Popular bloggers Ms. Nikki, Ms. Sophie, and Ms. Wendy among others have posted a video and their own thoughts about what they loved about their friends' and their own bodies. I admire these girls, as they are truly beautiful. However, I was quite surprised to read about their own responses to the question.
Honestly speaking, Ms. Sophie's post here was the one I was very touched with. She wrote about her sister, who had a skin condition when they were young. I really teared up while I was reading it. Why? Well, simply because I had a similar condition.
This video was a campaign by Dove. Watch and get ready to reflect on one question that will follow...
So... What do you love about your body?
The video really made me reflect on what I love about myself. I always envy girls gifted with clear, white skin, nice set of twins and pretty face - and the feeling still occur at times. I am insecure. I feel jealous of other people's beauty and I barely see it in myself.
Just like Ms. Sophie's sister, when I was a kid, I had a skin condition that caused me to have wounds all the time. Since I had that condition at an early age, I rarely get the chance to wear shorts and skirts when I was young. I have always felt ashamed of showing off my legs because if my cousins make fun of me, what more if other people get to see my nasty scars? So, I always wear pants ALL THE TIME.
In short, I was so insecure because unlike my sisters and cousins, I can not be as normal as them. I cannot be as fashionable as them. I used to feel really scared to wear P.E shorts even when I reached High School and College. Let's say that I had some self-esteem problems, too. Up to this moment, insecurity still hits me.
Me in 3rd Year High School
I also feel for people who gets bullied because of their physical abnormalities - in fact, we shouldn't call them abnormalities. I just can't think of a proper term in describing it. =S
So I always tend to appreciate beauty in others - just because I can't see it in myself. Okay. I sometimes overdo it... hehehe...
I have only learned to appreciate my own beauty lately, when I got some compliments from other people... and when I won Ms. Photogenic and 2nd Runner Up in a school pageant. *teehee - kahiya (embarassing), huh? hihihi...* =D
The first time I appreciated my OWN beauty...
Simple gestures of praise boosts my confidence and gives me the courage to flaunt what I have.
Until now.
So, whenever I get good comments from other people, I remember and try my best to enhance or improve that part of me.
I have relearned a lot from this video. No one is perfect. We all have our own flaws. Love thyself, but not to the point that all you see is yourself. Learn to accept thy flaws. Embrace what you have and learn to cultivate it.
I may not have the perfect physique, but I am thankful for the knowledge, the talent and the heart that God has given me. =)
Ahhh... it feels good to say the things above. ^__^
Ladies and Gentlemen, don't let other people let you down.
Smile and be proud! God has a purpose for everything!
P.S:
Thanks to Ms. Sophie for sharing her sister's story. It was very inspiring. =)
To my hubby, thank you for accepting me for the way that I am; despite my flaws and insecurities, you always make me feel beautiful and sexy in your own way. I love you so much! ^__^
How are you? Well me, I'm fine, very fine! Actually, I feel so giddy because although the past month was tiring for me and the boyfie (sounds like Suzy! =D), we are so happy to have accomplished a lot of things! I will fill you in with some of the details as soon as I get the photos from the camera. ^__^
So, let me now have the next installment of my 30-day challenge!
(Note: Just as I explained earlier, my blogging was delayed, as I was very busy last month...)
Day 16: A Song that Makes You Cry (or nearly)
Hmmm... What song makes me (or nearly) cry? Let me see...
I would have to pick the song "Journey" by Lea Salonga.
Why? It reminds me that I have gone through a lot of trials in my life. I am sure, I will still have more in the future; I just hope I can survive each and every one of them. =)
Day 17: An Art Piece (Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, etc.)
This was an artwork of mine. I made this July 06, 2oo3.
I have loved drawing ever since I was in Elementary School. In fact, I used to want to take up Fine Arts in the University. I just chose to be practical. =D
Sad to say, I don't have the time to practice anymore. TT__TT
Day 18: Whatever Tickles Your Fancy
As of now, what tickles my fancy is my passion in teaching and learning new things. I also can't believe that I'll be married in *109 days! =D
*86 days now (May 25, 2011) ... darn Blogger! Sorry if it's kinda confusing! TT__TT
A lot of things are running in this little head of mine. I wish I could do all of them, but I don't have the time and the energy to do so. As of now, they'll be ideas until maybe after the wedding... ^__^
Day 19: A Talent of Yours
Hmmm... I can't say I'm a talented person, I am just trying hard! Hahaha! (Pa-humble effect? XD)
But I can sing (a little), draw a bit... I also used to write poems... I can be creative with some craft stuff... If I can choose only one talent to display, I will choose...
My (in)ability to sing... =D
*I'll just update this post with a song cover of mine.. Any special requests? Write it in the comments box! ^__^*
Day 20: A Hobby of Yours
For now, my hobby would be reading blogs and surfing the internet. I love updating my Facebook and tweeting, too! ^__^
Proof that I love surfing and reading blogs... =D
Experimenting is also another fun thing for me. I like learning things on my own. =D
Day 21: A Recipe
Some of you might know that I am not a goddess in the kitchen. I know a few dishes, but I am either scared (to waste money and ingredients) or just plain lazy... Haha!
But hey! There is a simple and healthy pasta dish that my Honey loves (to think that he's an adventurous cook than me)! ^__^
TUNA FETTUCCINE IN BROWN BUTTER SAUCE
Ingredients: 250 grams fettucine noodles
3 tablespoons butter
2 cans tuna in oil
A bunch of broccoli, removed from the stalk
2 tablespoons chicken broth
3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
salt and white pepper to taste
Crushed basil leaves
How To:
1 Cook noodles according to package directions.
2 Melt butter over medium-low heat. Toss in tuna and broccoli. Season with salt and white pepper. Sprinkle some crushed basil leaves.
3 Add stock to butter, followed by pasta and cheese. Toss to coat. Add some pasta water if sauce is too dry.
I like this website because it makes learning Korean language easier. ^__^
If you're interested in Korean language and want to learn by yourself, check it out! ^__^
Day 23: A Youtube Video
아싸! =D
I super love this video. This is also from talktomeinkorean.com This is a cute video teaching various popular Korean expressions. =)
If you can read my Facebook and Twitter posts, you'll quickly know what is my most used Korean phrase... Can you guess? Post it in the comments box! =D
*Day 24: Whatever Tickles Your Fancy
What keeps me busy these days? Well... here's my schedule:
There... maybe now, you'll understand why I can't blog that much... I spend most of my free time with Izza. =D
Actually, this schedule is now a bit better, as compared before, when we didn't have a nanny. =D
*Day 25: Your Day, in Great Detail
Hmmm... today, (May 11th) was tiring for me. Although I didn't teach in SKP today, I felt exhausted for we went home at 3am this morning coming from the memorial chapel. For those who don't follow me on twitter, my mom-in-law's best friend (who's going to be one of our Principal Sponsors in our wedding) came from the US because her aunt died last week (May 5th). Before getting home, I was asked to sleep beside Izza and give her medicines before going to bed. I woke up at 4am when Izza started wailing so I made her milk. I was awaken at around 6am by the nanny ogling the baby beside me. Seems like she wants to play with her but I think I said "Just let her play. Don't carry her unless she cries". So, she left her alone. Then at around 9am, I was awaken (again) by the nanny dressing up Izza. So that's the time I got up. =D
I went online at 11:30am. I checked my e-mails, Facebook and twitter. I also checked my Churpchurp. I am still puzzled at how it works. =D
Before eating lunch, I prepared my work station and stuff. I popped a pill for my cough and colds which later made me uber drowsy for the next three classes.
I was actually planning to give my babies a bath but I was pressed for time for my first class. During the class, I was really sleepy. Darn Neozep Forte! TT__TT
No choice, I had to take a nap after the first class. I asked nanny to wake me up at 3:15, 15 minutes before my second class starts.
She woke me up at 3:15 but I am still sleepy. I found out that she used my lappie without asking permission to do so (I left my laptop open, so that if ever I get up late for the class, all I have to do is to sit in front of the computer and click the video call button). A little later, she went to me to check if she has logged-out her account. I got pissed but I was still drowsy to lash out on her (just exaggerating it, I don't really lash out on someone not unless it is a very serious mistake... =D) I tried to stay calm because the drug is taking over me. The effect lasted another *sarcastically* good one and a half hour. My eyes were shutting down that I had to close my video screen. =D
Good thing I had a 30-minute break after the class. I took a quick bath just to freshen myself up. Looks like I really have to sleep off this flu! >__<
After the 30-minute break, I got three classes and another one hour break (8pm KT student doesn't have Wednesday classes and 8:30pm KT student postponed her class today). I took a little break away from the computer screen. I had dinner at the same time. I decided not to take my medicine because I still feel the drowsiness from the previous tablet I took. =D
Although my eyes are puffy and drowsy, I still try to finish this post. I really wanna accomplish this challenge! Better late than never!!! =D
*Day 26: Your Week, in Great Detail
This week had been very busy for me and the family. Last week, I went to SKP for three consecutive days but I took a break last Thursday, which is my holiday (May 5th - Children's Day in Korea) to fix and prepare some documents needed for the wedding. I didn't go there on a Friday too, because I don't really have to go there on a Friday. My subjects - Language and Reading - are scheduled from Mondays to Thursdays. There was no SKP class last Monday, because there was a typhoon.
Two of Honey's relatives died last week. Those two people were in-laws, in which, their spouses are the relatives of my fiance. The first one was buried last Tuesday or Wednesday (I think).
Come Thursday, May 5th, another one passed away - the aunt of my mom-in-law (to be)'s best friend.
Anyway, last weekend was the burial of my fiance's grandfather. We all went to the cemetery. Afterwards, I had a trial on my wedding hair and make-up. Honey's aunt did both, but later on she asked me to put on make-up on myself, because she wants to see how I do my make-up. She liked it. Actually, everyone was impressed by my make-up skills. She decided to just do my hair instead and just assist me on retouching my make-up on the big day. I shall be doing my own make-up on the big day. ^__^
Mom-in-law (to be)'s best friend have to go home all the way from the US to be able to arrange her aunt's funeral here in the Philippines. She arrived last Sunday. I also had to go to church twice to accompany her (Take note: I have already been to church last Saturday night because we thought we will be picking her up from the airport). Now that she had to take a leave from work, it seems impossible for her to return on August. Honestly, we are quite worried that she might not make it on our wedding day. But she is still hoping to be able to attend. She had been one of the people who are anticipating our wedding, in fact, she volunteered to be our Ninang (Principal Sponsor). I hope she could make it. o__O
I was also on a "holiday" (May 10th - Buddha's Birthday) yesterday. Me and Honey accompanied his grandma's niece (a distant, distant relative) to the university to fix her little issue with a prof. Since the dean is our close friend and also one of our Principal Sponsors, we seek her help in this matter. We got home in less than two hours. Ate late lunch and headed to the memorial chapel just two blocks from our house. I had a "station" there, where I set up my laptop and my broadband. I gathered all the pictures that were taken and uploaded them to our Ninang's Facebook for her relatives in the US to see. We went home at 3am already. (Read Day 25)
I wasn't able to attend the funeral service today because I had classes. I shall be uploading the pictures and editing the videos throughout the weekend. That is, if we will not be going anywhere. =D
Aigoo! That was a very tiring week for me! =D
*updated = May 11
*Darn it! I already posted this last May 12th!!! I had to reblog because Blogger wasn't able to repost it! TT__TT*
*Might as well keep it short...*
**Day 27: Your Month, in Great Detail
My month of April was very tiring but it was fun. I enjoyed shopping for the things that we need for the big day. Since Honey and I work during weekdays, we have to devote our weekends to shopping and planning. Although we were both exhausted and we were not able to have our "we" time this past month, it's still okay. Why? Well, seeing these lovely things around me helps me imagine how things will be like on the big day. =)
**Day 28: This Year, in Great Detail
Hmmm... What can I say? Well, I think this year is what I should call a "Year of Change". Why? Well, it's the year when I will start my married life. I still don't know what will happen next after the wedding, and I still can't believe that I'll be married! Hahaha! But, I am hoping to be a very good wife to my future husband... =)
**Day 29: Hopes, Dreams and Plans for the Next 365 Days
I hope to be a good and loving wife to my future husband. To be able to cater to his needs (and of course, sometimes, demands). As for the baby, of course, we do have plans of having a little Angel and or little Deo or maybe both... but after a couple of years. =D I hope our marriage lasts more than a lifetime. ^__^
I dream of having our own space, and I dream of becoming like my favorite aunt; a role model mother and wife. I dream of being able to cook and bake for my family, be able to keep the house clean, be able to make my family wear neatly ironed clothes. However, Me and hubby would still attend social events, despite the hustle and bustle of household chores. As for our career, we would keep teaching, and stay true to our chosen field.
I won't hope and wish of these for only the next 365 days, but, for the rest of our married life. ^__~
I may not forget to mention that I want to be active in blogging and meet my virtual friends in the near future. ^__^
**Day 30: Whatever Tickles Your Fancy
Now that I have reblogged everything... let me cheer you up with this...
Awww... cute Izza!!! ^__^
Thanks for reading!
^__^
My next post would be something wedding related... hopefully, I could post my wedding stuff and make-up hauls... ^__^
Poverty - it makes me extremely sad. Children can't go to school, can't eat enough, wear nice and comfortable clothes; Parents can't give what their children want and need, even if they want to. Poor people doesn't even have decent homes to live in. You see poverty everywhere. Sometimes, I secretly cry for other people's plight. I also feel sad because sometimes, as much as I wanted to help, I can't because I have enough. In the future, once I'm already settled, I will make a way to help our poor fellowmen. (Oh no! I'm teary-eyed now!)
Day 09: A Photo You Took
Excuse the under eye bags, I had been stressed before this pic was taken, and... I have been skipping my Garnier Under Eye Roll-on and Eye Cream that time... =D
I took this a couple of weeks ago, a few minutes before Honey and I went to Recto to look for wedding invitations. I chose this photo because he keeps telling me that he loves the way I smiled here. Actually, I was laughing at him when I took this picture. One of our flower girls slept in our place for a couple of nights and she loved putting on make-up. (Take note! She retouched my make-up here. She's good! And she's only five years old! =D) What made me laugh is that when she retouched my make-up, she was very careful, but when she put powder on Honey's face, she was wiping the sponge on his face in a tough way! Hahaha! XD
Day 10: A Photo of You Taken Over Ten Years Ago
Teehee! This was taken when I was in my Junior High School. This is my favorite School ID pic - the most decent I have! Hahaha! I only had to take a snapshot of it as I don't have a scanner. Hmmm... let me see... This was in year 2000. I was turning sweet (?) 16 at this time. Hehehe... Third year high school was very memorable to me because it's when I fell for my first true love. And that's the end of it, as well. But thanks to him, although it took me years to get over him, I learned to be patient in waiting for the right one. =)
Day 11: A Photo of You Taken Recently
I super love this pic. Make-up less face. I was only wearing moisturizers here. This is what I am really aiming for - soft, clear skin. My use of make-up lessened when I started working at home. I only get to wear make-up when I leave the house, like church, or going to the mall, or meeting some people, which is kinda rare. Hehehe...
I miss my make-up stash. I will try to use them this coming week. *Keeping fingers crossed*
Day 12: Anything that Tickles Your Fancy
Yes! Izza Baby tickles my fancy! I told Honey, when the time comes that we'll have our own baby, I am hoping that our little angel would be like this adorable baby. She barely have tantrums and super duper easy to take care of. She's a little sunshine, a cheerful little girl and a very cute cherubim! She doesn't give me a tough time taking care of her. =)
Trivia: Her name "Deiza Mei" was from me. I chose it very well. So, when the time comes that i'll have my own baby, you can tell that I will be searching for names at a very early time!!! XD
I finished reading the third installment of this series earlier this year and I have to say that I love it. I got the first two books as an exchange present in my first company's Christmas Party. My Honey got me the third book last year and I got to read it only on the early part of this year. If you are a fan of Mythology, you will love this story. In fact, I tried to browse online for a Myth similar to the "Daughters of Glass". When I have time, I will go to the library and make a thorough research on it. =D
As far as I can remember, I have not read any kind of novel that is based on real life, except for the History books that I had during my University days. The life of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, fascinated me. It seems to me that he was meant to be a hero. After reading about his adventures, I realized that, although he's a genius and known to be an intelligent man, he still has flaws, that make him human. =)
Life and history always make me curious... I always imagine myself living in the same scenario that I am reading about. I always wonder how life would be like in that time. I also wonder how it's like to be close to the people that I read and learn about. Gyah! I am such a curious cat! XD
Day 15: A Fanfic
For this one, since I don't like the fanfics that I read on http://www.fanfiction.net, I asked Honey a random anime and decided to pick in that category....
Me: (Looking at a list in front of the computer screen) Jagi, give me a title of an anime.
Honey: (While working on his new toy) Baby, what are you up to?!? Are you looking up for... Oh my God... Don't tell me! O__O
Me: (Giving him a cold stare) You green minded guy! No, I'm looking for anything like that! Look! I AM UPDATING MY BLOG! Just give me a title.
Honey: (Looked back) What are you up to? Hmmm... you already know the answer.
Me: Yeah, yeah! Which series?
Honey: Wing.
If you're wondering what we're talking about, it's about the GUNDAM SERIES, friends! =D
Honey's own Gundam Wing Zero, guarding his station in our former office... =D
So, I browsed the Gundam Wing series on the site above and what immediately caught my attention was this fanfic entitled "Marry Me" (I know, wedding season for me. Please forgive me for bombarding you with wedding related stuff! =D)
A/N: This is a song fic of a very beautiful song by Train entitled, 'Marry Me'.
Note: It's nice to read it while listening to this song...
I super love this song now... =)
Marry Me
a 1xR fanfiction
by Ines Kanoyan
Chapter 1 - Recognition
I have always felt that strong connection with her. Even at that time when my existence was solely for the purpose of destruction and all other things were only identified as a distraction, there was no retraction. I have always known that emotions were barriers to effectivity and so I have learned to master them and use them to my advantage. But, she had brought about this new sensation, something so strong yet so unknown.
For someone so sheltered and protected, she is beyond courageous and determined. Never caring about what others would think of her but she would do everything for other people. Her faith never faltered and her trust never lingered. How can I beat that? How can I deserve something like that?
Yet when she is near, never have I felt lacking. The look in her eyes always communicated her unyielding belief and her unwavering faith. I always felt that I was enough even when I knew for a fact I was the least person fit for her.
And so, I did everything that I could to make myself enough for her. To fight for her as it was the only way I could think of. To fight not with fearlessness but with every doubt as to whether I could stay long enough to be with her.
I wanted to be with her. No matter how long it takes. No matter what it would take.
" Forever can never be long enough for me
To feel like I've had long enough with you
Forget the world now, we won't let them see
But there's one thing left to do "
There you have it! Day 08-15 of the challenge! I hope you can keep up with me guys. I am getting uberly busy these days because of the wedding but I'll try to give you a sneak peak of our weekly "achievements". =D
Please stay tuned!
PS: Leave some love. Please leave me a comment! ^__^
Yay! I'm glad I'm able to keep up with my blogging challenge! ^__^
I am actually sick now, but I feel better compared to yesterday. I wanna type and type about my wedding plans and stuff and share a lot with you but I am too busy now. =D
Anyway, let's now have the question for today:
Day 05: Your Favorite Quotes
I love quotes a lot for they us think deeply about some aspects of life.
Here are some of my favorites.
The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book.
Anonymous
Good teachers are those who know how little they know. Bad teachers are those who think they know more than they don't know.
Beauty is not in the face; beauty is in the heart.
Kahlil Gibran
Beauty... when you look into a woman's eyes and see what is in her heart.
Nate Dircks
The greatest treasures are those invisible to the eye but found by the heart.
Anonymous
It's beauty that captures your attention; personality which captures your heart.
Anonymous
The best and the most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched; but are felt in the heart.
Helen Keller
Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful; for beauty is God's handwriting - wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower and thank God for it is a cup of blessing.
Sorry for the delay, my Sis-in-law to be borrowed my laptop last Saturday. When she returned it, I was too tired to blog, because my fiance and I scouted for wedding invitations. I was feeling sick since Saturday.
Come Sunday, we went to the mall. We saw many cute shoes that would be good for my wedding. It makes me feel all giddy about it. ^__^
Kim Tak Gu's personality is so optimistic. I love bread and Korean culture. Not that I don't love Filipino culture, I love it, of course! I just admire Korean culture among others. ^__^
Watching Korean dramas and movies help me learn more about my students. =D
I am amazed at Mythology particularly Greek Mythology and things related to it. I've been reading mythology since elementary and I took it as part of my major in the University. I was even a part of a "live museum" way back in my University days and dressed up as "Artemis", the "Moon Goddess". Too bad, I didn't have any picture of it... =D
I'm so happy to be able to blog! Woohoo! I hope to keep it up!!! ^__^
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