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The Blessings of 2009

Despite some unfortunate events, 2009 was good to us. It was an expensive year, considering the various items and improvements we didn't plan on spending on. Our savings account suffered a lot. We weren't consistent in making our monthly contribution to our nest egg due to those unplanned expenses. Other than that, we were still blessed with people who shared their time, effort and resources.

Family:

Last year, we found out that we'll be adding a new member to our family. It was a surprise to Vic and me, not to mention to our family and friends. We are so fortunate that God has blessed our union with another baby.

On Javi - He celebrated his first birthday at the Big Red Barn last November. It was a fun party both children and adults enjoyed. I have yet to share that with you.

On Johann - The last part of the year was also troubled with trips to the hospital. We found out too late that Vic has a history of febrile convulsion. Johann had several attacks due to high fever. Now, we have to monitor him closely even if Johann's fever is not that high. In fact, Johann and Javi got sick a few days before Christmas. I am glad that they were well-enough to open their gifts and join in the fun on Christmas Eve.


Events:

The year was also blessed with lots of travel opportunities. In fact, we also ended the year with another trip. I hope the kids will be behaved enough to join us in the next trip.

It takes a calamity like Ondoy to make us realize what really is important. We also found out who our real friends are. Ondoy also forced us to throw away items that we really didn't need.

By mid of 2009, we commenced our home improvement. This weekend, we are having our first house-warming party with relatives and some balik-bayans. I can't wait for our house to be next party-central.

We also got a new family car in time for my birthday, though it wasn't intended that way. The sale of the old car happened just in time. We are extremely proud of this achievement paid with our own money, without any help. We just had to sell two cars to get the big one.


I've learned to treat certain incidents as coincidences rather than planned or pre-meditated acts. I've learned to let go. Patience and tolerance are virtues that I still need to master. It was a good year to reconnect with people from our past and to make new friends and family.

--------------------


When I was little, elders would often say that whatever you do at the start of the year, you do for the rest of the year. I didn't really believe in that.

But now, if the beginning of the year is a sign of prosperity for the upcoming year, I am not complaining.

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