so this is married life...

Guessing game

2012-02-17T19:45:00.002+08:00

I'm almost 19 weeks and the baby bump is getting more obvious. It can still be hidden with certain clothes, but in general there is a hint of a little presence in my middle.

And of course, people who notice can't help but play the guessing game of what gender it will be. Most people think the baby will be a girl. They say because I'm blooming. Why thank you for that folks! I've only had one who thought it would be a boy. This was on a day when I was too lazy to comb my hair properly.

For the blooming part, I'd say that is partly true if I be objective about myself. I've been dressing up a little more feminine than usual. I do have an explanation for that. In general, I dress casual on regular days. But I made a promise to myself a long time ago that when I get pregnant, I will not be losyang. (But really, the blooming part is an illusion. My face is splotched with rashes at the moment. My tummy seem to be following suit. I sneeze worse than I used to. When I get home, I feel butt ugly. I just try to get over it fast. Hehehe!)

Still, I thought pregnancy was the perfect time to reinvent myself and explore a different side of me. Changes are happening after all. At the same time, no one would really dare to make fun of how I would look. If they do, I'd pretend to burst out crying and blame the hormones. And baby bumps are just absolutely beautiful, so pregnancy is definitely the best time to show off a woman's sparkle! My hair has also grown longer and less rowdy, so I have less bad hair days now. The lip balm that I bought turned out to have some color so it appears that I am wearing light lipstick. Friends who were pregnant before gave me beautiful maternity clothes and my mom just bought me a pair of tops from Bangkok.

So you see, I can't help but feel lovely and dress nicely. There is my stubborn pledge to myself back when I was younger that I have to fulfill plus the support of family and friends who's journeying with me with my pregnancy.

If I be honest with myself, I've always wanted to have a boy. I prefer rough and tumble play and climbing trees and street games to indoor games with dolls and toys. It would be a chance to relive my youth without seeming to be silly. Of course, at the end of the day, it does not really matter. What I pray for the most is to have a healthy child with a happy heart. I hope for a wise mind, a gentle spirit and kind hands.

In a few weeks, there is no need to play a guessing game anybecause more we can know for sure. But maybe, just maybe, I will be a little naughty and keep it a secret and just keep people guessing. What do you think? :P

That special one in a billion

2012-02-12T17:47:00.000+08:00

I was waiting for my second ultrasound. There were other women in the waiting room, most of them pregnant. It was quiet except for the television set at a low volume and the chatter of the nurses and attendants with incoming patients.

It was another day at the office for most people, but there were several of us feeling quite special that moment. Some of us will be seeing our little babies for the first time. Some for a second or a third or a fourth. Each time is as thrilling as the first. Probably some with a bit of nervousness. But mostly excited.

The world is already more than seven billion people. Yet many women or couples around the world are excited to have one more. That one more that means so much. Some unexpected, some hoped for, all special. Each child a miracle... a gift... a blessing to someone.

It was a beautiful thought. I glanced through most of the women and wished them all safe pregnancies and healthy babies.

"House-band"

2012-01-31T12:46:00.028+08:00

No, Jan has not left his work to be a work-at-home husband or dad-to-be. He's just a bit obsessed with sprucing up the condo. Since November, he's been carrying out a measuring tape wherever he goes. It seems to me that he is measuring every corner of our little home. He even made a mock-up of our unit in Sketch-Up. Most of the websites he visits are home related, except for NBA and football.

It drives me crazy sometimes. And I will admit that it even makes me annoyed because I feel the condo takes over everything else including myself. The operative word being "feel." We've had an argument or two about it, mostly because of me. But after I have expunged all the negative air about it, I do realize that I am quite lucky with this man who cares so much that we have a comfortable and happy home.

Imagine, I really don't have to do anything except give my opinion. I've vetoed a few ideas and have let him decide on others. Our place is still a bit of a mess with our kitchen area being constructed but I can already imagine how cozy everything will be once everything is in place. And when things settle down, I will have my wonderful husband to thank for. His enthusiasm, and yes, even obsession spared me a lot of work. That part I am extremely happy about.

Here's hoping that in a couple of weeks, everything will be settled with the house and Jan will stop measuring the house and keep track of my belly. :)

"House Manager"

2012-01-29T12:36:00.000+08:00

I always knew that managing the house is not an easy task but it was only these past few weeks that I discovered it can be very tiring.

Since I found out that I have gestational diabetes, preparing my own food was the best way to make sure I am able to manage my blood sugar. We don't have an electric stove yet but we do have an electric grill and a microwave oven. At least I am able to avoid using oil in our food in the meantime.

My routine would involve marinating my planned meal for the next day the night before. I would put it in the chiller so it won't freeze. When I wake up, I would measure my blood sugar afterwards put the meat in the grill. While waiting for it to cook, I have to prepare my salad and rice exchange (rice, corn, potatoes). This would take around 15 to 20 minutes. I would then eat my breakfast of milk, rice exchange and fruit. If my meat is already cooked, I would pack my lunch. If there is enough time, I would wash the dishes but if not, they wait until I get home. Or if Jan is not in a hurry, he'd take care of it. I would take out the meat that I would have to marinate for the next day from the freezer and leave it in the ref so when I come home it's already thawed. Then comes bath time and dressing up. If that would be an hour since I ate, I'd measure my blood sugar again. Then I leave for work.

When I get back from work, I would wash any dishes left. Then I would marinate my food for dinner and lunch. I'd prepare my salad and rice exchange again. While waiting for the rest of the stuff to cook, I'd see if there is any thing that needs arranging in the condo. Though to be honest, I am not as diligent with this as I should be. But really, cooking alone takes so much energy already.

I try to cook for Jan as well but his schedule has been erratic of late. He also says I should take care of my food first since he can eat anything without issue so he can get food anywhere. Sweet of him, though I wish I could prepare food for him more.

By 9PM, I am already exhausted. Sometimes I fall asleep in the middle of watching a recorded show or in the middle of reading a chapter. But I try to stay up because I have to drink my milk around 10.30PM.

Caring for a small studio unit is already challenging. Imagine if we had a one or two bedroom unit? And when the baby comes. How crazy would that be?

I am really amazed with all those working women who manage to do all these things by themselves. These are the women who deserve a great treat on Mother's Day!

To all working women out there, I salute you.

7 years

2012-01-19T17:08:00.001+08:00

It was under a tree somewhere near the Ateneo car park that THE conversation happened.

"Ano ito?"

Usually this question comes from the girl, but strangely enough it was the boy who asked. The girl was not really expecting this question to come up any time soon. It has just been three weeks of going together on dinners and movies and gigs.

Never imagined myself getting in a whirlwind romance, but there I was. But the question was asked. Long story short, then friendster relationship status would have shifted from "it's complicated" to "in a relationship." Not that I really bothered with that part of the profile. Hehehe!

It has been seven years since.

To celebrate, the hubby and I will be watching SPIT at Quantum Cafe. Thanks to Groupon, we were able to get 50% off regular rates. And I can't wait. Not only because Jan and I have not yet had a decent date in ages, owing to moving houses and preparing for a baby but because I have not seen a SPIT gig in years.

It's a perfect celebration. Watching silly people to commemorate our wonderfully silly seven years as a couple.

And the food is healthy enough for me too! Wheeee!

Books read for 2011

2012-01-14T19:49:00.000+08:00

I read 47 books for 2011. Too bad I didn't make it to 52 so it would have been a book a week average. But I'd say not bad at all. Though I have friends who've read more than 70 and more than 100. Bow to that! I did also watch a lot of movies and TV, so that took time away from the books.

My favorites for the year were The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Book Thief, The Hunger Games trilogy, Battle Royale, The Tiffany Aching series and Norwegian Wood.

I doubt if I can reach the same number as 2011 for 2012, but I'll try to read as much as I can anyway. Looking forward to more books this year.

So here's my books read for 2011.

January

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Goblet of Fire to Half-Blood Prince read December 2010)

2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

3. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

4. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

5. The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett

6. A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett

7. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

8. The Ask and The Answer by Patrick Ness

9. Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness

10. Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan ni Bob Ong

February

1. Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett

2. Slumdog Millionaire (Q & A) by Vikas Swarup

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Steven Chbosky

March

1. The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

2. Norwegian Wood by Murukami

April

1. Breakfast at Tiffany's and Three Stories by Truman Capote

2. Across the Universe by Beth Ravis

3. The Giver by Lois Lowry

4. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

May

1. Charmed Life by Dianna Wynn Jones

2. The Lives of Christopher Chant by Dianna Wynn Jones

3. The Magicians of Caprona by Dianna Wynn Jones

June

1. The Witch Week by Dianna Wynn Jones

2. Conrad's Date by Dianna Wynn Jones

July

1. Pinhoe's Egg by Dianna Wynn Jones

2. Promethea Book 1 by Alan Moore

3. Promethea Book 2 by Alan Moore

4. Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman (re-read)

August

1. Fables Homelands by Bill Willingham

2. Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonnell

3. Paradise by Larry McMurtry

4. What I Talk About when I Talk About Running by Haruki Murukami

5. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

6. Battle Royale by Koushun Takami

September

1. Riddlestrop by Andy Mulligan

2.The Magicians by Lev Grossman

October

1. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Andy Mulligan

2. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

3. Trese 4: Last Seen After Midnight by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldissimo

4. Elmber by Gerry Alanguilan

5. The Kite Runner by Khaleid Hosseini

November

1. Life of Pi by Yann Martel

2. The Magician's Apprentice by Judith Heneghan

December

1. Marley and Me by John Groghan

2. Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

3. I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pretchett

4. The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan

The Last Planner You'll Ever Have

2012-01-10T13:31:00.010+08:00

Last year, I had the "Relax Lang, Puso Lang Yan, Malayo sa Bituka" Planner. It was quite a fun planner to have, with reminders about heart breaks, courting and what have you scattered all over it's pages. There were also reminders on when certain movies showed or which couple married or broke up on certain dates. I usually don't finish a planner, but this one I was able to fill up well enough.

I was waiting for their 2012 version but unfortunately Witty Will Save the World, Co. was not able to produce anything this year. I thought I would have to settle for a Starbucks planner. Not. I did try for it though. I was able to get four stickers. I gave it away for someone else to use instead. I won't be able to drink coffee anyway.

I thought of getting an Avante Garde planner, which looked really chic and classy. Something I am not but it was a pretty planner, and sometimes I like pretty. We actually had one reserved already. But then, my brother gave me this cool planner instead.

The Last Planner You'll Ever Have 2012 Planner. I think most of us heard the "news" that 2012 is the end of the world, according to the Mayan calendar. So in case the advanced civilization of the Mayans were correct, then this planner wants to help its user be prepared for the eventual end of the world.

In the list of dates and holidays to remember, December 21 is included.

Thus Christmas and Rizal Day happening has yet to be confirmed.

The planner includes pages for your bucket list, a last will testament, "to-do" and "not to-do" list (R-18 version). There is also a end of the world survival kit as well as tips for a time capsule. In case people survive armageddon.

My 2011 planner was funnier, but this planner has its moments. It's an ingenious concept for a planner. The paper and spacing for the dates aren't that bad either. It feels more sturdy than the "Relax Lang..." datebook which fell apart middle of the year.

Never again, Starbucks or whatever coffee shop out there makes planners. I like my planners funny!

No pets allowed

2012-01-09T12:24:00.003+08:00

I'm really enjoying our condo right now. Small as it is, it is quite cozy. Where we are located, I can walk to work or the hospital. It's a bus ride to Ayala, Megamall, Shangri-la, Cubao or Trinoma. The airport is around 20 minutes with regular traffic. The pool may be four feet at its deepest, but it's good enough for the exercise I need. It's a comfortable place and it is ours. :)

The only thing that is missing somewhat are pets. Pets are not allowed in the condo. Not even goldfish! Not that I want a goldfish, but it's a funny thing not to allow. I don't know how that little thing could bother neighbors.

Anyway, I miss our dogs in Pasig. Shogun (the Pug) and Bruce (the Chihuahua) always makes going home fun. They run to you quite excited to see you back. Never mind Shogun's slobbering and Bruce's jealousy. They always make me laugh especially when they play together. Like this tug-of-war game where Shogun was not even trying.

There is also mother and child, Loren and Sushi. Loren gave birth to five pups, one of which died. The other three pups were given away. My favorite, Ninja, was dognapped by Jan's cousin, so we ended up with Sushi. She's also cute and lovable. She also takes over my favorite spot on couch all the time. :S

So there are no fuzzy warm bodies to greet us in the condo when we get home. I do make it up with the wonderful shirt my brother-in-law gave me for Christmas. It's a Zara shirt with a pug and chihuahua on it! Not only is the shirt comfortable, it makes me laugh when I see it.

I hang it near the bed so when I wake up, it's one of the first things I see. I laugh inside when I remember our Mutt and Jeff pets. It's almost as good as having the real thing, without having to worry about their food or poop or hygiene. :P

Meet the doctors

2012-01-08T12:03:00.000+08:00

After my ultrasound, I went straight to my OB-Gyne. There were three other patients before me, so I got my Kindle and began reading "A Game of Thrones" while waiting. When it was finally my time to meet with Dr. Henson, she was more than happy to announce that I can go already go back to work. Though with or without her signal, I would have gone anyway. Hehehe.

The best part was I can already start doing some exercises, including walking and swimming. I'm not big on exercising, but I really welcome movement right now. I've been wanting to dance to "Move Like Jagger" for weeks already.

When she asked about my sugar levels though, she was a bit concerned that my sugar was still high. This is just partly true though. My glucose was normal for two-thirds the time but that does not seem to be a good sign for her. Uh. Plus the fact that I lost five pounds, she was also concerned because I needed to gain weight already. She said that if the endocrinologist recommends I take insulin, she is all for it. Other than that, our next appointment will be the next month already. Woohoo!!!

The day after, I met with Dr. Capellan. The woman is quite busy! I had more than patients before me. I ended up waiting for three hours. However, I like her a lot. She really talks to you and discusses your concerns. Her time with patients often take long. For those waiting, it may be annoying, but if you are the patient, you feel really cared for. So yeah, never mind the wait.

Dr. Capellan did also have concerns with my sugar. But I told her that my glucose has been stabilizing the last three days. Because of that, she was willing to give me another week to monitor my sugar before she decides to have me take insulin. The five pounds loss was also something that may have her put me on insulin. With insulin, I can have more calorie intake. With the second trimester coming, weight gain is important for both the baby and I.

She did give me a bit of good news, increasing my intake of beef or pork within a week. I was limited to it once a week. She did not say how often more I can have it, but I will keep it at three times a week max.

I have a feeling the insulin will be inevitable but I want to avoid it as long as possible. I can do this!

Third time's the charm!

2012-01-07T11:29:00.000+08:00

I had my ultrasound again last Thursday (January 5). Before the ultrasound (UTZ), I was a bit nervous. Because of the diet the nutritionist gave me, I actually lost five pounds. I was also having some occasional cramps days leading to the ultrasound. It was nothing really painful but could get uncomfortable and disconcerting.

Jan went with me before going to the office since the UTZ was supposed to be at 9AM. They called me at 9:30 AM though. Jan had to wait outside first before he could come in.

When the UTZ commenced, I wasn't sure what to make of it. Unlike the previous ultrasounds, the form of the baby could easily be identified. This time, the images looked like blobs to me. I was trying to read the sonologist's expression to see whether there was something to concerned about. She was just talking jargon to the other doctor and taking measurements at first. Finally, she talked to me and asked if I had someone with me. They finally called Jan.

The baby was doing well. It was moving so much that was why they had difficulty getting a good image. "Kapag malikot, matuwa ka! Matakot ka, kung di masyado gumagalaw!" That was great to hear. The limbs were longer and the rump looked cute. The eye sockets were clear but made our baby look like an alien in the UTZ. Heartbeat was still at 162.

It was so wonderful to see, and all the better to have Jan holding my hand when we heard this great news. Plus the subchorionic hemorrhage is finally gone. :)

I haven't scanned the images yet to post here, but really, there was no clear image to the untrained eye to see a baby form. Believe me, I tried and failed. I was this close to looking at it with 3D glasses. :P

I'm so excited already, I wonder how much more excitement is possible for a mother/parent-to-be!

Noche Buena and Media Noche

2012-01-03T11:25:00.000+08:00

were 250 grams of low-fat milk and one slice of bread.

The rest of the family had fiesta ham, queso de bola, chicken and fruit salad.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! :)

Oh dear. My blood is too sweet.

2011-12-28T10:42:00.000+08:00

The ultrasound made up for the excruciating blood extraction I had to go through last December 19. I kept remembering the image of the little embryo with it's moving almost limbs and fast heartbeat. The next day, however, I was a little nervous about my blood tests. I got the results after work. I got all of them except for the HIV test which would be ready by Friday.

I examined my results. I understood that my blood test and my urinalysis were okay. The other stuff were too technical for me to understand. I did get a bit concerned with the Rubella one because it showed it was high. I was wondering if I was high with the rubella virus. I looked at the "What to expect when you're expecting" book Rowie lent me. It did not really shed light on what the tests meant but I was hoping it meant that I had high rubella antibody count. Only the visit to the doctor will tell.

Finally, I met with the doctor on Wednesday. We first discussed that the internal bleeding which did increase but had no effects to the baby. So that was good. She almost forgot to review my tests until I pointed it out to her. Good thing her secretary checked it before hand and mentioned something I needed to be concerned about. This was why I remembered to ask her about it.

Rubella was the least of my concerns. The results actually showed I had good immunity against it. It was my glucose that was something to worry about. My fasting rate was good, but after I took the yucky glucose solution, my blood sugar was too high even after two hours. Since diabetes runs in the family, my doctor was not inclined to believe it is gestational, rather something that was there before.

I'm hoping she's wrong, that it is something that will eventually go away after child birth. But for the duration of the pregnancy, it is something I will have to watch out for. Dr. Henson recommended I see a endocrinologist or diabetes doctor so I can be guided on what food I can have.

Thankfully, the doctor, Dr. Capellan, is covered by my extension HMO so one less consultation fee to pay for. When she saw my test and found out that I was only 10 weeks pregnant, she was inclined to believe that I do have diabetes given our family history. She immediately recommended that I monitor my blood sugar upon waking and after every meals. I had to go to the Diabetes clinic to learn how to monitor my sugar as well as have a specially-planned diet made for me.

All these things cost! I had to pay for the sessions on the diet and the monitoring (around P1,100 total), plus the glucose monitoring kit (P3,700 for the monitor, P4,000 monthly for lancets and chips). My diet was down to 1,750 calories/day broken down into 3 meals and 3 snacks. The meal plan did not look depressing at all, at least. It's just going to be difficult to eat out. Or at the hubby's parents. :P

I was a bit down, having to forego the ice cream and the cheesecake. Plus the lechon and kare-kare. Christmas season was coming and food is part of the Filipino celebration... so it was definitely going to be a challenge.

But this discipline that I have to learn is not for myself but for the well-being of my baby. And for that, I will not be defeated.

I can do this!

Take two!

2011-12-25T17:46:00.000+08:00

I had to take another ultrasound on last December 19 to check on the hemorrhage. Jan was unable to make it because we had a bit of miscommunication. It was too bad because the form of the baby was much clearer. And it was great seeing its little finger nubs moving about. I also got to hear the heartbeat! Such music to the ears.

Every time I see those moving limbs and beating heart, I feel hopeful. :)

As for the hemorrhage, it was a little bigger. When the doctor checked, however, she said she was not as concerned as before because it seemed that the bleeding did not affect the baby. The baby was actually growing at a good rate. She did ask me if I wanted to have further bed rest. For that week, I said I needed to get back to work, but I would gladly take it for the next couple of weeks.

So officially, I am on bed rest again. But I can be a little more mobile now. Yey!

Tests, tests, tests!

2011-12-21T05:29:00.000+08:00

I was scheduled to have the standard battery of tests to be taken on December 19. I thought it was just your typical time at the laboratory where they extract your blood and use the vial taken to be tested. Well, my thoughts were correct. What I failed to realize that for each test, they need a vial of blood. I only had to have seven tests. Frak.

The worst thing about it was I had very thin capillaries. Every time I have blood tests, the nurses would often exclaim about extracting my blood is a challenge. So when I had my tests, I had to be pricked several times. One prick would just yield two and a half vials. They had to take from the other arm since my veins collapsed. Both arms ended up taking a beating. Boy, was it painful. I don't usually hurt from needles, but with the amount of blood they needed to take, it really hurt.

The most stressful test was the glucose 75 which was to measure the sugar in the blood. For that I had to fast. I was already so hungry by 9AM. We got to the hospital around 9.30AM, only to find out that I left the doctor's instructions for the tests. Jan had to go back to the condo to get it. He got back to the hospital at 10.15AM. By the time it was my turn, it was quarter to 11.

When they got my blood, they had to extract one particular vial for my blood sugar after fasting. Then I had to drink this bottle full of glucose that was disgustingly sweet. Ugh. Then they had to take more blood samples an hour after and two hours after. Which meant, I could not eat until they got the third extract. Whuh? I was so faint with hunger already!

Plus I had to run to my ultrasound upstairs. The wait for that took too long. By the time they took my ultrasound, I was late for my one-hour after extraction. The secretary of my doctor also called me up to tell me that the doctor would be unavailable because she had to conduct a delivery, so we had to reschedule on Wednesday.

By the time my last extraction happened, I was absolutely dizzy with hunger! I thought I could eat a horse after, but I was also so faint, I could only eat a little. I actually over ordered, but the good thing is, I had extra for merienda. Hehe!

What a day it was! I went home dizzy, with bruised veins. I guess that's part of the 'fun' and sacrifice of motherhood to be. :P

There's a but...

2011-12-14T04:40:00.000+08:00

The ultrasound showed us that our baby was doing well with 164 heartbeats per minute. Definitely a good heartbeat. It was something to be thankful for. To be honest, I had to hold back telling most people because I've heard a few horror stories of pregnancies around the first trimester. It was a relief and a joy to see the baby having a healthy heart.

Ultrasounds do reveal other things. It showed that I had something called "subchorionic hemorrhage." The doctor explained that there was minimal bleeding in my uterus. It was like wet glue that did not stick that well yet, so we had to be careful. She wanted to be overly cautious and adviced some bed rest for me. There was nothing to be really worried about, but since it was the most sensitive stage of pregnancy, it was best to take extra precaution.

So rest I did. And it was needed to be honest. I was always sleepy. And even if I was just sitting down, I felt tired most of the time. I felt nauseous most of the time and would occasionally vomit. So it was good that I listened because the past few days have been uncomfortable. Because I was hormonal, I snapped at one point because... of lumpy pillows! But after getting back to my fluffy pillows, there was a huge difference on how rested I felt!

If I have to be behaved and well-mannered and prim just to make sure the baby has a safe journey in my tummy, will do!

First picture!

2011-12-07T04:29:00.000+08:00

I was pretty excited to finally have my ultrasound. If there was something to see the moment we found out, I would have gotten that ultrasound immediately. But of course, we had to wait for me to reach eight weeks to make sure there was something to see.

On December 6, we had a first glimpse of our little one. :)

There are no words to describe the excitement of seeing the vague form of your child. Seeing the heartbeat gave me goosebumps! There's not much to see, but already s/he is beautiful.

Jan and I feel so blessed. :)

11.11.11

2011-12-01T18:25:00.000+08:00

It was truly a special day for Jan and I.

It was on this day that we confirmed that I was pregnant. With four home tests. At around one in the morning. Because I could not help but want to be absolutely sure.

All four showed two strips. :)

And boy, did my body act up once we confirmed it! But it will be all worth it. :)

Roosting soon!

2011-11-29T23:09:00.000+08:00

Buying a condo through pre-selling can be quite a test of patience. When we decided to buy a condo unit in Avida last May 2010, we were expecting that the units would be ready by July 2011. Obviously, that's wishful thinking but one could always hope, right. Well, it was five months after our expectation that can finally move in.

We were pretty excited to see the unit as soon as we found out we can punch list already. Alhough I have the admit my spirit fell a bit when I saw how tiny the place is. Good thing Jan was more positive than I was. He saw it for what it was -- our very own home, our nesting place. :)

The great thing about having a creative husband, Jan was pretty excited to arrange the condo himself. This included a 3-D mock-up in some Google program. Aliw di ba? My job was to give reality checks, though sometimes I can be quite harsh. Hehehe!

Today, he painted the place by himself. He actually bought the gray paint a few days back since we hoped to start painting last Sunday but we ended buying a few appliances and a bed instead.

He did a pretty amazing job with the portion that he finished. Fine arts yata mister ko! Painting a wall with one color is peanuts! Almost boring, really.

The contrast is not too clear, but the gray wall is an improvement from the creamy yellowish walls Avida used.

This is where most likely our "bedroom" will be. Right beside the door to the balcony.

Most likely where the wardrobe and a working table will be placed. If we get a TV, it could also be placed here. We'll see.

"Kitchen." Fingers crossed we have enough budget left for a marble counter top/table. I'm wishing to have lots of cupboards here.

The best thing about our unit is it has its own balcony. Only a few units have one. For now, we have a view of the sunset and in this photo, a bit of the crescent moon. It's noisy though. We can hear the train coming and cars honking. Good thing I grew up in places like Sta. Ana and Singalong where noise is a constant.

If we get the paint job done by tomorrow (hopefully) and the furniture gets delivered by Thursday, we can even stay the night on Friday already. That's the best case scenario though. Realistically speaking, Monday morning we don't need to brave the traffic and just walk to our offices.

Gosh, I feel so adult right now. And so married. :P

happy birthday, mahal!

2011-10-26T23:57:00.000+08:00

it has been a year since my last post. hehehe! doesn't mean, i have not much to say about married life though.

anyway, happy birthday to my sleepyhead playmate!

i love it that we can get very silly. like little children who just can't stop teasing each other.

i love knowing that i will be journeying the rest of my life with you.

to more crazy moments and to more travels! i am certain of those. same as i am certain of you.

welcome to the latter half of 30s, old man. :P

happy birthday, mahal!

2010-10-27T22:53:00.000+08:00

it has been 35 years since the world welcomed you into her arms.

while i have known you for a much shorter period, five years to be precise, every moment with you has been a blessing.

you confuse me.

you baffle me.

you make me scratch my head.

you make me laugh.

you are silly with me.

you can be so downright corny.

but every little bit of you makes me understand what it means when you say, i love you more to day than yesterday.

happy birthday. :)

<-------o------->

Cheapskate

2010-08-23T18:57:00.000+08:00

You would know about Starbucks planners every Christmas, noh? Well there was a year that I wanted to get one. Whenever I would go to Manila from Davao, I would ask J to take me to Starbucks so we can each have a coffee. It would be during these circumstances that he would ask me if I would like to split a tall or venti hot coffee. And I would tell him to have two short coffees instead because I wanted to get the planner.

I did get the planner. But I never got to use it. Like most other planners I owned which about lay untouched by mid-June.

It was one of those drinking coffees that I asked J why he keeps asking me if I want to share a Venti instead of us getting a short coffee each. He pointed how many ounces a venti was (20, thus venti) and a short cup (12 oz.). The price difference is about 40 pesos but the weight difference is already 8oz. If we get two short lattes, we'd pay P240 but if we get one venti, we pay P160. Genius! We average P80 for our coffee of 10 oz. Each ounce then has more value for money. It pays to have a frugal partner noh? :P

I eventually picked up this trend whenever we eat out. Since both of us are cheapskates... er, frugal, we prefer to save on food. Whenever we eat out, be it dessert, salad, pizza, steak or noodles, we would get the bigger order and share it between the two of us. This way we get to enjoy more food choices for a much lower cost. Not only that, we lessen the calorie intake compared to ordering one each of our meal. Even in fastfood chains, we would upsize the drink so we can just share one big glass than have two small ones. Sharing fries is often tricky because the way we eat it is different.

Call us cheap, but this is something we both enjoy doing. We present the image of being sweet to each other when in fact, we're really just stretching the budget. :P

Pictures of food we share

Apple pie and cherry pie from an organic market in The Hague.

Crepe with the works in Davao City. It looks better than it tastes though. One of those times splitting food is a great idea.

Apple and cinnamon pannenkoeken (pancake) in Schevinengen in the Hague. Eight euros for this beautiful piece of food. Expensive! But we were able to taste it though we still went home a bit hungry. :P

in sickness and in health

2010-08-18T21:39:00.000+08:00

Damn.

J and i are both quarantined because of conjunctivitis, aka sore eyes. J just discovered that the American version of the disease is called pink eye. Anyway, there are five of us in the house which have it. The other half have thankfully been spared, and hopefully it stays that way.

The last two days, J has spent mostly sleeping and lying down. I'm not a great fan of sleeping especially when I am not tired, so most of my rest day has been spent playing facebook games, trying to catch up on scores and increasing my level.

Our joint activity has been watching movies. We've already seen Joey Gosengfiao's Temptation Island, Hot Fuzz and What's Eating Gilbert Grape. I also played catch up with "Magkaribal," the best bitcheserye in town. LOL.

Anyway... he deserves this break much more than I do. However, the upside to this itchy scratchy situation is we get to just hang out in our room. Watching him sleep, eyes puffy and all, I can not imagine being stuck in this uncomfortable situation other than him. :)

of dates and furniture

2010-07-01T21:42:00.000+08:00

Our journey towards a new home have slowly begun. And I find it so sweet to see J quite excited by a little 20 sq. m. condo unit. He compares our home with other condo units being built and pre-sold. He has not stopped researching websites that feature decorating small spaces. I, on the other hand, barely think about it given that it is still 12 months away. I'm more worried about the payment and how to manage the house in case we have a third member of our family.

But I enjoy seeing J like that. I enjoy his passion for our new home. There are days when it is so cute.

About a couple of weeks back, while I was playing FB games, J went in the room carrying a newspaper. He asked me if I wanted to go on a date. Then showed me the newspaper. Home Depot was 70% off. He said we can go to that UP Thai restaurant that I liked. I was laughing a bit. I told him I would take his offer because he rarely asks me out on a date. It does not matter that it will be in a furniture store. I kidded that I was just humoring him because he was so excited. It was mostly true but the entire truth was I could not help but feel happy to be with a man who is really excited about his home. :)

photo from trendir.com

House hunting

2010-05-31T23:23:00.001+08:00

Ever since I returned to the Philippines, J and I have been living with his parents in Pasig (bordering Cainta). Of course, finding our own place has been in the pipe line even before we got married but I had to leave for studies and all that. The plans had to take a back seat.

When I got back, there was a lot of uncertainty. Despite a masters degree, I had no guarantee I'd get a good job. I'd run back to Davao if I would just think of my career path but work for J is not as thriving as it is Manila, so I figured we should try things out here first.

It was a crazy twist of fate that after six or seven years of freelance work, J got invited by a friend to work for his company. J, who was quite comfortable with the freelance set-up, thought that if he would be tied up to an employer, it might as well be with something he can really contribute to and someone he would want to help. So J was finally employed.

I, on the other hand, was becoming desperate for work having been two months out of school already. It is true what they say though, "when it rains, it pours" because calls for job interviews came one after another. I even had to turn down a couple and intentionally make myself undesirable for another one. After two and half months, I finally landed a job. Better-paying compared to my previous job and most importantly, the office is in the same street as J. We travel to work and back home together. :)

Things pretty much settled for us in terms of work. It was time to get our act together as a family unit. We both believe it begins with our own place. At first, I was just interested in renting a place near our work place. Just so we can avoid the traffic going to and from work. The nearer to work, the better it would be.

But events do happen as they please, even if things aren't the way you planned it. J and I came across a couple of pre-selling condominium units near Don Bosco. One was Vista Land and another Ayala Land. It was actually enjoyable checking out model units. I particularly love how Ayala Land was able to deck out the units to look quite homey and livable. Honestly though, I never really imagined myself to be a condo girl. I've always lived in a house with sufficient space for everything.

We found ourselves liking Avida Towera (Ayala) over Trevi (Vista Land) because it was better-designed and looked like it was given more thought. Here's the thing though... much as we would like to have at least a one bedroom unit, we could not afford it. It was almost double the price of the studio unit, which with a little bit of stretching, we can afford (if we stay with our work forever! :P).

The studio is this small...

26 square meters. 18 sq. m of living space, 3 sq. m of the bathroom and 4 sq. m of balcony (facing Manila Bay... if Filinvest does not cover our view!).

Just last Friday, I found out that our water and sanitation kits are 25 cubic meters. That's our condo unit. Wow. Teeny-tiny little thing. A container van would probably have a bigger space.

But we took it anyway. Over a bigger place that would be available probably somewhere in Las Pinas or Sta. Rosa.

Because:

1) I know that more and more development will happen that side of the world and most of them work our side of the world. The traffic will never go away. So we will have a nice big place we can't enjoy because we are too tired to do anything when we get home. Most of the time would be spent on the road.

2) We don't intend to stay there forever. We hope to have children someday and we would not fit in the teeny-tiny studio unit. It, however, will be an investment. Maybe rent it out or sell it. This is Ayala property we are talking about, so I'm sure it will be worth something.

3) The location is great. Just on the fringes of Makati CBD. We could walk to work. Yahoo.

The major catch is it won't be ready until July next year. Boo.

However, we are still excited for our little humble 18C (our future unit address). J has been looking around possible expandable-contractable-convertible furniture in the internet. I have been visualizing how convenient it is to get around. We are both computing the mortgage. Mortgage... such an adult word.

So it begins... marriage takes a new turn for us. Excited to see how it goes. :P

honeymoon: our first solo travel together (whu?)

2010-05-23T23:06:00.000+08:00

Prior to getting married, J and I usually traveled with our friends. I actually don't remember going away on long trips just with him. And our friends are quite fun to travel with which makes every vacation a memorable one for us.

And we have such sweet friends! As their gift for our wedding, the fuhkers/barkadayawan peeps pooled their money together to pay for our tickets to Puerto Princesa. I was deeply touched and grateful for the wonderful gift. It was somehow appropriate. :)

It was our first night in Sabang and we have been going around the Baragatan Festival expo in the provincial plaza. After a while, we decided to have dinner in Ka Lui's. The restaurant is quite famous in Puerto Princesa so we wanted to try it for ourselves.

When we got there, we found out that the place was closed on Mondays. Whu?!! Just so we don't have to stress out on our meal too much, we decided to go the restaurant next door, Lotus Garden. The set-up of the place was beautiful and artsy. The food was just average.

I think we were having some soup when my new husband blurted out, "nakaka-miss sina Je." I told him, "di ko alam kung gusto kitang batukan e" or some vile thing like that. I was kidding of course, but I did not know what to make of it. I mean, it was our honeymoon for good sakes. Finally, after years together, we actually get to go to a place just by ourselves and he would say that. I quickly thought, was I that boring a company. I didn't keep it a thought for long. "So what, you think I'm boring company?" Half-kidding, half-serious.

"Di naman. Sanay lang ako na lagi silang kasama." I just laughed at the statement though a part of me still wanted to pinch him in the sides. Or maybe I did pinch him, I just don't remember any more. :P

A couple days later, we were having breakfast by the sea watching the calm early morning beach and the boats floating serenely, when I told J, "oo nga, nakakamiss sila." Then we started laughing and remembering the crazy adventures we had with our friends.

While we did miss the company of our friends, we did enjoy our honeymoon the same way we did with people. We explored most of Sabang, including silly poses (FHM-ish, can't help it, we were just too inspired by the scenery and the quiet) by the Sabang Falls. We splurged on our last day at the amazing, worth-it splurge of Daluyon resort.

Typhoon Frank did turn our relaxing week in Palawan into an Amazing Race trip home, but otherwise it was a perfect time together. A nice start to our new life. :)

The only thing I was certain of, the downside with just two of you in a trip... you don't get the best photos. But you do get a lot of silly ones. :)

In a hammock in Dap Dap Resort while waiting for our crabs to cook. I think I taught Jan to eat crabs more here. Pinaghimay ko ng konti e.

On the way to Sabang Falls. We were able to ask the caretaker/toll collector to take a photo of us.

Enjoying our last night at Sabang. Before we saw the sun set and the full moon rise. One of my best moments with the hubby. :)

our gift for the year

2010-05-03T22:58:00.000+08:00

Some people may have thought that leaving during the first year of our marriage was not really a good idea. I would not say it was great but it was not something I decided on lightly. I am just so glad to have been blessed to have found a very understanding partner in J, for accepting my decision to pursue studies and conquer Europe for 15 months. He did not only accept, but understood.

Now that I am back in the Philippines, we are starting to build our life together. Soon, we will be starting our apartment search. This is something I am excited about. But there is something I am particularly thankful for, and that is J and I work on the same street in Makati.

It was quite serendipitous for us. He was invited to work for a friend's digital advertising company late February. After some deliberation, he decided to take the offer and be, for a first time in many years, an employee again. It took some adjustment but he eventually got used to having a fixed time. He also started to enjoy it.

I, on the other hand, have been on the prowl for work since January. March became my lucky month because calls came one after the other. I had to turn down one offer for various reasons. After some time, it boiled down to two organizations. Both had interesting work. Both were of international scope. I was more qualified and knowledgeable for one, while I needed a lot of work for the work of the other. It was amusing how I got a call a hiring from the other while I was on my way for my last stage of interview in the other. I decided to accept the offer and somewhat intentionally flubbed the interview I was going to.

The one I chose was the one I had less knowledge about. It was something I was weighing on for days. And while I know I can really perform with the other job, the idea of leaving every week was not as pleasurable as it was years ago. I knew that I had my time for travel last year. I think my call is now to find a way to start a family with J.

It was a wonderful bonus to have our offices on the same street. While his call time is 9AM and mine is 8AM, we go to work together. We also try to wait for each other when we go home. Sometimes we have lunch together. It's really a great set-up for us. We get to spend more quality time during the day together. This is something not a lot of couples get to enjoy.

I feel so lucky to have been gifted this chance to build a stronger relation with my partner. :)

Wedding memories: Minette Santiago

2010-03-14T00:14:00.001+08:00

This is an entry almost two years overdue. Better late than never though. :P

Back in college, I asked an English classmate to draw me a wedding gown. Just because. I wasn't even sure if I wanted to get married but it was just a fun thing to do on a sunny day while trying not to think of homeworks and essays to do.

That was 14 years before my actual wedding. I would have used that sketch as a peg but I don't know where it is anymore. So I was forced to look through bridal magazines (which good friend R lent to me) to look at gowns that I want mine to be patterned after. I really couldn't find something that I really wanted. Maybe because I was in the mindset that I'd just get a nice off-the-rack white dress from Karimadon. But when J's mom offered to pay for the entourage gowns, I had to think about a design and a designer.

Honestly, I don't know why I would want to spend so much money on a dress that I would wear just once. Even for a once in a lifetime event like my wedding. Yep, I am so much of cheapskate. Canvassing in wedding expo's, my jaws dropped most often. Dresses would cost from P20,000 up! Whada?!

I was lucky to have R recommend Minette Santiago. R was supposed to have Minette make her wedding gown but Minette was booked at the time of her wedding. I've also heard good reviews about her from another friend, though again, they were not able to get Minette's services because she was booked.

Since I really did not have anything in mind, I just gave her some pegs of what I thought I liked or what I thought would look good. I had to ask her to tell me whether it was okay or not. I told her I did not want a pouffy gown and I would rather not wear a petticoat.

Here's the thing... Minette was able to convince me to wear a small petticoat. She convinced me not to wear separate pieces just so I can wear it again. She was able to put together my ideas onto one dress. I wasn't entirely sure if that was what I wanted, but it looked impressive on sketch. So I said go with it.

It was always fun visiting her home/studio in White Plains because her Chow-Chow just had four pups. Other than that, she was really very professional and easy to talk to. She puts people at ease and listens to what they want and adjusts what she things can be improved on.

During my final fitting, which was a week before the wedding I think, I saw the gown. It still did not have the beads on, and it was just lace on top. I did not like it. It fit well, the skirt flowed nicely, but I felt that the top was too old. I actually cried that night thinking about the gown. I thought it wasn't me. I had to call one of my bride's maid to talk to me and tell me it will be fine.

When the day came, and Minette's staff delivered the gown, it was beautiful! I was in-love with it! It was waaaaaay better than what it looked like during the fitting. What was more, Mama G, who was going to do my make-up, also was impressed with the gown as he entered the hotel room. When he liked it, I was assured that I got the perfect dress for my wedding. It was not the way I thought it would be, but it was just right. Thanks to Minette.

I highly recommend brides to get her if they can. She is quite affordable, very professional and very friendly. My entourage also liked their dresses, except for my sister, but they never really got the chance to talk because she was in Cebu.

I really liked the silhouette of the gown. Not too pouffy.

The top that I worried about. The beading was lovely!

Simple yet elegant.

sports is sacred

2010-03-08T01:47:00.000+08:00

When J and I were still a young couple, one of the things I get baffled at is how obsessed he can get with sports. There were occasional times I end up bickering with him, often J not seeing it coming, because of how inattentive he can get while watching basketball, and more recently soccer.

After a while, I've learned to accept how important it is to him. I recognized the fact that his love for sports came way ahead before he loved me. I don't think he will exchange me for it when a choice comes his way (i.e. me getting arrested for something as opposed to a spurs game on TV. i do hope this does not happen.

There was one time though when he was watching the all-important Olympic basketball game between Argentina and US and I was out. He promised to pick me up but the telecast was late, he asked me to take a cab. I almost got pissed because a promise was made but I also knew how important the game was for him, but it has been a long time since I took a cab by myself at 2 in the morning. We reached a compromise that he will just pick me up at my friend's house after the game. Both happy!

I guess when it comes to being in a relationship, we have to figure out what things matter to our partners. He knows how much I like traveling so he tries to indulge me as much as possible. And whenever there is a game he wants to watch, I try not to schedule something or go out by myself instead. I do tease him a lot about sports being his first love and I am just the mistress. But otherwise, I learned that one way for us to have a peaceful co-existence is to let him enjoy his simple pleasures of watching and playing sports. :)

getting used to being married...

2010-02-11T22:28:00.001+08:00

it's not a secret that i had to leave a few months after the wedding because i was able to get a scholarship abroad. so my on-the-job training for being a wife and someone's 'live-in' partner had to be cut short.

now i'm back to it. both of us, i think, are still getting used to the daily motions of being married though we haven't really stabilized yet given my current state of 'lost' as i hunt for work.

a clear evidence that we are still unused to married life is... toothpaste.

yes, toothpaste.

i brought a tube back from netherlands which i was currently using. after a while, i realized that there were a couple of toothpaste tubes on the dresser which were both used. i asked him why he was using his own. he thought i wanted my own tube.

i found this absolutely hilarious. i told him i did not mind sharing because i am fairly certain that i will have to ask for toothpaste from him if i don't get work any time soon. other than that, i think sharing would be more cost-efficient if we are to be room mates anyway.

i'm glad marriage does not come with manuals. it would be no fun that way!

praying together

2010-02-08T00:06:00.000+08:00

i hardly have the spiritual discipline for a decent prayer before going to sleep, much less structured prayers like the rosary and novenas. but for some reason, i really like going to mass. especially after several sessions with fr. jett villarin explaining the meaning of the signs and symbols of the mass.

i particularly love the idea of why it is bread and wine. for bread, the dough is kneaded over and over and over to make it the perfect bread. for wine, it is crushed to make the juice which has to be fermented to become wine. simply put, the final 'output' of bread and wine go through a process before they become the delicious food that they are.

anyway... i feel doubly content when i go to mass with j. maybe because like i said previously, i feel that being married to j is God's sacrament of His love for me. sacraments are said to be 'symbols' of God's love. i'm not sure if it is appropriate, but i often hold his hands during mass because i am reminded of my gift.

one of the best marriage homilies i have come across talked about a couple's love is like a braided hair. if there is only two strands, it would untangle. but a third strand makes it hold and makes it stronger. the priest sad that God is that third strand. makes perfect sense to me.

and after that, i decided that i shall make sure to factor in God in my next relationship. interestingly enough, j was an answered prayer. long story for another day.

i think we are still in the honeymoon period of our marriage (which i hope we can stretch as long as we can!), but i do hope in the next years of our togetherness, we do not forget to factor in God in our relationship. to remember that we are each other's symbol of God's infinite love.

my one and only love

2010-02-04T00:03:00.000+08:00

It was another one of those nights when J was bringing me home to Sta. Ana. He brought a tape (lost to Ondoy) to play some Sting on the way home. It was a pleasant surprise when he asked me to listen to a particular song. And an even better surprise hearing him sing along with it. He told me it was his song for me. Kinilig lola niyo! That was a rare moment of an verbal expression of love. I couldn't help but feel good.

The song became my bridal march played on the organ and violin. It was lovely. :)

MY ONE AND ONLY LOVE (lyrics)

written by Robert Mellin & Guy Wood

The very thought of you makes
My heart sing
Like an April breeze
On the wings of spring
And you appear in all your splendour
My one and only love

The shadows fall
And spread their mystic charms
In the hush of night
While you're in my arms
I feel your lips so warm and tender
My one and only love

The touch of your hand is like heaven
A heaven that I've never known
The blush on your cheek
Whenever I speak
Tells me that you are my own

You fill my eager heart with
Such desire
Every kiss you give
Sets my soul on fire
I give myself in sweet surrender
My one and only love

The blush on your cheek
Whenever I speak
Tells me that you are my own
You fill my eager heart with
Such desire
Every kiss you give
Sets my soul on fire
I give myself in sweet surrender
My one and only love

My one and only love

a promise

2010-02-01T22:03:00.000+08:00

I made a promise to myself that when I get married, I will not mind being publicly affectionate. Not in the disturbing to others kind of way, but just the "I'm with this dude" kind of way. I always had this notion that married couples who still hold hands and act like they're bf-gf are way more romantic.

I'm keeping true to that word. :)

(thus absolutely cheese entries to this blog. ;p)

fall in love... and it will decide everything

2010-01-26T12:18:00.000+08:00

Nothing is more practical than finding God,
that is, than falling in love
in a quite absolute, final way.

What you are in love with,
what seizes your imagination,
will affect everything.
It will decide what will get you
out of bed in the morning,
what you will do with your evenings,
how you spend your weekends,
what you read, who you know,
what breaks your heart,
and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.

Fall in love; stay in love,
and it will decide everything.

- Pedro Arrupe, SJ

Arrupe speaks of loving God in this piece but many couples have found this quite inspirational for their relationships. I personally do not find a dichotomy between loving a person and loving God.

When I finally realized that my heart's desire for a vocation was to have a family, I prayed that I find a relationship that will make me realize that I am constantly in God's love. And true enough, I wake up each day and sleep each night knowing in my heart that I am constantly embraced in God's love having found a loving husband in J. I know we will be more blessed because we are bound in His love. :)

mishu

2010-01-25T23:13:00.000+08:00

for the first four years of our relationship, married life included, the hubby and i spent our time mostly apart. people ask me how we were able to maintain the long-distance relationship. i ask myself that too. we were just able to. despite the fact that we don't get to talk every day.

but now that we get to spend every day together, i actually tend to miss him more. i feel it strange to leave the house without him going with me. so when we see each other again (even if it was just a matter of three or four hours) i feel so excited to be with him again.

another cheesy moment. but i guess that's why they call the first two years the "honeymoon period." but i demand an extension given that we spent 13 months apart during our first 19 months. ;p

looking forward

2010-01-21T22:32:00.000+08:00

photo taken from here.

When we go out, I would usually point out the old couples holding hands that we see and tell J, "that's what I want us to be."

There is something about senior citizen couples who walk hand-in-hand that makes me all kilig. I would tell J that I sometimes imagine us in our 70's holding hands in the mall walking slowly. One of us would turn to the other and ask, "where are we supposed to go?" and the other would answer, "I forgot." And because we don't know where we were supposed to go, we just keep on walking following wherever our shaky knees would take us.,

I once told En about this. I told her that I think if people want to find the one they want to spend forever with, they should try imagining themselves farther into the future when faces and bodies hardly matter anymore... when all you have are conversations and explorations, would he still be the person that you choose to talk to and walk with. If the image looks fine, then that person might be worth a shot.

I did it for J and I didn't mind the image at all. :)

to sleep perchance to dream

2010-01-19T16:49:00.000+08:00

Prior to getting married, I would sleep six to eight hours and still feel exhausted upon waking up. It was one of those post-wedding days when I realized how much more restful my sleep has become.

This has become more evident when I was away for my studies. My bed was comfortable, my pillow okay, yet I slept light and restless. It was not because I was away from home. I have slept in so many beds for most of my life given my job so it could not be a case of 'namamahay.' When he was finally able to come to Netherlands, I again had the gift of restful sleep no matter how tired my day was.

Now I'm back home. Sleep is still good. It must be because my only source of stress is thinking about what time I need to farm. But I still attribute it mostly to having someone's hand to hold before dozing off. Cheesy but true.

five years

2010-01-19T02:03:00.000+08:00

It was the 19th of January of 2005. We were walking towards my favorite spot in school. Well, I walked and he limped. We sat on a giant slab of stone underneath a large tree. I don't remember our conversation but for some reason it steered towards defining the 'relationship.' We held hands, went out every night for two weeks and went home real late. I told myself to just go with the flow. Defining the relations was a question I did not think of asking so early in the relationship. But he asked. Strange thing for a guy to do. I wasn't expecting to leave Manila with a change of friendster status (friendster was the in social networking then). But after around 10.30PM, from 'single' I became 'in a relationship.'

Five years ago since we became a couple. I only knew him for a couple of months prior to that. Too fast I thought. But then he said something to the effect of why wait when you know it's what you want. Maybe I did not know if that was what I wanted but then I thought, "what the heck?!"

And so here we are five years since that night. He, lying in bed and snoring his tiredness away as I sit by his side typing away on the laptop as I reminisce a night I almost forgot if M did not remind us today after our Zombieland laugh trip.

Five years. It seems so long ago but it is short compared to the years ahead of us. :)