Wanderlust strikes again...

Forgive me for being on Hiatus for the last 2 months. The last 2 months have been a whirl. Been actually going places. Cebu, Surigao, U.K., Europe, Baguio. I am filled with happy memories, wonderful family time, of being in places I never thought of seeing and I'm just so grateful to have gone. I am so blessed. Thank You God. I am in awe of your creation. So awesome! But like a wonderful dream that ends, we all have to go back to reality. So I am back... =)

Mothers Day Thought....

" No gift to your mother can equal her gift to you - LIFE! " Indeed! =)

The thing called Family Politics...

Ok, this topic seems taboo. Its something that cannot be denied but is often ignored. This is reality folks! I have seen conflicts arise over and over again due to differences of opinions, division on issues and taking sides, finances, inheritance and Gossip. Oh boy! Sad isn't it? This can even be a major reason that breaks families apart. Even within the scope of my larger family unit, it does exist but No, we are not taking part of such. Sila na lang if they want. It is better to stay out of it, keep our opinions to ourselves and be in neutral grounds. This is part of what dad meant in my previous blog about family values.  Its just a matter of respect. Respect the difference, respect the individuality. Its being conscious of how we communicate our ideas and opinions and it starts with a decision. I believe that everything can be resolved in a peaceful manner when everyone can sit together, agree and arrive at a conjugal decision that will be for the benefit of everyone. It is always a choice. =)

What do we value as a family (Part 2)...

Six months ago, I wrote a blog entitled "What do we value as a family." I mentioned the following : Unity, Loyalty, Humor, Time, Generosity and Love. But of course there are more to that which is why I decided to make a second part of that blog. These are mostly inputs from the head of the family himself.

1. Respect - Respect means understanding and accepting each other for who we are.Respect,  in this case,  is  not  a  receiver's  mandate but  more  of the  giver's  responsibility.It  is  cognizant  of  a  person's  unique  individuality, that  each  of  us  have  our  own  destinies  to  live. Even  if  we  were  all  brought  the  same  way, even  if  we  went  to  the  same  school and  was  raised  in  the  same  discipline, even  if  we  were  twins, we'll  all  grow  up  to  live  lives  different  from  each  other. This  understanding  is  best  expressed  through respect  for  each  other.

2. Inspire Others - Knowing  that  we  are  all  a  member  of  a  larger community  of  man, it  should  be  incumbent  upon  us  to  uphold  our respectability  and  good  reputation.The  ability  to  live  our  daily  lives  to  be  as  a  good christian  and  good  citizen  is  an  inspiration  to others.We  must  always  try  to  be  a  shining  example  to the people  around  us.... and  like  charity,  it  begins  at  home. And  just  like  courtesy,  Inspiration  is  contagious.

In  corollary  to  this......

In  the  Filipino  family  culture,  upholding  family  pride and  respectability  should  be  kept.Nowadays,  there  is  a  strong  tendency  to  lose our sense  of  "Hiya".....  as  in - " Mahiya  ka  naman  sa  mga  kapitbahay or  Huwag  mong  gagawin  iyan  at baka  sabihin  ng   mga  tao  na  talagang  ganyan  iyan  maski  sa  pamilya  nila..... " 

Dad always told us to take care of our name and we have the responsibility to protect it. Our (sur)name is a legacy we want to pass on to the future generations and therefore, we ought to uphold it the best way we can and be careful not to destroy its reputation with our actions.

Another thing is Sacrifice. Love is sacrificial. It is never easy but necessary if one thinks for the good of another family member.

These are the values that make up our family. The same values I would want to pass on to the next generation someday. What do you value as a family? =)

A Staycation...

Its Good Friday once again and like Holy Weeks of the past, Manila is the best place to be. I love the serenity and quietness of the Metropolis even for just 2 days.2 whole days where there is no traffic, less pollution. Its BLISS! I honestly don't mind being on a staycation - this is what it is. Away from the maddening crowd, less expenses too. Don't get me wrong, I love going places, I am no hermit except that I prefer to go when its not too crowded else, I would be needing a vacation from a vacation. Big crowds doesn't cut out for me.

So I am enjoying my staycation. Sleeping and waking up as I please, reflecting on what was done on the cross, catching up on my reading or writing a blog,  Having room service right inside my house (Thank You Manang!). Best of all just being with my family practically doing nothing. =) Just perfect to gear up for a busy week ahead.

How are you enjoying your Holy Week? =)

A Post Birthday Blog

I turned a year wiser seven days ago to be exact and to be honest, I had the birthday blues days before. There is something about birthdays that makes you vulnerable and emotional I guess. I am nearing the big 4-0 just a very few years away. =( And birthdays are usually a time of assessing where one has gone through life.

A few weeks before we had a High School Reunion. While it was nice to see everyone again and catch up, I can't help but compare my life with the others. There were some who were equally single (but there are few of us), some are separated, most are married with kids. Sigh! there you go... I'm like " Lord, this is not how it was supposed to be.". While I did bid my time coz I knew it was meant to happen anyway, I didn't expect to wait this long. Ideally, I should be happily married by now, maybe have 2 kids (or more), have our own house and living happily ever after but here I am, single, currently not even in a relationship, no kids either. I have a dog. Feels frustrating and lonely even. Couldn't help but think, "what is wrong? why? Am I not worth it?". I am single but not by choice but there just isn't anybody yet and I'm still waiting. I keep praying and I even claimed and thank Him already but it isn't happening yet. Are my prayers not getting passed the ceiling? Times like this makes me want to just abandon everything I believe in and held on to. I feel like a child who is griping because I could not get what i want...

 I can choose to loose faith and loose sight over the good things He has blessed me with or I can choose to be grateful and look at how much I am blessed.

I have a family who loves me truly, My dad is alive and healthy, I have wonderful friends who surround me, I live a comfortable life with a stunning view, I am able to go to places I want to go, there is food in the table, there's enough to buy medicine, i may not be in the best of health but I am not seriously sick. I may not have everything I want right now but I certainly have all that I need. So I choose the latter and I hang on to his word. His timing and choice, not mine for He is faithful. =)

Inching my way to wellness...

Yes, you've heard it right. I've had enough of not being in the best of health (too much medicine and too costly), not to mention it has taken a dive to my self-esteem. I've reach a point of frustration about a lot of things so I admit my own lack of self-discipline and acknowledge that I needed help.

Off I went to check out the Weight Management Center of St. Lukes which is very convenient since its within the vicinity. Decided to enroll in their weight management program for 12weeks/36 sessions. It includes a pre-assessment, different bloodworks and physical test to know your ability (as far as exercise is concerned). Glad that inspite the fact that I have not been taking care of myself pretty well, everything was within normal range (with medication of course.) I have a team of doctors who will oversee the program from an Endocrinologist, Cardio, Rehabilitation Medicine, Pulmonary, Psychiatrist (no, I'm no coockoo!) to a Nutritionist/Dietitian. So far, I've attended 2 sessions. The exercise routine was not really easy. Now I know how it feels like to be a "biggest loser" contestant. HAHA. Left me breathless and I'm like in level 1 only. Sheesh! My trainers were nice in fairness but really firm. I also realized how weak my knees are. It still hurts from yesterday's routine. They also made me fill up a Food Diary so the Nutritionist can keep track of what I eat and the quantity.  Now I really watch what I eat. I am still not much into fruits and veggies and I still do crave for chocolate or something similar but I've been trying my best to lessen the food intake. Maybe 3 months will be enough to change my eating habits.

I am positive about the outcome of this. I am hoping to build a stronger stamina (to get ready for my trip), feel lighter, look better, take lower dosages of medicine too. As far as I'm concerned, I have already won half the battle with the decision to start. That is always the hardest part - never knowing how and where to start but I have. May this be truly life-changing for me as I inch my way to wellness. =)