How to Manage Your Finances Well

We hear and feel the singsong of global economic crisis, people losing jobs, commodity prices going up, and so on. Are we really going rock bottom? If we are, then we’re lucky because there’s no other way but up, right? If we aren’t, then we really have to tighten our belts more and longer.

From my end, I consider myself fortunate because I and my family are not affected directly with all these. (Or not yet.. simbako intawon!) As long as we have food on our table, love in our hearts, good health, honest profession, and divine blessings – which I deem are the truest wealth- we’re okay, alive, and kicking. However, I consider myself frugal too; frugal in the context of saving more and spending less. Yes, I drool and spend (sometimes on impulse) on fashion, books, and other chuvah chuvah, but I feel guilty when I go overboard, and when I feel guilty, I make amends on my budgeting right away. I deduct here or add there, you know. Thus, I’m frugal who knows how to plan and enjoy life at the same time.

I want to share Miriam Quiambao’s financial plan which she shared on Ruffa and Ai’s show a month ago. She learned it from a seminar abroad and she assured everyone that it works when followed earnestly. I am trying to employ it myself and hopefully it will go a long way for me financially.

Basically, you just have to distribute your net earnings. Let’s say you have net salary of Php 5,000 a month. Here’s the breakdown:

Necessities (50%) Php 2,500 -Food, clothing, rent, utilities, transportation expenses, etc.

Financial Freedom (10%) Php 500 –Investment for properties, businesses or interests, etc.

Education (10%) Php 500 –Education for kids (if there’s any) or further education for yourself like maybe you want to study web programming or painting or dancing, etc.

Long-Term Spending (10%) Php 500 –Pay long-term debts like car loans, housing loans, etc.

Play (10%) Php 500 –Travels, eating in fancy restaurants, watching concerts, etc.

Give (10%) Php 500 – Kindness spreads happiness, remember? So don’t forget also to share to your family or friends or the church or any charitable institution.

Okay, okay, okay.. I cheat sometimes. I cut bigger than 10% for Play, and cut it out from the rest. But the main thing is, I have a plan. It keeps me on the right path to financial freedom. Hopefully, as I've said, it will take me a long way. I can only hope for the best.

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!

Moving House, Anyone?

With the kind of job my husband does, I am expected to move with him from one place to another. I have become like a rolling stone that gathers no moss but honestly, I am cut out for it. I don’t fear changes. Instead, I like to welcome new surroundings that bring fresh feelings and I love meeting new friends. Most of all, I am pleased to revolutionize erstwhile routines that has been dragging me to monotony.

There’s one thing I dread so much though – packing!

I’m so stressed out and I’m in constant struggle to settle on what to bring and what to forego. No matter how it is done, it’s back-breaking and it takes more time than I wish to spend on such a task. I’m also amazed of how much junk we have accumulated through a short period of time.

Thankfully I have my sister to help me put prized possessions in boxes and throw away what I consider rubbishes to the dumpster. I just bribe her with brownies and Tropicana juice. She’s not whining yet, I don’t know in the next days.

Some of our clothes are now in luggages, pasalubongs in canvas bags, books and shoes in boxes. I haven’t loaded yet the curtains, beddings, PC, Mark’s cherished gadgets, and yeah, his bike too.

I’m thinking, how about if we just live in a boat like the Badjaos (sea gypsies) so that if we have to move again, we’ll just simply sail away! How about that, huh?

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!

5 Steps to Better Sex

If there is one show that I have to follow religiously, it’s got to be Oprah. I watch it every weeknight on Hallmark Channel and find it very informative and entertaining.

This week Oprah ran a special entitled Oprah’s Best Life Series. Last Monday to yesterday, she tackled about money, spirit, health, and weight. Tonight was all about the most sensual of all – intimacy and sex.

Man, to say that it was interesting is an understatement. It was a shocker to someone like me who is clueless regarding the tight spots on sex. Not that I don’t read FHM or other sex-rousing magazines but it was happening for real to real couples.

One wife claimed that she has not experienced an orgasm for all twenty years of being married. Her husband did not know that she was just faking it through the years. Another couple attested that after a few years into their marriage and two children, their passion for sex just simply died down. They could not even remember when the last time they did it.

Well, what can I say? My husband and I have healthy sex life but I don’t want to talk about our bedroom romances here, okay? For me, it’s a very private thing.

However, I admire those couples who guested on Oprah. I think they were courageous to tell the whole world about their sex dilemmas. I know it wasn’t easy for them but in a way, they were being helped by an expert and also they helped other couples who have same problems as theirs.

It was indeed an eye opener.

According to Dr. Laura Berman, a renowned sex therapist, the five steps to reclaim sex life are the following (please click links to Oprah’s site for detailed explanations):

1. Tell the truth about your sex life.
2. Ask for what you want from your partner.
3. Let go of negative messages that affect your arousal.
4. See a doctor because maybe little sex drive is a sign of something serious.
5. Make sex a priority.

Honestly, for me, sex is the most important expression of love for your spouse. If you love her or him deeply, you will ultimately get the happiness and satisfaction you need. Otherwise, you will certainly go down the drain.

Welcoming 2009 with a Bang!

It’s my first post this year and I’ve decided to try a new leisure pursuit that is uploading my own videos to YouTube!

I hope you will enjoy watching them as much as I enjoyed making them.

First up is the New Year’s Eve Street Dancing along Palma Street in Cavite City. It’s basically done for scaring bad lucks away. It’s like the Sinulog in Cebu.

Then as the clock struck midnight came the pandemonium of bangs and squeals in the neighborhood. (where Judas’ Belt is considered ‘trendy’)

Here’s my official New Year’s greeting vid:

(I used my old digi cam in taking the videos that’s why they are not clear-cut. Hopefully, I can show you hi-definition videos sooner.)

And now I’m going to present to you the other side of my sister Datski:

Finally, here’s the other side of me:

Happy New Year 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)

Christmas Recipes

What comes to mind when you think of Philippine Christmas? Food! That’s what. In our family, we always have ham and queso de bola as centerpieces for holiday dinners.

This year, I decided to be frugal that’s why I won’t have queso de bola. However, I will definitely serve ham because we got one as a giveaway from Phil. Navy. Besides, it is economical and I can stretch it to several meals from a main course. I’m talking about ham barbecue, ham sandwich, ham omelet, and so on. Ham can essentially star in any meal.

Since it’s going to be a busy day tomorrow, I already have prepared and studied the recipes that I’m going to cook for the first time.

Ham Barbecue

1/2 kilo ham (cubed)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup barbecue marinade
2/3 cup pineapple juice
1 tbsp cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tbsp water)
1 cup pineapple tidbits
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper

Place the ham in a greased slow cooker. In a large bowl, combine all other ingredients; pour over ham and stir well. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until heated through. Serve on buns.

Chicken Macaroni Salad

400g macaroni noodles
2 pieces medium sized carrots
1 big chicken breast
500 ml of mayonnaise
1 can (836 g) pineapple chunks or tidbits
1 big white onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
3 hardboiled eggs, diced
1 cup diced cheddar cheese
1/2 cup raisins
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook macaroni noodles according to package cooking instructions. In a pot, boil carrots in water for 15 to 20 minutes or until cooked. Drain carrots and let cool. Peal skin then dice. Boil chicken breast in water with salt. Drain chicken breast, then shred in 1 inch lengths Drain pineapple chunks or tidbits. Combine all ingredients while adding salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate, and then serve.

Fried Calamares

3/4 kg calamares (squid)
1/2 kg flour
1 liter olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Remove the squid heads, tentacles, ink bags, fins and skin. Wash them thoroughly under running water, drain them and slice them into rings. Salt, dredge in the flour, and shake them one by one to remove excess flour. Fry them in plenty of hot oil until they begin to turn golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

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!

The Christmas Pageant

I read this story on the bulletin board at Bautista Hospital this morning while waiting for my husband to get his laboratory result. It moved me. I searched for it on the web and found it at sparkpeople.com and I thought I would share it with all of you who read my blog!

The Christmas Pageant

My husband and I had been happily married (most of the time) for five years but hadn't been blessed with a baby.

I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if he would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart, and raise it with His word as my guide.

God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son.

The next year God blessed us with another son.

The following year, He blessed us with yet another son.

The year after that we were blessed with a daughter.

My husband thought we'd been blessed right into poverty. We now had four children, and the oldest was only four years old.

I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it. As a minister once told me, "If you pray for rain, make sure you carry an umbrella."

I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children each day as they lay in their cribs.

I was off to a good start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn't want to disappoint Him.

I tried to be patient the day the children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor searching for baby chicks.

I tried to be understanding...

When they started a hotel for homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs.

When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I tried to see the humor rather than the mess.

In spite of changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time, I still thank God daily for my children.

While I couldn't keep my promise to be a perfect mother - I didn't even come close... I did keep my promise to raise them in the Word of God.

I knew I was missing the mark just a little when I told my daughter we were going to church to worship God, and she wanted to bring a bar of soap along to "wash up" Jesus too.

Something was lost in the translation when I explained that God gave us everlasting life, and my son thought it was generous of God to give us his "last wife."

My proudest moment came during the children's Christmas pageant.

My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons were shepherds and my youngest son was a wise man. This was their moment to shine.

My five-year-old shepherd had practiced his line, "We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes."

But he was nervous and said, "The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes."

My four-year-old "Mary" said, "That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. That's dirty, rotten clothes."

A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing.

I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, "Mama-mama."

Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly as the wise men arrived.

My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur."

The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant got a standing ovation.

"I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one," laughed the pastor, wiping tears from his eyes.

"For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common sense and fur."

"My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest blessing," I said as I dug through my purse for an aspirin.

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.

Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher .

Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.

Had no army, yet kings feared Him.

He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.

He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.

He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

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!

It's Time for Shopping!

It’s seven days to Christmas and I have yet to buy presents and get ready for the noche buena.

It is the only time of the year that my husband allows me to splurge on him (as you know he’s not vain and he’s pretty okay with just anything in his wardrobe – jerseys, giveaway shirts, faded jeans) so I’m gonna buy something special for him like aviator sunglasses from Ray-Ban.

And my sister Jill will get a waffle hoody that’s so ‘in’ these days.

For me, well, all I need is a solid pair of ear plugs. I’m suffering distress at the sound of fireworks in the neighborhood these days more so on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. I’m sure I’ll chicken out when chaos of bangs and squeals of powerful “rockets” begins. I don’t need to buy one though as my husband’s shooter’s ear plugs will do.

For my family and godchildren, I think I could excuse myself to give them tangible things these holidays since they are all in the province. Besides, Mark and I will move to Cebu early next year thus I will have plenty of time to make up for my “debts” when I get there. (LOL.. good alibi ha?!) Instead, I will give them personalized greetings this Christmas – something that is carved my heart.

And what’s for noche buena? I plan to prepare fried chicken, macaroni salad, grilled bangus, fried calamares, pancit, nachos, and fruit cocktail. The bread and cake, I will just buy at Goldilocks.

I guess it’s time to spend the gift certificates from Sodexho!

Spaghetti ala Jane

Mark and his two cousins fired some powerful “toys” at the firing range yesterday. I expected that they would be ravenous after they were done with their physically consuming hobby and so I armed myself with my dependable cookbook to prepare for them a sumptuous feast.

Also, I took this particular time to experiment a dish that I never tried cooking before. I figured that they as starved Y chromosomes wouldn’t mind if it tasted awful as long as it looked appetizing enough.

I chose spaghetti – Filipino style. I varied some ingredients and instructions from the cookbook so as to claim it as mine.

Here's the Spaghetti ala Jane:

(leftover)

Ingredients:
1/2 kg. spaghetti noodles
1/4 kg. ground beef
1/4 kg. ground pork
1/4 kg. hotdogs, diagonally sliced
1 kg. tomato sauce
1 bottle of banana catsup
3 pieces laurel leaves (bay leaves)
1/4 cup brown (brown is sweeter)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 onion, chopped
1 head garlic, minced
3 tablespoons of cooking oil
1/2 cup of water
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated cheese

Cooking Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a sauce pan or wok, sauté garlic and onions in cooking oil.
3. Add ground beef, ground pork, laurel leaves, bell pepper and water. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add tomato sauce, catsup, salt and pepper to taste then let simmer for another 5 minutes.
5. Add brown sugar and hotdogs. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Serve with the cooked spaghetti noodles and grated cheese on top.

The whole cooking process made me tired but I guess it was good for a first try nonetheless.

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.

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