Cutty

Hahaha.  I know this is such a self-serving post.  Sorry.  Not really. As I shop for everyone else's gifts, I am reminded of the things I would really appreciate getting. Because you know, at this age, we rarely get the gifts we really want to receive. We deserve to get something we like, every once in a while. I really do not mind receiving a really nice cookbook. I also wouldn't mind a shopping credit in my favorite stores.  I always appreciate piece of clothing or a pair of shoes or some YL essential oils. Lastly, I would really appreciate it if I got any of these. How about you?  What's on your list?  I hope you get to tick off one item from your list.  

As much as I do not love the rush, the heavy traffic, the expenses and mindless eating that comes with this season, it is still my most favorite time of year.  It seems that everyone is in a good mood.  People do not mind the busyness of the season. For a decade now, our Christmases are always spent with our extended families.  It has always been a big, happy gathering though short.  We'd spent the first few hours of  Christmas eve with my husband's side of the family.  The remaining part of the evening will be with my side of the family. Christmas morning is difficult because we still have to wake up early for Christmas Day mass and brunch.   My eldest is 12 years old now and my children have been used to that arrangement.  Maybe, when we're older, we'd change this tradition. This year I introduced something new.  I initiated a bible reading session before bedtime.  We'd read one chapter before our evening prayers.  Hopef...

Do you have that one "hugot" song that really affects you?   Growing up, it used to be songs of Ogie Alcasid. Currently, my "hugot" song is "I Love the Lord" by Bukas Palad.    Whenever I hear this sung during mass, it is difficult to hold back the tears.  If you are not familiar with the song, here are the words. I love the Lord, He is filled with compassion. He turned to me on the day that I called. From the snares of the dark, O, Lord, save my life, be my strength. Gracious is the Lord, and just. Our God is mercy, rest to the weary. Return my soul to the Lord our God who bids tears away. I love the Lord.  How can I repay the Lord for all the goodness He has shown me? I will raise the cup of salvation and call on His name. I love the Lord.  I shall live my vows to You before Your people, I am Your servant. I will offer You my sacrifice of praise and of pray'r. I love the Lord. 

Thanksgiving is upon us.  Though we live far from America, the capitalism brought by this US tradition has reached our shores.  Yes, some items were carted.  Some items are still being deliberated upon.  But more than that, it brings to mind, what am I thankful for? I had to search deep for the answer to this question.  It is difficult to see these things, somehow.  We've taken things for granted due to its proximity and availability.  Stability.  Through ups and downs, trials and triumphs, there is stability in everyday life.  Yes, there are things that I want different.  But, what I currently have is worth cherishing. Opportunities.  They are few but they came when they are most needed.  Some opportunities were there to help me.  Some opportunities were there for me to extend help to others.  Either way, the giving was mutual. Resilience.  I am a fighter.   I bounce back.  I'll just give ...

Wow, the months went by just like that!  In two months, we'd be ushering the new year. I didn't realize that no updates have been made in this blog since that single entry in January.  And, to think, I planned to chronicling the year's events here.    Sorry naman. At the beginning of the year, I've decided that this will be the year of good health.  I decided to be more deliberate in caring for the health of my family, and my own.  This was the priority and I am glad that we were able to give it the attention it needed.  We've been in and out of the hospital for the past few months for monitoring and urgent care.  We are still working on some issues, but thankfully everything is manageable.  I am so glad that Vic's work has given us a generous HMO plan so there's no need to set aside a budget for healthcare.   Background photo created by freepik - www.freepik.com August was pretty bothersome.  Vic underwent RAI ...

                                                                            *photo not mine I've put a lot on hold in the past few months.  Because of that competition/junket tour, which I have yet to blog about, my list of to dos has grown.  I've prayed fervently for guidance and discernment.  I guess, it is now up to me to get things started.  Last year, I realized that I should start investing my time on things and people who would value my input.  I've started discarding things that do not "spark joy," as Marie Kondo puts it.  That included people, because I need inspiring people to propel me forward.  This year, I am going to be more deliberate in executing my plans.  I have plans for personal development (skill-wise and health-wise),  fin...