Because I will be in hiatus for a full month, I am leaving with a hodge podge of things on my blog:

Happy Birthday to the wonderful man I married - someone who loved and accepted me for who and what I am. I can truly say that you're one of the best that has ever happened to me. I am grateful because God has heard my prayers and He gave me more than what I asked for. I love you - always and forever!

Happy second anniversary hubz! Time just flew by, and I couldn't believe that two years have passed since our blissful wedding day. Had I known that being married to you is going to be the best feeling there is, I would've married you earlier... :) And though we're still far apart, know that in my heart, there is only you.... Here's to forever...

Happy birthday dad! I wish you good health, happiness, peace of mind, enlightenment, strength, hope. Though we've had our differences, no one can change the fact that without you, I will not be here today. I love you and I hope that time will heal all wounds and rekindle our relationship. God bless you!

Happy birthday ninang! Through the years, you have helped me and my family through hard times. Without your help, I do not know where we'll be today. For all those times you unselfishly gave and loved unconditionally, thank you. You will always have a special place in my heart. God bless you and your family always. May the happiness and generosity you shared be returned to you a hundredfold.

Happy Mother's Day to my grandmas (Nanay, Lola, and Mama), to my moms (Mommy and Mommy A.), to my Ninang. I pray that when I become a mother myself, I will be half as good, if not equally good, as you've been to your children and husbands. I love you all!

'Til my next post - a month later probably... :)

7 Days to Go...

I have been told that my smile, these days, spans from ear to ear. What better reason is there than the fact that I'm home-bound a week from today? For someone whose husband is away, I look forward to our yearly rendezvous year after year after year.

When I called hubz the other night, he was talking about how stressed he is these past few days. Of course I was worried that they're trying to squeeze in a full month's worth of work in a week's time (like they do to me over here). Fortunately, that wasn't the case. He's stressed because he's trying to find a condo unit for us (which luckily, he found one). Next, he was scouting for reasonable rates for our trip to Panglao for our second anniversary. Then, he was planning our hectic itinerary - leaving just enough time for us to spend time together - just the two of us. Also, he brought his car in for maintenance so it's ready for long trips to wherever.

As for me, it's been busy as usual - even more, I think. I'm trying to finish off all my post-implementation documents then get a head start on October 2005 Release (for which I was told I will be responsible for). But hey, I'm not complaining. In a week's time, I'm outta here... :)

Lastly, I think even nature's cooperating (if you know what I mean... wink, wink!).

This is how I want to remember His Holiness - lively, charming, gentle, loving, caring.

It was hubz who first broke the news to me via a text message confirming that the Pope has passed away. I was sleeping then because I was on graveyard shift the previous night. Being a light sleeper, the mere beep on my cellphone woke me up. When I read the message, I couldn’t help but cry. I haven’t seen him in person but I felt a deep connection with him. After all, he was the only Pope I knew. Everything about the Pope is the one news I crave for these days. Usually, I get tired at seeing the same news over and over again.

Here is this great man who served the Lord up until his very last breath. Here is someone who obeyed God's will until the very end. Here is one Angel that the world was blessed with.

Goodbye Papa. I will miss you terribly.

An Angel Among Us

All over the world, people have been praying for one of the world's most powerful leaders - Pope John Paul II. I am personally saddened by the fact that he is near death as I write this blog. All throughout his papacy, I have heard amazing stories about him. It had been one of my dreams to one day be able to visit the Vatican and get a glimpse of the Pope.

I recall that he went to the Philippines twice - the last one was in the 1994 (or was it 1995?), hubz had chickenpox then. I wanted to be one of those who lined up the streets of Metro Manila to get a glimpse of His Holiness. Friends who went told me how his mere passing brought tears to their eyes. They felt a sense of peace and overwhelming joy. I guess you can call it a taste of Heaven.

It had been written that because of his steadfast faith, he is able to see Christ like Mother Theresa. It is no surprise that he is well-loved, respected, and well-regarded. These photos will prove just how he much he has touched people's lives.

On Good Friday, the church distributed crosses from the Vatican, blessed by His Holiness himself. I kept that in my wallet to remind me of my dream to visit to the Vatican someday. I do pray that the Pope will pass on peacefully and that the new Pope will have the same effect on the world as his predecessor's.

One great man will soon be coming home to his Creator. I know in my heart that the Heavens eagerly await his arrival. He will be welcomed with open arms and all the angels in Heaven will rejoice in his homecoming.