So, a new calendar year has begun. After all the celebration and best wishes for a prosperous new year, most of us have settled back into our regular routine and mundane activities. Some people might already be hard at work on fulfilling their new year's resolutions. Yet for some, they're dreading it. Why? Because it means another year to add to their age. Yes, another birthday can be a pesky thing for those who don't really look forward to it for a variety of reasons. I reckon it's mostly out of vanity and fear. Look, I don't know what the future holds. In my line of work, I get to appreciate the little time that people are given to live out the remainder of their lives. So, it's no wonder I adhere to the philosophy of "Seize the day, and put as little trust as you can in the morrow".

This post is not really about waxing philosophies on life and love and the mysteries of the universe. With another birthday coming up for all of us, don't you ever wonder how much we've changed over the years? Whenever I come upon my old photographs, I am amused and amazed at my personal evolution. Although some distinct features are still prominent, I think I changed physically so many times over the past 15 years. More significantly, I have metamorphosed and have grown up a lot. In retrospect, I consider a few turning points in my life that lead me to the present.

It was never really my childhood dream but due to practical reasons, I found myself in nursing school in another city after I graduated from high school. When I was in college, I was not somebody you would consider sophisticated and stylish. It was a matter of not having the means to cater to my taste in fashion rather than lack of ideas. There was also the modesty and simplicity factor that was so much ingrained. Plus, the gruelling hours of surviving nursing school took a toll on my social and personal life. Needless to say, my whole look and personality was basic and "promdi" (a somewhat negative connotation on how people from the provinces and rural areas look). I didn't carry myself with much poise or self-assurance either. I got to where I'm at now but I didn't think much of that period of my life as one of the best.

In 1994, I left the Philippines to pursue a career and start a new life in a foreign country. That was a major crossroad in my life. All of a sudden, I felt empowered as a single woman in a new culture and environment. Having the financial freedom meant the ability to avail of opportunities that were otherwise out of reach for me back then. Being with people who had great fashion sense definitely guided me out of my outdated style. Travelling and getting to know other people outside of my circle helped me develop my self-confidence and added a bit of sophistication to my life. A whole new world opened up and it showed in how I looked, thought and felt. This period didn't come without any glitches, however. Towards the later part of the 90s, I came under a dark spell and my life was in disarray and confusion. With a lot of support from my friends, I came out prudent and sensible. I considered that period as the "ring of fire" I had to jump through to prepare for the next chapter of my life.

Kenny and I met towards the end of 1999. Perhaps it was prophetic that a new millenium was at dawn when our paths crossed. We spent our first New Year's Eve together ringing in the year 2000. What a magical night and defining moment that was! Since then, my life had taken me where I never imagined it to be. With a new relationship taking off, I also embarked on a key career move. I finally left the nursing home I was working at for six long and agonizing years. I was offered a fresh start at one of the prominent hospitals in the city. As my personal life blossomed, my professional life became more gratifying as well.

As usual, it was never all bed of roses (such is life), but it has been a very wonderful journey thus far. Lots of bumps, stops and starts, delays, mishaps and casualties but what a wild ride it is. I have my scheme and blueprint for this year but as what past experiences had taught me, a curve ball can always come my way. It's going to be my choice if I'll catch it or dodge it. Let's see what happens, shall we?

What about you? What were the turning points in your life? What major life decisions have you made that had the greatest impact on you? Please do share them. I'd love to read about it.

Rose, I was telling Rhebs on how much I admire how you dress: casual, your age and with taste. A long way from being the "promdi" that you were, as you said :) If there are things I can comment about filipinas our age who in their "trying hard best" to look sophisticated, glamorous, and "has arrived" end up looking stuck-ups and boringly formulaic - not very imaginative. Not to mention looking 10+ years older as a result. I especially liked your get up during dinner here and at Jennies (and your hair!). Not to mention your kung-fu costume last Halloween. Your Gothic look was great too. Sometimes I would wish I wasn't pregnant because you seem to have so much fun dressing up I so wish to do the same :)

Hi Rose, this post made me think of what kind life i have right now and what the future beholds for me. I have yet to learn and experience more things so i can grow more and be mature enough to face life. Thanks for this post Rose.

Hi Rose, enjoy reading your post. Me being married 12 years now and have 11 year old daughter I think I am very lucky. When I said yes to married to my husband I wasn't sure really because I just met the man but my instinct told me that its okay. Sure is more than okay. I am very happy and very content.

I agree with Geri. I know I haven't meet you yet but just looking at your photos it really shows.

hi! talking about crossroads make me think of the detour my life has taken. two years ago, i was nursing my heart from a broken six-year relationship. i have never thought that we won't end up together, as everything just seemed perfect. i was crushed, and emotionally, did hit rock-bottom.

but, just when i thought i can never learn to love again, smerlin and i crossed paths again after, like, 7 years...

who would've thought? not me, really. it's like the little note i stuck on my dresser ages ago, which says, "sometimes, on the way to your dreams, you get lost, and you find a better one."

indeed! i am happy with how things turned out for me. i know it's no cheesecake, dealing with life and all its bumps, but i'm grateful for everything i went through. it has made me strong, and braver to face life.

reading about other people's lives is very inspiring too. thank you for touching mine!

ROSE BALIK NAPUD KO KAY MODISCO KO DIRI PARA NAA SAD KOI SEXERCISE,LAZY KAAYO KO KARON HAPPY SUNDAY DIHA.

I am not yet at my destination, but my journey has far been great and wonderful ! The canvas is never blank and dull, colors have been thrown into it making my life the best as it ever has! You were there when I made major decisions in my life, the major breakup/s, the reuniting, the decision that the "decision" is final, the Moving In, ahh what a ride it has been !
While we were students struggling through making careplans, doing rotations, finishing our major/minor OR assist, labor/delivery (and circumcision), Nursing 101 to 106, on sleepless nights and on trying to catch sleep, we have in us,our own fashion sense, but with no time and of course money to feed our wants and needs, we were plain and simple. We dressed according to what the occassion was and what was comfortable. We now have a way (and money)for things nice, with some sugar and spice!

You know what not to wear, you carry yourself well and you always look great !

Sorry rose, ako diay na ! I wasn't awake yet ! by the way, Tom and I went to see Munich, I know what you meant, too many unanswered questions. I have to look it up on the internet what really happened . Bad for Spielberg!

Ger, thanks for the compliment. I guess there's a frustrated stylist in me Kidding aside I do admit to dressing up in various ways just because I only have a few occasions to do so. I wear scrubs most of the time. I don't get to dress nice at work so I overcompensate when an opportuniy presents itself As to you dressing up, there's a lot of cute and funky preggy outfits out there. Just think of Kate Hudson. Last year, I had a bad case of preggy clothes envy

Jenny, I'm sure you'll be coming upon your own crossroads when you don't expect it. Just remember that "What doesn't kill you, won't break you."

Carlota, it's a great thing to be able to look back and be amazed at the wisdom of making those decisions that lead us to happiness and contentment. I hope you'll celebrate more wedding anniversaries together.

Swann, I truly do understand what you went through. Although my past failed realtionships were not longer than yours, the pain and disillusionment was the same. I guess it makes it even sweeter when we are given a second chance at happiness.

Mariah, I'm just glad that you let me be with you when times were rough. I learned a lot about myself too just by letting you make your way.

Kookie, just keep on dancing to the radio. You inspire me to even make it better for your listening pleasure.

Thanks.

Hey girl just checking up on ya to see what's going on.

I'd have to say that my big turning point in my life was getting out of the bar industry and into a "real" job. From there I met my man and now I've come full circle. I am back to where I was before I got mixed up in all the riff raff. Only now I'm older and wiser ( i hope;)) and I have 2 children. I wish I could take back all those years I wasted but I know its there's no use in regret. Now I have a family and I'm so thankful for that.

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