Post-Birthday Lunch

A post-birthday celebration also transpired here in Manila. I didn't have the time nor the inclination to cook anything, I just decided to treat my friends at work to lunch. Red Ribbon was the place we went to. A week before, Glady also celebrated her birthday and treated us to lunch at the same place. Yeah, I was the copy-cat but that's alright. At least we got to try the different food there.

I was able to persuade Dex to bring his Nikon cam so we had some great shots there. Have a look-see.;)

Another Year Added To My Life

Well, the 22nd of June is over, which means I’m really one year older. So how do I feel about being at this age? Frankly, I feel older too, though I don’t look it haha. It’s but natural I guess. No one goes through life unscathed as they say and these experiences can make one feel and even look older than his years. But I’m thankful that even though life hasn’t been that good to me lately, it doesn’t show that much on my face. (that said with a smug look;))

Anyway, I had a very nice time at home. Saw my family, my nieces who are really getting bigger each time I see them. We had a nice celebration on Sunday. By we I mean my cousins Yagz, Gold, and I. Although none of our birthdays fall on the 21st of June, we decided to hold our bit of get together that day. There was great food and what we love most - videoke!:D We sang our hearts out til late at night.

See some pics of how I spent this year's birthday.

Counting the Hours

I'm counting the hours. Five hours more to go and I'll be heading back to where I belong, Frankly, I really miss home, my bed, and all my creature comforts when I'm there. Need I mention the fresh air? the morning sunlight streaming through my window when I open my eyes? It's been 2 months since I last saw my family. I don't know but this time it feels like it's been forever. I miss my nieces.

One of them, Thea, has started school last Monday. Time really flies so fast. She used to be just this tiny baby I could carry in my arms, but now she's a young lady already.
The other one, Gale, I think she'd be naughtier now too. Well, I'm counting the hours that I could be with them again.

And I can't wait for the get-together we're going to have on Sunday. It's going to be our birthdays again. Three of us will be celebrating - Yagz, Gold, and I. It's going to be a busy weekend for me. But I have to say, this is one busy time I'm so looking forward to. :)

Thanks To You

"Some people come into our lives for a reason, a season, and a lifetime."

This is the quote that entered my head on my ride home. But I'm not sure if I got it right. Sad to say I forgot where I read this line. Anyway, it just seems so appropriate right now.

Someone made my life interesting even if it was just for a little while. In a big way he helped me realize something and loosen the shackles that continue to bind me to the past, my past. His friendship came at a time when I needed to feel cared for in a way. Even if you're not going to be able to read this post, I thank you, for waking me up from my stupor and making me realize that life is still good. You came at the point in my life when I was looking for a good reason why things happened the way they did. One text message you sent especially made an impact on me, made me think that you unerstand me even though you don't know my story, "Things are never lost completely. They are put away, misplaced or taken by someone else. Sometimes, they are transformed into something else. Just like the love you have for someone who is gone - that love does not disintegrate. One day when you least expect it, you will find that things are less achy. You will be amazed at how much the heart can bear. And yes, you will be grateful for all that you've lost and all that you'll find in time."

The time and effort you gave are very much appreciated. Our lives touched for a reason and I thank you for coming even for just a season...Maybe someday we'll meet again in this lifetime...

Photo Credit: Funmunch

Just Words to Inspire

Have you ever experienced laughing so hard, but your laughter seemed like a hollow sound? You go about your daily tasks, but for what? There are times when you can hardly make it through the day. This is how I’ve been feeling lately. I guess I really need some inspiration. We all do at certain points in our lives, right?

I found this material on the net, somehow it helped me see more of life’s realities. There was no author but it’s not hard to imagine that the person who wrote this had gone through a lot in her/his life as well to be able to say all these realities. Read for yourself.

I BELIEVE

I believe- That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe- That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in awhile and, you must forgive them for that.

I believe-That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I believe- That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I believe- That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe- That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be
the last time you see them

I believe- That you can keep going long after you can't.

I believe- That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we
feel.

I believe- That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe-That regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and therehad better be something else to take its place.

I believe- That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I believe- That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe- That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time!

I believe- That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe- That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe- That just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I believe- That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe- That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe- That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe- That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe- That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other, And justbecause they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I believe- That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I believe- That two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe- That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't
even know you.

I believe- That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I believe- That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human
being.

I believe- That the people you care about most in life are the essence of life.Tell them today how much you love them and what they mean to you.

Source: Roger Knapp

Poetry: I Still Think Of You

MY SHELTER AND MY FRIEND

MY SHELTER AND MY FRIEND
April 4, 2009

In moments of doubts and fears
In times of sorrow and tears
You never let go of my hand
You give me the strength to stand

When defeat overwhelms me
Boundless grace You give for free
You make me feel a winner
And everything seems brighter

Though I stumble over and over again
And all I ever do is cause you pain
You still won’t let me go on my own
You always take my hand and lead me home

You never get tired of waiting for me
When your truth I just don’t seem to see
Patiently, with arums wide open to receive
You wait ‘til once again I come to believe

All the things you’ve done and all you will do
With all my heart and soul I thank you
Never have I found a friend like you
Someone whose love is so pure and true

And I pray you’ll never let me go
May your love in me forever flow
Please stay at my side ‘til the end
Always be my Shelter and my Friend.