Out and About

I have just gotten out of school on the 20th and was busy cramming all over again. It's like I didn't even leave my institution. At least I'm occupied with things that I enjoy and missed doing.

Slightly burnt yet still delicious, wicked oreos sprinkled with confectioner's sugar. Eaten during Sleepy Hollow marathon.

Only a few days were left before Christmas so shopping became essential. We went to church on Sunday, as always, then headed to the mall for lunch and personal errands. We ate at Teriyaki Boy. It was satisfying. I really miss eating there.

I ordered California Roll, miso ramen, and mango shake. Great lunch. (taken via iPhone)

It was every family member to his/herself - parents are taken as one - after enjoying ourselves. I headed to the department store first since it where most of what I need is located. Then off to the National Bookstore clutching a folded and crumpled paperbag. They should use the kinds with handles because it really hurts!

Anyway, I had hoped to buy a new book to read for the holidays but getting a 2014 planner is my top priority.

I had to pick between a lot of colorful planners and they all fit my criteria of spacious in terms of writing. In the end, I brought home the one with a calming, golden color. I've never been excited to fill it with my overflowing amounts of homework. 

I left the National Bookstore, this time literally hugging a huge handle-less paperbag, to meet with the rest of the family at Cache Cache to buy me a dress for the coming eve of Christmas.

As always, among the varying choices, I chose the one with blue and lace. 

Just before we left the mall, my sister and I stopped by Cupcakes by Sonja and bought 2 red velvet vixens and they are amazing.

We got home, took a few hours rest, then I went to work. Translation: Sat in front of the laptop, watched some series, wrote my ongoing novel, and surfed the net. I eventually went on to wrapping my gifts. 

It was one of the most exhausting yet fulfilling set of days. Before the holidays. 

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Emancipate

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emancipate (n.)
            
to free from restraint, control, or power of another;
to free from bondage

Only a few weeks left before January 1st and my emotions are in a whirlpool of different food coloring, meaning they are in a mess. 

I am honestly both afraid and excited for the coming of 2014. Mainly because this year I turned 13, what more next year? I'll be older, bringing extra doses of responsibilities, expectations, adventures, and opportunities - especially, photography opportunities. 

Based on all the chances I ignored and ideas I suppressed, I lack a great amount of confidence in myself and in what I can do because I am afraid.

I am scared of being judged, ridiculed, compared to, disliked, criticized, and neglected. I am scared to take risks and try new things. 

This fear is keeping me restrained. It is keeping me stagnant and overly cautious. And I am sick of it. 

I wish to emancipate myself from fear that keeps me bound to the walls of my comfort zone.

P.S. On a lighter note, the string I intended to cut, the one that symbolizes 'fear', is actually taped to our ceiling with masking tape. It was pretty fun to set up for this photo - the thread and such - and also refreshing to overcome my initial fear of my family finding out.