Woah. Saturday's drawing near and I can't believe that my month-long vacation's over. Much has happened since September 10, the first day of our vacation, and that much was enough to change, how I look on things, or my principles and beliefs themselves. This month has been very significant in building my identity.

I was a totally different person now, compared to before. I became more open-minded, & more understanding with people's mistakes. I realized that it really is true that nobody's perfect. Even me. I pretended to be before but I think that was my mistake. That was my flaw that made me imperfect. I'm trying to please myself into becoming who I want to be. I know I can change my bad habits, mannerisms, or attitudes, but it really takes time. And I also need to understand that the change that I want to happen must begin with myself, not with other people who I often blame for the causes of my flaws. Before, those people I often think as the ones who have cultivated my character (including my flaws) are the ones that must be put into blame for my misdeeds. But now, I understand that they only guide me into choosing the right path to walk in, but the choices, decisions, and changes are all for me to make. Those simple "atttitude" changes I went through this vacation were just a few of what I think have changed my view on life, but the changes are definitely for the better and hopefully, will help me, to ease the situations I may face in the future.

One more thing, I became closer to my family this vacation. They have been my friends, basketball buddies, confidantes, co-couch potatoes, and beach buddies this entire vacation. We have shared the joy, the sorrow (for victims of Ondoy), the excitement (when watching a basketball game), the laughs (when watching Hannah Montana & WOWP), and the love (whenever or wherever we are <3) style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="postbody">I have learned that I cannot please everybody. But with my parents' guidance, I have learned to offer everything to God. (Oops. Credits to the owner of that. Whoever he/she is. As if I don't know. LOL. ) But seriously, it is true. I felt my so-called friends have been backing out of our 'planned' appointments and I end up sad, dismayed, and alone. But with what they have done to me, I learned that I could be happy with anyone. And I don't have to count on others for me to be happy, because they've got their own lives and I've got mine, and if they don't want to be with me, I can't force them or be someone I'm not just to please them. I've got my own family, own gifts, own talents, and my own life. Why do I have to rely on them for me to be happy, when I really am gifted and blessed with so much? Those gifts & blessings that God has given me are enough to make me happy. When you think of it, maybe, of the 100 things that I expected to happen this vacation, I only got 10 of them granted. But despite the disappointment, I have realized that in place of the failed expectations, God has given me unexpected gifts or people that came my way that really made me happy. Maybe that's his way of telling me that what I want to happen is not part of his plan, but that doesn't mean his plan wouldn't make me happy. And it really did. Thanks, Bro! ;)

Of all the things that has occurred this entire Ramadan Break, I think the most significant is the Youth Basketball Tournament. I was only a spectator, not a player, but it has given me the feel of a real game, though the players are completely amateur (No offense, though). That tournament also changed the way I look at teamwork, leadership, and friendship. The players made me feel all the emotions I could feel during the games, though most of them are complete strangers or people I barely know.

So, this marks the end. I thank the Lord for giving me such a wonderful vacation. Thank you for making me appreciate the simple joys of life. I hope the Hajj Break would be the same. Thank you to all the people who I've met because even if your name is the only thing I know about you, you made me very happy. Thank you to the King for extending our vacation, and thank you to the school staff for allowing it. Back to school!

Lux In Domino!
-CJ