AWESOME!

MY CURRENT READ

"Polar ice caps are melting, hurricanes swirl in the seas, wars are heating up around the world, and the job market is in a deep freeze.

Whoa. It's getting pretty ugly out there.

That's why one chilly spring night I started a tiny website called 1000 Awesome Things...

I never imagined that writing about finding money in your old coat pocket, the smell of gasoline, or watching The Price Is Right when you're at home sick would amount to anything.

It seems like maybe these tiny little moments make an awesome difference in many of our rushed, jam-packed lives. Maybe we all love snow days, peeling an orange in one shot, and popping bubble wrap.

Maybe we're basically all the same...

With so much sad news and bad news pouring down upon us, it's fun to stop for a minute and share a universal high five with the rest of humanity."

-- N.Pasricha


Among the awesome experiences listed on the book, these made me say "So true!":

1. When cashiers open up new checkout lanes at the grocery store
2. Having a whole row to yourself on the plane
3. Being the first table to get called up for the dinner buffet at a wedding
4. Finding out your birthday is on a Friday or Saturday
5. Using hotel lobby bathrooms when you're out walking around
6. Taking your bra off after wearing it for hours
7. Waiters and waitresses who bring free refills without asking 
8. When the thing you were going to buy is already on sale
9. Finding your keys after looking forever
10. Finally remembering a word that's been on the tip of your tongue for so long
11. The smell of frying onions and garlic
12. Finding money in your pocket

And the list goes on. I'm still reading the book. And you know what? I'm actually not in a rush to finish it. I'm savoring the list. Ninanamnam ko talaga, haha. It's such a happy read!

***

If I were to come up with my personal list, I'll definitely include our recent AWESOME experiences (that I must blog about, in detail, soon):

1. The realization that our 'wealth' is not in the form of SUVs or designer bags, but in being able to afford  our Singapore Adventure and a very comfortable 'career break.'
2. No-alarm-clock work-day Mondays. 
3. What tops working in your SG home, in your pajamas? Earning SGD in Manila! 
4. Enrolling in not just one but three film schools. So happy for my Hubby!
5. A viral campaign for a shampoo brand. A TVC for a pain reliever. So proud of you, Baby!
6. Applying for a Junior Management position, and getting hired for a Senior Management position. In an industry I've been eyeing. So excited!
7. Our new worlds: film, advertising, retail, marketing, events. 
8. Our parents telling us how proud they are of us. *sniff, sniff*
9. Spending time with someone so young and inspiring, as she wins over the Big C.
10. Seeing a family stay so strong throughout their grieving. 
11. The comfort from having strong family ties. 
12. Tita Time. 
13. Road trips that allow you to have long, heart-to-heart talks with best friends. 
14. Welcoming and ending each day with your Life Partner. 
15. Living the truth in "God's Plans are greater than your dreams." 

TRULY AWESOME!

Thank you, God. 

LIVE FULLY RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE

With an expiration of less than twelve hours,

what does Jesus count as all most important? 

"And he took bread, GAVE THANKS and broke it, 

and gave it to them..." (Luke 22:19 NIV).

Jesus offers thanksgiving for even that which will break Him and crush Him 

and wound Him and yield a bounty of joy.

As long as thanks is possible, then joy is always possible. Joy is always possible. 

Whenever, meaning-now; wherever, meaning-here.

Thanksgiving is the evidence of our acceptance of whatever He gives. 

Thanksgiving is the manifestation of our "Yes!" to His grace.

-- a few of my favorite lines from my current read, 

Ann Voskamp's 

"ONE THOUSAND GIFTS: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are."

PERFECT TIMING.
Thank you to KLG and The Today Show
for the recommendation.

'Thank you' are among my favorite words. My Gratitude Journal is among my most valuable possessions. That's why I easily gravitated to the book One Thousand Gifts.

Living in gratitude is easy through good times, tough through bad. But because I've experienced the truth in this -- The holy grail of joy is not in some exotic location or some emotional mountain peak experience. The joy wonder could be here! Here, in the messy, piercing ache of now...(Ann Voskamp) -- I choose to give thanks, no matter what.

As the book reminds us, Jesus revealed the secret to happiness, through his own example. In his dying hours, He still chose to give thanks. (Mamamatay na, papatayin na, nagpapasalamat pa rin.) The greatest thing is to give thanks for everything. He who has learned this knows what it means to live.


Today, I'm especially grateful for:

1. Our Amazing Adventure. Wow.
2. Thank you, God, for the wonderful opportunity. 
3. Thank you for all the life-enriching experiences.
4. New perspectives. 
5. The next chapter. 
6. The new road.
7. New Dreams
8. Stronger Faith
9. Our marriage. 
10. Our families. 
11. Tita Time!
12. Our friends.
13. Good health.
14. Our lovely home.
15. Our quiet little life. 
16. Freedom!
17. Current work set-up. (Pwedeng ganito?! Bongga.)
18. Because it can get too hot -- Thank you for cold showers, the swimming pool, the air con, and finally some rain!
19. Successfully crossed-over to advertising after doing TV for more than a decade. 
20. The opportunity of crossing-over into another dream industry. *praying*
21. The reminder to be cautious as to who you let into your life. 
22. Ikea
23. Today's errand was finished in less than an hour. We're pleasantly surprised. 
24. Thai massage. Pinoy dinner. American Idol.
25. Jessica Sanchez. We're in awe of the girl's talent. She's been making a lot of people, especially Pinoys, happy and proud. Final results in a few hours!
26. Be grateful that God doesn't grant us everything we want. Instead, He provides us with everything we need. 
27. God's Plans are greater than our dreams. (I never imagined I'd be where I am now. Again, pwede pala 'to?! Bongga.)
28. Thank you, God, for loving us the way you do. 

Try starting your own Gratitude Journal. List everything you're grateful for. Not of gifts you want but of gifts you already have. That's the dare to LIVE FULLY right where you are. 

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

Through the toughest of times...

HOW TO HANDLE REJECTION

Ouch!

Of course, rejection hurts. But as the cliche goes - if it doesn't kill you, it can only make you stronger. So how does one handle life's NOs? 

Here are seven tips from pickthebrain:

1. Don't take it personally.
2. Think positively.
3. Listen to the rejection carefully.
4. Be kind to yourself. 
5. Have confidence in who you are.
6. Know that everyone gets rejected.
7. Try and try again.

And five more how-to-deal tips from Dragos Roua:

1. Let go of perfectionism.
2. See it as a learning opportunity.
3. Be aware of your programming.
4. No rejection, no growth.
5. Rejection is essential to success.

Stay inspired by all the successful people who never gave up. Bill Gates (a college drop-out), Oprah (was told she's "unfit for TV"),  Michael Jordan (was cut from the high school basketball team), J.K.Rowling (Harry Potter was rejected by 12 publishing houses), and the list goes on. Be among them. 

ROLES WE PLAY

Today I'm in awe of the many hats life allows us to wear.  

HATS OFF
to a great balancing act!
Photo credit: bluesunstudio-inc.com

My favorite roles: being my life's Leading Lady (you should be too!) and being Hubby's Life Partner. 

Next on the list: Daughter, Sister, Tita, Cousin, Friend.

Being a Colleague, Teammate, Blogger, Copywriter, Project Manager, Events Host, Stylist, Teacher, Student, Classmate, Neighbor, Churchmate, Relative, Acquaintance, Tourist have / had their moments.

I'm grateful that the past months gave me the opportunity to wear more hats. That of:

1. Early Retiree. (Wow that sounds old. Lol.)
2. Dreamer.
3. New Kid on the Block. (In a foreign land.)
4. Housemate.
5. Traveler. (Level up from Tourist?)
6. Job Hunter.
7. OFW-wannabe. 
8. Bum. 
9. Freelancer. (Earning in my PJs has its perks.)
10. Soul Searcher. 

So what's next? 

Do I see myself wearing the Balikbayan hat soon? 

LITTLE THINGS

Little things I'm grateful for:

1. That I can commute with my bag unzipped. I can use my open totes here!
2. That I can commute wearing jewelry.
3. That I can walk alone at night.
4. That people can use their bags to reserve / save tables in hawker centers.
5. Comfortable bus rides. (Where I came from, I stayed away from buses. Too many horror stories. Pet peeve: Pinupuno muna. Such a waste of time. And once the bus is fully loaded, and on the road na, watch out for road rage!)

Low crime rate is not zero crime rate. But I still celebrate my 'peace of mind.'

More items on the list:

1. Thank you that someone very dear to us is feeling better. She values her privacy so yan na lang...
2. Thank you for fresh air

Yes, health is wealth.

WRITE JOB

I prayed for the "right" job

and got the "write"-ing job.

Fade up music:

Life has a funny way 

of sneaking up on you...

-Alanis Morissette

Related post: Separation Anxiety

SEPARATION ANXIETY

Dear first paycheck of 2012,

I'm suffering from separation anxiety. From you.

I've been considering spending some of you on an experience -- on something I can always remember you by. I vowed not to spend you on material things. No shopping for dresses, bags, shoes, accessories, not even toys for my pamangkins, or anything Ikea. Yes, I'm a changed woman. As I blogged before, this entire adventure is shaping a better version of me. Haha!

On to the experience. I've been considering: (1) A world-class MBS date with the Hubby? (2) Round-trip plane tickets for two, to Manila and back, to spend time with my newborn nephew? (3) A yoga club membership?

After too much thinking and re-thinking, weighing and re-weighing (Lol), I've decided - you're too special. So I'm just going to keep you. Untouched. 

Thank you for coming into my life. You're God-sent. 

xoxo,

A


PS
Here's to more of you!

SURRENDER TO GOD'S PLANS

As I always say, God's Plans are greater than my dreams...

"For I know the plans I have for you,"

says the Lord.

"They are plans for good

and not for disaster,

to give you a future and a hope."

-- Jeremiah 29:11

New Living Translation

I HEART MILK TEA

SG Milk Tea Favorites

Among my simple joys here in Singapore - milk tea! They're everywhere. The locals are so into it, madalas mahaba ang pila.

As I've blogged several times, Hubby and I are really into Teh-C (tea with milk). We order them hot from hawker centers.

But for my iced milk tea cravings, I go for Honey Milk Tea, no pearls, from (1) Ice Talk - in our neighborhood mall, Punggol Plaza; (2) Koi - in the next town's neighborhood mall, Compass Point; (3) Gong Cha - found in major malls like The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. I ask for zero sugar since honey milk tea na nga. These three brands taste relatively the same. So my top pick is the cheapest - the one from Ice Talk. Only SGD2.30 (around Php80) for a large cup.

We heard about the Happy Lemon craze in Manila. So we tried the Ion Orchard branch (no one hour waiting time here, unlike sa Greenhills - Yey!). We're not really fans. Our review: OK lang. I liked the Tea Latte with Oreo cookies & cream. Hubby's into the Rock Salt Cheese series - Green Tea or Cocoa.

What's your cup of tea?

UPS AND DOWNS

Birthday message to Hubby: I love that we choose to take the roller coaster over the carousel. *wink* Here's to more life adventures together! Happy birthday to my Life Partner and Daily Date! I love you.

Photo credit: askmissa.com

Life's ups and downs are more bearable, more meaningful, more fun when you go through them with someone you love.


Thank you, God...

1) for allowing us to get off 'that crazy carousel' just in time. Lol.

2) for the 'tickets' to this roller coaster ride

3) for allowing Hubby and me to take this adventure together (Bow ako to those who are on the roller coaster alone!)

4) for allowing this journey to shape us into the best versions of ourselves

5) for the fresh perspectives (seen from the highest of highs and the lowest of lows).


We're so blessed. 

FIRST GIFTS OF 2012

Mid-way into January 2012 and gifts are pouring in! 

THANK YOU, God!

1. Today's Greatest Gift: my nephew T. He was the reason why we took a short trip to Manila. The last delivery update when we were still in SG: "Lalabas na. Anytime!" So we booked a flight and waited...for a week! Puro false labor, hehe. We had to fly out Saturday night, wala pa rin. Finally, nag-totoong labor na ang sister-in-law ko the next day, Sunday, when we were already back in SG. Baby T was born today, Monday, 16 January 2012. Pilyong bata ito! Hahaha. Nevertheless, we're very grateful. Mom and Baby survived the delicate delivery. Thanks to our Dear Doc, Ate P who took great care of them. We're all so happy! And way too excited! My parents want to go home for Baby T (sorry, Papa and Mama, hindi kayo 3.5 hours away from Manila). Today, 16 Jan 2012, is a historic day for the Philippines as it marks Day 1 of the Corona Trial. But for our family, Baby T's birth is the more important headline. *confetti blast*

It's a boy! 6.10 lbs.
Today, my niece S is officially an Ate.
Welcome, Baby T! We love you.

   
      2.  The Manila break.
      3.  More projects. *big smile*
      4.  Green Card.
   
"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; Seek, and you shall find; Knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Luke 11:9)

GREATEST GIFTS OF 2011

As 2011 comes to a close, let's all count our blessings. =)

Photo credit: candyfortoes.com

Among the greatest gifts I received this year:

Material

1. iPad2: Hubby's birthday gift to me (Wish come true!)

Non-Material (and far more precious)

1. Fashion school.
2. My birthday gift to me: Freedom! Read more about it here. I'll forever remember 2011 as the year I took the BIG LEAP into the great unknown.
3. Our gift to us: Living out our dream! Hubby and I have been living in Singapore since the last quarter of 2011. We left our comfort zone to follow our hearts and explore the world. (Praying that we receive the "working in Singapore" gift soon.)
4. Career Break. At the start of the year it seemed impossible, even after reading this article from Lonely Planet. But guess what?! We've been enjoying our longest vacation leave ever!  
5. Spending time with our family, even for just awhile. My parents and sister came home to Manila for a month. We got to be with them only for a week. But that one week was priceless. And for the very first time in my life I flew alone (alone!) from one country to another -- just to be with my loved ones. (Hubby took another flight because of a scheduled job interview.) 
6. Being able to hold my Mama's hand in the O.R., all throughout a medical procedure. The greater blessing: Doc declared her lump clear, on-the-spot! Fatty tissue lang! Yey! And the bonus: the procedure was free. We're blessed with kind-hearted, generous, loving doctors and nurses in the family. 
7. Being able to tell my Papa, "Now that I'm a Pinoy abroad like you, lalo akong bilib sa iyo. For so long, you faced the challenges of being an OFW on your own. Idol talaga kita!"
8. Learning every day about WHAT TRULY MATTERS IN LIFE. We're grateful that we have enough. Sometimes nga, more than enough pa. Even on career breaks. We're overwhelmed by the blessings. 
9. Our SG Adventure has been one hell of a roller coaster ride. And it has shaped Hubby and Me into stronger individuals and more loving partners. If a couple can laugh together through rejection, discrimination, and a stretch of "no paydays muna," then they must really be meant to happily journey through life together. *wink*

2011: Another year filled with
life, laughter and lots of love!

THANK YOU, GOD, for loving me, loving us the way you do. We're forever humbled by Your grace, love, mercy and faithfulness. May you continue to bless us all in 2012 and the coming years. We know Your Plans are always greater than our dreams. 

OUR FIRST THANKSGIVING DINNER DATE

Happy Thanksgiving!

Every day, Hubby and I start our devotional prayers with prayers of gratitude. And as I've said over and over, "Thank You" are my favorite words. So this could turn out to be our favorite holiday, haha!  

  

Thank you for the Thanksgiving Table
available at Dan Ryan's.
It was fully-booked everywhere else.
Location: Tanglin Road

Thank you for the four-course meal
we enjoyed!

Thank you for the time spent
with the newlyweds.

Thank you for one of God's greatest blessings --
a loving Life Partner.

Thank you for the healthy house salad.

Thank you for the thick, creamy, yummy pumpkin soup.

Thank you for the filling roasted turkey,
served with stuffing, candied yams,
mashed potatoes & giblet gravy,
green beans & walnuts.
This is our (Hubby & Me) first Thanksgiving turkey!

Thank you for the yummy dessert -
pumpkin pie.

Thank you for our super fun double date!
Gobble! Gobble!

Thank you for the festive lights along
Orchard Road. The night felt extra special.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." -- M. Beattie

ANGELS ON EARTH

Image from englishnetbook.com

A big shout out -- MARAMING, MARAMING SALAMAT -- to our angels on earth! We're so blessed to be surrounded by kind, generous, God-sent souls.

Thank you to...

1) C and J who are among the nicest, warmest, most helpful couples we've known. Thank you for opening your home to us.  

2) My friends C and P, and P's sweet sister N, for the "SG Life Line." 

I'm overwhelmed by how the pieces fell PERFECTLY into place. I've been so worried about our accommodations. And then they offered help. It started with a simple -- "Tanong namin." And miracle of miracles, merong available! But wait, there's more good news: the available place is in the same neighborhood as C and J's unit! As in the same street, 5-minute walk lang! (No, hindi sila magkakakilala.) What are the chances, right? *jumping for joy* At ito pa ang aliw: the unit owner and I share the same name. Hehe.

And N (who we just met personally today), she really made time to accompany us. She didn't have to but she insisted. Ang bait!

3) A and A, new acquaintances uli, for being very welcoming. 

To every one else worrying about something, anything, totoo ang cliche -- LET GO. LET GOD. He will send angels to show you His Plans are better than your dreams.

TODAY's GIFTS 092411

Today I'm especially grateful.

Cried "Thank You" tears in Church. God is too good! I am humbled.

Thank you...

1. For today's "delivery." YAHOOO!
2. For our Attitude of Gratitude. To have this mindset while on a career break is a blessing.
3. That we can afford this career break. There are even 'little luxuries' despite the tipid mode.
4. That we can afford to gamble. For our dreams.
5. For the team that J and I are. I love us!
6. That we can stand on our own. Hindi kami umaasa sa iba. 
7. Pero inuulan pa rin ng help, without us asking.
8. For my supportive family and relatives. 
9. We're both healthier today. Hubby and I got a little sick this week. (What we confirmed: Mas mabilis ang recovery while on a career break! LOL)
10. For every one volunteering tips, leads, what-have-yous. Special mention to: G, J, C who are all currently living in SG (see you soon!); D & J who are in other parts of the world pero tumutulong pa rin (very touched by the gesture). 
11. For all my friends. Especially those who make time. 
12. For every one na pumatol sa aming ukay-ukay. 
13. For all the words of encouragement.
14. For L and R's free legal advice. 
15. For all the despedida.
16. For R's 'where to shop in SG' tips.
17. For our daily accomplishments. More "To Dos" in the coming days. 
18. I got to zip my first luggage. Nagkasya sila!
19. For the free movie dates.
20. For Manila's affordable laundry services. (I'll miss you.)
21. For everything that lies ahead.

Today, what are you especially thankful for?

BIRTHDAY WISH 2011

It's my birthday month!

Photo: picasaweb.google.com

As a believer of "Ask and you shall receive," I'm listing down gifts I won't mind receiving lots of (hint, hint).

In random order:

1. Flannel pajama set in plaid. (I have only one pair. To say it's being abused is an understatement.)
2. Super comfy ballet flats. Size 8 1/2.
3. Black hair elastics. (I keep losing them. No rubber bands please.)
4. Fiber supplements. (Health is wealth. LOL.)
5. Chocolates.
6. Claritin. (Items 5 & 6 must come together. Pasaway.)
7. Band aid. (The stylist in me.)
8. Black folding umbrella. The smaller, the better. Water-repellent material preferred. (Umbrellas have short life spans in my hands. Need to buy every so often.)
9. My cheap gel eye liner from Watson's. Brand: In2it. Color: Dark brown.
10. Prayers

Hubby and I usually travel on my birthday. This year, I'm asking God to allow us to take what could be the greatest journey of our lives. Kahit wala na ang ten items listed above. Yun na lang po.

Life has taught me God's plans are greater than my dreams. I'm looking forward to a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

TODAY'S GIFTS 061911

Today's Gifts:

1) 3-day weekend

2) Bed weather

3) Everything we're waiting for, dumarating isa-isa, on time. Project status: on track.

4) Proud of how my sis P is growing up. Her FB wall is filled with NASA articles and video clips (yes, she wants to be an astronomer) and Justin Bieber updates (yes, she caught the B-fever like every girl in the universe). She's a fun-loving nerd -- I love it! And today, Fathers' Day, she wrote the sweetest FB note for our Papa (It starts with "You're my hero, Papa..."). We must have done something right in raising such a wonderful child. *teary eyed*

5) My brother and I drove to the province this week, to attend the wake and burial of a beloved uncle who's suffered from cancer far too long. It was a blessing to see a family, in the midst of a tragedy, continue to live in love, unity, composure and complete surrender to God's Will. Bilib ako.

Above:

Uncle's hearse - a Hummer!

Sosyal!

6) After death comes life. Another pamangkin is coming our way! My niece S will be an "Ate" soon. We're all too excited! Yey!

God is so good.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

ONE OF OUR MARRIAGE'S MANY MIRACLES

For any one who believes in miracles, or needs to read about one today, click here.


RE-POSTING:
Seven years ago, two months after our wedding, I almost lost J to a freak accident.

The doctors gave me only three scenarios, based on the extent of his injuries:
1) He may go blind
2) He may turn into a vegetable
3) He may die

HOW DOES A NEWLYWED RECEIVE SUCH NEWS?

Above: our wedding rings

I remember turning numb.

My silent prayer, "If you're taking him, kunin mo na rin ako, please."
Memories of May 28, 2004 still make me cringe. I'm not sure if I can write about the details. So I won't.

Here's what I want to share instead...I praise God for His miracles! After the 10-hour operation, we didn't have to face any of the three worst-case scenarios laid out to me. Even the doctors were in awe! J was a miracle case!

J can see clearly, he has not lost any of his brain functions and motor skills, he's full of life. HE'S ALIVE!

The worst that happened: his scars from the ala-Face Off operation and his intensified migraines.

Seven years ago, today, I cried my heart out. I experienced crying hanggang wala na akong luha. I'm crying again now. But this time they are tears of joy.

Thank you, J, for choosing to live. He was such a fighter all throughout the ordeal. Even under tremendous pain, he was one happy patient. He made me, all his nurses, doctors and visitors laugh. He was never demanding. All he asked from me were hugs. Ikaw talaga ang idol ko pag dating sa strength.
Thank you to our family and friends, even to strangers, who prayed for us, visited, wished us well. We wouldn't have made it through without your help.

Thank you to his brilliant doctors and caring nurses from St. Luke's. You're God's miracle workers.

Thank you, God, for your miracles! Thank you for reminding me that you won't give us a load we cannot carry. Thank you for loving us as much as you do. Kaya siguro mahal na mahal namin ang isa't-isa. Dahil mahal na mahal mo kami. Your love's overflowing. We'll gladly continue to spread that love.

I can choose to hate May 28 forever. But with the depth of experiences it has brought me, us, I'm celebrating it! We're celebrating it!

Don't be afraid your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin.-- Grace Hansen

It's a story I won't get tired of re-telling.

TODAY'S GIFTS 051511

This Weekend's Gifts:

1) Blogger's back.

2) Hubby and I teamed-up for my Mom's surprise birthday AVP (audio-visual presentation). My parents, especially the birthday celebrant, loved it! She was so touched. It got a lot of "likes". Yey!

3) Excited for our next team project: Father's Day. This would be more challenging because my Dad hates being photographed, hehe.

4) After Sunday church service, hubby and I went to the Farmer's Market to buy padala for my family abroad. Successfully found all their bilin.

5) Cafe Bola, we missed you! Glad to be reunited for brunch today. You still have the best flourless chocolate cake!

6) Well-deserved back massages for us. Bliss!

7) Free movie! Thor. (Thanks, GRS.)

8) Back-to-back with 'Something Borrowed.' We haven't done two movies in a row for quite some time so this was fun.

9) Friday the 13th = 13th month pay. What bad luck?

10) Reunion with my Knoller friends on Saturday. It was fab seeing them again!

My fab Maryknoll aka Miriam

grade school & high school classmates

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." -- Oprah