A. frog

B. pumpkin

C. swan

D. totally happy and free 21-year-old

If you picked option D, then as Kris Aquino says, you are "correct!"

In my mind's calculator, the digits 2 and 1 put together equal to more freedom, and yes resources! (without which the prior element wouldn't mean that much) to party, drink, date, enjoy, shop, and do pretty much anything I want. So yeah, you could say I'm loving the way things are going in my life right now.

As an expression of the gratitude and joy I am feeling on this 21st birthday, I would like to list 21 things I consider as the greatest blessings in my life. I owe my happiness, sanity, and spirit to these items below. A rose for each one of them.

good health I admit that I have to shed a few pounds and start saying no to chocolate, but in general I'm in tiptop shape and good health is real wealth.

words They're only words. But at the same time, that's it. They're words. They are potent, alive in print and loud and clear when hanging in the air. For all of the times I have used them, abused them, been at their mercy, celebrated them, searched for them, found them, heard them, spoken them, and lived them, I ironically have no words to describe how I feel about them. But they are certainly important to me and so I am thankful for the gift of words.

the color pink I know that the degree by which I like pink and feel close to pink makes some people think I am Elle Woods' clone. But as I have mentioned in a previous post ("Think Pink"), pink stands for femininity, strength, joy, charm, and friendly spirit. So it's definitely my color of choice!

music I love singing and dancing. But I'm uncertain if singing and dancing returns the affection. Still, ok, it's a lot of fun. So there.

The Goo Goo Dolls, with special attention to John Rzeznik No, I didn't make a mistake. They deserve a rose not part of the rose for music! The Goo Goo Dolls have a music all of their own! They never fail to inspire me.

Mulieris Playing with our org's motto: My life. My story. My mission.

iATENEO iWAS. iAM. iALWAYSWILLBE.

the sun For greeting my mornings and setting the tone for my day: bright and glowing. It may appear a simple thing, but then again it's really the small things that count.

The Philippines With all its poverty, with all its corruption, with all its crime--with all the imperfections. I never lose hope. This is where I will always belong. The Filipino people will always be my people.

Ateneo For being my home for the past four years, for allowing me to truly grow and find myself, for leaving me with wonderful memories, for making me a woman for others.

past crushes; present crushes; rejected suitors; Hollywood daydreams; might-have-beens; etcetera For keeping my heart beating... Although I'm starting to wonder when it will beat to a tune that I'd like--one that'll be happy, true, and lasting.

books I love being inside the mind of someone else. I love visiting far-off places while inside the comfort of my bedroom walls and sometimes atop my throne in the "sanctuary" they call the CR. I love learning about different things. I love acting out the most ridiculous things. In short, I love embarking on the journey provided by a good book.

clothes (and the supporting cast of shoes, bags, head gear, and accessories) I owe a great deal of who I am to fashion. Inside the few minutes that I put clothes on, I am able to express my personality and creativity allowing me to truly BE.

the internet Oh, God knows how hooked I am to this thing! And this blog. Thanks to all the people and blogs who/that have made and continue to make my blogging experience extraordinary. Pardon me for the times when it seems like I've gotten amnesia and totally forgot about my online identity. It's just that I can't write as regularly as before. But be rest assured that I'm always coming up with ideas and just looking for some time.

leche flan, ice cream, blueberry Danish, Ice Monster, chocolates, and all the sugar-filled treats They might kill me. But for the time being, they show me just how good life is. Hehehe... ;p

being a girl Despite the discrimination/double standard, I would give anything to remain a girl in my next life, and the next, and the next, and the next. No other status gives me as much fulfillment and honor as being part of the gender that gives life to the world and is brimming with positive creative energy.

my friends here a.k.a. the current set of people I'm with For being here--enjoying the moments with me.

my friends there a.k.a. the people I don't get to be with much anymore but are nonetheless my friends For being here--in my heart, afar but never apart.

my friends everywhere Collective explanation of roses 17, 18, 19: When I realize how many friends I have, remember how we came to be friends, think of our little "between-you-and-me" stuff, I cannot help but be overwhelmed. Thank you everyone! You know the three words the three roses stand for.

my family I love the word "home" because it transcends "house" which is but an edifice. It connotes that place in one's journey in life where one feels truly one and at peace with himself/herself. I am very proud to be born into a family that has provided me a house and has built me a home.

The Lord God For giving me all of the above.

With all my heart, I say:

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.