(MY FIRST POST FOR 2016 HORAAAAH) The year 2015, to say the least, was a blast. It had its ups and downs - but it was still a good year. Don't I always say this at the end of every year? Kidding aside, I'm just glad I've learned to be more accepting of any given circumstance (well I think). Cliche as it may sound, things happen for a reason and it's true.


"New Year, New Me" - I hate that line. It's a new year but you're still the same person - but only with another chance to be better (if that is what you want, of course). Kidding again, I have a lot to be thankful for the past year as I dream a lot for 2016.

While people have gone away with new year resolutions, I still like to give it a go in a different way. There's nothing wrong with planning things you'd like to do and it actually helps me stay motivated.

To see if I will be able accomplish my list... you have to wait another 364 days! Haha. I'm still thinking about it but if I do have the time, I'll try updating this list by crossing out those I've already finished.

Sounds exciting? Haha! Let's just hope I can keep up. It's a short list but it's not that easy to do. Before I go on rambling about anything else, here's my to-do list 2016!

1. Go on a vacation / staycation with my family.  To be honest, we've only been around the Philippines and some provinces or hotels. We've never been together outside the country for reasons like work and conflicting school schedules (grade school, high school and college). For a family of seven, you can imagine our schedules being so crazy - we sometimes don't see each other at home! We even laugh at being complete "for the first time in forever"(aka weekends). But in all seriousness, I'd love to travel with this crazy bunch. Where to? Anywhere would be fine. I'm with the people I love, after all.

2. Sleep and wake up early, make most of my days. I can't remember the last time I slept early and this is bad. People often fail to realize the importance of sleep until they get sick - yes, I am one of those people. So this year, I've finally given myself a bedtime. This would be a great help in managing my time and my health.

3. Clean more often than once a month / semester. I'm not the most organized person you'll ever meet. I'm messy too especially with my closet but let's not go there! Yikes. Haha. This year, I made it a goal to clean my room without my mom reminding me too. If I can finally clean my space, I know everything's going to be organized.

4. Volunteer, organize outreach programs and donate blood. Be more selfless in general. I really want to volunteer. I've joined this Facebook group who organizes outreach programs but I never have made an effort to go. This year, I want to give back. I want to help and I want to make others happy. I love that kind of happiness - making others happy. Also, I'd like finally face my fear and donate blood.

5. Chase adventure. Among me and my sisters, I have to be the most boring one. I love staying in, reading, writing and watching movies but I also love the beach, walks, sunsets and spontaneous trips (which I don't often get to do)- see the conflict? It was only the last quarter of 2015 that I went out more than the usual. I went around but not far enough. I want more adventure time. *queue in adventure's times theme song*

6. Forget about losing weight. Eat more fruits and vegetables, drink more water and exercise more often. Losing weight is a favorite new years resolution but scratch "losing weight" and eat more fruits and vegetables. Drink more water and exercise more often! Exercising doesn't have to be in the gym (although I do like it in the gym). As an ex-athlete, I crave to do more physical activities - oh and please, let this be the year that I finally get to do them.

7. Wake up to the morning news. This has to be the most random item on the list but I couldn't think of anything else. I'm aging and it's about time I become more conscious. Waking up to the morning news doesn't mean literally waking up and watching the news before brushing my teeth but it simply means to be more aware of the world around me. When I become aware, I can finally understand it. (Also, it makes you sound a little more smarter ;))

8. Work on graduation. Praying that this will be a year from now (2017), as early as this year, I will work on my graduation. I just don't want to ace my subjects but I want (and have :p) to bring lessons with me until graduation, until I work. Although that would be easy because I'm finally in the course I love. I will work on that sablay by studying hard and staying focused. My main motivation? My parents and Oma, my grandmother.

9. Toughen up. Aside from being accepting of what life has to give, I have to toughen up. I won't be a cry baby anymore............. no promises but I will try. :p

10. Love more. This year, I will do more of the things I love. Some of these things include sewing and working on the business. Last year, I remember telling myself I could always do this some other time but never got to do any of them. I want to paint, sing, sew clothes, work on the business, earn extra (of course to spoil the people around me). I want to go get that film camera I've always dreamed of and learn film photography. Other than that, I also want to help other people achieve their dreams (which I only thought of now after reading David Guison's latest blog post). With all this in mind, I know 2016 is gonna be one great year.

Sunnies: Rayban | Top: True Clothing | Bag: Kenneth Cole | Jeans: Woman | Shoes: Rubi Shoes                                                                                                      Photos by Mela Sison

It was hard trimming down the list to 10 things but I'm pretty sure I've got everything covered. Sorry for the lengthy post though. How about you? What are your new year resolutions? Or what are your plans, goals and dreams for 2016? I wanna hear all about it. ☺︎