A key signifies the our power of making decisions. Keys are used to open doors, trying to unlock something and revealing surprises and new stuff, and even locking some doors. One can always choose the doors he/she could open, because one is to be held responsible for whatever happens - be it good and bad. The key, the decision-making power of everyone, is a powerful tool that must be well thought of before doing it.

This year, I’ve used my “key” more than I have ever did in my entire life. This year was a big year of change for me as I used my key to open doors, experience new adventures, meet new people, expand my horizons, and tap into foreign territory. I’ve also admittedly used my key without thinking a few times that led my emotions to fluctuate and lead to regret. But hey, regrets are nightmares of the heart that are better let go of than clutched in the chest. So , better yet, experience, may it be good or bad, must be well-remembered. Good experience should be used to treasure and be a driving force to look forward and enjoy life, and bad experience should be lessons learned, as life is a teacher that teaches not from lectures beforehand, but after events occur.

The year 2007 was definitely a year of change, or maybe coming of age for me as I was able to experience alot of new stuff that I’ve never dreamed of.

Decisions
* With my passion for mineral makeup, I’ve decided to take it up a notch and took into serious consideration of long-term plans for this. This year, we were able to hold alot of Beauty & Minerals Days. So glad Cristine and I were able to convert alot of girls to mineral makeup this year!

* From blogging anonymously ( under a pen name ), I’ve decided to reveal myself , and add more blogs. Aside from my babies The Mineral Makeup Blog and Beautynomics, I’ve taken a dose of network blogging - Kikay Kits for the Bayanihan Blog Network, and Beauty Gizmo for B5Media. I’ve also started My Summer Solstice, as my personal blog. I’ve also started a group blogging thing called Vanity Vibe ( in which Roanne and Dee are currently blogging for ), and share Vanity Fever with Sasha.

On another note, what topped my blogging year was my feature in Manila Bulletin and a few seconds’ worth of airtime in The Today Show! Whoopee!

New Adventures, New Friends
* Okay, so I started making friends with wonderful people in the Philippine Blogosphere. I didn’t really plan on doing so because I was just blogging independently, and I didn’t see the need for interaction. I was just well, blogging! Later on I realized, when I started meeting up with people that it was actually fun to hang around people who had the same interests ( blogging ). It turned out that these were very cool dudes and dudettes ! Woo!

* I’ve also taken a liking with photography, as I got a Nikon d40x for my birthday ( initially for my sister Straw ) . At first, I actually got frustrated and stopped using it. I went back to point and shoot. Only during late November when someone reignited my love for photography and made me feel really inspired into working on it. To you, thank you for making me feel that I can actually have a chance ( even a minute one ) of being good at it. I truly appreciate the support, Master Chips. Even if the DSLR’s considered bulky and heavy, I simply cannot imagine myself going back to point and shoot. Such huge difference. Right now, looking forward to improve my craft, since I’m soo considered a newbie, still fiddling, fiddling, and fiddling. God I need to learn faster for beach seasonnnnnn!!

*I’ve done so much makeovers this year that I seriously can’t count anymore. This made me realize that makeup is indeed my passion and I am pushing thru with makeup school next year. I hope I don’t cancel. It gives me a natural high and fulfillment that I’ve never felt before.

*In terms of adventures, I’ve traveled to Boracay for the second time ( and I intend to travel next year to that wonderful place again ) and went to Shanghai for a business trip mixed with pleasure as I visited my girlfriends who were studying in Beijing. Quite a fulfilling and unique experience. I look forward to more traveling next year for sure, be it abroad or just hitting the local beaches here. So it means, next year I have to work extra hard and save extra hard ( erm, pressure ! )

*My last adventure for 2007 was simply insane. It was my first time to do something that I’ve never done before. Thanks to Tin, Phoebe, and Sasha for fulfilling my year-end wish - to do something new. That was quite a rite of passage for me!

Looking forward to more adventures next year! More, more, more!

Heartbreak Central
This year’s been a rollercoaster ride in my emotions. Heartbreak #1 took me two years to get over, Heartbreak #2 gobbled up my entire summer, and Heartbreak #3 was a huge mistake ( blame it in my lapse of judgement ). But you know what, these things happened for a reason indeed - that is to make me stronger and know more about the world.

I realized that I have to stop blaming myself, for there are some people in this world that don’t see love as something serious or worth cherishing. Or maybe it’s not just meant to be. Or maybe there are people born to hurt your feelings and make your life miserable, and you musn’t always ask what’s wrong with yourself. I should be fine just the way I am.

In the end, my bestbud told me that I shouldn’t close my doors to love, but rather be on the lookout and be cautious. I wonder how extra cautious I should be next year, though, since I’ve got walls all around me already. I’m grateful to have gained some clarity before the year ended, and right now, with my experience, I am able to know what kind of people I should be giving attention to, and whom I should not take seriously. I guess I’m not that naive anymore.

Keeping The Love Alive
This year, I’ve gained alot of new friends that I think I will be hanging out more next year ( I hope, I hope! ) But then, I’m also glad that the friendships that I have forged from highschool and college are still very much alive, stronger, and happier.

With the departure of D and K, I admit I was devastated and cried buckets for them ( shucks, remember how I threw a tantrum in Shanghai? Hahaha! ). But then, one has to be supportive of her friends as they chase their dreams. I wish them all the best and success, and hope for a free trip to Australia, perhaps, when they get their paycheck. Hahaha!

My highschool barkada’s bond is as strong as ever as we have been meeting more often. So much girltalk, sharing stories, laughs, secrets, and just happy shopping, I’m very happy that we can tell each other anything, and I mean anything.

College berks haven’t been meeting much lately, but this year ender’s been quite fulfilling as I got a chance to reunite with them once again ( with K’s arrival ). The Powerseaters have been meeting once in a blue moon, but even with my bestbuds in law school, I am glad that there’s YM, phone, and SMS that they can all pour all their pressures and frustrations to me, ( and my silly thoughts to them, teehee )

Realizations, a Summary

*Friends are blessings to one’s existence. They give you a chance to feel loved, and give you a chance to give love, too.

*Stop blaming yourself. Learn to appreciate yourself for who you are.

* It’s okay to ask help from others sometimes.

*Sometimes being a bitch can have its advantages. I swear, this part of me saved me from a whole lot of heart trouble.

* Love can wait. Stick to priorities first. Never listen to someone who debates with you on this.

* Listen to your friends. They see clearly whenever you don’t.

* In your heart, if you love something, go for it. Passion can definitely take you to where you want yourself to be.

* Work is fulfilling, but stress relievers such as parties, and hanging out with wonderful people are great ways to keep you going. Too much work will kill you.

* There is nothing impossible. There is no such thing as limits. That’s the beauty of the human mind.

All of what happened in 2007 made me stronger, and a whole lot wiser. The happenings are the key to my future as I use each and every memory of 2007 to guide me further in my future, hoping nothing but the best. Cheers!