2014 Bring it On!

This year is the my most favoritest year EVER! That's cause this year I married the love of my life and although it's been a crazy year of planning and planning and stress everything was worth it. :D Since some of you weren't there to witness the wedding let me share with you one of my favoritest parts of Miggy's vows. :D

• My favorite quote about love goes...“Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two.” from the movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin. I must confess I've never watched the movie but I've loved that quote since I read it the first time! hehe so you must imagine my surprise and excitement when my husband started his vows with that exact quote. :D It was perfect. He was perfect. I am still all gooey inside when I think about it. 

Weee...how lovely it is to be loved. My heart is a happy little heart. Anyway, enough with the cheese...for now. I've been blessed with a lot this year. A lot of changes have been happening and as my aunt texted me about a month ago, 2 big things happened for me this year. A change in surname and a change in career. Although there is always uncertainty when you venture out on your own there is also that excitement for what the world has in store for you. So even if recently I've been scared sh*tless because of the possibility that this might not work out I'm even more excited because I know God has so much more blessings to shower upon us. 

On a more personal note, no we're not pregnant so please stop asking..LOL I'm having the time of my life being a wife. :D Ok, so I don't do all the stuff normal wives might do. I'm still lucky enough that I don't have to manage a household or do chores. But I still make sure I take care of the things my husband, eeep, still not used to that term, might need. Oh, and I love spoiling him. Making him happy makes me happy. So the PS4 might not have been the best idea, everyone keeps telling me I'll never hear from him again, I'm still happy about it cause he's like a little boy all excited. Oh, and I get to do whatever I want since he's always on that thing anyway. Win - win! :D

2014 is going to be a year of many firsts. I've given us a budget and the idea is to stick to it, although I'm already thinking it might not be enough. What a challenge! I've also decided that in 2014 I'm not going to go crazy shopping...all the time. It's time to invest wisely. I'm so freaked out because I think I'm starting to sound like a grown up. Waaaaah! It's so surreal. So here's to a better year for everyone. 

Oh, and before I get too lazy to write another blogpost let me try to write down my resolutions for the year...bear with me here. 

1. Learn to live within a budget. A non-negotiable budget. LOL. There are just some things we can learn to live without. I won't die if I don't get to buy all the crap I love buying. 
2. This year I must learn to keep with the yoga program. Last year was crazy, loosing weight because of the stress was easy now they're back and they want to take over the world. 
3. Travel more with the husband. Although this may be extremely difficult because he has an extremely inflexible schedule I think short trips can be arranged. :D
4. Learn to cook...or at least get back in the kitchen. It won't kill anyone until it actually does. Hehe...
5. Spend time with family. Because in the end they are the people who matter.

So here's to an awesome 2014 for all of us! :D

Thankful. :D

I was supposed to post this on my birthday a few months back. Sadly though I didn't really have enough time to write it all out, and I must admit that I have been lazy on the days when I could have finished it...but because during the New Year people always make time to be thankful, I thought I would do the same. :D

Because my life has been filled with so much blessings and because it is my birthday I thought it would be awesome to write a post about the 15 wonderful people and things I am most thankful for. :D Why 15? Because it's half of 30 (which was initially what I wanted to write but since this post had been dragging for way too long I think it's about time I post it already) seems like such a nice number, not old high at all, seems just right.

Since 15 is A LOT for a list, let me try to keep it simple...unless I can't help it. haha...so here it goes...
I am thankful for:

1. My job! :D Because people always tell you to do the things you love and you'd never have to work a day in your life. I'm not saying I'm in love with my job but I am content and happy, and I am blessed at this job. It's not easy and it can be quite the challenge but the positive always outweighs the negative. :D
2. The Nuffies. Just because of who they are. :D It really makes a huge a difference when you want to spend your free time at the office. 
3. Thei-thei and Rendy! I know they're Nuffies too but I think they deserve their own entry because I can tell them anything and everything and we always have one another to listen to when the sh*t gets cray. :P hahaha
4. My car. Because I've been telling myself that it's about time I start learning how to drive and at the start of the year I wrote down in my goals was to buy myself a car and I was finally able to do it. :D
5. Everyone's patience in teaching me how to drive. I'm manic when I drive and people aren't allowed to talk at me when I'm driving unless I ask them specifically to. hahaha
6. The kindle, because I love reading and I love being able to bring it out anywhere, especially when I'm in a cab, and read. Thanks for lending it to me Jonah! :D It has been put to good use! Add to that my iPad Mini because I twisted the bu's arm so he'd trade with me. Yaaaay! :D It has become my constant companion.
7. My new phone because it work waaaaay better than the other one. And it's the first phone I actually spent money on. Haha...about time!
8. My family because we're big, we're loud but most of all we're crazy! :D                                                                                 
9. My mom who is the worst worrier I've ever met. We used to have a tough relationship but then again what mother-daughter didn't. Thankfully we've outgrown it and now she's my biggest and best supporter. 
10. My dad who spoiled me silly and worked hard to keep his family happy. Despite the hardships we always manage to smile and be thankful. We may not have much but we have more than enough. :D 
11. My brothers who used to annoy and pick on me A LOT!!! It's because of them I know never to let anyone pick on me. 
12. All the opportunities this year has given me. I have been blessed beyond measure. Thank you Kuya Jess. 
13. My wonderful godchildren, Atchie Fif and Lucas-chichas. They make reunions extremely tiring fun and laughter filled. 



photo from cousin Coley taken at Sofia's party                                                                  

14. My faith because I know that there is nothing in this world I cannot conquer with God by my side. :D
15. My bu, because at the end of the day, there is no one I would rather come home to. :D I have been blessed endlessly and he is just really the cherry on top. :D Thank you for consistently being my inspiration. I love you bu!

                                                 

Surviving September

A few years ago I was introduced to the concept of ghost month. Yes, apparently in our Chinese household this was not a concept we followed so it was quite foreign and well, not something I really believed in.

According to traditional belief, the gate of the “Lower Realm” or hell is open during this period and spirits of the dead are free to wander the earth “for 29 days.”

This makes August “the most inauspicious time of the year” to undertake important activities such as “weddings, engagements, opening new businesses or closing business deals, starting new construction or renovations and other major actions and decisions.” - 

Sourced from BusinessInquirer.net

 But this year was a different story. August was a slow month for me. Not a lot of things happened and well, I was able to relax and take things easy...a prelude to the hell September was going to be. Let me tell you about why this blog has been on stand still...

I personally cringe every time someone I know says "wake me up when September ends" once we hit September. Ok, ok, we get it...you know the song...move on already. But then again you never realize how true those words are until you've lived it. Maaaaan, I thought September was never going to end. Although let me clarify that, I am very thankful because I  had a busy month thanks to the many blessings that came my way. But maaaan, did it tire me out. There were actual days when I felt lost because I didn't know what task to do first. They were all URGENT! WTF right?!? Lucky for me I always had people I could turn to for help and once you put everything down and take it one step at a time things just get done. :D

So what have I been up to this month? Well, work has been awesome. This month has been my best month so far! :D See, not complaining, just saying. Work has been crazy busy, I do some things on the side too and that has been crazy busy as well. But what I personally made sure I did not miss out on was Luke's First Birthday! Yaaaaaaay!!!

See, I'm a stage godmother! That little boy will grow up to be spoiled loved and I'm going to make sure of it! For those of you who don't know, Luke is my brother's son. He is the cutest little boy ever. He knows exactly when to give you the smile making sure you don't have a choice but to do what he wants.

See what I mean...
***photo from Ninong Laya

Because I went crazy and bought him 2 football kits the parents and I agreed, yes I was part of the decision making, we would throw him a sports themed party. Both my brothers grew up as football players, they both sadly lack basketball skills but they know how to kick some balls. hehe...and you may not believe it but I used to be sporty too. "Used to" being the operative phrase. 

Since I've recently discovered the wonderful world of pinterest I thought it would be a great idea to make our own decorations. Yes, I thought it would be a great idea. Halfway through I wanted to bonk myself on the head. It was not so much a great idea as a what was I thinking idea. I need a team next time. hehe...but I think we were able to decorate the place well enough. 

I had my younger brother make the field centerpieces using a green mat that had a grass feel
the bu and I spent the whole night making the centerpieces.
Figuring out how to make those things stand was hard.

since the tables were tiny we only put the candy centerpiece

I printed out those Thank You cards and design panels and sis-in-law put them together

I bought a new printer because I wanted to try out making stuff
found awesome sports themed banners and made this myself. :D

printed out all sorts of sports themed toppers

The party was actually an adults party, Luke only has 3 other cousins his age and 1 wasn't able to come so the guests were all mainly friends and family of the parents. 

Despite the extremely busy and tiring month, I don't have anything to complain about. I am blessed beyond anything I ever imagined and thankful for everything that has come my way. :D

Look who fell asleep during his party.
As tired as Ninang.
 

But before I end this post let me leave you with my favorite photo of Luke. I had them printed out on A3 sized boards and posted them around the room. This is by far the cutest. :D

Lucas is Love. :D

Let's all have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the last 2 days of the longest month of the year. Wake me up when September ends.

Want to know why I love Baguio?

I know I've been absent from the blog for more than a month now. It's just every time I sit down and start writing I lose my thought and the whole process just goes to the dogs.

But since there's no better time than the present, I thought it would be an awesome time to actually start writing and since my last post was about Baguio let me tell you about our trip and my constant love affair with the City of Pines. :)

Growing up, Baguio has always been a constant. It's one of those places I know I will always go back to. There's just something about it.

Memories of my wonderful childhood...Sneaking up to the loft when the parents were away just so we could slide down the banister, which was high up the DO NOT DO THIS EVER list my parents unofficially issued. I loved the trips to La Trinidad, although we gave my dad grief about it, where Strawberries were abundant. Barbecue cook outs with the family in John Hay because eating outdoors is so full of win when you're in the mountains. And of course, I loved horseback riding, boating, biking and all the wonderful fun things you do because that's what tourists do when they're in Baguio.

Ate Agnes' first time in Baguio, note the exaggerated winter wear...hehe

we abused her cause it was her first time. haha

more embarrassing photos cause it's fun like that!

But after how many years of doing the same thing, you start looking for new things to do and places to visit. So the last trip the bu and I decided we would find new things to do, or actually new places to eat. And that we did. 

On our first night there I dragged everyone to have dinner in the 50's Diner because everyone who's been to Baguio has been raving about it and I haven't had the chance to try it despite being there every year. Since the choice was between humoring me and starving to death, I think there really was no question...we were off to the famous 50's Diner.

Seats were full when we got there so we had to wait awhile...

how handsome is my boyfriend, he humors my love for Baguio

the light makes everything inside look pink especially my mom and dad

The meal was alright, serving sizes were huge and well, if you're really a quantity kinda person then this is a good choice. I wouldn't rant about it but it's not exactly something to rave about either. If you're looking for a quick place to dine and value for your money then this is the place for you.

The next day I half-drag, half-influence the bu and my mom to go out again. We wanted to go to Country Club to buy some bread since everyone knows BCC Raisin Bread is yum, although personally I love their Banana Bread more! :D And since BCC is right beside John Hay we went there too. The excuse was we would check out the stuff in Manor, they have good bread too! Don't ask about the bread obsession, I barely understand it myself. Of course we drive past another place I wanted to try cause everyone kept talking about it...Choco-late de Batirol

my mom does not look to happy, she bullied 2 people to get this table

my more than willing victim. :D

happy cause I got to go out! :D

It was ok, nothing spectacular to note their either. I guess just like in the movies, when something is over-hyped you end up leaving disappointed. If you like good 'ol Filipino Chocolate then you would love this place. I thought it was just too bitter.

We also tried O'Mai Khan or something like that, although for all the hype that restaurant really didn't do anything for me so I don't think I even have any photos there...

Apparently Baguio is turning into a foodie haven. So many more new things to try out and so many old things to return to. Gives me more reason to come back. :D Excited!!!

Since August is apparently a month of long weekends I'm hoping a Baguio trip can be squeezed in there on one of those weekends. Here's to never losing hope!

Before I end the post, I just wanted to share a realization I had when I was talking to the bu about my childhood. You never realize how much of an awesome childhood you had until you get to the point where you can't wait to share the same experiences with your own kids. :D Here's to happy memories! 

                                   

Lazy Sunday...but not for long! :)

Sundays used to be family day, or at least that was the whole concept growing up. I remember when we were kids we would have lunch with my dad's family sometimes, and dinner with my mom's family at my great-grandparents house ALL THE TIME. It was sooo much fun because the whole clan would be there. Yup, I grew up seeing my cousins all the time. I guess that's the main reason why it's not so bad that I don't have sisters cause I kinda still do. 

my awesome family having a Benjamin Button New Year.

My great-grandparents have a huge house with a garden and really big Macopa tree in the back. There would be times when we would pick the low hanging fruit and munch on them. Ok, maybe just take a bite from them then give them to yaya. We were more into picking the fruit than eating it. I also remember how when we were young there were geese in the backyard. Yup, it was a fun house and there are a lot of memories there. Maybe when we have kids of our own we'll bring them to my grandparents house every Sunday so that they could spend time with their cousins too. :)

Recently though, since I started working Sundays has been more of a rest day. Time to stay home, relax, sleep and just be lazy. Props to my parents for always having the energy to take us around and spend time with us when I can imagine all they wanted to do was stay home, put their feet up and take a breather from their hectic lives at work.

So right now, here I am being lazy, lying in bed not really wanting to move I thought it would be an awesome time for me to think of other things I could be doing to make my Sundays more productive. Starting next week!

I've always wanted to learn how to cook and I've had a go at a few recipes but because I want to someday be able to cook without having to refer to a cookbook all the time I guess I need to practice. So maybe I'll cook Sunday dinners for the family. That way I get an excuse to cook and at least my Sunday isn't wasted. 

***photo from the internet

I've also been wanting to learn how to paint. But since that's probably still a long time coming, maybe I'll figure out how to sketch first. :) I remember one random time in my life when I decided I would make oil-pastel drawings because I had fun memories of a project we did in grade school. I attempted to do it. I initially wanted to do pointilism but the oil pastel would just NOT cooperate so I did what I could. And here's what happened.

Iris on Oil Pastel

It's not exactly Monet but I must say it didn't turn out so bad. now I just need to keep practicing I believe. Ahahaha...another one of my projects. When I'm older and I won't be working anymore this is what I will be doing. Aside from ballet that is. :D

That's a couple of this that I could spend my time doing instead of just lying down and watching videos being a complete sloth. But for now I'm going to will myself to start moving and get ready so I can get a foot massage while I kill time before dinner. Tonight I'm seeing my baby boy! :) I caaaan't wait!

So how do you spend your Sundays?

First Week of the Year! :)

What have you done this first week of the year?

I am still in denial that the holidays are over. I mean, are they really? I didn't even get to enjoy them this year. I missed the annual Baguio trip with the fambam! Boo. Oh Baguio, how I miss you! When shall we see each other again? :((

Sharing a few photos of my wonderful memories in Baguio. :))

Anywho, the first work week of the year just ended and I thought it would be good to see how much I've managed to get done. I'm thinking, just as how you spend the first day of the year dictates how you'll spend the rest of the year. I think how you spend the first work week of the year will dictate how you will spend the rest of your work year. Hahahaha...Well, deep breath and here we go.

This week, I managed to make new proposals.

***photo from the internet

Nope, not that kind of proposals. Hahahaha

***photo from the internet

Yup, more like that. :))

In the first week I was also able to meet new clients and touch base with old ones. :) I've also managed to meet up with good friends and spent dinners catching up.

This week, with lots of prayers and faith a client sent me approval for a proposal! :) If this is a trend then I'm in for a great year! :) Yahoooooo!

On a more personal note.

This week I managed to spend time with my goddaughter and have an awesome dinner with her and my cousins. :) It was a playdate turned planning session for our first vacation of the year! We're off to Singapore in a week! Yay!

***photo taken from Coley

This week I was also able to spend a lot of time with Lucas. :)

***photo by Mommy Alay

Isn't he the cutest? I'm on the fence about the bumbo chair. I love how he looks so cute in the chair but I hate that he looks like such a big boy. I'm not ready for that yet. So I'm not sure if I want them to keep the chair or throw it out. I'll update you again in the next post.:)

This week I also got to see some of my really good friends. :) Awesome start of the year! I love this week! :D Makes me extremely excited for the rest of the year!

Resolutions 2012

***photo from the internet

I know everyone comes up with a list of Resolutions every year and every year the same things get listed down. I'm guilty of that. But this year I have resolved to follow through with my resolutions because in the end, it's for my own good anyway. Hahaha, can you totally see through the self-convincing... :P

In 2011 I was forced to accept the fact that I am not anymore as thin as I used to be. I still weigh the same but for some reason, it still doesn't feel the same. Am I getting more compact? Or is it time to finally accept the fact that what used to be muscle mass has now found it's way to fat. :P So this year the top resolution on my list:

1. BECOME FIT! Yup, that's right. That's my top priority. Become fit. hehehe. In 2011, the bu and I attempted to run a couple of times. And both times I thought I was going to pass out. How sad is my life. This year, I'm going to take this seriously. No more excuses. It's time to get serious about getting fit.

2. BECOME HEALTHY. After 4 years of not eating meat products, in 2011 I finally succumbed to the realization that I just wasn't healthy anymore. And although I would someday like to find a better solution, I have come back to the meat-eating fold. This year I'm becoming more healthy and balancing out my meals. :) Here's to a new lifestyle.

***photo from the internet

3. SAVE MORE. Like in my previous post, this year I'm taking my future seriously. And with that I am preparing for it seriously as well. Here's to smarter decisions in 2012.

4. SPEND MORE TIME WITH MY PARENTS. In 2011 I barely got to see my parents. This year, I'm going to make an effort to see them more often. Have more meals with them and have better conversations with them.

5. READ MORE BOOKS. I love reading. I loved reading since I was kid. I just didn't like making the book reports that were required at that time. Ha! Thanks to technology, I am always able to travel with a few books. This year, I plan to read at least 4 books a month. That's 4 books x 12 months = 48 books. Yaaaay! :)

6. TAKE A VACATION EVERY QUARTER. As the saying goes, work hard, play hard. In the past few years, taking vacations has always taken a back seat to earning a living. I now firmly believe that they should go hand-in-hand and this year, I'm taking it seriously. :) I miss the beach and I miss Baguio and those would be perfect places for me to go to! :) A quick escape.

7. COOK MORE. I started learning how to cook in 2011. This year, I'm going to learn how to cook more things. :)

8. RUN AT LEAST 10K. I used to be sporty. Used to being the operative word. Last year I tried running. It didn't turn out very well, from not being able to walk properly the next day to only being able to run 1.5K before passing out. I have become a lethargic bum and I need a more active lifestyle. So this year, we're going to make it happen. I'll keep updating as I get closer to that goal. Hahaha...Yup, that's the goal for this year. :)

9. GO TO MASS MORE OFTEN. I grew up in a very strict Catholic household. As a result, my brothers and I rarely make time to go to church now as adults because it always felt like a chose. Although most of the time I don't forget to pray, I would really like to start going back to Church and having my weekly update with God. This year, Church will be a priority.

10. DO SOMETHING I'VE NEVER DONE BEFORE. I am not the type of person who is comfortable stepping out of my comfort-zone. I like things the way they are and barely have the desire to make changes. I am a person not comfortable with change. This year, I'm going to do something I've never done before. I don't know what it is yet, but I'll make sure it's something that I'll be happy to say I did. :)

***photos from the internet

Don't you just love it when people get a new start every year. When all things from the past year are left behind and an opportunity to make great change is on hand. Here's to a brand-spanking-new 2012! :) May all our dreams and wishes come true! :) Happy New Year everyone!!!

Gratitude

Since I'm in the office and most of my clients are on break I don't really have much to do. So I decided to make a few lists...

First List: Things/people I am thankful for:

1. My parents. Of course they're on top of my list. We didn't grow up rich, we grew up comfortable and that's more than I could ever ask for. I'm an adult now who has her own bills to pay and responsibilities to take care of but I still cannot say that I am ready to be responsible for another human being let alone a child. My brother and his wife recently had a baby and I can see that although they could not be happier it is indeed very hard. So I am always thankful for the fact that my parents were there when we were growing up. They made it a point to spend time with their children and to build relationships with us. Don't get me wrong, growing up I had those I-wan't-to-pull-my-hair-out moments with them too. But as you grow older, you realize that what your parents have been saying are right and well, you just wish you realized it sooner.

2. Family. Because just as I wrote in the blog before this. Family is love and with my huge family there's always enough love to go around. :)

My Barretto Family at our last Grand Reunion. Cant' wait for the next one.

3. My job. With today's economy everyone is struggling and yet I still manage to pay my bills and do what I want, within reason. I am thankful to have found a place where I am allowed to do be creative, meet new people and work on things I like. Add to that the fact that the people I work with are awesome and being around them is always fun.

Nuffies! :)

4. My friends. I love my friends because even if we don't see each other all the time the friendship is still the same. We pick up from where we left off as if no time has passed. We really are F.R.A.N.C.E (Friends Remain And Never Can End). :))

5. The kids. I love kids. They're adorable, they are super innocent most of the time and you can be a total kid when you're with them. This year we were blessed with Lucas. My oh-so-gwapo godson who is the eldest of my ahia. He's a total cutie and he's so pleasant to take care of until he starts crying for milk because he's a mellow baby. And then there's my goddaughter Fif. A total laughtrip. She's as naughty as her mother. She speaks her mind. Tells you what she wants, when she wants it. It may sound like she's a brat but she's also thoughful and sweet and super malambing. Those traits I think she took after me! :P What makes the babies even more fun? The fact that atchie Sofia loves little Lucas a lot. She keeps insisting to carry him despite the fact that he's about half her size. Isn't that adorable?

***Photo from Coley

6. The bu. Of course I save the best for last because I'm cheesy like that. We've been together a few months short of a decade and I still wake up to the thought that I couldn't have been blessed with someone better. Bring on the cheese. I never like making decisions without first consulting with the bu. It's because he always balances me. He makes me see things from a different perspective. He challenges my decisions when he thinks I'm being stupid or stubborn or most of the time both. He supports me when he knows I want to something but am too scared to try. In the end, he's the perfect yin to my yang. ahahahaha...gross I threw up in my mouth a little Seriously though, I am lucky to have found someone who knows me enough to know what I need be it support, love, understanding or a big bonk on the head. :)

List no. 2 coming up after I have a quick lunch! :))

Happy Christmas!

I've been meaning to write a post for the longest time but every time I start something I keep thinking I have nothing to write and so I put it off again. But then again, I have so many things to share, about me, about my family and about the fact that Christmas is absolutely my most favorite time of the year. A testament to the wonderful childhood I had. :)

Growing up Christmas was all about presents. Lots and lots of presents. I come from a huge family and I have never been short of awesome presents from the coolest toys to the nicest outfits. Christmas presents were abundant. Christmas angpao's were abundant as well. :D It has always been an established tradition. Christmas and New Years Eve was reserved for my mother's side of the family. Christmas and New Years Day was reserved for my dad's side of the family. A perfect set-up.

Meet my mom's side of the family.

***photo from Coley

I grew up with cousins. I was never short of playmates to run around and play pretend with and now we have two babies in the family. Love. :D

Meet my dad's side of the family.

Most of my relatives are already in the States so there's only a few of us but the celebrations are never dull. We always start off with a great meal and the best dessert and finish off with presents. How can my Christmas get any better than that? That's when I realized I am becoming a grown up. Although I still love getting loads of presents (which I must say were awesome this year? Yay family) I love being around these people the best. Christmas is all about Family and love. So I hope everyone had an awesome Christmas this year and an even better coming New Year. :) Will post about that next. :)

Of Birthdays and Love! :)

I am loved! :) A feeling I wish never to take for granted. :)

I celebrated my birthday yesterday. It was amazing. From spending Friday dinner with my wonderful inaanak (God Daughter) and then getting drunk with my best girls, spending the day with my bu and family and ending the day by drinking with new found friends. It was amazing. :)

I would share photos but sadly I don't have them on hand yet. Will be spending the coming week in the beach so will be sure to have tons then! :) Extended celebration! :) Love.

Til then...hope everyone has a great week ahead of them!

Heart break...

Family to me is the most important thing. I grew up surrounded by family. I am close to my first cousins on my mom's side. I love my cousins on my dad's side despite the distance, I grew up in Manila they grew up in the States. I love my aunts, my uncles, my grandparents. I love everybody. My family is my life. If I were given a chance to have a family of my own, my only wish is to be able to give my kids all the love I felt growing up.

Recently however, I have not been getting along with the bu's family, not everyone, just a very select few. I wont go into detail. It is very personal and unless we're close friends you don't need to know. My heart breaks thinking about it. I don't want for the bu to be put in a position where he will have to take a side. I will never let that happen because in the end as I said family is the most important. My only wish is for things to settle. Let cooler heads come and let things go. I made mistakes but I was also wronged.

It's hard. To be put in this position, where you don't know what to do anymore. I want to live a peaceful life. I want to be happy. I am actually. :) I am in a much better place. I like what I do, I spend time with the people I love, doing the things I love to do. :) But wouldn't it be better if you were able to share things with the people you hold most dear. I only wish for things to go back to the way they were. If only. I will keep praying. I have done my part. Now all I can do is let God take hold of the situation. Whatever His will may be. :)

Let it be said however, that the bu has been the most adult of all and because of everything I love him more. :) Thank you bu, for being the best person in the world. For loving, listening and understanding. For telling me what's right and what's wrong. For trying to understand where I am coming from, for being there for me. You are my rock and you will continue to be. I love you!

From the mouths of children...

Just a little excerpt from Yaya Naling's conversation with Sofia...

Yaya Naling: Ikaw talaga Sofia ha! Ang dami mong...

Sofia: Alam?

Yaya Naling: Hindi, ang dami mong palusot!

hahaha...I can't even begin to imagine what I would have done in that situation. I swear, that child is too smart for her own good! :) And that's why I love her to bits!

Goodbye and see you later...

It is a sad time for us right now. My Guakong's (grandfather on the mother's side) brother passed away the other day. He passed away at the age of 76. He was able to live a full life and for that we are thankful.

Although I was not close to him my heart breaks. It hits to close to home. :( A death in the family only highlights the fact that life is fleeting and we should never take anyone for granted. I remember being a little girl and we would be in Taikong's house for Sunday dinners and Achak Long would be there. He would tease us and ask us questions that as kids we would think nothing off. Sadly, my memories with him would end there. That's how our relationship would be growing up. I would see him at reunions, I would say the obligatory hello and kiss on the cheek and move on to the next aunt to kiss. I can't really say that things would be completely different should I be able to take back time. That's how things really were I guess. He really couldn't keep up with the energy of young kids and we really loved running around.

As it is often said, we only realize the true value of something or someone when they're gone. I guess that's one thing we take away every time someone dies, we learn to stop and smell the roses. We learn that everything should be done with purpose. I want to grow old and be able to say that I experienced everything. That I never took anything for granted. I know it is hard because once something becomes a constant it is but human nature to forget it's importance and take it for granted. I only pray that I remember. Always.

So until it's time for me to see you again. Goodbye Achak Long.

Sunday is Family Day

I remember being a kid and spending Sunday dinners with my cousins. It was so much fun. A day spent just lounging around and having fun. We would play in the extension house, in the garden, in the groto, by the macopa tree! we played to our hearts content. Sadly the househelp got older and we got too many that it was really hard to just meet every Sunday. But those would always be treasured memories that helped make our family, no matter how crazy, close! :-)

Growing up with two brothers, i was always constantly teased. We would have tons of fights and they would always gang up on me. I guess that's how kids really are when they're growing up. It's always boys against girls and too bad for me I was an only girl but then again, that only meant I could play the boys picking on the only girl card. And I played that A LOT! ahaha

While at dinner with my brothers, we were laughing about all the crazy situations and ideas we used to have as kids. You see this all started when my younger brother said he couldn't believe he was related to us because we were so corny. I told him that's cause pulot lang siya sa basura (we just picked him up from the trash) hahaha...it was what we would tell him when he was being all gross and dirty when we were kids. My brother used to be scrawny. hahaha...thinking about it now it was mean but as kids it was all fun. Then I remember this old commercial about child slavery and child trafficking. That's when, as kids, we had the bright idea to sell my younger brother per kilo. hahaha...yes we were mean. It was fun. We all had our own share of evilness. Trust me. I was the butt of all cry baby jokes. What? I was sensitive. You can't blame me! hahaha...that and I was a wimp. At least I admit it. I've outgrown it, or at least have learned to use it to my advantage.

Memories are hilarious to look back on especially when you're part of a family that loves one another to enough to always play pranks on one another. Don't get me wrong, we've had our share of ups and downs but in the end. It's all good. I can only wish that by the time I have kids of my own, we'll be able to make memories like that as well. :)

When I have kids of my own we will do pancake Sundays and on special occasions waffle Sundays. I will make the effort to have dinner with the grandparents and the cousins cause I remember those were the days that were most fun. It's fun to plan and all but I don't want to be jumping the gun or anything. Everything in God's time.

I thank God each day for my family. They're the best people in the world despite the fact that they're looney most of the time and I love them more than anything or anyone.

Family will always be love. :)

Lessons on life, love, family and God...

I was going through my facebook homepage when I came across this blog written by my bestfriend's younger sister. It is about the legacy of their family and I must admit, I am amazed not only because of her family's story but more so because of how she writes. Every aspect of her life, every thing that happens to her, every memory, every conversation, every action is testament to her love for God.

Coming across her blog was very unexpected and very welcome. It is always a nice comforting feeling when someone you know is living their dream. I am happy for her and it gives me hope that I too will get there some day! :)

My brother the law student.

My brother just finished his first official week in law school and he couldn't stop telling everyone about it. hahaha...:)

Ever since we were young kids, I would always end up in a fight with my younger brother. You see, I'm the middle child (but I'm an only girl so it makes up for the complex...hahaha), Miggy is the youngest most opinionated, brattiest of us all. :P (bawal magcomplain, blog ko to! Gawa ka sarili mo...hahaha! :P) My older brother is the quiet type. He's just gonna let it be. I'm the noisy one, I love bitching and whining and complaining (not all at the same time, I'm not that annoying! :P). Miggy is, well, opinionated. hahaha...he will be sure that you know what he thinks. I think that's part of the reason why he wants to be a lawyer.

Our family has never really been the talk about feelings type of family. We're there for each other but we rarely say it out loud. But let this be my way of proclaiming it to the world, I'm proud of you brother! :) Yay!


My younger brother. The soon to be lawyer! hahaha...ayos. I feel safe!

Good luck on your new chosen career. You're one step closer to your dream. Stay with it. :) I'm here if you need anything, wag lang pera! hahaha...:P

Keeping me grounded...

So I guess I was overly ecstatic yesterday that I forgot that I'm still not sure about what the future holds for me. I had my second interview today and although it wasn't bad I must admit, the one I had yesterday was way better.

I felt bad, I honestly did. I was on my A game, I kept telling myself that. But I guess I really wasn't. The things that I thought were important for me when I was still working didn't seem as important to them. I won't go into detail since it really is their opinion. :)

Today was just a reminder that I have to be prepared for anything. I really felt bad, after the interview I had to call my friend and tell her all about it. It was sad really, but I guess we just have to wait and see. Talking to my brother he kept telling me that it was fine. I would get there, I just needed to keep trying and that this is all just part of the experience. :) So I will take it with a grain of salt and move on.

Sending out more resumes and a lot of positivity. :)

All Family Weekend

I spent the whole weekend with my family and it was awesome! :)

After skipping out on so many Sunday lunches with the family I was able to go to one last Sunday and it was awesome. :) My tita Baby is the cutest, she kept telling me she was going to take me to Europe. Told her I wanted to go to Greece and she said that wouldn't be a problem. hahaha...:) too cute. She just made me promise that I would have to keep praying that the deal they're working on will push through. So yay. I am praying. Greece, here I come!

Yesterday, I spent the morning voting, the afternoon sleeping, the evening with my family. A perfect way to end my weekend. :)

Thank you Lord for my wonderful weekend and the weekends I have yet to have now that I'm officially done with work by the end of this week.

Girlfriends!

Friends are confidants, companions, support systems and allies. My friends, they're family, my sisters from a different mother and I love them.

Last night was the first time I saw my girls after a month long hiatus, which felt too long, and I had soooo much fun. I spent most of the time telling them about what happened to me, what I learned recently and what I should and shouldn't do. It was a horribly painful experience. I hate hearing myself whine. I do. I apologized, I just needed to get it out, especially to friends whom I know would understand me. They think it's high time I resign too! :)

It's not about finding someone who will take your side. It's more of finding people who will listen and give you their opinion without fear that you'll hate them for it. From these girls, I'll take anything they can throw at me cause they know I'll be the same with them if I need to be. I'm just lucky that they see it the same way I do and that they think I'm doing the right thing.

So thanks girls, for the wonderful night I had last night. It was a total reprieve from everything! I love you!

Last of what was...

This weekend was my last working weekend! :) Woot woot! This Mother's Day I'll be able to spend time with my mom! What a wonderful feeling.

It was my grandfather's birthday yesterday and it was the first time I actually got to talk to my family (well aunts) about my decision to resign. Well, they asked me what the reason was. Why did I decide to resign after all this time? Why now when I don't have a back up plan. Answer was easy. It was the right time. There were a few words that I choose to bleep out as I maintain the positive, hahaha...but we all agreed it is time. :)

I have one event left on Tuesday then I'm wrapping things up and passing them on. I am two weeks closer to my new life! Just me and the unknown. And for once, I'm not scared of it! :D