It's been years since I spent Christmas with a boyfriend. Not a big change but definitely brings a big smile on my face. Christmas is the same and yet different. I'm telling you... Ed brings balance into my life!
The crazines of buying presents, the Christmas rush is the same but the relaxing moments of being home and just watching tv with Ed is also a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas season. We listen (and occassionally watch) the fireworks of Glorietta every night... a perfect mark of the happy season.
I still hear the dawn mass in Don Bosco Church and feel the cold breeze of a December morning. These are the beautiful part of Christmas that I love.
Since I got my stove and oven fixed, I've been experimenting in the kitchen a lot. I made Garlic and Rosemary Chicken last Friday with potatoes and steamed vegetables on the side.
Last night was a bit of a disaster... hahaha! I'm sure my friend Elaine would laugh at my disastrous experiment. The tuna pasta salad I made was not exactly specatacular but Ed being his loving self said its still tastes ok. Hahaha! No wonder I love him tons.
The super hyper active me is thinking, why am I not going gaga this Christmas season. Yet, another part of me agrees with enjoying this time of year without the need to stress. Enjoy the company of Ed, family and friends... have fun buying gifts. Traffic and the hordes of people in the mall will still be there but there is a side of Christmas that can be easily forgotten. God is in the peace and calm. You'll hear him better that way.
There are so many things I'd like to do next year and its good to start the season right by having a calm and peaceful holidays and then starting 2007 with a bang. :-)
Monday, December 18, 2006
Thursday, December 14, 2006
From the Stillness of the Soul
When the sun is setting, it's light reflects on the surface of the water. The sky turns into a subdued orange with the clouds adding texture to an already magnificent canopy. I feel a serenity in my soul. It calms me. It brings balance into my life.
Balance. It's been a long time since that word struck a cord in me. Since I celebrated my 30th birthday, this word has sprung up every now and then.
As I read the word in an article on the day of my birthay, what entered my mind is that I need to start having a balanced diet and hit the gym. I felt a need to take care of my health and part of a more balance diet and excercise regimen, I lessened my smoking to the barest minimum. Thus, I am now on a healthier diet and excercises more than sitting in a coffee shop. I thought, ok... I now have a balanced life.
Little did I know that it's just the beginning. Moving out of my parents' house and living on my own, I have lesser time spent with my family than I had before. Suddenly, I found myself going back home on weekends and terribly missing the times I would sit on the breakfast table and have everyone yakking about what happened to them the night before. Time and again, I have said how important family is to me and yet I spend more time with my friends. I look forward to quality family time with my parents and my siblings now. I'm excited to see them and hear their stories. I try to spend weekends in my parents house just so I can have breakfast with them and hear the annoying high pitched and loud voices every now and then. :-)
I often equated who I am with my career accomplishments. I have worked my ass off since I started working that I am proud of what I have made of my self. Nothing wrong with that as long as it is in moderation. I have noticed though that I put a lot of my self worth with what I have achieved. To the point that I feel worthless when things are not doing well at work. I thought that how people perceive my work is how I should see myself too. I guess at a certain point, I have to accept that things go wrong even if I do my darned best. I will love myself not because of how high up in my career i have reached but because of the kind of person I have become.
From trips to my hobbies to the partying... I'm not one to settle for the mediocre. It has to be grand or extremely different for me to see the joy in it. As I see it, as long as people are amazed at it, then it makes me happy and shows what kind of person I am. Not that I have completely missed the simple things in life. I still enjoy them, but there should be something different all the time to keep it more interesting. It always has to be something new. I get shaken to the core when there are no new things happening in my life. It feels like I live a very uneventful life. Up til these past few days, I have been jolted by the fact that there are times when things can't be grand, when I have to see the beauty in the simple things, extract the beauty out of the routine, enjoy the ordinary. I will still want my grandeur and newness in things but I also need to see the happiness in simplicity without being boring.
Balanced life. As I watch the sunset and the sky becomes dark, I welcome the night time. Finding the excitement in the stillness and peace of the dark. Armed with the realization that I have a wonderful life, blessed by God, there's peace in my life as I listen to the stillness of my soul.
Balance. It's been a long time since that word struck a cord in me. Since I celebrated my 30th birthday, this word has sprung up every now and then.
As I read the word in an article on the day of my birthay, what entered my mind is that I need to start having a balanced diet and hit the gym. I felt a need to take care of my health and part of a more balance diet and excercise regimen, I lessened my smoking to the barest minimum. Thus, I am now on a healthier diet and excercises more than sitting in a coffee shop. I thought, ok... I now have a balanced life.
Little did I know that it's just the beginning. Moving out of my parents' house and living on my own, I have lesser time spent with my family than I had before. Suddenly, I found myself going back home on weekends and terribly missing the times I would sit on the breakfast table and have everyone yakking about what happened to them the night before. Time and again, I have said how important family is to me and yet I spend more time with my friends. I look forward to quality family time with my parents and my siblings now. I'm excited to see them and hear their stories. I try to spend weekends in my parents house just so I can have breakfast with them and hear the annoying high pitched and loud voices every now and then. :-)
I often equated who I am with my career accomplishments. I have worked my ass off since I started working that I am proud of what I have made of my self. Nothing wrong with that as long as it is in moderation. I have noticed though that I put a lot of my self worth with what I have achieved. To the point that I feel worthless when things are not doing well at work. I thought that how people perceive my work is how I should see myself too. I guess at a certain point, I have to accept that things go wrong even if I do my darned best. I will love myself not because of how high up in my career i have reached but because of the kind of person I have become.
From trips to my hobbies to the partying... I'm not one to settle for the mediocre. It has to be grand or extremely different for me to see the joy in it. As I see it, as long as people are amazed at it, then it makes me happy and shows what kind of person I am. Not that I have completely missed the simple things in life. I still enjoy them, but there should be something different all the time to keep it more interesting. It always has to be something new. I get shaken to the core when there are no new things happening in my life. It feels like I live a very uneventful life. Up til these past few days, I have been jolted by the fact that there are times when things can't be grand, when I have to see the beauty in the simple things, extract the beauty out of the routine, enjoy the ordinary. I will still want my grandeur and newness in things but I also need to see the happiness in simplicity without being boring.
Balanced life. As I watch the sunset and the sky becomes dark, I welcome the night time. Finding the excitement in the stillness and peace of the dark. Armed with the realization that I have a wonderful life, blessed by God, there's peace in my life as I listen to the stillness of my soul.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Destination: Morocco
It took us a lllloooonnnnggg time to decide on where to go this year. When we got there though, we knew that we made a really good decision of visiting this mystical place.
Morocco is a place not often visited by Filipino travellers. First of all, it's not advertised much in our country and second, it's so far! :-) The flying time to go there is a total of 18 hours --- 10 hours from Manila to Doha, Qatar and 8 hours from Doha to Casablanca. Not included in those times are the stopovers or the time in the airport. But even though the trip there is painstakingly long, the place is just so worth it!
On the way to the hotel, we rode the slowest cab ever! You'll be surprised though, they have Mercedes Benz cars as cabs in this country. :-)
Driving on the atlas mountain ranges is also one amazing high! When they said that every turn is dramatic and new, they weren't kidding! It really was breathtaking. The weather in unbelievably cold though being high on the mountains. You can see the clouds so near where you are!
Morocco is a place not often visited by Filipino travellers. First of all, it's not advertised much in our country and second, it's so far! :-) The flying time to go there is a total of 18 hours --- 10 hours from Manila to Doha, Qatar and 8 hours from Doha to Casablanca. Not included in those times are the stopovers or the time in the airport. But even though the trip there is painstakingly long, the place is just so worth it!We landed in Casablanca... the land of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. We were greeted though by a chaos in the luggage area of the airport. People were just fighting and throwing punches all over the place. It was crazy! We really couldn't understand much about what was happening around though coz they were all speaking in Arabic. :-)
On the way to the hotel, we rode the slowest cab ever! You'll be surprised though, they have Mercedes Benz cars as cabs in this country. :-)Being with Meine and Jacky is always a treat. From non-stop "lambing" bickering to the giggles before we go to bed, to the "you're not trying hard enough to sleep" line... it was just hilarious! We even have code names for people on our tour! Hahaha!!!
The trip highlights for me are the trip to Volubilis and the Sahara Desert Experience.
Volubilis was a surprise. Its not part of the itinerary nor do we have an idea where it was but when there were people in our group who wanted to go to that place, we signed up for it just to check it out. I'm so glad we did. Volubilis is the remains of a Roman settlement from 3 BC. It's really breath taking and its so quiet that you can relax while going through each area.
The other highlight is sitting on the sand dunes and just enjoying the breeze. When I think of how lucky I am being in the Sahara Desert, I really want to cry. Not everyone can get the chance to experience it so I was savoring every moment and ingraining them in my memory!
The other highlight is sitting on the sand dunes and just enjoying the breeze. When I think of how lucky I am being in the Sahara Desert, I really want to cry. Not everyone can get the chance to experience it so I was savoring every moment and ingraining them in my memory!Being in the middle of the Marrakech square at night time is also a fantastic experience! The place is bustling with activities and you will not be able to choose easily what to look at or where to go! The energy of the place vibrates unto your soul.
Driving on the atlas mountain ranges is also one amazing high! When they said that every turn is dramatic and new, they weren't kidding! It really was breathtaking. The weather in unbelievably cold though being high on the mountains. You can see the clouds so near where you are! When our trip ended, we felt like there's more to explore and we know that this is one place we can go back to. This time, we'll be ready to order more than just juz de orange... we'll have some french words tucked into our backpacks!
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Big 3 0 !!!!
I don't really expect much on my birthdays. A simple quiet time in a beautiful place usually makes my birthday complete.
This year, my initiation to the big 30, I thought of throwing a big party to celebrate my birthday. But then, I realized, at the end of the day, I really just want to spend it with people who have made my first 30 years memorable, fulfilling, loving and full of wonderful life adventures!
I believe my birthday celebration started in Morocco. In our last few days in the tour of the country, I knew that this trip is the biggest birthday gift I can give myself. Not only because of the cost (hahaha!) but also because I am in a foreign place with people I truly enjoy the company of, Meine and Jacky. The places we saw, the unforgettable experiences, the people we've met, all of these made my first birthday celebration one of the most memorable ones. For more stories about our trip to Morocco, click here.
When Meine and I were sitting on top of the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, I felt so thankful for all the wonderful blessings of the past 30 years... Really, there's no reason for me to complain or whine about anything. God gave me a beautiful life and all these wonderful, wonderful blessings. I can't thank him enough! What a way to step into my 30's!
My birthday weekend was fantastic care of Ed and God. That Saturday, Ed and I tried a restaurant in Greenhills called Persiana. We love trying different restaurants and reviewing them afterwards. They serve mediterranean food. It was ok. For more food reviews, click here.
Sunday, after watching the craziness of the Pacquiao-Morales fight, we headed to Luneta (Yes! yes! We went to Luneta! Super interesting to go there coz there's just so many fun things to see and do!) to watch the sunset! I'm telling you... God gives the best gifts. The sun, while it was setting that day, was a round ball of fire! It was unbelievably amazing! The best part of it all is experiencing God's gift to me with Ed. He is also God's beautiful gift to me for my birthday!
After the sun set, Ed and I headed to Dampa in Macapagal to have dinner with my family. Ed and I went around the market to buy fish and shrimps and everything that will be served on the table. It was a totally different experience for us since I never go to the market and we went there and bargained with the people together.
It's also my first birthday that I gave gifts to my family rather than receiving gifts from them. Our family has never been the gift-giving kind. We let birthdays and special occasions pass without giving anyone gifts. I think its a trait we got from our parents. Anyhow, on my birthday, I made sure that each one of them has a gift from me. Either a "pasalubong" from Morocco or something I just bought for them to enjoy. Another something different I did on my birthday. :-) My family is instrumental in forming my 30 years. I love them dearly!
On Monday, the day of my birthday, I woke up smiling. I knew it will be a fun day for me. It really is an extra-special day when its your birthday. It feels like the birds are chirping more and the sun is shining brighter for some reason. :-) I received sweet birthday greetings from friends and family. It feels good to be remembered and loved. It makes your being complete.
My friends organized a dinner for me... but of course, I was clueless and I didn't remember nor realize that they're planning something for me. Ed and I planned something for that night. My friends are just so loveable. They know how to show me that they love me. I don't have to ask for it nor to demand it from them. I just love them tons! Anyhow, I think our dinner is pushing through next week... or else... they'll kill me. That's how much they love me! hahaha!
The night of my birthday, I am amazed at how everything is just wonderful. God and I had a date! :-) I heard mass in Don Bosco Church while Ed was resting because of a headache. It was a blessing in disguise since I got to spend a good half hour one-on-one time with Him. And with my need to have my personal time once in a while, I went to the grocery and started my "lifestyle change" (more on that later!). After my "alone time", I was so looking forward to spending time with my honey! We had dinner at Chateau 1771. The food was great and we enjoyed listening to the guitar man playing sweet, soothing music. In the middle of dessert, it was time to open my gift! YAHOO!!!
There were three small pouches in the box that he handed me. When I opened all three of them, my eyes were tearing up so bad and my throat was so full I can't say a word. The non-stop talker Lyshiel was suddenly out of words! I felt so loved and so special. Ed is a super wonderful man not only because of the gifts he gave me but he always makes me happy. It's in his simple gestures of love that makes me realize that I'm such a lucky woman to have him in my life. His complete commitment to me without any entanglements or drama... his constant touch.. his full support in everything I do... his way of making me laugh... his confident self that he lets me be who I am and wanting me to try new things and learn new things all the time... those things and so much more makes me love him more and more everyday.
After dinner, I was looking at his gift on me on the rearview mirror and I saw another gift! hahaha! I saw the bouquet of flowers on the back seat of the car. Now, I really feel fantastic!!!
I have three more pending birthday celebrations! All because my friends are the coolest! :-)
I wouldn't have celebrated my birthday any other way. They said that 30's is the new 20's! I believe that! We are the more improved 20's. More stable and more sure of who we are... not exactly older... just more fabuous!
This year, my initiation to the big 30, I thought of throwing a big party to celebrate my birthday. But then, I realized, at the end of the day, I really just want to spend it with people who have made my first 30 years memorable, fulfilling, loving and full of wonderful life adventures!
I believe my birthday celebration started in Morocco. In our last few days in the tour of the country, I knew that this trip is the biggest birthday gift I can give myself. Not only because of the cost (hahaha!) but also because I am in a foreign place with people I truly enjoy the company of, Meine and Jacky. The places we saw, the unforgettable experiences, the people we've met, all of these made my first birthday celebration one of the most memorable ones. For more stories about our trip to Morocco, click here.
When Meine and I were sitting on top of the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, I felt so thankful for all the wonderful blessings of the past 30 years... Really, there's no reason for me to complain or whine about anything. God gave me a beautiful life and all these wonderful, wonderful blessings. I can't thank him enough! What a way to step into my 30's!
My birthday weekend was fantastic care of Ed and God. That Saturday, Ed and I tried a restaurant in Greenhills called Persiana. We love trying different restaurants and reviewing them afterwards. They serve mediterranean food. It was ok. For more food reviews, click here.Sunday, after watching the craziness of the Pacquiao-Morales fight, we headed to Luneta (Yes! yes! We went to Luneta! Super interesting to go there coz there's just so many fun things to see and do!) to watch the sunset! I'm telling you... God gives the best gifts. The sun, while it was setting that day, was a round ball of fire! It was unbelievably amazing! The best part of it all is experiencing God's gift to me with Ed. He is also God's beautiful gift to me for my birthday!
After the sun set, Ed and I headed to Dampa in Macapagal to have dinner with my family. Ed and I went around the market to buy fish and shrimps and everything that will be served on the table. It was a totally different experience for us since I never go to the market and we went there and bargained with the people together.
It's also my first birthday that I gave gifts to my family rather than receiving gifts from them. Our family has never been the gift-giving kind. We let birthdays and special occasions pass without giving anyone gifts. I think its a trait we got from our parents. Anyhow, on my birthday, I made sure that each one of them has a gift from me. Either a "pasalubong" from Morocco or something I just bought for them to enjoy. Another something different I did on my birthday. :-) My family is instrumental in forming my 30 years. I love them dearly!
On Monday, the day of my birthday, I woke up smiling. I knew it will be a fun day for me. It really is an extra-special day when its your birthday. It feels like the birds are chirping more and the sun is shining brighter for some reason. :-) I received sweet birthday greetings from friends and family. It feels good to be remembered and loved. It makes your being complete.
My friends organized a dinner for me... but of course, I was clueless and I didn't remember nor realize that they're planning something for me. Ed and I planned something for that night. My friends are just so loveable. They know how to show me that they love me. I don't have to ask for it nor to demand it from them. I just love them tons! Anyhow, I think our dinner is pushing through next week... or else... they'll kill me. That's how much they love me! hahaha!
The night of my birthday, I am amazed at how everything is just wonderful. God and I had a date! :-) I heard mass in Don Bosco Church while Ed was resting because of a headache. It was a blessing in disguise since I got to spend a good half hour one-on-one time with Him. And with my need to have my personal time once in a while, I went to the grocery and started my "lifestyle change" (more on that later!). After my "alone time", I was so looking forward to spending time with my honey! We had dinner at Chateau 1771. The food was great and we enjoyed listening to the guitar man playing sweet, soothing music. In the middle of dessert, it was time to open my gift! YAHOO!!!
There were three small pouches in the box that he handed me. When I opened all three of them, my eyes were tearing up so bad and my throat was so full I can't say a word. The non-stop talker Lyshiel was suddenly out of words! I felt so loved and so special. Ed is a super wonderful man not only because of the gifts he gave me but he always makes me happy. It's in his simple gestures of love that makes me realize that I'm such a lucky woman to have him in my life. His complete commitment to me without any entanglements or drama... his constant touch.. his full support in everything I do... his way of making me laugh... his confident self that he lets me be who I am and wanting me to try new things and learn new things all the time... those things and so much more makes me love him more and more everyday.
After dinner, I was looking at his gift on me on the rearview mirror and I saw another gift! hahaha! I saw the bouquet of flowers on the back seat of the car. Now, I really feel fantastic!!!
I have three more pending birthday celebrations! All because my friends are the coolest! :-)
I wouldn't have celebrated my birthday any other way. They said that 30's is the new 20's! I believe that! We are the more improved 20's. More stable and more sure of who we are... not exactly older... just more fabuous!
Monday, July 03, 2006
My Honey's birthday treat!
Can feelings and thoughts be somehow disconnected? Or are they one and the same but we just need to stop denying and start accepting?
It took me sometime to accept that I am in a relationship and longer for me to completely admit to myself that I am truly in love!
The realization hit me when I was preparing for his birthday. I made it into a week long celebration of surprises and fun! :-) Everyday for the whole birthday week, he gets one birthday surprise. On the day of his birthday, he picked numbers from a bowl and each number corresponds to an event that transpired on the year of his birth. One portion of the trivia is a list of the Grammy winners and chart toppers on his birth year, with a CD of the songs. :-) There was also the card that was on his bed telling him to look underneath for another gift the dawn after his birthday. And then finally, I kidnapped him for a Corregidor trip last weekend.
The whole time I was preparing for these birthday surprises, I didn't get stressed nor tired. I was so excited and happy to get all these ready for him. That's when I realized that I really have fallen for this guy. Whether I like it or not! :-)
I may keep on denying it to myself but when I was watching him standing in front of the trees and enjoying every moment, I realized that I love making this man happy. His simple smile makes my heart melt. That's enough for me to say, I love him.
Friday, May 26, 2006
God's Wonderful Surprise
When God works wonders in your life, you can't help but just step back and laugh.
When a wonderful surprise knocks at the door of your heart, and he's the package that you've been waiting for all your life, you can't help but open your heart.
I read my previous postings and its amazing how God really prepared me for this relationship. Who knew a good looking, mild mannered, affectionate, unbelievably caring man will find me. :-)
Where ever this leads, Lord, I just say, "Let thy will be done".
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Unexpected friendships
My trips to Boracay has given me a lot of beautiful memories. Last new year's trip, however, brought me something truly unexpected.
I met Brian and Jim and Boracay. Tanja, I met through Jimmy. The 4 of us have been the crazy bunch ever since. Partying like crazy til the wee hours of the morning. Unbelievable dancing and drinking. In the midst of all that chaos, the friendship emerged. We are four individuals who genuinely care about each other. We look out for each other every single time.
I'm so glad I met them. This is the kind of friendship to be cherished and to be enjoyed every minute of our lives.
Brian, Jimmy, Tanja, to the output while we Bitch, bitch, bitch! :-)
I love you, guys!
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Adventure in Summer
Summer is definitely here. Walking on Paseo de Roxas at 12 noon is like doing sit up routines in the sauna. Available rooms in the resorts all over the country are the ones farthest from the beach. Flights are booked from morning til night. Bikini clad mannequins are all over the malls. Women's skirts gets are getting shorter and shorter, to the joy of my male friends. :-)
I'm not complaining though. I love summer! I can smell the fun and adventure in the air. Everything seems to have so much energy and brightness. Every weekend is a time to go out of town to enjoy the sun and the sand.
When I was younger, summer was the time to get ready for volleyball games. Volleyball trainings from morning til night, summer leagues consume most of April and May. Since salary at that age is unheard of, volleyball games and summer leagues within the village were a perfect reason to go out of the house. No major expenses necessary except for team uniforms and money to buy fishballs and manggang hilaw with.
Summers then were also the perfect time to find a new crush. Someone who gives you the kilig and the inspiration to play volleyball like impressing him was the most important thing on earth. He's the guy who you watch playing in the summer league all the time. Someone who catches your attention and your gaze just follows them where ever they go. Oh... the beauty of young love and summer crush!
Those were the days when sitting in the middle of the basketball court the whole day and laughing with your friends is the perfect way to spend summer. Playing with the Tazies and cheering for the Marzupials!
Looking back, summer's then were very simple and yet they were all character builder for me. I learned so many things from my young summers. Through my volleyball trainings I learned discipline, perseverance, strength, courage and team work. All traits are relevant to my life now as an adult. Through the summer leagues I learned how to deal with different kinds of people, I learned that I cannot get everything I want, to respect authority. This is when I understood the saying, it's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game.
Now, with the lack of time to train and play volleyball, my summers have shifted from spending the whole day in the volleyball court to spending the weekdays in the office. Now that salary is ingraned in my consciousness, the weekends are not only spent spiking balls and watching men shoot hoops. Weekends are now spent out of town chilling on the beach or diving and exploring different parts of the country. Now, volleyball is not just the only sport on my mind, diving, wall climbing, windsurfing and white water rafting are now part of the list.
A lot has changed since I first hit the volleyball. A lot has been learned since I joined my first summer league. One thing never changes though, summer always brings the promise of something exciting, fun and a brand new learning and experience.
I'm not complaining though. I love summer! I can smell the fun and adventure in the air. Everything seems to have so much energy and brightness. Every weekend is a time to go out of town to enjoy the sun and the sand.
When I was younger, summer was the time to get ready for volleyball games. Volleyball trainings from morning til night, summer leagues consume most of April and May. Since salary at that age is unheard of, volleyball games and summer leagues within the village were a perfect reason to go out of the house. No major expenses necessary except for team uniforms and money to buy fishballs and manggang hilaw with.
Summers then were also the perfect time to find a new crush. Someone who gives you the kilig and the inspiration to play volleyball like impressing him was the most important thing on earth. He's the guy who you watch playing in the summer league all the time. Someone who catches your attention and your gaze just follows them where ever they go. Oh... the beauty of young love and summer crush!
Those were the days when sitting in the middle of the basketball court the whole day and laughing with your friends is the perfect way to spend summer. Playing with the Tazies and cheering for the Marzupials!
Looking back, summer's then were very simple and yet they were all character builder for me. I learned so many things from my young summers. Through my volleyball trainings I learned discipline, perseverance, strength, courage and team work. All traits are relevant to my life now as an adult. Through the summer leagues I learned how to deal with different kinds of people, I learned that I cannot get everything I want, to respect authority. This is when I understood the saying, it's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game.
Now, with the lack of time to train and play volleyball, my summers have shifted from spending the whole day in the volleyball court to spending the weekdays in the office. Now that salary is ingraned in my consciousness, the weekends are not only spent spiking balls and watching men shoot hoops. Weekends are now spent out of town chilling on the beach or diving and exploring different parts of the country. Now, volleyball is not just the only sport on my mind, diving, wall climbing, windsurfing and white water rafting are now part of the list.
A lot has changed since I first hit the volleyball. A lot has been learned since I joined my first summer league. One thing never changes though, summer always brings the promise of something exciting, fun and a brand new learning and experience.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Keep My Vision Clear
Lord God, I know that you have given me a task for more exciting and challenging than I thought. You have entrusted to me a company and the careers of 15 individuals. With these, I am extremely grateful. As much as I have fear in my heart, I accept this with all my heart. All I ask is that you enlighten me and guide me in every move I make and the You may continue to keep the vision of the company and my vision clear to me always.
The company's vision - to have everyone get a winning attitude and always wanting to be the best in everything they do. To be the "Porsche" in our field of expertise.
My vision - to be a well-rounded person trying different experiences by being an affirming and inspiring individual, grounded by the love I have for You, my family and the poeple around me.
"Everything is possible to one who has faith." Mark 9
"The kind can only come out through prayer" Mark 9:29
"And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peacefor those who cultivate peace." John3:18
The company's vision - to have everyone get a winning attitude and always wanting to be the best in everything they do. To be the "Porsche" in our field of expertise.
My vision - to be a well-rounded person trying different experiences by being an affirming and inspiring individual, grounded by the love I have for You, my family and the poeple around me.
"Everything is possible to one who has faith." Mark 9
"The kind can only come out through prayer" Mark 9:29
"And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peacefor those who cultivate peace." John3:18
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Wonderful experiences
In my 29 years of existence, I have been blessed with wonderful, wonderful memories and experiences.
As they say, when you want something with all your heart, the universe will conspire and give it to you. I have seen that happen in my life one too many times. Everything I have now, I have always wanted and prayed for.
When you're happy with your job, it somehow makes your days brighter! It actually sounds weird to my friends whenever I say, I'm excited to wake up tomorrow to go to work. And believe me, I really mean it. I have great people I work with and everyday is a different kind of challenge. And working with the people I am with makes me want to be a better person and team mate.
The friends I meet are outstanding. I must be doing something good that God is rewarding me with wonderful, wonderful friends. From my 4 wonderful sisters, (my blood sister Shevy, Meine, Elaine and DJ) to SE 5, college friends, Trendmicro friends , my circle has just extended in ways beyond my imagination. :-) Lindsay, Pam, Lee, Jim, Upa, Sam, etc. etc. etc... truly amazing! and it just gets bigger and bigger everyday. I love meeting new people and I am glad that I really have this chance to get to know people and be their friend.
My family has been constantly my source of strength and love. I have WONDERFUL parents. Unbelievable! The love they have for each other overwhelms me. I am forever grateful to be a part of a beautiful and loving family. All because my parents love each other! Wow!
The annual trips and relaxation times I have really enriches my soul. Learning about different cultures, travelling with friends and meeting people along the way... it gives me a chance to grow and know more about myself. So far I have been all over the US (both for vacation and work), India, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore. This year, we are slated to go to Berlin-Vienna-Prague-Budapest. I'm so excited already!
I have always dreamt of being independent and living by myself. I think everyone should experience living life apart from their parents before they get into married life. It's not easy but its worth it. There's much responsibility connected with it but that's something we need to work on at one point or another. The filipino culture is not very receptive of the moving out concept but it seems like our society is accepting this change slowly.
And with all that... how can I not be grateful for the wonderful experiences and the great love that I have been showered with. I have a million and one reasons to smile! :-)
As they say, when you want something with all your heart, the universe will conspire and give it to you. I have seen that happen in my life one too many times. Everything I have now, I have always wanted and prayed for.
When you're happy with your job, it somehow makes your days brighter! It actually sounds weird to my friends whenever I say, I'm excited to wake up tomorrow to go to work. And believe me, I really mean it. I have great people I work with and everyday is a different kind of challenge. And working with the people I am with makes me want to be a better person and team mate.
The friends I meet are outstanding. I must be doing something good that God is rewarding me with wonderful, wonderful friends. From my 4 wonderful sisters, (my blood sister Shevy, Meine, Elaine and DJ) to SE 5, college friends, Trendmicro friends , my circle has just extended in ways beyond my imagination. :-) Lindsay, Pam, Lee, Jim, Upa, Sam, etc. etc. etc... truly amazing! and it just gets bigger and bigger everyday. I love meeting new people and I am glad that I really have this chance to get to know people and be their friend.
My family has been constantly my source of strength and love. I have WONDERFUL parents. Unbelievable! The love they have for each other overwhelms me. I am forever grateful to be a part of a beautiful and loving family. All because my parents love each other! Wow!
The annual trips and relaxation times I have really enriches my soul. Learning about different cultures, travelling with friends and meeting people along the way... it gives me a chance to grow and know more about myself. So far I have been all over the US (both for vacation and work), India, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore. This year, we are slated to go to Berlin-Vienna-Prague-Budapest. I'm so excited already!
I have always dreamt of being independent and living by myself. I think everyone should experience living life apart from their parents before they get into married life. It's not easy but its worth it. There's much responsibility connected with it but that's something we need to work on at one point or another. The filipino culture is not very receptive of the moving out concept but it seems like our society is accepting this change slowly.
And with all that... how can I not be grateful for the wonderful experiences and the great love that I have been showered with. I have a million and one reasons to smile! :-)
Thursday, January 05, 2006
And Reality Steps In
I'm feeling a bit weird today. I can't put a finger on it but I guess its going back to reality after a wonderful vacation that's dampening my mood. I don't want to be sad though. That will not be me if I am. There are so many things to be thankful for.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Welcome 2006!
I just have to write something about my 4 wonderful days in Boracay before this exhilirating feeling wanes.
WOW! Does not even begin to describe it. We partied the whole time and I don't think I ever went back to my hotel room sober. I have another reason that I smile about now a days but it might just be a one night til dawn thing so it will remain to be a nice memory for now. BIG SMILE! :D
That's Sam, Upa, Jim, Greg, me and Elaine. We downed a couple of long island iced teas while watching that beautiful sunet! It was so unreal.
This is my best Boracay trip ever. Believe it or not, I was on the ledge of Summer's Place for hours just dancing without a care in the world. That was really fun!
I met a lot of new friends and a great way to start the year!
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Being on the Taj Mahal
True... it probably is the grandest profession of love that I have ever encountered. Not even a night in the finest hotel compares ;).
We landed in the land of the Taj a few hours before the New Delhi bombing. I got terrified after finding out the news on the flat screen wall mounted tv in our hotel room but my friends were there so I felt safe somehow.
India's fantastic. Their culture is so rich and colorful. Made more memorable by once again being with wonderful friends Meine, Elaine and Jackie.
I have so many stories to tell but I shall post them on a later date since I am back in the grind and work is occupying my waking hours.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
One Week To Go
ONE MORE WEEK!!!!
I can't wait to go on vacation with my friends. In a week's time I will be on the plane to meet my friends in Singapore and off we go to the land of the Taj Mahal.
It took us a year to plan this trip and now that its here the week-long wait seems so LLLLOOOOONNNNGGGGG!!!!
This vacation is exciting for me in so many levels. First, the four awesome girls (DJ, Lysh, Meine and Elaine) will once again be reunited and partying the night away in Singapore! :-) I cannot wait to be with my friends again.
After Singapore, we will be flying to New Delhi, India. WHOA! We will be going around Rajasthan for 10 days! I'm so EXCITED! I've been shopping and preparing for our trip and I'm so excited.
My friend Meine flew to Germany last Mondays and will head to Paris in a couple of days. We'll meet in Singapore soon but I miss her already. hahaha!
Enough... I shall work out now. Can't wait to post pictures and tell you all about my trip next time.
I can't wait to go on vacation with my friends. In a week's time I will be on the plane to meet my friends in Singapore and off we go to the land of the Taj Mahal.
It took us a year to plan this trip and now that its here the week-long wait seems so LLLLOOOOONNNNGGGGG!!!!
This vacation is exciting for me in so many levels. First, the four awesome girls (DJ, Lysh, Meine and Elaine) will once again be reunited and partying the night away in Singapore! :-) I cannot wait to be with my friends again.
After Singapore, we will be flying to New Delhi, India. WHOA! We will be going around Rajasthan for 10 days! I'm so EXCITED! I've been shopping and preparing for our trip and I'm so excited.
My friend Meine flew to Germany last Mondays and will head to Paris in a couple of days. We'll meet in Singapore soon but I miss her already. hahaha!
Enough... I shall work out now. Can't wait to post pictures and tell you all about my trip next time.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Learning to say goodbye
I realized something new about myself today... I don't know how to say goodbye!
It's a Saturday night and it is pretty unusual for me to be at home at this time of the night but running around The Fort the whole day wore me out. (We organized an Amazing Race event for our Singles Community and it was a lot of fun!) So, I decided to just stay home and rest. Luckily, I caught the movie, Tuesdays with Morrie. At the end of the movie, I realized why I keep on holding to the past... I DON'T KNOW HOW TO SAY GOODBYE!
When a friend leaves for another country and I will not see her for a long time, I don't really know how to say good bye so I just think that I will see her again next week. I used to be easily attached to people, things, events... After learning how they can hurt you or leave you, I have learned how to detach myself somehow but that does not solve my problem. I detach but I don't say goodbye.
I guess that maybe one of the reasons why I still have a hard time completely letting go of past hurts and relationships. I don't know how to just say good bye and let it go.
I have loved someone so amazingly that its taking me years to get over him. The funny thing is, I don't think I have been able to say goodbye completely to that relationship. How? I'm really nto sure. I can't put it behind completely.
The question now is, how do you really say goodbye? Do you say good bye by forgetting the past? Do you say goodbye by remembering what you had and then just moving on? I think I hold on to the past too much... I'm scared that it might not happen to me again. And yet, I am scared too that it might and I might be not aware that it is happening already because I have not yet said goodbye to what has been good.
It's a Saturday night and it is pretty unusual for me to be at home at this time of the night but running around The Fort the whole day wore me out. (We organized an Amazing Race event for our Singles Community and it was a lot of fun!) So, I decided to just stay home and rest. Luckily, I caught the movie, Tuesdays with Morrie. At the end of the movie, I realized why I keep on holding to the past... I DON'T KNOW HOW TO SAY GOODBYE!
When a friend leaves for another country and I will not see her for a long time, I don't really know how to say good bye so I just think that I will see her again next week. I used to be easily attached to people, things, events... After learning how they can hurt you or leave you, I have learned how to detach myself somehow but that does not solve my problem. I detach but I don't say goodbye.
I guess that maybe one of the reasons why I still have a hard time completely letting go of past hurts and relationships. I don't know how to just say good bye and let it go.
I have loved someone so amazingly that its taking me years to get over him. The funny thing is, I don't think I have been able to say goodbye completely to that relationship. How? I'm really nto sure. I can't put it behind completely.
The question now is, how do you really say goodbye? Do you say good bye by forgetting the past? Do you say goodbye by remembering what you had and then just moving on? I think I hold on to the past too much... I'm scared that it might not happen to me again. And yet, I am scared too that it might and I might be not aware that it is happening already because I have not yet said goodbye to what has been good.
Monday, October 03, 2005
The Crazy Things I Do
Initially, I used this site to write about my sadness, longing, desires and pathetic feelings. I realized (after reading Sam's comments) that this site was open for everyone to read. Took me a few minutes to realize that I forgot to turn off the viewing permissions.
For some time now, I have been looking for a venue to keep a journal of my crazy activities and put photos. I am glad that there is finally this site. Anyhow, I'd like to share a few crazy things that I have done in the past through this blog. I will try to make it a point to write about much about myself... how I feel and not only when I feel lonely.
Ok... a few things about me. I love the beach! I can't get enough of Boracay! Ok... maybe not during holy week when the entire country goes to that island... but I try to visit my favorite island twice a year. The best part... happy hour at Nigui Nigui while watching the sunset.
I love boxing. It keeps me fit. I'm not sure yet how serious I am with sparring or going on the ring to fight someone but I plan to do this as often as I can. I love the work out and the sweat. :-)
I love exciting water sports and activities. I enjoy scuba diving mostly because of the peace and relaxed feeling when I am on the boat or sitting by the beach watching the waves and the water.
For some time now, I have been looking for a venue to keep a journal of my crazy activities and put photos. I am glad that there is finally this site. Anyhow, I'd like to share a few crazy things that I have done in the past through this blog. I will try to make it a point to write about much about myself... how I feel and not only when I feel lonely.
Ok... a few things about me. I love the beach! I can't get enough of Boracay! Ok... maybe not during holy week when the entire country goes to that island... but I try to visit my favorite island twice a year. The best part... happy hour at Nigui Nigui while watching the sunset.
I love boxing. It keeps me fit. I'm not sure yet how serious I am with sparring or going on the ring to fight someone but I plan to do this as often as I can. I love the work out and the sweat. :-)
I love exciting water sports and activities. I enjoy scuba diving mostly because of the peace and relaxed feeling when I am on the boat or sitting by the beach watching the waves and the water.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
DJ, Meine and Elaine -- my wonderful friends
Friends have come and gone in my life but when you have friends as great as these three people, you know these are the friends that you will cherish and be with for a really long time!
DJ -- Diana Jean Reyes... one of a kind person. I thought I was hyper and energetic but this person's one woman show and her ability to entertain herself is unbelievable! :-) Very smart, intelligent... a great listener and someone who can give you the best insights. Even if she is in Singapore, the distance never really put a dent in our friendship. I call her when I feel sad or when I just need someone to chit chat with. We are journeying right now in finding out more about ourselves. What makes us happy, our passions and our purpose in this life. I love being with her because she puts some sense into me. We laugh about a lot of crazy things and I enjoy her passion in trying out different things.
Elaine -- Its funny how we were college classmates and yet we only started hanging out 4 years after we graduated. We met again at a point in our lives when we needed each other most. I know that she will fight for me until the end. If there's anyone who will stand up for me and will make sure that I don't get hurt, it is Elaine. She maybe a bit crazy at times but I know that she really loves me.Meine -- the epitome of coolness. She is more than my dinner buddy she is my great listener and she doesn't let me wallow. She sees the good side of things all the time and only wants the best for her friends... Very few things bother this girl... she loves to relax and tries to live life to the fullest. This girl hates stress, thus, she is my great balancer. Her smile never fades. She reminds me all the time how beautiful and relaxing life is. We both love to travel and meeting new people, thus, we enjoy sitting in a coffee shop... chit chatting until late at night. We will never stop building memories together and enjoying each life experience as we talk about it all the time.
I love them! Elaine and DJ are both in Singapore now. Meine and myself are here in Manila. A few more weeks and we will be hanging out again... partying in Singapore. I miss them. I miss them a lot. I love them very much.
This year... INDIA!!!!
Last year... CAMBODIA and THAILAND. This year... INDIA and SINGAPORE!!!
We are truly blessed to have this chance to be able to travel around the globe with our friends. It is such an amazing experience!
After a wonderful trip to Cambodia, our group already started thinking of our next destination. We always want to try the most exotic countries and places that we won't be able to enjoy when we get older.
So, this year, we all decided to go to INDIA! Two weeks of vacation is fantastic. We're all very excited. A few more weeks and we'll be heading to Singapore and then, India!
I know its going to be crazy because of the smell and they say that its really dirty but it would be one hell of an experience just being with friends and experiencing something really awesome while learning about their culture and seeing the best places in that country.
The picture here (one of our thousands of pictures! hahaha!) was taken in Bayon Temple in Cambodia last year. This year won't be different. I'm pretty sure that we will have tons of pictures as well. More pictures of our Cambodia- Thailand trip in http://www.pbase.com/lysh/cambodia.
I can't wait!!! :-) And... Boracay in December! Whoa!
Lyshiel
Is It Really A Part of A Plan?
A friend mentioned that my single status is part of a PLAN. I'd like to believe it is... but is it really true?
Having been through a number of relationships... unsuccessful, obviously, I now question what it really takes to have and stay in a good relationship. Is it a matter of timing? Is it a matter of being the right person? Is it a matter of going to the best places to meet him? Do you really work on finding someone or does it just happen? People would say... RELAX... it will happen... Easy for them to say! They are in great relationships! hehe!
When I look around, I see a number of great looking and wonderful single people. I ask myself, if they can't find a good relationship, what are my chances of finding one?
Well, as they say, better to be patient than to be in a wrong one (relationship).... I totally agree with this. I've been in a number of wrong ones to actually belive this statement. I am tired of being in relationships that will makes me bawl over a glass of wine or make me cry myself to sleep.
The pain that those relationships inflicted on me made me a bit jaded in the way I see relationships. However, I would like to believe that I am still very much a romantic. As Carrie said in the last episode of Sex and the City (yes, I cried while I listened to hear say this!), I want an all-consuming love, a can't live without you kind of love... I think, no matter how independent and liberated one is, she desires this... She desires to be treated like a princess, to be treated with respect and to be loved like nobody has ever loved them before.
Yes, I still am a romantic... dreaming of walking in Paris with the man I love... sitting down in a cafe in Italy and just staring in each other's eyes... watching a movie, cuddling on the couch... sitting on the beach watching the sun set... reading a book on a lazy Sunday afternoon... sitting on his lap while waiting to board a plane... looking in his eyes and just loving every moment of having him in my arms... wiping his sweat with my towel after a good work out... hugging me from behind while we are hanging out with our friends...
Funny, Bel -- a friend of mine, mentioned her silly dream which is my silly dream as well. Imagining the big smile of my face when I change the status on my friendster from "Single" to "In a Relationship". Silly, yes... :-) but its a start of something beautiful. Being able to tell the whole world how much I love a person and how much he loves me as well... being with someone who will be proud of me unlike my past two relationships. (Wow! Just thinking of how they were ashamed for people to know about our relationship still stings my self-esteem!). I am praying though that the next man who will come into my life will be proud of me... because I think I am worth it.
I really hope it happens to me one day. I believe its part of the PLAN. God did not let me stay in those bad relationships because He knows that I deserve better. He made me realize my learnings from those relationships so I can look forward to a much better one. This time, I will try not to be impatient and accept the things as they happen to me. I will fall in love again, and when that happens, we will be proud about our relationship because we will find each other in the right time, in the right place... because it is part of God's plan.
Having been through a number of relationships... unsuccessful, obviously, I now question what it really takes to have and stay in a good relationship. Is it a matter of timing? Is it a matter of being the right person? Is it a matter of going to the best places to meet him? Do you really work on finding someone or does it just happen? People would say... RELAX... it will happen... Easy for them to say! They are in great relationships! hehe!
When I look around, I see a number of great looking and wonderful single people. I ask myself, if they can't find a good relationship, what are my chances of finding one?
Well, as they say, better to be patient than to be in a wrong one (relationship).... I totally agree with this. I've been in a number of wrong ones to actually belive this statement. I am tired of being in relationships that will makes me bawl over a glass of wine or make me cry myself to sleep.
The pain that those relationships inflicted on me made me a bit jaded in the way I see relationships. However, I would like to believe that I am still very much a romantic. As Carrie said in the last episode of Sex and the City (yes, I cried while I listened to hear say this!), I want an all-consuming love, a can't live without you kind of love... I think, no matter how independent and liberated one is, she desires this... She desires to be treated like a princess, to be treated with respect and to be loved like nobody has ever loved them before.
Yes, I still am a romantic... dreaming of walking in Paris with the man I love... sitting down in a cafe in Italy and just staring in each other's eyes... watching a movie, cuddling on the couch... sitting on the beach watching the sun set... reading a book on a lazy Sunday afternoon... sitting on his lap while waiting to board a plane... looking in his eyes and just loving every moment of having him in my arms... wiping his sweat with my towel after a good work out... hugging me from behind while we are hanging out with our friends...
Funny, Bel -- a friend of mine, mentioned her silly dream which is my silly dream as well. Imagining the big smile of my face when I change the status on my friendster from "Single" to "In a Relationship". Silly, yes... :-) but its a start of something beautiful. Being able to tell the whole world how much I love a person and how much he loves me as well... being with someone who will be proud of me unlike my past two relationships. (Wow! Just thinking of how they were ashamed for people to know about our relationship still stings my self-esteem!). I am praying though that the next man who will come into my life will be proud of me... because I think I am worth it.
I really hope it happens to me one day. I believe its part of the PLAN. God did not let me stay in those bad relationships because He knows that I deserve better. He made me realize my learnings from those relationships so I can look forward to a much better one. This time, I will try not to be impatient and accept the things as they happen to me. I will fall in love again, and when that happens, we will be proud about our relationship because we will find each other in the right time, in the right place... because it is part of God's plan.
Learning something new about me
I had a very interesting weekend.
Last night, I had drinks and dinner with my friend Chia. Over a bottle of beer and an X-rated drink, I found out something about myself that I have known for quite sometime. I realized that as I get older, flexibility in dealing with your own character tend to be a bit more difficult than before. Maybe because the younger years were really to form who you are and now that of your character is pretty much set, shifting or adjusting can be a bit of a challenge.
One thing I like about me is that I am very energetic. I'm excited and passionate about things and it is pretty contangious. The downside of it though is I need to find time to relax and to just let go. I do it sometimes but not all the time. I need to learn how to not sweat the small stuff. :-)
I have said time and again that I don't think I will have a boyfriend or get married ever. Deep down, I know, this isn't true. I know God has a plan for me and being single now has a reason. A pretty good one at that too... I should stop saying that I will never have a relationship again. I should just trust that what I am going through now is part of a plan. I need to believe that it is part of a bigger plan. Something good will happen to me very soon.
I realized too last night, that I have a problem with being contented. Although it is somehow good that I keep striving for more, I dont appreciate completely what I have at the present moment. One of my fears is being in a relationship and I would eventually get bored. I fear this... I've been there and I don't want to go back to that. I don't want the drama anymore as well (God knows how much I went crazy for a couple of years.) but I want the excitement in the relationship. I'm afraid that the guy that I will be with will be someone I will be with day in and day out and I might get tired of being with him all the time. Sounds pretty weird, huh?
Seriously, when I see couples who are wrapped up with each other and their relationship, I find them so boring and hopeless. I am praying that I find someone who will make me feel loved and we continue to improve each other by engaging in different activities, sports, classes, travelling together and by our life experiences that we have separately and as a couple. I don't want to get bored. I continue to be interesting to my partner and I want him to be just as interesting as he was on the first day we met.
Tonight, I had dinner at a really good chinese restaurant in Greenbelt. I meet a couple of new people and I really enjoy talking to them and hanging out with them. One is Cha and the other is Craig.
Everytime I go out, I get a clearer picture of what type of guy I want to be with. I think my standards are high but I dont want to settle. God made everything happen so I meet the right guy at the right time so I'll try not to screw it.
Lyshiel
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)