Something's changed.

"I'm thinking of investing in the stock market."

Wow, that did sound like a mature thing to say.  A few days ago, mom gave me a copy of My Maid Invests in the Stock Market and The Turtle Always Wins both by Bo Sanchez.  These were given to her as gifts and she asked me to read them so I can start investing in the stock market.  I rolled my eyes at the idea but took the books anyway.  Me?  Invest in the stock market?  But that's for crazy people.  In business suits! :|

But since I've been reading 40 Stories of Passion* for 15 days now, I decided to give My Maid Invests in the Stock Market a try and finished it in one sitting.  It's a small book anyway.  But it does contain enough information and tips to get you started in investing in the stock market.  And honestly, it got me thinking.  Sure, I've always wanted to have my own business someday but I've never even thought about investing in the stock market.  Ever.  But now I'm willing to give it a try.  It's just like putting your money in a time deposit, only it grows faster in the stock market.  Well, as long as you invest in the right companies.  And just like Bo's maids, you can start with as little as Php 5,000 (or any amount you like) as long as you do it consistently.

Turning 25 must be really something else.  You start thinking about your future but this time, you actually want to do something about it.  I think being in your 20's is the perfect time to start planning your future while enjoying the present.  It's the perfect time to explore, make mistakes, make all the wrong choices and do whatever you want.  After all, you have the rest of your life to learn from experiences.

I guess this decision is my attempt at taking charge of my future instead of letting mom and dad plan everything out for me.  Or it could be mom's attempt of letting me take charge of my own future.  Believe me, they've already done a lot for me.  I wouldn't even be surprised if they've already picked out a groom for me. Haha  Luckily, I'm in that stage where I'm kind of independent while still being under my parents' care.  So I guess it's time to let my inhibitions go and get started on this new adventure.  Well, at least after I receive my increase for this year.  Whatever happens, at least I know my parents got my back.  Always.

EDIT: I just got back from our BFF date and learned that my bestie beat me to it!  She already bought stocks from two companies.  Now I'm even more excited to buy shares!  Yuck, ang nerd lang pakinggan.


*Another book by Bo Sanchez.  I decided to buy a copy for myself after hearing the intriguing title from Jeng.  And no, it's not about that kind of passion. :))  I've been reading it everyday to draw inspiration from ordinary yet driven people living extraordinary lives centered in Christ.

This post is not sponsored by Bo Sanchez in any way, okay? Haha 

You've been warned.

I finally finished my lengthy blog posts about our recent Sagada trip so this serves as a warning.  Promise, I tried to cut it down but the storyteller in me just won't shut up.  The upcoming posts are definitely tl;dr* worthy but hey, it's for documentation purposes so cut me some slack.  This blog serves as an extra page for me to write everything that won't fit in my teeny, tiny Filed planner.

To give this post a little more sense of purpose than just a warning, here's a teaser to my Sagad sa Sagada series which is a realization I've had saved in my e-mail drafts for quite a while:

So I just saw some photos from SaGGAs of their rescue operation of a spelunker who slipped in Sumaging Cave and suffered from hypothermia.  It sent chills down my spine (no pun intended) as I remembered my fall.  That FB post was enough for me to realize the gravity of the situation and how well our guides handled it.  It was another near-death experience for me right there.  Thank goodness, Kuya Kelvin acted quick enough and grabbed me by the hand before I crashed into the boulders waiting below.  Understandably, I will be forever grateful to him for saving my life.  And to God for always watching over me and for giving me another chance at life.  I hope the spelunker gets well soon.  Props to the guides of SaGGAs for being well-equipped and well-trained!

There you go.  Enjoy and brace yourselves for the upcoming flood!  Of blog posts that is.

*too long; didn't read

Silver

Today, I'd like to say that I woke up feeling a little older and a little wiser but honestly, it didn't feel that way.  When I woke up, rain was pouring outside and all I could think of was how perfect it was.  Thank goodness, I was born on (Philippine) Independence Day which means every birthday* is a holiday.  I could do anything I want on my special day - I could even stay in bed for as long as I want to without feeling guilty.  But no, I didn't want this day to go to waste.  So I got out of bed and thanked God for another year.  Nothing beats the feeling of waking up and feeling thankful.  Just as the rain keeps pouring, the blessings just keep on coming.  So thank you, Lord, for another year!  And for your never-ending goodness and mercy.  So when does quarter-life crisis strike?  I hope it never hits me.  I'm 25 and loving life.

P.S.  This year, I MUST finally learn how to surf so I can call myself the silver surfer.  Chos! :))

* Well, except in 2007 when GMA and her holiday economics ruined the tradition.