Dreamwalker

Tell Me Who Your Friends Are...

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:32:00 +0000

These are the best friends you can have in the entire world. I am not exaggerating.

After more than a month of hibernating in the countryside, I hesitantly came back to the city. I am glad I did, even if only temporarily for now. You know what they say about surrounding yourself with people who will welcome you with open arms, no questions asked? These guys have done that over and over and over again.

And they are so much fun! It doesn't matter where we go or what we do. We could go out to a bar. We could go rough it out and have a simple meal on a redwood picnic table. We could chill on plastic chairs. We could go to a fancy restaurant and enjoy a sumptuous meal.

It doesn't matter! When you're with real friends who have solid characters, you are going to be just fine.

Right now, more than anything, I am thankful for these people.

What are you thankful for?

Thinking LASIK Again

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:12:00 +0000

It's been a while since I made a joke about getting LASIK, but I am actually seriously considering this operation. Not now, probably not in the next months, but whenever I don't feel well and my eyes start having that burning sensation, I am reminded of LASIK.

Having worn eyeglasses since I was in third grade, you'd think I have gotten used to not having good eye sight. Still, I bet there is nothing more convenient than being able to wake up in the morning not wondering where your glasses are; nothing more convenient than being able to swim without worrying about your contacts.

We do have more choices when it comes to eye doctors and clinics in Manila now, but I suppose we're still not up to par with the options in, say, the US. For example, if you are based in Austin, you can easily find the best Austin eye doctor in your area. I am not sure about the comparison of costs, however.
So why am I going on about LASIK again?

I want to be able to watch an entire movie (in the theater) without my lenses drying out on me.
I am looking forward to the beach, and I really don't feel like going through the hassle of "saltwater in my eyes with contacts on".
I have astigmatism and toric contact lenses cost so much more as opposed to the regular ones. In the long run, undergoing the procedure is probably going to be more cost effective.
I am getting marks around my eyes from squinting. Okay, maybe that's pushing it, but still...

If I had to do things all over again, I know that I would have taken good care of my eyes. I wouldn't have snuck a book and a tiny flashlight under the blanket after bedtime. I would have eaten more of those carrots.

But as they say, hindsight is 20/20. ;)

Photo via Steve A

Creativity in Play

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 07:50:00 +0000

Oh, the joy of being a kid. I remember Deepak Chopra saying that babies are full of bliss, that they bubble with bliss. Spending time with my nephews, I believe that. Of course, they have their moments - lots of them, actually; moments when the entire neighborhood probably thinks we're abusing them, but in reality they're only having their teeth brushed. In general, though, when one watches them at play, one can't help but feel happy.

One thing I love about these two is the fact that they still go all creative come play time. They are not the most "well-endowed" kids when it comes to toys, but they have their fair share. For Christmas, we got a couple of boxes of Duplo, which Sam and Eli thoroughly enjoy. The other day, though, I saw them having a blast as they found a different way to play with the Duplo box.

Go Kart baby!

Kuya Sam loves hugging Eli, but sometimes, Eli just wants to pretend he is a Mark Webber in the making.

And, of course, Sam just had to give it a try as well.

It's little too big so I'll turn it upside down.

I remember that, when my sister and I were kids, we didn't have too many toys. I do remember vividly, though, how much I enjoyed pretending that our small coffee table turned upside down was a car. I would "drive" all day long around the very same living room Sam and Eli play in now. Indeed, the bliss that kids enjoy...

Annoying Ringtones

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:01:00 +0000

Don't get me wrong. I am not complaining about my phone. In fact, I love it. It is the best phone I have ever had, and I have no intention of getting a new phone in the near future. (Okay, maybe when the iPhone 5 comes out.)

I guess I was just bored today because I found my ringtones annoying. Really annoying. There are, of course, other choices, but I just couldn't find one that does not grate on the nerves. Moments like these remind me of the old times (notice I removed the mandatory "good"; as I said, I love my phone) when I could create my own ringtones and use them for my phone.

For those of you who are lucky enough to have that option, I suggest checking out free ringtones mobile 17, which will make your life easier. And more fun. The best thing is that you do not have to shell out money.

Whatever music you want, you can play around with. I wouldn't mind hearing Disturbed's Asylum whenever my phone rings, you know!

In any case, is it true that you can play around with ringtones - like create your own - if your iPhone is jailbroken? Not that I am planning on doing that, but it just makes one wonder. For now, I shall be content with putting my phone on silent. Perhaps tomorrow the ringtones won't be as annoying.

My Quirky Nephews

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:54:00 +0000

It's really handy to have your camera phone within grabbing distance. You never know when the kids pull a funny stunt without intending it. Today, Sam fell asleep playing a game on the iPad.

I wonder if there is any precedent. (Yeah, I have been known to do this as well.)

Yesterday, I walked out the door to see Eli using the clothes hanger as a walker.

Aren't these two boys just precious?

To Move or Not to Move?

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:33:00 +0000

I suppose I should be more specific. I am thinking - have been thinking - of whether I should start looking for a place of my own again. Some of you may know that I have been staying at my parents' place for the past couple of months, and if you know me, you'll realize the adjustments that I have had to make. Not to mention the adjustments may parents have had to make.

It's nothing to complain about, really. I am lucky enough to have a place to run to anytime I have the need. I have been, however, living "on my own" since I was 15, so this is huge.

Of course, the decision depends on so many factors, the major one being the cost. It's not like I am destitute, but renting a condo will mean shelling out 3 months of rent. Then I have to think of the additional cost of a house cleaning service, electricity, water, and Internet.

I suppose having your own place is still is way affordable here in the Philippines as compared to, say, the US. Just take a look at the cost of Austin maid service, for example. That is one of the most affordable services you can get for quality work, but compared to what they cost here...

By the way, another reason I am hesitant about moving is that I want to save for something big toward the end of the year. I have two options, and Austin is one of them. Why Austin, you say? Check out the 2012 F1 calendar!

So yeah, I am at a point where I have to make a decision whether to go out there and find a new place. There is also the question of WHERE? I honestly do not know yet. Maybe it is not a good idea to make decisions right now. I am still grasping at straws in some aspects of life, so moving might be an option for later down the road.

Whatchathink?

Daily Bread: Surprised By God

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:29:00 +0000

Today's Daily Bread reading couldn't have come at a better time.

If Naomi had dreamed about returning to her former home prosperous and successful, entering Bethlehem would have been a nightmare. While living in a foreign land, she had lost her husband and two sons and returned with only her daughter-in-law Ruth and a heart full of sorrow. “Do not call me Naomi [pleasant]; call me Mara [bitter],” she told her former neighbors, “for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me” (Ruth 1:20).

But this wasn’t the end of the story. When the discouraged Naomi saw God’s hand in Ruth’s life, she said, “The Lord . . . has not forsaken His kindness to the living and the dead!” (2:20). What appeared to be a dead-end had become a doorway for these two women who had lost so much.

The Old Testament book of Ruth is a wonderful story. The brief narrative is infused with an amazing sweetness and grace as “the Lord” is mentioned time after time.

Through Naomi and Ruth, we are reminded that God works in surprising ways to make His love known and to accomplish His purposes—even during difficult times.

God’s surprises continue so we can take heart. He has not stopped showing His kindness to you and me.

He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest. —Berg

What we see of God’s provisions teaches us to trust Him for what we cannot see of His purposes.

Eat-Sumo @ Los Banos

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:54:00 +0000

One of the things I really miss about living in the city is the food. Yup, I love good food and the ease by which you can have it when living in the middle of a bustling town. I have been having mixed feelings about going back to what has been home for many years. I do miss my friends a lot. And yes, I miss the food.

After going to the Sunday service late this afternoon, we decided to go out for dinner. It was not horrible, but it really made me excited to go back to what I now like to call smoggy civilization. We chose Eat-Sumo, a Japanese restaurant just a few minutes outside of the campus. I have really been craving sushi these past days, so it was a logical choice.

First impression: don't expect much.

Ordering counter and kitchen front

The prices are amazingly cheap! However, if you want to go out for a relaxed evening and not have to queue to order, this might not be the perfect place to go.

About the food...it's nothing to write home about, BUT after eons of not having Japanese food, I was rather happy with the ebi and vegetable tempura.

Tempura Bowl

The tamago sushi was not bad, either.

Tamago Sushi

I do have to warn you to stay away from the ramen. I ordered shoyu ramen - perfect for a cold evening, right? The bowl looked cool...

Shoyu Ramen

...but the broth tasted like...I have no idea. I think it might have been tasteless!

Shoyu Ramen

I really did try to eat it, but I couldn't. Luckily, my sister agreed to swap dishes with me. She got gyudon, which was a little too sweet for my preference, but it was okay.

Gyudon

Guess how much this all cost? Around PHP500! (That's plus 2 other dishes I was not able to take photos of.) Now one can't really complain about the food for that price! Next time, if I go back, it shall be tempura all the way!

Eat-Sumo is located along Lopez Avenue, the main road leading to UPLB. If you're headed toward the campus, you will find it on your right. It is on the second floor of the building where you can find Boston Cafe, the main coffee shop in these parts. (That reminds me of my rekindled dream of opening a coffee shop here!)

Today's Endorphins Brought to You By...

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 07:27:00 +0000

I used to think that endorphins were overrated. Maybe they still are, I really am not sure. One thing I do know is that even when I do not feel like getting on that elliptical bike, I always feel better after I push myself to do it. Today, I was thinking of giving myself a break, but I thought that whenever I don't feel like doing something just because I don't, I'll go ahead and push myself anyway.

Thank God I did. I guess the combination of endorphins and vitamins works! Speaking of vitamins, I am only taking basic supplements, but maybe this is a good time to look deeper into this market? Has anyone heard of the products Designs for Health Adrenal Complex? I have been looking at this line, and while impressive, I have absolutely no clue about many of the labels! I was just thinking that maybe, taking hardcore supplements will be more beneficial health-wise.

I have friends who regularly take supplements, and they swear by it. In fact, I did follow one friend's advice and have been taking this energy supplement. I think it does work, but it could also be my regular sessions on what used to be a clothes hanger.

What I am considering now are supplements that focus more on specific vitamins and minerals. I am not getting any younger, and I really cannot afford to get sick. That being said, I have not felt this healthy in months!

But I digress. What I want to share is the music that helps me keep going while on the bike. It is hard work, especially for a person like me who lives a sedentary life. Today, though, this piece just pumped me up.

What's your favorite music to listen to when working out/exercising? I think this calls for a nice list...

Easy on a Saturday Afternoon

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 03:18:00 +0000

Yesterday reminded me of what weekends are supposed to be. When I was a very young kid, our parents used to take us to the soccer field up in the mountain for a picnic. I remember kicking a ball around.

In the recent years, weekends were either about eating or drinking out with friends or working. Not that there is anything wrong with either - it's just that I seemed to have forgotten that a weekend could be just about sitting around being quiet and not really doing anything. Yesterday, we went out to take the kids to Baker Field, a place in my hometown where I used to play soccer as a high school student.

It was boring at first, but then after a while, you won't be able to help but appreciate your surroundings. Lying down and looking at this view is hard to beat.

View from the grass; the "new" Carillon in the background

And of course, the kids enjoying themselves is priceless.

We had enough foresight to bring the Mickey mat; I wish I also had my Ratatouille mat!

Sam using his walker on the grass was not optimal, but it worked! He had a blast going around.

Here we have our future goalie?

Peek-a-boo!

Sam and Eli even got into a loving mood. They kept wanting to hug and kiss each other. :)

As could be expected, the boys were busted by the time we got home, so the "adults" ended the day with this.

I think it was the first time I didn't have trouble falling asleep in a while.

Jewelry Window Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

It's Saturday morning, and I am spending a little time browsing the Internet for non-work related stuff. It is rare that I get to do this, but I think I shall make it a point to do it now and then. It will be a good way to detach myself from work, which has practically been everything to me in recent times.

I surprised myself by looking at jewelry web sites. For some reason, I just wanted to look at pretty things today. I guess it's not all that surprising - I remember having a penchant for bracelets and necklaces/pendants as recent as 2010. Then again, I usually go for the basic items and not the expensive ones (as if I could afford them!). Still, just looking at exquisitely made bracelets (like that one above), pendants, earrings, and rings is a pretty laid back way to spend a weekend morning. Never mind that it's all window shopping. It calms one down!

If, however, you like classic jewelry like estate jewelry like on the Titanic, you would have a blast looking at the sites I have been visiting this morning. I guess there is something to be said about pieces that one can wear to accent their clothes. Vintage jewelry is especially beautiful when worn appropriately, isn't it?

Did you know, though, that what we now call jewelry used to be talismans and charms? These items were supposed to either ward of bad luck or draw in good luck. I suppose there still are jewelry pieces that serve this purpose, but I doubt that that is the main thing why people wear jewelry these days.

Anyhow, I guess if you have cash to burn and an eye for pretty, shiny things, then you totally get my jewelry window shopping "spree" this morning. I am sure I will just go to a bazaar some time this month to get some pendants, though.

Do you like jewelry? How do you justify spending so much on jewelry?

Captain Miss Sweatpants

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:52:00 +0000

I hereby declare that sweatpants are a girl's best friend. At least this girl!

A couple of months staying with my parents have taught me this lesson, and I think that from now on, I shall call myself Captain Miss Sweatpants. Or Miss Captain Sweatpants. Or I can drop Captain altogether, but that removes the reference to one of my favorite TV shows!

So why are sweatpants this girl's best friend?

PROTECTION. Every time I go out to the backyard to smoke or just sit and enjoy the shade of the mango tree, two hyperactive puppies follow me around. That's not a bad thing as they are good company. The problem arises when they jump up and down, leaving scratch marks all over the place. With sweatpants, I have more than adequate protection from those sharp claws!
PROTECTION. Yeah, it's all about protection! Mosquitoes seem to like me. They always have. So aside from the puppies, mosquitoes are my bane when I go out.
COMFORT. I now get why Captain Sweatpants never wears anything else. If you get the right pair, you just feel so comfy in them that you might not want to wear any other piece of clothing. Just might.

I have a confession to make: I really like shorts better, but with all the dangers in the yard, it looks like I am going to have to get more sweatpants.

Photo via merchnow

Patience

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:41:00 +0000

They say everything happens for a reason. I now think that what has happened in the past months was designed so I could spend some time with my family. In spite of the pain, I think that the results are important. Earlier today, my sister and I had a short talk. We seem to have a lot of these talks nowadays. I guess that's what happens when siblings "grow up". They talk more instead of fight and argue.

Anyhow, today, she mentioned "Patience". You know that song by Guns 'n Roses? When I was in high school, I made it my goal to know the song on the guitar by heart. And boy, did I play it all the time! I loved it because of the melody. I loved the guitar intro. The guitar solo. The whistling.

I am sure I liked the lyrics as well, but thinking about it, I think I have never had to practice patience for real. Until now.

The truth is, I am looking forward to the wonderful things that 2012 will bring. This year will be great. I know it in my bones. Of course, that is partially because I have made a decision to continue making positive changes this year.

That's about it, though. As for the particulars, I have no frakking clue. And that's where patience comes into the picture.

I am talking about patience in the same sense as the image above. Active waiting, you can call it. Even though I do not know where this road leads me, I can't deny that slight fluttering of hope. Hope that things will turn out alright, one way or another. Hope that I am truly learning hard lessons, and that the learning process will make my future better than I ever thought.

Yeah, right now, the details are not clear, and I am seeing patience in a totally different light. Not a bad start to 2012. Not bad at all.

Photo via AngSocialMed

New Career?

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:31:00 +0000

Guess what I just did - for the third time? Dewormed the puppies! The first time I asked my vet friend, she said to just do it myself using medication for babies. I was wary, but I went ahead and did it. Now, I think I can do it in my sleep.

Maybe if I ever think of starting a new career - as unlikely as that is - I can try being a vet. Not that administering medication using a needle-less syringe is hard. ;) This newfound "flexibility" has its advantages, though. I was looking at skilled workers needs in some countries the other day and I couldn't see anywhere I would fit in. All that were "urgent" were jobs for machinists, Orthodontist Jobs, engineers, vets, and other professions I have no clue about. Maybe I can give it a try, but I am pretty sure I won't hack it as a photographer. I can't even get the orientation right.

Nymeria and Summer getting ready for deworming

Now to practice driving. Maybe I can be a driver.

P.S. I have absolutely no intention of giving up what I am doing now. I am just enjoying trying out new things. Just so we're clear! ;)

Darned Termites!

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:52:00 +0000

Yesterday I wrote about ants. Today, it's about termites. I have nothing personal against them, but who does not know about the destruction they wreak?

A week ago, I decided to open up one of the boxes containing my books. I swear, if I had known what was in store for me, I would have gone on a goggles sale hunt. My sister told me she had re-packed the boxes so that the books would be safe. Little did we know that we have a serious termite issue in this house. Those critters are nasty!

Of the huge box of books that I had opened, I was able to salvage only a handful.

Small consolation: most of the Wheel of Time books are still okay, but I lost a few. I lost Dune. I lost so many that took years to "gather". Lesson learned. Don't keep books in boxes unless you're 100% they're safe. Strong case for eBooks. :/

Hunting...Ants?

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:37:00 +0000

The two puppies we got a month or so ago are growing up like crazy. They're much heavier now - with how much they eat, I really am NOT surprised! What's funny (sometimes irritating) is how full of energy they both are. I swear, if these puppies ran on batteries, they would have duracell procell aaa inside them. Lots of batteries.

Every time I go outside, they hear the screen door squeak. The reaction is always the same: two energized puppies bounding up the yard to nip and scratch my legs. Even as I enjoy my morning coffee, I have to make sure to pay attention to Summer and Nymeria. When I sit outside for my second - or third - cup, the two are always there as well.

This afternoon, I was surprised to observe them frolicking beside me, but not paying much attention to me. I was not complaining, as it was a rare occasion to actually sit there and enjoy the cool air without having to dodge sharp teeth. I did wonder what they were busy with, though.

Here's Nymeria.

Nymeria busy with something.

Pretty soon, Summer was there as well, looking very much as if she were a huntress.

Summer the Huntress

It didn't take me long to see what they were after: ANTS! My "spot" in the backyard is under a mango tree, which for some reason, always has ants at the base. Watching the puppies "hunt" ants. That was priceless.

ANTS!

Elijah Trying to Stand Alone

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:50:00 +0000

The little boy is starting to learn how to keep his balance without any support. He likes showing off, but only if he's sure that he'll fall on something soft.

Dexter Update

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:31:00 +0000

Remember that tiny red-ear slider I got what seems like ages ago? I think that was about 3 years ago or something. Dexter came with Casey, but Casey sadly didn't make it past infancy. Dexter, on the other hand, has thrived like nothing else.

I think that coming home to LB has just contributed to him getting bigger and bigger, if not faster. He is heavy and has long sharp claws - hence he can be hard to handle. I wouldn't be surprised if we had to get Marcus nursing scrubs just to handle him in a few months! Not that a uniform is necessary, but with all the animals and babies around here, one might as well!

Dexter has totally outgrown his aquarium. He even cracked the bigger one because of his tendency to butt the corners with his head. At least I think that's what he used to do. Now he has the front lawn to roam around in. Just to be sure that the mischievous puppies don't bother him, we put this protection around him.

Dexter basking on the grass; cage borrowed from the puppies.

There's a good turtle...

Washing the Dishes

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:52:00 +0000

I read a story once about how washing the dishes is not simply doing a chore. It's more of learning how to bask in the pleasure of doing something, simply for the sake of being. I wish I could find the story again, but I have tried to no avail. I am probably missing a deep lesson here, but I remembered the story as I find myself doing the dishes for the nth time since I went back to my parents.

It's not like there isn't anyone else who would do it. Truth be told, I hate doing the dishes. That should be "hated", I suppose. These days, I actually look forward to the soothing flow of warm water and the squeaky clean feeling of the dishes after they have been rinsed.

Distraction is a word to describe it, I suppose. And boy, do I know all about distraction. Believe it or not, I have read and searched more about all sorts of stuff that I am not even remotely interested in! All for the sake of distraction. From restaurant equipment for sale to how to properly take care of puppies to how to fried butter balls (yes there is such a dessert) to WordPress tweaks - trust me, I've taken a look at them all.

I'm just tired, and words can't even begin to describe the overall feeling. I know I am supposed to have faith that this, too, will pass. Even as I was washing the dishes, I kept repeating "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts" in my head. Together with the manual work, it did soothe me, but here I am with the laptop in front of me again...

Fix

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:42:00 +0000

From the latecomer to the Coldplay bandwagon. Even though I know you can't really fix anyone but yourself.

Price Tag

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:24:00 +0000

Or is it tag price? I remember the first time I heard this song. The band at the beach resort where we were staying played it every single night. Having stayed there for a week, it was inevitable that the song just got stuck in my head. Even as I was falling asleep, I heard "Cha-ching, Cha-ching! Ba-bling, ba-bling!" in my head.

I guess it's not that bad of a song. It was just overexposure.

So last night, I went to meet old high school friends with whom I used to play guitar. I had not touched a guitar for eons, and I couldn't even bring up memories of how to play particular songs anymore. Hence I had to resort to the easiest piece in front of me: Price Tag.

Talk about funny. Song aside, last night's experience was another of those reminders. I used to love playing the guitar. During my rebellious youth, the guitar was my constant companion. Maybe I should pick it up more often, even if my fingertips cry out in pain after strumming a verse! I suppose the atmosphere helped as well, as my friend had built a small hall behind their house which served as our "music area". It was pretty laidback - an open area with amps, speakers, and lots of tool boxes (the huge ones with heavy duty casters). Sure, the night had to end and I still had my moments of zoning out, but every now and then, doing these things helps. Never mind that I keep hearing that song in my head AGAIN.

Morning Words of Encouragement

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:37:00 +0000

From 2 Corinthians 4:7-18.

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. ¹² So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
¹³ It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.”^[a] Since we have that same spirit of^[b]faith, we also believe and therefore speak, ¹⁴ because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. ¹⁵All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Waking up is the hardest part. Falling asleep comes a close second, but it is the waking and having to face a new day that can bring one down the most. If you feel that way, this passage might help you get a better perspective. It might give you that bit of encouragement to look at the day as something more than lengthy hours to get through...

Christmas Lesson

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 07:45:00 +0000

Without a doubt, this Christmas was the most painful one yet. I am hoping it will not be outdone in the future, but I am also merely thankful for the family that God has given me. I have not appreciated them enough, and over the weekend, I just felt like the Prodigal Son (well, daughter).

That being said, I am glad that my sister practically dragged me out of bed to join the family for Noche Buena. Being surrounded by people who love and accept you no matter what - that is priceless. A good reminder that we ought to be the same with those who are important to us!

This Christmas, there were several family members who couldn't be with us, but it was still a good celebration. The bottom line for me: There are times when you need to put aside your own issues for those important to you.

Now for proof snapshots of the evening.

Paul, Mark, and Dad getting ready to chop up the lechon!

Tito Nonoy doing the lechon in.

In the Philippines, lechon is a tradition for festivities. As you can see, it's a whole pig slow roasted for hours and hours. The result? Tasty and tender meat with crispy skin! Even those who have high blood pressure issues take a bite, though!

About half of the family getting ready to say grace.

My uncle said grace, and it was beautiful. It was just a blessing to see everyone there, healthy and happy.

With Sam and Ninang Pearl

Elijah having fun.

Nana wanting a nice pic, but the kids just staring at everything else.

The younger cousins are growing up so fast!

Of course, the kids were looking forward to the highlight: tearing their gifts open. Here are a couple of photos of Sam and Eli enjoying their gifts.

Nothing like tearing the wrapping paper.

This is what the piggy bank money bought, apparently!

Thank you!

At the end of the day, this is what matters most. Some were missing - my dad ate too much lechon and was fast asleep on the couch and our grandma was just busted at this point - but this photo is an awesome reminder of the great family that we have.

Balagtas Family

To end, here is a quote from Dr. Seuss, which was brought to my attention by a good friend:

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.

How was your Christmas? I hope that it was meaningful for you. Now here's to a hopeful New Year!

On Waiting

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 07:04:00 +0000

I really am not the most patient person on Earth. I am probably at the bottom of the list, if there were one. These days, though, I am learning about patience and waiting on a different scale. Sometimes, I do not even know what it is that I am waiting for.

With all the turns and ups and downs that my life has gone through in the past months, I can barely trust myself to make sound plans for the near future.

One moment, I think of going to another country in January. Then I realize my finances can't hack it. The next moment, I look at Online bachelor degree programs - self-improvement is always a good idea - but then there is not one program that stands out for me. There are so many things going through my mind, so many plans - but which is the right road to take? I have no clue.

This leaves me with the last option: WAITING.

There is that word again. I wait. For what?

I wait for the time when healing comes, the kind that allows one to make sound, rational plans. I wait for the time when I know in my heart that I have found forgiveness. I wait for the time when I know that I am confident and secure. I wait for the time when I know that I have truly and fully learned the lessons that I need to learn.

I don't know when that time will come. I do know that I will not rush and push. It may sound passive, but maybe I have to truly learn what it is like to accept one's lot, learn, and wait. I remember something that our college pastor once said: "If you are not sure how to proceed, just continue down the path you are currently in."

Rest in Pieces

noreply@blogger.com (dreamwalker) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:51:00 +0000