11/20/2016

I believe in the sun even if it isn't shining.
I believe in love even when I am alone.
I believe in God even when He is silent.

I continue to embrace life's beautiful uncertainties. So far so good. I am grateful for the gift of love, family, work and happiness.

Life remains pretty.

Faith.Hope.Courage.

"She is Tough"

Today, as I routinely take off an 82-year old man after his dialysis treatment,he suddenly blurted out to my workmate, a male patient care technician, "Chuckie, Michelle says no one wants to marry her."Chuckie was caught dumbfounded and I  kept my silence. This fragile and ever kind patient continued," "Coz Michelle is tough, men find her difficult to please."

Whooaaattttt????!!!! Pati po ba naman dito sa Amerika, ganyan tingin sa aken???:(

I still beg to disagree, no matter how hundreds of people have that impression on me.So I politely replied, "Sir, I am not tough. I only wish they will try to know me deeper." To which he answered, " I wish Michelle you will find a man who'd be strong enough to break the wall and discover how beautiful you are inside."Awwwwww!!!:(

If a patient who I get to see only on treatment days can wish this for me, I guess it wouldn't harm for me to hope for it too.

Love. Wish.Hope.

November Baby

Through the years, if there is one person who knows me best, it is ME. Caught this photo on Facebook a week ago and I carefully read each line. I pondered and recalled memories, events,my journey in life and I must say AGREE to every statement. The High Sex Drive though... I can't say as I have been alone since time immemorial.:)

Scorpio. November. 20th.

Faith in Prayer

"As we look around at our political situation, at the injustice and violence that plaque our country and world, there is no earthly reason to believe that it can all change. That's precisely why the widow is presented as an example. Weariness is no excuse. Prayer has been found to be effective. Prayer will awaken our memory of Jesus and remind us that the kingdom doesn't operate on the rules of this world. Only prayer will open us to the grace to overcome the disillusionments we meet in life. Only prayer can open us to the inspirations that will keep us going, and going... until justice reigns."

This is an excerpt from October16,2016 Sunday message of Fr. Richard Vega, the parish priest of St. Frances of Rome Church. In our society where negativism and hatred reign, oppression and unforgiveness soar, it is high time we, the children of God, hold on tighter to prayers, in deep true faith that our Creator heeds to our call, that He is still the Master Director of everything. Yet again,I guess He needs our help too.

I Miss You Tammy!!!

I think when I come home next year, you might already be taller than me. You will always be one of best-est friends.

#WordsWednesday

It is my daily task or choice to be happy. People say I look young for my age and I always reason out maybe it is because I laugh out loud a lot and smile in difficult times.  I do cry at the most shallow instances, I get frustrated and sad but in the end, I choose happiness to stay longer than the blues.

I hope you do too.

Smile. Laugh. Breathe.

Eight Things I Loved About Adele's Show

August 10, 2016, Wednesday. One of the 8-day LA shows of Adele and second to the last part of her Summer Tour 2016- the day we watched her!!! The night made me happy but here are the eight things I loved most about it.

1. I set my feet inside Staples Centre. At last, after living in SoCal for more than a year now, I smelled and embraced the venue. It was not how I imagined it to be though- cheering for Lakers as Kobe, in purple and yellow jersey exhibits his court clutches and moves. It will forever haunt me that I did not get to realize this.Nonetheless, THE person as reason of why we were there that night was no unknown figure and she is very special to millions worldwide.

2. A night out with Therese and Ate Reggie. I am thankful for the past and I live in the present as how my fate and God wants me to be. I do not have friends here, and I am distant to the possibilities of making new ones. I revolve around a tiny space and I am fine with that.These ladies are not only my family, they are also my friends here.The three of us were all excitedly looking forward to this show,Therese and I were even discussing about our wardrobe. :)

3. To see and hear Adele LIVE. As we settled at our seats, the wait for the start of the show looked interminable. The two stage set-up were bare, hundreds of rows were empty yet. Then slowly and steadily, all seats were occupied, lights got dimmed and at quarter past eight, Adele introduced herself via HELLOooo!! How are you???? I'm in California....

I wished to hear All I Ask but it was not included in her repertoire that night. I guess I couldn't ask for more as my other favourites were sang like Someone Like You, Send my Love to your New Lover and my most liked in her album 25, Water Under the Bridge. I am a late bloomer fan now of Chasing Pavements, after Adele performed it that night and probably so because the lot beside me so enjoyed the song they joined Adele in singing it the whole time.:)

Wake up, Adele!!

The "last" song of Adele was Fire to the Rain,Adele extended her big thanks to everyone,  spectacular fireworks and rain graphics were majestically shown and after that she was "swallowed" by the  stage. Lights went off. The crowd stayed and was screaming for more. We stayed put and I calmly told myself, never shall Adele not sing Rolling In the Deep, yeah?? The orchestra then appeared and the back-up singers softly hummed it. The crowd went crazy as Adele belted out which for me is her most famous composition and my most favourite.

4.  To discover that Adele drinks..like me. In between her hit singles, Adele would infuse tales, funny and fruitful, and casually mentioned her days of booze. Napa-bottoms up tuloy ako sa ShockTop na hawak ko.:) PS: She curses a lot too!!:)

5. Adele is funny and has flight of ideas. She jumps from one topic to the other fast. She is bubbly and witty at the same time. She warned the audience her songs are depressing and sad but since people like to hear them, she had to feel the sorrow again like she's nursing a broken heart over someone who in the present does not have a hold of her anymore. "It's intense!" She also made "fun" that  La citizens do not know how to drive in the rain, this got an enormous laughter from all.:) 

6. To see Boo so happy. On the very first day ticket shows came out of the market, Koyang Miller gave all his time to grab tickets for all of us. He stayed glued to the laptop, his phone never left his hand checking nonstop to see the availability of seats. His patience paid off, tickets were a done deal.

 During the concert, Boo was also dancing in spite of his two left feet!!LOL!!! Idol na idol talaga nya si Adele that on the week 25 was released on iTunes, he purchased it right away.

7. The California crowd is not stiff. Adele is loved by California people. Her 8-night concerts were all sold out. I guess Adele loves them back she composed Hello and powerfully belted it as the opening song on the Aug.10 show. Fans swayed and sang with her. They laughed with her, applauded her with adoration and warmth.

8. I really want to go to Lon-duhn. Adele's strong British accent when she speaks I sooo admire and wish to copy. I am impressed with the tone and diction that is why I want Harry and Hermione and Downton Abbey cast to be my buddies too.:) I find the accent very classy.

As what Ate Reggie wrote in her Facebook page, it was indeed a night to remember. Thank you our darling Adele for your music. Your songs may be  melancholy as you agreed, however they kind of  help many to find closure to move on, soothe broken hearts, and to others, simply listening to your soulful voice is more than enough.

Sing. Sway. Scream.

My Ati Nel's 60th Birthday Celebration

I remember birth days of special people. July 31 is a day permanently marked on my mind as it is the natal day of my Ate Nel. She took care of me when I was young. She introduced me to lacey dresses, placed clips of assorted colours and made it look like a headband when we go to church, and allowed me to wear her bangles (80's era) of all sorts and high heeled shoes.

When Kim informed us of a surprise celebration for her Mama's 60th birthday, I immediately requested for the day to be blocked from work. I could not not attend it.

 Kudos to Kim for prepping the venue with Luau knacks and pieces and for orchestrating the big bang surprise.

With OUR Kong Jay.

The Most Beautiful Woman of the Night

It was a perfect surprise gathering for Ate Nel. Down to the last second, she did not have an idea there was a big group of people waiting for her to arrive and greet her ,"Surprise, Happy Birthday"!!! Kim made sure her mama was all dolled up considering the tears and shock. Ate Nel looked very radiant.

 There was no stiff program during the dinner party, I was on the venue already when I was told I would be the emcee. And though I was on my "semi-retirement" in my "Hosting" career, I gamely grab the microphone, if only for the special celebrator. There was impromptu One Call Away  number from the chikiting patrol- Nathan, Noah, Tashy Kadie and Mykee. Man, these kiddos had their own choice of song to sing and they delivered it well.

My niece Kadie showed her impressive Hula dance using poi balls. Good job, Klaryse!! We are so proud of you. Keep it up!!

"My wife, my best friend." 

My family loves you Ate Nel. You  have always been so caring and thoughtful to all of us. We appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for all of us.

With my Kong Jay.

MY Family

Welcome back!!!:)

Wacky Face Times

Mykee and I have a promise to each other to do a selfie each time we are together.

Boo the photobomber.:)

Just like what Koyang Miller uttered on this night, we will forever be grateful to you for patiently and lovingly bringing food EVERY DAY for him and Ate Reggie on those many weeks Jak was admitted in UST when he was a newborn.

I grew up with three older brothers but I grew up so maarte. I think if there is one to "blame" aside from Mamang for my superlative kakikayan, it would be Ate Nel. I never felt any discomfort wearing frills and laces, skirts and dresses because she let me wear all those from my preschool years. I like bright colours because I do not remember her much wearing grey and black for that matter. I can't step out of the house with no jewellery because she let me wear hers in my imaginary life stage.

  In the same manner,Ate Nel taught me the value of care and responsibility. Growing up, I witnessed how hard she worked she was nicknamed "Miss Job". Today, she is still the same masipag woman here in LA. She always has her hands ready to help and serve each time the need arises.

I always pray for your safety, success and good health. I will always be here for you. Thank you for everything, for being our Ate Nel. You are loved. May you have many happy returns, to wear your countless number of flower hairpins!!:)

Celebrate. Wish. Pray.

Allergy, Allergy Go Away!!!

You have constantly possessed smooth, fair skin. Even before the term flawless became a household term, you are one woman admired for your maputi at makinis underarms. Two days ago, your face was red because of allergy, you were sad and I was worried. Thank goodness, our ever reliable angels Cleng and Mayet are taking very well of you. I am calm knowing you have a caring and smart Dr. Abby as your primary care. May the prednisone works best for you. 

I know how you hate not to wear polbo until the allergy recedes. Let us pray it will be ok soonest so you can have your kutis porselana again. Love you, Madam!!:)