giving me back good health and made a mental note to do this every single day. Boy! You can just imagine my happiness waking up without the slightest headache, soreness of throat, and an indefinite feeling of lack of health!

Earlier today, I sat in retrospect, looking at the year past, thinking of what I could have done better. For one, our blog has hibernated for the most part of the year, all thanks to our Facebook addiction. We had somehow lost the zest to update it on a regular basis. We haven’t been lacking on topics to blog about, from the profound to the mundane, everyday tidbits of life.

For the coming year, I do hope we can do a much better job at it. I guess we just have to set a goal, and keep focused on that goal. More along the lines of — setting our sights on what we want to accomplish, say..visualizing ourselves holding a DSLR camera, and imagining taking all sorts of beautiful pictures with it. LoL.

For now, I just wish everyone a Happy New Year. May 2010 bring forth more blessings to all!

Today is also the 35th year wedding anniversary of Dad Tony and Mama Carmen. We have also been blessed that they have chosen to celebrate their anniversary this year with us. I hope we have made it memorable in our own special way.