Go Gorgeous Green!

The Bored Game

2012-11-01T06:34:00.002-07:00

This Halloween, let's all enjoy a ~~board~~ bored game!

Things You Need:

Pen
Paper
Two or more bored people.

The game is very easy. You don't need to be super smart or super creative or super rich to understand and play this game. In fact, no one even needs to win (but you can change that, of course.) All you need is to be bored and you're all set.

I thought of this game when my friend and I were queuing for our school enrollment. We were there from morning to afternoon, so just imagine how tiring it was. We ran out of things to talk about and I don't like being bored. My motto is:

"Only boring people are bored."

So I tried to think of interesting ways to make that long line bearable. We both didn't have cell phones that time. Actually, we had nothing except pen and paper. That's when the idea hit me.

Here's how to do it:

On the paper, draw a line, a circle, or anything. Remember; don't think of what you will draw. Just let your pen flow freely.

Give the pen and paper to player #2. Let him draw something out of that line.

See? Out of player #1's simple line, the player #2 thought of something more creative. (I know, my drawing is not very creative, but you get the idea.)

Player #2 should then draw another abstract line. And it's your turn to think of something from that line! Very simple, right?

You can go on and on and on and on until you occupied all the space on the paper or you got (bored?) with this game.

P.S- I played this game with my classmates while our teacher was lecturing. *wink*

Minimalist Birthday Gift

2012-09-22T23:45:00.001-07:00

Source: fineartamerica.com via Jaye on Pinterest

A friend told me that someone close to her is celebrating his birthday next month. I got very excited. Yes, much more excited than she is!

Lots of gift ideas flooded my mind. I wanted her to do something sweet for him. I gave her unsolicited gift suggestions, but she kindly declined all of those. Ha-ha. (Well, at least all of those brainstorming inspired me to make this post.)

At first I hinted that she should buy a gift. She said "Is that really necessary?"

That friend of mine is a minimalist so I thought maybe she doesn't want to purchase something tangible. I tried a different approach, then. I suggested things like:

~~Serenade him~~- She's a great singer but she said she's shy to sing for him. So we had to cross this out.
~~Cook something~~- Give him a coupon that says Free Dinner and cook the food herself. She told me cooking was not an option because the last time she tried to cook for him, she was not very happy with the result.
~~Make a video presentation~~- Too much hassle.
~~Handicrafts~~- It's sweet to give someone something you made yourself, but still, she said NO.

"Can't I just give him my love?" She asked.

Ah, yes. Of course she can give her heart and love to him. It's free and it's SUPER minimalist. But how can you give love, really? By telling him? Yes, that one thing, I guess. But wouldn't it be better to show him?

I'm the kind of person who loves surprises. She can love him every day of the year... but birthdays are special. It's when you "show" a person you love him and not just "tell" him. That's why we do celebrations, right? So I continued thinking of gifts that won't give clutter and headaches in the future.

This morning she showed me pictures of her on the beach. She was posing beside a name she wrote on the sand. It was "his" name.

Well, that's when another idea hit me. E-greeting cards! I told her to edit the pictures and make e-greeting cards out of them. Or if she wants to do something more, she can make a PowerPoint Presentation.

Finally, finally, guys... She said YES! She will just try to find out how to make a PowerPoint Presentation with her ipad. Whew! I can now rest my mind in peace.

I'd like to hear your gift ideas! Do you have something in mind, or something you did before, that will be great for a minimalist birthday gift?

Cooking

2012-09-20T11:29:00.001-07:00

I mentioned in my last post that I was not a big fan of cooking. But now I am. I actually look forward to breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I love planning what to cook.

Since I have no fridge yet, I have a limited supply of foods. I only buy vegetables and canned goods. I rarely cook meat.

What I discovered is that cheese makes almost any food taste special. I tried to cook chopsuey but I had no meat, so I put cheese instead. It was superb!

Let me just share to you a photo of the spaghetti I cooked. It was made with simple ingredients. Spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, ground pepper, onion and garlic, mushroom, burger patties.

The mushroom and burger patties were just left-over from the burger steak I made for lunch. I did not know what to do with them, and like I said, I had no fridge so I had to cook them that very same day. Good thing I remembered I bought some spaghetti noodles.

No one taught me how to cook and reading about cooking wasn't really my kind of thing. So I guess we can say that I don't have much knowledge in cooking. But Albert Einstein said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge."

Never thought it would apply in cooking too! ^_^

Freedom

2012-09-19T20:05:00.001-07:00

Last year, I wrote a post about wanting to be independent and having my freedom. I haven't really done that until two months ago.

I flew from Davao to Manila and lived in a boarding house. It was a very small room and it had no windows. I have this thing about windows. I just love them so much! And since that room had no window, I felt like I was in a prison. It was depressing. Not to mention that it was the first time I lived a hundred miles away from my family.

I also had to share the bathroom and the kitchen with the other boarders. I'm a very shy person so I'm not really comfortable meeting them every time I feel the call of nature or I have to cook my food.

Another things is that I got scared going out of my room because of a RAT. That boarding house has one super huge rat running around the kitchen all the time, scaring the boarders to death.

So after a month, I moved to a house in the province of Rizal. It is a two-storey apartment with a floor area of only 20sqm. I'm lucky because I'm the very first tenant who rented it. The wall paint is still fresh and clean. And guess what! The price is the same with the amount I pay for that tiny, prison-like room in Makati.

You see, I write for a living, so you have to understand that space is big deal for me. And windows? Yes, it has windows but unfortunately, the only view I could see is the neighbor's wall. I also have a terrace. But I have to look to the left before I could have a glimpse of the village playground.

Well, so far everything's going great and I just thank God for all of this. Here's what I learned so far while having my freedom.

Freedom is not doing ALL the things that you want to do. It is choosing carefully what's right for you.

I actually know how to cook! You see, I'm the youngest in our family so I did not always have the chance to cook. I was scared, I guess. I didn't want them to criticize my cooking, so I did not even try. But since I only have myself to feed right now, I have nothing to lose. Haha.

I now know what it feels like to go to a grocery store and get one item, put it in the basket, think for five minutes if it's worth buying, and then return it to the shelf. It was like that for almost every item!

I got aware of my electrical and water consumption. I always try to find a way to save on those.

I now know the wattage of all the gadgets and appliances I own! I was surprised that my laptop is only 30W. I thought it consumes too much electricity. On the other hand, the electric stove makes me want to faint with its 1000W. Argh!

There's no one to clean my mess except myself. Ah, the price of freedom. ^__^

I don't like electric fan. I barely use it. The downside? I've got mosquito bites on my legs! Good thing they don't leave scars.

I'm almost 23 years old but people still think I'm too young to live on my own. Welcome to the Philippines. Haha.

Always choose the head car when riding the MRT or LRT (train). It's not as crowded as the other cars.

Cheese is AMAZING.

Motivational Passwords

2012-09-17T21:39:00.000-07:00

Password.

It's very important to us. Our privacy depends on it. We use it everyday to gain access to our email accounts, social network accounts, and whatever there is on the internet that needs securing.

I first used the internet when I was thirteen years old. Since then, I only use two passwords whenever I sign up for something. I may have signed up on a site six years ago and forgot all about it, but I know I can still provide the correct password today because there are only two passwords to choose from!

I know a lot of people who constantly change their email accounts because they can't remember their passwords. I felt sorry for them.

But last week, I thought changing your password regularly could actually be good, "IF" you use words or phrases that motivate you. If you log in to your Facebook account five times a day, then it means you remind yourself of something positive five times a day!

Let's say you're an athlete and your goal is to bag the gold medal in your next competition. Change your password to "go4gold". Everyday, it will help remind you not to settle for the bronze or silver. You need to keep practicing to reach the GOLD.

An hour ago, I changed my Facebook password. Let's just hope I won't forget it.

How about you? Do you prefer having the same password for the rest of your life, or you constantly think of something unique to guard your accounts?

Sunrises and Sunsets

2011-11-10T20:41:00.000-08:00

Sunrises were made to give us inspiration as we start our day.

And sunsets are prettier so that we'll know that even when darkness comes, beauty will surround us.

Laughter

2011-11-04T22:36:00.001-07:00

I was reading a Chicken Soup for the Soul book this morning, and a sentence made me laugh. Ok. I know, I know. Everybody laughs every now and then. So why bother taking up some space in this blog writing about it?

Well, I could make this short and straight just be telling you "Hey, this is my blog! I can write anything and whatever I want."

But nah. I'm not going to say that because I want to make you see the beautiful experience I had this morning.

You see, it was totally different for me. I FELT it like I've never had before. From the vibrations in my chest, to that magical sound that went up my throat, out to my barely opened lips. It was just a few short musical notes of laughter, yet it was just so beautiful (I've always hated the way I laughed before!). I never thought I would actually like my own laugh.

And it made me wonder about that word. Sometimes we just take laughter for granted. 'Oh, sure, laughter is the best medicine.' 'Oh yes, I heard it can make us look younger.' But do we sometimes take a moment to listen and appreciate the beauty of our laughs?

It's so natural and common and yet it is also a mystery. Imagine life without laughter. What if people are incapable to laugh? How would we express the feeling of happiness... of enjoyment... of victory?

Ah, I won't tire myself trying to imagine it. Because here I am, living, free to laugh whenever I feel like it. And I just made up my mind to spend the rest of my life having lots of it!

P.S - I tried to imitate that laugh I had this morning, but I couldn't.
I guess each laughter is different from the other, which makes
it more priceless!

Karen

2011-11-03T21:53:00.000-07:00

View photo source

Today I want to introduce to you my soul sister, open friend, partner-in-crime, KAREN. She's also a minimalist (check out her blog) and she's a part-time writer, part-time businesswoman, part-time dreamer. I asked her a few questions about her journey in minimalism and I hope you will all enjoy it. :)

1. When did you decide you want to be a minimalist?

I feel like I have always been a minimalist, though I didn't know what it was called until I've read about it last Februrary... And it was only then that I decided to focus on living a life with less clutter.

2. How did it affect your life?

It has affected me greatly that I don't know how to put it in words. At one point, it has opened my eyes into a new perspective - that life can be more meaningful when you are less attracted to the clutters of life and become more aware of what's important.

3. What was your family's reaction?

My dad and siblings were so into it. My mom, not much. But my parents both grew up with a simple life, so even if my mom loves shopping, I was able to share with them the wonders of not buying *too much*. I guess we, as a family, can never be extreme minimalists. But I'm glad that I was able to impart with them the philosophy of minimalism, that we are able to be more appreciative of each other.

4. Are there some things you think you could never give up?

Like things? I can't give up wearing headbands! And scarfs! And brooches! But I'm glad they are light-weight, it's easy to bring them anywhere ^_^ At first, it was books, but then I discovered the wonders of Amazon Kindle ^_^

5. What are your plans in the near future?

I want to work hard on becoming good in writing and singing. And then travel around-the-world with a backpack!!!

Flying With the Eagles

2011-11-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

by Lori Tan. View photo source

It's true that you will find real happiness in simple things. This time, I found it by volunteering for a great cause! I am now a volunteer guide and OCP facilitator in Philippine Eagle Foundation.

Philippine Eagle is the Philippine's national bird. Sadly, it is also endangered. There are only about 300 pairs of them left in the country. The beautiful, majestic, powerful bird is in great danger of not surviving for our great-grandchildren to see and admire!

Eagles have always been my favorite. But when I saw the video of their life in the wild, I fell in love with them. They are fierce and aloof, yet when they find their partner, they will stay with them for life (did I hear someone say the word loyal?). They only breed every two years. The reason? They want to make sure first that their eaglet can live on its own before they make another eaglet! Hah! These eagles surely know how to make family-planning. But that's also one of the factors of their decline in population... :(

If you also want to spread your wings and help the birds spread theirs, do it. It doesn't matter if you don't live in Davao. You can also help save them! Just click here.

Leaving Footprints Behind

2011-11-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

The news about Philippine Army's 2nd Lt. Jose Delfin Khe's death had me thinking long and hard. Lots of people were devastated by his untimely death. Many said great things about him. He inspired those people who knew him. To them, he left a mark that they would always remember even when he's already gone.

It made me think of the dream I always had. I don't want to leave this world without making a significant footprint first. I want to be remembered. Even by just a single person. I want to touch people's lives. I want to contribute something, give my own share to the world.

Maybe that's the reason why I always kept a diary. Not to have something to spill out my emotions to, but to have details of what I was, what I am, and what I will be. So that hopefully, someone from generations to come might discover it someday and my name will not be forgotten. Because I left something.

I don't want to leave this world with lots of possessions. Material things are worthless once you're gone. I want to leave a footprint that people will remember as mine. No matter how small it may be.

We could never make a big impact to the billions of people without first starting to those who are close to us. Friends, family... they are the ones who know us best. Treat them right, inspire them in your own special way, and live your life the way you want people to remember it. You won't have another chance to change your actions once you're gone.

Go and make beautiful footprints in the sand!

Interesting Book

2011-08-02T21:13:00.001-07:00

I browsed our school library's shelves this morning and I found an interesting book by Lance H.K Secretan. I read the back cover and this sentence caught my attention:

"Something strange is going on: our personalities are being whipped into a

frenzied spiral of acquiring more, doing more, and being faster, while our

souls feel empty and yearn for renewal" - Reclaiming Higher Ground

Ah! Maybe it's time I get my library card so that I can start borrowing books, or maybe you'll see me more often in the school library, poring over a book. ^__^

Living Independently

2011-08-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

My friend Karen and I are so excited about being independent. We both want to live on our own and we talk about this everyday! We share what our plans are when we'll finally have the chance to have our very own house of dreams (well, actually we it would be just room for rent for now. Hehe).

My plan is to rent a room this August somewhere near our school since it's a one-hour jeepney ride from our house to the school and you can just imagine how stressful that could be sometimes. It would just be a small room for now, I guess. With no kitchen and bathroom. I have to share those with the other boarders.

I really want to look for a room with a kitchen and bathroom inside. But I think that has to wait until September or October. Argh! Just writing about my plans makes me so excited! ^_____^

Facing Lies and Deceptions

2011-07-31T20:07:00.000-07:00

Losing two of the closest persons to you is hard. Specially when you lost them because they lied and deceived you. It's simply tough to bring back the trust. Once it's broken, it will be hard to fix.

Even if you choose to stay with them anyway, you will never be completely at ease. You won't have the peace of mind because you will always think of what they did and of how they might do it again.

First was my best friend of three years. What she did caused so much chaos in the lives of those she was close with. It's already been three months but I don't think the issue has died down yet (For the other people, at least).

I chose to stay away. Of course it was hard to let go of our friendship. But I refuse to get affected of the issues. And minimalism has taught me how to let go of things that would only cause me stress. Besides, everyone thinks I'm better off without her.

Two months later, I also discovered my boyfriend's dishonesty. It was harder to let him go because I loved him so much. But I took strength from the power of prayers and the fact that I am after all, a minimalist. I thought of how I'd let go of the things that mattered to me in the past. And that comforted me somehow because I know that I can also learn how to let go of him. I don't have to carry extra loads of emotional burdens. There are still many things in this world that truly matters. Like the love from my family and true friends like Karen. There are also those dreams I want to pursue. Like living independently (will write about that soon) and back-pack traveling.

I've already forgiven them, of course. But I think it is better if we distance ourselves for now, to give time for the pain to subside and the wounds to heal. Maybe some other time our paths will cross again. And I will be able to trust them again wholeheartedly.

Yes, life may throw at us some trials along the way. But it the end, it is how you picked up yourself and faced the world with a brand new hope each single day that matters. Life is simple... If you choose it to be.

Updating my Wardrobe

2011-06-09T18:33:00.000-07:00

I updated my wardrobe this morning. Nope, I don't mean buying what's new in the fashion market. What I mean by updating is I threw and gave away most of my clothes. I already did that two months ago but there still seem to be so many clothes. So gathered all of them and put them on my bed and tried not to be too sentimental and started sorting them out.
My goal was to have enough clothes that would fit inside the traveling bag I took with me in Manila.

All my clothes fitted in this bag!

I used to have sooo many clothes and I hated washing them. But with very few clothes left, I find myself doing the laundry more often. And I don't hate it! I love it!

My next goal?

Fit ALL of my things (clothes, books, bags, shoes, etc.) in two traveling bags.

Walking

2011-06-08T23:06:00.000-07:00

When I went to Manila last month for the summer, I walked a lot. From the mall to the boarding house, from the boarding house to the market place... I just loved walking!

I wondered why I don't do it here where I live. Maybe because of the surroundings. There are too many tricycles here and the side walks are not cemented yet. But I want to start walking again. I want to wake up early and walk for some miles. It will be a great way to exercise! (I must admit, I don't exercise a lot. I should add that to the things I need to improve about myself.)

I'm also willing to walk from the jeepney stop to our house each day after school. It's great for the environment and my wallet... ^___^

How about you? Do you walk? What exercises do you do?

A Shirt Tale

2011-06-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

I used to have a very wild imagination. With just a little imagining, I could be anywhere and whoever I wanted to be. Sometimes I could be very simple, other times I would pretend I was a princess living in a tower.

A friend once asked me, what do you usually wear? It took me a long time to answer. Because the truth is, it really depends on my mood. I could wear a very simple t-shirt, a frilly blouse, weird dress... just about anything!

But lately I decided I want to stay simple and minimal when it comes to covering myself. I don't need a grand wardrobe! I believe it's more comfortable to wear simple shirts. Besides, they're much easier to maintain.

What do you think?

Green and Minimalist

2011-06-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

Green. It's actually my favorite color since I was thirteen. I love the coolness of it. But let's not talk about colors. This blog is about improving myself... not just about being green for the environment. I like the words "go gorgeous green" so I decided to use those for my blog's title. I hope you don't mind. ^__^

A few months ago, I discovered minimalism in a forum. It's the first time I heard about such a word. But when I read about that topic, I got interested. I thought, "That's what I want. That's what I need in my life."

You see, I live in a third world country. Not only that. I am the youngest of the TEN children. Whatever we owned, we hold on to it even if we don't really need it. Our mindset was "We might need it someday." It was hard for us to throw things away. And so we lived in a cluttered home.

When I was young, I envied my older sisters who owned so many things. I started collecting everything. Books, notebooks, maps, stationery, just about anything! Before I knew it, I accumulated so much trash. I didn't really need them all. I just wanted the feeling of "owning".

Clutter was everywhere. I didn't like cleaning because I had too much things. I didn't like doing the laundry because I had too much clothes. My possessions overwhelmed me!

So, when I discovered minimalism, I knew it was what I needed to change and improve my life. I don't need the extra stress those things had caused me. I don't need the extra baggage in my life's journey. I want to feel free and light and happy.

And since I want to feel all those things... why not improve my whole self? I mean, there's always room for improvement, right? And believe me, I have so much improving to do. Be more studious, try to be punctual at all times, work harder...etc.

Hello World, meet the new gorgeous green ME!