M(a/e)rry May

My parents, older brother, aunt and cousin were married in May. Here in Metro Manila, it is a great time to marry since flowers are in bloom and during the early part of the month, you can still enjoy sunny weather (June is mostly rainy). This weekend, my parents and older brother (and sis-in-law, of course) celebrated their wedding anniversaries (May 3 and 4, respectively). An uncle had an early birthday celebration (May 6) as well.

As usual, we had lots of food and fun/funny conversations. Since my mom loves to cook, she was in high spirits as she watched her grandchildren devour every bit of pancit canton, lechon kawali, chicken pineapple and drank to their heart's content the cold and sweet gulaman drink. The waknatoy (Marikeños' version of menudo) brought by my uncle and the Red Ribbon mocha cake gift from my other brother were also early favorites.

Karlo, my favorite nephew, is now a teenager and our conversations have now shifted to girls and prom dates. My pretty nieces are growing up so fast too and new addition to the family is highly anticipated. Two of my cousins are expecting their first-born in a few months. Whewww!!! I can't thank the universe enough for the kind of support, love and occasional spats that my family (and extended family) enjoy all these years.

Even Magnolia looks forward to more parties such as the latest one we had. Am sure she enjoyed the lechon kawali. hahahaha

Thank you Universe!

The E Word

My friend has decided to give it another try with her husband. They've been separated for six years. During those years, relatives on both sides have muddled the issue beyond epic proportion. (Filipinos are clannish so in one way or another each has a "view" of the situation and force him/herself into the middle of it.)

They have two good looking sons (both are my inaaanak). Like most mothers, my friend is willing to sacrifice a lot just for the sake of her children, even her own happiness which I think is a double-edged sword.

We, her girl friends, were there during the most trying times, listening and doing our best to ease up the pain. We did not condemn the guy because we knew that a relationship is not a one-way street and our friend no matter how much we love her was not at all faultless.

Now that they've decided to patch things up and start anew, we're not yet ready to say our piece.

We are not against them trying to "fix" things and finding their happiness the second time around but we decided to keep mum about the issue for now. We are in agreement that getting back for the sake of the children is not really the best reason to live together again. There are many more issues to tackle, for sure, and until then when things have been discussed, forgiven, resolved and both parties decided that there are more right reasons to stay together than apart that we will be happy for them. Extended families, please keep out for now!

We will wait and hope for the best. If things go wrong again, we're right here friend. Our shoulders are always ready for you.

Early Retirement

Am lucky to be enjoying my time at this age. Am on semi retirement. I work homebased, full time, but it's really a breeze. In fact, I have so much time in my hands that I can accommodate freelance assignments. I have technology to thank for that--my laptop, hsdpa phone, pda, desktop, dsl.

Am not saying that I have loads of moolah to support my lifestyle. I don't really have savings but I live a good life. I have a house. I have parents who are both retired and own a farm. More important than that is the support that we give to each other.

If only I can drive, I have a car too. Hahahaha. Money was not a motivation for me to accept a job. As long as am paid a fair amount, am ok with it. I finished a Journalism course. Although it doesn't necessarily follow, I write. I enjoy it. Getting paid for something that I enjoy doing is really a bonus. I've had many free assignments before, mostly for friends. Am fine with that. Although practically speaking, I need to earn to cover the bills. When I earn enough for my internet, cc, water, electricity, mortgage, am good. Shopping is not really something that I miss although I love to shop. I've had my time.

I have the things that I need--clothes, bags, shoes, makeup, lotion, moisturizer (day & night), gadgets, etc etc etc. I didn't have all those during my younger years. But I don't have regrets. My parents have provided a good home. Enough money is good for me. I don't want to be filthy.

I cherish the relationships that I have. Am very comfortable with the people that I choose to be part of my life.

So I have a happy family, great friends, and a very nice bf.

Guess am really lucky.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

I feel good.

Bakasyon Grande!

Am enjoying my newly-acquired freedom. I flew to Boracay over the weekend and got my needed respite from work (yipeeeee!). Well, it was my first time to visit and what can I say, I had a great time. (pics and travel story to follow)

Another long weekend beckons so am preparing now for a farm party (my dad's 65th bday!). Fun! It's always nice to spend time with family. Am so thankful that mine is such a loving and supportive one, extended family and all.

And I bought a house, by the way! Another reason to celebrate. Am a proud homeowner. Ta ta!