friends and friendship!!!

What's so special about friends and friendship? Aren't our friends the most silly, funny, serious , and most of the time hilarious people on earth? Haha. I am so glad I've got lots of friends, though most of the times, they treat me as their crying shoulder. They claim I am the most matured and trustworthy in the group. Kumbaga, manang at lola! Hahaha. Most of them would believe in what I am going to say and most of them would seek advices from me. But hey, when it comes to lovelife, most of them would asked me to tell them what to do and yet, they won't do what I would tell them to. LOL. That's the most hilarious part of my friendship with my friends. BUT still, I won't give up on them. Even if we are miles away from each other, our connections and communications are still there. And our commitment overshadows every hardship that we friends face.

My high school bestfriends are Stella, Rutchie, Janet, Sharmila, and Mariel. Unfortunately, Sha who is in Florida and Mariel who is a teacher and is taking her Masteral course weren't able to meet us during my visit to Davao. It's been a decade since we have formed our friendship, a lot of things have happened, we've got our own family now [except Rutchie!], and yet, we keep the lines open for each other. Again, we cannot give up each other's friendship. Don't we deserve a pat in our backs? Hehe...

And here comes my college dabarkads! Argh.... these are the most nonsense people on earth! LOL. We've had our share of each other's pains and sacrifices and we've been through trials and bad lucks but heck, we don't and will never stop!!! It's Bea, Anamae, Farrah, Anna, and me in the picture. Too bad Charis, Queenie, Gem and Ivy didn't made it to our get together. See, we've got each other's works already and that, places separate each of us that it never let us met altogether.

But thanks to the power of internet for letting us keep in touch with each other. We continue to confide each others gains and pains and we're counting some more years for our friendship to nourish.

"Just because you're grown up, doesn't mean you don't need someone to confide in. In fact, logic dictates that the opposite is true. Life becomes more complex and difficult as we get older. The people that we confide in as adults are very valuable. ~ Family Friend Poems~

Cash Advance

I am almost broke! Yes, I am. With what I have mentioned in my previous entry, we do cash distribution here to more than 20 people as our means of consoling them. Hehe. We don't have a lot but we have enough you know! But since we still will be here in the next two months, I figure I'll be needing some kind of those Payday Loans which I would need once I'll run out of cash. We still have a lot of projects to be done here, in fact, the medical and dental appointments that we ought to have is yet to be realized. Swithart said not to worry though as we could always have access to a Cash Advance via completeloansource.com. It's where most of those who have cash problem during emergency situations turn to for help and assistance. All kinds of loans they offer so go check the site now to apply online. I will.

Cash Distribution

That is what we usually do every we come home. See, Swithart and I have a lot of nieces and nephews already and for them, kids and teens that they are, money is their thing. Yes, they're one great family and wonderful source of fun and enjoyment when gathered together and they're such treasures that cannot be bought. In my family, I do have 14 nieces and nephews and in Jon's, he has 15. Having them all around when we got here is sure one of the funnest things I've loved and giving them consolations is what we usually do to them. Distributing a thousand or half a thousand pesos to each of them is the most we could do, and we are the happiest as well when we could hear from them even the simplest thank you. Simple joys, eh?

Car Loans

In need of a new or used car? We are!!! Especially now that we are on vacation. Ahhh... commuting here and there, to and fro is surely too hassling, especially for us who have a child in tow. So what could we do? Well, if things that matter for us here in our stay, a Car Loan could be an option! With car financing loan rates that are low and affordable on both new and used car, or whether I have a poor credit rating, basiccarloans.com can be relied upon. It's what they do best, no nonsense but quick and easy approval on car loans application. If New Car Loans is what you prefer, they also have that. Maybe I need to tell my sister about this. See, she's in the country right now and their house property is still under construction. In two months it will be finished and by then, getting a new car is their next thing in the list. Yes, car loan is one of their option so this website will be of importance.

Relieved

It was last Saturday that swithart's flight brought him home. It was Sabbath Day. And... he was the one scheduled to speak the sermon for the divine worship at church, at our beloved Carmen Church. I was kind of worried prior to his arrival as I was thinking of those possibilities of flight delays and stuff as well as other circumstances that couldn't really be avoided, but my excitement overwhelmed me. LoL. I was just so happy and thankful that Friday night, at exactly 12:05 midnight, I was awaken by a call at my phone and when I answered it, it was swithart's very exciting voice that I heard. The weather was very much okay and I couldn't wait till morning when I could go fetch him at the airport with Kuya. And when the very first flight arrived at 5:55 am, that made me felt the most relieved. That day, all three of us were reunited. You must have seen Triz's reaction when she saw dada for real for the first time in more than two months. We are the happiest family in the world! Hehe..

Goldwasser Real Estate

We could move out to Texas or Florida or California, or to anywhere that's kind of tropical in terms of climate, somewhere south, and I won't complain at all with the weather. It must be just like Philippines then, huh. Well, I have to find some condos in Austin first, or in any part of the lonestar state to see which location will I really like my whole family to be situated. This means I'll be getting help from goldwasserrealeastate.com-- the number one residential real estate team in Austin Texas. They've got their listing available in the website and if you like, you can even search list of homes in your very own area!

a break!!!

I have had a fabulous weekend! From great Sabbath celebration at church to a Sunday full of fun and wet adventure over at Timoga Spring Resort in Iligan with my entire family, that indeed was a great day! Triz had been having a slight fever last week and I am glad and thankful the Paracetamol Tempra helped me with it. Of course, not to forget God's healing power. Foods were plenty with lots of laughters and chitchats, ahh... who doesn't love being home? I wish swithart is here, as it is during this time that I would like to be unalone. Time is near though so I'll worry no more after this. :)

Baby Mall Online

Baby necessities-- infant baby clothes, beddings, toys, bath, feeding, furniture, footwear, and even gifts- all of them can be found at babymallonline.com, the online infant care shopping resource. It was during the baby shower that our friends here in Bloomington gave us when I received the complete list of items for Triz, our first baby. I love the products a lot, especially the ones that were gotten from babymallonline.com! The site is actually unknown to me until a friend told me about it. I care less with the prices as the clearance works out well for me. AND... it's always a free shipping when you order for over $100! And oh, updates on the latest promotions, specials, and great deals can be checked out at their baby mall online blog! Parents, that's something, isn't it?

on tv!!!

I am but the only one awake at this time. The entire household have been in slumber and I am loving this time. Hehe... A lover of silence I am. In other words, I wouldn't survive I guess living in Iraq with all those bombs and guns. LoL. Anyway, I've got tasks to write and now is the perfect time. I am in no hurry though as I still have much time. It's the TV that is my companion. Reporter's Notebook at GMA-7. Yeah, I am a Kapuso. Hehe... I have missed watching documentary shows from this channel for so long and every night while I am here, I am being given the chance since I am usually just the one left who sleeps the latest. I just love their topic and how they present it. So relevant in today's world and so sensitively brought up. I don't mind sleeping late, as long as GMA-7 is still on. It's at this time that I love having the TV on!

Makahambus Caving

A trip unplanned but was really a fun one! Well, it's just here in the city, few miles away, like 20 to 30 minutes ride away from the city proper is the Makahambus Cave of Cagayan de Oro City. An unplanned adventure because the supposed trip was to go to Bayanga, at Jon's family's poultry farm to buy a goat for last Sunday's party. And so, on our way home, since we were passing through Makahambus, we just managed to stop by and have a glimpse of the cave (though it's been my tenth times to get in! haha!) Here are few (again) of the pics, if you would like to see:

Welcome to Makahambus Cave of CDO

At the very entrance. (Yikes moi, so biggy!) Hehe!

Yaya and the rest of the gang! Few steps from the entrance.

Triz's first time at a cave! Number three sign is her smile sign! LoL

We're in! Peace!!!

Kagay-anon looks. Haha.

I didn't join them went through to the other end where there is a little porch where people can stand by overlooking Cagayan River, but I did took a shot of the loooong Cagayan River where the famous Philippine White Water Rafting is known . I am at around 200ft high with this capture.

And here's Triz after having been in from the cave. Looking good, eh?
We all had fun! Hope you liked it!

Choices... choices!

...so many choices to make, yet so little time. I've had a lot of things to do and some decisions to make. But in the meantime, I am pondering on the thought about options. yes, life is full of choices. What is your predicament regarding choices right now? To the recent graduates, the dilemma would be, "where to go from here? Will we take a deep breath or take the crash course in the real world?" To some of us, it would be, "is this really my cup of tea?" Sometimes, a common question is, "to drink or not to drink", "to smoke or not to smoke", "to go or not to go", "to have another child or to wait". And the choices go on and on. And on.

Choices are part of every individual's (and I do mean every) everyday life. And like any other component in life, they have their own ups and downs, involved risks and careful brainstorming and analysis. Whether they involve a better alternative, a spineless decision, an option or an election, they're still a choking, risky stuff. Despite the heady implications I've shed light here, a choice is not a negative act. It is power and a right of every human being. And since it's a given privilege, we can learn from it, no matter what the outcome may be or will be. So if you're in a deadly quicksand right now and you feel like the endless choices are eating your brain neurons alive, remember that these flooding choices are also blessings and opportunities in disguise. So, limber up, cool down, and feel happy to be alive and enjoy your freedom of choice. Isn't God to be kind enough for giving us the freedom to choose? Therefore, choose to do good.

Mothers, Happy Mom's Day!

When I became a mother, my life changed in every aspect. It is indeed true, that a child changes everything. As in EVERYTHING. However I tried so hard to understand why I was changed just by the single tiny infant who was born in me, I still cannot fathom how lucky I am for the privilege of bearing a child. I think this gift of labor and child delivery is but one of the reasons why we are being honored on this very day. It's true, we can not measure the tremendous love that God has for His Children in human terms. However, I do believe the closest thing on Earth to that great love, is the love a Mother has for her child!

Therefore, on this day we honor one special lady in our life, our Mother. If you are a mother yourself, then kudos! So, LET YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER BE GLAD, AND LET HER WHO BORE YOU REJOICE, ( PROVERBS 23:25 ) and may she/you be filled with God's Love, Hope, Faith, and Peace today

and everyday!

The following was sent to me by a friend long time ago which I've kept in one of my saved drafts. I feel that it is appropriate (to the max!) to share it with you today. It is called:

Why are you crying, Mom?

"Why are you crying?" he asked his Mom. "Because I'm a woman" she told him. "I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will"..........

Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason? "All women cry for no reason" was all his dad could say........

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry...

Finally he put in a call to GOD; when GOD got on the phone the man said, "GOD, why do women cry so easily?" and GOD said.......

When I made woman, she had to be special. I made her
shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the World;
yet, gentle enough to give comfort....

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children......

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining......

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly...

This same sensitivity helps her to make a child's boo-boo feel better and shares in their teenagers anxieties and fears.......

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.....

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but, sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.....

I gave her tears to shed. They are hers to use whenever she needs them. They are her secret strength. They make her more like ME.....

-Author Unknown

To all mothers out there...

...regarding my old writings

I was wanting so bad to have a good read of all my write-ups published in our school publication back in high school and college years, so I could choose among it the good ones, I mean, the better ones, to be put in here. When I started this blog, my main reason is to compile my written thoughts in poetry and literary digitally, and so, I have to dig in though all my files that I've kept. I've started doing so, and in three days that I did, I've only found few copies of the school papers that I've tried to keep. I wonder if I've ever kept them all. Hah. That would be disappointing and sad. You see, those articles were so precious to me in the past, and reading some of them now, I am but in awe of my capability. (Drama!!!) I am thinking that by now, I won't be able to let my mind work to write those kinds of missives. I mean, I still can, but for sure, the subject matter would really by different already. Ahh... I'll jut continue doing my digging here. So far, I've only found seven copies of my college school publication that I have kept in a luggage. I hope I can find some more. :)

redoing things

I missed bloghopping and I am glad I've bloghopped again even though not to all blogs that I used to frequent. I tried so hard to click my linkies but if I have to wait for more than a minute while the page is loading, sorry, but I have to stop and look for another page that will not take forever to load. LoL. Blame it on my dial-up connection guys! Even with my writing entries, I would want so bad to share photos but I just haven't found time editing my pictures to change their resolution so I could have an easier time uploading them. Well, not now.

Anyway, I am happy I've finished up many things for more than a month of staying here. At least, with regards to my personal plans and desires. Now I've got few more left and I'll finish them up next month. Hehe. As to how Triz and I are doing, very much okay. The weather seemed to be nice in the past few days. Well, raining is what I am trying to say, and when it does, I am loving it! The farmers must have liked my desire, too, but my own conclusion is that, I love it when it rains because I won't be hurdling the so hot and humid atmosphere outside. Triz is doing so well with her dealings towards people here. I could tell, she has already adjusted much. In fact, I could leave her home even with just her bigger Ate's (my nieces). And every time I do, I love the feelings of excitement of going home with the thought that Triz must be waiting for me so bad. LoL. Indeed, she does and it feels surreal as a mom. Hah.

That makes me ponder on "Mother's Day" thoughts. It's gonna be this Sunday, and I am glad I will be celebrating that day with my Ma and MIL around, and of course, with my sisters who are moms themselves. Yesterday, we went somewhere with my Ate Gina and I was texting Queenie, her lady daughter, where she was because I want her to do something, she replied she was in the mall, alone, to get something special for her mom and it's gonna be a surprise. I didn't know I haven't erased her message when Ate Gina, Queenie's mom, borrowed my phone unexpecting to read a message about it. I thought of not letting her know what Queenie did, but she knew about it in her own way. She was a little hysterical (hehe), but more emotional and excited. That's when I felt that yeah, Mother's Day is indeed coming up. To all my fellow moms out there, "Happy Mommy's Day" moms!

...these things i'm missing

When I arrived home more than a month ago, being home didn’t really sink in that quickly because, maybe, tiredness during the long travel was what hit me personally. I did had so much fun and excitement when the plane landed at Lumbia, CDO and when Yaya told me to look at a spot somewhere for it was where Mama and the rest of the gang were waiting for us. And yeah, it felt great to have seen them even from afar. And it felt even greater to have hugged and kissed them once we were able to come out from the airport’s building. Ahhh… home.

And when we all arrived in this very house where I left more than three years ago, it felt surreal to be back. LoL. Seeing the things and so much stuff that are familiar makes me smile as I think back of the past. The stuff inside the cabinets and closets were that familiar, the albums- my very albums seemed to be smiling too, waiting for me to be glancing at them, once again. LoL. I sure missed home so much and now is the perfect time to enjoy these things here, before we will fly back to the US. The books, yes, these many books that I collect, some I hid in a luggage, some in boxes, and many others were just here in the shelves, ahhh… these are what I couldn’t wait myself to be reading once more.

I still have so much time to enjoy my stay here. If only I have so much extra of these times, people here would be seeing me spending my spare time with my very habit: reading. I missed reading for 4 or 5 hours straight without a single disturbance. I don’t know if I can still do it here.

Just Today

There are two days in every week about which we should not worry. Two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension. One of these days is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed. We cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone!!

The other day we should not worry about is tomorrow, with its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise and poor performance. Tomorrow is beyond our immediate control. Tomorrow's sun will rise, whether in splendor or behind a mask of clouds. But it will rise. Until it does we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn.

This leaves only one day: today.

Any man can fight the battles of just one day. It is when you and I add the burdens of two awful eternities - yesterday and tomorrow, that we break down. It is not necessarily the experience of today that disturbs one's peace of mind. It is often time the bitterness for something which happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow may bring. Let us therefore live one day at a time.

While we should remember the past and plan and anticipate the future, it is critical that we don't get paralyzed by either. By focusing on making the best of the present, we can actually make the past a sweeter learning experience, and make tomorrow's hopes and dreams closer to reality.