2015 Highlights

(in no particular order)

First time to visit Seattle for my birthday. First time to visit New York for our 3rd anniversary. My first full time job in the Bay Area since we left Hawaii and after 'studying.' We were able to go back to Hawaii for Emil's birthday. Sent Paz family to visit Cebu temple for the first time. Visited Yosemite, Napa and Fresno. Emil officially became a CPA. Visited Wisconsin and Chicago to see ate Rhea and meet Ethan for the first time. I believe this year has been the best year of our married life so far. *wink*

Notice all of these highlights are memories and experiences and not a single one is a thing? I once read an article that suggested that we buy experiences and not things. Examples of experiences to buy are concert tickets, travel, theater or anything that will help us be a part of something new. Do not buy things you don't need. Of course it's easier said than done. For me too! We often hear it but yet still fail to do so because we are just programmed to like new things; but the newness just doesn't last and we need something brand new again! The cycle just goes on and on! We must resist the temptation. It IS doable. ;) I just realized that this is so true. As I look back when I was a kid, I don't remember the gifts I received however expensive they are but I vividly remember that we watched Disney on Ice every year at the Araneta Coliseum as a Christmas tradition for our family. I think this is absolutely a good concrete example of why we should focus more on building memories instead of purchasing material things. Memories lasts, material things do not.

My resolution for 2016 is in connection with my resolution as I turned 25 last year. Create more memories by focusing on spending time with loved ones as much as possible and by actually creating an opportunity for that to happen - travel to where our families and friends are and doing new things with them. Brian Chesky said "Repetition doesn't create memories. New experiences do."

This new year, let us experience new things and create stories that can last not just a lifetime but last 'til eternity.  

NEW YEAR AT THE AMANTES

Holiday 2013 was Emil and I's first time coming home after we got married so we didn't know how we will divide our time for my side of the family and his. We then decided to spend Christmas with my side since we always have a family reunion then New Year's in Pampanga. Unfortunately, I got sick during new year's eve so I needed to sleep early and just woke up 10 mins. before the countdown so I can join the count then slept again after. haha. The food was great though! Eimerie prepared chicken, Eunice prepared spaghetti which is by the way so good as if it came from Jollibee! Tita Mae marinated the BBQ which is so delicious as well then mom cooked it. It was just such a great feeling to be with family as we start another year of our lives.