How are you?

A simple question that I find difficult to answer recently. It makes me stop and think for awhile... "Do I REALLY have to answer?" "Do I trust this person enough to say what's really on my mind?" Most of the time, I say "I'm fine," other times I say, "My boyfriend and I broke up."

I'm not even sure if you guys knew that I had a boyfriend. So, a short backstory, we were together for 3 years and we were friends 2 years before that. We started our relationship 6 months before I had to leave the Philippines and we were on a long distance relationship since then. I wouldn't say that it was the distance that made us broke apart, but it was a factor, I assume.

It's been a month and I am fine. This July, I met these super cool people on Telegram via Camie's group chat  and we all kind of clicked. It may sound silly because these people are technically strangers on the internet, but you know, we're all strangers here and they really helped me go through the whole break up. I love you guys. In case, you stumble upon my blog. (which I hope won't happen. Lol)

Two more updates I want to talk about, I've been learning/playing the ukulele! It started because (1) I had to make a video for my Mom's birthday and I thought playing "Lemonade" by Jeremy Passion would be cool enough to make her cry and because (2) I was encouraged by one of my new buddies when he said that learning the ukulele is easy! I've been posting on Instagram if you want to see me embarrass myself. 

Lastly, I had my first out-of-state drive alone on my own last week! It was an hour and half away to Maryland and another hour and half back home. Driving back home was a challenge because Google Maps led me through the woods, with two-lane curved roads in the dark. The thought of certain death came to mind but I was also happy that I was there going through it by myself and surviving, like in life. :)

Have a merry December, guys! ♡

Questions I've been asked at least once in my life

...and the stories behind them.

I'm pretty sure you've been asked a question that's totally random it catches you off guard or even a simple question with an answer that changes the situation big time. Please allow me to share a few of my stories that begins with a... question. 

Did we take Chemistry together?

I was still in nursing school and I was in my uniform when I went to Starbucks to get a drink when the cute guy barista suddenly asked "Did we take Chemistry together?" while he was taking my order. I knew he was kidding because I could not have missed that sweet face in my boring Chemistry class. I was young but I must admit, he made my day. #landi

Kamusta love life?

I was parasailing with two of my older cousins. We admired the breathtaking view from above for a good minute when one of us decided to start a conversation to kill time, you know, ask the most intriguing question since you're up in the air and you have nowhere to escape to. "Kamusta love life?" my cousin asked me. "Yun ba yung tali? Naputol yung tali?," I replied. Guys, the rope that connects us to the boat -it snapped. We were flying with our parasail wing. Hidden into the clouds from the people on our boat, about to get blown into a deserted island and be eaten by dinosaurs. Luckily, we survived to tell the tale.

That's me waving at the camera while the two kuyas were helping my cousins. 

Two thumbs up for not dying!

What's holding you back?

A guy I've been seeing asked. I guess it didn't occur to me sooner because I was genuinely enjoying the time we've been having and I only realized then that nothing was holding me back after he asked me that question.

That guy is now my boyfriend. 

Can I get your number?

18 hours after I became a girlfriend, a colleague asked for my number over dinner with a group of friends. That was the second time someone asked for my number in person and it was so awkward. Do I give him my number? Do I say that I'm in a relationship for 18 hours and counting? Lol

What are you doing here, little girl? Does your mother know you're here?

asked by a confused old lady I was taking care of at work.

How about you? Do you have any stories you'd like to share? :D

That Post When I Talked About Money Matters

Originally, the title post was "That Post When I Talked About The Things I Learned" but then I thought it was too broad and I had to rename it to that one above! To start, here's what I have learned so far when dealing with money.

Borrowing and Lending

Only borrow what you can pay and lend what you're willing to loose.

Savings

Mid-college, I opened a savings account, one that I only use when I need to deposit cash. I wish I had done it way before I started college, but it didn't actually cross my mind. Anyway, whenever I get my monthly allowance, I take 500-1000 pesos from it and save it in the bank and if I have more extra cash, I put it there as well. I eventually cashed out some of it after college because I thought I deserved to splurge myself a little as a graduation gift for myself. Ha ha

Investment and Insurance

This one I did after having my first job. I learned through my financial advisor that the money in your bank doesn't do much, which makes sense. Having money in the bank is almost like lending the bank your money for an amount of time but in a low interest. Now, if you have savings that you're sure you won't need for a very long time, put it in an investment. Find a reputable finance company and they will be the one to invest your money through bonds or in the stock market depending on the risk you are willing to take.

While you're at it, ask if they offer life insurance. Do it while you're young and healthy because it's cheaper compared to buying one when you're old and senile.

That's all for now because I'm still trying to figure out Tax Returns. Haha I hope you picked up something valuable!

That Year-End Blog Post

This year hasn't exactly been what I expected it to be. I was not at all in my happiest form when 2015 came. In addition to that, I failed on something that I have been preparing for for months. It felt like it was all going downhill from there and I needed to feel happy again that's why I dropped everything and fled back home. The decision wasn't rash. I knew what I was doing and I needed to do it.

If that unfortunate thing had not happen, I wouldn't have experienced the most mundane but precious moments that I now treasure. So, 2015 wasn't all that bad despite how it all started. I got to spend more time with my family and friends. Ticked off a lot of things on my mental bucket list.

But I have to be really honest here and say that I need to get my shit together. I'm not going to wait for 2016, I am starting now or perhaps I have already started. I have my goal and I have to work towards it. I am claiming it for real. I am desperate for change and it's about to happen.

Lol

Who am I kidding

I am not a fortune teller

Don't have a crystal ball

Tidbits from my Camera Roll

I was going through some old photographs on my camera roll and I thought I'd share some on my blog. Some photos I've posted on Instagram and/or Twitter and some are having their first debut here. I currently have 476 treasured photos on my phone. I try my best to organise my photos by transferring via Dropbox and to my laptop. That way I can easily browse through pictures on my phone when I feel nostalgic. Anyway, here we go.

That one afternoon that I drew on myself. I fancy drawing buildings. 

L - I posted this photo with a caption stating that I'm leaving the country, which was a complete lie. It looked like it was taken from an airplane, but it was actually taken from the ground. The photo is flipped.

R - From one of those late afternoon that I was babysitting my godchild.

This is where I usually hangout and study when I was still in the Philippines. I don't mind being alone for hours in a cafe, given that there is something for me to read and eat and drink. I usually get a hot hazelnut latte or an apple berry juice freeze with white chocolate mocha when I want to feel more refreshed.

L - This was taken July last year when I still had permed hair. It may look good in the photo but believe me when I say that it was very dry and unrecognisable when not done professionally. Imagine Hermione Granger's hair in first year!

R - You can tell a couple belongs together based on how they dress. Lol We only changed into our house bottoms because we wanted to be comfortable before hitting the roads again. Jeans when it's hot? Nope!

 This may look so unnatural because it was captured, but it really isn't. Tom is left-handed, I'm a righty. I noticed that we were resting our non-dominant hand similarly, I had to tell him to hold his pose as I take a snap!

Bulalo's best!

From that one night that I appreciate panorama.  

And that afternoon with a perfect comfort food paired with a great suspense TV series!

The Hair Post Update

OH YES! I finally did it! I googled a salon and picked the nearest and most decent looking salon. I showed the stylist a picture of how short I want to cut it and told her that she can do whatever she think would look good on me. And minutes later, tadah! 

About Me

Hi! My name is Michelle, Binibining Filipina. I'm in my early twenties. I have lived in three different countries throughout my entire existence. Grew up in a sandbox – Saudi Arabia, graduated with a bachelor's degree in nursing in my homeland – Philippines. Today, I live and work somewhere in Pennsylvania. I like to think that I am funny. I'm happiest when I'm surrounded with the people that I love! Sunrise and sunsets, private beaches, warm beverages, fragrant scented candles, long and soothing body massages are some of the few things that I adore. Combine them all and I'll be in my own paradise. ♡

I started blogging in 2006, went from Blogger to Multiply to Tumblr and found myself back to where I started. I have been in and out of the blogging scene ever since. Blogging out of my own will, on a whim, sometimes constant, most of the time not.

Since we are only talking about me here. Here's a playlist of tracks that has my most favorite songs of all time. You know what they say, a picture playlist is worth a thousand words!

Don't hesitate to comment or ask. I would love to interact with you! You may reach me through any of the various media platforms below. I'm looking forward to hearing from you! ;)

Twitter | Tumblr | Instagram | Spotify | Goodreads

Kickstart!

• Nothing is greater than starting your day/month with Him
• It was my first time to attend a church service in uni.
• We had a long quiz at Nihonggo in which I only skimmed three pages of the handout.
• My friends had to force me just to see my new curly and bushy hair. One friend thought it looked alright which was good to hear. Compliments are always welcome.
• Mickey mouse attack! We went to buy something in the market when a big mouse appeared out of nowhere and faintly grazed my foot.
• Had lunch at Maribeth's.

Hi. I'm Bellamix. In the muggle world.

Horrible.

You must have been an interesting person to have left an impression on me that I can remember your name without having to ask you twice (or even at all), because I'm the type of person who forgets a name after hearing it for 5 seconds and when people greet me by my first/last name, I just stand there with a smile and a Hello because I (for Snape's stake) cannot remember your name. I'm a horrible person.