God, Happiness and Life

May I wish everyone a I hope and pray that the new year ushers in nothing but good things in all our lives. To all those who took the time to visit , made comments, linked, and reviewed my blogs, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I realize I haven't been around as much as I had wanted to ... obligations you see. But I will definitely see you next year. Now let's raise our glasses. Cheers everyone!

I have a lot to be thankful for the year 2007. 1. My Mom's life. She remains my strength. And I believe mine is hers. 2. My children. What can I say? Just that I love them no matter what. God Bless them always. 3. The rest of my family - steadfast in their belief that our connected lives can still be better. 4. Friends who constantly keep in touch. And the rest, the memories suffice to tide me over. 5. New acquaintances. They remind me that there's a life to be lived out in the world. 6. The many undeserved pockets of grace from God - the anchor of my life. 7. My life. That I still live to continuously search for meaning and purpose. 8. People who still care, care and care :-) Thank you very much. 9. Lives I have somehow touched. Need to lift your spirit, hear your woes, shoulder to cry on, rally behind you? Just send me a message. 10.My business associates for the support. 11. My city of residence for efficient garbage collection, clean streets, superb peace and order condit...

WELCOME to our humble HOME prepared for the Christmas holidays 2007. Finally, I got my digital camera working, YES!

Despite the Filipino life's difficulties, most families manage to celebrate the most important season of every year -- the Christmas holidays. Believe it or not this news item says it all. For better or for worse, families get together, eat, dine, celebrate Christmas Eve dinner ( Noche Buena )and New Year's Eve dinner called(Media Noche). "On New Year's Eve ("Bisperas ng Bagong Taon"), Filipino families gather for the Media Noche or midnight meal – a feast that is also supposed to symbolize their hopes for a prosperous New Year. In spite of the yearly ban on firecrackers, many Filipinos in the Philippines still see these as the traditional means to greet the New Year. The loud noises and sounds of merrymaking are not only meant to celebrate the coming of the New Year but are also supposed to drive away bad spirits. Safer methods of merrymaking include banging on pots and pans and blowing on car horns. Folk beliefs also include encouraging children to jump at...

“There is no disputing that Christmas giving has become a very big business: a strong holiday selling season often means the difference between a good and a bad year for a retailer. In the shopping frenzy that lasts from the opening of the Christmas buying season to the closing hours of Christmas Eve, it’s easy to forget what all the fu ss is for. It was not always like that. There was, not so long ag o, a time when Ch ristmas involved no gift giving at all, and in some countries that is still the standard. The union of Christmas and gift giving was a gradual one; actuall y, the full story of the bright packages beneath the tree begins in the days before the birth of Christ. In ancient Rome , gifts were exchanged during the New Year’s celebrations. At first these gifts we re simple, such as a few twigs from a sacred grove and food. Many gifts were in the form of vegetables in honor of the fertility goddess Strenia. During the Northern Europ ean Yule, fertility was c...

"We have become so involved with each other that more often than not, our thoughts and words intertwine. We say the same things, ask the same questions, think the same thoughts in more ways than one. Yet we are two separate and distinct individuals." "What I have become because of you is that I have matured, mellowed, settled, and in full confidence about my ego before anyone, and even against anyone." "You are a great wife and mother."

I have always believed that it is almost useless to teach children what they do not see. They must realize that what is being taught is exactly the very same behavior displayed by the mentor. This way the authority figure as the teacher is the model. I have 4 children and I must say our family set-up is unique. This uniqueness made me decide that the only way to do things is to be honest. So whatever our situation was and still is, my guiding principle is to be always on the side of the truth. From my end, some of the things I practiced in raising my children which I honestly hope will lead them to become useful and responsible citizens of our country were the following: 1. I always tried to give my kids reasons for whatever action I required from them. It has not been easy because they did or do not immediately follow my lead but through continuous rationalizing I think I was able to instill things good. If some things don’t work out the first time, I never got tired of ...

"Love is not the fire and passion of spontaneous moments but the little things that transpire and bind the lives of two individuals everyday. We have successfully accomplished these and it has transformed us and our love in a way that is seamless that it is hardly noticeable." "I am just surprised at times when you can't believe what I say and seem bewildered by the transformation. You don't even recognize the change your love has done to its object of affection." "I was a creation of some wild self-gratifying and inward-centered personality with some tinge of unselfishness and a dash of human concern for others. Yet I have changed and you can't determine that you are the cause and the only reason for the change." "I want to grow old gracefully with you. The change in me- total and complete - has been made possible by the unrelenting love you have given."

"I believe that apart from seeing through one another, the other primary purpose of life on this earth is to see one another through." "And I know you know you need me too. For what specific purpose is difficult for me to express - I only know that beyond emotions and other aspects of joy - being with you, having you, loving you fulfills a need no one else can satisfy. Despite what you say you are and what we do, we may never satisfy in a lifetime - much less in a circumstance such as ours. Yet these needs seem to be, if not truly totally fulfilled when I am with you in whatever mood. Such that I would rather face a future without certainty than to face the present without you."

Nothing that comes easy last forever. It is those things that are most difficult to achieve or have that provide the most meaning in our lives. And it is with sacrifice that we do, that pay for these purposeful gifts. What about you out there? What provides meaning in your life? Just a thought. You will never really know anyone unless you have lived with that person . Disgust, disbelief, regret, or perhaps, resignation is the price of realization. Could we not just move on? Just another thought.

Even before my illness there were certain things I practiced about my home - sort of my own brand of fung shui to make it more livable. Here they are: 1. I like lots of plants inside and outside the house. I have always believe that plants absorbed the bad vibrations around the house. 2. Sunlight is my friend. I use it lavishly whenever and wherever I could. 3. My home is full of wooden chimes hanging by the doorways and on the windows. A slight breeze gives out a whispering sound that somehow evoke harmony and serenity. 4. With today's hustle and bustle style of living, I use scented candles to provide that aroma therapied ambience, bringing a sense of well-being to the house and to the children. 5. My mini- fountain found in our living room supplies that kind of energy that is both gentle and comforting. The sound of the flowing water lulls me to sleep sometimes. But one thing I worry about these days are the electro-magnetic pollution resulting from operating too many techno...

Finished with your Christmas shopping yet? Something for your tired bones. But if you haven't began here are two options you might consider. Real World shopping which means you have to contend with: 1. Traffic 2. Crowded mall 3. Super stuffy tiangges 4. Pickpockets Or, online Christmas shopping which requires a few simple things: 1. an internet connection 2. a shopping catalogue 3. credit card 4. and your Christmas list In case you'd like to try it online, below are some links you can check out. This is not a sponsored post :-) 1. happy christmas 2. overstock 3. shopsafe 4. amazon 5. everything christmas

The Ibanags (ee-buh-nags) come from the northern province of Isabela, Philippines . My Mother is an ibanag. Although, I was not born in the province it was easy for me to adopt their ways by just watching. One thing I found amusing though was their love affair with fiestas. Without needing an excuse these happy people celebrate everything. Every step of the way they seem to enjoy the adrenaline that accompany the annual preparations for a town fiesta. People save up and reserve the best for this occasion. Only the best apparel are worn for the coronation night of the hometown queen, chosen through a balloting system. Anyone can purchase tickets or ballots in behalf of one particular candidate. Whoever gets the most number of ballots is crowned queen for that year. So those who have money can easily finance any candidate. Be it the mayor's or the big businessman's daughter. Whoever. As long as you have the funds. But the system's saving grace is whatever funds generated...

We started decorating the house for Christmas . This has been a tradition. Before December 1 evry year, we have to be set up for the holidays. OC's, yes that's what we are. Actually, this year we were late in fixing the house. In previous years, we were all set up 1st week of November. Thaaat early, believe it :-) There's something about Christmas here in the Philippines that turns people to be extra enthusiastic, vibrant, excited if you will. And we're known to celebrate the season the longest. From December 1 to January 6 ( Feast of Three Kings). And so our Christmas house lights are on. The 'old but still looks new' x'mas socks are hanging by the terrarium. The yuletide wreaths adorn the walls, the windows, the stairway; the seasonal baskets are here in the dining area where I do my blogging every night. And YES! the garden lights are also in place. And what will Christmas be for our family without the Christmas tree. BTW, Santa is also all over th...