New Year resolutions.

Every single year, most of us spend the last few days in the calendar listing the things we want to do on the upcoming year. This is what we call resolutions. Just like a lot of people, I have tons of resolutions but failed to do it. So, this time, I am listing my 2011 New Year Resolutions by making it attainable and realistic. More of a bucket list, if you ask me.

1.       Volunteer more. There’s always something very humbling when you volunteer. It’s like changing someone’s life by being part of the solution.

2.       Save money. I want to save up for something grand by the end of the year. That also means, saying goodbye to buying expensive shoes and bags.

3.       Travel again. Whether it’s in the other islands in the Philippines or abroad.  Experience is always the best teacher.

4.       Learn how to cook.  It’s a step by step process. I’ll start with frying eggs.

5.       Get a new hobby. I’m hoping it would be pole dancing.

6.       No more sodas. If there’s no other choice, I’d rather go thirsty or drink my own saliva (eeww gross!)

7.       Lessen Rice...Increase Veggies.

8.       Exercise even more. I want to attend a marathon.

9.       No more cursing...loudly. I’ll just wish bad things in my mind...kidding!

10.   Spend more time with my family. They are not getting any younger. More memories to keep, the better.

11.   Stay positive. Smile as much as possible.

12.   Never turn down an invite. If the schedule permits, why not.

13.   Get more sleep. No more facebook when I get home.

14.   Never be late, ever.

15.   Pray harder. Pray often.

Happy Holidays!

Bonuses....13^th month pay....Christmas gifts....ahhh, the reasons why we all love this season. We have all the ability and funds to splurge and shop ‘til we drop because we want to give our loved ones something special to open on Christmas day or we want to buy new stuff for ourselves.

But if you live in the Metro, sometimes, this season can turn a “Santa” to a “Grinch”. Why you ask? For example:

1.       Traffic- It’s twice worse and its all throughout the day (and night!).

#TIP: shop really early. Traffic is more tolerable and you can get a nice spot to park.

2.       Crime- yup, it’s twice as much too.

#TIP: don’t bring lots of cash. This is the time that your plastic cards become more convenient. Always make sure you are aware of your surroundings.

3.       People- we all love to shop so understand all the long lines in the cashier and the crowded malls and shopping areas.

#TIP: if you can leave your kids at home, do so. If not, there are play areas in most malls where kids can stay. Stop dragging them inside shops and get angry when they start to throw a tantrum.

4.       Prices- you would notice that more items shoot up, price wise. Like they say in business, the more the demands, the more price increase you would see.

#TIP: Bargain shopping.  If you have the talent, you’ll get awesome stuff in very affordable price.

5.       Places- where oh where will you go this season of giving? Where can you find the things you need and want to buy?

#TIP: always go to shopping centres near your area. Sometimes, the extra P25 is worth it rather than getting very cheap stuff 100kms away from where you live.

6.       Gifts- what to buy for everyone you are giving gifts to.

#TIP: Always give something that the person will likely use. If you know the person well, you

Won’t have this problem. Just in case you are near going insane thinking, food always works.

7.       Attire- it always pays to be comfy all the time.

#TIP: wear clothes that are appropriate for shopping. No high heeled shoes, no leather shoes, no long sleeved polo, no leather jackets and no wearing to-die-for jewelleries.

Here’s my best tip: there’s always online shopping and delivery services. Comfort in your own home.