month of splurging

I have spent so much this month; mostly unplanned spendings. My money have litterally been flushed down the drain... into the pockets of my relatives, inaanaks (goddaughter, godson) and unknown (at least to me...) owners of Starbucks all over metro manila. My experience this Christmas season have taught me a lot of things.

Number one, the art of letting go. Money spent, is not really money lost. It's just money that went elsewhere in exchange for something. In exchange of coffee, a hug, a smile, or a heartfelt thank you. My bank book may read P0.0 [read: zero peso and zero centavo] but at least, the money didn't go to waste [and waste being...?!].

Number two, the art of holding on. Contradictory to the first lesson, but hear me out. Holding on to people. This season gave me time to see old friends and meet new ones. I have re-realized (once again realized) how lucky I am to have a lot of people to run to whenever there's a little running needed.

Number three, money makes a difference. Christmas is somehow different now that I am earning. I am the one giving now, but I still am receiving. It is true that it is better to give than to receive.

Number four, hold your breath. People may not always appreciate your gifts or surprises for them. Their reactions (watch out the facial expressions!) might be hurtful, so always brace yourself. Just charge it to experience.

Number five, going out has never been this fun! The thought that there's no work the next day... man... I'm loving it so much! All work and no play indeed makes Jill dumb; I mean dull.

Other lessons are better left unsaid, or unwritten.

An old quote from a friend: "There are friends you talk and laugh with everyday, yet the friendship ends there and there are those whom you rarely talk to and much rarely see, yet you know that they are ones worth keeping."