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. 

PRETTY PANCAKES

The Date: Breakfast in Bed

Proud of my perfectly imperfect pancakes!

When you can't do perfectly round pancakes, I suggest you make them prettier and yes, yummier with bananas, strawberries and lots of honey.

Making life better is really in your hands. A lovely life lesson one Sunday morning. *wink*

TRANSFORMERS: THE RIDE

Last week, we were freedom fighters in the ultimate 3D battle against the forces of evil!

We finally got to try Universal Studios Singapore's latest ride: Transformers, the ultimate 3D battle. It was super hi-tech, super fun! Parang masaya kung full length film ito. Haha! Waiting time for the ride: at least 30 minutes. So worth it.

With Optimus Prime.

Mahaba ang pila for photo op kaya sa gilid na lang ako pumwesto.

It's Bumblebee! He's my niece's favorite. 

I can't wait for her (and my sis P, and nephew T) to go to Universal Studios.

One day soon. *wink*

The first time we were here, sinamahan lang talaga ako ni Hubby. He's not into theme parks. But with the Transformers ride, gusto na rin talaga niya pumunta.  

It was a very fun date! Aside from the sights, rides and shows, another thing that made us smile: senior citizen couples lining up for the Transformers ride. We're so with you Lolos and Lolas! No one's too old for some play time.

Added joy: the park's only 45-minutes away via train from our Punggol home. Andyan lang siya. Just like the movies, madali lang mag-take three, four, five...!

For ticket info, check their website.

ON MY OWN

(Very late post.)

Another first: exploring a foreign country on my own, for days. Yey!

I've experienced exploring a new place on my own for a few hours. Kanya-kanya then meet up na uli. So for the first time, feel na feel ko ang pagiging solo traveler. Got to enjoy Singapore on my own during Hubby's short trip to Manila last month. 

The highlights:

1. Taking Bus 83's route via foot. 
2. Exploring the Tiong Bahru area.
3. The Singapore Art Museum exhibits. 

BUS 83

Hubby and I take Bus 83 from Punggol to the next town, Sengkang. It's cheaper and more convenient (no more transfers from the LRT line to the MRT). Out of curiosity -- how many steps from Punggol Field to Sengkang's Compass Point mall? -- I decided to take the bus route via foot. The answer: almost 2,600 steps. I enjoyed the 40-minute pasyal-pace walk (15 minutes lang via bus). The experience confirmed: "One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." 

Things I never saw from the bus:

My usual view of the Cove@Punggol sails...

Ganito pala ang likod nila, hehe.

It was my first time on this pedestrian bridge, along Punggol Road.

I stopped to watch the busy highway. 

First time through this walkway.

First time at the Sengkang Sculptural Park.

That's the Sengkang LRT.

Sengkang's Compass Point mall: the nearest MOS Burger, Mr. Bean, Yoshinoya branches from our "province" of Punggol. Hehe. We also like Kopitiam's stalls here. Our favorites: the one that serves Taiwanese fare, and the chicken rice stall.

TIONG BAHRU

Explored one of the oldest housing estates of Singapore, Tiong Bahru (green line). According to Wikipedia, "It was the place of choice of the upper class and the place where the rich and powerful kept their mistresses." Pre-World War II era. I got intrigued after seeing an episode of Anthony Bourdain's newest show, The Layover. 

What to see: Tiong Bahru's Art Deco homes. It was like being transported back in time. Aliw!

The Tiong Bahru Market is supposed to be among the most popular hawker centers in Singapore.

But it was empty on a weekend.

For the list of the best food here, see Lady Iron Chef's blog. Anthony Bourdain liked the Chwee Kueh in The Layover episode I saw. But I wasn't hungry. So I just ordered lemon iced tea. It was perfect, especially after so much walking under the SG sun.

SAM: SINGAPORE ART MUSEUM

Loved the exhibits at The SAM. I'm especially ecstatic to have discovered that admission is free (Yey, free!) every Friday, 6-8pm. I vowed to take Hubby to the exhibits. Gusto kong ma-experience rin niya ang na-experience ko. I was in awe with most, if not all, of the artworks! I'll blog about our SAM date separately. 

V by Li Hui. 

Installation with laser lights. 

Pinoy Pride: Rodel Tapaya's mural won Grand Prize at the Asia Pacific Breweries Foundation Signature Art Prize. Mabuhay!

Although I missed my Hubby so much, I was very grateful for the opportunity to explore SG on my own. Traveling alone is something every woman should try at least once in her lifetime. And for those who do it regularly, bow ako sa inyo. At happy ako to be among you now. 

Another item off my Life List. 

Thank you, God. *big smile*

WE'RE ON A MAGAZINE

As cover? Wish!

Hubby's back from a short Manila trip. Among his many pasalubong: Yes! (my guilty pleasure, binilin ko talaga) and Health Today (see the article on how to break dating cliches, we were among the interviewees!). Sayang, hindi siya umabot sa March issues ng Preview, Esquire and Rogue. 

Devoured the latest Manila showbiz chismis with Red Ribbon pastillas. Sarap! Ito ang chika: Yes' Best Dressed List does not include Kapuso stars. Mostly Kapamilya (Anne, Gretchen, Dawn, Piolo, Vice Ganda, Vhong, Kim, John Lloyd, Iza) and isang Kapatid (Lucy). 

Today's simple joy: Our dating philosophies (sabeh?!) are featured on a magazine. "Free yourself from dating cliches," Health Today magazine, February 2012 (Iya Villana on the cover). 

Here's the article, found on page 69. (Nice one, JVR. Thank you.) 
Photo: No, that's not me and Hubby, hehe.

The dating cliches, according to the write-up:

Cliche #1: That dates should be for special occasions.

(Out On a Date: Go for daily dates. Make every "ordinary" day count.) 

Cliche #2: You need money to have a good date.
(Out On a Date: Long walks, stargazing, reading in the park cost nothing.)

Cliche #3: Valentine's Day is exclusive to couples or ladies.
(Out On a Date: Try family road trips, barkada reunions, food or historical walks...)

Cliche #4: The date has to be well-planned.
(Out On a Date: Be spontaneous. Get lost in a new city.)


What's your day's simple joy?

LOVE PRESCRIPTION

Hubby got everything to help ease my pain.

Cut my right thumb with my umbrella last week. Don't ask me how. I'm engot that way.

I'm really so blessed to have a Hubby who rushed to the neighborhood mall to buy everything I needed for the wound. Including Oreo McFlurry! "To help ease the pain." *sniff, sniff*

After I washed with soap and water, he dressed the wound. And did so every day. The wound's totally healed by now. Thanks to my personal Nurse-Doctor.

Just want to share a prescription for a happy, loving relationship: Be each other's Ultimate Caregiver.

HAPPY HEARTS DAY

We don't do Valentine's. Read previous post about it here. Our dates, little acts of love, exchange of "I love yous" are not confined to February 14. We're mushy all year round. If you're into it, hope you had a Happy Hearts Day! To each his own. Walang basagan ng trip. Lol.

But I have a confession: I fell in love with the Google doodle for Valentine's 2012. 

The message is so simple and true -- love is never about the stuff. As a couple who's more into living an enriching life than a rich life, relate na relate kami. *teary eyed*

Washington Post puts it perfectly, "...the determined boy inadvertently finds the answer that was before him all along: The jump rope is the ultimate heartstring to pluck. Together, at last, in rhythm, their hearts skip a beat."

Awww.

THROUGH HUBBY'S EYES

See bits of Singapore through my Hubby's eyes via this music video. The clips were taken during some of our dates around the city.

"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." -- Henry Miller

GARDEN GETAWAY

Cheap thrill: Concrete jungle time-off at the Singapore Botanic Garden. (MRT Station: Bontanic Garden, Circle Line). Eksena on a Sunday: Families and friends having picnics; kids flying kites and learning how to ride their bikes; senior couples walking hand-in-hand. 

What we did: While Hubby was busy with his Project (he was the only one who went around the Garden), I chose a spot where I could quietly read. I'm low maintenance. Iwan mo lang ako sa damuhan, with a book, OK na ako. Hahaha!

Below's my lovely spot under the sun. The umbrella's a despedida gift from my friends N, J and M. It was part of my 2011 birthday wish list.

What a view! It was so relaxing to be lying down on the grass, looking at the sky, reading my book, snacking on my Seaweed Lay's, sipping Coke, napping. THANK YOU, GOD, for such blessed moments!

What I was reading: David Nicholls' "One Day."

I vowed to give the book a chance since the movie failed me. Very good decision.

We've seen the ducks before...

So the date highlight was seeing Black Swans for the first time! 

They're more beautiful than Natalie Portman! *kidding*

Are you joining me on the grass?

Ah, life's simple joys! 

Savored the moment from my reading spot. 

Those are my black ballet flats. (May theme? Black swans, black flats...Haha!)

Merienda at Cluny Court, located at the left side of the Botanic Garden gates (MRT station gates).

Pretty lamps and blooms at the Cluny Court entrance. Yes, Spring Festival pa rin! (I believe the Year of the Water Dragon officially started yesterday, February 5, 2012?).

Pizza Date at Gastronomia. 

Hubby had Chili Con Carne pizza. It was good! SGD7.50. 

I had the Salmon & Pesto pizza. Yum! Also SGD7.50.

The lovely pedestrian bridge near the Botanic Garden MRT station. See the bridge facade from my other Botanic Garden entry.

Date shot. Love, love, love.

The grass is greener
on this side of the fence.