> Dear God,
>
> Today is my 31st birthday. Some people start keeping their ages a secret when they hit 30 while I proudly say "I'm 31!" when asked about my age. Thank you for another fruitful year. I can't say I couldn't ask for more but I am eternally grateful for all the things that happened to my life - all 31 years of it.
>
> Ten years ago, I graduated from college and You were there with me as I struggled through hard times. It wasn't an easy trek and there were times I would talk to You in tears - I felt like giving up. We had nothing then - absolutely nothing. We lost our house, but we knew that was coming long before. Still, we were thankful because I was already employed when we got evicted. After all, we didn't have to sleep on the streets and beg. You always found a way for us to survive it all even when my mom succumbed into depression. Even now, I still cannot believe I was able to provide for my mom's medication, my brother's schooling, not to mention our monthly rent. You have always sent reinforcements - from my loving grandmother to my generous aunt, to my dad who would, once in a blue moon, send financial support, to my then boyfriend C, who would never fail to lend me money just when I'm down to my last buck.
>
> I prayed hard to be able to find employment overseas so I can help my family even more. When we lost our house, You were there when I made a solemn promise to my mom that I will help her realize her dream of having a house of her own which nobody can take away from her. Finding a job overseas is the fastest and easiest way I could keep that promise. At 24, You granted my prayers and I found myself leaving for San Francisco the day after C and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary as a couple. Because I had to leave in a hurry with a job already waiting, I didn't get the chance to say goodbye to my mom and my brother. That truly broke my heart to pieces. I was at the airport putting up a brave face while my grandmother, my bestfriend G, and my boyfriend C were teary-eyed. Deep inside, I was crying tears by the barrel.
>
> The project didn't push through - it was canned even before I started, but you gave me an even better job in lieu of that. You blessed with me wonderful teammates and a very patient mentor. On my first birthday here in the US, I was able to buy myself a nice car. You made sure I had the funds and the job to finance it.
>
> You brought me to places I used to imagine only in my dreams. At 27, I started making my mom's dream a reality. I know You were with her when the house was completed. I can hear the excitement in my mom's voice whenever I talk to her on the phone. It cleaned up my savings but I know it was well worth it. The year after that, I was able to co-own a house here in the US with my roommate. I cried on my first night there because never in my wildest dreams have I imagined myself living in a beautiful house like that. I now know why my mom was so elated. I grew up in a house where the roof leaked - where we had to wake up every now and then when it rains so we can empty out the basins that keeps the water from flooding the floor.
>
> Because You blessed me with a stable job, I was able to not only help finance a house for my mom and my brother, but to help in the renovation of my grandmother's house as well. At 30, You blessed me with a great husband - my long time boyfriend who has been with me through it all. He understood the responsibilities I carried on my shoulders and he accepted me wholeheartedly. He was very supportive of my dreams. He made sure he didn't get in my way of achieving them even when I know it had hurt him so much to see me leave. I consider myself very fortunate and very blessed!
>
> On my 31st birthday, You heard another prayer, and granted me a big birthday present. Another house would make 3! Today is not only special because it's my birthday, but it is also the day we closed escrow for a rental property. Again, I'm a co-owner with my roommate. I'm crying as I write this beca> use our broker just called to let us know that it's recorded in our name today!
>
> Lord, I only asked for a roof above our heads while I was growing up. A roof that doesn't leak, stairs that don't rock and squeak everytime we climb it, and walls that are not infested by molds, yet You gave me a whole lot more!
>
> Miracles do happen everyday. My life is a living proof of that. People who knew us before still couldn't believe how far we've come in a span of 10 years! It still amazes me to this very day how it all happened. I know one thing for sure though, You have always been beside me. You carried me through rough times. We've weathered the toughest of storms together.
>
> Today let me not only celebrate my birthday, but let me take a moment to thank You for everything You have blessed me with. You are truly good.... all the time!
>
> Your loving daughter,
> M
Friday, September 10, 2004
Thursday, September 9, 2004
Roses are red.... balloons are round.... stuffed toys are cuddly
I got a nice surprise from hubz today. He sent me three roses at work with two balloons that had "Happy Birthday" on one and "I love you" on the other. It also has this cute little blue teddy bear (blue is my favorite color, so there). Call me sentimental but I was teary eyed at that! Co-workers who saw it all said he's sooo sweet, and I totally agree! I'm one lucky girl!
Thanks hubz.... you made my day right again! Now you made me miss you even more....
One day to go....
Thanks hubz.... you made my day right again! Now you made me miss you even more....
One day to go....
Wednesday, September 8, 2004
What a shocking day!
Someone forwarded me an email today with disturbing photos from Russia. From kids being carried away by their parents, to people crying after being reunited with their kids, to wounded children with only their undies on - it was such a troubling scene. Then there were photos of those who died - which broke my heart to pieces that it brought tears to my eyes.
My heart went out to those children who will probably suffer the trauma from being held captive for days! Parents will probably dread the moment they leave their kids to school, not knowing if they'll come home safe after class. I cried for the kids and for their parents because I can feel their pain deep in my heart.
What is happening to our world today? Why does it have to come to this - violence against young and innocent children? What harm have they done?!
Add to this the news that there was an accident at San Mateo Bridge yesterday that threw two kids (one is four years old, and the other, three) out of the car into the open sea! It was such a bizarre accident. The three year old kid was rescued alive but in critical condition. The other one wasn't as fortunate as he still hasn't been found. For those children to be thrown out of the car, the impact must've been great and they must not be wearing seatbelts! What about car seats? Have they been sitting on one? I didn't think so....
I just become very emotional when children are involved. I will say my silent prayer for them tonight. Please include them in your prayers as well.
Two days to go....
Someone forwarded me an email today with disturbing photos from Russia. From kids being carried away by their parents, to people crying after being reunited with their kids, to wounded children with only their undies on - it was such a troubling scene. Then there were photos of those who died - which broke my heart to pieces that it brought tears to my eyes.
My heart went out to those children who will probably suffer the trauma from being held captive for days! Parents will probably dread the moment they leave their kids to school, not knowing if they'll come home safe after class. I cried for the kids and for their parents because I can feel their pain deep in my heart.
What is happening to our world today? Why does it have to come to this - violence against young and innocent children? What harm have they done?!
Add to this the news that there was an accident at San Mateo Bridge yesterday that threw two kids (one is four years old, and the other, three) out of the car into the open sea! It was such a bizarre accident. The three year old kid was rescued alive but in critical condition. The other one wasn't as fortunate as he still hasn't been found. For those children to be thrown out of the car, the impact must've been great and they must not be wearing seatbelts! What about car seats? Have they been sitting on one? I didn't think so....
I just become very emotional when children are involved. I will say my silent prayer for them tonight. Please include them in your prayers as well.
Two days to go....
Tuesday, September 7, 2004
Back to the Grind
After a relaxing three-day weekend, I'm back to work. I practically had to drag myself out of bed this morning. What a way to start another work week huh? If only there are three-day weekends every month.... I wish, I wish....
We were up on Elk Grover on Saturday. It was flaming hot over there! It's probably 10-15 degrees warmer than where we live. To think that Napa is a good 10 degrees warmer than the Peninsula as well! Other than a scorching weekend, it was great actually. I preferred to stay home because it's cooler indoors than out. Even when I step out of the house, I make sure I coat my skin with enough sunblock to protect it from UV rays. We got home later than usual because we were out window shopping. Good thing I didn't bring home any windows with me, ha!
Sunday was spent cleaning the house a bit, only to mess it up again while doing my scrapbook layouts. I had to run to Michael's for a few minutes to buy some stuff that I need, only to end up buying those "just in case" stuffs - that's the shoppaholic in me trying to justify my spending! I have to pat myself on the shoulder though - I was able to make 4 layouts and a greeting card for my uncle's birthday. I did good! I had a late dinner because I was so engrossed with my LOs that time passed swiftly by. In fact, I didn't even mind being at home on my own. My roommate attended a party while I preferred to just stay home and work on my layouts. It was so relaxing doing it that I think I'm already getting addicted. I took pictures to send to hubz and he complimented my work. Then, before retiring to bed, I had to do some ironing. Of course my day isn't complete without speaking to hubz on the phone.
Monday was my quiet reading time. My roommate spent the afternoon taking a long nap. I was quite proud of myself because I did what I needed to accomplish - I didn't get swayed into sleeping as well. I even wrote a couple of snail mail letters to some friends back home. I wrapped baby shower gifts for a distant relative's second baby and made a personalized greeting card as well!
Oh well, back to work....
Three days to go....
We were up on Elk Grover on Saturday. It was flaming hot over there! It's probably 10-15 degrees warmer than where we live. To think that Napa is a good 10 degrees warmer than the Peninsula as well! Other than a scorching weekend, it was great actually. I preferred to stay home because it's cooler indoors than out. Even when I step out of the house, I make sure I coat my skin with enough sunblock to protect it from UV rays. We got home later than usual because we were out window shopping. Good thing I didn't bring home any windows with me, ha!
Sunday was spent cleaning the house a bit, only to mess it up again while doing my scrapbook layouts. I had to run to Michael's for a few minutes to buy some stuff that I need, only to end up buying those "just in case" stuffs - that's the shoppaholic in me trying to justify my spending! I have to pat myself on the shoulder though - I was able to make 4 layouts and a greeting card for my uncle's birthday. I did good! I had a late dinner because I was so engrossed with my LOs that time passed swiftly by. In fact, I didn't even mind being at home on my own. My roommate attended a party while I preferred to just stay home and work on my layouts. It was so relaxing doing it that I think I'm already getting addicted. I took pictures to send to hubz and he complimented my work. Then, before retiring to bed, I had to do some ironing. Of course my day isn't complete without speaking to hubz on the phone.
Monday was my quiet reading time. My roommate spent the afternoon taking a long nap. I was quite proud of myself because I did what I needed to accomplish - I didn't get swayed into sleeping as well. I even wrote a couple of snail mail letters to some friends back home. I wrapped baby shower gifts for a distant relative's second baby and made a personalized greeting card as well!
Oh well, back to work....
Three days to go....
Wednesday, September 1, 2004
*&#^()%!!!!!
I'll take this opportunity to vent my frustrations on what I've seen at a "noontime variety show" on Sunday. Please note that I enclosed in quotes the words noontime variety show. You'll know in a bit.
I was watching ASAP Mania on Sunday via The Filipino Channel (TFC). We subscribed a few months back because we miss tagalog shows so much, and we'd like to know what's going on in our beloved land. In that show, Vina Morales came out with a group called South Border. They were singing an obscene song that totally irked me! For crying out loud, it's a noontime show - kids watching.... get it? What bothered me even more was that they were showing the lyrics out for everyone to see - and sing with - just like you do on karaoke bars! How low is that?!
Ok Vina, you can't say you have no idea that was what the song was about because you had to memorize the lyrics to be able to sing it with the band. It's bad enough that the producers or director allowed such a song to be sung on a "noontime variety show", let alone show the lyrics in public! It's just so degrading!!!!
MTRCB, helloooo - couldn't you suspend the whole show, the band, and Vina for pulling a stunt like this? The past few weeks, a couple of celebrities have been suspended because they uttered obscene words in another show. I didn't see them do it, but this time, I saw with my own two eyes and I would love to see them reprimanded for it! A simple slap in the hand just won't do! Of course after realizing they were singing some *&*^%L song, I made sure I switched channels.
I don't know, maybe I'm totally naive and a tad conservative, but I asked my friends who saw the same show and they were also annoyed, especially because they have kids who were watching it with them! Good thing they were around to change channels!
Sorry, I just had to let this out of my system.
I was watching ASAP Mania on Sunday via The Filipino Channel (TFC). We subscribed a few months back because we miss tagalog shows so much, and we'd like to know what's going on in our beloved land. In that show, Vina Morales came out with a group called South Border. They were singing an obscene song that totally irked me! For crying out loud, it's a noontime show - kids watching.... get it? What bothered me even more was that they were showing the lyrics out for everyone to see - and sing with - just like you do on karaoke bars! How low is that?!
Ok Vina, you can't say you have no idea that was what the song was about because you had to memorize the lyrics to be able to sing it with the band. It's bad enough that the producers or director allowed such a song to be sung on a "noontime variety show", let alone show the lyrics in public! It's just so degrading!!!!
MTRCB, helloooo - couldn't you suspend the whole show, the band, and Vina for pulling a stunt like this? The past few weeks, a couple of celebrities have been suspended because they uttered obscene words in another show. I didn't see them do it, but this time, I saw with my own two eyes and I would love to see them reprimanded for it! A simple slap in the hand just won't do! Of course after realizing they were singing some *&*^%L song, I made sure I switched channels.
I don't know, maybe I'm totally naive and a tad conservative, but I asked my friends who saw the same show and they were also annoyed, especially because they have kids who were watching it with them! Good thing they were around to change channels!
Sorry, I just had to let this out of my system.
Saturday, August 28, 2004
Don't say bad words
That was my parents telling us not to say bad words. Once there was this fad in school that you're cool if you utter the prohibited words. My mom heard me swearing at home and she slapped me so hard in the face that her fingers made a mark on my cheeks. Boy did I learn my lesson!
I was at Blockbuster's today renting some movies for the weekend. Two teenage girls in front of me caught my eye because they're wearing the tiniest shorts I've ever seen, not to mention the very revealing shirt. They also have piercings on their face and on their bellybuttons. And oh, they have tattoos too! I noticed that I wasn't the only one looking because everyone else gawked at them when they uttered the "f" word. They were so upset because they were charged late fees for the 6 DVDs (or games) they returned today (that are due yesterday?!). They insisted they've returned it on time but didn't drop them on the dropbox - duh?! Also, the cashier insisted that there's one game missing from the bunch. Of course they got upset again and swore some more! In the end, they just stormed out of the store.
What does their parents teach them?! They have no respect for their elders! Pity because they're both pretty. I wanted to smack them right then and there but of course I restrained myself. When they left, everyone in line had something to say about that incident. I guess their attitude is a reflection of how their parents raised them.
I'm glad my mom pacified me when she heard me swearing.
That was my parents telling us not to say bad words. Once there was this fad in school that you're cool if you utter the prohibited words. My mom heard me swearing at home and she slapped me so hard in the face that her fingers made a mark on my cheeks. Boy did I learn my lesson!
I was at Blockbuster's today renting some movies for the weekend. Two teenage girls in front of me caught my eye because they're wearing the tiniest shorts I've ever seen, not to mention the very revealing shirt. They also have piercings on their face and on their bellybuttons. And oh, they have tattoos too! I noticed that I wasn't the only one looking because everyone else gawked at them when they uttered the "f" word. They were so upset because they were charged late fees for the 6 DVDs (or games) they returned today (that are due yesterday?!). They insisted they've returned it on time but didn't drop them on the dropbox - duh?! Also, the cashier insisted that there's one game missing from the bunch. Of course they got upset again and swore some more! In the end, they just stormed out of the store.
What does their parents teach them?! They have no respect for their elders! Pity because they're both pretty. I wanted to smack them right then and there but of course I restrained myself. When they left, everyone in line had something to say about that incident. I guess their attitude is a reflection of how their parents raised them.
I'm glad my mom pacified me when she heard me swearing.
Friday, August 27, 2004
Talk about grumpiness....
Here's an exerpt from my conversation with hubz last night (H is hubz; M is me).
M: Tampo si lola kasi di mo daw siya binibisita or tinatawagan
H: Gusto mo linggo-linggo ko siyang puntahan eh
M: Hindi naman, pero sana kung matatawagan mo siya weekly.
H: Sino kaya ang hindi tumatawag?
Ouch!
Maybe he's grumpy because he's having a bad hair day - or something of that sort.
I know I'm so bad at calling my family. Not that I haven't been trying. I do - I try to get in touch with them but I couldn't get through. I've been calling my brother almost everyday last week but he's always out of coverage area. I have also been constantly calling grandma but her phone kept ringing. She told me yesterday that she was at her brother's place almost the whole week. Good thing I was able to reach her because she plans on going to her sister's house the next day and won't be back until Sunday!
Hubz said he bought a new cellphone for my brother because it seems that his old one (which he inherited from hubz - an antique, hihihi) is giving him problems. Hopefully I'll be able to call them a little more often.
I just kept quiet when he said that. Of course I was hurt because I felt the sarcasm in his voice. I just didn't want to say anything and blow the whole thing out of proportion. During these times, I have learned to bite my tongue. If only my friends could see me now - they used to call me the modern Gabriela you know.
Ah, the things you do for love....
M: Tampo si lola kasi di mo daw siya binibisita or tinatawagan
H: Gusto mo linggo-linggo ko siyang puntahan eh
M: Hindi naman, pero sana kung matatawagan mo siya weekly.
H: Sino kaya ang hindi tumatawag?
Ouch!
Maybe he's grumpy because he's having a bad hair day - or something of that sort.
I know I'm so bad at calling my family. Not that I haven't been trying. I do - I try to get in touch with them but I couldn't get through. I've been calling my brother almost everyday last week but he's always out of coverage area. I have also been constantly calling grandma but her phone kept ringing. She told me yesterday that she was at her brother's place almost the whole week. Good thing I was able to reach her because she plans on going to her sister's house the next day and won't be back until Sunday!
Hubz said he bought a new cellphone for my brother because it seems that his old one (which he inherited from hubz - an antique, hihihi) is giving him problems. Hopefully I'll be able to call them a little more often.
I just kept quiet when he said that. Of course I was hurt because I felt the sarcasm in his voice. I just didn't want to say anything and blow the whole thing out of proportion. During these times, I have learned to bite my tongue. If only my friends could see me now - they used to call me the modern Gabriela you know.
Ah, the things you do for love....
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