I wanted to write a philosophical entry on turning a year older. I wanted to reflect on the emotional changes that happened during my 27th year. I wanted to reflect on how I’ve matured now that I’m going to be right smack in the middle of my late 20s. But you know what? Naaaah. I don’t want any drama. I’ve had a pretty amazing 27th year and I’m just really thankful it was great.
Highlights of my 27th year:
- Fell in love with cooking. I’ve cooked more meals in my 27th year than all the meals combined in the first twenty six years of my life!
- Young Tigers conference in Malaysia. Met many new friends from around Asia. Realized it is possible to have strong connections with people despite race and distance. Learned that laughter is universal even if language barriers exist.
- Relived the magic of Christmas cards. Helped spread the old charm of snail mail with old friends and new ones. Used glitter and drew on the envelopes. Labor of love!
- Bonded with my friends from work. It’s hard to develop friendships in the workplace, but when you do, it makes even the heaviest load so much lighter. *Hugs to my Department-mates*
- Saw the shores of Boracay. And I will return.
- Made good friends online. I’m still mining the blogging world and I’m so happy to have met geniunely sincere bloggers in person.
- Developed deeper friendships. I am at a loss for words to describe this. I choke up even while typing. I’m so thankful I’ve found a solid group of the dearest friends.
- Realized money isn’t everything. Because of certain decisions I’ve made last year, I have developed a stronger sense of self and a stronger affinity with my work.
- Prayed some more. But I feel I still don’t pray enough.
- Migrated to WordPress. I was wondering when I’d “upgrade” from Blogspot. It happened this year, yey!
- Became more conscious of my health. I got terribly sick in April so I’ve become more aware of my relationship with my body. Now I’m trying to eat right and be more faithful to the gym. (Just please get those oatmeal cookies away from me).
- Got my first pets. I really think my fishies are good feng shui for our home and our marriage. I’ve also become much more patient and more relaxed.
- Got featured in Blog-o-rama.Hopefully I get to help more people through my own little life experiences.
- Celebrated my 2nd year of marriage. H & I still make each other laugh, we still hold hands, we still are as sweet as before… we’re truly blessed.
I have a lot more to be thankful for this year. Thank you, thank you, thank you Lord. Thank you for this new year, too.
What’s my birthday wish? Hmmm. I don’t know. I’m REALLY happy. More happiness, I guess? I suppose. More reasons to smile and laugh would be great.
My 27th year was amazing and you know what? I look forward to my 28th year. I have a very good feeling about it. 
I own 8 cookbooks. From top to bottom they are: Cooking for Two by Vicky Veloso — I bought this when I was newly married. I like her anecdotes. Good Housekeeping Recipe Compilations, Volumes 1 and 2 — I like the photographs in this one. Let’s Cook with Nora – a classic! Every home needs to own this. Dorothy’s Cooking School — I haven’t tried a recipe here yet though. Eat This (It’ll Make You Feel Better) by Dom DeLuise — I LOVE this cookbook. I enjoy reading his family stories and how each recipe plays a role in his life. It is one of my favorite bedtime books! Meditteranean Dishes by Diane Seeds — I love the artwork here! I really enjoy reading about Meditteranean dishes. I haven’t tried preparing much of it though. And finally, 30-Minute Meals by Rachael Ray — I recommend it!
