Christmas and the spirit of giving.

Christmas is always one happy holiday. I love that people are brighter, smilling more and laughing more.

When I was in Highschool and College I used to give gifts that i thought were cute and nice. I usually just bought something from Blue Magic or Papemelrotti. Something that I thought was an adorable knicknack. A cute pen, notebooks, nametags, some paper weight, bookmarks, bagtags, display stuff. Afterall these are just the things I can afford.

Fast forward 2014, i have now worked more or less a decade. My taste is gifts is I hope somewhat improved. Instead of giving something cute, give something useful (and who says it can't be both? ^_^)

I hope you guys also realize that the person receiving the gift might find it burdensome to store your gift if its something that he or she won't ever be using. Sure, it's the thought that counts but woudn't you rather give something that you know they will use rather than it being dust bunnies in their closet?

Here are my tips on how to have a more meaningful gift giving experience without breaking the bank.

1. Observe
It would be better if you know your officemate to a certain degree. What does she do with her time? Does she have problems with organization? What are her hobbies? Does she volunteer somewhere? Whenever you talk with her what does she talk about?

2. Record
From your observations create a list of possible gifts that she might find useful.

As an example, an officemate of mine usually borrows my dental floss. So that's among the things i'm going to give her. She also loves her munchies, so I also thought about giving her some clips to tie down the munchies she hasn't finished.

3. When to buy?
The best time to start looking for gifts would be at the end of the last Christmas. You have more time to prepare and more time to score some really nice deals.

4. Where to buy?
When you think about it, there's always a sale or markdown of prices going on almost monthly at the malls. Beyond the mall, there are bazaars, olx, ebay and warehouse sales. I also try to put on a cap for each person on my list. Usually, its 100 pesos.

That's it. Happy holidays and may your Christmas be wonderful.

What is the most important thing?

It's time. Time is the most important thing that you have, that you can share and you can give.

Time is what makes everything have value. You need time to make your stocks grow. Time to build relationships. Time to make diamonds. Time to earn a living. Time to develop talent.

What you do with your 86,400 seconds a day is up to you. But remember, time as a commodity is finite. You cannot take it back and you cannot store it. It really is an equalizer of sorts.

Spend each day meaningfully and let go of things that don't add value to your life. I admit, even I struggle with this but remembering that I am just given a finite number of years, makes the decision easier.

Stop filling your days with things that just burn your time away. There really is something so much more that you can do.

What would make you a good daughter, son, wife or husband? What would make your significant other happy? What would make you happy. You need time to think about these things but when you do realize them, go and achieve it.

Back for now

I have decided to resuscitate this blog from the dead.

It's sort of out of season since we're already entering the last few days of the year.

I have learned a lot from 2014 and I wish to share my experience.

I've also decided to write in English as opposed to my original intent of Filipino. I feel that I will reach more people by writting in this language.

My purpose is still the same, to inform, to entertain (and excuse the occasional rant) about my daily struggle with handling money, my finances, clutter and everything in between.

For now, a warm greeting and a more profound good day to you.