It's hard to go back in detail how I spent the past month. It was by far the busiest month I've ever experienced my entire student life. Last summer came pretty close, but just because this one involved all facets of my entire self, it exceeds everything I did then by a mile. It was physically, emotionally and mentally exhausting. I had quite a few breakdowns along the way, but as soon as everything wrapped up wonderfully and successfully at the end, I had to say it was all purely worth it. I have proven a lot of things to myself, and quite proud of what I have accomplished. Here are a few snapshots from some recent celebrations. I wish I had all the pictures with me to share, but these will do. Happy Holidays everyone!

( Lots of pictures behind this cut )

How am I spending the rest of my holidays? For now, I want to catch a lot of downtime possible after all that. Staying at home while enjoying a nice, quite holidays is just right up my alley. Thank God for my awesome Guitar Hero World Tour skills to beat any kind of brewing blues away. Not that there are any. This year has been pretty wonderful to me. I am full of love and incredibly happy. Merry Christmas to everyone!

(cross-posted entry from my weblog)

The long weekend was refreshing. It allotted me time to relax and spend on more leisurely activities. I've been working very hard since the semester started. And while I feel like the things I've somehow started are not even close to what I'm supposed to accomplish in the nearing weeks, I'm taking time to appreciate some of the things that I do tend to overlook such as the nearing holidays.

December comes knocking on my door so fast and somehow catches me off guard. Apart from all the usual darling festivities and holiday cheer I adore, I do have a busy month ahead. Squeezing in Christmas shopping amidst all my holiday projects while I continue to keep my grades up is a challenge I'm going to take. Let's just hope the positivity manages to keep my spirits high everyday.

I'm trying to be as productive as I can be. While that is quite admirable, I am tempted every time to just stand back and take a breath. I've been quite sick a week ago, and it was a wake-up call to my body. Thus, I've been sleeping at least 8 hours a day and trying hard not to skip any meals. I'm also doubling up on vitamins when necessary. I can't be sick, and I also want to live a healthier lifestyle. The result? It does wonders on my skin.

The sun in the early morning is wonderful as it keeps me energized to take on the day ahead. And as nights seem to be longer now that it's December, I marvel at the Christmas lights and decorations adorning the streets. It leaves me all warm and fuzzy. It makes me crave for bibingka, sweet ham and cranberries every time. Christmas is also the ultimate holiday to be reminded of generosity and love. I feel like I need to share all the love I can with everyone, just because this year has allowed me to meet more people to love and share my life with.

Now that the Seniors are counting down the days before graduation and the reality of 'what-lies-ahead,' every day seems to be priceless. And Christmas just makes me feel like the sentimental schmuck I really am. All the made-up, disease-sounding Senior syndromes affect me every now and then. I feel like there is a need to be running around, making the most out of the fleeting moments.

Or maybe. Just maybe. I need to continue those moments of standing back and taking those deep, comforting breaths. More than the craziness of all the hustling and bustling, there is a need to relish those moments. Oh wonderful, sweet, love-filled moments that make up the seconds we continue to take for granted.