Going Green
In my pursuit to "live green," I bought a book entitled Green is the New Black by Tamsin Blanchard in October 2009. Well, more than a year after, I still have not finished reading it. I reached only halfway but no worries, I have plans of reading it until the end, very soon. :) Based on the few chapters I have read, I realized one thing, going green as a lifestyle is not yet 100% feasible in our country because of two main reasons:
* first, we have to accept the fact that organic (natural, eco-friendly) products (from beauty to home products, as well as organic fruits and vegetables) are more expensive than non-organic, artificial products;
* second, several necessities (including clothing) and wants (bags, shoes) are not yet locally produced (thus expensive) and not readily accessible, so only the ones with means can apply this kind of lifestyle, they can shop online or travel and buy items, materials which are "ethically-produced."
But this reality should not stop us from doing small acts of going (living) green. Every small act counts. If there are times that I fail to bring my ecobag and I happen to shop or buy something, if it can fit inside my bag, I will tell the cashier not to pack or put it in a plastic bag anymore (early on, even though I have lots of ecobags at home, I will still buy an ecobag if there's one within my reach just to avoid using plastic bags). If I have to choose between products and I see that one brand is organic or naturally produced, I will choose the organic one even if it will cost me a little more. Using recycled paper at home and in the office, using both sides of the paper, using a glass when brushing your teeth to save on water, turning off your computer, lights and other appliances when not in use, are just some of the simple ways we can go (and live) green.
If money weren't an object, this is one lifestyle I would certainly and happily put into practice, 100%. Not only good for mother earth but also good for our health. ;)
Daphne Chair
I learned about this chair from Daphne's blog in July 2010, it was love at first sight... I wanted to write about this and include it on my Christmas wish list but became so busy, I didn't get the chance to do so. Now that I am to set up my own place, I remembered about this chair again. I have no idea how much it costs, what I know is, it was available at Rustan's and Heima Store last year. I hope it's still available and if it is... I also hope I can afford it.
On being grateful...
This morning, I attended the Feast at PICC with momsy. My Sunday morning is untouchable, it is only for the Feast, I usually attend the second session at 10:30am but today, momsy requested that we attend the first session at 8:30am because she has errands to do. The Feast starts with a mass and then Bo Sanchez' talk follows. The first series for 2011 is entitled "Drenched." Today's talk was about "Enjoying the Blessings," the 4th talk (the last) for this series.
Bo Sanchez had beautifully put the gist of his talk by stating that "the more grateful you are, the more you enjoy God's blessings." Enough said.
Hardbound
It is my dream to collect all my favorite books in hardbound form.
This afternoon, I dropped by the nearest bookstore to look for 2 of Dalai Lama's books and a book by David Nicholls entitled One Day. I learned about these 3 books from a dear friend, Rocel. Though I know that I still have more than 3 books on queue, I was just trying my luck if I could find these books, so I asked the saleslady to assist me in finding these books. While waiting for her to return, I saw a table of books on sale, worth Php99 each, all hardbound. I looked for familiar titles, familiar authors, when I was about to give up, I saw two familiar titles (and authors). The first one was Candace Bushnell's One Fifth Avenue and the second book was John Grisham's The Broker, without second thought, I got it and paid for it. The books that I was initially looking for were all not available, but since I got two hardbound books on sale, I went home with a smile of my face. These two books will be an addition to my first ever hardbound book entitled How to be Lovely (The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life) by Melissa Hellstern.
Books on Queue
Last December 2010, I received 5 new books from friends as Christmas gifts.
The first one is Paulo Coehlo's By the River Piedra, I Sat Down and Wept. I am currently reading this book and I plan to finish it this weekend. This was given by Edmond. In one of our chats, I mentioned to him that I like to read this book, he remembered he has 2 copies of it, he thought that he lost his copy and when he bought the second copy, a friend returned the first one to him. So he gave the second one, still unopened, to me last Christmas. :)
The second book that I received was from Lianne. I personally hand-picked this book and asked her to buy it as her Christmas gift to me. ;) I already read 80% of the book in December. This book is a lifetime guide so I can read it as the need arises. ;) By the way, the title of the book is "The Power of Prayer to Change Your Marriage" by Stormie Omartian.
Next on my list is by Emily Giffin entitled Love the One You are with. I got this from our Kris Kringle, for the "final gift," my friends and I agreed to make a wish-list and we posted it in our gift box so our "mommy" can see it and grant our wish. I listed 5 books from which my mommy can choose from. Thank God she's generous, she gave me two out of the 5 books that I listed. The other book she gave me is Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook.
The last book was a gift from Gillian. I've been wanting to buy this book since I first saw it and then momentarily forgot about it. Thanks to Gill, she really knows my choice especially when it comes to books. This book is entitled How to Walk in High Heels (A Girl's Guide to Everything) by Camilla Morton. I already browsed the contents of the book and I can assure you that this is a must-read for all of us!
Thank you Lord for the trials that come my way
A dear friend emailed me today and shared this wonderful song.
Thank you Lord for wonderful friends you are sending my way.;)
*************
Thank you, Lord, for the trials that come my way.
In that way I can grow each day as I let you lead,
And thank you, Lord, for the patience those trials bring.
In that process of growing, I can learn to care.
But it goes against the way
I am to put my human nature down
and let the Spirit take control of all I do.
'Cause when those trials come,
my human nature shouts the thing to do;
and God's soft prompting
can be easily ignored.
I thank you, Lord, with each trial I feel inside,
that you're there to help, lead and guide me away from wrong.
'Cause you promised, Lord, that with every testing,
that your way of escaping is easier to bear.
But it goes against the way
I am to put my human nature down
and let the Spirit take control of all I do.
'Cause when those trials come,
my human nature shouts the thing to do;
and God's soft prompting
can be easily ignored.
I thank you, Lord, for the victory that growing brings.
In surrender of everything, life is so worth while.
And I thank you, Lord, that when everything's put in place,
out in front I can see your face, and it's there you belong.
Something New...
This coming Saturday, I will start to look for a place where I can live independently. For 29 years, I stayed with my parents and sister. When I got married, I left our house and lived together with my husband. Now that things have changed and I'm given an opportunity to live on my own and become independent, I will make the most out of it. But given a very limited resources, I will try to prioritize on the new purchases for "my home."
I am thinking of buying a single bed(or sofabed), a cabinet for my clothes, a sound system and TV, a personal fridge and a digicam to record all the new things in my new life. Once my new home is already set up, I will take photos of it and will write about it here.
I am excited!!!
I should already think of a "theme."
Hmmmm.... I want a place which is "very me."
Soon you'll see what I mean with "very me." ;)
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| don't be deceived, my space will not be like this ;) just found this set-up so pretty & classic |
God's message for me today
Dear Ryah,
All things will work for your good. Messes. Pain. Accidents. Hurts. Sickness. Failures. Mishaps.
Even your sins of the past.
Because when I say“All things”,
I mean ALL THINGS.
Believe,
God
P.S. Watch how, Ryah. Watch and be mesmerized!
My Life
I received this image via email. I like every statement, I highlighted in red the statements that I will apply in my life. ;)
God's message for me today
Your problems will never last. Never, never, never.
Promise,
God
P.S. But your happiness will, Ryah.
the.New.ME.
This journal will be the written account of how God will lead me to the discovery of the new, happy and better me.
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new year, new hope, new life, new me