NEW YEAR DILEMA

Now that the New Year is just days away, I can't help but think of my new year's resolutions. The Webster's New World Dictionary defines the word "resolution" as the act or result of resolving something....

Come to think of it, 2007 has been good to me. Save from the sudden bumps and shake, I figured quite well this year. So, if there's anything I wanna do before the year ends it would be not to have any resolutions at all (lol!). Frankly, Im skeptical when it comes to this. What's the point? You get to break them anyway.

What I do believe in is setting up goals for the coming year. Its more positive. It helps me focus and prioritize.

Merry Christmas

Its the most wonderful time....Christmas
morning! Fom my family to yours, here's wishing all of you a season filled
with love, laughter, hope and peace.

GIFTS, GIFTS, AND MORE GIFTS

Yahoo...less than an hour till Christmas! I can feel the excitement building up. The kids are restless, family members are slowly pouring in. AARGH! I can't wait to see everyone open their gifts. Its been a hectic time for me this season. Hubby, kids, and work has kept me constantly on my toes. At least Im glad that all the shopping and wrapping is over. Here's what I got them:

1. Dora the Explorer Doll for Julia

2. Soccer outfit for Kobe

3. Casio Edifice watch for Hubby


Hey, I really haven't thought of my presents. I wonder if Hubby still got me another gift. He already gave me his Christmas gift in advance, I couldn't ask for anything more.

I was in a mad Christmas rush today. With just a few days to go till Christmas, shopping was my top agenda for the day. I was accompanied by my very own brady bunch gang--Hubby, my sister Paz, my brothers JC and Edward and my two little angels, Kobe and Julia. We almost didn't make it to the mall because of the horrible traffic. The kids were getting bored already and Hubby who is at the wheel, was beginning to show signs of strain too. The trip to Robinson's Galleria took us about two hours! When we finally got to the mall, we were again faced with another obstacle. Parking space was an impossibility. It took us another 30 minutes just for the parking.

We all scoured the specialty shops in search for that perfect gift for that someone on in list. I still have more than a dozen of gifts to buy so I told Hubby to bring the kids at Tom's World while I check out Toys R Us. Boy, was I in for a shock. Almost all the aisles are filled with shoppers. Men, women, children of all ages. The counter was even worse. I was really dismayed when I saw the lines. Knowing that Hubby couldn't stay with the kids that long, I decided to postpone my shopping. It ain't good to be in a shopping hurry with kids around. So, I did the next best thing--be with the kids. After the two got tired of Tom's World, we went to Time Zone for more amusement. My sister and brothers had better luck than me. At least they were able to do some successful shopping. Important lesson learned: never, never bring the kids (no matter how much they ask you) to the Christmas rush.

The traffic and the long walk around the mall really made our stomachs growl. Since we still have another agenda aside from shopping, we decided to drive all the way to Mandaluyong to have dinner. Paz suggested we try Charlie's. It a quaint hole in the wall chinese resto. When we first saw it, we thought that the food might not be good, considering the way it looks. Actually, the place is more like an old house turned into a carinderia. The tables and chairs are so plain, even the glasses and utensils don't give much of an appeal. But looking closely, I realized that the parking was full of its patrons. So, we might as well give in a try. I was right. The place was packed. We were led to an extension, more like the usual dinning room of a house. When we saw the menu, we were amazed by the prices on the list. Really cheap. We ordered fried rice, pata tim, camaron rebosado, whole fried chicken, tofu, and miki bihon guisado. The verdict? Excellent!

We were awed by the yummy feast. Even the kids loved everything.. All for just about P1,200 (including drinks). Ah... happy, and full.Next stop was the famous Mandaluyong christmas village. Our eyes literally popped out when we saw the magnificent lights adorning the houses in one of its villages. Check them out! We all went home really exhausted but happy..

INSIGHT

Its not everyday that we stumble upon wisdom such as this. When I read this, it struck a chord in me. This really got me thinking...

"Realize that true happiness lies within you. Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside. Remember that there is no happiness in having or getting, but only in giving. Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug.

Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself."

---OG MANDINO

GOODBYE, DAD

This is probably the saddest post Im gonna write. This is my sort of send-off to one of the persons most influencial in my life, DAD. Today would've have been his 57th birthday had not the BIG C took over. In the span of three months, his health took a turn from good, bad to worse. In those months, the family tried to be brave and positive, but goodbye was inevitable. He was defeated a mere one month away from his birthday.

Dad was a man of sorts. He had a most unique way of showing his love. He is not without flaws. But each imperfection seem irelevant compared to his generosity. He was strict but supportive. Demanding but kind. Tactless, at times but funny.

These few months before his death, we were able to bond together. I remember other family members telling me that Im his favorite. I know because no matter how much we argue or hate each other's guts, he knows that I'll always be here for him. My kids are somehow closer to him than his other grandchildren. Its not really easy being around him. Even without his ailment, Dad was the kind of father his kids feared. Not because he would hurt, but I guess, its his way of dealing. The cloud of authority is really very pronounced in his persona. To him, we will always be little boys and girls needing his guidance.

Im happy because we two got really close these past months. I cooked for him last Christmas. I made his favorite arroz caldo, when he got home from the hospital. When My son Kobe was confined because of his asthma, Dad was my first visitor. When I had to undergo a brain MRI scan, he and hubby accompanied me to the hospital.

I could just go on and on...there's so much memories Dad filled my life with. Today marks the 40th day of his passing. The loss is devastating. The void irreplacable. But I know we all have to move on. This is what he wants. this is how it should be.

So, happy birthday Dad and...GOODYE