To Have and To Hold

**This poem came from a book I'm currently reading. To my male friends, this may be a useful guide in defining what/who you want to pursue. To my women friends, let us work towards being this kind of a woman. :-)**

Her love was like an island
In life’s ocean, vast and wide,
A peaceful, quiet shelter
From the wind, and rain, and tide.

‘Twas bound on the north by hope
By patience on the west,
By tender counsel on the south
And on the east, by rest

Above it, like a beacon light,
Shone faith and truth and prayer;
And through the changing scenes of life
I found a haven there

Quiet Birthday

Contrary to last year's "funfare" birthday party, I decided to celebrate my birthday with some of my special friends (from UP) at Subic. I wanted to celebrate it quietly but realizing we were with their cute kids (Jared, Sasha, Rorie), it was not quiet after all.

Sasha has grown up faster than I thought and she was playing "ghost" with Rorie (the "roaring lion"). We were shocked to hear Rorie's "lion" roar the first time Sasha was doing that scary "zombie attack". Jared is now more of a kuya to them, leading them to run around the house. We missed Andrea, Andrew and Luis this time.

The rainy Saturday prevented us from hitting the beach so we just bought food supplies and nestled in that cozy staff house which we rented.

Evening came and the "adults" decided to check out Subic's nightlife, ending up in Pier One. The music was good, the conversation was fine (unraveling our guest's lovelife) and the night was cold. What else would be the best closing act than sing with the band. I thought of just singing "Love Moves in Mysterious Ways" (already my 2nd time) to kind of redeem myself from a "slight embarrassment" during one of those "Private Conversations" c/o Boy Abunda hehehe.

Finally the sun came shining that Sunday morning and we were able to ride those “GO KARTS”. All of us adults rented one kart, even Jared, Sasha and Rorie were with us (naka-kalong lang naman sa mga parents nila). Funny thing is Rorie even fell asleep during those 10 laps hehe. Twas a very good experience for me, there were na gusto ko na lang humarurot, nonetheless, my “safe side” always told me to step on the brakes. Safe driver ba?

There were a few special people I missed during that day, my parents, my brother and sister-in-law, my pamangkins, Carol, Natz, Jas, and other close friends. However, I knew their love and prayers are with me.

Videoke Birthday Party

Last July 7, the 3009 "sorority" condo girls gathered to help me blow that "oh so so delicious" strawberry chocolate mouse cake. Out of the 16 members(residents and used-to-be residents) of 3009 unit, around 9 or 10 at any point in time, were singing and dancing our hearts away. We almost welcomed those two security guards (who were making those regular rounds) who knocked at our door to request us to tone down our singing and voices a bit.

Unforgettable songs were rendered by CheQ (Britney's I’m a Salve for You), Jaja (the famous Aegis song "Basang-Basa sa Ulan"), and Olive (the demure version of the famous Aegis song "Basang-Basa sa Ulan").

I realized the condo houses women who are beautiful, smart, talented and fun (naks, nagbuhat ng bangko!!) Recently, Isang described the atmosphere at home, as "everyday like Christmas". And yes it is.

Although I have not had the chance to be develop a very deep relationship with all of them, I know that these women care about me and care for every woman in the house. These women are special to me in various degrees.
But one thing I know is for sure, I will always remember those videoke parties!!

Kids Theraphy

When you have lived almost half of your life being independent, away from your family, sometimes our tendencies is to become self-absorbed, its “I, me, myself” mentality. The worst thing that happens is to live each day having those “I feel, I think, I doubt and etc.” mode.

Just two weekends ago, I went into this mode of self-absorption again. But thank God for His grace, I was able to pull myself out of it. I had my Kids Small Group at 3PM and at about 3:20 PM we were done with the lesson. One of the kids, Celine, blurted out, “ang igsi ng small group natin ngayon ah”. Then I suddenly snapped out of it. Gosh, I was so ashamed of my kids. They excitedly attended the small group and there I was, having my thoughts lingering at space.

Before entering the 7PM Kids Church where we were scheduled to teach, I asked God to give me a refreshed spirit. Of course, I did not want to be in front of the kids looking pale. Then a fresh spirit came by, I felt energetic and more joyful.

Also, thanks to the newly renovated KC room. We were surprised with a pastel-striped colored room and my spirits (along with other volunteer teachers) were lifted high. During our usual after KC wrap-up session, the other teachers shared some awesome answered prayers or victory reports. As for me, I just told my group, the new KC room gave me a nice breather.

The Giver

Last year, I have written about “The GIFT”, most friends call it “God’s Will” and others “GG – standing for God’s Gift”.

When I was 16 years old, I had great plans for my life. I would go to the best university (UP), finish college on time, start working at 21 years old, get married to my first boyfriend on my 26th birthday ( to celebrate our 10th year anniversary), raise beautiful and bright kids and live happily throughout my entire lifetime.
Years after my 16th birthday, I assessed my life and discovered that plans have not gone as I have mapped them out. This is not to say though that I am not happy and contented with it because I am still amazed how my life turned out. The bumpy but exciting walk with God, career adventure and relationships. I finished undergrad and post graduate studies before I hit my 28th birthday, I’ve also undergone several heartbreaks, stayed and transferred from one dorm/apartment (13 in all since freshman days), parted ways with my two bestfriends and some of my closest friends as they seek greener pastures, go through a shutdown of my old company and collected several colors of gowns from weddings.

However, for the past two months, I have cried my heart out to God “What am I gonna do next?”. For women, it seemed natural for us to think that our ultimate destination is family life and to date, this stage has not come for me. Suddenly, I did not know what to do next..

Then, I was reminded of the scripture passage …. “As for God, His way is perfect”. Need I say, rant or ask some more? The Giver knows when to give the perfect surprise..