Girl thing rambles

I know I sworn that I won't post anything negative in this blog. But I just hate it every time this "girl-time-of-the-month" comes. I know, too, that this is just a very awkward post. But may be my hormones drive me to. And maybe the lessons and realizations that come with it makes me wanna write about it.

So yeah, I just hate it when this visits me. I just become very irritable and I can find all the fault I can find in each person I ride with in the jeepney. Last night on my way to work, I found myself very irritated with this big man sitting next to me who almost occupied three seats when I don't even know if he's already paid for one. After really irritating me, he suddenly sang his Christmas carol medley in the jeepney and serenaded the passengers, hoping he would be given any amount possible.

This morning, there were just too many sudden change of plans that I suddenly felt everything's screwed up, when actually everything's just fine. I AM JUST FREAKING IRRITATED. And Demanding. And Annoyed. I just hate it! GRRRR. So when Lloyd met me up for our movie date, he just asked me why am I so "high-blood" with my texts. When I told him it's just the time of the month, he said "AH OK."

And from there, he just knew how to cope with my hormonal stress. He knew how to please me, and how to deal with my anxieties. He knew how to make me smile and lighten up my mood. Am I worrying too much? That's no problem, he says, then gives me easy resolutions and even back-up plans.

There was also this time earlier when I got reaaallly pissed with the ladies at the Cinema E-Plus booth who took some time to process my free Card and complimentary movie pass from GCash. So we have already waited for some time and we were already late for the movie that we are to watch, when the lady just informed us that we cannot use the complimentary pass for the MMFF movies. GAAAHD. So Lloyd had to line up again at the ticket booth to get me a ticket (he already had his while I was waiting for my E-Plus card). Finally, as we entered the Cinema, I, still pissed, just kept on telling him how sorry I am for the trouble and the time wasted. And he just held my hand, then laughed, and smiled and kissed me, and told me, "it's ok." :)

I guess what I'm trying to say is, blessed are girls whose guys just understand our monthly struggles, and even help us how to deal with them, in the sweetest way possible. I know girls alone can understand girls. But when a boy, amidst all your anxieties and senseless rants and irrational stress and all that jazz, still tries his best to make you smile and tells and shows you that you are loved and cared for, he's just something to be really thankful for.

So to all the boys out there, whose girls can really be the worst girl ever during their monthlies, and still you can make her smile and feel loved like she's the most special girl in the world, THANK YOU! You don't know how much that means to us. Again, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you! :)

Christmas simple joys

Christmas this year may have not turned out the way it used to. Mama cooked my favorite spaghetti and  Papa grilled some meat for Noche Buena, but because everyone has gotten tired of the day, we were all already asleep by 11:40 PM, few minutes before Noche Buena. Kuya TJ couldn't come over because he has duties at the hotel. And of course Kuya Maic is working thousand miles away. The worst part is, I have work on a Christmas night.

But there's just A LOT to be thankful for this season.

datebook. looove!

~ Lovely Gracee dropped by on the 24th to give me her Christmas gift. And though I was not home then and I wasn't even able to answer her call, she still exerted the effort to come around to give her gift, and to visit little Amiel. Now that's love. And for her gift: a kikay purple 2013 datebook from Tomato. Lovely! I'm now excited to plan my year. hihi. Thanks dear!


~ Got a cutesy pink cellphone accessory from one of the most wonderful couples I know: Ray and Mars. (ayun nginangatngat na ni little pogi!) eeeee...thanks lovebirds!


~ Yurie, Lloyd's inaanak was amazingly overwhelmed with our gift to her (a pink hello kitty backpack) that she didn't let go of it as soon as she unwrapped it. It just feels good to see someone appreciate a gift  you've really thought of, especially from a kid whose love is pure and sincere.


~ I know it's mababaw, but i'm reaaallly happy to have received a gift from Lloyd's Ate Cha. It was one of my random Christmas wishes fulfilled. I have always aimed to be closer to Lloyd's one and only sister, and I know this is a good start. thanks Ate!


~ Having little Amiel at home just made me really excited for Christmas day, for him. Every time he sees blinking Christmas lights, he would always go, "WOW", the sight of pure innocence and happiness.


~ After almost a year of suffering from stroke, Ate Adel is healthier and more blooming. She has gained weight, and almost back to her old self. The only thing that's missing is her walking, and she's really determined to walk very soon, or before Kuya Maic comes home on April next year. When we went to their place yesterday, there she was sitting in front of the computer, chatting with her friends on Facebook. :)


~ And I guess one of the best part of my Christmas day was Kuya Maic Skype-ing with his family. It's been tough since he worked overseas, and tougher when Ate Adel got sick. And it's just nice how technology brings the family closer even only on special days. Kuya looks better, ang gwapo! and looks healthy. And I'm thankful that his kids, Miggy and Amiel were both on a good mood that they really showed their best kulit on camera. Miggy danced and shouted while Amiel made pa-cute on camera. Super cute! Kuya's smiling at how lovely his kids are is just priceless. And of course Ate Adel is energized and refreshed after they have talked. I'm just excited for Kuya to come home on April.


~ Lastly, I am just really thankful to be with my three families on Christmas day: my own family, Lloyd's family and my officemates (yes! I got work on Tuesday night!).


It was one busy day, maybe it's just like any other day to some, but for me, Christmas is still Christmas. And if there's anything that we should be really thankful of, that is the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ. He is still the reason for this season. Despite everything that may have happened around us, may His birth remind us to be hopeful and grateful, to be loving and forgiving. And like the star shining brightly in Bethlehem, may His love shine in us, in our families, or wherever we may be.


So from my family to yours, may you have a Merry Christmas everyday and a joyful 2013 ahead.

Our Christmas family picture from last year, Amiel is still inside his mommy's tummy.

I can see clearly now....

I've been wearing eyeglasses for about half a year now, and my first pair was bought from an optometrist who just dropped by the office with her sets of lenses and eye test kits. So I had my first pair without a thorough check-up. The result was, I still had difficulty with my eyes even with my glasses on. Like my mom, I am nearsighted, and commuting was a bit challenge for me since I can't see the jeepney signboards at once. I even had to ask Lloyd what the signboards say before I hail the jeepney. I also can't see much in the mall especially if I have to meet someone. I needed to almost bump at someone to recognize him/her. And again, all these difficulties even with my glasses on. My lens grade then was -.50/-.25.

So finally last Monday, I went to Asia Pacific Eye Center to see the ophthalmologist together with my mom. There we found out that I should really be wearing a higher grade of lens. The doctor was surprised that my grade went up that high in less than 2 years. Or maybe, I was really just wearing a wrong one. So I needed to change my glasses to -1.75/-2.25 grade. Geez.

While at it, the doctor too made thorough check-up with my eyes and found out that I have optic nerves that are bigger than usual. Suspected Glaucoma. Wikipedia defines Glaucoma as an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged in a characteristic pattern which can permanently damage the vision of the affected eye. Am I gonna be blind?! I just hate it when doctors tell you that you could possibly have an illness that just sounds like so worse. But as he said, it's just suspected, because my optic pressure is still within normal range, which is a good sign. But still, early prevention is better than cure, so he recommended me for further diagnostics.

I called up the diagnostics center, AsPac Eye Laser Surgicenter to get myself an appointment. Their first instruction was: "Bawal ang puyat." And I went like, puyat? ano yun? With my work, how is that possible? Happily, my bosses approved my leave request last Friday night, hence I had my sleep marathon. :))

Saturday morning, feeling fresh and well-rested, I prepped up early for my scheduled check-up and headed to AsPac. They were just beside CM Morales Mall and Pavilion Mall in Binan. Luckily, there were not much patients lined up, and though I arrived 20mins late, they still accommodated me.

I had three diagnostics test: Disc Photo, OCT for glaucoma, and visual field perimetry. The two personnel who assisted me helpfully explained to me the purpose of each test, what to expect, and what their initial findings were and the possibilities that I may have glaucoma. The Disc Photo took a snapshot of my eyes, focusing mainly on the nerves. The technician said, in glaucoma, it is the optic nerve that is really affected. It is when one's nerves are bigger than 0.3 inches. Mine was 0.6. Whoa. But he added that 90% of suspected glaucoma cases were just born merely with bigger nerves, but were cleared from Glaucoma. I maybe one of them. Next text was the OCT or Optical Coherence Tomography. It is more like the CT Scan for eyes which scans like a bar code and does a thorough check of the eyes. The technician even saw which of my eye has the highest astigmatism. Last was the Visual Field Perimetry. It is more like a video game which measures the capability of the peripheral vision. Ivan, the technician, said in glaucoma, it is the peripheral vision that's first affected. Hence it aimed to check if I can still see even the smallest detail from my peripherals. So when all my tests were done, I would just have to wait for the doctor's call for interpretation once they received the results.

Earlier, while doing last minute shopping, I received a call from the eye clinic informing me they already have my results and that I can drop by to speak with my doctor. Good thing that the supermarket is just a few blocks away from the clinic, so I just waited until the doctor arrives at the clinic.

As for the results, well, doctor just told me too many jargons and medical terms that I am not confident in writing such. But basically, if there are three qualifiers on Glaucoma symptoms, I have 1/3. That makes me still a suspected glaucoma case and will be required another series of tests after six months for possible progressions. Good thing I have my health card that covers all these procedures. And I really do hope I'll be cleared from this.

Oh and by the way, I already have my new set of eyeglasses, now with a higher grade and with a clearer vision. Finally, I can sing, "I can see clearly now, the rain is gone..." :)

Oyayi

You didn't have to be a belter to sing a good tune. 

You may need to be spontaneous in coming up with a tune to sing, 

but hitting the notes really is not a requirement. 

Any hum will do. He'll love it.

You didn't have to be a good dancer. 

But you may need to have strong and enduring arms to carry him as long as he wants.

All that matters is love. Unconditional love. 

When he still would cry, or be unruly

it's his way of telling you, "please be here. don't leave me."

It's his way of telling you, he needs your time. 

He wants you by his side.

So be there. Just be there. Carry him in your arms. 

No matter how tired you are.

Love. Just love.

After all, the sweetest reward is to watch him sleeping soundly. 

Then in the middle of his deep slumber, he would give a sweet smile to tell you, 

"thanks for being here. let's play again later, ha."

Getting started. :)

Nothing much to say today. I'm just overwhelmed with joy and kilig earlier at BPI Family Savings Bank - Pacita branch. Though this is not our first, but we opened another joint passbook account to really save up for our future. And what's sweeter is that the funds were Tatay's (Lloyd's dad) early gift to us. Super sweet, right? :D

So while we were filling up the forms earlier, the bank rep kept on asking me, "Ma'am parehas po ang billing address nyo?" So I replied, "no, not yet." hihihi. (soon dear.) And all the time we were filling up everything, there are these two words I just thought of: Financial Marriage (Thanks to Mars who coined that term last night. hihi :p). Then I kept telling myself that I gotta be a good saver. Well, good thing I have my best buddy who's really persistent in reminding me of taking care of our savings. He himself is a good saver, and that always inspires me. After all, this is for US. :)

so there. yay for today! apir! :)

Magical.

It was one ordinary Sunday night of March last year, Lloyd and I were sitting on a bench in our terrace from 12:00 AM 'til about 4. When we had no more stories to tell each other about, he got his Ipod and played his cruisin' playlist. So we listened to the best love songs of all time. There were hits by David Pomeranz, America, Ariel Rivera, The Carpenters. Talk about Classics! We're both music lovers that we can appreciate every aspect of a song, from the harmony, to the baseline, to the lyrics, to the feelings of the song. For this night, he's the DJ. He played each song that he felt was apt for the exact feeling at a certain minute. So suddenly, the ordinary night turned out to be one of the sweetest nights ever. And listening to such songs made me reminisce to a lot of firsts: first time we talked, we went to church together, our first month as friends, first time he held my hands. gaaahd. Magical night. And to further intensify my reminiscin', he told me, "so ganito ba 'yung pakiramdam?" then played this song that really best described my feelings. Yes, suddenly it's magic. He's a magic.

So I closed my eyes, rested my head on his shoulder with his arms wrapped around me as we continued feeling the song. So that moment, I prayed. I thanked the Almighty. For this. I knew that this is something I have really prayed hard for. Not just this certain moment, but this entire relationship. Him and me. I feel at home with him. He is home. and I couldn't thank God enough for making our lives meet.  When the song was over, I looked up to him smiling to tell him how he has filled me with joy.  Right there and then, he asked me of a four-word interrogative sentence every girl would love to be asked. :)  With my mind at peace and a thankful heart full of love, of course I answered him yes.

weekend yeys!

I've been away for almost the whole weekend. Where I've been to? Here's a roll of the events:

• Dinner with Lloyd's family at SM Sta Rosa to celebrate Lyeo's (their bunso) birthday. It was a super fun day that we got to bond with their extended family's babies: Yuri and Yohan. Yuri was so matakaw (but really cute) and Lloyd's Tatay Gavine enjoyed taking care of Yohan. hihi. And I was still able to pull a little surprise for Lyeo, where all the diners in Max's knew that it's his birthday (+ a free birthday ice cream :p) HAHA. 

Yuri and Yohan with the drummer boy from SM's Christmas parade

• We did some grocery shopping with Lloyd's parents and Lyeo and his girlfriend Mich. Ang cute lang. I'm really at home with them that Nanay trusts me with the items I suggest especially with the girly stuffs (while Lloyd sidecomments "ano na naman yan?!?" hehe. boys. pfft)
• After several months, I was able to visit a CLP again, at SFC Dela Paz-Golden City chapter. As soon as we arrived, the speaker Bro Jomz asked Lloyd if he could be the sharer for Talk 11 (Life and Mission of SFC) and I'm glad Lloyd willingly said yes. WOW. So he was called in front of about 30 people and told us how he has been blessed by God through SFC, with his studies, his career, his family. And the best part of the sharing? He said "And syempre, ang greatest blessing eh yung nakilala ko yung girlfriend ko, yung God's gift ko, na mahal na mahal ako, na talagang inaalagaan ako...." (at biglang hindi ko na narinig 'yung iba nyang sinabi dahil kinilig na ako. ^_^)
• Reunited with my true love: playing worship music. I've been on hiatus for quite a while, and I just missed playing the guitar for the Lord that I just strummed the strings with all I can. I know I'll be back. 
• a CLP night with Bro Lloyd would never be without a fellowship. so we had some movie marathon at Sis Majo's house and watched The Amazing Spiderman. It really issss ammaaazzziiing! Spiderman IS amazing!  
• After having lunch on Sunday, we drove to Genber Emporium in Landayan to shop for cabinets for the Carmona home. Ha! I chose the cabinets and the shoe rack that Nanay liked as well. weeeee... plus points! And I love it how Lloyd listens to my suggestions especially if it's for the home. :p 
• Finally, double movie date with Fafa Ray and Mars (visit their blog here). weeee! and Skyfall was really awesome. James Bond is still James Bond. And we also loved the character of the antagonist Raoul Silva. Mean yet funny and uhhmm...gay. hehehhe...

Monthsary double date is now a habit. :)

• To finally cap off the night, Lloyd and I dropped by for some barbeque and isaw for dinner . And we therefore conclude "iba pa rin ang streetfoods, malasang malasa talaga" yuurrrmmm!!! 

Whew! Thank You Papa God for yet another fun weekend, for affirming me that I'm at home with Lloyd's family, for the gift of music, and for the company of good friends. :) Amazing, Lord!

Masterchef!

Masterchef US never fails to amaze me. Lawyers, Truck driver, single mom, pool boy, name it! Everyone can cook! And I think it's an awesome job to be a judge. You'd get to taste everything they cook, try to remember all the ingredients and spices this earth knows, then say something nice (or nasty, if the dish calls for). And no matter how beautiful the plating is, all that matters is the blend of the taste in your dish, and the feelings that arise from these tastes. Quite a tough job, right?

So after watching Masterchef US this morning, Lloyd got too inspired to cook today and spent half of the day in the kitchen. He cooked breakfast and lunch for the whole family. Yup, he did all the cooking, while I did the marketing, housekeeping, and uhh, cheering [moral support ftw. :p] He has always loved cooking since he was young. He told me before that he really wanted to take up HRM, but ended up in Engineering. And I know he really has a future in Culinary Arts, so if he decides to change careers, I'd really give him my 120% support. 

Anyway, back to our cooking, he cooked my all-time favorite special scrambled eggs for our breakfast. For lunch, he cooked Adobong Pusit (also my favorite, his mom knows it), Marinated porkchop, and Pansit Canton. No fancies, just homestyle cooking.

our breakfast: scrambled eggs, hotdogs, hot pandesal, baked mac, and three cups of coffee (for me, Lloyd, and his mom)

Here are some other dishes we tried before, and I really, really enjoyed every minute of our cooking sessions.

Caesar Salad ala Tolome

The Over-LLOYD-ed pizza

So now you know why I'm such a healthy person, right? :) Well, thank God for this guy who doesn't only fill me with love, but also fill me with delici-awesome food. :)

Oktober Fest!

Hey October, why end so fast? As in, ang bilis mo lang. But anyway, thank you still for being good to me. :)

So here goes my thank-you-Papa-God list:

→ first month back in Operations. yey! I survived the month learning and doing the client reports, without any issues (so far. hehe. 'wag naman po sana.). and the best part is... "ang katas ng promotion." hihi

at Ian and Roan's big day♥

→ Ian and Roan's wedding. their relationship proved me that love indeed moves in mysterious ways. Who would have thought that they're meant to be? But as Lloydie attested, love shines through their eyes, and they're just really blessed with each other. Amen to that, brother GG. :)


→ Chikungunya virus. (my boss' reaction: "Chiku...what the heck is that?!"☺) Me, my parents, and kuya Noel were all stricken by this mosquito-borne virus. It looks like Dengue, but it's less dangerous. All of us, except baby Amiel, got rashes all over our body. Muscles were aching and we just didn't feel well. At least, the little boy was spared. Anyway, after two days of bed rest (and sick leave), I got my strength renewed and the rashes gone. Unfortunately, though, there's this what they call "chikugunya arthritis," an aftermath of the virus, which even after the rashes are gone, you'll still feel muscle and joint pains which may last for a longer period. So until now, we still got our muscle and joints aching occasionally. But at least, it's not dengue.

→ New job for Kuya TJ and Kuya Noel. Yey! I have prayed for this for quite a few months, and I'm glad that they're finally able to get back on track. I'm glad that Kuya TJ's new job will be less stressful for him, unlike his previous company where he was required to report this bosses 24/7. On the other hand, Kuya Noel seems pretty happy with his new workplace. They got their own staff house where Kuya stays in during the workweek, so he didn't mind working in the far away land of Murphy, Cubao.

→ Saint Pedro Calungsod's canonization. This event did not only made us Filipinos proud of our blood. This also served as a calling for us. A mission. Young as he was, he stood firm and fought for the proclamation of Christ's glory. He lived by the words of Saint Paul to Timothy, to "not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12). It is a challenge and an inspiration especially for the young people to be missionaries in our own place, our own pace. And I myself witnessed a simple, yet remarkable miracle from Saint Pedro Calungsod, when Amiel, suffering from a 38.6° fever, was healed as soon as I whispered a prayer to Papa God and Saint Pedro. I still feel goosebumps when I remember that. Praise God! 

→ Good things coming up for our account. Our General Manager, fresh from the business trip in California, met us last Wednesday to share us the clients' plans to be excited for. I myself am excited for the plans being laid out for the account, for the coaches and the agents. I have learned to love the program and I have learned to care for the growth of its people. So the plans for first quarter of 2013 are really something I'm looking forward to. We're all in this together, team! We're hot as wire! :)

Oh the world is a remarkable place!

The World As I See It

Jason Mraz

The world as I see it, is a remarkable place

A beautiful house in a forest, of stars in outer space

From a birds eye view, I can see it has a well-rounded personality

From a birds eye view, I can see we are family

It's not hard for me to love you

Hard for me to love you

No, it's not a difficult thing

It's not hard for me to love you

Hard for me to love you

Because you are the world to me

Yeah the world as I see it, is a remarkable place

Every man makes a difference and every mother's child is a saint

From a birds eye view I can see, we are spiraling down in gravity

From a birds eye view I can see, you are just like me

It's not hard for me to love you

Hard for me to love you

No, it's not a difficult thing

It's not hard for me to love you

Oh I really love you unconditionally

No, it's not hard for me to love you

Hard for me to love you

No, it's not a difficult thing

It's not hard for me to love you

Oh I really love you,

Love you are the world to me

Thanks to Mr. Mraz for this reminder. His song kept playing in my head for almost a week now, and it just made me smile. It's a given that Jason Mraz is such an AWEsome artist (can't help but WOW everytime I listen to his songs), but the song itself simply made me smile big time. It reminded me that I am remarkable. You are remarkable. Everyone and everything around me is remarkable. And each piece of this world makes this a remarkable place. And that it's really not hard to LOVE. Learning to appreciate every person makes one a loving person.

And of course the song goes out to Lloydie who makes me happy effortlessly. Aside from being a natural comedian (hehe. :p), the things he does to me and lessons he teaches me simply makes me a happy person. And it's just definitely not hard for me to love him. ♥

a remarkable place and my remarkable man over thuurrrr

Side note: How I really wish I could have as much guitars as he does. waaah. When I get richer, or have some extra bucks to spare, I swear I'd buy myself a good acoustic guitar. But for now, or maybe for Christmas, I'd gift myself a new set of acoustic strings for RJ. or can someone grant my wish pleeeaaasseee?☺

a long trip to heaven. :)

Ever traveled alone for a couple of hours, going to a place you have no clue how far is? And you have no idea where to sleep at or who will you interact with?

Dec 2007, a dear friend, Kuya JC, invited me to come and serve at their event and be part of the Gawad Kalinga Bayanihan Challenge service team in Mulanay, Quezon. Mula-what? Sa'n 'yun? But being a GK advocate and a passionate missionary, I willingly obliged to his invitation. So he gave me instructions how to get there, and warned me, "pagdating mo ng Lucena terminal (which is a 4-hour bus ride from Alabang), mga 4 hours pa ulit." WHOA.

So I packed my things and left home at around 7am on a Friday to start my long journey. I am alone. I didn't have Ipod or mp3 player, and all I have was my Bible and my school notebook (I got an exam Monday after that weekend). I got to Lucena around lunch time where I grabbed some bite, and rode another bus that will give me another 4-hour ride to my destination.

San Pedro to Mulanay. We can almost see Marinduque island from our point.

Kuya Jett, another friend who's already at the venue, texted me the lists of barangays I would pass through so I'd know I'm almost there. So I guess he'd listed around 12 barangays. At dahil probinsyang-probinsya, very rare ang signages or barangay markers. Ayos. Puno, dagat, bundok, dagat, bundok, alikabok, puno, kalabaw. 'Yun ang signages ko.

And since I was alone, it was more like a silent retreat for me. With the beautiful view outside the window, I contemplated, "Lord, where are You taking me? What's your purpose?" So, to be able to hear the Lord, I did not talk for the entire trip (syempre, wala din naman akong kasama, except kay Papa God, of course), but for a few phrases my fingers can enumerate:

• 1 pork chao fan (ordering my favorite meal at Chowking, Lucena Grand Terminal)
• Mulanay po? 
• Kuya, isa nga po (ice cream.) [the bus had a stopover at a store, at may mamang sorbetero. :p]
• Kuya, anong lugar na po 'to? Malapit na po ba ang Mulanay? [I asked this teenager who just got off from school. Malapit na daw. whew.]

Finally, at around 3pm, I got off the bus and got a trike that will take me to the GK site. When I got off the trike, I was welcomed with people busy building homes for other people, but still managed to smile at me. Heaven!

Gawad Kalinga Mulanay Village: a haven of love and nationalism

I was welcomed by Kuya JC and Kuya Jett, my two Quezon buddies, and they introduced me to the YFCs in the locale, who have been my family for my three-day stay.

Videoke, kulitan, banda, tugtugan, production team, kwentuhan, kantahan, KAINAN, laro kasama ang mga makukulit na bata. LANGIT NA NAMAN! I was able to bond with my brothers and sisters in the community, taught the boys some music, taught the kids the GK song, and of course helped build the homes of the Mulanay folks. There was also an entertainment night where I experienced a real "diskuhan sa Nayon" and just had some real, genuine fun with them.

Partners in Nation Building

I fell in love with these kids in an instant. My favorites - Sampu (ganun sila kadaming magkakapatid) and Tyson (a very sweet little one, as opposed to his name. hihi. :p). [bottom left pic]

It's sweet how the Lord takes you to places with the initial invitation that you'll be the one to teach and share your life to other people. But the truth is, ikaw 'yung natututo. I was greatly touched with how these people shared me their lives, their smiles, their food, their love. I asked the Lord to teach me how to love, and He gave me people who loved me beyond words. 

Event's program team: SFC/YFC Mulanay. They gave me gifts for me to take home [bottom left]

...when September ends ☺

September has been my month since 2010. Too many good and sweet things. So for this year, here goes my  'thank-You-Lord list:

♥ The birth of this blog

The blog’s title serves its purpose for me to see the things to be thankful for and write from them. It is in a way a therapy for me because it leads me to finding joy instead of ranting. And the major purpose: to thank God. Enough said. J

♥ The no-fancy, no-frills engagement

No rings and cheesy surprises. We just decided to finally let our parents and families know what our plans are, and now the whole family is ecstatic about it.

♥ The  promotion

After two years being in the Workforce team, I’m going back to Operations. With a not-so-new role to me, but at least, a different set of responsibilities, again.

♥ Lloyd and Mama’s birthday

Thank you, Lord, for the +1 to their age. May they always be happy, healthy, and hilarious. J

♥ The 2^nd year anniversary road-trip

We first dreamed it to be in a beach, in Laiya perhaps, but since there are a lot of things going on, we decided to hold off the beach for our honeymoon, and opted for a Tagaytay road trip instead. Full story here.


To end the month with a bang, Lloyd and I prepared for ourselves our own version of the new-found fave: Caesar Salad ala Tolomé. ☺

lovelove! ♥

Promoted. :)

I will be starting a new work on Monday. Well actually, it's not really new. Hmmm...

Three years ago, I was chosen to be the Reports Analyst of an international travel account where I used to be a customer service representative. Being in charge of client reports and employee incentive computation, that was really a tedious and stressful work for me. Really. I even had to be confined due to acute bronchitis after a few stressful months. A year after, an opportunity came and I was promoted as Real-Time Analyst (RTA) and was transferred to a different department. The RTA job was less stressful and I even got to be in the morning shift for a couple of months.

Another blessing came this month, when the managers of the same travel account asked me if I'd want to be, once again, their Reports Analyst, for of course a rate that's higher than what I currently have. Whew!

It was somewhat a tough decision, because I'm really enjoying the team and the responsibilities that I have. It's like, waking up, going to work, enjoying the work, doing my responsibilities, then go home and enjoy my life. Sarap di ba?!! I never get to think of anything about work outside office. I didn't have to worry about anything I may have left undone or any issues unresolved, because that's how great my teammates are! And the best perk of my current position: being in the morning shift! It's a bit early shift, though, because I have to be in the office at 5am. But since I'm out at 2:00 PM, I'm still able to do some errands, like going to the bank or do some groceries and still have time for my family. I should be asleep at around 9:00 PM and get up at 3am, but I really don't mind that! Masarap ang buhay ko! 

But I still took the offer and signed up for the job though I know that I'd have to sacrifice especially my almost-normal time and somehow my health. But hey, not everyone gets offered a job for a higher pay. Others really apply for it and work for it. Others get rejected and they try again and still get rejected. Most employees, especially in a Call Center environment, get stuck in a position for a long time, no matter how hardworking they are. And I'm really blessed that for my almost four years in the company, I was offered different opportunities with different working environment every year. I am blessed that my managers recognize my potential, and they really value the output of my work.

More importantly, this came just right on time when I knew I needed extra income. Who doesn't need money? And it's the perfect timing, just when we decided to save up and settle down two years from now.

Oh Lord, thank You for the blessing, and thank You for the challenge. I know I'm on to a stronger and better me.

Now, am I ready? YES I AM!

$$*kaching! kaching! kaching!*$$

Lovely Adelcy! ♥

2012 introduced itself to us in two grand ways: the birthday of our dear Amiel Mateo (01-02-2012), and Ate Adel's 54-day stay in the hospital when she suffered a stroke due to post-eclampsia when she gave birth to Amiel.

That was really the toughest time for our family. Kuya Maic, my second brother and Ate Adel's husband, was currently in the other side of the world, finishing his contract as a seafarer when these events happened. It was the toughest for him, because he had no idea what's happening, and we didn't know how to break it to him. When Ate was in coma and Kuya was still on board, we asked him to send us his voice messages that we can let Ate listen to, so she would feel his presence. I remember crying on my desk as I listened to Kuya's voice, trying his very best to be strong for Ate.

It was during the most challenging times that we felt the Lord's love. We were blessed abundantly. Kuya was allowed to come home and stayed with us for a few months. People prayed for us and helped us with our needs, whether in cash or in the medical equipment we needed. And just when Kuya was about to give up because Ate is still in coma, finally, after 3 weeks, she woke up. And two days before Ate Adel's birthday, on February 24, we are home.

She is still going through sessions of Physical and Occupational Therapy four days a week. And she just had her OT session this afternoon when I visited her. Her therapists would always give positive feedback about her progress, and they said her goal is to be able to walk again by December (because we have lots of gala, reunions and parties lined up). When I entered her room earlier, I just couldn't help but admire her, how strong and joyful she is, and still as lovely as ever. She has gained weight, and her skin tells she's in the pink of health. In fairness, the new hairdo ala-Demi Moore looked great on her!

Ate Adel, pic taken in Festival mall last Sunday

Amiel Mateo (boy po sya!) now 8 months old. Looks a lot like mommy!

Thank You, Lord for all the miracles You have shown us! You are truly a Great God! ♥

731 days of love. ♥

September 24, 2012, 1:15 AM. We are exactly two years together!

Well, we welcomed the day with our friends, slept at around 3am, got up at noon just in time for lunch. Pretty lazy day at first as we had to wait for Lyeo to come home from work (because he brings the motorbike with him). So at around 4:00 PM, we put on our motor gears: rubber shoes, black jacket, backpacks, Lloyd's hand gloves, arm sleeves, and our helmets and started hitting the road at 4:20 PM. Destination: Tagaytay City! ♥

Our route itself was exciting as we are trying on a new one. We took the Timbao road which is just near Carmona Estates. The road leads to Laguna technopark where I got a view of Amkor's plant 4 (hurray!). Unfortunately, since we don't have a Nuvali sticker, we were not allowed to pass through Nuvali gate so we had to re-route via Greenfield and drove along with the shuttle buses for employees working in the Technopark.

We traveled this route for 1 hour 15mins with our motorbike

Our journey was easy and breezy and I really thank God for the perfect weather. There was no traffic and no hassle at all. And we knew we're near our destination as we already felt the cool Tagaytay breeze passing through our helmets and touching our faces. Finally, at 5:35 PM, we checked in at Keni Po hotel.

photo from wandering gene

We fell in love with the place at once! Well, I first checked out some hotels in tripadvisor to find some cozy yet affordable places to stay in Tagaytay, and this hotel has really captured my interest. It's just along Tagaytay-Calamba road, right beside one of my favorite churches, Ina ng Laging Saklolo Parish Church. The room we had was just small and simple, but really comfortable. (unfortunately though, we don't have much pictures since we're not fond of taking pictures of ourselves. boo!) A sliding door leads you to a veranda, and our room is facing right the parking lot of the church (weeee!). The room also has its own mini-bar where it serves bottled water, soda, beer and snacks, which you may get anytime and just pay later when you check out. We really loved the place that we will surely come back here every after 3 months. :) Anyway, more pics on their blogsite: http://keniporooms.blogspot.com/

We then felt our tummies grumbling at around 7pm and decided to drive along Tagaytay and find a place to dine. Where to? We have no idea! But we simply enjoyed our stroll, with still the cold breeze kissing our faces, and we were led to Carlo's Pizza. It's just in the same compound as Starbucks and Teriyaki Boy. We first thought of dining at Teriyaki Boy or Yellow Cab, but I insisted that we don't since we can also find these restos in Manila. We gotta try something new! So yes, we gave Carlo's pizza a shot!

Carlo's Pizza is an Italian restaurant which also offers a good view of the Taal Lake. Unfortunately though, since it's already dark, we can no longer see the lake. But the cool breeze from the lake and relaxing ambiance in the resto made the night romantic. :) Service was good and the waiters were attentive. Now for the food choices, since Lloyd and I are both salad lovers, Caesar Salad won't be missed in our choices. I had a dish of Spaghetti Bolonese while Lloyd had a two-pc chicken combo, one of which was Italian-glazed and one was crispy fried. Finally, since we are dining in a pizza place, why not try their pizza! Hence we had their Pizza Verona (it has garlic, mozarella and cheddar cheese) which was delightfully tasteful and was made even more special when you put on some Caramba Chili Verde which of course is a chili sauce but still brings out the pizza's natural taste even more. hhmmm yumyum!

Affordable Italian dining experience 

Pizza Verona!

We capped off the night by dropping by Starbucks to have coffee for desert, for some more kwentuhan, planning, discussing about some more stuffs, and just simply laughed around. That's where Lloyd is best at, making me laugh and making my heart equally happy and joyful. :)


The next morning, we hit the road once again at around 11am, dropping by the pineapple stalls for pasalubong for his and my home. Stress-free travel! Thank you Lord. ♥ and if there's one most special thing about this trip, that is I know that I could always live like this and I could always enjoy these simple roadtrips with my sweetest blessing. There'll be more roads to take, and even foods to eat, and I'm sure I'll enjoy every piece of every moment. Being on our second year, maybe we were already past through that very cheesy stage. Because right now, we're just busy - and excited - of working and planning and building for our future, together. ♥

Pizza, Pasta, Pichi-Pichi, Pochero, Pareng Jack!

Happiness is an understatement. This was indeed a grand long weekend I have looked forward since a few months ago. Although it did not turn out the way I've first planned it, but everything was just... perfect!


Saturday, Sept 22
Long weekend commenced with a Shawarma food trip at the bus stop where Lloyd met me after work. Their shawarma was more affordable and less "smelly" but more tasteful compared to the one we usually buy in Festival mall's food court. This, to date, was the 3rd shawarma i've ever had. EVER! :)

When we got home, Papa welcomed me with "O, cheerdance na!" So I dropped everything and turned on the tube to catch UP Pep Squad while Lloyd thought of what to order for our dinner. I literally dropped everything. Haha. Yey for UP! :) So anyway, we ordered Amber's Spaghetti bilao, 20pcs BBQ stick and the all-time favorite Amber's Pichi-pichi! Mama also cooked my favorite pochero to complete the meal. Oh, did I mention that today's a double celebration for Mama and Lloyd's birthday? Mama turned 58 on September 21 and Lloyd turned 27 on September 23. Fun, right? :)

pochero, BBQ, pichi-pichi, and spaghetti
(with biiig hoootdogs!) yum!

ate chin-chin saying grace

raawwwrrr!!!

the boys' bestfriend: PARENG JACK

and the night's highlight: Online inuman session with cousins in Bulacan. :)

On-the-spot fun was the skype inuman session with my cousins in Bulacan. They're really my closest cousins and the first kuyas whom Lloyd got along well with. The boys were on skype until 12 midnight, until they welcome Lloyd's turning 27. :p


Sunday, Sept 23
Goodmorning Lloydieee!!! weeee...haappeee birthdaaay! :) We just had but a simple lunch in the Carmona home, then went to church with his family. This was my first time to hear mass with his family. During the mass, I really prayed that he and Nanay and Tatay will always be healthy and strong. There were just a lot to be thankful during the mass - his life, our relationship, our relationship with our families, and our own family that we will build someday. God is the sweetest!

After mass, we headed straight to Shakey's Biñan for his birthday dinner with Nanay, Tatay, tito, tita, Lyeo (his brother) and Mich (Lyeo's gg). :)

the fam! 

Thanks sissy Mich for the cake!

The day was capped off by his friends' own version of "Lloyd's day!" (i.e., lloyd+JC+jessie+a few more friends+fun fun fun). Nevertheless, thank You Lord for this one special weekend. But lo, our weekend is just ain't over yet!


...to be continued... ♥ ☺♥☺♥

Something's cooking...

Hmmm.
Lloydie and Fafa Ray behind the lens.
Mars on publicity.
Me on concept/artistic side.
Four bright minds.
Hmmm... why not?! :)

Game? :D

10 things I must start doing

1. Keep a close watch on my health. Maintain a good weight, rehydrate, rejuvenate, be healthy inside and out. :) 
2. Learn how to cook. Papa have spoiled me too much that he didn't let me cook for almost two years. I don't know if it's just damage control. (marunong naman ako kahit pa'no)
3. Save, save, save! As Lloyd recalls the article he has read before, "the secret to being rich is to not buying the unnecessary things." yes sir! :)
4. And as I learn to save, I must also master the art of stretching the budget. 
5. Start a business for mama and papa, or at least something they could get busy with at the same time getting income from it. 
6. Imagine my dream wedding! yeahboi! 
7. Plan the timeline for preparation. Gantt Chart mode ON. Magplano ng maaga para iwas haggardo versoza. :)
8. Get into a driving lesson. <insert music here> GUSTO KONG MATUTONG MAG-DRIVE! yeah, i must learn, because we gotta do a lot of errands soon!
9. Get my identity documents handy. 
10. Enjoy being Ms. Pelagio as I can, while I can. =D 

High School Musical. :)

I knew there's something special with today's date.

recall...
recall...
recall...

It made me reminisce back to my highschool days.
The first person who sat in front of me on my first day high.
The girl whom I shared the same passion with Music.
We joined the Glee Club together and even join singing contests together. :p
We would stay out until around 8pm, when our class ends at 4:40pm, because of rehearsals and church engagements.

We even tried to form a band, together with our girl classmates, and tried to play "So Young" here at our place..
"yeah...yeah....yeaaaahh yeah yeaaaah, we are soooo yoooung!"

We shared each others crushes, and everytime this certain guy passes, she would sing
"'cause you bring out the best in me, like no one else would do, that's why I'm by your side, that's why I love you..." :)

We would have lunch together, and will sing songs at the canteen.

Together with our classmates we would do the then-famous Coke jingle
"ito ang beat sabay-sabay, ito ang beat bawal sablay, pabilis ng pabilis..."

Or sometimes get our creative juices working and do our own version of songs...
"Jikaw Zamang Qan Tangakong Wahalin..." ('remix' kuno of Panunumpa)

High School was a sweet memory, and it was made sweeter by this wonderful lady.
I'm truly proud of what she has achieved now.
I know how strong she is, and I know she will always be strong, in anything, in everything.

Happy birthday, Joan! :)

Something for the boys

Now here's something naman for the brothers. Don't want to be in the Friend Zone? Here are some tips:

LIGAW KIT FOR SFC BROTHERS

Basic Checklist of Courtship for SFC Brothers

You are ready to court a sister if:

• God is your no. 1 priority
• You love your family dearly
• You are emotionally healthy/ready to get hurt
• You are financially healthy /will be able to provide
• You are a servant
• You are committed
• You are willing to guard your and the sister's heart as you discern your future together in this courtship stage. 
• You will keep this relationship pure and pleasing to God at all cost.
• You are willing to sacrifice your own interests and comforts for the sake of another.

In discerning for a sister:

• Be careful with your actions and words especially when you are not sure yet. Do not mislead the sister.
• Why this person? What are your motives in pursuing her?
• Do you know her well enough as a sister, friend, and co-worker in God's vineyard?
• What do you like about her? Are these what God wants you to look for in a future partner?
• Am I ready to discern this person to be my future spouse? Do I see this person as someone who can possibly be my partner in building a Christian family?

In courting a sister:

• Discern for God's time for you to enter a relationship
• It goes with your packaging. If she's beautiful in your eyes, be handsome in her eyes.
• Let the sister know that you are pursuing her, how you feel and what your intentions are. No mind games.
• Court your future wife, not just your future girlfriend.
• Respect the privacy and purity of the sister.
• Court in the sister's home, not in streets.
• It is not in the amount of the gifts, it is in the presentation.
• Be consistent in courtship, don't give false hope to the sister.
• Reveal yourself to her, so she'll love the real you.
• Allow the sister to entertain other brothers if she doesn't have a commitment with you yet. Be a sport.
• Don't expect anything in return. Just be happy that she's allowing you to court her. Just love her anyway.
• Get guidance from someone who has moral authority.

If she's a gift from God

• She must be something special.
• You don't have to force God, He will freely give her to you in time.
• Pursue her. Others might get her, or she'll just slip away.

Ligaw Kit for Sisters

I got this almost exactly 2 years ago, September 4, 2010, during the SFC Regional Conference in Rizal province. This actually just came right on time when I needed it. It was when I was actually discerning for Lloyd (yeeeees nemen! :p) and this has really helped me pray for him and for my heart. Well, where did this take us now? :p 

Something really worth sharing.

LIGAW KIT FOR SISTERS
Basic Checklist during Courtship for SFC Sisters


You are ready to allow a brother to court you if:

• God is your no. 1 priority
• You love your family dearly
• You are emotionally healthy/can be honest with your brother/suitor/ready to get hurt
• You are financially healthy/good steward of resources
• You are a servant
• You are committed
• You are a winner
• You are willing to guard your and the brother's heart as you discern your future together in this courtship stage
• You will keep this relationship pure and pleasing to God at all cost.
• You are willing to sacrifice your own interests and comforts for the sake of another.

In discerning for a suitor:

• If you are confused whether a brother is courting you or not, ask. Unless the brother states his intentions, do not assume. Ask what his intentions are. If he can't say, then don't entertain him as a suitor.
• Why this person? What are my motives in considering him?
• Do I know him well enough as a brother, friend and co-worker in God's vineyard?
• What do I like about this person? Are these what God wants me to look for in a future partner?
• Am I ready to discern this person to be my future spouse? Do I see this person as someone who can possibly be my partner in building a Christian family?

During courtship:

• Discern if the brother suitor is the one prepared by God for you. Discern if he can be your future husband, not just a boyfriend. 
• Be honest with him, tell him where he stands. Treat the brother with respect and don't ignore him. Through discernment, if he is not for you, have the courage to say no and tell him right away. Don't leave him hanging.
• Be courted at home, not in the streets.
• Be mindful in receiving gifts from the brother suitor. Don't give false expectations by accepting extravagant and extra special gifts.
• Reveal yourself to him, so he'll love the real you.
• You can still entertain other suitors if there are any as long as you've not committed to a brother suitor.
• Get guidance from someone who has moral authority.
• If you must turn him down, do so with respect and love for him as your brother.

If he's a gift from God:

• He must be someone special
• You don't have to force God, He will freely give him to you in His time.
• Allow him to pursue you. He might be the one and might slip away.

It's been almost two years, and I'm just thankful for everything that has happened since the day this kit introduced itself to me. :p