Seeing the World: Kinkakuji, Kyoto

This photo was taken by me, on my iPhone. I love it because it feels like I was the only one there at that time, basking in the quiet dignity of the Golden Pavilion. In reality, there were about 100 or so tourists there, all timing when they can jump into the view for their own souvenir "i've been here" shot.
I've seen pictures of Kinkakuji while I was researching online for our trip. They all look like this - and I always thought that it's because they were professional photographers, who could have the place booked to themselves.
This is what makes Kyoto beautiful - the temples, the gardens, the trees and the greenery all stand in their full, regal glory, oblivious to the people in awe of them.

Read about Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) here.

What I am looking forward to in 2012

1. Trips

DH and I love going on trips - whether it be a short drive to try out a restaurant outside of the city , a quick weekend getaway by the beach, or a long adventure somewhere far away. It is always a welcome moment to be able to recharge. Because of the many great deals in 2011 - we were able to line up a number of trips for 2012. With more long weekends scheduled this year... we should be able to schedule a few more, and perhaps with the little ones in tow too. Hooray for more memories!

On our 2012 list!

2. Birthdays

I missed the exact year... but at some point in my life, I lost all excitement for my birthday. When K was born in 2009, my birthday marked her 1st month - hence it became a semi-celebration. This year, K is turning 3 and like all children her age, has a penchant for blowing out birthday candles. This has made birthdays a lot more exciting - with my DD singing the birthday song at the top of her lungs, and blowing out candles with all enthusiasm. That alone is enough for me to want a cake on my birthday. 

spanishdict.com

This year too, my little baby ball S is turning 1. This means an excuse for me to plan a party, and to squeeze out my creative juices to make it a memorable one. I had fun planning K's 1st birthday party - even creating her video presentation by myself. I am sure to have even more fun with this second round... in fact, I already have some ideas in my head.

3. Foodie Nights (or Mornings)

I promised DH that I would make more of an effort to have date nights or breakfast dates with him this year. Due to my 60 hour work week - I tend to focus too much on the children on weekends. Short of a minor emergency, I would refuse to leave their sides. I do admit though that I feel guilty about it all the time! This year - I vowed to myself that that will change. So, here comes the list of new places to try... first two up on the list, Lolo Dad's and Milky 'n Sunny.

at a tapas bar

4. Ebates, Groupon, CashCashPinoy, Ensogo, DealGrocer...

Need I say more? Some may argue that I end up spending more on these sites. On the contrary, I say I end up saving a lot more. First, on Ebates, I actually get real cash (I made $52 in the 1st wk of 2012). Second, on groupon sites, I get stuff I like at a discount - and these help to fuel #3 (restaurant deals) and #1 (trip deals) above. Humor me. I work 60 hour weeks, and usually spend all weekend tending to the girls. Shopping, physically, is a luxury.

5. Developing myself

 Start a small business? Write a children's book? Try out new recipes? Learn crochet?

Is 2012 the year when I make these? http://lxrcuisine.wonderhowto.com/

Can I channel the Martha Stewart in me? homemade.tipjunkie.com

Maybe, maybe not. I look forward to these small discoveries about myself - what I can do, what I can create, what I enjoy doing. Who knows what talent is hidden deep in the recesses of this boring number crunching brain of mine.

 What do you look forward to in 2012? Happy new [dragon] year!