I am now officially 13 years old... plus 10! I'm so grateful to all the people who remembered my birthday. Thank you all! The kind words and greetings truly made my day.

This is how I know I have great friends: they didn't object when I lit my birthday candles.

"13"

Either I look it, act it, or they just cut me some slack since it was MY birthday after all.

Seriously though, my only wish is that God fills my life with even more wonderful people. The greetings, the gifts and the simple party were all a reminder that the past 23 years have been enriched by people who have stepped into my life. I feel so blessed that I actually want to hug the world, if that's at all possible!

Here's to a great 24th year of existence!

Start:	Dec 29, '07 3:00p
End:	Jan 1, '08
Location:	Boracay

I finally get a tan!

I'm usually a very boring shopper. Not boring in the sense that I don't buy anything, because God knows I splurge! Rather, I choose items that are very subdued, classic, timeless... err.. whatever! I admit: my taste is a bit boring since I choose to stay within my comfort zone. I go for whites, blacks and neutral tones especially when it comes to footwear.

So, today's shopping spree is a milestone for me in that I purchased my first loudly colored yellow pair of flats. I never would have given it a second look, but my sister (being more kikay than I am these days) convinced me that bright-colored shoes CAN be an outfit's most prominent accent, adding more umph to your look. I bought these with much hesitation, and due to a strange mirror shortage, had to assess how they looked by having a photo taken.

Having let it all sink in, I must say I've no regrets about this buy. In fact, I'm starting to realize that if there's any time I should be more adventurous with fashion, it's now. And if adding more color, faddish items and bling to my wardrobe makes me walk with a little more spring to my step, then I'm all for it. I just hope I don't go overboard and end up looking like a fashion victim!

Ya'll know who that is! She's definitely no role model when it comes to fashion. But that's a whole 'nother story.

But on a more serious note, I feel somewhat guilty about enjoying a day at the mall in the wake of yesterday's events. People just never see it coming, but it does happen, at least in this country. Sad but true. :-(

Last Sunday, October 7, my family and I took part in The Main Event of Body Combat. I'd initially planned on plainly being a spectator. First reason is that I'm not really into the program--punching and kicking and aggression are simply not my cup of tea. I also just wanted to watch my sister perform in Body Jam and Balance, capture the moments through photos and video and take it easy; it was, after all, a Sunday. But when I got there, I just got so hyped up by the various teams in full costume that I, too, wanted to break a sweat. So, I signed up in the Open Category where we "Average Joes" could join the two hour marathon, punch, kick, jump, jinga and "keeya" and perhaps win an award or two. I was participant #241.

I had a blast and was in my full warrior mode for the first half only. Two hours of working out was just too much so that obviously disqualified me from winning any award, but that's already a given. ;) What I enjoyed most was watching the special performances of Body Jam, Body Balance and Body Attack.Body Balance Beauties

It was great seeing familiar gym faces, mingling with fellow health buffs, and for that little icing on the cake, eating a hearty dinner sponsored by Teriyaki Boy.

I'm glad I stuck around for the final announcements because my home gym won the overall award. I must give them props for their stylin' costume and their fierce form! Congratulations, Team Wynsum!

I'll upload videos and photos on my multiply account.