jeunesse’s Stuff!

On the 26th of December, instead of sleeping in after working 2 consecutive 16hours of shift in the hospital, I have been dragged by my co worker to succomb to the infamous "Boxing Day" sales in the mall.  This time, We were’nt after the discounted clothes, nor the bargained electronics, but merely we are after Half Priced Christmas ornaments and in search for the perfect tree…Usually fake Christmas trees would cost you $250 and up here in Vancouver (on Christmas season).  And these are literally, the "nordic" typed ones with a combination of almost real looking branches, leaves and pines.  Not to mention, patronizing the popular brands of Martha Stewart and the like.  We thought that if we get the good fake ones (is there such one) at a bargained price and keep it for the next Christmas, then we got ourselves a good catch. By then,  we could say goodbye to the real pine trees which are at around $25, the base for approx $40 which also includes hauling it on top of your car, cutting it from the tree farm, making sure the base has water everyday, cleaning the pines that fall, then after Christmas-taking it to a recycling depot, hauling it again and so much more…mind you the real tree is enticing to smell–

To go back to my story, my friend and I rushed in the mall very early in the morning ( way beyond my waking hour).  At that time, we saw boxes of Martha Stewart trees that were from $199 to $88 on sale, at this time we couldnt believe our eyes and yes the staff confirmed that it was indeed $88. Boxes of trees were flying like pancakes and for the mean time, I got my tree reserved behind the counter.  The frugalness in me kicked in and I simply stated that I will have to do more tree hunting, since I know that theres a $50 tree around the town, and it was in the same brand.  I then made sure that my $88 tree was reserved.  I instead, braved on the malls, searching for other tree sales–I was a lunatic finding this tree with my friend.  I just can’t stand paying $88 and finding that we could actually have a similar one for $50 (I just could’nt justify that).  To my dismay, after scoping around 6-7 places and ending up with a bagfull of Christmas ornaments in my shopping bag-without a tree, I returned to the cashier who had reserved my tree.  And for the meantime, just when I was going to pay and hand in my debit card, this cashier tells me "$225" including tax please!. I’m like "What???" I was literally expecting it to be $88, I felt so dumb and held the line behind me for further clarification.  The tree that I was going to buy was originally "$425" and it went on to a price of "$199" and I was just told earlier of the day that it had extra 60% off for a deal of "$88".  This cashier looked bewildered and havent heard of such.  Anyhow, the trees that were flying like pancakes earlier of the day, was sold for that value ($88), and the staff in the morning actually took an extra 60%off where as, it shouldnt have been.  The actual deal was actually $199.  Lucky shoppers indeed got a grab of a very high priced bargain!

Needless, to say I battled the malls, lost sleep, exhausted my energy and left the store without a tree…

Moral of the story: Once you find a good deal-take it and don’t think twice, and for goodness sakes–make your frugalness under control (make that my new years resolution!)

     As the Christmas season approaches and the coming of the new year unfolds,  I begin to contemplate on what my journey has been the past few years and what my life has been this year.  I’d like to think that I’ve had the most share of good times this year, on the contrary, I personally think that I had the most of my timuteous moments this year. At one point, it seems to me that those challenges simply won’t go away.  I’ve had merely thought that life was’nt fair when my prayers were’nt granted.  I once, twice, lost hope but now, I could honestly say that I have gained it all back.  I’ve learned to count my blessings and faithfully believe that one day, my turn will bound to happen.  Despite of it all, I’ve also come to a conclusion, that everything happens in the right moment, time, and place…and instinctively, miracles do happen.

I hope to be a mother, a succesful business woman and a career oriented nurse.  I one day long to travel the world, meet new people and keep the friends that I have.  I want to have a strong family of my own, keep my 57 community- case load of patients,  and help them lead an effective life, free from any illness or social problems.  I intend to combine my work as a nurse and be a public servant through the career path I have chosen.  On the other hand, Im not suggesting to be a hero nor an infamous public figure.  All I’m after is pursuing my happiness and making the most of what I have become from the trvial adversities I have had. 

   It is through what I do that I learn to be grounded,  and because of my aspirations and dreams, I am ambitious.  And because of my family, friends and husband I am me.  All these, equal to what I continue to stand for in the coming years. 

  I have nothing in my Christmas stocking but my heart is full of dreams, in search for the real true meaning of Christmas,  Trust me, I am half-way there.