"A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun."

Time check: 11:20 PM.

In less than an hour, I will be 25 years old.

I don't really know how I feel right now. Am I anxious? A bit. Am I scared? No. I used to be afraid of growing old, but when I declared independence and moved out of my parents' house I realized that there is nothing I can do to stop time so might as well suck it in, slap on some moisturizer, and enjoy the ride. Since then, I have learned how to be responsible of my actions and conscious of the consequences of my decisions. Am I excited? HELL YEAH!

I'm just at a point wherein a lot of realizations have come to me regarding different aspects in my life. Very apt, considering that I am celebrating a milestone birthday: my first quarter of a century here in on Earth. Looking back, I am thankful for the heartaches because, as cliché as it sounds, those pains really taught me how to be more tough. I have learned not to worry, because - whatever happens, in the end - everything makes perfect sense. In connection with this, I'd like to share this very inspiring post by Mariel Chua, the now defunct Seventeen Philippines' former Beauty Editor who is one of the best people I have had the pleasure and privilege to meet, albeit online. We have conversed via email several times, and even though we have never met in person yet, I consider her one of my mentors because of all the valuable lessons she has imparted to me. I remember my early emails to her told of how I was unhappy with my job because I can't really practice my "creative and expressive side" blah blah blah, but now, after a little change in my working environment, my outlook also changed. I am more appreciative of my job now because my wonderful schedule gives me more time to allot for personal growth and time to be with friends and family. As she put it, "it would be nice to find a job that would finance the lifestyle you want and the hobbies you do (which includes pursuing your writing dreams)." She knows how much I want to be a writer and has been very supportive, considering she doesn't really know me personally. For that, I am thankful.

I have grown up a lot in the past year, but I know I still have a lot of growing up to do. Change is inevitable, and there are times I myself cannot understand why I did some of the things I did before. Given the chance, I know I would have done them differently this time. But as time is not ours to control I know I should just look forward and use the lessons I've learned previously to help me come up with better decisions in the future.

♥♥♥

I swear, I have never felt this much birthday love before.

Aside from all of your sweet and wonderful comments in A Krissyfied Giveaway, more surprises have cropped up, and my heart cannot contain the love and excitement.

Today (my last day at work before my two weeks vacation which will start tomorrow until April 20) at the office, I was surprised to see a Happy Birthday Krissy! banner flashing on our floor's four plasma screens. Those plasma screens were put up to display the queue and important announcements, and to see a greeting made specially by my immediate supervisor, TL Carlo, being shown every 3 minutes for the rest of the day (starting last night, as I was told ♥) was just WOW! I was so touched ♥

What adds to my excitement is this: someone (who goes by the name Migz Sirfrice) has been emailing me since yesterday to tell me a big surprise will happen for me tomorrow! I have received 6 emails so far, and they all contain cutesy rhymes and images of pretty pin-up girls corresponding to the rhyme!

Here are the images included in the emails:

I wonder what the big surprise is? Gosh I am so excited! But I will go with my friends, just to be sure I won't be kidnapped ;D

♥♥♥

I cannot thank everyone enough for all the love you've been showing and sending my way, be they in person or via virtual wishes. My pink, glittering heart is truly grateful!

Now have a slice of cake for me, will you? And while you're at it, click here to join my giveaway ;)

*Post title is from an Anonymous quote.
**The pretty picture (hihi) was taken by my friend Badeth ♥