It's been a long while since I blogged, several months in fact though I doubt if my not doing so has any effect on anyone :) I'm not a prolific blogger not because I have nothing to say -- its just that I either do not have the time to do it (preferring to spend my time entertaining my less than a year old daughter or being available for my husband when he comes home from work) or I would rather keep my thoughts private. Besides I don't have a following that needs to be kept updated on what I do most of the time (I subject those mundane and trivial updates for those who follow me on twitter -- poor souls who, by getting my monotonous tweets I think serve their time in purgatory already).
Why have I then chosen to blog after months of silence? I'm not quite sure. I guess it's one way I know to get outside my head and hopefully connect to someone out there in the great unknown of cyberspace...strike a chord of recognition in someone else who might at one or another have felt the way I am feeling now. How do I feel now? Not too bad.
It's been a good day -- pretty mundane actually but its these little pockets of time just being a family that I hope I will remember when I grow old and forgetful about most other things. We attended mass at 11:00 am where Junby plays the guitar for the Filipino choir, had lunch at Ninang Liklik's, then home for a nap. It was warm today so napping with the AC on was a good option. Therese was able to nap for almost two hours -- a major feat these days since she has been sleeping poorly (days and nights) due to her emerging baby teeth (or so I think). At around 5 we decided to go down to the pool. Luckily we had the place to ourselves so we got to swim a few laps, Junby and I taking turns holding Therese while the other swam laps, and spend a few minutes relaxing at the adjoining jacuzzi. It was then time to go home, shower, eat dinner and put Therese to bed.
So why blog now? I guess its my effort to get out of this somewhat melancholic mood I find myself in. I wish I could have blogged about the times Therese first started to crawl or when she started walking around the living room by holding on to various pieces of furniture. Those would have been more upbeat and perky blogs but it was precisely those times I chose to give my full attention to living life rather than writing about it. For those who had to read through this blog, thank you. Somehow you have helped me feel connected even for just a few moments. That's it for now. Don't wish to subject anyone else further to my mundane musings...besides I just heard the baby cry -- time to get back to my world as isolated as it seems to me right now....
Showing posts with label Random Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Random Thoughts. Show all posts
Monday, July 27, 2009
Friday, April 03, 2009
Twice in one day...
Unbelievable as it may sound but we have just experienced having our car broken into twice today. Yup, twice in the span of a few hours. This is my first brush with lawlessness here in the US. I am just thankful that none of those I love has been hurt in the process. Yeah, we lost some stuff but "stuff" are replaceable even though some of those stuff were somewhat expensive. Yet I choose to look at these incidents today in a more positive light -- no one from my family got hurt in the process. But my poor husband...Here's how it happened.
When Junby was about to leave for the office this morning that's when he saw that the front passenger seat's window was all smashed up! Smashed up into tiny pieces with a few shards clinging to the frame.
The broken glass you see on the ground next to the car was what was left of the window. We surmised that the person must have seen the mount for the GPS on the dashboard and so decided to steal it since the mount was gone. The glove compartment was open so we surmised they thought the GPS unit was in it. Luckily, Junby makes a habit of brining the unit with him everytime he comes down from the car. So, not finding the GPS unit they decided to take some of the CDs , Junby's MP3 player (which he had just upgraded with a 16MB memory card) and a flashlight that Junby kept in the front. It was a good thing those were the only things the person took. He didn't check the trunk which had contained Junby's equipment which he uses for the choir practice -- his mini AMP, etc. So my poor husband didn't get to report to work since he had to inform the insurance about the break-in, bring the car, which we had fondly dubbed "SMURF" since it's small and blue, to the auto bodyshop for repair and get a rental car to use.
Junby and I were half-jokingly telling each other, this must be Satan's way of destroying our peace since last night Junby and I took part in the parish's reconciliation service and availed of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We thought that was the end of it but nope. More was to come.
Junby left for choir practice which was held at the parish of St. Maria Goretti. I went up to put Therese to bed. At around 9 pm, Junby calls to tell me that the rental car he's using got broken into again! Someone smashed the window and this time took his belt pouch which was partly hidden under the seat. So now he has to inform the rental company that the car has been broken into. What was lost? The belt pouch contained his camera (which had photos of Therese and whatnot, some of which he had not downloaded yet :( ), his cellphone which had his philippine sim and other stuff.
What is going on?!? When I talked to Junby's cousin to tell her the news, she said it could be that the people who did the first job were mad that they didn't really get anything of value from our car and they might have actually watched him, followed him and decided to see if they could get more this time. At this point I don't think its too farfetched an idea. And to think that it was only his rental car that was broken into, and in the parking lot of a church.
What's also ironic is that our apartment is situated in a gated community. The gates are closed at night and supposedly only residents with the remote can get in. Go figure. Just when you think you are quite safe, things like this happen to remind you to be vigilant. Sigh. It's been a rough day all around, for my husband most especially. Yet, I still thank God that nothing worse has happened to him or to us. I continue to pray that this will be the end of it. I can only pray that God will help protect all those I love from further harm. Keep us in your prayers too.
In the midst of all these events, I can still say though that God has been good. It could have been worse...
When Junby was about to leave for the office this morning that's when he saw that the front passenger seat's window was all smashed up! Smashed up into tiny pieces with a few shards clinging to the frame.
The broken glass you see on the ground next to the car was what was left of the window. We surmised that the person must have seen the mount for the GPS on the dashboard and so decided to steal it since the mount was gone. The glove compartment was open so we surmised they thought the GPS unit was in it. Luckily, Junby makes a habit of brining the unit with him everytime he comes down from the car. So, not finding the GPS unit they decided to take some of the CDs , Junby's MP3 player (which he had just upgraded with a 16MB memory card) and a flashlight that Junby kept in the front. It was a good thing those were the only things the person took. He didn't check the trunk which had contained Junby's equipment which he uses for the choir practice -- his mini AMP, etc. So my poor husband didn't get to report to work since he had to inform the insurance about the break-in, bring the car, which we had fondly dubbed "SMURF" since it's small and blue, to the auto bodyshop for repair and get a rental car to use.
Junby and I were half-jokingly telling each other, this must be Satan's way of destroying our peace since last night Junby and I took part in the parish's reconciliation service and availed of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We thought that was the end of it but nope. More was to come.
Junby left for choir practice which was held at the parish of St. Maria Goretti. I went up to put Therese to bed. At around 9 pm, Junby calls to tell me that the rental car he's using got broken into again! Someone smashed the window and this time took his belt pouch which was partly hidden under the seat. So now he has to inform the rental company that the car has been broken into. What was lost? The belt pouch contained his camera (which had photos of Therese and whatnot, some of which he had not downloaded yet :( ), his cellphone which had his philippine sim and other stuff.
What is going on?!? When I talked to Junby's cousin to tell her the news, she said it could be that the people who did the first job were mad that they didn't really get anything of value from our car and they might have actually watched him, followed him and decided to see if they could get more this time. At this point I don't think its too farfetched an idea. And to think that it was only his rental car that was broken into, and in the parking lot of a church.
What's also ironic is that our apartment is situated in a gated community. The gates are closed at night and supposedly only residents with the remote can get in. Go figure. Just when you think you are quite safe, things like this happen to remind you to be vigilant. Sigh. It's been a rough day all around, for my husband most especially. Yet, I still thank God that nothing worse has happened to him or to us. I continue to pray that this will be the end of it. I can only pray that God will help protect all those I love from further harm. Keep us in your prayers too.
In the midst of all these events, I can still say though that God has been good. It could have been worse...
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Little joys
Each day is a chance for new wonders to be explored. Seen from the eyes of my 5 month old baby, the world is indeed new and exciting. We are blessed to have such an even-tempered child (so far that's how she seems to be emerging as in terms of temperament and disposition). She greets each morning with a smile and now even though she has a cold, she's been quiet and just trying to get by and not fussing a lot.
I too have a bad cold which unfortunately I have passed on to her. I pity her sniffing and trying to breathe through a clogged nose. Its times like this that you just wish you could take on your child's illness instead of letting her suffer. Since she doesn't know how to blow her nose either, she just takes it and cries a little when she can't take it na.
Last weekend, Junby and I visited Costco to stock up on stuff here at home. Costco sells stuff in bulk and therefore it comes out cheap. While walking the aisles, Junby was carrying Therese and as is her fashion, she just drifted off to sleep :)
That's how easygoing she generally is. Then Junby put together the high chair that was a gift to us during one of the baby showers for us. See her delight? :) Makes me smile in response. :)
The next day I was able to sit her there while I did some chores. She found a way to occupy herself with a teething toy I had given her..
Ah, my little joy :) Thank you Lord for smiling back at me through my daughter. :)
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Malamig ang simoy ng hangin...
That particular line has been especially true as winter sets in here in San Jose, California. I know it's not as cold as it couf ld get in other parts of this country but its cold enough for me to start wearing boots, a scarf, jacket, gloves and woolly cap. The cold and the slowly emerging Christmas lights and decorations make me long for Christmas back home. :)
First Christmas away from my mama, sister, niece, lola and the rest of my mom's family. . .Its times like these that I wish there was a way to bring both worlds together into one space. Maybe someday that would be possible.
It will be a different Chritmas. This will be our first Christmas as a new family -- Junby, myself and Therese. I wonder what sort of Christmas traditions will we institute. Maybe next time I can actually manage to decorate our humble abode with Christmas decors. :)
For now, I hope and pray that in the midst of a foreign land, I too, like the shepherds of old would get to experience the presence of Him who is the reason for the season inspite of the lack of the other things Christmas is commonly associated with. :)
First Christmas away from my mama, sister, niece, lola and the rest of my mom's family. . .Its times like these that I wish there was a way to bring both worlds together into one space. Maybe someday that would be possible.
It will be a different Chritmas. This will be our first Christmas as a new family -- Junby, myself and Therese. I wonder what sort of Christmas traditions will we institute. Maybe next time I can actually manage to decorate our humble abode with Christmas decors. :)
For now, I hope and pray that in the midst of a foreign land, I too, like the shepherds of old would get to experience the presence of Him who is the reason for the season inspite of the lack of the other things Christmas is commonly associated with. :)
Saturday, September 20, 2008
The Waiting Game
Well, it's more or less two weeks before my due date. . . and as the title of this post states we're doing the waiting game. :) The past two weeks I had a deadline with Misyon which kept me occupied and therefore no time to really brood over Therese's coming. Now that that deadline is behind me, I have time on my hands to think about it.
I did share with our midwife my anxiety -- since I'm not very good when it comes to handling physical pain but she did reassure me that I need to focus on the belief that I can do this. That was reassuring. I'm praying to Mama Mary to be my guide during labor and eventual delivery. We pray for a safe delivery for Therese as well -- no complications and whatnot.
So what do I do while I play this waiting game? Well, there's still a lot of fixing up to do here at home. We've already put together a little cabinet and drawer for her which contains the clothes she would need for the first few months. The rest of the stuff that were passed on to us or given are in clear boxes and labeled accordingly. It is good indeed to have lots of relatives who are willing to pass on baby clothes and the like. It truly helps in cutting back costs. The baby shower gifts have also been a big help. We have most of what we need -- bassinet, diaper disposal can, even diapers for newborns! We've also put together the bag we will be bringing to the hospital with us.
I think Therese will make her appearance more or less on schedule. I'm due October 4. I'm praying she comes on October 3 -- which is St Therese of Lisieux's Feast Day. Keep us in your prayers. Anyway, enough meandering -- time to go and fix up stuff so that while waiting I'm still productive after all. :)
I did share with our midwife my anxiety -- since I'm not very good when it comes to handling physical pain but she did reassure me that I need to focus on the belief that I can do this. That was reassuring. I'm praying to Mama Mary to be my guide during labor and eventual delivery. We pray for a safe delivery for Therese as well -- no complications and whatnot.
So what do I do while I play this waiting game? Well, there's still a lot of fixing up to do here at home. We've already put together a little cabinet and drawer for her which contains the clothes she would need for the first few months. The rest of the stuff that were passed on to us or given are in clear boxes and labeled accordingly. It is good indeed to have lots of relatives who are willing to pass on baby clothes and the like. It truly helps in cutting back costs. The baby shower gifts have also been a big help. We have most of what we need -- bassinet, diaper disposal can, even diapers for newborns! We've also put together the bag we will be bringing to the hospital with us.
I think Therese will make her appearance more or less on schedule. I'm due October 4. I'm praying she comes on October 3 -- which is St Therese of Lisieux's Feast Day. Keep us in your prayers. Anyway, enough meandering -- time to go and fix up stuff so that while waiting I'm still productive after all. :)
Thursday, August 21, 2008
A post ... finally!
Hi folks!
I know I have been remiss in blogging the past weeks. I have several valid reasons for not doing so but the past week or so, its more or less due to my own laziness which has crept in. The first valid reason was because we lost internet connection at home and had to wait for it to be installed. Along with the internet connection, we got a landline and cable TV and that is another reason why I haven't blogged. I get sucked into the TV! That's why I've resolved not to open the TV until I'm done with specific 'to do' stuff :)
Anyway, I've finally mustered up enough energy to actually blog a little. Maybe I can get back into the groove of blogging after this :) I've finally attended a Breastfeeding class offered by our medical provider, Kaiser. It was very informative. We had baby dolls to practice the different holds there are to nurse a baby. I just hope I can actually breastfeed Therese. Junby and I are inclined to try it since breastfeeding does have a lot of advantages for both mother and child. Karen, Junby's cousin also suggested I not leave the hospital until I get the help I need in terms of getting the baby to breastfeed since its harder to get the help once we get home.
Also, Junby and I have finally had our pictorial two weeks ago. The photos were done by Ryan, Junby's cousin, who does photos for events like weddings and such. You can check out his work at his website: www.247Media.org
Here are some of my favorite shots from the pictorials. And yes, I have gained a lot but I'm looking to lose the extra pounds when I've given birth and all. :) The rest of the pictures are found here.
Well, that's all for now. Will think of other things to blog about next time. Tomorrow will be another prenatal visit and on friday an express childbirth preparation class. Express since we're doing this at a late time in my pregnancy already :) Continue to keep us in your prayers especially for a safe and normal delivery. Thanks everyone and God bless!
I know I have been remiss in blogging the past weeks. I have several valid reasons for not doing so but the past week or so, its more or less due to my own laziness which has crept in. The first valid reason was because we lost internet connection at home and had to wait for it to be installed. Along with the internet connection, we got a landline and cable TV and that is another reason why I haven't blogged. I get sucked into the TV! That's why I've resolved not to open the TV until I'm done with specific 'to do' stuff :)
Anyway, I've finally mustered up enough energy to actually blog a little. Maybe I can get back into the groove of blogging after this :) I've finally attended a Breastfeeding class offered by our medical provider, Kaiser. It was very informative. We had baby dolls to practice the different holds there are to nurse a baby. I just hope I can actually breastfeed Therese. Junby and I are inclined to try it since breastfeeding does have a lot of advantages for both mother and child. Karen, Junby's cousin also suggested I not leave the hospital until I get the help I need in terms of getting the baby to breastfeed since its harder to get the help once we get home.
Also, Junby and I have finally had our pictorial two weeks ago. The photos were done by Ryan, Junby's cousin, who does photos for events like weddings and such. You can check out his work at his website: www.247Media.org
Here are some of my favorite shots from the pictorials. And yes, I have gained a lot but I'm looking to lose the extra pounds when I've given birth and all. :) The rest of the pictures are found here.
Well, that's all for now. Will think of other things to blog about next time. Tomorrow will be another prenatal visit and on friday an express childbirth preparation class. Express since we're doing this at a late time in my pregnancy already :) Continue to keep us in your prayers especially for a safe and normal delivery. Thanks everyone and God bless!
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
The 'glow' of pregnancy
The title is quite deceiving. I just wanted to have something that might place in a more favorable light, how I look now. I did promise to upload recent pictures of myself but I'm shy so I'm just sharing the pictures I gave to Junby for Father's Day. Yup, even if baby Therese (that's the name we are thinking of giving our little girl) isn't out of the womb yet, her very existence makes Junby a Father and me a mother (grabe, as in -- kinda surreal pa rin even if I get kicks now and again which somehow 'drive home' the point).
Urged by Junby's cousin, Karen, I had screwed up the courage to have a formal portrait done at Picture People. Karen had coupons allowing us to have our pictures done and you can choose one for free, out of all the shots. It was all hush-hush since we wanted to surprise Junby for Father's Day. I ended up borrowing a dress Karen had just purchased for the pictorial. The shots came out pretty decent but it took me a while to get over my shyness at having myself photographed by a complete stranger. Though he was good at making me feel at ease and Karen's presence and wisecracks kept me from feeling too self-conscious. These photos show me at five months or so. I'm now on my 28th week or starting into my 6th month so I have definitely gained weight and my tummy is now more pronounced. I have yet to schedule another appointment. Maybe this time with Junby in the picture. . . .
So for all those wondering how I look pregnant, feast your eyes on these (hehehe) . . . .
Ang galing talaga ni Lord, noh? It still blows us away that we are given the chance to create life with Him. We have helped him create a new soul that will, one day sing praises to Him who is worthy of all praise! Please contiinue to keep us in your prayers, most especially for Therese, that she might continue to grow in mind, body and spirit and be delivered safely when the time comes. Thank you! More next time. . . .
Urged by Junby's cousin, Karen, I had screwed up the courage to have a formal portrait done at Picture People. Karen had coupons allowing us to have our pictures done and you can choose one for free, out of all the shots. It was all hush-hush since we wanted to surprise Junby for Father's Day. I ended up borrowing a dress Karen had just purchased for the pictorial. The shots came out pretty decent but it took me a while to get over my shyness at having myself photographed by a complete stranger. Though he was good at making me feel at ease and Karen's presence and wisecracks kept me from feeling too self-conscious. These photos show me at five months or so. I'm now on my 28th week or starting into my 6th month so I have definitely gained weight and my tummy is now more pronounced. I have yet to schedule another appointment. Maybe this time with Junby in the picture. . . .
So for all those wondering how I look pregnant, feast your eyes on these (hehehe) . . . .
Ang galing talaga ni Lord, noh? It still blows us away that we are given the chance to create life with Him. We have helped him create a new soul that will, one day sing praises to Him who is worthy of all praise! Please contiinue to keep us in your prayers, most especially for Therese, that she might continue to grow in mind, body and spirit and be delivered safely when the time comes. Thank you! More next time. . . .
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
God is Good
Hi folks! I'm writing this from the warmth of our bed in San Jose, California. Yup! I'm finally where I'm supposed to be -- with my husband and truly starting our family life. :) While thinking of an appropriate title for this post, I couldn't help but smile and thank God for His goodness to me and my family. :) After all the prayers uttered by you, our family and friends, God in His good time has brought me here to be by my husband's side finally. That, I think, is one major concern that is now lifted from Junby's heart.
We arrived last night, around 9 pm SF time. Leaving the confines of the plane, I thought I had entered a fully air conditioned building, only to learn from Junby that that was how it actually is outside in SF! Brrrr....I'm blessed though since I arrive at the beginning of summer. Another blessing is that one side benefit of being pregnant is having a higher than my normal body temperature. So I think baby is keeping me warm din :P So much so I can walk around in silk pajamas and feet shod in warm socks puttering around our kitchen kanina putting things away, etc.
We were met at the airport by Josh, Junby's handsome cousin (oh, Josh pinupuri na kita dito!). We first went to the condo to drop off our luggage then Josh drove us to Ninang Liklik's home so Junby can pick up our car. We were supposed to do it quietly so as not to wake Tita Liklik and Tito but Tito was up so we chatted a bit, Junby and I raided Tita Liklik's ref for a late night meal and we were on our way home at about 1:30 in the morning :) Junby and I were still feeling awake since it was just afternoon in the Philippines but we hoped to sleep since Junby has work today, the poor dear.
There's a lot to fix up here at the condo but I'm excited as the realization that this is my home is slowly sinking in. How this home turns out is up to me and Junby. I have to remind myself though to take it easy this first day. After all, I am pregnant (I sometimes forget :P unless I see myself in a mirror :P) and I'm still supposed to be adjusting with jet lag and all. Though at the moment I don't feel tired but still best to keep at a slower pace :)
For the first time, I got to 'prepare' breakfast for Junby here at our own place. I say 'prepare' since I don't feel I really did anything since most of what we did for this morning was to microwave stuff :P That goes against my traditional view of cooking but since we don't have pots and pans and stuff like that I'm experiencing the American way of doing things :P. Hopefully sometime this week I can get myself some kitchenware and try my hand at real cooking. I'm nowhere near a good cook as my cousin J, but they all say it's practice and since Junby is committed to me for life, he has no choice. Hehehe.
Anyway, this post is getting quite long. Will take a nap now since its supposedly near to 1 am in the Philippines. Hope my husband is ok at work since he doesn't have the luxury of sleeping like I do. All in all, God is good indeed. All is Grace, don't you agree?
We arrived last night, around 9 pm SF time. Leaving the confines of the plane, I thought I had entered a fully air conditioned building, only to learn from Junby that that was how it actually is outside in SF! Brrrr....I'm blessed though since I arrive at the beginning of summer. Another blessing is that one side benefit of being pregnant is having a higher than my normal body temperature. So I think baby is keeping me warm din :P So much so I can walk around in silk pajamas and feet shod in warm socks puttering around our kitchen kanina putting things away, etc.
We were met at the airport by Josh, Junby's handsome cousin (oh, Josh pinupuri na kita dito!). We first went to the condo to drop off our luggage then Josh drove us to Ninang Liklik's home so Junby can pick up our car. We were supposed to do it quietly so as not to wake Tita Liklik and Tito but Tito was up so we chatted a bit, Junby and I raided Tita Liklik's ref for a late night meal and we were on our way home at about 1:30 in the morning :) Junby and I were still feeling awake since it was just afternoon in the Philippines but we hoped to sleep since Junby has work today, the poor dear.
There's a lot to fix up here at the condo but I'm excited as the realization that this is my home is slowly sinking in. How this home turns out is up to me and Junby. I have to remind myself though to take it easy this first day. After all, I am pregnant (I sometimes forget :P unless I see myself in a mirror :P) and I'm still supposed to be adjusting with jet lag and all. Though at the moment I don't feel tired but still best to keep at a slower pace :)
For the first time, I got to 'prepare' breakfast for Junby here at our own place. I say 'prepare' since I don't feel I really did anything since most of what we did for this morning was to microwave stuff :P That goes against my traditional view of cooking but since we don't have pots and pans and stuff like that I'm experiencing the American way of doing things :P. Hopefully sometime this week I can get myself some kitchenware and try my hand at real cooking. I'm nowhere near a good cook as my cousin J, but they all say it's practice and since Junby is committed to me for life, he has no choice. Hehehe.
Anyway, this post is getting quite long. Will take a nap now since its supposedly near to 1 am in the Philippines. Hope my husband is ok at work since he doesn't have the luxury of sleeping like I do. All in all, God is good indeed. All is Grace, don't you agree?
Thursday, April 17, 2008
At it again...
I woke up early this morning, the second time for this week. The first time was last Wednesday to pick up my passport from the DFA in Iloilo and to have my Teacher's License changed from my maiden name to my married name. DFA wasn't so bad since I only had to pick up my updated passport, which I got by 8:30 AM. PRC was another matter altogether. We were unfortunate enough to join the mass of nursing students filing for their board exam in June so we found ourselves at the tail end of the line (which was on the street but began three floors up to the door of the PRC office) just to get a number so we could enter and get the steps from the information desk. Each time we had to go through the next step, we had to line up again for a new number. talk about inefficiency. The office was also quite small and so if your number isn't up yet you had to wait outside in the claustrophobic hallway with its limited seats. So more often than not, you find yourself standing for an hour or more just waiting for your number to be serviced. By God's grace we got to finish all the required steps by 2:40, and was able to make it back to the pier and take the 3:30 ferry back to Bacolod.
This second time, I lined up for my NBI clearance at 6 in the morning. Yup, 6 AM. And I was number 40 on the list already. Then we had to wait for the office to actually open at 8 AM. Then they called us by name according to the list, gave us forms then lined up for them to check if we filled it all out and then fingerprinting -- all the fingers on both hands! :-o then you go to the next portion of the building to wait for your number to be called to pay the cashier, get your photo done and hopefully your NBI clearance. If you are one of the unlucky ones like myself, and you get a 'hit' on your name, you are asked to come back after 15 days for verification. A 'hit', I learned is when they find amongst their records someone with the same name or last name as yours. So as luck would have it I had a hit and I need to go back to them on the 30th of April. That means another early morning lining up, and missing work until 10 am (if you are lucky) :P
O well, this is something I need to do since the NBI clearance is needed for the visa interview on May 13. Sigh. It's just that its so tiring and a waste of valuable time. :( May God give me strength when I'm at it again come the 30th. Keep my interview in your prayers! Thanks :)
This second time, I lined up for my NBI clearance at 6 in the morning. Yup, 6 AM. And I was number 40 on the list already. Then we had to wait for the office to actually open at 8 AM. Then they called us by name according to the list, gave us forms then lined up for them to check if we filled it all out and then fingerprinting -- all the fingers on both hands! :-o then you go to the next portion of the building to wait for your number to be called to pay the cashier, get your photo done and hopefully your NBI clearance. If you are one of the unlucky ones like myself, and you get a 'hit' on your name, you are asked to come back after 15 days for verification. A 'hit', I learned is when they find amongst their records someone with the same name or last name as yours. So as luck would have it I had a hit and I need to go back to them on the 30th of April. That means another early morning lining up, and missing work until 10 am (if you are lucky) :P
O well, this is something I need to do since the NBI clearance is needed for the visa interview on May 13. Sigh. It's just that its so tiring and a waste of valuable time. :( May God give me strength when I'm at it again come the 30th. Keep my interview in your prayers! Thanks :)
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Good Friday thoughts...
Today, the whole of Christendom celebrates Good Friday. The day that turned the world upside down, when God who became man, seemingly suffered the bitterest of defeat. I don't have much to share being quite listless the whole day. It could be because I'm still more or less experiencing fatigue brought about by my pregnancy. (I find myself getting irritated with myself for being so weak). It's quite humbling actually to realize that for all that I pride myself at being quite energetic, these past months have proven that I'm not quite as invincible as I thought myself to be.
I'm looking forward to the end of my first trimester. This week is my 12th week and most books I've been reading have said after the first trimester, things will start to look up -- lessening of fatigue, disappearance of nausea (yessss!) and being able to eat more or less normally.
I guess I'm also listless because tomorrow Junby and I are flying to Manila. He's flying back to the US on Easter Sunday and I'm seeing him off. I'm going to miss him definitely but I won't make it more difficult for him by crying and asking him not to leave me (sounds like a line from a movie... :p ). He's having a hard time as it is. Its the least I can do to put on a brave face and take things as they are. Lesson I learned from my Mama. :)
All in all though, its been a blessing that he has been able to spend so much time with me after the wedding. Also another blessing is his new work which allowed him some extra weeks here rather than go back to the US by February. So, I may be in the midst of my own little Good Friday but I can join my private sorrow with Jesus' and hope to see an Easter morning soon. :)
I'm looking forward to the end of my first trimester. This week is my 12th week and most books I've been reading have said after the first trimester, things will start to look up -- lessening of fatigue, disappearance of nausea (yessss!) and being able to eat more or less normally.
I guess I'm also listless because tomorrow Junby and I are flying to Manila. He's flying back to the US on Easter Sunday and I'm seeing him off. I'm going to miss him definitely but I won't make it more difficult for him by crying and asking him not to leave me (sounds like a line from a movie... :p ). He's having a hard time as it is. Its the least I can do to put on a brave face and take things as they are. Lesson I learned from my Mama. :)
All in all though, its been a blessing that he has been able to spend so much time with me after the wedding. Also another blessing is his new work which allowed him some extra weeks here rather than go back to the US by February. So, I may be in the midst of my own little Good Friday but I can join my private sorrow with Jesus' and hope to see an Easter morning soon. :)
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
A quick pick-me upper
I know I haven't blogged much lately :) You could say the effects of pregnancy make blogging something that isn't top priority. Been going through the classic symptoms of the first trimester, including "morning" sickness. I placed that in quotation marks since going to the bathroom and 'worshiping the porcelain god', according to my husband, isn't limited to mornings. I won't bore you with all the details :)
Anyway, taking a break from working on our website, Misyon online, I decided to surf for some videos to brighten up my day. I found this. This is my favorite scene from the movie Raise Your Voice featuring Hillary Duff. The main character played by Hillary lost her desire to sing when her brother died in a car accident while she, the passenger, survived. The lyrics of the song help me now to remember that with everything considered, I can survive the next couple of weeks before my first trimester ends. Hehe. Enjoy!
Anyway, taking a break from working on our website, Misyon online, I decided to surf for some videos to brighten up my day. I found this. This is my favorite scene from the movie Raise Your Voice featuring Hillary Duff. The main character played by Hillary lost her desire to sing when her brother died in a car accident while she, the passenger, survived. The lyrics of the song help me now to remember that with everything considered, I can survive the next couple of weeks before my first trimester ends. Hehe. Enjoy!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
New Year, New Life
Welcome 2008! It's a new year with the offering of a new life in more ways than one. One major change in my life now is that I am now the wife of (hopefully) a very happy man :D We've been keeping a separate blog for all that is wedding-related but since I don't have the time to upload all the nice pictures that were taken during the wedding, I'm posting here the links to some of sites that do have pictures :) Hope you have time to visit them. If not, a murmured prayer for me and my husband, Leonides Saguisag Jr would be most appreciated. Here are some links:
http://junbyandmitzi.blogspot.com/
http://mtfr.multiply.com/photos/album/8/A_Day_to_Remember
Getting married, being a major undertaking, both in terms of preparation and the actual event I have been unable to post any of my thoughts and opinions. I hope to have more time to do that once I finish up the stack of work that piled up when I went off to our honeymoon in Palawan and the subsequent holiday disorders. Suffice it to say that now that we are back in Bacolod and starting to settle down to some sort of 'normal' living, I will have more time to ruminate on the past and to plan and aim for dreams with my husband this time. :)
Time to get back to work. Hehehe. Just couldn't resist posting one tiny thought before tackling this webpage I'm working on. I look forward to the coming days as Junby and I start to settle down to a routine and to the exciting world of Marriage. :D
http://junbyandmitzi.blogspot.com/
http://mtfr.multiply.com/photos/album/8/A_Day_to_Remember
Getting married, being a major undertaking, both in terms of preparation and the actual event I have been unable to post any of my thoughts and opinions. I hope to have more time to do that once I finish up the stack of work that piled up when I went off to our honeymoon in Palawan and the subsequent holiday disorders. Suffice it to say that now that we are back in Bacolod and starting to settle down to some sort of 'normal' living, I will have more time to ruminate on the past and to plan and aim for dreams with my husband this time. :)
Time to get back to work. Hehehe. Just couldn't resist posting one tiny thought before tackling this webpage I'm working on. I look forward to the coming days as Junby and I start to settle down to a routine and to the exciting world of Marriage. :D
Monday, November 05, 2007
I need to get out more often. . .
While waiting for my turn, I was stumbling along quite happily when I stumbled upon this site that tests your knowledge of geography. Sad to say I didn't even get past the first level. Which is ok. It just challenges me more to get to know this place I call home, the earth. If you wish to test your own knowledge about our world, here's the game I was playing. . .
Thursday, October 25, 2007
. . . .
I want to go to the sea. Can someone take me there now? I suddenly long for the roar of the ocean, just like in Infanta. Confronted by the vastness of it, by the rush of the waves and their crashing upon the shore -- all that is unspeakable within me need not be spoken any more. . . .
I want to feel the rushing of a strong wind upon my face -- lifting my hair like a sail behind me. I want to be bathed by the light of a full moon, soothed by its quieting silvery light.
Yet all I can do tonight is sigh. . .a sigh that wells up from deep within me yet cannot be articulated beyond that. Let it suffice for now...Deep calls to Deep.
SIGH. . . .
. . . .
I wrote this post with this Relaxation and Meditation Timer I stumbled upon. It had a choice of songs which you can play in the background with a clock to keep time for you as you meditate or relax. It seemed appropriate somehow...
I want to feel the rushing of a strong wind upon my face -- lifting my hair like a sail behind me. I want to be bathed by the light of a full moon, soothed by its quieting silvery light.
Yet all I can do tonight is sigh. . .a sigh that wells up from deep within me yet cannot be articulated beyond that. Let it suffice for now...Deep calls to Deep.
SIGH. . . .
. . . .
I wrote this post with this Relaxation and Meditation Timer I stumbled upon. It had a choice of songs which you can play in the background with a clock to keep time for you as you meditate or relax. It seemed appropriate somehow...
Monday, October 22, 2007
History, anyone?
I stumbled upon this during my lunch break. It brought to mind my stint as a teacher in World History in my alma mater two years ago (gosh, has it been that long?) It's pretty neat. Wish I had this as one of my visual aid tools back then. It would have made an interesting jump off point for a discussion on the role of religion in terms of the expansion of society. :) Anyway, here it is...watch and learn...
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Getting rid of tunnel vision
When I become caught up in my little world -- with its seemingly BIG concerns, get weighed down by the things that are not going the way I want them to go, when my world seems to have shrunk to me being the center of it -- I need a way to rid myself of, what I call, 'tunnel vision'.
In medical terms, tunnel vision is the loss of peripheral vision with retention of central vision, resulting in a constricted circular tunnel-like field of vision
In layman's terms, it seems as if all that one can see is focused only on one thing, everything else beside it fades away. Well with the wedding day moving closer, I seem to be experiencing a slight tunneling of my vision. I find myself unable to think of the big picture as readily as I used to. Well tonight, while taking a break from wedding-related stuff, I stumbled upon this website with a very inspiring video . . . It's of a professor who was giving his last lecture. The highlights of his lecture helped me get rid of my temporary tunnel vision and restore to me a sense of what this is all for :)
The wedding isn't the end all and be all of everything (though at times I admit it feels like that :P). The whole world will not cease to exist if the invitations are not sent when I planned them to be sent nor will World War III take place if I forget one logistical detail. What is important is the marriage -- the new life I am entering into. Now that is something I need to keep touching base with. All these wedding preparations are actually showing me how I would most likely deal with the stressors that are part and parcel of married life. LIFE -- that is the operative word I have to remember. That was what Professor Randy's lecture was all about.
Thank you to Sara of Healthbolt, the site I found the video at. Thank you to Professor Randy. That was one great Last Lecture!
*Click on the video or the logo WSJ to start the video if pressing on play doesn't work :P
In medical terms, tunnel vision is the loss of peripheral vision with retention of central vision, resulting in a constricted circular tunnel-like field of vision
In layman's terms, it seems as if all that one can see is focused only on one thing, everything else beside it fades away. Well with the wedding day moving closer, I seem to be experiencing a slight tunneling of my vision. I find myself unable to think of the big picture as readily as I used to. Well tonight, while taking a break from wedding-related stuff, I stumbled upon this website with a very inspiring video . . . It's of a professor who was giving his last lecture. The highlights of his lecture helped me get rid of my temporary tunnel vision and restore to me a sense of what this is all for :)
The wedding isn't the end all and be all of everything (though at times I admit it feels like that :P). The whole world will not cease to exist if the invitations are not sent when I planned them to be sent nor will World War III take place if I forget one logistical detail. What is important is the marriage -- the new life I am entering into. Now that is something I need to keep touching base with. All these wedding preparations are actually showing me how I would most likely deal with the stressors that are part and parcel of married life. LIFE -- that is the operative word I have to remember. That was what Professor Randy's lecture was all about.
Thank you to Sara of Healthbolt, the site I found the video at. Thank you to Professor Randy. That was one great Last Lecture!
*Click on the video or the logo WSJ to start the video if pressing on play doesn't work :P
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Deep thoughts on a Windy October morning...
I was going through our forum at www.misyononline.com and saw an old post by my boss. It had a link to an article entitled, 'A Glint of Sapphire' and it was a reflection of sorts by the author and his wife as they celebrated 45 years of marriage. Wow! In this day and age, such longevity in marriages is to be celebrated indeed.
I'd like to share some lines from the article which struck a chord in me and got me thinking about certain things. They quoted the old marriage rite (Pre-Vatican II pa ata) :
“You begin your married life, by the voluntary surrender of your individual lives, in the interest of the deeper and wider life you are to have in common. That future, with its hopes and disappointments, its pleasures and pains, its joys and sorrows, its successes and failures, is hidden from your eyes now. Yet, these elements are mingled in every life. They are to be expected in your own.”
An iron-clad commitment follows: “And so, not knowing what is before you, you take each other for better or for worse; for richer or for poorer; in sickness and in health, until death do you part.”
I hadn't realized until reading this quote that the Church has a very balanced view of life and what it entails. The quoted portions of the rite acknowledged the elements that would be needed for a fulfilled marriage. One element that I found significant is found in the line... "the voluntary surrender of your individual lives, in the interest of the deeper and wider life you are to have in common". Voluntary surrender is an act of the will. You choose to give up your preferences and wants. What for? I know nowadays, there is a strong advocacy for individual rights but then marriage according to these lines is not about individual rights but about a communal life. I used to see surrender as synonymous to defeat but I have been learning that isn't always the case. Surrendering, especially in the context of giving up for something better makes one a victor and not the vanquished. What for are we called to surrender in marriage? We are called to surrender in the interest of a deeper and wider life that is to be lived in common.
No one can quite say, they weren't fairly warned :P I like the line "voluntary surrender of your individual lives" -- yup it is indeed a choice and a choice made everyday I think... :)
And what reassures me is the line that says despite not knowing what is ahead, the couple takes each other as is in all circumstances. No ifs and buts about it. Now that is commitment. I used to want to be 100% sure of my choice of a mate. But then I cannot see a 100% into the future and how things will be but as the article stated,
“And if the unselfish spirit of sacrifice guide your every action, you can expect the greatest measure of earthly happiness that may be allotted to a person in this life,” it pledged. “The rest is in the hands of God.”
And I think that's the safest place for my marriage to be at. :)
I'd like to share some lines from the article which struck a chord in me and got me thinking about certain things. They quoted the old marriage rite (Pre-Vatican II pa ata) :
“You begin your married life, by the voluntary surrender of your individual lives, in the interest of the deeper and wider life you are to have in common. That future, with its hopes and disappointments, its pleasures and pains, its joys and sorrows, its successes and failures, is hidden from your eyes now. Yet, these elements are mingled in every life. They are to be expected in your own.”
An iron-clad commitment follows: “And so, not knowing what is before you, you take each other for better or for worse; for richer or for poorer; in sickness and in health, until death do you part.”
I hadn't realized until reading this quote that the Church has a very balanced view of life and what it entails. The quoted portions of the rite acknowledged the elements that would be needed for a fulfilled marriage. One element that I found significant is found in the line... "the voluntary surrender of your individual lives, in the interest of the deeper and wider life you are to have in common". Voluntary surrender is an act of the will. You choose to give up your preferences and wants. What for? I know nowadays, there is a strong advocacy for individual rights but then marriage according to these lines is not about individual rights but about a communal life. I used to see surrender as synonymous to defeat but I have been learning that isn't always the case. Surrendering, especially in the context of giving up for something better makes one a victor and not the vanquished. What for are we called to surrender in marriage? We are called to surrender in the interest of a deeper and wider life that is to be lived in common.
No one can quite say, they weren't fairly warned :P I like the line "voluntary surrender of your individual lives" -- yup it is indeed a choice and a choice made everyday I think... :)
And what reassures me is the line that says despite not knowing what is ahead, the couple takes each other as is in all circumstances. No ifs and buts about it. Now that is commitment. I used to want to be 100% sure of my choice of a mate. But then I cannot see a 100% into the future and how things will be but as the article stated,
“And if the unselfish spirit of sacrifice guide your every action, you can expect the greatest measure of earthly happiness that may be allotted to a person in this life,” it pledged. “The rest is in the hands of God.”
And I think that's the safest place for my marriage to be at. :)
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Eye of the Storm
September is drawing to a close. Right around the corner is October. That leaves me with less than three months before the wedding. I'm trying not to panic and to stay on top of things but I do get this feeling of time slipping through my fingers before I can adequately maximize all that it has to offer. I admit I swing in either two directions when that happens. First, I either procrastinate -- an infantile desire to have things fix themselves so I let things slide. Second, I may become almost like a headless chicken rushing to and fro trying to get everything done in one day. Sigh.
On this yet again rainy day, I pause and try to regroup myself and have a better battle plan than staying within the realm of Stephen Covey's 'Urgent/Important' quadrant. I can do this, I tell myself. I have to do this :) No one to pass the buck to nor anyone dogging me to get this or that done. It will get done, by hook or by crook (I say that now with a determined nod of my head, my eye on the calendar, my mind racing with a million and one 'to do' things).
Despite the urgency though, I am glad that I have not yet lost that joyful spirit, thanks to my times of prayer everyday and my fiance's strong support, felt even from a distance. When things are done gladly and with joy it indeed ceases to become a burden. Today is the eye of the storm. I use this time to regroup and to assess how best to tackle the days ahead that I may not lose sight of the goal -- the day God's promises are proven true.
So enough blogging for now. Time to tackle that calendar that has been calling my name the past hour or so. Time to make a battle plan and to carry it through. May God keep me always at the center of His peace. Amen.
As I tackle the list in front of me...this music is playing in the background, soothing me...
So enough blogging for now. Time to tackle that calendar that has been calling my name the past hour or so. Time to make a battle plan and to carry it through. May God keep me always at the center of His peace. Amen.
As I tackle the list in front of me...this music is playing in the background, soothing me...
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Prayer from the Heart
It's been a while since I blogged...obviously :P I was busy living instead of blogging about living... :)
Anyway, my fiance was in town since September 5 until the 24th so it was more interesting hanging out with him than being in front of the computer. Besides, the only reason I stay in front of the computer most days (other than work-related) is to keep in touch with him and since he's here in the flesh -- best to focus my attention on the real thing. Now that he's back to being on the other side of the world, the computer becomes once again my friend. :P
Since I'm taking a break from doing another sideline, I read this prayer from Chicken Soup of the Soul's website. I found it quite apt for what I pray for Junby and myself. I'd like to share it with you here:
Please make of our relationship a great and holy
adventure.
May our joining be a sacred space.
May the two of us find rest here,
a haven for our souls.
Remove from us any temptation to judge one another
or to direct one another.
We surrender to You our conflicts and our burdens.
We know You are our Answer and our rock.
Help us to not forget.
Bring us together in heart and mind as well as body.
Remove from us the temptation to criticize or be cruel.
May we not be tempted by fantasies and projections,
but guide us in the ways of holiness.
Save us from darkness.
May this relationship be a burst of light.
May it be a fount of love and wisdom for us,
for our family, for our community, for our world.
May this bond be a channel for Your love and healing,
a vehicle of Your grace and power.
As lessons come and challenges grow,
let us not be tempted to forsake each other.
Let us always remember that in each other we have
the most beautiful woman, the most beautiful man,
the strongest one, the sacred one in whose arms we
are repaired.
May we remain young in this relationship.
May we grow wise in this relationship.
Bring us what You desire for us,
and show us how You would have us be.
Thank you, dear God,
You who are the cement between us.
Thank You for this love.
Amen.
Anyway, my fiance was in town since September 5 until the 24th so it was more interesting hanging out with him than being in front of the computer. Besides, the only reason I stay in front of the computer most days (other than work-related) is to keep in touch with him and since he's here in the flesh -- best to focus my attention on the real thing. Now that he's back to being on the other side of the world, the computer becomes once again my friend. :P
Since I'm taking a break from doing another sideline, I read this prayer from Chicken Soup of the Soul's website. I found it quite apt for what I pray for Junby and myself. I'd like to share it with you here:
A Prayer for Couples
By Marianne Williamson
Dear God,Please make of our relationship a great and holy
adventure.
May our joining be a sacred space.
May the two of us find rest here,
a haven for our souls.
Remove from us any temptation to judge one another
or to direct one another.
We surrender to You our conflicts and our burdens.
We know You are our Answer and our rock.
Help us to not forget.
Bring us together in heart and mind as well as body.
Remove from us the temptation to criticize or be cruel.
May we not be tempted by fantasies and projections,
but guide us in the ways of holiness.
Save us from darkness.
May this relationship be a burst of light.
May it be a fount of love and wisdom for us,
for our family, for our community, for our world.
May this bond be a channel for Your love and healing,
a vehicle of Your grace and power.
As lessons come and challenges grow,
let us not be tempted to forsake each other.
Let us always remember that in each other we have
the most beautiful woman, the most beautiful man,
the strongest one, the sacred one in whose arms we
are repaired.
May we remain young in this relationship.
May we grow wise in this relationship.
Bring us what You desire for us,
and show us how You would have us be.
Thank you, dear God,
You who are the cement between us.
Thank You for this love.
Amen.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Memories of times past
When things become too much to take in at once, part of me wishes to go back to a time when the world made sense, I made sense. Songs help me get there. Here is a song that comes from one of my Papa's favorite artists, Richard Clayderman. I used to have a crush on him... :P Those were the days... and today is such a day that I need a memory from the past to draw comfort from. Thank God for music (the language of the soul, in my humble opinion)...
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