55th Wedding Anniversary

Today, my dearest parents are celebrating their 55th year of marriage. I am a proud daughter. Who wouldn't? I know what they've gone through. I know it wasn't all sweet and smooth but I am proud and happy they chose to be together and honor the commitment they made 55 years ago.

Happy 55th Wedding Anniversary to the most wonderful parents in the world. we love you!

Picture taken on New Years Eve

                                             

That's my wedding day :) Tatay looks so healthy and strong pa dito

and this oh so sweet picture was taken on their 50th golden wedding anniversary 5 years ago.

College life soon

How time flies. I can’t believe that our first nephew (My dear Ryan) will now be in college come next school year (which is approximately 5 months from now) It seems only yesterday when he entered nursery school and now he’s all grown up. Before, we were only talking about his toys but these days we’ve been discussing his college studies. This week, he is scheduled to take the college entrance examination.

Her mother (my sister) asked me if he could live with us because the University he is aiming is quite far as they live outskirt of the city. Of course I said yes without hesitations, after all he is like a son to me. In fact, it is I who scouted for best school he could get in (best and yet not expensive) and I’m glad they accepted my suggestion. If I am rich though, I’ll definitely send him to Ateneo or La Salle or I’ll send him abroad so he can have the best school (with me in tow for sure) but we’re settled to where he is going now. :D

 I asked him also if he wants to do an online schooling and look for some courses he would enjoy doing at home maybe like personal training courses at opencolleges.edu.au or design and photography as he is into arts also but I think he is not ready for that yet.

Somehow I like the idea of distance learning (which seems to be the trend now) because I like the idea of studying and yet not being confined in a classroom, I can do school work anytime of the day, and not worry about OpenColleges updates and announcements because you can take a look at them anytime through twitter or facebook and email. You can also take the exams and submit it without seeing your teachers and being spared of the look in their face when you failed) hehe!

But that’s me. My nephew will of course do the conventional school to which I hope he’ll enjoy and finish with flying colors.

DJC Halohalo in Tiwi,Albay

(Halo-halo (from Tagalog word halò, "mix") is a popular Filipino dessert that is a mixture of shaved ice and evaporated milk to which are added various boiled sweet beans and fruits, and served in a tall glass or bowl.- from WIKIPEDIA)

We recently went to Bicol with friends, we stayed in Nabua, Camarines Sur because a friend's brother live there and her parents are from there. But we traveled to as far as Tiwi,Albay for their famous halohalo. DJC is the name of the place, located very near the Municipal Hall and the church. It took us more than an hour (per way) in the road but it's worth it. We all loved it. (I just read now that they have branch in Naga, had I known it before, we should have gone there instead of Tiwi) 

There is something special with this halohalo, it's cheesy and not too sweet for me (not fond of sweets eh ). My husband can finish one bowl in one sitting. 

However it is much expensive compared to regular/normal halohalo in the country. The cost is 75.00 (less than $2) if serve with ice cream (picture above) smaller one without ice cream is 60.00. During summer days, you can buy halohalo at 15.00 to 25.00 in the streets. :)

I wish they'll branch out here in Manila- for sure they'll be popular.

Welcome 2013

With a GOOD NEWS :)

Yes, you read it right, we welcomed the new year with a good news from my Tatay's doctor. We got the biopsy and other lab results last week of 2012, my sisters went to his doctor to hear what is written in that many pieces of paper and I think they only understood one thing... that they "ruled out malignancy". The test showed that it is not cancer. Three doctors read the result and they concluded the same.  Praise the Lord!!!!

To say that I am very happy is understated. I can't explain how I felt, we were all crying because of the relief. You see, we were told that the possibility of it being cancer is so high and that we only need to confirm it through the biopsy, but prayers are always powerful and our God is always able.

Next week we are scheduled to hear another Doctors opinion (that's gonna be 4th reading/opinion) but I'm not worried anymore.

My father still has difficulty breathing and is still on lots of medications but we're all positive now that soon he'll be much better. :)

 me, my husband and my Tatay on New Year's eve

So yes, we welcomed 2013 with a cheerful heart and we celebrated. we thanked God and we will forever be thankful for answering our prayers.

I would like to extend also my thank yous to all those who prayed for my father and for us. I want you to know that it is very much appreciated.

Happy new year everyone and may we all have a wonderful year ahead!!!

Together

I was rushed to ER last Thursday night due to high fever that started Tuesday. Laboratory tests results showed I have UTI so I am into antibiotic and will be back to the Doctor on Saturday.

That means I was down and sick for the couple of days. And it was Christmas week.

Thankfully though I was able to travel to my Sister's place and spent Christmas with my whole family :) and for that I am GRATEFUL.

Grateful that despite of what we're going through we are still very much TOGETHER, all of us siblings are there complete with all my nephews and nieces.

And though there were fewer gifts to open, it doesn't really matter now. We've learned to appreciate more of the presence and the time we spent with each other.

I took photos... because now for me every chance of being together is a photo opportunity. I don't wanna miss it.

                                                   (me and my Tatay on Christmas day 2012)

Thank you Lord for  this Christmas, thank you that we are all together and that we are happy :)

How's your Christmas?

Parents are gift

image from facebook

Update on my father's condition : Biopsy done today, results will be on Friday. Thank God the procedure went well and no complications. Please keep on praying that it's benign and not malignant as the suspected by his Doctor.

Wednesday Thoughts

My Father is now okay, not really good but he's okay. We rushed to the province last Sunday afternoon because of a series of phone calls from him, from my Nanay and from our neighbor over the weekend. They all said we need to bring him to the nearest hospital as he was having attacks ( he had hard time breathing, can't speak and lost his senses) We still didn't know what causes it because we are still undergoing LOTS of tests right now, we hope to know later today or tomorrow.

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I was scared and was in a state of shock last Sunday. I was crying and my thoughts went too far (morbid thoughts came in and I cried even more)

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I feel a lot better now (except that we are hurting financially again) because of the emergency that happened.

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 And I think I lost the "Christmas energy" I had  before, all I want now is my Father to become really well and that's it. I don't even want Christmas parties now.And I don't think I will be able to complete my gift list.
Sorry.

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I'm thankful though for all the people that really care, for all the prayers that sent our way during that time.

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and oh..hello December ( sorry that this first post for December is a sad one) I hope you are having a good December and that you are enjoying the Christmas spirit in your part of the world.

Vitex and shorter cycle

I had my period last November 11 and guess what? I think the Vitex is working. Why did I say so? because this time I did not have any menstrual cramp or any menstrual pain as in NO PMS at all. My period  lasted for 7 days and surprisingly it is not as heavy as my normal periods before. 

So, yes I can say Vitex is slowly working and I'm hoping I'll get a positive result someday soon!

So far, from July to September my cycle count is 69 days, from September to November-it was reduced to 52 days. I can't wait for next month :) I hope I'm slowly getting at least a shorter CD and a regular one.

My husband took another additional vitamins (Rogin-E) and next month I will also add Vitamin E with Selenium to my supplements.

I really hope this all work together and that we will have our gift soon. Please keep on praying for us.

Home Ideas: flooring and sofas

We recently bought linoleum to replace the old vinyl tiles that my husband removed from our small kitchen, it’s white and it made the room brighter,  though dirt is now more visible with it I still like it very much. In fact I am now planning to cover the whole room with the same linoleum. why? basically because it is a lot cheaper and is easier to clean than our old and stinky vinyl tiles.

Because of the turn of events (and turn of our plans) we might stay longer in our current home so I asked the husband to make it at least more comfortable for both of us. That means installing anew sink and a small counter top. He said yes of course, I just hope his yes means he’ll do it sooner than I think.

We don’t have plans of buying new furniture (since our place is small) but given the chance (meaning the extra money) I would also love to replace the hand me down couch we had at the moment. I would love to have one of these contemporary sectional sofas someday. The black or the white will be perfect for me :D

The more I keep looking for more home ideas the more I want to have my own home soon! But I know that would take a bit longer because we prioritized something else (and I hope we made the right decision there) Anyways, it isn’t bad to plan early right?

"Cord of Three" Wedding Rings

We’ve been planning to buy a new set of wedding rings for us ( our rings doesn’t fit us anymore plus we both want them replace talaga ten  years from our wedding date) You see, ours  was not the pricey wedding ring but nonetheless, it was a symbol of our infinite love for each other (naks!) so I’ve learned to like them na.  

But if only I had money when we got married I’ll definitely choose one that I love-I’ll go for unique wedding bands like this three cord wedding ring! Three cord was mentioned in the bible . Ecclesiastes 4:12 says “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Very fitting for a Christian wedding right? How I wish I can have those. But who knows?  Looking at the prices of these unique wedding rings, I know they are not cheap (if you convert them into pesos) but they are not too pricey either. If we really want it and save for it, I know we can have them in the near future Think positive Raquel  :D  I can even order them online if I want and they have a 30 day risk free return policy.

This one of a kind wedding symbol is hand -braided and designed by a very talented artist Todd Alan. Imagine how painstakingly he makes each ring so customers are assured that each ring is unique. Any bride would be delighted to be wearing them :D

Now, I have to print these, get my husband’s approval and pin it on our prayer wall.

Skyfall

It's been a while since I last went to a movie house. As a matter of fact, I don't even remember now the last movie I saw in that big white screen. Last night we went with my sister and brother in law (because we were trying to console them and we're trying to take her mind off the recent tragedy even for few hours).

Anyways, it was a toss between " A Secret Affair" - a local movie and  "Skyfall" - a James Bond movie. Girls wanted the first one and the guys wanted the second, but after a not so lengthy decision making, we opted to see Skyfall. Honestly, I am not a fan of 007 movies but sometimes I do like the action specially when the husband enjoys them so much. The movie lasted more than two hours I think and yes, it's full of action, lots of running and driving the whole time :) 

I enjoyed the night and hopefully the sister in law enjoyed it too.

Chistmas gift list:Stylish sunglasses

I’m slowly completing my Christmas gift list.

So far I have handkerchiefs, cute pink head bands for the little girls, few story books, colorful journals for the teens and some sunglasses which I bought at a very very low price. I bought it weeks ago alongside with my reading eyeglass also at a sale price.  Actually I saw some stylish sunglasses and eyeglasses from WarbyParker, how I wish I could buy at least a pair for me from them because right now if you buy a pair you also give a pair to someone in need, isn’t that nice? Especially now that is already Christmas season. You can also buy online from them and they will ship your order (if only shipping is not a problem for me)

Anyways, as I have said, I’m slowly completing my gift list. Slowly but at least I’m making progress. I still have so many in my list but I will complete them at the end of this month. I remember I also said this last year and then I found my self in the midst of the Christmas rush on December .  I hope I can really do it this time. Avoid the traffic, avoid the Christmas rush.

How about you? have you started on your list? Or are you done with it?