Gone too long!

Hiya there! I know it's been a while (or ages) since I've checked my page. Life's been busy, and things haven't been the same for the past year. Some are good, but some were quite melodramatic. But emo aside, I just wanted to check in and make sure that everything's OK in my page and to see how you guys are doing. Another thing, this weather kinda sucks. I am not a huge fan of Winter, believe me. How I yearn the blue skies, the sun saying hello, the swaying breeze, and the chirping of birds as they fly from tree to tree. Hoooo huuummmm, Spring where are you?? Please come soon, I cannot wait to wrap my arms around you! 

I need a pocketful of sunshine, pretty please... ^_^

Wazzup wazzup?!

It has been more than a year since I last posted here in my beloved blog. Whew! What a loooong hibernation it has been for me! Seems like I have kept myself (and my hands) busy for the past year and so. Well, it seems like when you love doing something & you stop doing it - you will always go back. And that, my friends, is what you call passion. 

Being on a loooong break (or should I call it, procrastinating, eh?) enabled me to explore my other interests in life. Even the ones that I am eager to learn & still not so good at. Traveling opened my eyes to a whole new journey, not just in my own simple world, but to worlds unknown. My flair for photography never ends, and still on the prowl for those "unguarded" moments from my beloved ones. Of course, I still give them a good shot. I have also expanded my cooking knowledge - still on the trial & error stage but hey, I've been getting "thumbs up" signs from my husband! (which is a good thing, right?) Not to mention baking, I feel like I am in Julia Child's or Martha Stewart's kitchen (only in my dreams of course!). But just to clarify, I am still not a pro. Maybe I am just, in my slightest exhilaration, to share with y'all what's keeping me busy as a bumblebee these past few months (or year/s). 

So, hello again fellow bloggers & amazing readers. Or should I say, I am back :D

A little pep talk

Again, it's Winter. When the days are dreary and warm, and bright but cold. When people take time to do those "backed-up" indoor chores. When I get soooo sad and homesick and can't wait to go home. But then, next month is Spring! And gosh, I am very much excited about the coming months as I jot down stuff on my "goal list" for things to accomplish this year. But I admit, sometimes I lack motivation. And then the procrastination happens. And next thing I know, the year's almost over (sigh).

That's it! I am getting over my fear and just gonna go ahead and do it! Maybe this will be my year. Maybe this time I can do it. Crossing my fingers and hoping for the best. Aja aja fighting!! ☺☺☺☺☺

A Night to Remember ( New Year's Eve )

I have grown up with the tradition of starting the year with a bang. And with a bang, I meant a huge celebration and all that fireworks and stuff. In the Philippines, New Year's Eve is one of the highly celebrated holidays aside from Christmas. But since I am 7,000 miles away from my dear family back home, my hubby and I decided to throw our own party with some of his family members and our very close friends. Although we can't celebrate it ala-Filipino style (again, with the fireworks and all that noise) but I guess I can say we definitely welcomed the year filled with food, fun, laughter, pictures, drinking, mingling, and a whole lotta music!

New Year pull-apart cake

finger foods ala carte

hubby, friends, & family by the bar

the crowd waiting for the NYE countdown!

OMEOMY band playing in our basement

snapshot with friends

CHEERS!!!!

This is by far, the biggest party we've had since I've been here in the US. There were a lot of preparations but then again, it was all worth it. I managed to be sober the whole night (as what a good hostess would do) and by 5am, we were off to bed. Seeing all their happy, smiling faces and their laughter filling up our house is like the cherry on top of this last holiday of the year. Now we are ready to brace for what 2012 has in store for us and hoping for those yet to come.

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!

" Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? 

     Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And auld lang syne! "

Another year has passed, but it all seemed like it was just yesterday to me. Time really does fly fast, and next thing we know, we're toasting champagne glasses and making noise to welcome the year ahead! As holidays were the busiest time of all, I realized that I haven't had enough time to sit down and write on my blog. And so before 2012 knocks on my door, I won't let this year pass without saying Goodbye 2011. This year has been wonderful and the more I lose track of time, the more lessons I also learn. Life has been good to us. And everyday I am very THANKFUL for all the blessings we received. Every once in a while we have our "moments" but then again, I am thankful for it. For it was those moments that made us who we are today. For every time we fell, we rose. And for every tear we cried, we smiled. And for every pain and loneliness, we find solace and bliss. God has showed us how powerful HE really is, and it is only HE who creates our destiny. It was only when I realized that what I got right now is what I really wanted from the start. And that the more we count our blessings, the less problems we have. 

As I look back and wave goodbye to another friendly year, I never forget the years that passed us by. If only life has a pause button, I'd gladly pause a few days before the end of each year and seize every last moment I have with it. But it will never be that way. So it is time for a new year, a new life, a new resolution. As long as there's always something to look forward to, our journey will always be an exciting one. We don't know what's in store for us in 2012, and all we can do is hope for the best. So let's raise our glasses and toast for a bright, wonderful, healthy, and blessed 2012!!!

From our family to yours,

A BLESSED HAPPY  NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

☺•☺•☺•☺•☺•☺•☺•☺

♥ Our 3rd year together ♥

     Remember, remember, the 7th of December...

It was my husband and I's 3rd wedding anniversary yesterday. And all I could think of right now are the sappy, mushy, and cheesy romantic stories. Speaking of sappy, mushy, and cheesy, I saw this chick flick last night, and this scene where they were reading poetry to each other really captured my heart. Well, actually the poem did. My cheesiness can be a bit overwhelming, but hey, that's just normal for a woman in love. If you share the same passion for romantic poetry like I do, then this poem would surely melt your hearts...

 -- Having a Coke with You --

is even more fun than going to San Sebastian, Irún, Hendaye, Biarritz, Bayonne

or being sick to my stomach on the Travesera de Gracia in Barcelona

partly because in your orange shirt you look like a better happier St. Sebastian

partly because of my love for you, partly because of your love for yoghurt

partly because of the fluorescent orange tulips around the birches

partly because of the secrecy our smiles take on before people and statuary

it is hard to believe when I'm with you that there can be anything as still

as solemn as unpleasantly definitive as statuary when right in front of it

in the warm New York 4 o'clock light we are drifting back and forth

between each other like a tree breathing through its spectacles

and the portrait show seems to have no faces in it at all, just paint

you suddenly wonder why in the world anyone ever did them

I look

at you and I would rather look at you than all the portraits in the world

except possibly for the Polish Rider occasionally and anyway it's in the Frick

which thank heavens you haven't gone to yet so we can go together the first time

and the fact that you move so beautifully more or less takes care of Futurism

just as at home I never think of the Nude Descending a Staircase or

at a rehearsal a single drawing of Leonardo or Michelangelo that used to wow me

and what good does all the research of the Impressionists do them

when they never got the right person to stand near the tree when the sun sank

or for that matter Marino Marini when he didn't pick the rider as carefully

as the horse

it seems they were all cheated of some marvelous experience

which is not going to go wasted on me which is why I am telling you about it

~ Frank O'Hara ~

There are numerous people in the whole wide universe we encounter day by day, and yet we still don't know who they really are. That's why there's a thing called love - because we'd rather spend our lifetime knowing that ONE person we chose to be with. Love doesn't come easy, but it really does move in mysterious ways. And it led me to my beloved half..

HAPPY 3rd ANNIVERSARY to us, Hun! We may have our ups and downs but we've got our whole lives to make it right. All I wanna do is grow old with you.. ♥♥♥

What are you thankful for?

Today is November 24th, and we are currently celebrating Thanksgiving Day surrounded by people we cherish the most - families, friends, and loved ones. As we sit on the dining table ready to share that bountiful feast, we are reminded of all the wonderful blessings we have graciously received the whole year round. May it be a new job, a new house, a new baby, or a new life - it is still a blessing we have to be thankful for. As for me, words are never enough to express the gratitude and blessedness my heart is feeling right now. But what am I really thankful for? My list is just simple:

I thank God for my wonderful, caring, and very loving husband who is also the "best friend" I've always hoped and wished for. My heart belongs to him.

I thank God for our smart and loyal dog, Kyodai. We love her so dearly.

I thank God for the family I left behind in the Philippines. No matter the ups and downs we've had, they will and always be the family I cherish and never will forget.

I thank God for my husband's supportive and caring family. They are my "home away from home".

I thank God for the new-found friends I have right now. They surely put smiles on my face.

I thank God for the old friends I still have. True and loyal friends, really, are hard to find.

I thank God for my life. It may not be extravagant, but it surely is worth living.

Yes, my list is simple as that. I could go into details, but space isn't enough. Being thankful is more than saying "Thank You". The heart speaks what our mouth couldn't utter. In other words - THANK FROM THE HEART...

Candid Autumn

Two weeks ago, my husband and I together with his niece and her boyfriend, took a nostalgic steam train ride in the Wilmington-Western Railroad. They have this event called "Autumn Leaf Special" and we thought it would be nice to board the train and do some Fall sightseeing in one of Delaware's historical suburbs, Hockessin. So as I bundled up ( knowing it would be 40 degrees on that day ), I also packed my Canon SLR to see if I could take some shots aboard our No. 58 coach.

Here are some of my favorite shots ( sorry I couldn't post a lot as I am a fan of the burst shot LoL... ) and hope you enjoy the panoramic views through my camera's lens ( 'coz I did! ).

A front view of our steam train ( a vintage version of Thomas the Train! )

A combination of the orange, yellow, and green hues make up the autumn foliage

The sky makes an astounding backdrop for the trees' colors

One of the water views along the Hockessin border

Reflections of Autumn

We can only take pictures aboard the train, so these were taken from where I sat. I had to fumble with my camera's settings the whole time as I had trouble with the bouncing of the flash through the window and the sun beaming towards my face since we took an early afternoon train ride. But so far, I still managed to capture the beauty of Autumn right from my seat. 

Ahhh, Autumn what can I say?? Let me savor you first whilst I brace myself for your successor, Winter.

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."  ~ Albert Camus

Fit for a King

I consider shopping to be my stress-reliever. You know the saying, "Shop 'til you drop"? That used to be my old adage. Until I got married - which means I am now shopping for two.

Every time I feel the urge to give something to my dear husband, I get blank completely. Just because men aren't as easy as women when it comes to gift ideas, specially since my  husband's a bit difficult. He's in the computer profession so he isn't one of those button-down-shirts-necktie-kind-of-guy. He's not a sports fanatic either, so that narrows it down to gadgets and/or clothes. And I'd usually go for clothes, because I believe it's more essential to him rather than the gadgets. And since he hates surprises so he's not fond of the idea of waiting for something he wants as a gift because he'd rather just buy it himself rather than wait. I know my husband's size so well, but as you know, clothes' sizes can be tricky sometimes. Either they shrink or they're just too loose. In that case, I needed help.

I usually go to the big and tall section when I shop for his clothes. Oftentimes I shop alone, which makes it even trickier to find something he'd like. I would stand in the same aisle for an hour deciding if I'd get it or not. Thankfully the stores here in the US offer returns for purchases so I am not extremely bothered by that fact. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy shopping for my  husband. It's just not as simple as shopping for my mother or a girlfriend you know? Tricky it is...

I give him the royal treatment, because he is my husband. And by royal that means with substantial respect and undying love and trust. But that doesn't mean that he can just wear whatever. I always make sure to find something that's fit for my King ♥ 

Family Friday!

Another year, another Fall. Next thing you know, Winter's here. Sometimes it's hard to think that months pass by so quick it almost feels like I haven't done anything in one day. We are going out for a dinner tonight, and we're eating crabs. They say it's the last time of the year that we get to enjoy it. As I stepped into the shower, I noticed I have been using a lot of hot water lately. I remember in the Philippines we used water heaters to immerse in a pail of water. Good thing they have lowes hot water heater in the local hardware store here. Just brings back the good ol' days...

While enjoying my hot shower, I also couldn't help but notice our bathroom was all in pink. Well, not everything. Only the pink shower curtain which I bought as a set completed the dreamy peachy look of our bathroom. Thankfully, my husband wasn't against it ( knowing they are very particular with their THRONE) and he said it's pretty much up to me whatever I want to do with the house, as long as I don't touch the basement a.k.a his "man-cave" lol...

I couldn't decide what to wear, and so I just grabbed the first one I could find - my wrinkly striped sweater. I must have misplaced the iron headboard and so I wasn't able to give it a quick press. Even so, I still wore it. Nobody's gonna notice it anyway. And off to dinner we go!

I love spending time with my in-laws. Even if it's just a quick visit or a simple dinner together. They're what I call "home" away from "home" <3

Rekindling the passion

After months of hibernating, finally I am back to the blogging world. I apologize to all my dear blogger friends out there who have been trying to get hold of me. And for those who have been very kind to leave messages and comments on my posts, I am therefore grateful and just want you to know that I appreciate it ( *wide grin*). It's really been a long time, (or should I say, almost a year perhaps?) since I posted here. Proud to say my blog's been a year old now! Gosh, that you can call abandonment. Pffft...

So how have I been? Since I'm waaaay behind the seasonal updates, here are just some of the highlights of my so-called life :)

I have immersed myself into baking, and learning more stuff. My contentment isn't fulfilled until my repertoire's big enough to satisfy both hubby and I's craving. Thanks to the cookbook my dearly beloved mother-in-law passed onto her youngest son, I am deeply enjoying and savoring every new recipe my hands could get into.

Springtime gardening was one of hubby and I's favorite activities together. We planted mostly colorful flowers like Tulips, Petunias, Impatiens, Daisies, Begonias, Vincas, Roses, Lilies, Geraniums, and some herbs. One of my friends who was hooked into the Farmville game even quoted that our garden looked Farmville-inspired. That was a compliment :)

Spring was also my Birth-season, officially the month of May. I celebrated my birthday with the help of my good friends and had another fun-filled day with laughter and what can you expect, more eating!

Say hello to Summer! Of course, we wouldn't let the sun shine for nothing! We spent a day at the beach and watched the sun do the rest. As a typical Filipina who wouldn't want to get tan, my heartfelt thanks to Banana Boat for the SPF 100. Hubby refers to it as my "vampire stuff".

I am a certified Harry Potter fan and this is my one-way ticket to the end. As we watched the final epic battle between Harry and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, I found myself wiping away the tears as I bid goodbye to the greatest Sci-Fi story I have ever seen.

To my Filipino friends, this is not the Chocolate Hills of Bohol. These are the Alleghany and Massanutten Mountain Range in Shenandoah, Virginia. We took our annual camping activity to the highest level as we spent a week in one of America's national parks. It was also where we spent hubby's birthday and at the same time, when the Hurricane Irene struck the East Coast which makes it even more memorable I suppose.

Sunset in Shenandoah

Wow, it really has been a while, isn't it? I'd love to share more and fill the gap in my timeline, but space isn't enough. As what others would say, "So many things to do, so little time." As the dreary weather and cold season comes a-knocking, and so is my writing. I guess this proves that if you have the passion for something, it never dies. This is proof. I am back :)

"Life is a journey to be savored each step of the way."

♥ Happily Ever After.... for the 2nd time! ♥

December 7, 2008 ~ the day we said our "I do's" and walked hand in hand to face the future together

     Yes, we've reached our 2nd year!!! I can't believe how time flies so fast. It still seems like it was just yesterday when I wore my wedding gown and saw him wearing his Barong Tagalog. But counting the days, it all doesn't matter. As long as those days were filled with beautiful memories of us together. I am blissfully married to my partner, my best friend, my soul mate, my lucky charm, my husband, my EVERYTHING. He's everything I needed to complete me. Words can't express how blissfully ecstatic I am for tying the knot with him. I dedicate this song to my dearly beloved husband...

 

     

     Can I just see you every morning when I open my eyes...? ♥

                Can I just spend my life with you? ♥

♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥

My 2nd year in the US of A

up with the clouds in the Asian timezone

     October 27, 2008 - the day I stepped out of the plane and made my first mark on the American soil. The day I got reunited with my husband ( my fiance at that time) and started our life together. The same day two years ago where I sat on the passenger seat staring out the window and still couldn't believe that I am finally here in America. It was like walking in a dream never wanting to wake up, except, when I felt the chill in my bare skin ( I was wearing a tank top, loose pants, and flip flops) I realized that it wasn't a dream at all. "Brrrrrr" was the first phrase I said to myself. When I told my husband that I feel cold and freezing, he laughed and said, "WELCOME TO AMERICA!" 

notice the ice on the window? now that's America :)

     I welcome myself for the second time in the Land of Milk and Honey. A place for our hopes and dreams to start.

Fall 2008 

♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸❤¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ THANKS BE TO GOD! ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸❤¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪

Behind the steering wheel

I still couldn't believe it! Just today I did my first drive outside the neighborhood and it's night time here. My husband gave me the keys to the car and for the first time ever, I made my way out of the neighborhood and into the back road going to Happy Harry's. It may not be a full drive in the highway but I'm still not ready for the big road yet. Not bad though, because I made it back home safe and sound ( take note: our dog is in the back seat and I still remember the first time I drove her last year, she was freaked out and was shivering) but now, she seems fine and no more shivering and chattering for her. Guess I'm more improved than last year huh... I've never had the courage to drive even in the back roads yet because every time I see cars, I start freaking out. I don't know  why but just the sight of cars makes me feel nervous all of a sudden. Now I guess I just gotta do what I gotta do - grab the keys, jump in the car, and brace myself for the new adventure. 

I just realized that fear is never an option. I need to fight that monster and aim on my goal - to be a safe and defensive driver. I'm hoping and crossing my fingers that I pass the road test and get my driver's license soon. See you on my next adventure! Ciao for now.... :)

"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." - Muhammad Ali

More than a pet

We call her "Ky" (short for "Kyodai") which in Japanese means "the brothers". A female part German Shepherd, part Collie breed. Yes, I'm talking about our precious dog. 

I can still recall the first time I met her which was 2 years ago, she seemed huge for me. And the way she welcomed me in her cozy home wasn't just a lick and a wag of a tail but rather, a leap in the front and some barking. I was shocked at first, because I've never encountered a dog like her in my whole life (though I've seen Rottweilers in our neighborhood in Philippines but she's different) and looking straight in her eyes is like a sign that says, "Hey, we're gonna be buddies!". Maybe she, too, was shocked after realizing that I'm moving in with her and her loving master. It was like meeting another member of the family, just not in human form. Feeling the same nervousness, I tried acting casual so that she won't think I'm just there to steal her master away from her. It wasn't bad though, the whole meeting thing, coz' it just took us a few months to get used to each other. My husband would always tell me that normally, she's used to going out for 2 or 3 times for the whole day just to pee and poop. In my case, it was 20 times. Just because I was the newbie, she figured she'll take control of me and make me believe that she had to go out as often as possible because that's how it should be. Then I realized, wait a minute... she got me figured out! And so I learned my lesson, be the Alpha and lead the pack. And that's what I did from that time on. 

Then came the treats, the bones, the meat. I felt like a mom feeding her baby, and for the first time I felt the responsibility it takes to have a dog, and she's no ordinary dog. She is very smart and well-trained. The whole time and patience that my husband devoted in training her has paid off. It was a job well done. We talk to her like a normal person and she understands very well. I love the way she gives us her "puppy look" with those beautiful brown eyes, it just makes my heart melt. I love the way she jumps in our bed and squeezes herself between me and my husband, as if she owns the entire bedroom. I love the way she follows whatever command we say. I love the way she looks when she's drenched in water ( pitiful as it may seem, but she's never cold.. she's so cute!). I love the way she comes to us when she feels that something's wrong, and lends her paw to comfort us. I love the way she sleeps with her hind legs all raised up. I love her thick fur and her pretty face, and looking at her makes me want to hug and pet her. There's just so many things we love about her. 

Sometimes I wish they never die. That they live as long as we live. But it's just not how it is. People come and people go, and so do they. She's 10 years old now but we keep imagining she's only 8, because she doesn't look like a 10-year old dog at all. Still healthy and active, and she runs and barks like a male dog.

The many things a dog can do for us, is irreplaceable. They are faithful and loyal. They join you in good times and bad times. They know when you're happy because they can feel it. And they know when you're sad, because they get sad too. We must realize that our pets are not just animals, they also have souls. Giving them a good shelter, feeding them good food, and treating them with tender loving care is the only way we can thank them for all that they have done for us. 

Ky is our beloved pet. No, she's more than just a pet.... she's FAMILY ♥♥♥

Journey to Love

"All our young lives we search for someone to love. Someone who makes us complete. We choose partners and change partners. We dance to a song of heartbreak and hope. All the while wondering if somewhere, somehow, there's someone perfect who might be searching for us..."

Three years ago, my journey began... From a struggling breadwinner with a singing career, to being happily married to the man who loves me unconditionally. Who knows this would happen? We are all not capable of predicting our own lives, our future, our destiny. Despite the fact that happy endings only happen in fairy tales, we still believe in the so-called "ever after", and I am proud to say I am definitely one of them. Sometimes I ask myself, is this for real? Am I dreaming? coz if I am, I never want to wake up. I used to be one of those kids who would collect tons of fairy tales and read them until I memorize each of the story by heart, hoping someday my prince will come. And he did. But it was not an easy journey. There's no easy way to a lifetime of happiness. I had to go through a series of heartbreaks, pain, and recovering - hoping to find THE ONE. Never did it occur to me that at the end of that rough road, is a meadow full of pure happiness and love. 

Blissfully married to a wonderful and amazing man, who is now my husband. Some people may not believe in marriage, and I respect their opinion. I just honestly believe that two people who are in love, must be joined together as one in the sanctity of God. The vows we exchanged are not merely just words, but rather the promises we make to love each other for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part.

It may not be soon enough that I finally met my Prince, but he is definitely worth the wait. He is my everything, and more...