We all have our place under the sun. We all have the right to our own world in this universe, our own corner of peace and solitude.
I'm currently listening to Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli's Con Te Partiro.. somehow, I feel like I'm transported to a greater place, away from my mundane every day. According to Wikipedia, as of 24 January 2010, the Earth's population is estimated by the United States Census Bureau to be 6,798,300,000. If only one percent of the world's population is dreaming the same time as I do, then I am so not alone..
I love the freedom of being able to dream.. the only factor that will limit you is yourself and how far you would like to go. We may not be given everything, but we're blessed with a mind so powerful, it allows us to escape and choose our own reality once in a while. How cool is that?
Today, I spent a good hour dreaming of the future I would like to enjoy. I am 1/3 through, working so hard and away from my comfort zone and thankful that I am able to share my best and worst with my husband along the way. I imagined so many things.. but above all, I hoped for good health and happiness. The call of motherhood is getting louder by the day. I am even surprised to say this so openly, but yes, I am really excited to become a mother one day.. soon hopefully. Raising my own family, instilling and merging the values that have shaped mine and my husband's personality so we are able to teach our child love and patience, humility and kindness, fun and adventure.. that's my hope and my dream. It's a lot of hardwork, but it's something that I look forward to.
I try to deal with people positively, to treat people with respect and kindness because that's how I was taught at home. Today, someone ticked me off. I was irritated for a few minutes but I guess I'm too proud to admit defeat and be affected by an entity so unimportant. So I will just shrug this off. Life is beautiful, it has to be. It's too short to wallow on the negative. Moving on..
Con Te Partiro's such a beautiful song, there's so much love and gentleness in the melody.. I really enjoyed it. I'm ready to play Canon in D now. :)
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Recap
My new year was greeted by the fireworks display which I viewed from an aircraft's small window and was capped the other day by the grand celebration of unravelling the world's tallest building. We watched from a distance as we got stuck in traffic. The air was filled with this country's pride.. I was just happy to have seen history unfold in front of me. It's just the start, but I'm beginning to warm up to 2010. What was 2009 like again? I shall recap before it's all lost in a sea of new memories.
I was with my parents, at home in Zambales, when the whole world made way for 2009. I missed Paolo but I knew I will be picking him up from the airport come January 1. I really appreciate the power of anticipation.. the joy of looking forward to something. Mom bought 3 fountain-type fireworks which we lit up when the clock hit 12 midnight. Hello 2009!!! We don't like paputok, I hate the booming sound plus they're really unsafe so me and mom would always settle for the covers of our kaldero, we'd clap them together while jumping. Even if it's just the three of us, I remember myself being filled with a certain sense of happiness and contentment. I'm home with my parents, the people I constantly miss when I'm away. It could have been better of course if Paolo, my brother, my sisters-in-law and my niece were also there. But then work got in the way, so the next best thing is to look forward to the first day of the year when I'm with all of them. Christmas this year was spent with friends. We were at Mike and Sab's place during Christmas eve. On the day of Christmas itself, Paolo and I lunched on Paella, ham and leche flan. We agreed on starting a tradition for the both of us and hopefully for our kids and grand kids. Our Christmas feast must always feature Paella. It took me more than 2 hours to prepare just the sofrito itself (I did my best to make it authentic, minus the saffron cause I couldn't find one). I know I should not be the one to say this (haha!) but It's really good!!
I prefer to have my years defined by its highlights.. things, memories that I can go back to, to say "that was the year when..". Highlights for our 2009 are as follow.
In time for our wedding anniversary, Paolo and I went to the US. It was my first time to meet Paolo's relatives who are based there and was happy to see Lola Letty again. It was also a pleasant coincidence that Tito Dan was retiring from the Navy so we were able to witness the ceremony. He was Master Chief and just before that, Paolo and I watched Men of Honor. It was really cool to see the uniformed men, just like in the movies.
Mid year, I had a holiday-like Shanghai layover. Paolo joined me there and for four days, we ate non-stop.
A couple of times throughout the year, Paolo and I were able to spend time with our family. My niece, Gabby, is growing up so fast! Everytime I go home, she has new tricks to boast! She's turning out to be a bright kid!! At two years old, she can spell words by reading the letters, she knows all the animals in her book, she can differentiate the types of birds, she has learned a few nursery rhymes and tweaks them to make it personal to whoever she's talking to.. best of all, she's not bulol. She tries her best to pronounce the words the way we do. And she likes dancing to Low! I really love her for making me somehow realize how much I want to be a mother. Paolo's sisters are growing up so fast, too. When I first met Trina and Andrea, they were little girls. Now Trina's in college, hoping to become an Industrial Pharmacist. Andrea's a senior in high school, now in serious thoughts of what to take up in college. Mom and Dad are as usual busy with their work and social obligations. I'm really happy that they actively take part in our town's religious community. Sometimes, I feel like the blessings are extended to us because mom and dad are so prayerful. Last quarter of the year, instead of going somewhere else, we decided to give ourselves a chance to be wowed by our very own, the Philippines. Finally, we planned a trip to Palawan. I don't even know where to start... It's really a beautiful place. We also got to see Tito Alex's farm. It's his personal space (a vast one at that, complete with a river and sloping hill). He's just started and it's really amazing to see the developments. The place highly speaks of Tito Alex's eye for detail, every corner, every plant, each furniture comes with a story. While the hammock swayed me, I realized how lucky we were to have been welcomed into this paradise.
Dec 11, I celebrated my 27th birthday. It was quiet and meaningful. Paolo made it extra special by surprising me with a video of my niece singing 'happy birthday Tita Ivy'. I can imagine Kuya and Ate coaching Gabby while recording the video. That was really a treat! Paolo also compiled letters for me. Oh he knows me too well. I'm really lucky to have a husband who understands the value of meaningful gifts more than store-bought things. Not that he can't afford. Paolo's a very responsible husband, and a thoughtful one too. This year, he got me my own car here! We've been sharing a car for the longest time and because both our work command working on different shifts, one has to sacrifice a few sleep time to be able to drop off and pick up each other. I'm really thankful Paolo got me one because if it's just up to me (and he knows this very well), I won't buy my own. We had an impromptu lunch with our friends, Michelle and JP. I was craving for pancit so we went and had some at Chowking! Mich got me a cake!
Aug 16, Paolo celebrated his 28th. I prepared dinner for him and his workmates also arranged an impromptu one the next day. Super fun!! Last year I was able to see my good friend Eds, who is now based in Singapore, for four times! Marvin, my cousin, got married and the whole fam went to Quezon to celebrate with them.This year, we also had the chance to visit our favorite spot in Pinas.. Baguio City!! My mom-in-law and my cousin, Zeina joined us! November, we visited the ancestral home of the Franciscos (grandma side of Paolo) in Laguna. We're happy that Tita Lisa, Tita Nona, Tito Chino, and Tito Franz were with us on that trip. I can still remember the lunch served at Tita Nina's house!
Lastly, I was also able to make amends with a few things that haunted me before. Facing my fears head on, I thought to myself, they're not scary after all. It was a good year.. and so, I left 2009 with a heavy bag full of beautiful memories.
Off to another year of hopeful beginnings. And just like what I've mentioned before, I appreciate the power of anticipation. The best is yet to come!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Progress and its perils
The feature article of the Economist magazine caught my attention while doing my number 2. Progress and its perils.. Too deep to ponder. I must think of happy thoughts when I'm sitting on my throne. Later..
My year ender was a trip to Entebbe, Uganda. Sadly, it was only a 24 hour stay. When we landed, I was greeted by lush greenery and red, red soil. With the cool breeze blowing on my face while walking on the tarmac, I silently said: Hello Africa! It was an hour long and bumpy ride to the hotel. I was asleep most of the time. When I woke up, I saw my colleague headbanging. Hmm.. I must have been headbanging earlier as well. Before I suffer from stiff neck, I decided to stay awake and just watch how people go on with their lives. Women were gathered next to a mango tree, chatting. Men were on their motorcycles on the side road, watching passer by's. Bunch of bananas were abundant. Lots of kids were playing. I saw caged live chickens which I suppose were being sold. Small houses line the road while at the backdrop, you will see huge, huge houses and mansions on top of the hills. I did not see any traffic light but I guess it's not really needed. There's no traffic anyway. I was reminded of being in a countryside in the Philippines. I love it because I grew up in the countryside. No traffic, everything is within 15 minutes reach. Very convenient. Back to Africa. After the uneventful drive, we turned left and I was delighted to see the place we're staying in. A total contrast to everything I saw. What's the word? Bongga! It was a resort complete with horse stables, olympic size pool, pocket gardens all over, a dock for yachts, grand lobby and buggies that will bring you to your room. As soon as I reached my room, I ordered my lunch.. a huge plate of grilled tilapia and steamed rice. I decided to have it in my balcony. When I'm sleepy, I would get into this state of like being half drunk.. floods of thoughts would rush into my head and it becomes incoherent at some point. I tried my best to stay sober, the air was clean, I was surrounded with the beauty of nature. I started looking back.
I enjoyed my childhood. I have to thank my parents for that. I was really happy with my Barbie Dolls. I loved them like they were my sisters (because I didn't have one, but now I have 3 sisters in law, God's really a great provider!). They had a set of nice wardrobe, a beautiful cabinet, bed complete with side tables and night lamp, swimming pool.. dining set, living room with a fireplace, the works. When I look back, I can still see the little Ivy brimming with great joy as I play with my Barbie Dolls. But what I enjoyed the most was playing with my playmates. We made blowing bubbles out of soap and gumamela flowers, sipped the nectar from suntan flowers, pulled palmera leaves to eat the white part at the bottom, made windmills from coconut leaves, stayed at Ate Jing's house till lunchtime,playing lutu-lutoan.. I also loved time spent with my family.. my mom's cooking, dad's jokes and kwentos, banters with my brother, vacations at my Lola's place and pasyals with my cousins.. Simple pleasures that made my childhood fun and meaningful. Then I grew up. Then technology came. Barbie dolls, blowing bubbles and leaf windmills were replaced by cellphones, gadgets, fancy food, clothes, bags and shoes.. things that always come with a price tag. How much do I need?
Progress is good, technology is great. Paolo once asked me if can I still live without all of these. Probably not anymore. I've already taken my bite of the apple. The world has welcomed me with open arms. I shall not resist. But then, once in a while, I would ask: what if I was never exposed to any of these? What if I grew up somewhere in remote Africa wherein maybe afternoons are spent underneath a mango tree, chatting with my friends, surrounded by kids playing around, wherein the only luxury available is having all the time in the world to be idle and enjoy what's around you.. would I know the difference? Would I feel as if something's lacking? Would I crave for more? I love the life that's given to me and I would not want to trade it with anyone's but the bottom line is, as the world progresses and as the world around me changes, so do my wants and needs. Sometimes it's hard to keep up. My quest for contentment has become the peril of my progress.
Resolution.. Everytime I feel like I'm getting lost in this big ocean, I'd take myself back to where it all started. The home I grew up in, the love of my family.. then I'd think of the family I'm building with my husband. I'd take a deep breath and release a sigh of relief. There are a few things that I can go on without for as long as I'm surrounded by people who matter to me. Paradise ain't so far after all. :)
My year ender was a trip to Entebbe, Uganda. Sadly, it was only a 24 hour stay. When we landed, I was greeted by lush greenery and red, red soil. With the cool breeze blowing on my face while walking on the tarmac, I silently said: Hello Africa! It was an hour long and bumpy ride to the hotel. I was asleep most of the time. When I woke up, I saw my colleague headbanging. Hmm.. I must have been headbanging earlier as well. Before I suffer from stiff neck, I decided to stay awake and just watch how people go on with their lives. Women were gathered next to a mango tree, chatting. Men were on their motorcycles on the side road, watching passer by's. Bunch of bananas were abundant. Lots of kids were playing. I saw caged live chickens which I suppose were being sold. Small houses line the road while at the backdrop, you will see huge, huge houses and mansions on top of the hills. I did not see any traffic light but I guess it's not really needed. There's no traffic anyway. I was reminded of being in a countryside in the Philippines. I love it because I grew up in the countryside. No traffic, everything is within 15 minutes reach. Very convenient. Back to Africa. After the uneventful drive, we turned left and I was delighted to see the place we're staying in. A total contrast to everything I saw. What's the word? Bongga! It was a resort complete with horse stables, olympic size pool, pocket gardens all over, a dock for yachts, grand lobby and buggies that will bring you to your room. As soon as I reached my room, I ordered my lunch.. a huge plate of grilled tilapia and steamed rice. I decided to have it in my balcony. When I'm sleepy, I would get into this state of like being half drunk.. floods of thoughts would rush into my head and it becomes incoherent at some point. I tried my best to stay sober, the air was clean, I was surrounded with the beauty of nature. I started looking back.
I enjoyed my childhood. I have to thank my parents for that. I was really happy with my Barbie Dolls. I loved them like they were my sisters (because I didn't have one, but now I have 3 sisters in law, God's really a great provider!). They had a set of nice wardrobe, a beautiful cabinet, bed complete with side tables and night lamp, swimming pool.. dining set, living room with a fireplace, the works. When I look back, I can still see the little Ivy brimming with great joy as I play with my Barbie Dolls. But what I enjoyed the most was playing with my playmates. We made blowing bubbles out of soap and gumamela flowers, sipped the nectar from suntan flowers, pulled palmera leaves to eat the white part at the bottom, made windmills from coconut leaves, stayed at Ate Jing's house till lunchtime,playing lutu-lutoan.. I also loved time spent with my family.. my mom's cooking, dad's jokes and kwentos, banters with my brother, vacations at my Lola's place and pasyals with my cousins.. Simple pleasures that made my childhood fun and meaningful. Then I grew up. Then technology came. Barbie dolls, blowing bubbles and leaf windmills were replaced by cellphones, gadgets, fancy food, clothes, bags and shoes.. things that always come with a price tag. How much do I need?
Progress is good, technology is great. Paolo once asked me if can I still live without all of these. Probably not anymore. I've already taken my bite of the apple. The world has welcomed me with open arms. I shall not resist. But then, once in a while, I would ask: what if I was never exposed to any of these? What if I grew up somewhere in remote Africa wherein maybe afternoons are spent underneath a mango tree, chatting with my friends, surrounded by kids playing around, wherein the only luxury available is having all the time in the world to be idle and enjoy what's around you.. would I know the difference? Would I feel as if something's lacking? Would I crave for more? I love the life that's given to me and I would not want to trade it with anyone's but the bottom line is, as the world progresses and as the world around me changes, so do my wants and needs. Sometimes it's hard to keep up. My quest for contentment has become the peril of my progress.
Resolution.. Everytime I feel like I'm getting lost in this big ocean, I'd take myself back to where it all started. The home I grew up in, the love of my family.. then I'd think of the family I'm building with my husband. I'd take a deep breath and release a sigh of relief. There are a few things that I can go on without for as long as I'm surrounded by people who matter to me. Paradise ain't so far after all. :)
Strawberry Fields Forever..
Let me take you down,
'cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields.
Nothing is real and nothing to get hung about.
Strawberry Fields forever.
Dad was the one who introduced Beatles to me. When I was little, some of my mornings were welcomed by the Beatles singing on the radio. Now that I no longer live with my parents, everytime I hear the Beatles, it reminds me of our home, the smell of my dad's coffee and the feeling of being young and carefree. I can't think of any concerns that bothered me then. Maybe just the househelp who was so OC, she would not let any of my playmates go inside the house. Ate Tina.. don't worry, I understand you now. When I was thinking of something that would be right for my blog, Strawberry Fields was the first one that came up. I love how the song sounds hazy.. like being in a dreamworld. Everytime we drive up to Baguio ( my favorite place in Pinas for so many sentimental reasons), I sing this in my mind. No, I don't live in a dreamworld but I love thinking of things that make me happy, that bring me back to wonderful and familiar places. In my case, nothing is more powerful than a song. So, let me take you down 'cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields..
It's the first day of the year. May we all have another great year! And may we all have Strawberry Fields that we can visit every now and then. Happy New Year everyone!
'cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields.
Nothing is real and nothing to get hung about.
Strawberry Fields forever.
Dad was the one who introduced Beatles to me. When I was little, some of my mornings were welcomed by the Beatles singing on the radio. Now that I no longer live with my parents, everytime I hear the Beatles, it reminds me of our home, the smell of my dad's coffee and the feeling of being young and carefree. I can't think of any concerns that bothered me then. Maybe just the househelp who was so OC, she would not let any of my playmates go inside the house. Ate Tina.. don't worry, I understand you now. When I was thinking of something that would be right for my blog, Strawberry Fields was the first one that came up. I love how the song sounds hazy.. like being in a dreamworld. Everytime we drive up to Baguio ( my favorite place in Pinas for so many sentimental reasons), I sing this in my mind. No, I don't live in a dreamworld but I love thinking of things that make me happy, that bring me back to wonderful and familiar places. In my case, nothing is more powerful than a song. So, let me take you down 'cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields..
It's the first day of the year. May we all have another great year! And may we all have Strawberry Fields that we can visit every now and then. Happy New Year everyone!
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