Where did 2007 go?

I have abandoned this space for quite a while again. It's now 2008 and I can vaguely explain how 2007 went for me. But I can vividly remember how it felt. The memories of the last year, to put it simply, ... were bittersweet!

The bitter part of it still stings but it doesn't cut like a knife anymore for I know I am THE better person while some people are just brought up to be fatal errors on this earth. (It was unfortunate of me to have come across such a screwed character. But I am thankful that the encounter wasn't that long.)

So as the last month of 2007 approached I started basking in the glory of the sun. I am rejuvenated, refreshed, renewed. Awakened from this deep stupor by the sweet caring words from dear husband.

In 2007, we have endured seven years of marriage and he picked the winning Christmas card last December. For it says,

"The first time I saw you, I somehow knew you'd be important in my life.
In my eyes, you were beautiful in so many ways.
There was no doubt that I wanted to spend forever with you.

And when we got married, things were every bit as good as I'd hoped.
I didnt' want anything to change.
But... life is full of changes.
Not everyday can be paradise.

Together we've faced reality, the day to day "bumps in the road" that test every couple's patience.
I've seen you in many challenging situations.
And the miracle is...
you're even more beauitful than I thought possible.

Not only you are the woman of my dreams
but you're also my best friend.
And as time passes by
I fall more deeply in love with you."

That surely melted my heart and now I feel so loved up!

And I may have been yakking to my TRUEST of friends how life can be unfair sometimes. I now know that with a little faith, He will make me see the beauty that surrounds every desperate moment. Now I choose to live out of the shadows and walk into the light. And I will stay there as long as I breathe - together with my family - the love of my life.

Nice Read... All the best for 2008

Lefthanded Soldiers by Gary Eby


Lefthanded Soldiers is dedicated to all of those who have been wounded in life ... whether physically, emotionally, spiritually, or financially and yet, against all odds, have risen from the devastation to become a champion!


There are few things in life that move me like seeing someone overcome adversity. I believe that there are great men and women from all walks of life, who, because of some "event" or series of events, have pretty much given up. Somewhere between brokenness and bitterness many have laid down their proverbial swords and surrendered. They've been wounded. Lefthanded Soldiers teaches us that when we are wounded … when our "right arms" have been hurt … that we can become Lefthanded Soldiers rather than allowing our circumstances to condemn us to a life of "what-ifs."


How many great leaders are no longer leading? What will our society suffer because the leadership we need is somewhere hurting rather than rallying the troops? What great sickness is raging because the doctors and nurses who can make a difference are in need of healing themselves? How many great sermons will not be preached because an overworked and underpaid Pastor had a "humpty-dumpty" fall and is allowing condemnation to keep him out of service? Great public servants, teachers, volunteers, entrepreneurs, and politicians, all over the world are waiting ... waiting for someone to care enough to put their arms around them and say ... "Let's get back into the battle of life again! We need you!"


I believe that great leaders can inspire the "wounded warriors" among us that they can "engage" in life again and they can be winners!


In the real world … most of the time ... it's the size of your mess that determines the size of your message. It may not be pleasant to hear, but, the size of your testimony is due, in large part, to the size of your test.
Where would Abe Lincoln have been without the Civil War? Where would John Kennedy have been without the Cuban Missile Crisis? David needed Goliath to become King. You cannot not wear a victor's crown without having fought a few battles! You can't sing before you talk. You can't run before you walk.
You can't have a message until you´ve had a mess … and you can't have a testimony until you've had a test! Let's look at these lyrics to a song that I wrote.


"The victor's crown only goes to those who've been in war.
Eagles can't stay in their nest if they want to soar.
Sitting on the side lines you'll never be your best.
You can't have a testimony `till you've had a test."


"God won't send thirsty people to an empty well.
Heavens cup sure is sweeter once you've tasted hell.
There's no wine until the grape has gone through the press.
You can't have a testimony `till you've had a test."


Out of this understanding "Lefthanded Soldiers" was born. I want to teach you ... to teach others that "Change is a door that can only be opened from the inside!"


The willingness to change can be inspired by others but change itself is a personal choice. It is "Choice" not "Chance" that determines your destiny.


Lefthanded Soldiers is a call for the wounded to "get back into the battle of life!"


Lefthanded Soldiers is a call for leaders to build an army of renewed, revived warriors. Let's teach them that they can make a decision to "engage" in life again. Let's teach them that they can make a difference in the world. They can be "Lefthanded Soldiers!"


--Gary Eby


"It's the action, not the fruit of the action that's important.
You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit; But that does not mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no results." Mahatma Gandhi


Be a 'Lefthanded Soldier' and make a difference in the world.

Wishing you a prosperous 2008.

We've moved...

Finally, we're into the new home we started dreaming about almost 2 years ago and started building in January this year.

November 19 was the day we moved in this new family home. I'm still halfway done with unpacking. And it might take me years to furnish this 5 bedroom house with a study room and theatre room downstairs. Ayayayay!

Pintong Mahiwaga

''Isang pintong mahiwaga di bubukas na kusa
Si Hesus ang doo'y tumutuktok, naghihintay ng sagot
Sumagot ka na ba sa Kanya? O ayaw mong paabala?
Ang buhay mo ay laging gugulo kung wala si Kristo sa iyo.

Pag-isipan, o anong ligaya ang iyong malalasap doon sa kaluwalhatian
Puso mo'y buksan at si Kristo'y anyayahan, kaligtasa'y tunay na makakamtan. ''

This is one of my favourite Filipino Christian songs since I was young. My uncle's choir always sings this during the mass. When Nanay Nena died, they sang it again. I tried to record their rendition on my mobile phone Nokia N91 but two weeks ago - this model has given up on me! Grrr! Now I'm in dire search for the mp3. Can you direct me where to?

A Song from Miss Saigon that Touched HOME...

Yesterday Louie and I (together with Ate), watched Miss Saigon at the Lyric Theatre. Leo Valdez was really a standout.

Anyway, it was during the act when Kim was holding 3 year old Tam as she sang I'd Give My Life for You , that made me cry heavily. Listening to these two verses struck home - home is where my two sons are ...

"I've tasted love beyond all fear
And you should know it's LOVE that brought you here
And in one perfect night when the stars burned like new,
I knew what I must do

I'll give you a million things I'll never own
I'll give you a world to conquer when you're grown
You will be who you want to be
You, can choose whatever heaven grants
As long as you can have your chance
I swear i'll give my life for you"

And I think even just typing this blog entry has started to swell up my eyes again. I must end it here.

On my own in Manila...

It felt weird going back to Manila on my own. This is the place where I met Louie, where we finished college together, where we had our barkada, and where we fell in love most importantly.

We had so much history together that my heart ached whenever I chowed down those sizzling bulalo, balot, crispy pata, Andok's manok, Chicken Joy, etc. So I just drowned myself with a lot dalandan juice, mango shake, tamarind juice, San Mig Light just to forget the pain of being ocean's apart from my hubby and our two boys. And to kill time - I went to the salon, checked out Trinoma, Megamall, GB3, The Block, Serendra, Greenhills, Divi 168, Mall of Asia. But I just couldn't take going for a spa and lay in my own naked body without my hubby around (READ: I ran out of time!!!) .

That was a week long. And had he not persuaded me to come back home as soon as possible, I would have gotten stuck there. I'm glad he did!

Seriously babes, it was really NOT fun NOT having you with me all throughout my stay. Your humour and good company was sorely missed. (It was really difficult keeping together my passports, boarding pass, baggage claim number, e-ticket. And I had to take a deep breath everytime I would dare grab my luggage from the carousel. Thank God, there are still good souls out there who are ready to help a klutz lady like me.)

The good side of it, at least I would know where to take you the next time we fly to Manila with our boys. So get ready!

My own granny...

She passed away peacefully last Sept 27. Although my mom wasn't adamant at all that I fly back to Manila for the funeral, I thought she was the Lola who looked after me when I was young and whenever mom was at work so it's just right to "visit" her one last time.

Nanay Nena took care of me just how my mom looked after her own grandchildren, Luis and Leon.

I remember my Nanay Nena will take me to church, to the "palengke" when I was in kindie. When she had her first stroke, I was already 15 years old. In reverse, I was the one who would take her to the hospital for her therapy and I remember arranging her medicines in a rack of bottles of different coloured lids, labelling them appropriately.

I didn't cry much when she was laid to rest cause I know she is in a much better place now.

To my granny, see you when I see you :)

Welcoming Xtine down under...

Late last month, we had the pleasure to meet in person someone I have known back from the good old w@w - n@w days. Christine who migrated to NZ several years ago paid the OZ based n@wies a visit.

Thanks to Carla@Jon for opening their home to host the Sunday lunch.

See you again friend! Really had a great time chatting with you and Simon and Bea. All the best with the new work!

Broken Promises... no more!

I am left with no words to explain why I haven't been visible in the blog world yet again.

I just came back a few days ago from a week long hiatus in Manila. (Yes Xtine I will try to update this site soon. No more broken promises cause I ain't promising anything. Hehehehe!)

Abangan na lang...

What's currently playing in my new Nano IPod?

O Hesus, Hilumin Mo
(By Bukas Palad Ministry)

KORO:
O Hesus, hilumin Mo
Aking sugatang puso
Nang aking mahango
Kapwa kong kasimbigo

Hapis at pait Iyong patamisin
At hagkan ang sakit
Nang magningas ang rikit (KORO)

Aking sugatang diwa't katawan
Ay gawing daan
Ng 'Yong kaligtasan (KORO)



Hinihiling nitong pulutin ni Hesus ang pira-piraso ng basag-basag na buhay, at muling buuin. Sapagkat Siyang sinugatan at binasag sa krus ang Siyang pinakamainam at pinakamabisang lunas at ligaya ng pusong sugatan at basag din. Sa gayong paraan, nakamtan ang lakas at tapang upang humayo at magdala ng pag-ibig at paghilom sa kapwa sugatan.

Back Online... ( I hope!)

I've detached myself from the virtual world for the last two months. What a shame, I must admit!

Hopefully I can upload all ou Europe pics in my multiply site. I've been procrastinating. But if you're my friendster buddy then most probably you've seen most of it already!

Let me get my act together and maybe (just maybe!) in the next couple of days I'll be back with more stories and pictures to tell!

M

My 30th birthday

I never knew that I was gonna be in for the biggest surprise of my life. Give me time and maybe I will tell you all about it ...



For now, let the pictures speak of the blast we had in Europe.

More pics when we arrive in Sydney in a couple of days time.

Signing off from Heathrow Airport, London...

Counting the days...

... before I bid my twen-teens.

 

and

 

... before we leave the kids with Mom and Ate as hubby and I take a 3 week break in Europe.

 

Yesterday, I managed to book ourselves for a cabaret show in Moulin Rouge. My workmate told me that it has to be done in advance. And that's what I just did. I'm sure hubby is going to be ecstatic!

 

I am excited - a tad bit. At least work is off my mind. I just can't help thinking about the kids...

 

 

Because Litcoo Tagged me.

So I'll try to share a bit of myself.

I must post the rules, 7 random things about me and then tag others to do the same. Sound fair enough, right? These are the rules… each player starts with 7 random facts about themselves on their Blog. People who are tagged need to blog 7 facts about themselves and post the rules as well. At the end of their blog list 7 people you are tagging. Let them know that they are tagged by leaving them a comment.

1. I only had 1 boyfriend and I've been married to him twice. One in civil rites and one in the the church. I want to marry him again. *wink*

2. Hubby and I are going to Europe three days past my "coming of age" and we're not taking the kids. Does that sound appalling to you? Look, I've done my research long ago and I was advised against taking even my 5 year old kid. :(

3. I love being distinct in dressing up - it boosts my confidence.

4. I used to sing well - now my left vocal cord has been paralyzed.

5. I have an older sister and a younger brother and both of them are single.

6. I'm a scrapooker, occasionally.

7. I can't swim.

I'm tagging anyone who comes past this post :)

Welcoming a friend Down Under...

Finally, after years of planning, our good friend (back in college) and kumare from the Phils arrived last Sunday for a month long business trip.


It's always a pleasure to be in the company of your close friends. Those you've grown up with and has acknowledged the best in you and has been tolerant of your not so good side too.



Nice to have you KT down under! I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay!

Love,
MaHan

My Wiggly Boys

Just wanna share a few pics of the boys... taken last Saturday morning.

Incidentally, both had the "Murray" look - the Red Wiggle...

They both love playing together and tugging toys from each other. It's a joy seeing them interact but I had to pull them apart when they start getting rough. But it's the part of their play that they enjoy most. What to do when boys become boys?

Detox Day 2

I've lost 1 kilo in the last 24 hours.

Today is very similar to the end of the first stage in childbirth. (These stages can be summed up as (1)Labour (2)Push (3)Cut the cord.)

I practiced Bradley methods to get through child birth the natural way with my 2 boys. And in that book just before you make the big PUSH, as contractions are closely apart from one another and as the pain spikes up into your brain - you suddenly doubt if you can REALLY (x100) get through the whole naturelle process without any medical intervention.

And yes - I am in DOUBT right now!

I want to give up this whole detox diet. It's crazy! It's masochistic in nature! It's making me so weak and sleepy accompanied by headaches.

---

This afternoon, i fell for the temptation. The fruit basket sitting just behind my desk, didn't help! Plus the flavourful aroma of my workmates' lunches was beckoning my palates to run to the nearest gourmet takeaway. What a pity! I really did feel sorry for myself that I grabbed a banana and chowed it quickly!

After an hour, I was vomiting heavily. I kept stepping out of the office either to take some power nap in the car or just walk for some fresh air. It helped but I was already too weak from vomiting.

I dreaded to take even a sip of this herbal drink.

Tonight I declared that I'm giving up detoxifying my body any further. I think it's best to start it on a Friday. Then you have Saturday and Sunday to get through the "healing crises". Then, by Monday, you're body is more or less used to having no solids at all.

I guess the quest isn't really over yet. I just need to find a weekend that I wouldn't have to do my groceries or wouldn't have to go to an eating binge party. After all, detoxification of the body should really be done twice a year.

---

I'm now making my way to "breaking my fast".

Detox Day 1

I've finished my Atkins Induction two months ago and I've tried to be on low carb diet ever since. I was also combining it with Callenetics exercise to tone my arms and thighs and give that waist a little trim because current fashion dictates that belts are now worn up on the waist again!

But the month of May proved to be filled with festivities and it was just too hard to resist the delicious banquet. I may have added a few pounds again but I dare not check it.

So I can shed the unwanted fats and maybe start anew the habit of healthy eating, I'm going cold turkey and will fast this time. For the next 4 or 5 days my only source of nourishment is this herbal concentrate mixed with water and added with fresh lemon juice. It's called Lemon Detox.

Watch this space for daily updates as I wash off the toxins from my body.

He's now FIVE!

Last Saturday we celebrated Wiji's 5th birthday party. We booked a party at Dural Putt Putt for 15 kids where they "played" 18-hole mini golf game and had hotdogs, gelato for snacks.

The kids had a blast playing golf "like hockey". The dads patiently guided the little boys and girls throughout. The courses were fascinating. One is the Camelot. And the other one is called Space-Trek. At half-time, the kids were treated to a hotdog sandwich and a fizz drink.

After all the hard work of putting the balls, it was cake time. I distributed the cupcakes I made the night before to each kid. I decorated the cupcake with green icing (tried to make it look like putting green) with a flag (blue for boy and pink for girl) and white apricot ball on top.

The cake was also ordered from a Filipino bakery shop that makes my favourite mocha cake. I was lucky to have the golf themed cake toppers which just arrived the previous day.

Then, the kids went back to play again another course. After which they were treated to some gelato ice cream to cap what has been a very busy yet fun-filled afternoon.
And just to show you how happy he was on that day, here's a collage. Because he's been a good son and Kuya, he got his birthday wishes. A Galvatron transformer (cause he wanted a nemesis for his Optimus Prime robot he got from us for Christmas) and a DS Lite - a recent wish he had last Easter.

All done!

He made the announcement two weeks ago. A promise of "maybe". It was during his surprise party when it all began. Today he has paid for what he has said, (literally speaking)!

So in two months time we'll be country hopping in Europe.

I was thrilled that he did the legwork for the first time. It was intensive (not to mention, a little expensive than what we have assumed) cause we didn't have too much options left. So I don't want to look at the invoice cause I'm sure it's going to hurt my eye.

It's all done and the countdown begins...

His 30th - a Surprise

This is the year when hubby and I both turn t-h-i-r-t-y and our birthdays are exactly 9 weeks apart. Of course he goes first. Ahem, I was still blessed to marry an older guy. :)

\\

Anyway, friends and family have been asking me what were our plans - MY plans to be exact. I think they were all expecting something special from me. But honestly, not that he's not very special to me, (of course he is!) - throwing a big party is just too much work that I was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to put my best effort in just this time. One, I had an assignment due on the week of his birthday. Two, I was busy preparing Luis putt putt party for the 26th of May. So I was moving back and forth from doing my programming assignments and handcrafting Luis' invitations. And I thought I wouldn't be able to take another load during the night.

But tides have changed at the last minute. Twelve days before May 11, I started picking up the phone and got in touch with a band - who could play songs from yesteryears beginning from the 70s. I just told them to hold May 11 as a tentative date. It would all depend on the venue that I didn't have yet at that time.

So I tried ringing different community halls for availabilites. It was quite impossible for any of them to be available in the next week. What was I thinking? The following day, I asked help from the council. And the lady in charge said that there was none left... but since I was only looking for a place where I could hold a cocktail party (read: no kitchen needed), she might be able to convince Castle Grand to offer me one of their smaller function rooms. And so my call was transferred to the manager and even if he had this disclaimer that they don't normally rent out the seminar room if the main hall isn't rented as well, he'd gladly give it to me since a 21st party on the main hall didn't require the seminar room. Oh, my heart leaped for joy. I knew it I would be able to pull through this party. I quickly sent an email to everyone to save the date and all details will follow.

The rest of the preparations was history. I could only remember how exhausted I was on those days leading to this party.

We had a Hollywood Theme. Invitees were asked to come dressed as a famous Hollywood actor/movie character. Village People were the ultimate special guest of the night. You can see their pics here.

Although, the birthday boy had every inkling that we were up to something, he never guessed what he really was in for. He was really blown away when he arrived. He never expected something extraordinary. So during his speech, he thanked everyone for coming and for helping his "beautiful wife" (no objections please!!!). He also said, that he wouldn't be able to out-do the kind of surprise that I've just done for his 30th. And I quote, "So maybe a trip to Europe will make up for it when it's your turn to celebrate your 30th!!!". (In 9 weeks na yun kaya? Uy, wala ng bawian ah! Finally, I was able to convince him!!!! Yehey!!! Yikes - makapagbook kaya kami???)

My son's first ambition...

Wiji has recently been making up all excuses whenever he needs to get ready for school. Instead of getting mad (sometimes!), I'd talk him into it by reminding him that he must learn so he can be like his dad one day. He'll be able to work and have a family of his own. And maybe he will have an idea and come up with an invention. Now "invention" was another lengthy discussion between us.

Last night, Wiji found me watching one of my relaxing American TV Series : Grey's Anatomy. He muttered, "Mum, is that your favourite show, the doctors?". And I said, yes! Since, tt was already late, I gave him a cuddle before tucking him in bed. I told him that I want him to be a surgeon someday. He declined. "I want to be a builder," he said. And I quickly assured him that of course it's fine by me whatever he chooses to be. He even added, "I want to build a car."

Looks like I have a soon-to-be Engineer in the family.

I just needed to blog this. So one day, I have proof to show when he complains about school again.

Our Home In Progress

It's been four months on the 15th of April since construction began and this is what those slabs and frames have become ...



... starting to get the shape of a house.

What's going on???

I'm still here. Just busy with work, family, school and a variety of other things.

I've been struggling to find time to scrap and to blog.

But anyway, just a quick run down of what has been going on in my world:

1. We flew to Tasmania for five days last February. Pictures to follow.

2. Another long weekend is coming up and we're driving up to mid North Coast of New South Wales. To Forster, that is!

2. I started a shourt course in uni on Tuesday nights for this semester c/o the company. I have an ASSignment due for submission on Tuesday and I'm not up for it. I want to relax in Forster! You can imagine me cramming on Monday night... just like the good old days. So now, I realized that I may not have the energy and patience to complete a Post Graduate Degree.

3. Oh our house - it has the roof!!! We've selected tiles for the baths and toilets and for the living area.

4. Work is upto my neck and my deadline was two weeks ago.

5. And Europe is lingering in my head. Hmmm...

There you go.