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This was an entry I wrote for my personal blog. Ever seen those blog challenges being circulated around Tumblr? For each month, per day, one topic is listed down, and it’s your task to write about that certain topic.  No limits, no minimums – just write. I decided to start one a few weeks ago, and this is one of the entries assigned for one day. The topic? “Someone you can see yourself marrying/being with in the future.” I decided to share this personal entry with you girls because I am hoping that if some of you may happen to relate to what I have to share with you all, then this, hopefully, could reassure you that you are not alone.

“This will require some guts. Who am I to accept this challenge entry and write about my dream future partner when I myself have had no experience being madly in like/love with a boy (well, and vice versa), at all, whatsoever? ‘Oh well,’ is all I’m going to say. In my attempt to address The Future Man Of My Life, my dreams and requests may seem a tad far-fetched, maybe even a bit impossible – but where’s the fun in reaching for the obviously possible?

(I think describing my future husband would be too drastic so… I won’t. I’ll try to keep things a bit simpler.)

Hello there. You, someone, somewhere. Hi.

My too-hopeful, rose-tinted perspective on love tells my consciousness that you are out there (rather, I greatly hope you are). Probably you are staring at a computer screen as well, maybe drowning yourself in a book (that I have read too!), or jogging around your village (since you may carry that little athletic knack which is secretly a turn-on for me). What if our paths have crossed at least once, wouldn’t that fact be creepily interesting? Maybe we’ve even looked each other in the eye; or perhaps we’ve even shared a playful conversation that wasn’t just about the weather?

Regardless of how we met, when, where, through whom… all I want to be sure of is how things will progress after our little meeting. Will we click? Will our vibes, auras even, be in harmonious sync? Hopefully, yes. It would be more than perfect if we start off as really good friends. Sincere pals, that’s it. Nothing built out of pressure, hidden agendas or unreliable, wrong motives – just a simple, consistent buddy. Someone I can confide in, no inhibitions whatsoever – free-flowing conversations, exceeding no limits, until the wee hours of the morning. I am sure you will be one of those special people I can bring around, anywhere at anytime, and be absolutely positive the terms ‘dull’ and ‘awkward’ will never cross my mind at all when we’re together. I’d love showing you off as well – to my parents, friends, everyone – thanks to your inevitable charm and likable personality. The songs I listen to, my OA reactions and strange, embarrassing quirks? You’ve noted them, and heck, maybe have even found amusement in them. The minute things I laugh about? You’ll laugh too, just because. What ticks me off, and what makes me smile from ear to ear? You’ve got that down pat. That trusty confidant I can rant, maybe even cry, to? That someone who listens to me with understanding ears and offers the best, unbiased advice? That’s you. You’re that friend I’ve always imagined to have in my life, sharing that awesomely comfortable kind of girl-guy friendship I always see in movies and read about in books. Yep, that friendship would be ours, that friend would be you.

Then BAM. Something shifts. In the atmosphere, inside of me, and strangely, I begin hoping, inside of you too. One famous author said that “there are some things you can’t share without ending up liking each other.” Only then will I agree. How long did it take for this harmless guy, a full-on stranger I maybe merely passed in the halls for months, or a long-time friend that I’ve always seen as JUST a long-time friend, to grow into way more than what I expected him to be? God knows when that happened, or more importantly, WHY. What changed? How? When it comes to throwing curveballs at me and surprising the heck out of me, life owns that uncanny talent. This abrupt change in emotion will probably catch me off guard, and will leave me feeling confused and maybe a bit lost. I’ll try to sort out my thoughts, dissect them so thoroughly and overanalyze every bit and piece. I know I’ll constantly reassure myself that this is completely nothing; it’s just my overworked brain taking irrational action once again. But deep inside, as much as I try to combat that nagging conscience knocking incessantly, I know that something has changed, and I’m as helpless as I know I am.

It’s going to be difficult, and I will probably beat myself up just trying to analyze (once again) what to do, even though I know exactly what I have to do. But for some brand-new reason, I will gradually learn how to let go of my gripping pride and throw it to the side. All of a sudden I know what I want, and for once I am not foolish enough to let what I desire slip away. As the old saying goes, if there is a will, there is a way. If something is worth it, go grab it. Want the biscuit? You gotta risk it! And once my task is done, what is left is fate. For once I will not close myself to the many infinite possibilities I believe I deserve to experience – I will strip away all my fears and just let go and let God. If it’s meant to be, it will be.

And one day, it will be.”

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“Life is like a rollercoaster. There are high points, low points and sharp turns—but this is what makes life worth living, these inevitable upward and downward slopes. We may encounter really high points along the way, but with these high points we have to accept that very low points also exist, and these low points are what make us stronger; they exist so we may understand that all we need to do is to work through them.  With the low points  exists a positive note – you’ve gained so much speed heading down to them that they go by very quickly. It’s during the high points where we learn to approach them slowly and pause for a bit at the top just to appreciate the view.”

Based on a famous analogy of life to a rollercoaster, I composed that brief definition of “life” one day when I caught myself wondering what life’s and happiness’ true meanings were. (Philosophical Moment!) This actually spurred from a day when I was feeling quite down about many things in general. I wanted so badly to turn my mood around, but I didn’t know how. Then it hit me—this low point was temporary. Many reasons to be happy existed in my life, and I was merely neglecting these reasons! This is why I decided to make a short What Is Happiness? List, just to remind myself (and you too, hopefully!) that happiness is actually quite simple.

1. A smile. Giving a smile and receiving one back can totally turn one’s day around.
2. Rainy cuddle weather. And by cuddling I mean with my pillows and blanket. Heehee. Add the calming sound of raindrops pattering on the roof and the accompanying chilly weather and you’ve got the perfect atmosphere for a wonderful chill day!
3. A good book/movie/song. Stumbling up on an interesting new novel/film/song then developing a strong liking and attachment to it after just a few minutes into it is a priceless feeling.
4. Making a new friend. If you happen to be a people-loving person such as I am, then you are probably familiar with that happy, accomplished feeling after making a new friend. If you aren’t, then I suggest you start off with Number 1 so you can go out, spread your wings and fly!
5. Finding a hobby. Whether you enjoy reading, painting, drawing, playing sports, sewing, or even cleaning… By all means, PURSUE IT. Anything you love to do is worth doing.
6. Pampering. Take a break. Have a massage. Get your nails done. Take care of your body! Feeling good on the outside will make you feel good on the inside as well. But if you prefer the “guilty pleasure” kind of pampering… By all means, stuff yourself with everything junky and delicious—chocolate, chips, fast food, THE WORKS. Like I say, “desperate times call for chocolate and carbs!” (Just always keep in mind that your health is still the number one priority, so do go easy on the junk food!)
   
7. Sing and dance like there’s no tomorrow. It’s time let go of your pride for a little while and just let loose.  Turn up your iPod speakers, turn to the mirror, grab a hairbrush, and you are all set!
8. Friends and family. Nothing can replace precious time spent with your loved ones. Whether it is a family outing or just a night in with the girls, quality time such as this is always priceless, and should always be appreciated.

   

9. Little kids and puppies! The sight of cute, little puppies frolicking around and little kids are both certified “AWWW” material. Any normal girl’s weakness is anything that is associated with the word “cute,” and these two adorable, squish-able things are the number one definitions of CUTE.
   
10. Positivity. I do not know how many times I’ve stressed the importance of the prevalence of good thoughts is, but stressing it once more won’t do any harm. And I quote from Colbie Caillat song, “Think Good Thoughts,” “Think good thoughts, think good thoughts, imagine what the world would be if we will, we just think good thoughts, stop the bad from feeding. Oh, won’t let the negativity turn me into my enemy, promise to myself that I won’t let it get the best of me, that’s how I want to be.”

    And I share with you a tried and tested fact—that once you smile, the world will smile with you.

STAY HAPPY, CANDY GIRLS!

Posted in Happy Thoughts, Lists, Reflections | No Comments »

Hi, Candy Girls!

First off, I just want to apologize for my being majorly MIA and my HUGE lack of blog entries.  What else can I blame but my forgetfulness and lack of self-discipline? Again, I am sorry, and since I am making a pact to myself to be more disciplined, both with my study habits and priorities, then I am also making a promise to myself, and to you girls, that I will blog every week now! And what can I say, I’ve missed it.

So with the big gap comes a question, “What has been up with Steph Arnaldo’s life lately?!” Well, a lot has happened, a lot has changed, and frankly, I have no idea where to begin. So I think I should just mention probably the biggest change and adjustment I am going through right now, and that is… COLLEGE.

Yes, I am officially a college student! I have been anticipating this for the longest time—getting into my ultimate dream college—and I never knew the day would come that I would actually step foot in the big, beautiful campus that I eventually fell in love with.

I have been waiting for college since the beginning of my last year at high school, and it’s not because I was so keen in leaving high school behind; it was more of the anticipation to start a new chapter of my life. I waited, doing the best I could with the last remaining months of my high school life… AND HERE I AM! A Literature-English student, a little girl somewhat still lost in this brand-new environment, slowly fitting in but at the same time wishing to stand out, making many new friends here and there, and trying to find herself through her daily tribulations and blessings. And despite the adjustments to being co-ed, terror teachers, the insane workload, and basically, the totally different experience…  she is happy.

However, to all the college freshmen out there too who are still trying to adjust… Don’t worry. This may sound a tad cliché, but there is always sunshine after the storm. It took me a while and a lot to adjust as well (I even cried during my first few nights!), but with my supportive friends and a family and a constant positive outlook, I managed to step out of my own dark rain cloud and smile at the sun. So I wish you all the best, and here’s to the next four awesome years of our college life!

Me with a few of my blockmates! It's cool how it has only been around two months but I feel like I've known these group of people much longer than that. :)

Posted in Happy Thoughts, Reflections | 1 Comment »

“Rock your inner beauty, because it is only you who can own that!”

This is just one of the many striking quotes Miss J. Alexander told and encouraged the enthusiastic young crowd listening to his every word to do last Friday, April 15, at TriNoma Mall. Sitting beside him was Mr. Nigel Barker, noted fashion photographer and the handsome judge from America’s Next Top Model, nodding in agreement and smiling out to the audience at the same time.

As an avid fan of America’s Next Top Model since Cycle 4, once I heard that two of my favorite judges were making a visit to Manila, I freaked. Gathering my fellow ANTM fans/friends, we trotted to TriNoma on a Friday night, ready to listen to these two amazing men and take their advice on fashion, beauty, and confidence, thanks to Ayala Malls activity, “Beyond The Surface: With Nigel Barker and J. Alexander.”

Although we were originally dismayed that we couldn’t get a hold of tickets, we decided to take our Plan B to action. Kat, my friend, and I purchased Miss J’s book, “Follow the Model” and yipee!—two tickets to the book signing instantly!  The book signing was scheduled for after the talk, so we took our spots (we were standing against a railing on the floor above the Activity Center only, but it was fine) and waited for the talk to begin.

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Posted in Red-Letter Days, What's In | 4 Comments »

Parents standing up from their seats, cameras in hand. Our self-composed graduation song blaring from the school stereo system as 36 girls sang and danced along to it. My not-quite successful attempt to hold back a few tears—this was just one of the many scenes I vividly remember from my HS Graduation that had just happened last 25^th of March.

Most of the time, graduations are all somewhat similar—inseparable hugs, boisterous laughing yet at the same time solemn silence, proud smiles, and even the occasional tear-fest at the end of the ceremony. And although we are only 36 girls in my batch (thanks to our very small, low-key school), graduating is as bittersweet as it is in any other school.

“Sweet” – SCHOOL IS OUT, AND SUMMER IS IN! How much sweeter can that get? Those 4 years of stress, petty worries and high school drama are over! (well, sorta.) I don’t know if it’s just me but once I graduated, “freedom” was all that was ringing in my too-excited head. By “freedom” I don’t mean partying all night and sleeping all day, or being the rebel I’ve always imagined to be (HAHA not really.) and sneak out through the window and climb down the tree… Nah. That kind of “freedom” ain’t my thing! All I am looking forward to are my opportunities to make my own choices this summer and in college – although it takes more responsibility since freedom does have its price, which is perfectly all right. It will definitely be worth it.

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Posted in Happy Thoughts, Reflections | 3 Comments »