sunnysideup perspectives: I chose to be happy

I started this blog with a commitment to choose happiness. It is my decision to choose to see life positively even when things are not going well or when we don't get what we want. It's easier to choose to rant and be irritated, actually, but I choose otherwise. Once in a while I fail but I get up and try again. Everyday I try to look for reasons to smile and be thankful. I just think that we should live each day with gratitude for all the blessings we have - while we still have them.

In my quest to choose happiness I also carry a few to thoughts to help me, and before this year ends I'd like to share them with you. Maybe it can also help you . . . relax and choose to live with a smile.

1. The grass is always greener somewhere else.

We all know this but we always seem to forget it. There is so much wisdom in this phrase and we should always remember it. To me, it simply reminds me to be grateful and to avoid comparing. It is our nature as humans to always want something. It is good sometimes because it shows ambition and determination, the sad part is we never seem to be satisfied. We always want something else.

Once we acquire or achieve that thing or dream, we want the next big thing. It's a vicious cycle that we can control. Besides if we never decide to settle, we never will - and we may find ourselves constantly in search for something or for someone.


2. Life is not fair.

I remember reading this somewhere and it helped me. It carries truth that may be hard to swallow but its the truth. Life is NOT fair and no one ever said it is. Life is just a journey designed for us to enjoy and learn from. It is not a perfect journey and we should accept this truth. Let go and just enjoy the ride.

3. Be where you are.


We tend to think and worry about so many things that we forget to live today. We think about our next meal, our next career, our next event or activity. We do two or three things at once, and fail to enjoy that moment. A moment that once passed will never come again.

To be where I am is the hardest of all but it has the most impact. It reminds us to focus and give our best today, where we are and to whom we are with.

This would mean that we:

• listen and participate in our conversations
  
• chew and taste our meals
• enjoy our drives
  
• smell the flowers
  
• stop to smile and compliment somebody
• plus so much more!
  

Happy New Year everyone! Let's choose to be happy and enjoy life!

sunnysideup perspectives: When to say I love you

I'm not yet an expert on love and relationships, but I think my short life experience is good enough for me to share some thoughts on love particularly on the much used phrase 'I Love You'.

So how many times and when should one say it?
'I love you' is so overused and so anyone who plans on saying this must be very mindful of their timing. Personally it's not about saying it, it's more about meaning it. If you say it too much, it may lose its meaning. Not unless, of course, you really mean it and it shows in your eyes and actions.

Again, saying it often is not bad, as long as it's true.

How should we say it?
Say it properly. In my opinion, I think it should be said as 'I Love you' - plain an simple. That would be "Mahal kita" in Filipino, "Te Amo" in Spanish and so on. I prefer seeing it this way rather than the "luv yah, luvz ya" ways of today. Maybe it's just my age, afterall, I'm no longer a teener. Its just that it feels more real when said properly, and isn't that what matters.

A few more things.

#1 Treat it with reverence and reserve them for those who really mean something to you. Be careful not to use it as an expression or a catch-phrase.

#2 If you really love someone, say it. Don't be shy and take the risk! Don't lose the chance and opportunity that may never come again.

#3 As a last thought, I also think that our words should be supported by action. We should show and support our love with actions.

• For children:

Are we good children or do we give our parents a hard time?

• For parents:

Do our children feel our support and concern?
Do we support them the right way?

• For couples:

Do we respect our spouse/partner?
Do we compromise or do things that are appreciated by our spouse/partner?
Do we appreciate our partner/spouse enough?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

That's it, my few thoughts on loving. How about you? Share you ideas and drop me a message.

sunnysideup perspectives: Fat pigeons and fishes

During our recent visit in a park, I noticed how fat the fishes and birds got. As soon as they see a human - possibly with feeds - they scurry to get food, unaware of the possible dangers a human can do to them. They’re so used to having people feed them they’ve grown big and lazy.

Just reminds me how too much comfort and convenience is NOT good for both animals and people. Complacency can never be good. This is also a good reminder for us since it's almost a new year and we've not heard the last of the global financial crisis.

I think this is natures way of reminding us, me in particular, to always persevere and do our best.

For more photos, please visit my photo blog.

Thank you series: Australian style Burger and Pizza

My hubby told me that he just had his best burger here in China. It's a burger made by an Australian resto based here. Unlike most burgers we've tried this one had was a little more healthier and big. It wasn't oily and meat seems fresh. This burger does remind me a little of the one I had in IN and OUT, another burger joint in the US , but I think I like this one better.

The owner of the restaurant seems to also highlight this as one of his strengths. I think they own a farm in Australia so they have full control of the process and quality of the meat.

It was a good meal, especially if you are dying for western food here in China.

Note: The cola float was not as good though. I think the ice cream they used was not creamy enough for us.

Thank you series: A day at the park

The day after Christmas, December 26, my hubby and I decided to visit another park here in Zhongshan. We visited Zimaling park, an 88-plus hectare park located at Zhongshan, China. It was a fun day and we were pleasantly surprised to find rides and fair activities – target shooting, cable ride, boat ride, mini roller coasters and cart ride – at the park. It was familiar and reminded us of provincial fairs in the Philippines.

It was a good day of exercise. For more photos of the park please visit my photo blog.

Thank you series: Christmas day trip

December 25. My hubby came home from half a days work. Yahoo, he is now officially on vacation! :) I had so much fun! We discovered a great new restaurant that helped relieve our slight homesickness. The place was cool - free movies, awesome restrooms, great ambiance and authentic Chinese tea. The name was a bit weird, but who cares?

'The place - Jack and the Magic Pea'


'Blueberry cheesecake, Chocolate mousse and Mint tea'

'Electronic waste bin, Toilet cover plus . . . free movie!'

We also walked around to discover a few more places we've never seen before. It's our 4th month in Zhongshan and we are now seeing more of the place.

sunnysideup finds: Online games for Christmas

I was a little sad this morning so I decided to find something that can perk up my Christmas spirit. Good thing I found this cute site.

It has a lot of activities and games that are all related to Christmas. I tried building my on snowman and trimming a tree. I do the love the coloring book the best! Try it sometime. It's a perfect site for kids and kids-at-heart. :)

Thank you series: A simple Christmas dinner

Last night was our first Christmas as husband and wife. It was a simple feast of soup, chicken, sandwich, chips, strawberries, orange juice and . . . chocolates! I enjoyed the simple meal with my husband especially the conversation we had. Truly, family and friends make Christmas great .

I look forward to the 10 days of vacation and quality time I have with my husband. (Just one more day of work and it's vacation time. Yahoo! :)

Thank you series: It's Christmas!

Happy Holidays everyone!

May you and your families be blessed with more happiness, love and peace! :)



Note: I miss holidays in Manila. Photos I used in this video were taken last year in Eastwood.

sunnysideup tagged: the hubby tag

'Us' with Mr. Behringer. I met my husband during my employment in his company. :)

Can you remember the day you first met your hubby?
We met via email. We were in the same office but it was only during his first office email to me that I realized he existed. :)

When was that? (doesn’t have to be specific)
...That email was sent during my first week at the office.

Our first month together.

First impression.
Not my type. I was wrong to think this :)

Were you attracted to him?
Not yet. That time I was not looking and was busy with me and my career.

Were you friends before he became your bf?
Yes. During my stay in the company we had the same circle. I usually saw him after work for night outs or dinner with the group.

The day he proposed!

What was the sweetest thing he did for you?
As boyfriend and girlfriend, I have 2:
1. He sent surprises - a bouquet of big and beautiful flowers - to my office during my birthdays.
2. I was about to have one lonely and sad Christmas night, so he left his family and decided to spend it with me.

As a married couple:
Just last Sunday, I woke up late and opened my eyes to see a clean house and . . . a breakfast.

Our wedding day!

What are the things about him that you are thankful for?
1. I know that he is faithful to me.
2. When irrationally sad or irritable he tries to understand me.
3. He's a good guy!

I got this tag from Beth. Thanks sis! Now I'm sharing this tag to anyone who wants to share the love story!

*Now the rules are simple.
1. Foremost, link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Pick your sweetest picture when you were still friends and post it on top of the questions and answers.
3. Another pic now that you are together post it after the questions.
4. Share to how many friends you like. Be sure to link them and send them a comment about the tag.
5. Enjoy doing it :D
6. Let your hubby read it too :D

Enjoy this tag 'cause I did! :D

sunnysideup perspectives: Reform and Opening Up

I woke up this morning to a TV news on China's Anniversary Celebration - 30 years of successful Reform and Opening up. It just struck me that their opening up anniversary is almost the same age I have. So recent, so young yet so vibrant! I just find it amazing that in just a span of 3 decades, the changes in their country occurred and are so obvious. Just this year we've witnessed China host the Olympics and send men to outer space. They've also been more active in Global forums and meetings with country leaders.

Their current and resounding battle cry is Reform, Change and Open Up, something I am really witnessing firsthand. Their focus on education, labor and development is so apparent: Buildings are in construction here and there, roads and highways are well maintained, English schools and centers are thriving. In fact, I am meeting more and more Chinese people who are able/or learning to speak English. Times are hard now but I have no doubt that in a few more years, this country will grow further and attain more success. I congratulate them in advance for a job well done!

In all of this the main realization and learning that we can get is 'change'. That we all need to be open to change and adapt to our fast evolving world. It's a learn, adapt or be-left-behind world. Those who move, win!

sunnysideup perspectives: Christmas makes me homesick

Waaaah!!! I miss Manila. My family, friends, Filipino food and even my dogs. Christmas seems to magnify my homesickness. And, it doesn't help to read a recent blog about my friends meeting up. Just can't wait to go home! Oh well, 30 more days and will be off to Manila for a 3-week vacation.

Anyway its funny how all of a sudden I feel intense homesickness, just as soon as the month of December comes. I think it's mainly because it's my first time to miss Christmas (in Manila).
It's my first time to spend Christmas:

1. in China
2. with my husband (instead of my dad)
3. without Kris Kringle
4. without seeing the streetlights of Makati
5. without a 13th month pay
6. without a Christmas mass

Ok ok.. enough ranting. I need to help myself. What don't I miss...

1. Traffic
2. Shopping rush

That's it! Can't think of anything else. :(

Oh well, Christmas is simply different in Manila but I'll make the most of this experience. Maybe my hubby and I can spend Christmas in Hong Kong. We'll see. :P

sunnysideup perspectives: Are you daring enough?

Do you eat exotic food? What is the weirdest one you've had so far?

In my 31 years of life, I've tried at least 8. Some of them are considered specialties and delicacies in some countries or provinces but to me they are not part of a normal menu. Here's a rundown:

1. Frogs
My mom insisted it tastes like chicken. Still I can't seem to acknowledge it. Not when the frog legs are sooo distinguishable.

2. Kuhol (Snails used for Escargot)
This I've learn to love - specially when with coconut milk or 'gata' in Tagalog.

3. Dog (So bad of me, a dog lover! I was a child then as was tricked to eating it. All along I thought it was pork :(

4. Ant eggs
A specialty in Ilocos Norte, something, I had to try.

5. Raw shrimp (straight from the river)
Another experience I got from Ilocos Norte. My Tita got it for me so I couldn't say no. Truth is it was too small for me to taste :)

6. The infamous "Balot"
Can't eat this anymore. I just intense feel pity and can't swallow.

7. Chicken feet
To this day I still wonder why my mom liked it. Nothing much to eat.

and last but not least . .

8. Worms
At one of our weekend night out's, I discovered worm served on a plate. Since my personal rule is to always try at least once, I did! I just always try so at least I am aware and informed. Best to try before judging. Not bad really... just a crunchy protein-packed worm. :)

sunnysideup tagged: On the Spot

Hahaha, it's funny how the first tag I got from one of my closest-bestest friends turn out to be this... I guess I'm a little lucky I did not have a towel on my head today :) Haha thanks Jacque, this is fun!

Here are the rules:

1. Take a picture of yourself right Now! (the moment you read this tag)

2. Don't change your clothes, don't fix your hair, just take a picture.

3. Post that picture without editing.

4. Post these instructions with your picture.

5. Tag 10 people to do this. And don't forget to leave them a message about the tag.

Now I'd like to pass this on to people I'd like to meet (but can't) so online na lang :)
Iris, Melanie, Leah, Doc Joey, Emz, Jeng, Claire and April.

sunnysideup tagged: Cute's Blogger awards

Many thanks Iris of Searching for Wellness for this award.

Here are the rules of this award:
1. Each blogger must post these rules.
2. Each blogger starts with ten random facts/habits about themselves.
3. Blogger that are tagged, need to write ten facts about themselves. You need to choose ten people to tag and list their names.

================================

So, here are my ten, weird, random, little known facts or habits about myself.

1. I'm a kid at heart who still enjoys games/boardgames like Monopoly, Life and Jenga.
2. I'm a TV addict. I can watch movies or shows all day! That's mainly the reason why I don't like cable subscriptions.
3. I can't get enough of junk food - chips to be exact. I usually have the flavor of the month/year. Longest running favorite was Taquitos.
4. I love dogs! I think that they are the cutest and smartest pet on the planet. (That's my opinion ok :P)
5. I love ice cream.
6. I will never grow tired of drinking milk tea with black pearls.
7. Starbucks is my favorite coffee shop.
8. I enjoy photography.
9. I collect pins of places and countries I've been to.
10. I am an only child.

I am passing this award to all my new friends and the nice people I've met online. :)

sunnysideup perspectives: Always a Child at Heart

I don't think I will ever grow up. Well not in a negative way! I just mean that I don't think I will ever grow tired of enjoying the simple things of life. :) I guess that's why my husband and I get along sooo well. It's just because we enjoy both the small and big things that life brings. Sometimes I catch us talking about the silliest things while laughing hard. I thank God for that!

I thank God that both of us find joys in many things. I also pray that as we won't lose it as we both grow old in our marriage.

This weekend we had fun with the game Jenga. I also remember playing this as a child. I think back then it was Uno Stacko I got to play. Well this game is both enjoyable and good for manual dexterity. I think we played for an hour or two. I lost in all the games but it's ok. I had so much fun! Maybe it's also because I was taking too many photos. :) I just find it soo cute how focused my hubby is.

Thank you series: Pinoy Pre-Christmas at Alex bar

Last Saturday, I joined my hubby and his colleagues for a Filipino feast. Instead of attending the nearby Octoberfest we decided to go to this food and music fiesta! It was held in one of the popular bars here in Zhongshan. I enjoyed the buffet of Filipino food (something I don't get to cook). The food served included:

• Sopas (Filipino Milk-based Soup with macaroni, veggies and hotdog)
• Pakbet (Veggies sauted with Shrimp seasoning)
• 2 types of Longganisa (Sausage like, Seasoned Pork rolled and fried)
  
• Menudo (Tomato based sauce with Pork, Potatoes, Carrot etc)
  
• Dried Squid
  
• Adobong Pusit (Squid Sauted and Boiled in Soy-sauce, Laurel leaves, Garlic, Pepper)
• Adobo (Pork or Chicken Sauted and Boiled in Soy-sauce, Laurel leaves, Garlic, Pepper)
  
• Giniling (Minced Pork cooked with veggies)
  

Yummy!!! :)

Note: Did not take a lot of food photos. I guess I was just too excited too eat, hahaha!

This is me - excited to eat!

My hubby and his colleagues.

Yummy eh :)


'The band'