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!
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