it's just an hour before it's officially Christmas. we just came home from a little 'salo salo' we had at my uncle's house with our grandad. and we just opened the gifts. i am now hearing some fireworks, the house music and the screams of our neighbors who're having a little Christmas party within their family. at least we have something to brighten up our Christmas spirits, right? but honestly, if i compare this Christmas with the previous ones, i would say that the past Christmas were merrier and jollier. i don't know. it just seems that every year, Christmas gets more and more.. hmm.. dull? i'm sorry if ever some of you reading may react violently with this, well this is my effin' blog so bare with me and my rants. :P yeaaa.. i miss the old times when we'd go caroling like everyone else, everyone goes to the chapel with anticipation, and returning home is one happy and excitement-filled walk. when eating the noche buena was one hecka partey and watching the fireworks would be the wonderful closing scene of the night. i miss old times. i don't know why things have changed a lot. i don't understand why good things never last. o.O

anyway, i've learned a lesson tonight. while we were in my uncle's house, my lolo gave away envelopes (cash gifts). upon seeing what was inside, i was like "okey." because i was accustomed to the amount of money in it as it is the same amount i receive every week for my allowance. but hearing my cousin (who was older than me by a year) gushing, "dako-a uy. ("it's a lot of money") made me realize how fortunate i am. see? the money i received was so-so for me but it was a big deal for other people. things that i have & find ordinary are extraordinary and amazing to another's eyes. by that minute, i really turned silent and realized that i have been ranting a lot about things in my life (ie. the one above. hahaha) but i am not aware that this life which i find unsatisyfying is a life the another would die to have. i have realized that i must be thankful that i am fortunate to have this life, that he blessed me with this life. haaaaay, sometimes i am just blinded by shiny things.. but not all shiny things are gold. sometimes, an old dusty ring that you've always had might even turn out to be gold without you realizing it.

so yeaaaa, lesson learned. :) well, Merry Christmas everyone. we'll be having our annual Christmas Party tomorrow with the Velmonte (mom's side) clan and I am so looking forward to it. (see you cuzs- if ever you're reading this. haha-!!)