The 2 lines that changed my life.

It has been 2 weeks of feeling sluggish, sick and weak. I thought that I only had a severe case of fever and the change of weather is greatly affecting my health. I've missed my period for 2 months already, but I usually experience this since I don't really have a regular menstrual cycle. 7 years ago, the last time I went to the OB to have myself  checked thoroughly, the doctor said I would only have 30% chance to get pregnant. That was the side effect of my birth control injections that I have been getting for almost 2 years then.

Most of my friends and cousins were having kids. I've been a ninang and a tita to a hundred kids. The only people who called me "mom" were my students. I never considered myself to be a mother. I couldn't even take care of a plant or a dog. I loved my happy-go-lucky life. Partying all night, smoking and drinking, spending most of my money on shoes and clothes. That was me until October 24, 2012.

I was on sick leave for 2 days already. I stayed in bed because I was nauseous the whole time. I spent my day eating food i was craving for and frequently went to the bathroom to pee. My cousin, who lives beside our house came to check on me and told me I look pregnant. It never really occured to me that maybe, I was pregnant. So the next day, as early as 6:30am, with my HPT kit, went to the bathroom to pee. 3 minutes later, 2 lines appeared on my HPT. I can't believe it that I was sitting on the bowl, crying. I ran to the room and woke Uno up to tell him the good news. Called my ate, my 2 closest friends and announced to the whole world the good news through facebook.

That moment on...my carefree life was thrown in the trash. Lying in bed i silently said goodbye to cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, sodas, sushi, gym, dieting and high heeled shoes. Letting go of all these things were worth it...a miracle happened...God placed a little human being inside my tummy.

Finally, I'm going to be a MOMMY!

Hey Mickey!

I just got back from Hongkong the other day. I have so much to tell. But first, a shout out to Ma'am Eden, who booked us a cheap flight even if it was not planned at all. Thank you so much!

Anyways, I am going to be your trip advisor today. Everything I will be writing here doesn't reflect any of my friends/companions opinions. Its all me!

1. Book a flight on line. Most airlines have promos. We got ours for only P2000.00 (inclusive of everything) via Air Asia in Clark. www.airasia.com

2. Lucky me, I have friends whom I can hitch going to Clark. But if your flight schedule will fit the bus/ van schedule, you can take that. www.philtranco.com.ph

3. One you reach the Clark Airport (make sure you are there 2-3 hours before the flight), check-in (by the way, air asia has a self check-in machines. Its so convenient!), proceed to pay the travel tax and the Philippine Tax which is abouit P2300 all in all, depending on the exemptions. (parang hold-up lang, ng 2 bebes)  http://www.dmia.ph/

* here's a tip when going through the immigration officer, have all your documents and IDs ready and make sure you answer all their questions honestly and with a smile.

4. Its a 1 hour and 55 minutes trip. I admire the pilots of Air Asia, we had a smooth flight all the way to Hongkong (including the landing!). The stewards were also very nice (except for their casual uniform- an Air Asia polo short and Air Asia pants plus leather shoes. seriously?). Bring your food. Plane food is so expensive.

5. The Hongkong International Airport is big. Walkalators are all over the place.  Its clean and very organized. Its one of the finest airport I've been to.Exchange your money here and purchase your Octopus Card too. https://www.hongkongairport.com/

6. When you are travelling to Hongkong make sure are very aware of the MTR and Bus routes. It will get confusing if you don't have the map and schedule. It will always help to read, read, read. Expect a lot of walking and transferring from one public transport to another. www.mtr.com.hk or www.nwstbus.com.hk

7. Hongkong is known for their high-end Hotels. But if you are on a tight budget, you can always find a hostel to stay at. We stayed at Dragon Hostel. www.dragonhostel.com We reserved a room on-line and just paid the balance when we checked in. The location is actually well located. It's only a block away from the Mongkok MTR station. It's also near 711 stores and McDonald's too. The best thing about it, you just cross the street and you are at the Night Market. Their rooms are very clean, although its small, its comfortable. Well, except for the bathroom. Its really small. The shower (with hot and cold), the toilet bowl and the toilet sink is an armful away from each other. Its also has a sliding door (that doesn't close really well), but if you are not that particular with bathrooms, you'll survive. Don't worry, its clean. There's also free wifi and you can always get free hot water for your coffee or cereals. There's a refrigerator but its shared by 3-5 rooms on that floor.Again, its clean.

8. The first place we went to is the Citygate Outlet Mall. We didn't check-in to the hotel yet so we left our bags at the lockers you can rent for HK$10 for 2 hours. make sure you are fast in getting available lockers, they only have a few. But their lockers are really big, so you don't have to worry about putting everything you are carrying in just one locker. Eat at Food Republic. Authentic Chinese food are available there. Its kinda pricey and most of the food kiosk there prepares their food using their bare hands. No gloves. (no wonder its tastes funny). There are really cheap stuff that you can buy at the whole mall. If you are bringing cash, you will definitely have a good time. Splurge on Giordano clothes. Its way, way cheaper than the Giordano stores here.  www.citygateoutlets.com.hk

9. So after resting, we went out again to see the Avenue of the Stars and the Symphony of Lights. Located at Tsim Tsa Tsui, take the star ferry from Central. Its a long, long, long walk but the view is worth it. We took pictures and just strolled along the avenue. The sight was amazing. These tall buildings were magnificent. It was just disappointing that the Symphony of Lights was not that entertaining. The narration was in Cantonese and only a few buildings were able to participate. We got bored. big time.  www.starferry.com.hk

** we were discriminated here when we tried to find a bathroom and asked a local security guard. He said that the bathrooms here were exclusive and not for us. Good thing, we were able to ask somebody else and found the restrooms inside the Museum.

10. After dinner, we went to the Ladies market to buy pasalubong. www.ladies-market.hk
 We were able to buy cotton i love hongkong shirts and key chains in very cheap prices. I love the bargain shopping but the sales people here are the worst. They shout at you when you ask for discounts and they get mad when you don't buy from their stores. Damn it, they are really scary!

11.  We got our tickets from a travel store in Central. A place where most of the Filipinos gather. Here you will find products from the Philippines and people are talking in Tagalog. Its like Divisoria and Quiapo in one. The original ticket was HK$399 but we got ours for only HK$360. We were able to buy the adaptor we needed here too.

12. Yey! Disneyland! www.park.hongkongdisneyland.com 

** You need to transfer to the Mickey Mouse train to go to Disneyland. Make sure you go there early because lines are really long and some people tend to be inconsiderate. They just don't know how to fall in line!

** Make sure you have your Disney maps so that you'll know where to go and what time you will be able to watch the shows. The meet and greet of the Disney Characters and the parade schedule are mentioned here too.

** Lines in rides and shows are really long. You need to have patience. People flock the lines and waiting time would take up to 70 minutes. So make sure you plan ahead.

** There are a lot of sale items in souvenir shops. Take advantage of them. Usually they are in the counters. Ask the unfriendly sales person about it, if they are not busy fixing things every single time.
 
13. I saw 2 shows. The "Golden Mickey" (ang hot ni Tarzan! kakairita si Bebe!) and the "Festival of the Lion King" (Pinay daw yon nagaacrobat! again, may hot fire dancers!)

14. Ride the Big Grizzly Runaway Mine Cars. Challenge yourselves to a very fast roller coaster ride. i got scared. More scared than the sales person in ladies market (hahaha!). I will never, ever, ever do that again! ever!

15. The best part of our visit in Disneyland is the fireworks. It was amazing. It would give you chills.

** Its like everything I have read in books and seen on TV came alive. Take pictures with all the characters if you can.

16. Going home, we checked in at Terminal 2 and boarded at Terminal 1. We ate at Cafe de Coral and we didn't like it. I swear, the breakfast meal I got tasted terrible! www.cafedecoral.com

What do I love about Hongkong?
- there's no traffic. buses and MTRs have fantastic routes
- shopping is great if you have tons of money
- fashion is awesome. fantastic shoes and super duper short shorts!

What I hate about Hongkong?
- people are very, very rude. i don't know why, but they are.
- they think that all Filipinos are domestic helpers so they discriminate.
- a lot of them smells. they do. they really, really do.

Politics and all that shit.

To the voters:
1. Chose a candidate who doesn't belong to any of the political clans.
2. Chose a candidate who doesn't just blab about stuff he would do but is actually doing something already.
3. Chose a candidate who will leave their showbiz careers and concentrate on politics only.
4. Remember, these people will use our money to have their projects executed. Make sure you choose the candidate you would personally trust.
5. Do not believe what you watch on tv or see on posters or hear on the radio about who and what the candidate would want you to believe. 8 out of 10 are practically lying. .................

To the candidates:
1. You really want to get noticed? Be an environmentalist. Stop cutting down trees so that you have posters to put up . Why don't you use shopping bags as one of your campaign material? Useful and very earth friendly.
2. Stop talking and do something instead.
3. Make sure you are ready to handle the big responsibility. Even if your mom or dad succeeded doesn't mean you would.
4. Be of service.all the time.no matter the weather, no matter the situation.
5. Conscience. Its a requirement!

Search: google.com

Its been awhile since my last post. Its probably because there wasn't anything to blog about. But yesterday,I found out that some people has been searching me through google and they have been reading my old blogs. So i decided to write another one today just in case I get searched again. As a tribute to them,this blog is dedicated to the insecure people of the world.

1. Why do you spend so much time digging stuff about me when you know there are more important things you should be doing. Don't you care about your future anymore?

2. You kept saying you are family but you never treated him like family. The moment you see him happy, you have this itch to ruin what he has. So what does family mean to you?

3. No matter what you do and say about me, your ex will never go back to you because first, you are not good looking in spite of your plastic surgery; second, my bf hurls when your name is mentioned and third, you're sick.

4. If you have a problem with me, have the balls or the guts to talk to me. If you are brave enough to spread stuff about me, you should have the courage to face me. Coward much?

5. Nothing is more important than me and my bf. You can try to break us up but you'll never succeed. We love each other and we are happy together. Our relationship will be forever. Accept that and move on with your pathetic life.

6. If you are so insecure because you can never be me, here's a tip: try reading fashion magazines and improve your wardrobe, go out and party so that you get to release all your inhibitions and lastly, try to be nicer. It makes you uglier when you treat people the wrong way.

7. Respect. You don't know the meaning of this word?let me know.ill explain it to you.

8. So what if I'm older?I'll always be hotter and yummier than you.

9. Always verify if your facts are right. You've done your research but you didn't researched enough. I thought you're intelligent, how come you never used your brain this time?

10. You disappointed me so much. I've always admired how much you value relationships. I never thought that the only relationship you value is the one you have with the devil.

Forgiving and Forgetting

By Paolo Coelho


I must say the way I’m doing, I will say that I forgive but I don’t forget; not because I want to remember the bad things that happened to me, but because my heart is not ready to forget…



I also think that forgetting is the supreme way of forgiving but it must be a natural process that comes (if it comes) without our intervention. When we forget something that has been forgiven it means that we evolved in our spiritual way to such an extend that we are very different from the one we were in the past, when we were hurt.

I think that we should give ourselves the freedom to forget or not the things that happened to us, so that our souls be free to follow their way….

Forgiving someone who has wronged you, betrayed you, is a very hard thing to do. I struggle with this daily. But I find that the act of forgiveness is not something you do as a gift for the other person, but as a gift for yourself.

You hold on so tight to your anger, your principles, that you just clench so tightly at this thing you can’t let go.

How do you find peace if you’re constantly reminding yourself how badly the other person treated you? Yet that person has moved on, created a new life, finding happiness in his own way. Let go, let go of the anger, and you can then unclench the hand and reach for something else, something new, hopefully something better. Maybe you don’t forget, but over time the memory of the pain fades, and it doesn’t hurt so much anymore.

Then forgive and move forward.

Justice happens when that pain doesn’t affect you anymore and the powerful memory of days long gone don’t hang around too long.

An Open Letter to my Mom

Dear Mom,

You have endured 9 months of carrying me around and went thru the toughest pain to give birth to me. Its been more than 3 decades since you brought me to this world and i can't thank you enough.

I'm sorry for all the hours of sleep you missed when you had to take care of me when I am sick. I'm sorry for making you feel tired because you had to work extra hours to give me the things i wanted. I'm sorry for making you worry when I went home late and I didn't ask permission where I am going. I'm sorry for the times I didn't obey your rules. I'm sorry for taking you for granted. I'm sorry for not being the best daughter.

I want to thank you for always giving me a good meal. Thank you for helping me solve most of my personal problems. Thank you for supporting my dreams and goals. Thank you for looking beyond my imperfections and encouraging me to always go forward. Thank you for holding my hand while I cry my heart out. Thank you for patting me on the back when I did a good job. Thank you for all the compliments and praises you never fail to give. Thank you for teaching me good values and proper etiquette. Thank you for making me the person I am now.

I may never say it often as I should, but the Lord knows how much I appreciate your presence and your love. I am the luckiest because I have you in my life. I am so proud that you are my mother.

I hope that God continues to bless you with good health and a more fruitful and longer life.

I love you mom! Happy Mother's Day!

Your Daughter,

Aya 

My Own Top Ten : Part 2

I don't call myself a fashionita and I also experience "baduy" days, but I feel pity for the fashion victims who doesn't learn from their fashion mistakes. Since it's summer and the heat is just unbearable (specially when you are outside most of the time), here's my top ten of what to and what not to wear during this season:

1. NO: Boots. Let your feet breathe!
    YES: Flip flops: Just make sure your toes are clean!

2. NO: Knitted sweatshirts: Save it for the cold, rainy days
    YES: Crop Jackets: That is if you really need to cover up

3. NO: Bonnets: Its a fact that sweaty scalp smells really gross!
    YES: Sun Visor or a baseball cap or straw hats: Just to protect your head and hair too.

4. NO: Dark colored tops: yes, it makes us skinnier..but it makes us sweat more.
    YES: Pastel and cool colored shirts: one word. fresh.

5. NO: Shirt and Shorts in the beach: its summer.its the beach. go figure!
    YES: Bathing suits for the girls and board shorts for the boys: flaunt it! its summer. everyone has the right.

6. NO: Nerdy glasses: Use this when school starts.
    YES: Sun glasses: protect your eyes from the Sun rays

7. NO: Leather Shoes: If its not necessary, just don't.
    YES: Sandals: Looks good with any summer attire.

8. NO: Leather pants: it's hot...it really is!
    YES: String pants: or any bottoms that are super comfy

9. NO: Oil based lotions: shiny much? not!
    YES: Sun block: it protects your skin.

10. NO: Perfume: specially those that are best when its cool or used when you go clubbing
      YES: Colognes and body sprays: still smell good even if you sweat.

** TERMS AND CONDITION APPLIES...hehehehe!

My Own Top Ten: Part 1

Completing the statement: "hindi porke _______ e _______ ka na!"

1. Hindi porke nabawasan ka ng timbang e payat ka na!

2. Hindi porke may camera ka e photographer ka na!

3. Hindi porke mamahalin ang alahas na suot mo e may breeding ka na!

4. Hindi porke puro signature ang gamit mo e mayaman ka na!

5. Hindi porke nasa ibang bansa ka e mas maganda ka na pumorma!

6. Hindi porke maganda kotse mo e may itsura ka na!

7. Hindi porke mataas ang pinagaralan mo e mas magaling ka na!

8. Hindi porke nagco-commute lang e mahirap ka na!

9. Hindi porke fina-follow kita sa twitter e feeling close ka na!

10. Hindi porke kaibigan kita sa facebook e pwede ka ng makilam sa buhay ko!

How to Blog 3: How to Make a Regular Employee Happy at Work

Have you seen the Jerry Maguire movie? The part where Tom Cruise's character wrote what he really felt about the industry he belongs to and making everyone read it? I guess we all know what happened to him after that. I hope I won't have the same fate when I post this on my Facebook wall. (i really hope not because I don't have the resources to start my own engineering school!=D)

I don't have anything against this company or the people who runs it. I just want to give little suggestions to make a regular employee like me, feel very well taken care of by the business that takes most of our time. I am very lucky to even have a job during this hard times and I'm not complaining about my work load. Being here for over 6 years, I am well adjusted. So the things that I am going to mention on this blog are just some stuff that I HOPE would make many realize (a.k.a. the big bosses) that sometimes, no matter how small the issue is, it's a big deal.

1. Company Uniform. I understand that it's more corporate to see employees in uniform, but we would proudly wear them if it's comfortable and we would look presentable. Because with our current uniforms, we are either mistaken of working at SM or the nearest police station.

2. Training. We need this. We need to get ttrainings that are related to what we do everyday. Trainings that are not only locally offered, but internationally too. We need to enhance our knowledge too. Even though we don't teach, it doesn't mean we don't need additional learning.

3. A chance to get promoted. I know a lot of employees in this industry has the same position for 15 years. Everyday, he/she does the same thing. We have our evaluation every single year. These evaluations should open us up to more opportunities. Opportunities to grow.

4. We need a break. Would it be nice if the company offers free health related activities after office hours? Say, an exercise class, a dance class or a weekly company marathon for all employees? We need to be healthy to refrain from taking a leave.

5. Company outing, team building and other fun activities should be done more frequently. Would you believe that I don't know a lot of my colleagues? I smile at them when I see them because we are wearing the same uniform, but I don't even know their names.

6. We are human too. I don't really know why we have to go to work even if the area is  already flooded or when there is a bomb threat or it would be impossible for us to get to work because of a strike. May I just suggest that the big bosses try to commute from where they live and arrive at work on time. Try lang.

Like I said, these are just suggestions. Please don't get mad at me! hahahaha!

How to Blog 2: How To Enjoy a Road Trip to the North

Baguio. The Summer Capital of the Philippines.

1. Get the last trip of Victory Liner Deluxe Bus. It has free wi-fi, the seats are super comfy, the travel hours is shorter and their stop over restaurants are great.

2. Check-in at Eurotel. They can keep your things in their lockers free of charge if you get to Baguio really early and their check-in time is 12nn. If you have a discount card, you slash off 20% from your bill.

3. Walk. Up and down Session Rd. Climb the stairs to Baguio Cathedral.

4. Ride an FX. Its super convenient and the cab driver always give the exact change.

5. Visit the Pink Sisters Convent. The nuns sings like angels. Seriously. You'll have goosebumps when you hear them sing.

6. When buying pasalubong, go to Mines View. Good Shepherd is just within the area. Their ube and strawberry jam is just delish plus they accept credit/ debit cards. You can buy all the pasalubongs you want in very cheap prices there. Just keep strolling.

7. When in John Hay, enjoy the tranquility of the area. Its quiet and the clean and fresh air is just amazing (thanks to the abundant trees). Grab a coffee at Starbucks and enjoy the coziness of the fireplace. Walk going to the Mini-golf area and challenge yourself to get a hole-in-one in all 18 holes of cartoon characters.

8. Eat at Cynthia's. Their serving is so large that you'll get a full stomach with a plate of veggies and chicken. Dinner time, a strip of food stalls near Burnham Park offers the best bulalo and whatever you want na inihaw.

9. Cafe by the Ruins serves the most exquisite cacao and suman. Actually, with the ambiance and good service, the money you'll spend is worth every penny. Try their suman and tsokolate. Heaven.

10. Bring a jacket and wear clothes that will get you warm all day and night.

Cabugao. My fiance's hometown.

1. They have pandesal made of malunggay. Only one bakery sells that for P2.00 each. They are open 24 hours a day but be there in wee hours, coz the line is just long all the time.

2. Enjoy the activities at the Plaza. Their singing contests are just fun to watch.

3. They have a wonderful beach where you can get a tan and enjoy your time with the family for free. yup, no entrance fee or payment to use the kubos.

4. You can just slack off the whole day. There's nothing to do here but relax. so, relax.

5. Learn an Ilocano word or two. It'll help you converse with the locals more.

Vigan. My fave place in the North.

1. There are buses coming from Laoag going to Vigan. It would take an hour or so to get there.

2. Eat sinanglao and the empanada. Its super sarap and super satisfying!

3. Stroll at Calle Crisologo and buy your pasalubong. The whole street of nothing but shopping.

4. Vigan Chichacorn (that comes in different flavors) and the Vigan longganisa are the most popular pasalubong. Throw in a vinegar too.

5. Take pictures of the houses and old buildings. Its like looking a postcard from centuries ago.



Baguio City



Cabugao Beach



Vigan Church

How to Blog 1: HOW TO MAKE A BF/GF RELATIONSHIP WORK

Have you watched "How to Lose a Guy in 10 days"? Well, i got inspired and decided that this month, I will be the How-To- Girl of Blogger. My first How-To topic would be about relationships. It's because in 4 days, me and my boyfriend would be celebrating our 2nd anniversary. So how did we last this long? Keep on reading.

1. Accepting each other's imperfections. Whether its physical, spriritual, mental, financial and all those personal aspects.

2. Be patient with each other's mood swings and hang-ups even if there are times that you want to stunggle them to death.

3. Respect each other's opinion. Everyone has something to say about everything. If it goes down to a debate and you feel like you're losing, kiss them passionately.

4. Understand each other's decision. Someimes, sources outside your realtionship changes the way you deal with problems and conflicts.

5. Be honest. Open up yourself to your partner. If he/she loves you that much, he/she will always keep an open mind about the relationship.

6. Stay grounded. One may earn more than the other, but its not a reason for you to boss him/her around.

7. Support each other's goals and dreams. There will be big sacrifices but then again, if you love your partner that much, its all worth it.

8. Be loyal. The reason why you are in a committed relationship is because your partner is the most important person in your life. Give me one good reason why you have to look for someone else.

9. Stay happy together. Give in to each other's needs and wants. Satisfy each others cravings. Do stuff together that will leave both of you grinning.everyday.

10. Love each other every single second of the day. Let each other know how much you love each other through words and action.

Your BF/GF relationship, when cared for and nourished, may end up in a more meaningful and lasting partnership.

I Do!

I love weddings. I never get tired of watching the bride walk down the aisle while the groom waits for her at the altar and in the background, their wedding song is playing. I always get goosebumps when they say their I DOs. I always cry in every wedding I attended and the gladness I feel for being a witness to the bride and groom's love is just overwhelming.

I'm sure every girl dreams of what her wedding would be like. The dress...the shoes..the wedding song..the flowers and all those stuff. Some of the lucky girl friends I know were able to get their dream wedding (the groom is just a bonus) and i saw how happy and satisfied they were. I want that. I want my wedding to be perfect. The way I've always dreamed of.



The Dress




The Shoes



The Reception Area



The Hair





The Wedding Venue



The After Wedding Dress



The Groom;s Suit




  


The Cake



The Invite



The Bouquet

 
The sunflower is very significant for me. I'm not really into rosses and other flowers.

The Cake Topper



Of course everything needs some changes, color selections and adjustments. These are just some of the ideas I have in mind.

But like what they alwasy say, its about the love between a woman and a man. It doesnt matter where you get married or how. The important thing is both of you will promise each other to be together, for better or worse, for richer and poorer, in sickness and in health and til death do you part.

The EX Rules

EX- a prefix meaning “out of,” “from,” and hence “utterly,” “thoroughly,” and sometimes imparting a privative or negative force or indicating a former title, status, etc.; freely used as an English formative: exstipulate; exterritorial ; ex-president (former president) ; ex-member; ex-wife .

I was listening to BNO last week about exes: "pwede pa bang magkaroon ng rules with your ex after you guys break-up?" my answer: DAPAT!!!!

My proposed rules:

1. Pag break na, i-unfriend na sa facebook at i-unfollow na sa twitter. (if you dont, you'll just feel bad when you find out that they are happy NOT being with you anymore)

2. Bawal bawiin ang mga binigay. Ibenta lahat ng usable items na binigay sa yo tapos yon pera, ipambili mo ng bagay na ibibigay mo sa current beau mo. Ang mga pwede ng itapon ay itapon na. (simple things can bring back big memories)

3.  Burahin lahat ng contact details including email addresses, YM ID at lahat ng number nya na naka-record sa yo. (just to make sure you won't have the urge to communicate with them anymore)

4. Cut all communications. Lalo na sa family ng ex mo. Kahit gaano pa kayo ka-close. (move on!!!!!)

5.  Pumunta sa mga special na places nyo with a new partner. (make new and better memories).

6. Burn all pictures. (if you dont', yon pagsisisi mo na ang panget pala ng ex mo ay paulit-ulit  na mareremind sa yo).

7. Dont stalk the current gf/bf. (asahan mo na talagang mas may itsura at may breeding ang pinalit sa yo.)

8. Stay away. Permanently.

9. Get a life of your own. Kaya ka nga ex na kasi di ka na dapat sumasawsaw pa sa buhay ng dati mong gf/bf.

10. If you really cannot get over your ex, get a knife and gently slice your wrist with it. (fast and very effective).

**dedicated to the ex of my bf who keeps digging stuff about me and asking questions from our common friends. I am not mentioning her name YET...well, not today.

Finding "the one"

I just attended one of the most intimate wedding. My friends Julie and Jason tied the knot a week ago. I love weddings, specially when the bride and the groom finally seals their union with a sweet kiss. During the homily, the priest told the story of how Eve was made by taking one of Adam's rib. Since then, men were in search of their lost rib. That means, you have found your lost rib in the woman you are marrying. Aaaawwwww!!! (tear drop!)

Everyone is always on the search for "THE ONE". From speed dating, social networks, chat rooms, reunions, singles parties and other finding-someone occasions, people long for finding the person who will catch your attention, take your breath away, give you butterflies, make your legs feel like jelly and makes you smile every single minute of the day. But how on earth would you be able to find that person in a world where there are 7 billion people and half of the men you probably know or met or laid eyes to are either gay or married? just one answer: LOVE.

Love Love Love. The most used and abused word. I think I've said that word so many times, I've already lost count. But, yes, love. You may find it in the most uncertain places, in the most unexpected time with the most unbelievable person. It overwhelms you that you can actually lose yourself (and your mind and sometimes your virginity). Just thinking of that person makes you all giddy inside and being around him or her feels like heaven. You wake up each morning feeling so lucky for having that person in your life and you sleep at night feeling contented with your life. That's why people love to be in love. It makes their whole world happy. Every single day. People will get annoyed and others will be envious. That's love.

I've been in relationships. A lot of relationships. Some lasted, some didn't. Some ended well, some didn't. Some broke my heart and some just made a pass. But all of them, in a way, i loved. I've learned so much from each relationship that ended. I treasured most of the memories from each man that became part of my life. And I've always been thankful for them. We may not ended up together and I may not be their lost rib, but all those times, I was happy and loved. That was just enough for me to go through my day.

Some may still be finding their life partners. Some may still be in search for their lost rib. Some may still long for someone to love them. May I just say to them, be patient. He/ She will come. And when he/she does, never let her/him go.

Lucky for me..i found my "one"...literally. =)

Spring Cleaning My LIfe

The New Year always brings new hope to a lot of people. It's like starting over, being reborn or refreshing. This brings out the list of resolutions and things to do and not to do for the coming months. Then you start cleaning everything. Your office desk, your closet, your room, your house...your life. You put all your trash in a bag...some you donate and others you throw away... Like spring cleaning...literally and figuratively.

I am currently reading a pocket book "give it all to him" by Max Lucado. It was given by my uncle who is a pastor in CCF. It's a Christian book/ help book. 59 pages all in all. A one-sitter book that will change your life.

New Beginnings. yes. That is what I've always wanted. The weight of my sins, my failures and worries is too much for me to carry alone. So I turned to HIM.

I've been carrying the weight of my own world for so long. Every year since I became aware of the world,  it seems like more trash is added to my life.  My impulsiveness resulted to mistakes. My mistakes created more problems. My problems became my burden. My burden is my trash. So all the while, I have been making my own pile of dirt. In the book it says that you should admit to yourself the mess you made in your life. It's the only way you can actually do something about it.

So I will do something about it. I am "spring-cleaning" my life by:

- apologizing to people I have hurt in words, thoughts and actions
- forgiving people who have been mean to me in many ways
- taking time to help someone in need even if all I need to do is listen to them
- care more for others needs
- sacrifice material things and donate to charities more instead
- be kind to all living things
- let go of the past
- enjoy my present
- plan for a brighter future

and most importantly...I'm giving it all to HIM. My God and my Savior.