Easy Like Sunday Morning

When I was fresh out of college, I was burning with desire to be part in the world of work straight away. I was overly idealistic and optimistic. I wanted career growth, challenging experiences, and financial freedom all at once. The burning desire eventually became like a vampire that sucked out almost all of my blood. At one point, I felt something was missing and I thought I already reached the cul-de-sac.

Then my knight in shining armor came into my life, and he swept me off my feet!

When I married him, I made a U-Turn and promised not to go back to the bumpy road again. Not that I don’t want to desire growth, challenges, and freedom, but I want to be more realistic and grounded this time around.

However, being a Sagittarian, sometimes I can’t help fast tracking my way toward my goal. My best antidote is my husband. He is so cool and composed. He’s a Scorpio, by the way. Yet more than the zodiac signs, we really complement each other.

This morning I wanted to do lot of activities but he didn’t allow me due to my delicate condition. (My period is six days late and I could be pregnant.) And so right now, I’m on relaxation mode. I’m feeling easy and breezy with the quiet aircon keeping me cool in the summer heat, my bar of Cloud 9 keeping me full, and a movie that I’ve downloaded exciting me.

I like my day this way – easy like Sunday morning, but not always though.

Happiness Comes in Pieces

On Mark’s 25th birthday in 2002, I gave him a book entitled “The Next 500 Stories” by Frank Mihalic, SVD, and I wrote a note on its first page that said, “Age is not a date in time but a state of mind. Our duty here on earth is not to add years to our lives but to add life to our years. I love you honey. Happy birthday.”

For many years, this motivational book has guided him and me on how to make the right decisions and choose the right roads. Sometimes we read our favorite stories all over again and talk about what we have learned from them.

Now, I want to share the #384 story/poem that helps us understand the partiality of happiness and why we don't ask God to give us more of who we are and what we have (though I don’t mind having more) as long as no one in our family gets sick or get into trouble with the law or something. Moreover, it gives us the rationale on why we should have peace of mind first before anything else.

Happiness Comes in Pieces
Happiness is like a crystal,
Fair and exquisite and clear,
Broken in a million pieces,
Shattered, scattered, far and near.

Now and then along life’s pathway,
Lo! Some shining fragments fall;
But there are so many pieces,
No one ever finds them all.

You may find a bit of beauty,
Or an honest share of wealth,
While another just beside you,
Gathers honor, love or health.

Vain to choose or grasp unduly,
Broken is the perfect ball;
And there are so many pieces,
No one ever finds them all.

Yet the wise, as on they journey,
Treasure every fragment clear,
Fit them as they come together,
Imagining the shattered sphere.

Learning to be thankful,
Though their share of it is small,
For it has so many pieces,
No one ever finds them all.

-Priscilla Leonard

A Day in a Military Wife's Life

“As I rouse from deep sleep, I offered a prayer to God for a good day ahead. Just then, a voice over the PA system announced: It is now recall. It is now recall.”

As a military wife, I can't help being like a PA system that sounds off at five in the morning to remind my military husband to get up and prepare for the day at such an awful hour.

That’s basically when and how my typical day begins.

I figured that it would be all right to let you know my daily schedule. Though, I must add, that it does not apply to every military wife’s life because every family in the armed forces is different – some have working moms while others stay at home, and some have no children while others have one or more. So, all of these schedules would definitely look different.

0500 Reveille (means hit the alarm and wake hubby up)

0515 This is the final warning and he has to get up. Otherwise, I set the alarm beside him so he would be rudely awakened. He leaves our bedroom, do some exercise or inspection at the unit, and I hit the pillow once again.

0630 Time to forcefully pull myself out of the bed and take a bath ahead of my husband.

0645 I prepare his uniform as he showers. This is also my time to watch the news on TV.

0700 Breakfast (I have to eat with him at the dining area with some members of his troop and I make it to the point to look at my best. I dread this part sometimes because there are days when I just want to look like a simple Jane Doe, you know just wear my old worn out shorts and tops, but I can't.)

0800 Hubby does his duties as Commanding Officer while I clean our room which happens to be just adjoined to his office. Convenient no? Nah, not at all times because I have to give him all the space and time in the world even if he is just arms’ length away from me. Then, I do the things I love to do such as reading books, surfing the net, eating, and doing feasibility study for a business.

1200 – Lunch (Thank heavens someone from the troop is cooking our meals otherwise I would run around the kitchen on my pumps. Remember I have to look presentable at all times? I wonder if I could even roll my eyes in front of someone.)

1300 – If I don’t go out, I usually head down for a long nap.

1900 – Dinner. After that, I surf the net or watch the news. Hubby would still be working at this time.

2200 – Taps. Woo hoo! This is my bonding time with my Mark. Usually, we just talk and talk until we get sleepy and call it a night.

Now this is just a regular day, nothing exciting and I haven't really explained completely what I do during the day. It’s not as easy as you think, trust me. As I’ve said, this is just a typical day, wait until you hear about inspection week or when he must work late (late means wee hours in the morning). That's a whole other blog though.

Home Sweet Home

It has been a little over a month since my last post. The reason for my silence is that I and my husband wanted to fully enjoy our extended rest and recreation in our hometown. We made a deal to make most out of it through steering clear of internet, cable TV, and yes, even cellphones. In other words, we just took pleasure in the total simplicity of life, warmth of home, sumptuous meals, sound of crickets, and lush green all around.

Allow me to fill you in with some of the events that made me feel that I have the best life ever.

On the 24th of January, after we settled the bill of lading of Mark’s bike (he said we could literally leave all our packed possessions behind except his beloved bike) at Manila South Harbor, we went strolling at Luneta Park as our weekend date.

water buffalo at quirino grandstand

the famous rizal monument

my man, my lover, my date

Then we visited Kalikasan Park at Fort San Felipe the following day. (Mark and I love to discover a lot of things together and one of our favorites is history.)

the gatekeepers

the weapon and the beauty

april and datski

In the evening of January 26, we went through thorough body and baggage checks by machine, human, and sniffing dogs at Manila South Harbor as we boarded Superferry 5 departing to Bohol. Week before that, I booked a PAL flight for myself (Mark has to take the ship because of his bike) since I was afraid to take the sea trip due to the disaster of MV Princess of the Stars.

In the end though, I decided to travel with Mark because I was inspired by Titanic (the movie) particularly when Jack said to Rose, “Why did you do it, Rose?” and Rose answered, “You jump, I jump, right?”

Anyway, it seemed we had a second honeymoon on board. The food served for our accommodation was so appetizing and our suite was so conducive for sea romance. We just spent most of our time making love if not watching the Australian Open. (I was happy because Nadal won yet my heart went out to Federer when he cried during his runner-up speech as well. Better luck next time, Rog.)

musings aboard superferry

in the middle of the deep blue sea

caught in the act (playing chess titans)

When we arrived at the port of Tagbilaran City (after a short stop in Cebu where Mark dropped off his bike and some of our luggages), I felt dizzy and exuberant at the same time.

My mother, mother-in-law, and Mark’s cousin fetched us.

Mark drove to Candijay right away as he had to attend the funeral of his aunt while I accompanied my mom to one of her appointments in the city.

Afterward, I treated my mom, brother, and the apple of my eyes, NJ, at Jollibee. While choosing our meals at the counter, I unexpectedly bumped into my friends, Chuck and Karen and their daughter Chy. (Karen and Chuck, if you happen to read this, sorry I wasn’t able to talk with you longer but it’s just a small world, right? I hope to catch up with you again one of these days.)

family treat

nj, mom, and bro

my jolly bee

Eventually, I was able to attend the funeral of Mark’s aunt because it was moved in the afternoon. It was bittersweet; bitter because I attended a sad memorial service and sweet because I took in the loveliness of our place during the interment.

six feet down under

the rice field and the scarecrow

enjoying at the backyard

Aside from just bumming around the house (some days at my parents’, other days at my mother-in-law’s), I also reread some of my favorite books until the wee hours. I got into the worlds of Stephanie Meyer’s Breaking Dawn, Sheldon’s The Stars Shine Down and Sands of Time, Robin Cook’s Outbreak, and Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook (I read it for the third time because I simply never get enough of it).

Indeed, coming home is always being on cloud nine. Mark and I even plan to retire in Bohol after we are fulfilled in traveling and working in other places.

visiting my high school

relaxing at the beach

babysitting my nj

driving around with our doggie isay

spending quality time at bohol tropics on valentine's day

Vacation is unfortunately over for now. I am obliged to set in motion the next episodes of my life - city life, that is.

Keep posted!

Ways to Say I Love You

Mark and I have our share of ups and downs as a couple but no matter what, we are still committed to say I Love You to each other always. It helps us revive our vow to make our marriage stay fresh till the end.

Likewise, we have our ways of exclaiming the three magic words without actually saying it. We couple words with action, so to speak. How do we do it? Let me count the ways..

* We gaze at the stars.

* We hold hands.

* We take trips.

* We cuddle.

* We listen.

* We scrub each other's back.

* We write unexpected love notes or emails.

* We schedule a day to just bum around the house.

* We don't forget anniversaries and birthdays. (Well, he does occasionally.)

* We share why we love each other to family and friends. (Like what I’m doing now.. winks!)

* We give the gift of time by performing trivial chores such as making coffee, cooking dinner, etc.

* We smile a lot. (Hmmm, I guess it’s just me but most often than not, I stimulate him to do the same unconsciously.)

* We wink to each other impulsively.

* We dance in our own living room.

* We plan and cook a meal together.

* We give each other a massage.

* We compete against each other in our favorite games like chess and billiards.

* We create fun outdoors.

* We watch TV and movies together.

* We tell jokes and laugh.

* We go joyriding on his bike.

* We watch the sunrise as well as the sunset.

* We give each other a surprising hug and a teasing tickle.

* We share memories by looking at old photographs and talking about memories we share.

* We let our hands do the talking.

* We share.

* We call and text often.

* We sing together.

* We heal our wounds.

* We surf the net and read books together.

* We update each other with what’s happening around the world.

* We view each other’s profile at Friendster.

* We go malling.

* We try new restaurants from time to time.

* We give each other me-alone-time every week.

* We debate on certain topics. (We’re thinkers!)

* We educate each other.

* We try new hobbies.

* We go to Mass and pray together.

* We kiss romantically.

Making Marriage Work

OK.. (Sigh) It was our longest fight ever. Four days. Yesterday morning, Mark kissed and hugged me then I gave in. We’ve decided to just learn the lesson from our rift and take it from there. Go figure.

There are five things that pretty much keep our marriage working.

- Number One –
We always say ‘I love you’ to each other.

-Number Two-
We don’t fight much and long. If we do, we simply give each other space and time to contemplate.

-Number Three-
We go on romantic dates from time to time. It helps us escape from routines and reminds us that we are lovers above anything else.

-Number Four-
We keep our communication open. My husband's job demands so much of his time and concentration that’s why communication is very important to us.

-Number Five-
We center our marriage to God. This way, we feel secured that nothing can go wrong to our marriage because we are always taken care of by the Big Guy up there.

Rendezvous at Greenwich Pizza.. Yummy!

Freezing Cold and Gloomy Heart

Sounds like a pair of mixed drinks – freezing cold and gloomy heart. But I do have some of both for two days now.

Freezing cold is as it sounds. In Cavite City, we are experiencing a drop of temperature, cloudy skies, scattered light rains, and gusty winds. According to weather news, it is due to the tail-end of a cold front. My feet get numb whenever I slip them out of my thick blanket while I sleep. Right now, I’m wearing thick socks but I still feel chilly. Grrrr. I hope I won’t get hypothermia. Heaven forbid.

With regard to my gloomy heart, I think it’s pretty normal to feel this way for this kind of weather. But I tell you, it's mainly because I have a serious fight with my husband.

We are not talking to each other for two days now. I’m mad at him because he missed out on a very important engagement. He is likewise mad at me because he said I don’t try to understand him. I refute because the said engagement was very critical to me. I've invested so much time and effort for it and it was what I've always wanted in my whole life.

Usually we just talk things out. Not now. I want to hold my ground and let him know I'm hurt deeply.

I hope that the coldness and our rift won’t last long though. For the time being, I just need a cup of coffee and a long hot bath to make me feel better.

How I Captivate My Husband

It’s windy here in CALABARZON area and I like it very much. It’s precisely the right weather to cuddle with your husband the whole day, isn't it?

Not for me though.

My Mark loves to work (or should I say experiment) with details and once he’s into something, it’s very hard to divert his attention from it. Right now, he is so absorbed assembling, disassembling, and assembling yet again his beloved bike.

One way or another, I've reached the maturity to not to compete with his hobby or with his job anymore. If he wakes up at 5am to jog and comes home from the office around midnight, so be it. If he brings home paperwork or new software to install or new gadget to play with, I give him the space in our abode. If he spends his weekend doing his interests like his bike, I let him.

But there are certain moments that I impulsively want his adoring eyes on me. That’s why, through the years, I’ve mastered the art of alluring him.

Here are my major ways..

First, I cook a special dish for him. As they say, the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So true. (At lunch today, I prepared Thai Moo Tot - deep fried beef chunks rolled over to fried garlic and chilies. Chilies are aphrodisiac, don't you know?)

Second, I engage him in an intellectual conversation. For us as a couple, there’s no better turn-on than an intelligent talk. Mark is very clever, knowledgeable, and analytical. He can keep up with my intense and diverse ideas as well. We indeed complement each other.

Last but not the least, I give him a massage. It’s the best letup you can give or receive to or from your spouse. Who doesn’t go head over heels on a massage?

I must add that as a wife, I consider it important to not only look and smell good but also to smile a lot for my husband.

I guess I have to do the charms now. Have a happy cuddly windy day, everyone!

Goodbye Rat, Hello Ox

Early in 2008, I gave up my lucrative banking job in Cebu City for more important facets of my married life which definitely needed all of my attention. I was very poignant at first but now as I look back at the 365 days that went by, I feel assured that I made the right decision.

I couldn’t exchange for anything in the world every minute I’ve spent in my husband’s arms, the experiences that made me grow prudently, and how I’m being indulged as a princess rather than an “other half”. Life with him is so wonderful and I couldn’t ask for more.

In the year of the Ox, I plan to go back to school (finish my Masters Degree or study Web Programming or Literature) and hopefully I can start my own business.

Moreover, I pray that Mark and I can still make it through the rough roads. His job is going to demand more of his time as he goes up one step higher in the ranks. I, as dutiful wife, should learn to be more patient with him.

I have faith that God will never leave me alone in my journey. Haven’t I told you that HE has been very consistent in pampering me with life’s comforts? God’s been my rock and forever He will be.

To everyone, I wish you more blessings in the coming year (just few hours from now) – fulfillment of your dreams and strength to conquer trials.

Maximizing Time with Sisterette

There are certain things that I can’t freely divulge on my blogs as my husband’s job is very information sensitive. For this reason, even if I want to shout out all what’s cooking on my mind right now, I still have to filter things out. (Falling in love deeply with a gallant knight comes with a huge price indeed.)

So to make matters less risky, I just want to assert that Mark and I are going to have a big change in 2009. Whatever it will be, I hope against hope that the blue skies, fair winds, and following seas will favor us along the way.

My dearest sister Jill (Datski as I fondly call her) has to be left behind as I go on with my calling. I love her and I’m so protective of her yet it’s time for me to let go so that she can stand on her own feet and follow her own dreams as well.

Today, we had our year-end bonding moments together (i.e. maximizing) around the metropolis. We went shopping, sightseeing, picture taking and cruising in Manila Bay. We definitely enjoyed every minute of it.

(click pic to view the slideshow)

Old Photographs and Memories

As an upshot from my romantic tryst with my husband yesterday, I would like to share some of our old pictures and love letters with you all.

(Our first intimate date, Christmas 2002)

Excerpts from my first love letter to Mark:
Sent: February 24, 2003

Honey,

I have so many things to say but I don't know where and how to start. I want to cry. I start missing you now.

I don't know what lies ahead of me in Thailand but rest assured that I will try all my best for you. You are my inspiration. We both agreed that I need to take this opportunity while waiting for you to finish your junior billet.

I want you to know that I love you truly, madly, and deeply. I'm going to miss you terribly, my love. Please take care.

Yours,
Jane

(The first poem Mark wrote for me, isn't he romantic?)

Here's my favorite letter from my husband:
Sent: March 25, 2003

Honey,

I almost cried upon reading your letter. I miss you so much. How I wish we could be together on our anniversary tomorrow. But don't worry my love. We will have all the time in the world to celebrate our anniversaries when you get home and I’m finished with my billet.

It is my constant prayer to have you for the rest of my life.

Since first high school, I already desired you. For many years, I always thought of you every time I wanted to build castles in the sand. Your face came into my mind whenever I dreamt of my future - home, family, and career. I thought you were just a fantasy.

But now, GOD gives me YOU! You are indeed my dream come true.

Always remember that you are my alpha and my omega. Without you, I will become like floating wreckage that has nowhere to go.

You are my port, honey. You are my port where I find safe haven, where I refuel, and regain strength after an exhausting battle. You are my port where I seek refuge when the storm blows and the weather rages.

You are my life, my happiness. I love you.

Forever,
Mark

(We took the covenant of marriage on April 14, 2007 and we promised to live happily ever after.. winks!)

I'd Still Say Yes

Christmas is my most favorite time of the year for a lot of reasons. One of these is that people are happier, richer and more giving. This morning, I found one more reason to love Christmas – it magnifies love.

The moment I woke up, I saw my husband smiling naughtily at me. I knew right away that something was cooking up. Then he said he wanted me to be his girlfriend (not as a wife) for the day and we would go for a date like we used to do before we got married. I exclaimed “What?!” I wondered why he felt like living our amorous girlfriend/boyfriend past and I swear he acted like an infatuated school boy. Was it because of the cool weather? Or the massage I gave him the previous night? I wish I knew.

Anyway, I said yes.

So we rode his bike to SM and had lunch at Maxim’s Tea House (their sweet and sour pork is mouthwatering). After that, we watched Keanu Reeve’s The Day the Earth Stood Still. We held hands throughout the movie and he would steal kisses on my cheeks that eventually made me blush. Then we went shopping for clothes (slacks and polo shirt for him from Wrangler and white tops for me from Kirin Kirin). Lastly, we braved the overcrowded supermarket to buy more stuffs for the Noche Buena.

When we arrived home, we had a meal of daing na bangus and steamed rice that brought back memories of our first month as newlyweds (I could only boil eggs or prepare corned beef out from the can back then, so he was glad when I was able to fry daing na bangus for the first time! Actually, that was the onset of my confidence to discover the kitchen world). We talked general issues during dinner such as the anatomy of aliens and Kobe Bryant’s low-cut shoes (we basically talk anything under the sun, you know). Before we went upstairs, we watched the 14th and 15th episodes of Prison Break which we downloaded from mininova.org using uTorrent.

All in all, it was a romantic day with my husband. Next time he asks me to be his girlfriend or wife or even as a mistress, I will say yes to him over and over again!

Party Like a Child

There were lots of children having fun at the NASSCOM Christmas Party today. They enjoyed the fun treats from the hired clowns and they cheerfully joined in the parlor games, raffle draws, pabitin, and karaoke singing. Their laughter blended with the jing-a-ling of the ice cream and cotton candy bells much to the pleasure of their parents who were able to chill out as well.

At lunchtime, we mused over some old jokes while we feasted on lechon, chowking lauriat, pancit, hotdogs, and fruits. Everyone was in high spirits - smiling from ear to ear. Nevertheless, we weren’t able to evade talking about serious stuff like how the colonist Spaniards imbued negative traits to the Filipino people. I was so engaged in our discussion that later made me feel like a renegade adult at a children’s party.

Mark and I participated in the Compatibility Contest for Couples afterward.

We were seated back to back and we separately had to write down our answers on a piece of paper. The judges would compare them subsequently. We got three correct answers from six questions such as how many girlfriends Mark had before we got married [3]; where he spends most of his time when he is not at home [at the barracks]; and when our last dinner date was [Nov. 25]. On the other hand, we differed on how much we spent in our wedding [his - 200k, mine - 250k]; what particular thing we always argue about [his – smoking, mine – jealousy]; and who I get jealous on all the time [his – his ex, mine - his bike]. We took home the second prize.

It was fun and it felt good bringing out the kid in me again!

Husband Reacts

When Mark (my then boyfriend of five years) asked me to marry him, I told him yes right away but with two conditions. First, I should have me-alone-time every week because there are certain things that I want to do on my own such as reading. Second, I easily get bored with routines so he should support me in looking for something that perks me up like books. He might think those were just easy terms that’s why he agreed without any second thought.

I bought a copy of Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum just few months into our marriage. I didn’t eat nor sleep until I finished the book. He was shocked. Then he also read it in order to understand me more yet it took him three months to finish. I was shocked.

As expected, I got obsessed with Jason Bourne. I was agitated when I couldn’t find the sequel right away. He helped me look for it everywhere but to no avail. I then asked a friend of mine in the US to buy me the other two books in the series - Bourne Supremacy and Bourne Ultimatum. I was happy to get hold of them. Perhaps that was the turning point of my husband’s empathy to my passion in reading. (By the way, I didn’t like the Bourne movie trilogy at all. It did not give Ludlum’s plot a much deserved justice.)

When we had our cable TV installed, my mind was fully diverted to tennis. I saw Mark’s relief when I spent most of my “me time” with him by watching the tournaments.

The tennis season ended in the last week of November just in time Twilight also hit the theaters. Well, you know what happened after that. I got infatuated with Edward, to say the least.

At first Mark just shrugged it off. I mean, why would he care when he knew in his heart that this was just pure craziness? He didn’t mind at all if I talked about another man, a fictional man, if I may add. He was so cool about it.

Until last Tuesday evening when he found me in my chair exactly the same way he left me that morning – reading more Edwards, as he said. He looked perturbed.

I was surprised when he woke me up with a breakfast in bed the following morning. He told me that he wanted to be my Edward forever. I smiled and then I laughed. How could he become so affected? Didn’t I just say that he was just cool about it? I looked at him, seriously this time, and told him that he will always be my one and only greatest love. I added that Edward is a mere fantasy. He beamed and then he kissed me.

It came as an epiphany to me that Mark has been very patient with my unconventionalities. He has supported me in everything that I do. He continually embraces my strengths as well as my weaknesses. I’ve found an unconditional love in Mark and I wouldn’t exchange that for anything in the world. Yes, even if Edward Cullen is for real.

Related post: Bookworm Princess

Tale of a Half Blind

The beep came right after we watched Lake Placid on HBO as if cuing us to fall out before going to bed. I was infuriated by the content of the message. He justified that it was entirely work-related. Obviously, I did not believe him right away as my mind was clouded with suspicion.

He went upstairs while I lingered in the living room longer. After that, I had my routine to clean my contact lenses when I accidentally rinsed them down the sink. I was so angry at my clumsy self. I had no choice but to talk to him about it otherwise I would be partly unsighted the next day. Then in his cool soothing way (one thing that I really love about him), he hugged and told me not worry any more because he would buy me another pair. My heart melted instantly and as essential as breathing air, we cuddled to sleep.

I am literally half blind, you know. I totally depend on a pair of negative 5.00 contact lenses (I used to have glasses but I eventually found them cumbersome to wear). Without these thin round plastic lenses, everything around me would be dim.

Nonetheless, my handicap makes me think that I already have sacrificed enough that's why God pampers me abundantly in other aspects of my life. It also teaches me to truly cherish the beauty and wonders that come my way. And most importantly, I learn to see things with my heart.

After Mark had his Tae-Bo, he drove me to SM on his Lifan Cruiser. Actually, our ride was a déjà vu of what happened in 2002. We were new lovers then; we went riding on his brother’s bike under the blanket of shining stars when suddenly a strong wind swept my right lens away. He was worried but I said it was okay as long as he was beside me. This time, he guided me through the darkness and told me that all is going to be well as long as I am with him.

As a final point, the unwelcomed text message and lost contact lenses were incidents that I consider as little bumps along our way. I believe that we can make it through the long, dark, and winding road as long as we deeply trust each other.

at Kenny Rogers Roasters (mark's fave resto)

Zeal Albeit Chaos

One would expect me to pout over the domestic routines that were piling up while we were away for the long weekend but today I couldn’t bring myself to get piqued as everyone around me is in high spirits.

While I was lying lazily on the bed this morning, Mark made lambing by tickling my insteps with his shoelaces. My sister was humming while dressing up to work. Our neighbors were playing easy listening songs instead of the usual loud ones. The children were laughing while walking to school. And, the man who sells taho was more jovial albeit the light rain that hushes the street.

Indeed, the air is already filled with Christmas chi that lifts the morale of every Filipino. It is the time of the year that we pay no attention to crisis. We don’t give so much damn about the rising of gas prices or the Mumbai attacks or Thais cordoning off their airports or Congress pushing the Charter Change. Instead, we opt to smile over small letdowns and see only the brighter side of life.

In line with this, I changed my blog theme from water to poinsettias. I trust that these poinsettias would inspire me to write happy thoughts throughout the season and to remind me to give a little of myself to the less fortunate children as well. (Please support my advocacies featured on the left sidebar of this page.)

For now, I leave you with this quote from Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon: Remember, this December, that love weighs more than gold!

What's Up for the Long Weekend?

The commemoration of our great national hero, Gat Andres Bonifacio, falls on a Sunday so our good President moved the legal holiday to Monday. In other words, we are going to have a long weekend!

I expect some activities lining up so I decided to have my “me time” today. By “me time”, I mean the day of each week when I don't have to do household chores or any wifely stuffs but only the things I love like spending the whole day reading a book or going to the mall to window-shop (Mark has his own "me time" as well by having a massage or drinking with mistahs at the barracks or occupying himself with his laptop). This morning, I went to SM Bacoor to buy contact lenses and to lust over the tops from Banana Republic that were on sale at P149.99. I ended up buying the green one.

Tomorrow, we are going to attend the birthday celebration of our good friend Dexter in Laguna. I’m excited to see the town again. The last time I visited there was in 1999 yet. I hope I can go to see my kins after the party. I miss them all.

Sunday, I think, will be spent on watching the latest episodes of Prison Break. We bought its pirated DVD (sorry Chairman Edu) the other day and finished the eight episodes right away yet Mark and I badly want to know the next steps of the team after the General wanted to move Scylla (Can’t keep up with me? Well, you miss half of your life by not following Prison Break). Thus, we are downloading the ones we’ve missed using LimeWire. However, it takes us longer than we want it to be and our patience is running out. Hopefully, we can download them completely before Sunday.

I haven’t talked to Mark about the plan for Monday yet, but I would like to hit the pool again.

So, have a fun-filled weekend everyone!

Kiss and Make Up

I grew up without seeing my parents argue with an audience. They always iron things out within the four corners of their bedroom. I remember one time they disagreed over something and disgust was written all over their face. I sensed trouble but they both went inside their room and talked. After a while, they came out smiling as if nothing happened.

It goes without saying that I look up to my parents in terms of settling issues within my marriage. Like last night, I was on the verge of letting all my gripes out here yet my hard core ethics got the better of me. I contend that after my husband and I hear each other out, we should let time, space and quietness resolve the matter, if it can be resolved.

As for me, I pour my emotional turmoil down the drain through words, hurting or not. I create a space where my beliefs are guarded. Usually after a long bath or a cup of coffee, I calm down and then forgive and forget.

On the other hand, Mark reasonably talks a word or two; goes outside and smoke; and, comes back when the dusts have settled. Then he gets his points across by talking to me with a cooler head.

Our marriage is still young and we have so many thorns to triumph over. Yet I have faith that our love will conquer all and we still have each other in the end.

I Left My Heart in Candijay

After the romantic garden wedding of Kenneth and Nina at Chateau de Busay last Saturday, Mark and I went home to Candijay for two days.

I was so excited to feel the breeze of my beloved hometown once again!

Firstly, we had dinner in Cogtong with my family. We feasted on Nanay Daisy’s cooking – deep-fried crabs, vinegared fish, grilled bangus, adobong baboy (seasoned pork), native chicken in coconut milk with lemon grass, and for the dessert, the mouthwatering fruit salad!

My mother is irrefutably the best cook in the world! Just to think of the feast she prepared for us makes me want to go home right now.

The following day, we spent some quality time with my widowed mother-in-law in Sagumay. (By the way, Mark and I are from the same town. We were classmates in high school as well.) Mama Doring, though not much of a good cook, managed to treat us with the yummiest adobong native chicken (more delicious than nanay’s) and fried shrimps; with the mixture of red vinegar, chili, kalamansi and salted fish as sauce. It is something that I look forward to every time I am there.

Then we went driving along the countryside (as we always love to do). I forever love the lush mountains; the green fields of rice, corn, camote, and many other crops; the serene riverside; and, simply the whole laid-back environment.

We also went to Ubay to buy dried danggit, my favorite pure tableya (unsweetened chocolate from cacao), and calamay (concoction of sticky rice, coconut milk, sugar, vanilla, and some peanuts) as pasalubong for our friends and neighbors in Cavite City.

I miss home. I miss my family especially my nephew, NJ. Sigh!

One thing for sure, wherever I may go, my heart will always be left in my beloved Candijay.

>drivin' around

>dried fish
>hanged to ripe

>the dam
>so heavenly

>visiting the dead
>shooting with an air gun

>the window
>askal andrew

>the landmark
>the roadside