It's easy not to work hard.

Having been together for almost seven years now, Chad and I get to the point that it's at times easier to be indifferent of the other rather than ask, "what's wrong?". For instance, when I think I did nothing wrong, even though I feel that he's not okay with something (which I do not know what or... let's say I have a hint, but do not want to confirm it, just to avoid the argument), I'd rather be silent about it, and try to act as if everything's normal. A world of make believe could be better than to confront the truth.

Certainly, that's not what we were taught in the pre-marriage course. I still remember the facilitators highlighting COMMUNICATION as the most important ingredient of a lasting relationship. And I still remember them saying it's not gonna be easy... it's real work... it's hard work.

They say experience is the best teacher... Bingo! Now I am starting to get a bird's eye view of what hard work means. Who knows what more awaits us in the long journey we're about to take...
photo: Random bride and groom at Smith's Bay... taken by my friend Alveen

Another Prayer Answered

The dilemma was to decide between to options of minimal cost difference. But the prayer was answered in a different way. We found another studio apartment for a much lower cost, in a place nearer to town than our current home. The studio has partitions as well, and just enough for me and Chad. We will likely be moving in by the first of July. =D

Dilemma

We are in a dilemma... whether to move out of our current studio to a one bedroom house, which is of course larger and more homy, but farther to town. Cost differential is not material; but convenience is a factor, as our current place is near to a grocery store, a beach, and a church. Waaaa!!! I found it hard to sleep last night because of this!

Change is one thing, but there are risks associated with it. We barely know the lessor there. We do not hate it living here. The bus schedule there is much better. The area here is much lighted and feels safer at night. Laundry facilities there is private, while we share with the other tenants here. What a headache to consider all these and more!

We have not decided yet. Could be more sleepless nights.

Mother's Day

for all the mothers who put their child/children's needs over and above their own...
this is your day... enjoy!

haPpY MotHer'S daY!!!

special mention to my Mom of course! here she is with her "apo" (grandchild) ***wink***

Loving my surroundings

Enjoying the textures...
from cement...


to soil....

to sand.
Enjoying the sounds...
of traffic...
of animals...

and of waves.

Enjoying the colors...

Marriage Preparation (Part II)

Chad and I completed the second phase of the Marriage Preparation Course that we enrolled into. This time, it's a teaching session (with interview) with a priest. Realized there's much to learn and that however easy it is to hear/imagine the theories, it's always not effortless to put them into practice.

Here's to share some rules and tools for a Great Marriage:

1. Make your spouse a priority
2. Accept differences
3. Listen
   
4. Compliment daily
5. Work as a team
6. Mind your manners (this could be hard when you are already very comfortable with each other)
   
7. Watch less TV (now I am guilty!!!!)
8. Find time for fun
9. Do the little things (this is really effective for all relationships)
10. Think positive
11. Fight fair and look for the win-win situation
12. Forgive
13. God to bed at the same time
14. Develop mutual friends
15. Date
16. Pray together

Read #13.

Fr. Joe (the priest) asked me to read it twice, and I was mistaken... twice!!!
I wouldn't want you to ever miss that in your relationships the way that I did!

Monday was Clean-up Day!

Break from work? Vacation? Also mean general cleaning day for us!

Cleaning a studio means taking most things out first. And clean from one area to another.

The sad thing is we lost (and found) two friends. One near the flowers (maybe he thought those were real ones... poor lizard!) And the other from underneath the sofa.

Everything Blends!

I forgot to bring the vase of flowers home the last time I was in the office. Good thing my friend Alveen agreed to bring it here. I placed it in the dead area of the house together with the artificial ones I got last V day. I think they blend well enough.


But I didn't think I'd get another favor! Chad opened his bag and showed me this surprise! Perfect for summertime!