At last, I will be posting another entry after more than a year of dormancy! This just shows that the past few months have been very busy - my last term in college, the board exams and my first taste of the corporate world.

Actually, it is not only blogging that I have neglected. My health became worse. I suddenly had the most painful stomachaches. The diagnosis - esophageal reflux disorder. Layman terms? Think of the borderline between heartburn and ulcer. Ouch! This meant sleepless nights, not to mention irritating as I could not resolve which position was most comfortable amidst the discomfort.

I also had the worst acne breakouts. Even during my puberty years or sleepless nights during my thesis or board exam review, I never had more than 2 or 3 big zits!!! It is quite ironic that now that I've started working for a beauty company called L'Oreal (and learned that washing is not enough - you need to cleanse, tone and moisturize/emulsify), my pimples started popping up one by one. The zits have been very resistant as well as they stood strong (and painfully red) even with all the sophisticated (...and expensive) skincare products I've been using.

I don't even have time for tea anymore (or for reading a book with it or moreso...reflecting). Only God knows the last time I did. The reason - it takes time to sip tea and I felt that I had simply no time to do so.

All these and a lot more - including time to spend for myself and with the people that matter in my life. The price to pay for succeeding - graduating with honors, passing the difficult board exams and getting an excellent appraisal and fast promotion at work.

Then, just a few days ago, I heard some tragic news about a batchmate. We were not particularly close but I guess we had our similarities - we were both ambitious. We were at our prime and fast approaching the apex of our professional careers. We were certified workaholics. Then, one tragic car accident ended everything.

Upon knowing this, I was shocked. I thought that it was truly a waste. He was young and clearly, a promising future was ahead of him. Then, I remembered myself. If I die later, could I say that my time here on earth was well spent?

After everything that happened, I decided to take a change in pace. Suddenly, I had the urgency to reconnect with friends and relatives. I took time to partake in relaxing activities (updating my blog included). More than anything else, my faith grew stronger.

While preparing and working hard for a better future is very important, I think it is also important to savor and experience the NOW. As they always say, it is not always about the destination for the journey also makes a worthwhile experience.

Now, I'm sipping tea again and reading a good book with it - For One More Day by Mich Albom. It is a book about lost time and how one man was given an opportunity to capture that lost moment and make the most out of what he used to take for granted. How appropriate!!! =)