Our Journey To Forever

I Feel Brand New!

2009-11-20T03:33:00.000-08:00

You have possibly read recent articles here about my cousin, Michelle a.k.a Mystique of Mystique's Moments, with whom most of my childhood years I shared with. We are a year apart in age. She returned from Manila to her hometown to celebrate her mom’s birthday. Michelle and I are related on our maternal side; her mom and my mom are sisters.

But wait….

There is more to celebrate than just her mom’s birthday. Michelle, as you would have noted at an earlier article HERE, had recently been engaged to her beau. This means Michelle and Jon’s Wedding will be held in the very near future.

Now add this to the above.

I feel much healthier now and I have decided to return to my Blogs albeit with my eyes on the clock. It’s a re-start and I have to be mindful about the length of time I devote to my Blog and not abandon what I need to do to keep my health in good condition.

I thank Ally of In the Eyes of the Beholder who did admirably at this Blog and Kuerdas during my recovery period. I also thank all my visitors who never lost their faith with Our Journey To Forever. Thank you most sincerely!

Earlier during this week, my mom and I journeyed to Michelle’s home to join in their birthday celebration. Needless to say, it was indeed a happy birthday gathering as well as an auspicious occasion to meet Michelle and congratulate her in person.

A day later, Michelle, her mom and brother returned our visit by travelling to our home (Will talk more about this on a separate post). It was then that she divulged that I am the Maid of Honor for her wedding. WOW! I did not know what to say and at the same time I felt deeply touched and honored by her request.

I have actually sworn not to be the Maid of Honor again. I have been the Maid of Honor of a friend in 2006 and I was sick and down for a week after the wedding. But well, how can I say "NO" to my cousin dearie? ;-) She actually told me that she's supposed to be the Maid of Honor to my own wedding but since she got engaged first, I have no choice but to be the Maid for her wedding, LOL!

This is an event that I have clearly marked on my Calendar.

Oh!

Here I go again…what clothes am I to wear? And what about my shoes? Hairdo? Stockings? Gosh! This event has butterflies fluttering in my stomach. I am so excited for my cousin walking down the aisle ;-)

Health Care Makes Me Feel Brand New

2009-11-20T03:18:00.000-08:00

It has been a period of learning for me. I have been more purposeful about improving my health condition. This is something that I kept procrastinating and it was Windy of Windmill on the Hill who insisted that I really take serious measures to get my health back on track.

He persuasively goaded me on, convincing me to take baby steps in doing the right things. But there were times he chided me for being inconsistent and he meant well. I find Windy a dependable friend from whom I learned a good deal about personal health care.

He also spoke about how his second son is a body fitness freak. LOL! Well that’s definitely not my bowl of soup. Can you imagine me pumping up my biceps and turning into an Amazon woman?

However, body fitness is not merely biceps. There are several valuable points that can be learned from body fitness. From example at Kettlebells, there are various forms of physical workouts that enable anyone to get his body trim and fit. Now, that would interest for both, woman and man.

Right now, Windy keeps reminding me about my need to do physical exercise everyday. It is just taking a thirty minutes walk outside my home before I attempt anything more physically strenuous. I’ve been doing it and I admit that it is helping my health recovery.

Big Leap In Education

2009-11-19T04:10:00.000-08:00

Recently I was riveted to my television set when there was a Documentary about the status of women in the war-torn country of Afghanistan.

If comparison is to be any measure of how fortunate Filipinas are, then the present conditions in my country cannot be reviled when cast against the deplorable and insurmountable odds that the Afghanistan women endure.

Denied of basic rights to education is one example that prevents their female population from being literate. It would take more than laws and statutes to change traditions and beliefs for the Afghan women to be unshackled from their ignominy.

Here in the Philippines, we have been blessed by our Founding Fathers that they laid a solid foundation for the importance of Education.

From the early days after gaining Independence, those were the days when the dreams of a better tomorrow meant physically trudging through undeveloped terrain to attend school classes.

With the advent of the Age of Computer Technology, long distance learning has changed that landscape. We now have what is popularly called an online degree. The existence of online universities is another leap in Education that allows a first time student or a job worker to study for a tertiary degree with the aid of Computer Technology.

There’s never an end to being educated smarter. If only this was made possible for the Afghan women.

When Will Our Government Change?

2009-11-15T01:59:00.000-08:00

There was a time that I went to Lainy's office when I was in GenSan. AS you all know, Lainy works as a government employee in Commission on Elections. It's a government sect who take charge of the elections especially this coming May 2010.

Some people seemed to be busy when I was there, some are just chitchatting. Just like any other government offices that I have seen in provinces that I visited here in the Philippines, everything there seemed to be obsolete. Stack of papers anywhere, the building itself is old and they don't even have modern industrial computer. I don't know why the government can't seem to provide for better industrialized equipments to make their employees work better. I actually know the reason why. The money for the equipments goes to corrupt people who gets a seat in the government. They are like vultures and just take advantage of the people's taxes. Sigh. When will our government change?

Waiting For God's Sent...

2009-11-11T22:53:00.000-08:00

Friends from college and high school days, most of them, have already settled down. If not married, they already have cuddly kids of their own. Some of them are about to get married and are inviting me on their wedding. Even friends that I haven't heard from for a long time have communicated with me lately through text messages and emails. All of them ask the same questions. "Who did you get married to?" or "When are you gonna have kids of your own?". I tell them I ask the same question myself and make a joke out of it. Most of them get even more surprised of my not having a boyfriend.

Not that I'm choosy since I'm not really that pretty, you know. It's just that I haven't met the man that I think I can spend the rest of my life with yet. I go out with friends and meet some guys. It's either he don't seem interesting to me or the other way around. No chemistry whatsoever.

Some friends told me that they think men find me intimidating. They might think so because I really don't pay too much attention to guys. I think they won't like me anyway. Sigh.

My past experiences with ex's and friends' experiences with relationships may have affected my view about love and marriage. I don't ask for a perfect man or a perfect love because I know there's no such thing. Maybe I'm just not ready to get hurt. I know I shouldn't think that way but I don't trust myself for being in a relationship because I'm afraid I'll just give up on it.

Better yet, I'd rather enjoy being single for now. When I get ready, I'll let our Father know and ask Him for my prince. In that way, whoever that man is, I know I'll be happy with him for the rest of my life because he's God's sent.

Michelle Arrived In GenSan

2009-11-10T20:12:00.000-08:00

Our cousin Michelle arrived in GenSan yesterday afternoon. She went home for her mom's upcoming birthday. I wonder what she and Lainy have planned for the birthday celebration. If they ask me, I'd say outer banks vacation rentals would be nice for a birthday bash. Michelle won't agree for sure though! Lol!

I hope Lainy and Ate Nimfa will love my birthday gifts for them. I let Michelle bring it with her so I won't have to spend for mail carriers.

Happy Birthday Ate Nimfa!!!

2009-11-04T19:15:00.001-08:00

Today is our Ate Nimfa's birthday. She celebrated it with Lainy last night. They went out to eat somewhere. I bet they had a great time. I envy them. I wish I was also there to celebrate with them.

Ate Nimfa is a family friend. She's like a sister to us. She has been a very good friend to me and Lainy.

We love you Ate Nimfa. Happy Birthday! Stay happy and beautiful inside and out!

Yummy treat!

Leeroi, Alec and Lainy

Rearranging Lainy's Living Room

2009-11-02T19:13:00.000-08:00

When I was looking at the photos of Lainy during her birthday bash last week, I saw a lot of changes on their living room. It looked like a lot of things aren't there anymore. The living room used to look too crowded because of a lot of appliances and music instruments in it. Lainy told me that she rearranged the room so visitors will get comfortable while they're there. I wonder were she kept all those stuffs during that day. Instead of the big TV in the living room, she should just get herself a flat screen TV which she can place in a flat panel mount. That way, she will have a lot of space at home and she won't get too exhausted rearranging things and appliances in the room during celebrations.

Photos of Lainy's Birthday Bash

2009-11-02T06:12:00.000-08:00

Finally here are the photos of Lainy's Birthday Bash!

She vehemently declared October 29 as her official holiday and that she turned 25 FOREVER recently since it was her first time to get cakes (she actually got 3 cakes as birthday presents) and blew candles on her birthday. Can't argue with that! Lol! Guess who gave the biggest cake??? I'll leave you guessing! hahahahah!

Lunch was done at work for her colleagues since it was impossible for them to go to Lainy's house because of their toxic schedule. Dinner was for church mates and family at home.

Her boss - Bottomlines whom she influenced to blog, called her up in the morning and pretended to be Capt. Tan of the PNP (Philippine National Police). She recognized his voice right away so the pretense got spoiled! Lol! He was one of the first people who called to greet her a Happy Birthday.

She sent me a text message on her birthday bragging about her Prince's Scotty's gifts. She got a new digital camera from her Sayang which she used to take pictures. Gifts will be shown on the next post.

Meanwhile, here are some of the photos:

Lainy Is Too Busy At Work

2009-10-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

Being am Elections Assistant, Lainy is obliged to do extended working hours at the office. She goes to work at 8am and goes home at 8pm. Sometimes she does over time at work until 9pm. Not only that, she's also expected to work on Saturdays. She's all but tired when she gets home.

They're too busy at work because May 2010 election is coming up. COMELEC is a government sect which takes care of everything during election. Since people are to vote, registration of voters is ongoing. Lainy is expected to be too busy at work even after the May elections.

Lainy and her colleagues deserve a treat for their hard work. I hope the next president can provide them orlando vacations because all of them deserve it.

Let's hope this hectic work schedule is not going to make our Lainy all the more sickly.

Happy Birthday Dear Cuz!

2009-10-28T20:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Lainy!!!

Your the best cousin in the Whole Wide World!!!

Love you Ate!!! I wish you all the best that life can offer! God bless!!!

Here are Aliens who also wanna greet you today! They're cute! hehehehe!

Lainy Excited About Michelle's Homecoming

2009-10-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

Our cousin Michelle is scheduled to go home to our province next week. I bet Lainy is excited about Michelle's homecoming. She'll get to spend sometime with Michelle and I also think she's all the more excited about her birthday gifts from me and Michelle. Lol!

Michelle is coming home for her Mom's birthday. I'm thinking about buying Aunt Zenny the best wrinkle cream and a purse as gifts. Not a bad idea, isn't it? Lainy will definitely help out on Aunt's birthday party just like what happened last year.

Too bad I won't be there again. I haven't gone home with Michelle yet. It would be fun if we do that sometime so I can post photos with me, Michelle and Lainy in it.

Michelle and Jon Finally Got Engaged

2009-10-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday-Saved The Best For Last #5

This has been posted on my own blog but just so other friends of Lainy knows, our dear cousin Michelle got engaged with her long time first boyfriend Jon last month. The wedding take place next year. They haven't decided on which month yet.

I wasn't there to witness the cheezy proposal but here are some of the photos.

Congratulations!

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Remembering Coffee Breaks...

2009-10-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

When I was back in the province and stayed at Lainy's house for quite sometime, I realized that the rest of the family aside from Lainy is addicted to coffee. I myself can't make a day pass by without drinking a cup of coffee.

When I was there, I used to make coffee for JaySon, Mark and Aunt Rose. Lainy will just take a sip and then take off or get back to what she's working on the computer. Unlike the four of us, we sit back and feel the relaxing taste the coffee brings us. We don't have a coffeemaker or a Nespresso to help us make a much better coffee when I was there. I bet Mark, who's the youngest have thought about buying one.

During coffee breaks, that's the time that I get to chat with Mark and Jay Son and laugh my heart out on their candid jokes. Just miss those times, ya know.

For Lainy And Michelle

2009-10-22T20:54:00.000-07:00

Lainy, Michelle a.k. a. Mystique and yours truly, as you all can see, are really close. We treat each other like sisters even though we're only 1st degree cousins through our moms. All three of us are the only girls in each of our families. Maybe that explains why we get along. We found sisterhood amongst each other.

When we were still young, like when I was in elementary days and them in high school, I used to get a lot of hand-me-down clothes from them. That's what always happen when you're the youngest. Lucky me, eh? We didn't have a lot of playtime together since they were a bit older than I am. I get bored when I was with them since they were both bookish and spend the whole day reading romance pocketbooks. I am the outdoorsy type. I would rather play mud with the boys than read books! Lol! I only get to see them during summer vacations since it takes a bus ride before I can get to each of their places.

We just got really close when I was in college. Michelle and I rented a place together when she used to be a disc jockey on a local radio station near my school. I get to see more of Lainy by that time since I had gigs with Kuerdas Band in GenSan. We got to talk to each other a lot. And I found out that we actually have a lot of things in common.

Both of them are really fun to be with. Lainy is the smart yet naive type so Michelle and I used to laugh at her naivete. It's still funny sometimes even though we only get to talk to her through YM chat or text messages. Actually all 3 of us are smart that's why we jive. Hahaha!

Michelle is the sanguine type. I mean the most gutsy among us. She's the first one who had the courage of setting off here in Manila. And it turns out that she's the first to get married soon! Lol! Lainy have been worrying about her wedding which is a year from now. As usual, Michelle is going to worry about it maybe a month before the wedding day! hahahaha!

I, on the other hand, is the cool type. I don't know. I just don't want to get stressed out, ya know. I'm a little bit of both of them. Just somewhere in the middle - the safe side! hahaha! My Mom can't help it sometimes but to compare me to them (e.g. love life and career but most of the time love life). Even ask me when I'm gonna settle down. I don't know why she keep asking me that question when I don't even have a boyfriend??? Lol!

I just love these cousins of mine. I actually look up to them even when I was young. I hope that even if we get old and aged gracefully, we'd still be like sisters.

I am truly happy for the success of each of your love life and career! I want you both to know that I am so grateful to have such wonderful cousins! Thanks for the love and concern and for the hand-me-down clothes! Lol! I'll always be here! Love you both!

Hardworking Aunt

2009-10-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

My Aunt Rose - Lainy's Mom, is a very hardworking woman. She works as a registrar in a high school academy near their house. She also does part time as an insurance agent. Guess what? She actually talked me into getting an insurance plan for myself! I told her once that she should have a website like that of wholesaleinsurance.net so she can get more sales. I know she won't be able to do that anymore since she won't have anymore time in front of the computer. It was just a suggestion, you know. Anyways, after her work during the day, she still have the strength to do some household chores. She even cook for my cousins. I know all these because I have stayed on their house when I wasn't working here in Manila yet.

I miss this Aunt of mine and I really look up to her. I just can't thank her enough for being so caring and supportive to me. Love you Aunt Rose!

Update About Lainy's Health

2009-10-18T04:38:00.000-07:00

I was chatting with Lainy on YM earlier and asked about how she was. She said she's still struggling to get her health back to normal. She has been on oatmeal diet for a week and she's very careful on what she eat. She walks her cuddly puppy - Ewoks every night for at least an hour. I wonder if this form of exercise make her sweat??? She can't jog because she's asthmatic. So I can't argue with the walking. Lol!

She bought a digital BP monitor so she could keep track of her blood pressure which still hasn't been stable. Tonight's BP read 146/105. Still high, isn't it?

I hope work won't make her get too stressed out. At least now that she's not blogging, she has the chance to relax while watching her favorite PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) team Ginebra win!

Lainy is Addicted to Bags

2009-10-11T22:34:00.000-07:00

Lainy is addicted to bags. A few months ago, she asked me to buy her nice yet affordable bags. She wanted those bags to come from here since she can't find any cheap yet classy bags in GenSan. I heard she asked Mark's girlfriend Sarah, to buy her some since the latter plans to go home this December. I wonder what will Sarah take home for Mark? I'm sure it's not truck accessories since Mark doesn't own a ride yet! Lol!

I wish I can come home this year. If my savings will be enough, I'll definitely come home. Maybe buy Lainy a real classy bag by then? This will definitely put a BIG smile on her face!

Ally Taking Over OJTF

2009-10-10T07:52:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! This is Ally of In the Eyes of the Beholder checking in and might be the one doing posts for this blog while Lainy is away drinking some martinis and having a great time in some beach somewhere! Lol! Just kidding!

Lainy is gonna be away from blogging to get her health back to normal. Believe me, this isn't easy for her but she doesn't want her Prince to get disappointed seeing her sick when he comes to visit her here in the Philippines.

I was actually dumbfounded when I learned that she's leaving her blogs for good. I was like, how could she do that when blogging has been her life these past few years? We chatted on YM and I found out the real reason about her tough decision. That she has been sick and blah blah. Then I was able to talk her out to not really leave blogging behind and found myself saying yes to her proposal about managing her blogs for the mean time. Not really all her blogs because I chickened out on Lainy's Musings. I really can't write as good as her, you know.

Anyways, I am still trying to figure out what to actually write on this website since I myself don't have my own Prince yet! Lol! Of course I'll be writing posts about updates on Lainy and her Prince.

I hope you guys will continue supporting this blog despite Lainy's absence. I won't get you bored, I promise! :D

Our Family's Fireman

2009-10-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

Me and Lainy had an uncle who's a firefighter in GenSan. Every time we gather for family reunions, this uncle of ours just disappear in the midst of the fun during gatherings. He's on-call that's why he takes off whenever he gets a message from work. We understand his profession and we are really proud of our Uncle Romeo.

Being a firefighter is a profession that is very risky and very dangerous. One must have enough skills and training before being sent to rescue people trapped in hazardous fire or collapsed buildings or even just putting out buildings or establishments on fire. They should go through extensive trainings and are equipped with knowledge in order for them to not risk their lives or other people's lives during their call of duty.

Bachelor of arts in fire service is one of the programs set by Lewis University Online. They designed the online format for the students to pursue professional goals in the comforts of their homes without interfering their current careers.

The Bachelor of Arts in Fire Service Administration from Lewis University Online will help you get equipped with administrative, management, and leadership skills in an efficient way! It will introduce latest cutting edge principles, theory and practices that will help you become successful as a Fire Service Professional. It will help you enhance your creativity, and being more strategic in any situations and challenges at hand.

Bachelor of Arts in Fire Service Administration from Lewis University Online will provide all you need to succeed! It's now time to lead!

A Dentist A Day Drives the Tooth Decay Away

2009-10-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

Saturday-Saved the Best for Last # 4

Today has been a long day for me. I had an appointment with my new dentist. Lucky me! I've found a better one. It took me a month of waiting before I was finally able to make an appointment with her. I had my regular teeth clean-up and she recommended to have my fillings changed.

Geez! that visit lasted a four long hours! I want to save a tooth which required a lot of work. I opted for root canal. I have been procrastinating about my teeth care. I should have made this my priority but as it is with most things needed, I just couldn't find the time to visit the Dentist. The cost for the root canal itself left me stupefied. Oh boy! I did not realize that saving a tooth could be that costly!

The dentist gave me a good discount price though. Instead of charging me up for 4 canals, she only charged me with 3. I think it's a good deal considering that it's my first time being treated by her!

The Dentist was about to inject some anesthesia when I stopped her immediately and told her that I feel OK. The pain was actually tolerable. I was proud of myself for I was able to bear the pain and the discomfort. The dentist was even prouder and exclaimed:

"Are you sure you are OK? WOW! You're such a strong girl!"

Well, the spike in my blood pressure after the session would tell you that I wasn't OK. LOL! I was tensed. Blood pressure was at 140/ 120. Oh well! I can imagine the look of surprise on the attendant's face. I pacified her by letting her know that I am really fine...

Anyways, I will be back there for a couple more sessions. I am set for another appointment come Thursday.

Sigh!

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Love it at Lainy's House

2009-10-02T20:31:00.000-07:00

Whenever I take my vacations in GenSan, I usually stay at Lainy's house. Their home is actually my first stop since it's nearest from the airport. They have a simple house, not like one of those spacious metal buildings. The house is 1-storey and it really gets snug especially when Kuerdas members stay there to practice their songs. They bring along some friends and it makes it even more crowded to the point that it gets congested even if the air-condition unit is at high level.

Despite all that, I still love staying in that house. Why? Because I always have fun with my cousins and my Aunt Rose. I feel like I am part of that household. Sometimes my Mom have issues of my stay there. But she can't do anything since she knew that I like being at Lainy's house. For sure I'm gonna be there more often on my next vacation.

Tears for Fears

2009-09-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

When humans are displaced by pets, you will know the world is changing rapidly.

It all happened yesterday - very early in the morning when my beautiful mother panicked. She looked very desperate while going in and out of the house looking for our Shih Tzu puppy, Ewoks. He is 6 months old and he has been the family's baby since he arrived.

When groovy Mama failed to find Ewoks inside the house premises, she went berserk and ran all over the neighborhood. You can't imagine how funny she looked, LOL! She went back home, slumped her body on the couch and wept. When I saw her crying, I don't know whether to sympathize with her or just laugh my heart out! But don't misunderstand me. I was as worried as hell too but I wasn't expecting my mother crying if we lose Ewoks.

She was already crying her heart out and between sobs, she kept repeating how much she'll get affected because of the loss. Then out of the blue, along came Ewoks, wagging his tail and kissing her feet! My mother's face immediately went aglow and she hugged him so tightly! I've heard her whisper to Ewoks: "What would my life be like without you?!"

Talk about human displacement? There you go. My two brothers and I are being upstaged by this Shih Tzu. A dog's life ain't a dog's life no more.

A House with a Fireplace

2009-09-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

What if I live in a home where there is outdoor fireplace? That would be perfect! I find it very romantic. But back to reality, I do not have a house with a fireplace because one, there in no winter here and two, it can be costly.

But hey! In my Sayang's house, they have one. They turn it on everytime the temperature is too much to bear.

Oh well!

I might be there next year- keeping my fingers crossed ;-) - so I can see how it looks like.

Armageddon in Sydney

2009-09-23T05:40:00.000-07:00

Wednesday What It's All About-

(You Gotta To Know) #5

My Prince informed me that there was a huge dust storm in Sydney today. He described it like an Armageddon where the skylight had that reddish/ orange glow. He further told me that the last time they had it was in the 1930's. He wasn't even born yet!

Had I been there, he could envision me coughing and gasping for breath! He said I could even get confined at a hospital because he knew I got asthma and he was just too aware how the dust could worsen my condition. I could play smart though, he said, if I won't report for work, just stay at home and wear a mask so as not to experience breathing difficulties.

My Prince still reported for work today but protected himself by staying inside of the work premises.

I didn't know it was that worst not until I've read online what he told me.

"Dust clouds blowing east from Australia's dry interior — parched even further by the worst drought on record — covered dozens of towns and cities in two states as strong winds snatched up tons of topsoil, threw it high into the sky and carried it hundreds of miles (kilometers).

International flights were diverted from Sydney to other cities — three from New Zealand were turned around altogether — and domestic schedules were thrown into chaos as operations at Sydney Airport were curtailed by unsafe visibility levels. Passenger ferries on the city's famous harbor were also stopped for several hours for safety reasons." (Source Yahoo)

The last time I've heard of Mother Nature's blow at Sydney was the hailstorm last year and it caused some damages to lives and properties of residents including My Sayang's car.

I am just too glad this time my Prince, Mummy Carol and Buzzy were unharmed.

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