It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas...
It smells sweet, cool, and happy. To each his/her own scent of happiness. :) I am home. Relaxed and undguarded. The temperature's perfect today. Dad's playing golf, Mom is bustling about, In is taking her Board exams, Zsa is somewhere attending a seminar, Gel has been sleeping for 9 hours now, and Jett is watching TV as usual. Everything's in place. There is no break in the routine and everyone's healthy and happy. This is my Christmas.
As I think about how this would be the last Christmas of this kind and of the changes that would ensue in the Christmases to come, I can't help but feel a bit nostalgic. Things will change, routines will be broken, and new "traditions" will be established. There is sadness about things that would no longer be but at the same time, there is hope that Christmas will be equally, if not most, happy and meaningful as it has always been for me.
Thank God for the "Christ" in "Christmas" who makes all things beautiful.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, October 03, 2008
The Opposite of Easy
If I were to think of things that are difficult for me to deal with, these will be in the list: heat (temperature), physcial exertion, anger, irrationality, grief, rejection, and love. And the greatest of all is love. Yes, love.
It might just sound a little ironic for someone who claims to "love life" and is about to get married. But for me, it is far more physically, mentally, and emotionally draining than all of the other things put together. Why, you may ask? It's because love REQUIRES a lot of things:
- Leaving your comfort zones
- Thinking of others before yourself
- Battling with your personal thoughts and emotions
- Accepting what you don't understand
- Embracing your fears and swallowing your pride
- Appreciating what little time you have knowing that everything shall pass
- Exceeding your own, as well as others', expectations
- Remembering to love yourself even as you grow to love others more
- Having great Faith
Grief and other negative emotions are transformed over time. Maybe as something more positive or maybe as something bordering on apathy. Temperature, together with the seasons, come and go. They are all transitory. Among them, only love maintains its staying power.
I think of our parents who were/are tired of taking care of us, their children. Imagine the stress and the strength that this entails. There is no turning back and no giving up. What mother (or father) does not love a son/daughter until their very last breath? I think of all those who love even if life has been unkind to them--the victims of abuse, poverty, and other circumstances. They have forgotten or have chosen to forget the bad for the good. I think of the most powerful and mighty God who loves us unconditionally. Talk about loving the most unlovable! I also think of those who gave up their lives for the love of a God who is intangible. I think of me and my love for my God, family, friends, and my fiance that requires me to do/think/feel things that tire me.
Love is far from a walk in the park. It is really hard work! What is twisted about this is that despite all the "inconveniences" that it entails, love makes you happy. It is a gift that we received and are compelled to give in return. It is not to be confused with romance, infatuation, or lust.
My advice: if you're not "happy" happy, think and evaluate your "love". We should all renew our resolve to live and love because, really, in all the exhaustion that they bring, we need to be reminded most of the time.
It might just sound a little ironic for someone who claims to "love life" and is about to get married. But for me, it is far more physically, mentally, and emotionally draining than all of the other things put together. Why, you may ask? It's because love REQUIRES a lot of things:
- Leaving your comfort zones
- Thinking of others before yourself
- Battling with your personal thoughts and emotions
- Accepting what you don't understand
- Embracing your fears and swallowing your pride
- Appreciating what little time you have knowing that everything shall pass
- Exceeding your own, as well as others', expectations
- Remembering to love yourself even as you grow to love others more
- Having great Faith
Grief and other negative emotions are transformed over time. Maybe as something more positive or maybe as something bordering on apathy. Temperature, together with the seasons, come and go. They are all transitory. Among them, only love maintains its staying power.
I think of our parents who were/are tired of taking care of us, their children. Imagine the stress and the strength that this entails. There is no turning back and no giving up. What mother (or father) does not love a son/daughter until their very last breath? I think of all those who love even if life has been unkind to them--the victims of abuse, poverty, and other circumstances. They have forgotten or have chosen to forget the bad for the good. I think of the most powerful and mighty God who loves us unconditionally. Talk about loving the most unlovable! I also think of those who gave up their lives for the love of a God who is intangible. I think of me and my love for my God, family, friends, and my fiance that requires me to do/think/feel things that tire me.
Love is far from a walk in the park. It is really hard work! What is twisted about this is that despite all the "inconveniences" that it entails, love makes you happy. It is a gift that we received and are compelled to give in return. It is not to be confused with romance, infatuation, or lust.
My advice: if you're not "happy" happy, think and evaluate your "love". We should all renew our resolve to live and love because, really, in all the exhaustion that they bring, we need to be reminded most of the time.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
On preps and more
Nine months to go before Feb. 7, 2009. Here's what we accomplished so far:
1. Church - Nuestra Senora de Gracia Parish in Guadalupe Viejo was our second stop which turned out to be the end of our church hunting. Fell in love with the church immediately. We confirmed our booking last March 2. Time was changed from 7pm to 2pm. Good churches are really hard to book less than one year ahead.
2. Venue - After scouting venues in Makati and Manila, we decided to book Diamond Hotel.
3. Entourage - More or less semi-finalized...=P
4. Guest list - still needs to be narrowed down to 150; This is the most daunting task ahead of us thus far.
5. Invites - Scouted for printers; Drafted layout/contents
6. Gown designer - Mike Perfecto; We'll discuss my gown design in August. I can't wait to see his work on Roanne this coming Saturday. She says she really likes her gown. That's all I need.
7. Bridesmaids'/flower girls' dresses - Bing's uncle (or auntie) Tito Obet from Binan. Gowns will be rented but will be designed for and worn first by the bridesmaids/flower girls. Designs are done. Measurement in October.
8. Missalette - First draft done.=) Happy...
9. Press release - Finally completed last June 17, my ygme's birthday.
10. Select bridal car - Email Lourdes in a while.
11. Souvenirs - Started scouting/searching/researching. I'm making good progress so far.
12. Keeping fit - Started (and stopped) last week. I resolve to resume this coming week.:-)
13. Beauty regimen - Started with my eyes (salamat, Bing!)
Unlucky 13.. I've got nothing more to add for now. The list seems short but you won't believe the time and effort that was put in to these 'items'.
Needless to say, I'm excited.;-)
1. Church - Nuestra Senora de Gracia Parish in Guadalupe Viejo was our second stop which turned out to be the end of our church hunting. Fell in love with the church immediately. We confirmed our booking last March 2. Time was changed from 7pm to 2pm. Good churches are really hard to book less than one year ahead.
2. Venue - After scouting venues in Makati and Manila, we decided to book Diamond Hotel.
3. Entourage - More or less semi-finalized...=P
4. Guest list - still needs to be narrowed down to 150; This is the most daunting task ahead of us thus far.
5. Invites - Scouted for printers; Drafted layout/contents
6. Gown designer - Mike Perfecto; We'll discuss my gown design in August. I can't wait to see his work on Roanne this coming Saturday. She says she really likes her gown. That's all I need.
7. Bridesmaids'/flower girls' dresses - Bing's uncle (or auntie) Tito Obet from Binan. Gowns will be rented but will be designed for and worn first by the bridesmaids/flower girls. Designs are done. Measurement in October.
8. Missalette - First draft done.=) Happy...
9. Press release - Finally completed last June 17, my ygme's birthday.
10. Select bridal car - Email Lourdes in a while.
11. Souvenirs - Started scouting/searching/researching. I'm making good progress so far.
12. Keeping fit - Started (and stopped) last week. I resolve to resume this coming week.:-)
13. Beauty regimen - Started with my eyes (salamat, Bing!)
Unlucky 13.. I've got nothing more to add for now. The list seems short but you won't believe the time and effort that was put in to these 'items'.
Needless to say, I'm excited.;-)
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Changes
Last Saturday, we made this announcement to our Comlec family (to those very few who were present anyway): For the coming year, changes will have to be made. We needed to "pass the torch", so to speak. Pando could no longer serve as the project coordinator while I need to gradually delegate my functions to another member who will eventually have to take my place as the group's coordinator. All these for a very simple and inevitable reason--we are getting married next year.
About five years ago, we were 'appointed' to our respective positions. Looking back, it was a rather shaky transition but as with all things, the change was eventually accepted and we all adapted. Now, it is time for change to take place once again.
Our announcement was received rather well (I'd like to think) by our nominees: Rica for the Project Coordinator position and Eloisa as my 'partner in crime' for the time being. Of course, all were generally happy but a few tears were shed as well. It was all because of what the announcements brought to light: things will change. Our comfortable routine will now be broken.
It's funny because we know that things always change--status, disposition, circumstance, etc.--but when they do change, there's still that certain feeling of 'unpreparedness'. While we have no choice but to welcome the new, I feel that it is our nature to lament the loss of the old, if it was good in the first place.
I have been with Comlec for almost 11 years now. 11 years!! That's half my age! Joking... For that span of time, it is impossible for changes to be absent. Here are a few that I can recall:
- We had our spiritual adviser back then. Mainly because we were still starting as a group.
- We were all single back then. Hehe... I was still in high school then tapos yung aming elders (te majo, te wilma, sir george) ay mga totoy at nene pa...
- Hindi pa ganon ka straight ang buhok ni ate Majo!
- My 'co-playmates' were still here--Pat, Ellen, Donna. Sigh... Miss you so much!!
- Mutual girls walked to and from the meeting venue. Bonding moment namin yun (nila te Shai, te Kathy, Tillah, Karen)
- Ilonggo Grill pa ang cool na tambayan.. thanks to fr. Peter
- Caliraya pa ang ating default outing destination
- Lagi kaming napapagkamalang magkapatid/kambal ni rica
- Babies ng group ay sina Eloisa, In, and Paula
- Crush ni alexis si donna (yiheee...)
- Fishing became a fashion
- Twinkle once described me as being 'alienetic' (whatever that means)
And many many many more. All the bloopers, tampuhans, and other moments that I cannot put into writing warm my heart and put a smile on my face as I type away. I love the group and all who have become a part of it. Promise. And it is because of these (and of conversations with the "nings") that I am now feeling sentimental. I am proud of what this group have become. I am happy that almost all my siblings are with me in the service. It is through this group that we became buddies and best friends. Here I found my friends for life and my future lifetime partner. Most importantly, it is here that I have learned about God and service better. It is my prayer that all are blessed in this way as well.
Despite all the changes that will ensue, there are things that will never change:
- The reason for our existence-we were all called by God to proclaim His word
- The friendship - which will weather the changes that the years may bring
- Growth - in most aspects in life
- Ang pagiging autistic queen ni ate majo; pagiging autistic princess ni icel
- The blessings that serving Him and His community (through our outreaches and other activities) bring
At present, so many among us have left for another country/location or have chosen to pursue a different path. We now have a number of newbies and Comlec babies that we are all proud of. Someday, that number will multiply and we will all be equally proud of them as well.
So yes, we're getting married. Yes, things will change. And yet, I pray and know that some things will always stay the same.
About five years ago, we were 'appointed' to our respective positions. Looking back, it was a rather shaky transition but as with all things, the change was eventually accepted and we all adapted. Now, it is time for change to take place once again.
Our announcement was received rather well (I'd like to think) by our nominees: Rica for the Project Coordinator position and Eloisa as my 'partner in crime' for the time being. Of course, all were generally happy but a few tears were shed as well. It was all because of what the announcements brought to light: things will change. Our comfortable routine will now be broken.
It's funny because we know that things always change--status, disposition, circumstance, etc.--but when they do change, there's still that certain feeling of 'unpreparedness'. While we have no choice but to welcome the new, I feel that it is our nature to lament the loss of the old, if it was good in the first place.
I have been with Comlec for almost 11 years now. 11 years!! That's half my age! Joking... For that span of time, it is impossible for changes to be absent. Here are a few that I can recall:
- We had our spiritual adviser back then. Mainly because we were still starting as a group.
- We were all single back then. Hehe... I was still in high school then tapos yung aming elders (te majo, te wilma, sir george) ay mga totoy at nene pa...
- Hindi pa ganon ka straight ang buhok ni ate Majo!
- My 'co-playmates' were still here--Pat, Ellen, Donna. Sigh... Miss you so much!!
- Mutual girls walked to and from the meeting venue. Bonding moment namin yun (nila te Shai, te Kathy, Tillah, Karen)
- Ilonggo Grill pa ang cool na tambayan.. thanks to fr. Peter
- Caliraya pa ang ating default outing destination
- Lagi kaming napapagkamalang magkapatid/kambal ni rica
- Babies ng group ay sina Eloisa, In, and Paula
- Crush ni alexis si donna (yiheee...)
- Fishing became a fashion
- Twinkle once described me as being 'alienetic' (whatever that means)
And many many many more. All the bloopers, tampuhans, and other moments that I cannot put into writing warm my heart and put a smile on my face as I type away. I love the group and all who have become a part of it. Promise. And it is because of these (and of conversations with the "nings") that I am now feeling sentimental. I am proud of what this group have become. I am happy that almost all my siblings are with me in the service. It is through this group that we became buddies and best friends. Here I found my friends for life and my future lifetime partner. Most importantly, it is here that I have learned about God and service better. It is my prayer that all are blessed in this way as well.
Despite all the changes that will ensue, there are things that will never change:
- The reason for our existence-we were all called by God to proclaim His word
- The friendship - which will weather the changes that the years may bring
- Growth - in most aspects in life
- Ang pagiging autistic queen ni ate majo; pagiging autistic princess ni icel
- The blessings that serving Him and His community (through our outreaches and other activities) bring
At present, so many among us have left for another country/location or have chosen to pursue a different path. We now have a number of newbies and Comlec babies that we are all proud of. Someday, that number will multiply and we will all be equally proud of them as well.
So yes, we're getting married. Yes, things will change. And yet, I pray and know that some things will always stay the same.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Bull's Eye
I couldn't agree more with this:
As we mature, we all have to make this transition--we all have to let go of some of our fairy tale expectations of love, and learn to embrace a kind of love that can survive a few hard winters. Love that has been tested is far more awe-inspiring than love that has never known anything but bliss. Don't look for a partner with whom you have no problems, but one with whom you are good at overcoming them.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Quoting Quotes
Motivational quotes. Uplifting articles. Quotes on integrity, courage and vision. I have bombarded myself with all these for the past two weeks in preparation for a major project/event at work. Before I find myself desensitized to all that is meant by what was written, I think I have to think and feel them for a while.
There is so much in these grain of truths that I already know in my mind, perhaps in my heart as well. Sad to say, only a few gets translated to action. I ask myself why but I ultimately realize that this is a pointless exercise. Fast forward, here are the steps to speed up the resolution: Examine status quo. Evaluate if desirable/optimal. If yes, improve. If no, change. Sounds simple enough to illustrate in a flowchart. Still extremely difficult to act upon, much more preach about.
Here are some quotes on integrity that I have encountered through the course of my “research”:
- “The only correct actions are those that demand no explanation and no apology.” (Red Auerbach)
I am prompted to think of the possible ethical dilemmas and solutions/actions that I have/will have to take.
- “Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.” (Will Rogers)
Alas, I fail this test. I can only imagine what my parrot would say about the state of my room (and lately, our kitchen)! Hehe…
- “The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour”. (Japanese Proverb)
I think this is more applicable to my company and the industry that it is a part of than to myself. The importance of reputation is proportional to one’s own significance.
-“To speak ill of others is a dishonest way of praising ourselves.” (Will Durant)
All ye who have ears (including me), listen!
-“When you choose the lesser of two evils, remember that it is still an evil.” (Max Lerner)
I would like to especially address this to those who advise people to “moderate your greed”.
-“The time is always right to do what is right.” (Martin Luther King, Jr.)
Yup. Not later. Not tomorrow. Now.
-“Remember, if you’re headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns.” (Allison Gappa Bottke)
Thank you, Lord!
These are just a FEW quotes on integrity. It is the motivational ones that get me to think most. It reminds me that I have no limits. I can do anything. I should dream big. I know I have simple dreams. Beautiful, but simple ones. Then again, simple does not necessarily mean ‘small’. After all, in our world today, the dream of being good (in all its real sense as a person, a Christian, as a member of the community), is such a big big dream in itself. So to all those who reminded and continues to remind me to dream big, attract positive energy, work hard, take risks, and love well: kudos! You make the world a better place for me to live in.
There is so much in these grain of truths that I already know in my mind, perhaps in my heart as well. Sad to say, only a few gets translated to action. I ask myself why but I ultimately realize that this is a pointless exercise. Fast forward, here are the steps to speed up the resolution: Examine status quo. Evaluate if desirable/optimal. If yes, improve. If no, change. Sounds simple enough to illustrate in a flowchart. Still extremely difficult to act upon, much more preach about.
Here are some quotes on integrity that I have encountered through the course of my “research”:
- “The only correct actions are those that demand no explanation and no apology.” (Red Auerbach)
I am prompted to think of the possible ethical dilemmas and solutions/actions that I have/will have to take.
- “Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.” (Will Rogers)
Alas, I fail this test. I can only imagine what my parrot would say about the state of my room (and lately, our kitchen)! Hehe…
- “The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour”. (Japanese Proverb)
I think this is more applicable to my company and the industry that it is a part of than to myself. The importance of reputation is proportional to one’s own significance.
-“To speak ill of others is a dishonest way of praising ourselves.” (Will Durant)
All ye who have ears (including me), listen!
-“When you choose the lesser of two evils, remember that it is still an evil.” (Max Lerner)
I would like to especially address this to those who advise people to “moderate your greed”.
-“The time is always right to do what is right.” (Martin Luther King, Jr.)
Yup. Not later. Not tomorrow. Now.
-“Remember, if you’re headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns.” (Allison Gappa Bottke)
Thank you, Lord!
These are just a FEW quotes on integrity. It is the motivational ones that get me to think most. It reminds me that I have no limits. I can do anything. I should dream big. I know I have simple dreams. Beautiful, but simple ones. Then again, simple does not necessarily mean ‘small’. After all, in our world today, the dream of being good (in all its real sense as a person, a Christian, as a member of the community), is such a big big dream in itself. So to all those who reminded and continues to remind me to dream big, attract positive energy, work hard, take risks, and love well: kudos! You make the world a better place for me to live in.
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