Today I am writing you my final letter. If you are reading this, it would be the 365th letter I have written since you departed from me exactly one year ago. You haven’t responded to any of my previous letters and, I have to think, that it means it was simply a summer fling. I’m still waiting for you. I want you to know. But I feel it’d be in both of our best interests for me to stop writing.

I have to think that the two of us being together would hold beautiful things. I believe it was meant for us and that, without each other, we are living mediocre lives. Remember when we first met? Remember how we were two birds in the ocean? We could have flown away together, you know. Or lived together in the house I’m building for the both of us. Nothing is in the past to me. Love knows no past tense. You either never loved or never stopped. And I, never stopped.

The night we left each other, I heard your parents speaking about how we didn’t know love - how we were too young. But, what we had, was love. I can promise you that. No one in the world will ever be able to experience what we had. What we have. They will love, but not as whole-heartedly and selflessly. They won’t feel the stinging pain that occurs for every second you are apart from one another.

I am truly sorry for whatever it was that I have done to drive you away. I am sorry if it seemed I didn’t love you enough, but I can assure you that I loved you more than I have ever loved anyone or anything. I loved so much it hurt. Thank you for laying in the street with me, thank you for being a bird, thank you for loving me as much as I loved you, thank you for teaching me about life and love and companionship. I want you to know that I am grateful for the person you are and the person you shaped me to be. In everything I do, I will think of you. And I hope you’re thinking of me too. Smile at what we had and smile at who you are. Live everyday to its fullest and be genuinely happy. That is what I wish for you. Happiness.

I harbour no resentment towards you. I only have love and I wish the best things in the world for you. At the same time, I selfishly wish things could have ended on a different note. I am not bitter, nor am I angry. I find no fault in the decision you made because I can only see beautiful things when I look at you and only think beautiful thoughts about you and for you. Why? Because you are beautiful.

(via The Notebook … Noah’s letter to Allison) <3

It’s laughing with your friend at a time when you shouldn’t. It’s the sweat in your palms wanting to know someone you see and the pit in your stomach when they actually see you. It’s being touched by hands that aren’t your own. It’s jumping in for a kiss and being kissed back. It’s a rub on the back from someone special. It’s trying something new and actually liking it. It’s the thrill of an escape that almost wasn’t. It’s the embarrassment you feel, naked for the first time. It’s helping a friend find something they lost. It’s a smile, a joke, a song. It’s what someone does that they like doing. It’s what someone does that they like remembering. It’s the thinking of things you may never do and the doing of things you may never have thought. It’s the road ahead and the road behind. It’s the first step, the last step and every one in between, because they all make up the good life.

So thankful.

There are people who deserve you and people who don’t.  If you have someone in your life who takes you for granted or doesn’t give you the respect that you deserve, leave them in the past where they belong.  Surround yourself with people who challenge your mind and bring out the best in you.  As for the ones who only exist to bring you down or cheapen your potential; let them find people who are better-suited to their own qualities and principles.

Hold yourself to the highest standard possible.  People who don’t measure up don’t deserve your time.  People who can’t see past their own cowardice or their own arrogance don’t deserve your time.  Anyone who doesn’t treat you the way you treat yourself doesn’t deserve your time.  & if you are treating yourself in a way that gives people permission to take advantage of you, start showing yourself the exact same respect that you should be demanding of everyone else.

You’re really worth more than you give yourself credit for.  It’s time that you start making sure people recognize that.

There’ll be a reason why people will remain a part of your past… & only your past.

Whether you’re in love or not, I think this could be applicable to any kind of relationship: family, friends, significant other. It’s a good read.

TRUST

Trust is a very important factor for all relationships. When trust is broken, it is the end of the relationship. Lack of trust leads to suspicion, suspicion generates anger, anger causes enmity and enmity may result in separation.

A telephone operator told me that one day she received a phone call. She answered, “Public Utilities Board.” There was silence. She repeated, “PUB.” There was still no answer. When she was going to cut off the line, she Heard a lady’s voice, “Oh, so this is PUB. Sorry, I got the number from my Husband’s pocket but I do not know whose number it is.”

Without mutual trust, just imagine what will happen to the couple if the telephone operator answered with just “hello” instead of “PUB”…

NO POINTING FINGERS

A man asked his father-in-law, “Many people praised you for a successful marriage. Could you please share with me your secret?” The father-in-law answered in a smile, “Never criticize your wife for her shortcomings or when she does something wrong. Always bear in mind that because of her shortcomings and weaknesses, she could not find a better husband than you.”

We all look forward to being loved and respected. Many people are afraid of losing face. Generally, when a person makes a mistake, he would look around to find a scapegoat to point the finger at.

This is the start of a war.

We should always remember that when we point one finger at a person, the other four fingers are pointing at ourselves.

If we forgive the others, others will ignore our mistake too.

CREATING PERFECT RELATIONSHIPS?

A person visited the government matchmaker for marriage, SDU, and requested “I am looking for a spouse. Please help me to find a suitable one.” The SDU officer said, “Your requirements, please.” “Oh, good looking, polite, humorous, sporty, knowledgeable, good in singing and dancing. Willing to accompany me the whole day at home, during my leisure hour & if I don’t go out. Telling me interesting stories when I need companion for conversation and be silent when I want to rest.”

The officer listened carefully and replied, “I understand you need television.”

There is a saying that a perfect match can only be found between a blind wife and a deaf husband, because the blind wife cannot see the faults of the husband and the deaf husband cannot hear the nagging of the wife.

Many couples are blind and deaf at the courting stage and dream of perpetual perfect relationship. Unfortunately, when the excitement of love wears off, they wake up and discover that marriage is not a bed of roses.

The nightmare begins.

NO OVERPOWERING

Many relationships fail because one party tries to overpower another, or demands too much. People in love tend to think that love will conquer all and their spouses will change the bad habits after marriage.

Actually, this is not the case. There is a Chinese saying which carries the meaning that “It is easier to reshape a mountain or a river than a person’s character.” It is not easy to change. Thus, having high expectation on changing the spouse character will cause disappointment and unpleasantness.

It would be less painful to change ourselves and lower our expectations.

RIGHT SPEECH

There is a Chinese saying which carries the meaning that “A speech will either prosper or ruin a nation.”

Many relationships break off because of wrong speech.

When a couple is too close with each other, we always forget mutual respect and courtesy. We may say anything without considering if it would hurt the other party.

A friend and her millionaire husband visited their construction site.

A worker who wore a helmet saw her and shouted, “Hi, Emily! Remember me? We used to date in the secondary school.” On the way home, her millionaire husband teased her, “Luckily you married me. Otherwise you will be the wife of a construction worker.” She answered, “You should appreciate that you married me. Other wise, he will be the millionaire and not you.”

Frequently exchanging these remarks plants the seed for a bad relationship. It’s like a broken egg - cannot be reversed.

PERSONAL PERCEPTION

Different people have different perception. One man’s meat could be another man’s poison.

A couple bought a donkey from the market. On the way home, a boy commented, “Very stupid. Why neither of them ride on the donkey? “Upon hearing that, the husband let the wife ride on the donkey. He walked besides them.

Later, an old man saw it and commented, “The husband is the head of family. How can the wife ride on the donkey while the husband is on foot?” Hearing this, the wife quickly got down and let the husband ride on the donkey.

Further on the way home, they met an old Lady. She commented, “How can the man ride on the donkey but let the wife walk. He is no gentleman.” The husband thus quickly asked the wife to join him on the donkey.

Then, they met a young man. He commented, “Poor donkey, how can you hold up the weight of two persons. They are cruel to you.” Hearing that, the husband and wife immediately climbed down from the donkey and carried it on their shoulders. It seems to be the only choice left. Later, on a narrow bridge, the donkey was frightened and struggled.

They lost their balance and fell into the river.

You can never have everyone praise you, nor will everyone condemn you. Never in the past, not at present, and never will be in the future. Thus, do not be too bothered by others words if our conscience is clear.

BE PATIENT

This is a true story which happened in the States. A man came out of his home to admire his new truck. To his puzzlement, his three-year-old son was happily hammering dents into the shiny paint of the truck. The man ran to his son, knocked him away, hammered the little boy’s hands into pulp as punishment.

When the father calmed down, he rushed his son to the hospital. Although the doctor tried desperately to save the crushed bones, he finally had to amputate the fingers from both the boy’s hands. When the boy woke up from the surgery & saw his bandaged stubs, he innocently said, “Daddy, I’m sorry about your truck.” Then he asked, “but when are my fingers going to grow back?”

The father went home & committed suicide.

Think about this story the next time someone steps on your feet or you wish to take revenge.

Think first before you lose your patience with someone you love.

Trucks can be repaired. Broken bones & hurt feelings often can’t. Too often we fail to recognize the difference between the person and the performance. We forget that forgiveness is greater than revenge.

People make mistakes. We are allowed to make mistakes. But the actions we take while in a rage will haunt us forever.

These responses are long long long overdue and I’m so sorry for that! I’ll try to respond a lot quicker!

Your latest post implied you now have a boyfriend. How is it going so far? I love all of your posts and remember love related posts, so I’m just curious.
I am actually in a relationship now and it’s going wonderfully, thanks! He’s awesome and honestly, he’s helped me answer some of your formsprings, lol. And to answer your other question… no it’s not him. Lol.

What did you think of Where the Wild Things Are? Is it just me or was it scary?
I loved the movie especially because I loved the book when I was a kid. It was kind of weird and awkward at times, but I think I’m into movies like that. I’m glad that the movie was like that. I don’t want to say they were scary per se… just different. haha

Anywho, my question is what do you think you can do to somewhat keep in shape. Usually one or two weeks before midterms I stop working out because I have to study and then I have to go to work. Plus I help my family out around the house so its nonstop chaos. Do you think just doing atleast 50 sit ups or crunches everyday is okay? I’ve been eating very well lately since I’m taking a nutrition class and I am somewhat of a health freak in a good way !
I’m actually working on trying to get back into shape as well. I guess the best advice I can give is to continue staying active and eat regularly and in a timely manner. Doing sit ups and crunches alone won’t get you into shape. Nor will dieting. You have to stay active. Do cardio, get some strength training in, play sports. It’s good to be healthy (:

don’t use tumblr anymore, and i havent talked to you in awhile, i’m rarely on aim, and im only on twitter when im really bored. theres always facebook but once i get bored i get off. i’m sorry i keep forgetting to call you. i don’t know if you still check this, but i just wanted to leave you something somewhere random and your formspring is probably my safest bet :] imy :] im pretty sure you already know who i am :]
I honestly have no idea who this is, sorry!!! I’m guessing Adrie? Once I find out who this is, I’m sure I’ll be able to say I miss you too (:

hey timi. i’m not usually one to bitch about girl problems but for this girl, i would. just want your ideas.. how do i know if this girl likes me too? any clues/signs/anything i should look for? things she might do? thxxx
Okay, I will start off by saying that majority if not all of the time, guys end up overanalyzing girls’ reactions. Guys tend to misinterpret girls being nice to them as interest so please keep that in mind. A “<3” may not always mean that she likes you over the internet nor does a smiley face or a winky face. But I mean, there are things that you can notice through in person interaction. There are times you’d possibly be able to tell through texts or IMs, but the best way, imo, is to see how one reacts in person and through the phone. If she wants to stay on the phone with you for a while, it’s possible… unless she’s ranting to you about some other dude. See how substantial your conversations go… that’s the best way to tell.

Im in the typical relationship where Im with someone who im not allowed to be with (or anyone to be exact). He has a different religion, my parents dont like him, and sometimes I feel like we wont be together in the future. I love God, but ever since i went out with him. I feel so lost, confused and just lonely. Whenever im in church, I just feel like im always bored and just so frustrated that im there. I dont know what to do. :(
Hmm, having a different religion is tough especially when it comes to acceptance from other family members. However, a person having a different religion to you shouldn’t keep you from your own personal faith. It’s okay to be open minded, but don’t shun your beliefs out. You should start re-evaluating your relationship with each other and the support that the both of you give to each other with things… from family to religion. I would also try to see if my parents/family have any other reason for them to dislike him. If it’s only due to religion, I would give it time and show them how good of a guy he is and how good he is for me.

Do you have any favorite songs?
I have plenty, but some I could say hands down with confidence and ease are Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy, Common Sense - The Light, and A Tribe Called Quest - Electric Relaxation.

Who’s your favorite YouTube artist?
Way too many. I love supporting as many youtube artists as possible, but I thoroughly enjoy watching Kevjumba. I get super excited every time Eeebsofresh puts a video out too.

How is it that you know mad “famous” people, like gabe bondoc and ryan bandong and stuff?
I get this question all of the time. I think I just got lucky. Who knows. Speaking of Ryan Bandong, I miss that kid!

Have you ever had sex before ?
Have you?

What are your plans for this Halloween? and what will you be?
Well considering halloween is over, a group of friends and I dressed up as burglars and went to dinner. We didn’t do anything extravagant, but we walked around looking like we stole something and were up to no good. It was tons of fun and probably one of the best costumes I’ve ever had. haha

hey timi, another boy problem: there was this guy, first time i ever saw him we looked at each other almost stunned and no words could fathom that moment, not even the words good or bad. and later on people get to talking and they say he’s a “man-whore”.. now i personally hate that. people labeling others in that manner. so anyways, only recently have we STARTED to talk and he doesn’t seem harmful. do you think this is a risk worthy enough to take?
Hmm, I would try to grasp how he treats me and how our relationship/friendship is. If he’s’ super flirty, I would take caution, but if he’s really interested in getting to know you and makes effort for you, I’d take things into consideration. If you guys hang out, make sure you guys spend time with each other in non-threatening environments that would lead up to physical encounters. Oh & It doesn’t hurt to find out from friends his history either. I get really turned off after finding out certain people he’s been with or tried talking to. That kind of helps me justify what kind of guy he really is. Just be careful, take your time, and get to know him… physical can only go so deep.


There’s a guy I seem to have a crush on (confused? Yes). But my friends don’t approve. I know that if they “matter” they wouldn’t mind, blah blah, but they’re my friends and they’ve always looked out. I’ve asked them why and all they say is that it’s best that I don’t pursue it. I’m thinking that it might be because he’s a year younger. In which case, I know that wouldn’t bother my friends. What should I do?
Hm, there has to be a reason for your friends to say not to pursue him. Try to get the reasons out of them, but if not… then just get to know him. Be friends and see for yourself the kind of guy he can be for you. Take your time because you shouldn’t even pursue anything you’re unsure of to begin with.

Whats your favorite Filipino food and dessert? (:
I absolutely love dinaguan and kare-kare with bagoong. My favorite dessert has to be sans rival… especially when it’s super cold and of course halo-halo.


…so my question for your formspring is do i sound interesting for you and would you be interested (not really serious lol)
Considering I’ve taken myself off the market & I don’t know you at all minus those small tidbits… I personally wouldn’t be interested, sorry =X

Define best friend.
A best friend is someone who you can talk about anything with. Someone who understands. Who takes the time and makes the effort. Someone who won’t judge you no matter what you do. Someone who supports you. Someone who’ll tell you when you’re being dumb. Someone honest. Someone who complements you. Someone you can connect with and laugh with and never be embarrassed around. There are a lot of components to a best friend, but I think everyone has their own relationship and definition of a best friend. You just kind of know.

umm can you come back to san diego?!?!?! =)
Umm, I can & will. I miss it over there & I miss you! Where have you been all of my life?!

hey timi, you have been helping me a lot with my questions that ive asked you so id like to start of with thank you(: now my next question is, how can you make it obvious to someone that you like them but at the same time not to obvious. cuz this guy is a really good friend of mine and i have put him through so much already but i know this time i want to make it work. but then there is this girl. i guess my competition? so i dont want to lose my chance. i feel like he likes her so i dont want to put him in a dilema. yahknow? so im kind of stuck here.
I’m glad I can help (: Hmm, I’ve never felt like I should compete against anyone. I personally like knowing that a guy likes me for me and didn’t just see me as some sort of option. If you want to make it obvious to someone that you like them, I guess just initiate contact with them a little more. Don’t throw yourself at the person and make yourself available all of the time. But it doesn’t hurt to be assertive and initiate a good conversation. Nothing too flirty though! Just be yourself (: If he doesn’t like you for that, then he’s not even worth it.

If you were stranded on an deserted island, what three things would you bring? and why?
I could go the easy way out & say that I’d bring a boat, a motor, and a floatie so that I wouldn’t be stranded anymore, but to really answer your question, I’d bring my laptop (with those wireless anywhere you go cards) so that I can skype and stay social, popeyes chicken because I love popeyes chicken, and blankets because I get cold easily.

If your house was on fire, what three things would you take with you? and why?
My laptop, my wallet, and my family. Because I need them.

If you were granted three wishes, what would they be?
… I was really thinking about this, but I don’t really think I need to wish for anything I want or need. They’re all things that I have no problem working for or towards. Materialistically or things I can’t really make for myself, I’d wish for my family and friends to stay healthy, Concord XIs in my size, and to eat as much as I want whenever I want and still have a banging and healthy (I might add) body. hahaha

My boyfriend of about 8 months told me about how his father and his relationship has been getting worse and worse at home. He tells me that he verbally harrasses him for no reason and what not.. I really have no idea what I’m supposed to say/do when he’s venting to me. I just nod, listen, and tell him that i’m here for him. What can I do? I want to help, yet I feel so helpless, haha. Thanks in advance.
Honestly, don’t feel helpless because you’re doing what you can. As a girlfriend, you can’t really interfere with family affairs but you can continue to listen and support him and be caring and loving… be genuine too don’t just nod and say things just to make him feel better. There’s only so much you can do.

Shouts to:
Melissa Ng, Christy, Jof, Angela, Marissa, and Elaine (I’m so sorry I didn’t get to send you notes for A&P! I obviously read my formspring too late). Thank you guys for the comments, questions, and whatever else you’ve sent me! Means a lot <3

http://www.formspring.com/forms/?690855-VZ1WrjxEyb
http://www.formspring.com/forms/?690855-VZ1WrjxEyb
http://www.formspring.com/forms/?690855-VZ1WrjxEyb

When it comes to relationships, people are always so scared of the what-if’s that they forget what is. They spend so much time thinking, “What if I get hurt?” and “What if it doesn’t work out?” that they stop thinking about things that are already real. They forget the feeling they get when the person they love walks into the room and the excitement that rushes through them when the phone rings cause it might be the person they are hoping to hear from. Never let the fear of what-if stop you from letting yourself take a chance on love… because what if this is the person you’re destined to spend the rest of your life with? You’ve got to man up and know all the hard work is worth it.

Losing a friend is quite difficult, to say the least. You lose the bond, the secrets, the stories, and the togetherness. One thing you’ll never forget is the memories or the times shared together.

Losing a friend is one thing, but losing a friend who was detrimental to your well being is another. You still lose all of the qualities of a friend, but you gain a few more things. Peace of mind, for one, that you will never have to worry about so-and-so doing this to make your life harder, or so-and-so saying this to mess up your other relationships. You become more of a calm person, which yields lower stress levels (this is a bonus, I would say). You smile more. You begin to listen to other people. You enjoy yourself, because you finally realize that certain people just don’t belong in your life after all. No matter how hard you may have tried to deny it, you’re a better person because of the decision you made for yourself.

Life will continue to go on, and you will too, because this person means nothing to you any longer. You are you, and they are whoever they want to be. Live your life to the fullest, if not for yourself, but to spite them.

This is from my heart: I realize now, that these are the years I’m going to have to work harder than ever. These are the years that I am in the process of growing up. I’ve done one thing that I’m extremely proud of. I finally let go of the one person I truly cared for and admired. Clearly I understand why first loves are your first; It’s because they’re not your last. It’s incredible after all these years, we can go about never talking to each other again, but understanding that the both of us have taken part in who we are today. And then I start to believe that life is real, it’s grand, it’s fucking wonderful. It’s full of potential and opportunity and making something of yourself.

After subjecting myself to the end of something that overcame me for a couple of years, I found myself rekindling friendships, losing a few, and creating new ones. Moreover, I found myself in a friendship with someone I could have possibly never been this close to. Soon after, I began to conclude my thoughts: All those dead end nights were worth it; to finally have someone extraordinary saying he can be half of that with me… and that’s what’s extraordinary to me. Now that’s something. I’m not perfect and neither is he. Neither is our relationship, but we’re learning and growing from each other day in & night out. We’re doing everything that we can to make it work. Because it’s our choice. We have chosen to make the effort, to consistently have good communication with one another. It’s our choice to keep this relationship alive or to break it. And now… he is a part of who I am. He is a part of me.

I’ve realized, you can’t keep living up to everyone else’s expectations, because in the end, it’s all about you, and not about proving theories or explaining prejudices. Ignorance is everywhere; but as long as you have a full heart, an open mind and a kick ass optimist mentality, I believe there is nothing worth explaining to someone who doesn’t have the mental capacity of a peanut. I wouldn’t want to know what it would be like trying to forget my past while hanging onto extra baggage. It’s just useless, and I would be carrying dead weight all my life. I have a big future and although my potential is only a paragraph long, my opportunities are endless, my soul lives on, my heart still beats, my drive isn’t automatic, my being has purpose and I will rise above it all. We will rise above it all.

You are the thought going through your mind right now. You are the place where you stand in this moment. You are the song that you sing under your breath as your eyes scan these words. You are what you want in this single second. You are everything about this moment; nothing more & nothing less. The past is gone forever, & nothing can bring it back. You are not your past, whether it be five seconds ago, five months ago, or five years ago. The future is just out of reach, & it will remain so until the day you die. You are not what has yet to occur, & you are not what could happen. You are, quite simply, whoever or whatever you happen to be in this one moment in time. It could all change the minute you blink, but regardless, it is who you are right now. Nothing else matters, & nothing else ever will.

Decide who you’d like to be for now and don’t worry about anything else. Leave the past where it lies and let the future work itself out. For the present, you are exactly who you were meant to be.

… Trust me, I’m working on it.