Coffee and Conversations: Brewing Life Stories, One Post at a Time
Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013. The Coffee Chic’s Year-End Post.
Random things are running through my mind right now. There is also a sudden rush of emotions as I think of the previous year. I can’t believe that I survived 2012 after all that I’ve been through. Now that I’m facing the first day of the 365 days of 2013, all I want to do is to hug myself tight and whisper, “Congratulations, Algene! You made it.” I know I deserve some pat on the back for being a strong woman when everything was falling apart. I believe that I also did a good job when I said “yes” to the many life-changing events which happened last year.
My year-end post is quite late. I decided to publish it on the first of January because I want a good start for 2013. I can never move forward without looking back to how things were for the past 366 days. Those were the yesterdays which made me better, stronger and happier. Let me share some of the highlights of my 2012. These were the things that changed Algene completely…
There is nothing much to say about my college graduation. I’m just so happy that I made my parents proud. Dad works very hard to send me to a good school while mom provides every single thing I need for my studies. At least, in my own little way, I was able to give back by offering them my diploma.
The major transition in my life happened right after I graduated last March 25, 2012.
Related Posts: AdDu Batch 2012 | Graduation Song: Like an Eagle
It’s time to end my silence about my three-year relationship breakup last summer. No one knew about what really happened between us. I kept my mouth shut because I can’t find the right words to say for the first few weeks. In fact, some of my friends only found out about it after one or two months. All of them were shocked about “us” parting ways.
Truth be told, I was hurt. But when I took a step back and saw the bigger picture of the breakup, I realized that it was not something to be sad about. I learned to let go. Moving on was my only option.
When I met him three years ago, I was not expecting that we would be together for such a long time. We are completely different from each other but we tried to work on our “used-to-be-relationship.” The first year was like a walk in the park because we knew there was love. The second year was rocky but we were able to stick around each other. The third year was a complete roller coaster ride. We kept fighting. We were drifting apart. No matter how much we try to save the “special thing” going on between us, we just can’t. So, we had a summer-informal-but-final breakup.
Right after we parted ways, the first question I had in mind was, “What now?” I won’t deny the fact it was hard to start all over again. My room was filled with gifts from him. My Facebook photo albums contained our adventures and travels together. His number was listed under “favorites” in my contact. Yes, he played a big role in my life. Instead of crying myself to sleep and thinking about the breakup, I gathered all the courage left in me and fixed my broken heart.
In 2012, I gained my life back. I chose to let go and move on. Now, I’m a hundred percent sure that I’m completely over it. All the things that remind me of him are no longer in my room. He lost his space in my heart. I also deleted our pictures not because I’m bitter but because I wanted a fresh start. We haven’t talked for probably eight or nine months which is a good thing.
And the most important thing of all? I realized my worth. I think I deserve better. Someday, someone great will come and show me why things didn’t work out between me and my ex. He will be my knight in shining armor. Good things will come to those who wait. So, I will stay here. Steady.
Algene freed. The best gift I received for 2012.
Related Posts: Happy and Okay | A Talk About Love | Hard Decisions in Life | The Secret: I Promise Myself | The Coffee Date that Makes Sense | I Believe
[Random blog posts on letting go and moving on.]
It’s my dad’s dream for me to become a lawyer. During the summer of 2012. he asked me to take the entrance exam for Ateneo de Davao College of Law. He said that I should give the study of law a try and see where it will lead me. Since I always want him to be happy, I agreed.
June 2012: A new world for me. New classmates. New professors. New friends. New subjects. New environment.
I was not expecting that law school would be extra-challenging and difficult. I feel like I’m a masochist, just saying “yes” to all the hardships and difficulties. There were many days when I wanted to give up, walk away and find another thing to do. However, everytime I think of the unconditional love I receive from my parents, my spirit is uplifted. Then, I started to love “law” and eventually, wanted to become a lawyer.
With my seven months in law school, I discovered that it’s a tough world to be in. There will be many heartbreaking failures along the way. Things will not always happen the way I want them to be. Sometimes, no matter how hard I study, I will still get 50. Well, nothing worth having comes easy. So, whatever comes in 2013, I promise myself to never give up on my dream. Hey, I also need luck in law school.
Related Posts: A Choice of Taking Up Law | How’s Law School? | Law School: Pressure with Love | First Exam in Law School | Irony of Law School | Bar Operations 2012: One Sunday I Will Never Forget
There were many people whom I lost contact with because of my previous busy years. I felt guilty that I failed to show to them my love, care and concern. So, what I did in 2012 was to get in touch with them again. I created a new Facebook account and sent messages to the persons who made a large impact in my life. I reminded them of how much they mean to me. And oh, I also apologized for not prioritizing them especially when they needed me the most.
We started to hang out like we used to do. We went out on coffee dates and beer nights. We also had endless road trips and out of town adventures. We spent wonderful times together which will always be remembered. Oh, 2012 made me realize how much I missed them.
Guess what? I also met new friends because of them! Who wouldn’t be happy with new people coming in my life and old friends coming back?
Related posts: Vanity Over Cups of Coffee | Kadayawan in Davao 2012 | Rewind and Forward | September 2012: Wide and Awake | Basic Personal Makeup Workshop | Welcome Home at JavaJive!
As I always say, blogging plays a very important role in my life. It makes me at ease all the time. Whenever I write a post on my site, I feel like I’m in control with what I’m feeling. Trust me when I say that blogging makes me more comfortable with sharing about anything under the sun.
My 2012 blogging life was so exciting. I became active in the awesome community of bloggers in the city – Official Davao Bloggers. There were countless events which I attended. My most favorite one was the Davao Bloggers Tour where I got a chance to bond with my fellow bloggers and get to know them more. In the related posts below, I listed some of the unforgettable activities I did for the year.
Another thing that made me happy for 2012 was the recognition I received during the Davao Blog Awards. www.iAmTheCoffeeChic.com was awarded as the Best Personal Blog for 2012 and I, The Coffee Chic, was awarded as the Blogger of the Year. What more can I ask for?
I know I said I’d stop blogging since 2011. I even told myself to quit on my hobby now that I’m enrolled in the law school. Well, it’s better said than done. I don’t think I will give up on blogging. Ever.
Related Posts: Davao: Life is Here | Davao Tour: Instagram Photos | The Ipanema Animal Fashion Event | A Treat to Happa Massage and Spa | SM Lanang Premier Opens | SM Cyberzone: Lifestyle and Technology Center | Pistahang Cebuana Pasasalamat Concert | The Best of Res Toe Run | Bratpack: A Must-Visit Store | The Magic of Christmas with David Pomeranz | Bloggers Royale: Davao Bloggers Christmas Party 2012 | Extraordinary Love for Blogging
[Restaurant opening events: ChicFoodies.com]
In 2011, I bought an iPad from my own money. In 2012, I bought an iPhone5 from my own money. These are just some of the things that I consider as rewards to myself after all the efforts I put for my online activities. Well-deserved, right? I am planning to get something bigger for 2013 and I hope I can achieve it. Geez. I can dream, right
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Goodbye 2012. You made me cry. You made me laugh. But it’s time to move on.
I have no idea what 2013 has in store for me. Will it bring more heartaches? Will it let me experience failures again? Or will it make my heart beat to the sound of love? Will it make me feel more victorious moments? Nothing is certain but I know that I can always do something. Whatever comes my way in 2013, I will accept it with open arms. I will always say “yes” and accept the challenges.
My power word for the year is BELIEVE. I know someday, all these dreams will come true.
How about you? What is your best memory of 2012? What are your resolutions for 2013?
ah, you'll be fine. 🙂 a new year is always a great way to start a new life. Despite the feeling that you may be lost, it's always a great opportunity to find yourself. Happy New Year, Algene and always remember to enjoy life. 🙂
It seems to be a great but difficult 2012 for you. But you seems to be a strong chic that you handled it well. All the best for 2013! And I agree that you should reward yourself for your good deeds!
wow very inspring post for the end of 2012 dear! a lot things to be proud of and be inspired and strong! keep it up! xx
Whoa! You deserve a pat in the back for all the things that has happened to you in 2012. Good job! Happy New Year!!
We should all learn form the past, and use that to strengthen ourselves for a much better future more vibrant and experienced with lessons of yesteryears.
you got me! I love this post ha! the synopsis of your 2012 is really interesting. more power to you!
2012 has been a BIG year for me as well. It was the year that I have finally moved on and forgiven that person (after 2 years 7 months relationship that ended a few years ago) and another. It was the year that I made a lot of new friends, kept the old ones and lost some.
My list could go on and on hehe. 😛
Congratulations on graduating and entering law school! Must be tough since I never see myself in your shoes. God is faithful and I know He will be by your side all the time, in good times and in bad. Have an awesome year ahead! ♥ 😀
Everything happened for a reason so let's just hope and pray for the best that will come to you, you are right, you deserve better!
Great thoughts here sis. THAT'S THE SPIRIT! Move on and be more stronger. Happy New Year.
It's a bit turbulent for you but I guess the bigger picture is that you are now a stronger person in 2012. Happy New Year.
A toast to a great 2012! And another for an even better 2013! Happy New Year!
Congratulations, Algene. I know this year will be a very good one for you because you worked so hard for everything that you have right now.
And congratulations to your parents too! They've raised a really determined and wonderful person. Happy New Year, sis!
you did have your ups-and-down for 2012. These setbacks and victories will be your guiding light to face 2013 with high esteem and hope. You can be a better person if only you humble yourself before God.
revisiting.. My additional advice, Make god your first priority in life.
Congrats for still being positive after all you have gone through. Happy New year!
I am one of the follower of your love life.I love to read all your post about your relationship and kilig pa nga ako sa mga post mo, you are such a romantic person. I know there is something wrong somewhere( been to your situation before plus I survived a lot of headache)kasi nawala na yung mga post mo. Anyway, brace yourself for the best man in the future,in God's time.
At last you are into Law School, I know that,being a lawyer is one of your dream base sa mga post mo .Good luck and have a blessed 2013. GOD LOVES YOU!.
Seems to me you survived the year 2012 with flying colors so I'm pretty sure you'll do alright this year. Happy New year to you and your family!
Life is always a challenge, it will never end, you do have a great post here thank you for sharing your thoughts
2012 is a great year for all of us. Let us embrace 2013 with smile and happiness 🙂 Happy New year!
Ups and downs has frozen cans it depends how you look at it, but as I read your post, you are brave and smart woman and am sure you pretty good in dealing problems as you get mature in every aspect in life.
Self introspection renews us. Self introspection refresh us. You are now. So keep on moving forward and go get your stars.
seems like 2012 was not a good year for you,dnt worry I wish 2013 will be fine for you.Happy new year 🙂
Sad to hear that youre a broken heart, it is a feeling that really hurts i must say,but be strong there are many fishes in the sea, you will survive this year
2012 is such a great year for you Gene and I am so happy and proud of you. Looking forward to a more blessed 2013 especially in your school, family and lovelife!
Happy New Year Gene. Mwah!
Twas nice reading this from your heart. So thats what happened with your lovelife haha. Yun yung inaabangan nun pa. Anyway, im happy that you are moving forward with great spirit! Kuya papaleng is right, make God your priority in everything and you'll never be forsaken. May His love and grace always inspire you in everything that you do. God bless you Algene!
Well, we all know there's nothing more fulfilling passing all downsides of life than learning from our mistakes and move on. 🙂 I wish you all the best! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
good vibes lang let us attract them and throw away negative feelings happy new year
If we survive the lowest point in our life, then we can overcome any obstacle that may hinder our happiness and success. If we let the pain overpower us, then NOBODY can heal the wounds that brought by the past but our own SELF.
You made the right CHOICE of moving on and let the past misfortunes be the lessons you have learned. Keep your spirits high!
You've had a year riddled with both pain and tribulation. Congrats on your graduation, and for being in law school. I also went through a breakup this September. I admire how you pulled yourself out of the rubble. You're a strong young lady. I'm sure things will only get better for you…
Happy New year and many more blessings to come..
Happy New Year and many more blessings to come..
Wow. You're 2012 journey had been tough yet good at the same time. You finished college, got into law school rewarded yourself with great gadgets from your own pocket. You deserve it!!!
Sorry to hear about the break up but as you've said, there's nothing to be sad about. You've moved on and that's a good thing.
happy new year!
you've made a great tribute to you and your blog. an ipad and iphone… those are big rewards, you must be earning pretty good. good luck to 2013… happy new year, algene. Yahweh bless.
Happy for you ! Congratulations for being a wonderful strong person! God loves you and wishing you more blessings for you and your family! Happy New Year! 🙂
Wow! You really had a packed 2012 sis! 🙂 I'm glad that you're able to find yourself after the hardships and heartbreaks. It sure feels really good to overcome them. Congratulations too for all your achievements! I'm sure 2013 will bring you more blessings and opportunities. Happy new year!
Amazing! You got me there! I guess this is one of the best blogs I've ever read! This one surely will be my most sought read for this year and beyond! you're very inspiring!! keep the fire burning!
It's great when you buy something with your own hard earned money. Wish you good luck and keep blogging. Good all-in-one page.