FAMILY IS BETTER THAN DIAMONDS.

Have you ever asked the Lord why he gave you your family? Why not have a different family, or have the power to switch families with your friends’ or some celebs’ perhaps? Worse, have you ever prayed for your family to be gone in a snap? Well, I had those times. Not really those times, but quite close with those circumstances. In this post, I will describe you what kind of family I have now, and what lessons I have learned for the past couple of months that made me realize that I have one of the best families in the planet. I hope that after you read this, you will treasure the family that God has blessed you with.

I used to hate my family ‘cause it’s a whole lot different compared to others’. I had this thing of comparing my family to my friends’ family, and ended up having gabazillion questions in mind, which usually start with “WHY.” Some thinks that I come from a very perfect home, and living a very perfect life because of how I represent myself, but what they cannot see are the tears behind every smile that I project. My family is not as perfect as they think.

My dad used to be a veterinarian, and co-owner of a poultry. We used to have a poultry, but he had to give that up to enter into a new business since poultry is hard to manage. He entered into agricultural business, wherein he managed a papaya plantation—not really a plantation, but you know what I mean. It was successful, but due to some personal reasons, he had to give that up also. Now, he is a retired businessman, I can say. He’s just staying here at home and helping his parents, my grandparents, around the house. My mom, used to be our homemaker, left the country last 1997 to study arts, especially photography, and eventually entered into medical field, and now she is an assistant brain surgeon in Philadelphia, USA. My sister, who has always been my hero, is now an engineer and a mother of two beautiful children. She is definitely the most responsible woman I know. Last is my brother whom I always describe as a very handsome young man, is now in his last year in college. Just simple description of my family, to let you know that we’re simple as that, and we’re not that perfect, we’re just humans.

I grew up in a very cozy home. It was small, near the church and some fast food chains. There were trees, and a backyard where I can play along with my sibs and cousins. I grew up with a whole lot traditions to be followed, and I get used to it. I had a great family, until October 1997, when my mom left us. Yes, I come from a broken family. And yes again, I used to get jealous with those whose families are complete, but I got the hang out of it, and accepted the fact that this is the kind of family that I am blessed with. Now, you’re asking how? Let me share it with you…

First I shall ask, why hate a family that was given to you when all they do is love to love you. That made you think, right? Well, great! How can I hate the family who did nothing but to accept and to understand me beyond my imperfections? It is hard to be a rebel just because of the situation that you didn’t even know how to control. I just came to realize that it is pointless to be a rebel for it will not just hurt the people who love me so much, but it will also hurt myself a lot. Being a spoiled bratt that I am, I used to follow my own rules, and yes, be with my friends rather than attending family gatherings. I had that I’m-choosing-my-friends-over-family moments. I have realized that it was so wrong. It is unfair to follow my own rules, while my family always do the adjustments. What is sad about my realizations is that I had to experience one huge problem before I come to realized that what I’m doing is all wrong, and I have to change for the better. It took me a long time before I realized these things.

Now, for those like me, do not waste time with your family just because you’re mad at the current situation. Live for today, and do not worry about tomorrow for it is yet to come. Spend time with your loved ones, and do not let your today be a regret of your tomorrow. If you’re thinking that you have yet to experience that one huge happening that will have a big impact in your life before changing, then think again. True, “experience is the best teacher” but you have to admit, everyday is a new experience and this should me enough for a better learning.

I’m hoping for everyone to change their negative views towards their family and encouraging everyone to not just be part of the family, but to be one with the family. You don’t need to be rich, nor poor to be a one happy family. All you need is to share that one great love and be united all the time. Love them now while you still have them.

“Like the branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one… because that is a FAMILY!”

If you have some issues/concerns about family that you want to tackle, just let me know.

H|K : BlairC.N.

Tweet me @steffnazareth

EVERY SUMMER HAS A STORY...

...BUT THIS YEAR, IT'S MORE LIKE A NOVEL!☀

Let me share to you what I did this Summer. Please pretend that you care.😆

My Summer 2013 is a whole lot different from all of my Summers. I used to go to the beach a lot during this season, especially when I started working because I got to pay for my own trips. This year, since it was my first summer as a student--- again (yes, 'cause I'm back to school, taking up law proper) I didn't get the chance to schedule a lot of trips because of our school activities, and other personal matters. My status financially didn't allow me to visit the beach as often as before. It's hard to ask my dad for money after I have experienced working and earning for my own. Yes, I have stayed in our house almost everyday of this vacation, and joined my friends if I have means to do so.

I was fortunate to be with my high school friends this summer. We went to Kabayan beach resort in Laiya, San Juan Batangas. It was well organized, thanks to my friends. We have spent Php 1,500.00 each (fare, food, and accommodation). It was my first summer get-away this year. We were 8, and we stayed at their Mustasa house (Php 6,000.00). The place is nice, it's just that we have shared our room with gabazillion mosquitoes, so we had to request for a catol just to beat those mosquitoes. The beach is not that clean anymore (well, blame this issue to the people, not the resort).  My friends and I enjoyed the place because the security is tight, the staff are very accommodating, they provide the kitchen utensils, they have water activities, for a very affordable price. Aside from the mosquitoes, we just wished we can enjoy the pool a little bit longer. Nevertheless, I would recommend the Kabayan Beach Resort for those who want to have a quick get-away, since it's near Manila, and you can reach it through land, no need for plane, nor boat ride.

One of the most memorable that I did this summer is that I have participated in the national campaign for 1-Aalalay partylist. You may have know this, but it was one of my dreams to be part of the political world, but since our family is not into those kinds of things, I just chose to be a lawyer-- close enough? Anyway, the dad of my high school bestfriend ran as one of the representatives of 1-Aalalay (Isang Alyansang aalalay sa Pinoy Skilled Workers) and being so close to the family, I helped them by joining in their proclamation rally, and motorcade. I wasn't able to join them during the house-to-house campaign due to some personal matters, but I did my own campaigning. Until now, I'm praying that they can make it, and will be proclaimed as one of our country's party lists. I'm for this party list not only because the nominees are so close to me, but I believe that this party list can make a change, and can give opportunities to our countrymen. *I thank you, bow* hahaha!

I also had time to meet my grade school bestfriends because my girl bestfriend went home from Singapura. We were supposed to go to the beach, but the plans changed. We went to Club Balai Isabel, instead, and stayed  in their house for a few tequila shots. I believe that Club Balai Isabel are for members/stockholders only, but I think you can rent some villas through the owners, not really sure though. Club Balai Isabel is just a few minute drive away from our hometown, Tanauan City Batangas. It was near so we didn't spend the night there, we went home after, and had a little house party with my GBF (Girl BestFriend) and her childhood friends (who happen to be my friends, also). My friend stayed here for a week, and I have spent two, or three days and nights with her. We called those nights, THE YOLO FEAST. We drunk like there's no tomorrow. It was fun!

Then, I went to White Cove, Laiya San Juan Batangas, alone for some soul searching. White Cove is beside Kabayan, so it was easy for me to go there. That trip is by far my cheapest soul searching trip ever! I only spent Php 500.00 for everything! I left the house at lunch time, and got there at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. It was required to rent a cabana, and so I did-- FOR FREE! I was haggling for it, I don't want to spend Php 1,500.00 for a cabana that I won't be using! hahaha. Sometimes, charm works *wink* So I only paid the entrance fee which was lowered from Php 300.00 to Php 120.00. I was very thankful for the staff for letting me experience the beach at a very affordable price. It was one of the most amazing trips of my life. Yes, I went to White Cove twice this summer, one with an old friend.

Lastly, I've been spending a lot of my time this vacation baby sitting my sister's kids. My goddaughter, who is 4 years old, and my nephew, who is now 2 months old. My sister started working again after her maternity leave, but she got no nanny, yet, for her baby boy. As a loving sister, kidding-- I had no choice since I'm still on vacation, I was forced to take care of the kids. I'm having fun spending time with the kids. It's hard to take care of a one-month old kid, but yep, I survived a week with the two of 'em. HAHA! I'm as good as that. uhh-maaziiing, I know. I know.👶

So there, That is how I spent my summer 2013, so far. I had no regrets this vacation. I may not have spend it like I used to, but this is new to me and will definitely be part of my journal, and lifetime memories.

Here's a glimpse of MY SUMMER 2013:

 

 

So how's your summer, friends? I hope you had a memorable one. I'm sure I did.😉

 

 

H|K--

--the summer kinda girl : BlairC.N.

tweet me @steffnazareth

 



"The tans will fade, but the memories will last forever."

BEAUTY TIP: FROM FRIZZY TO PRETTY HAIR

Just like other women, I had problems with my hair. It was either too straight and dull, or too frizzy, and dry. I never tried relaxing nor rebonding my hair because I'm scared that my hair will be worse due to the chemicals used. I visit the salon twice a year, imagine. I am not that vain, and I am a fan of home remedies, when I feel like there's something wrong with myself.

Summer of 2009, I've had my haircut and it was really short. The stylist cut my hair using a blade. Of course, when I got out of the salon, it was perfect! They used a blower and hair iron to make it look good, that's what salons do, right? The next day, when I went to my OJT, then, I noticed that my hair was too short, and too frizzy. A friend told me that using blade to cut your hair will make my hair frizzy, yes buhaghag. I had to accept it and tie my hair everyday of my life, but it was too short, you know. So yes, I had that bad-hair-day-everyday syndrome when I was 18 years old.

I asked Google gabazillion times for remedy, but it gave me answers like putting mayonnaise, egg yolk, and other products on my hair, which I didn't do. Yes, I also used those commercial products that they say will help you to straighten your hair. Unfortunately, none of them work. I was tempted to have my hair relaxed or rebonded, but I didn't. Until one day, when we had our team building, I accidentally discovered this organic shampoo and conditioner. The place where we had our team building prohibits the use of commercial product, so the sell organic toiletries. I cannot go on a day without using a conditioner, so I bought one there. We stayed there for 3 days only, so I didn't finish the conditioner. I brought it home and use it until I finished the whole bottle.

I was surprised to see that my hair was straighten by the conditioner, since I didn't use the shampoo that long. I've been using this conditioner for 4 years now, and still satisfied with it. Now, I want to share with you, especially ladies, the SWALLOW HAIR STRAIGHT HONEY CONDITIONER.

 

 

It smells like baby shampoo, and it's cheap. It only cost Php 99.00. It can be found in Landmark and Cash and Carry, I don't know where else can you buy this product. I pair it with PANTENE GLOSSY SHINE SHAMPOO, so my hair will have that scent of commercial hair products. And I think it's a great combo.

 

 

I hope this will help your hair problems. Let me know how it goes.

 

H|K : BlairC.N.

tweet me @steffnazareth



MOVED.

I finally had the time to create a new blog, after countless months. I've been dying to create a new blog to express my emotions, and to share all my random thoughts, but I didn't have time since I entered law school. Computer time is only reserved for searching cases, when you're in law school.

 

I had a hard time thinking of a new name for my blog because I have used steffanyblair to express my random-est thoughts, and yes nonsense ones, before. I thought of using painistemporary as my new blog name, but I think it's too dramatic. I wanted something extraordinary that will suit any kind of posts that I'll be sharing with the reader (as if i'll have gabazillion of readers haha) I've also thought of aglimpseofblair since my blog is the place wherein people can actually get all the latest buzz about my life, well except for twitter-- my forever micro-blogging site, but then again, I think it won't fit my crazy thoughts. Until I came up with the idea of using blairyrandomthoughts which I derived from "very random thoughts" phrase. I think this blog name is the perfect name because readers can expect the most random stuff to be written here and the most craziest thoughts are to be shared here.

 

While choosing the perfect name for my blog, I've wished to be a famous celebrity, so I could just ask my twitter followers to do the thinking for me. Nevertheless, it's fulfilling that the name of this blog came from my own mind. I should be proud, right?

 

Anyway, I have gabazillion stories to tell. I can't wait to share them with everyone.

 

 

 

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H&K | Blair C.N.