Safe Flight

Richard's back from another business trip!  I have yet to get used to these business trips -- don't think I ever will!  However, I have learned to cope and that's the best I can do.  Better than nothing, right?  Anyhoo, I'm just glad he got back safely.  I always pray for that.  When the hubby comes home, he never fails to bring home pasalubong for me and Aly.  That's the 2nd best part, I tell ya!  First part is having him back, of course.

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A new furry friend for his unica hija.

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We named her Candy Darling.

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Aly and her unicorn friend.

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My zero-calorie, zero-fat pasalubong.  Haha!  I asked him to buy me make-up instead of chocolates.  But I'm sure he was hoping that I asked for chocolates instead because buying make-up is a lot more work.  I gave him a long list of options and all of them were sold out.  He looked everywhere but still no luck.  Except for this.  Plus, of course, he was the only straight guy at the duty-free make-up counter -- and he had to buy this in front of his Japanese boss!  Only the best husband can do that!  Thanks, sweetie!

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He also brought home a box of Megamelt ensaymada which Aly really loved.  She kinda finished the entire box herself.  Haha!  Richard and I were happy about it.  She rarely does that.

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Thank you, sweetie for the goodies that you brought home for us!  We love you!

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Thank you, Lord for bringing my husband safely back home.

My Sister, the Doctor

Congratulations to my sister for passing the boards!
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Angela I. Manalo, MD.  Woohoo!!

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I'm very proud of you Ange!  I always knew you'd pass.  There was never an inch of doubt.  I have to admit I was super nervous -- Richard kept reminding me to relax and calm down.  He said you will pass naman daw for sure.  You know how much of a control freak I am.  I'm just glad the wait is over.  I'm sure you are just as relieved as I am.  

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Congrats to mom and dad too!  You share in this achievement because you were always there to support her 100%.

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Gosh, what an emotional afternoon it has been!  I called her as soon as I got mom's text.  We cried together.  I'm just so happy for my sis.  I know how hard she worked for this -- she reviewed all by herself, by the way.  She didn't go to a review center.  Ayan, umandar na naman ang pagiging stage ate ko.  Haha!  Ange, it's time for a much-needed R&R.  You deserve a prize!  Go ask daddy to buy you something.  Haha!  Love you!

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Thank you Lord!  Thank you mama Mary!  Thank you to all those who helped us pray for my sis. This is a great blessing for our family.

Aly's BFF

I already told you about my best friends.  Now it's Aly's turn.  

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Aly with her BFF Annie.

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They had their playdate here at home the other day and I love how they created their own little world with Aly's toys.  They're building memories.  I love that!  That night, Aly went to me twice just to tell me that she had fun that day.  She even gave me a hug and a peck on the cheek.  Goes to show that she's really happy and when my babe's happy, I'm in heaven.  I live for moments like that!

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Aly and Annie had another playdate yesterday, but this time it was in Annie's house.  She brought these home with her:

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Paper slippers that she and Annie made.

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I love how she placed them together with her real footwear.  Parang totoong chinelas talaga!  Haha!  She doesn't know I took these photos, by the way.  She was still asleep when I took them.  Heehee!

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I met my best friends when I was about the same age as Aly and one of the things that I wish for my daughter is for her to have the same kind of friends that I did.  But my situation back then was different; we didn't live in a different country so we all grew up together.  BUT just like the paper slippers, I know that Aly will always cherish those times that she had with her friends.  Sabi nga nila, it's not about the quantity; it's the quality that counts :)

Lazy Days

Aly's on a week-long term break so lazy days are here again!  Hooray!

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Pajamas in the afternoon?  Only on lazy days baby!

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Lazy days means doing everything late: waking up, breakfast, lunch...even showering!  Haha!  We just stay at home in our jammies and do almost nothing all day.  We wake up in our pajamas, shower and wear pajamas again -- a new set, though.  Hooray for lazy days!

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No more early mornings -- at least for a week and I'm looking forward to that extra hour in bed.  Ahhh...bliss!

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Thank goodness for this :)

Our Engagement

Gosh, I thought today was Saturday!  It's a Buddhist holiday here you see, so Richard and Aly didn't have work/school.  Friday pa lang pala.  Anyhoo, today is the anniversary of the day that Richard proposed to me :)

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My engagement ring was presented to me on this box. 

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Life has been great since that day -- er, night.  Thank you, Lord for all the blessings that you have given to me and my family.  Please continue to guide us.  Wag po sana kayong magsasawa.

Mommy Made My Day

Mommy in Bangkok, November 2009

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When we first moved to Bangkok, I cried buckets of tears.  I was crying the night before we left Manila, the morning I woke up, during the drive to the airport and when we arrived here in our new home.  It was THAT bad.  I cried because I was going to miss my family back home.  It took me three years to finally get used to living overseas.  No more drama at the airport during our last trip home.  Haha!

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When the hubby's at work and the daughter's in school, I get kinda lonely at home.  That's why I live for internet chats with my family back home.  It eases the homesickness and the loneliness somehow.  We seldom call or text each other because it's expensive -- we're kuripot like that.  Heehee!  So we rely mostly on the internet for communication.  Thank goodness for the internet!  

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This morning, I had my usual chika session with mom and it really made my day.  It always does.  Thanks mom!  I love you!

Positive Thinking

With Pat in our friend Ruby's wedding in 2007

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My bestfriend Pat is my walking, talking guide to everything.  She knows the coolest restaurants, the best desserts...she knows where to buy just about anything and everything -- food, art materials, even fireworks!  She's also my occasional personal shopper -- she knows what's in fashion and she bought me several stuff already so I trust her judgment completely.  She inspired me to go on a diet when I gained more than 20 lbs. and she never told me that I was fat.  Now that's a true friend.  Haha!

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Over lunch sometime last year, my bestfriend Pat and I were talking about our goals for 2011.  We both agreed that as long as we think positive, pray and believe, it will all happen.

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Last night, she told me that she had already achieved two of her goals.  Wow!!  And it's only the 2nd month of the year ha.  Talk about a great achievement!  Way to go, Pat!

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I love hearing good news like that.  When family and friends share great news and blessings with me, it makes me feel blessed as well.  It also makes me feel I'm next.  And I know it will happen to me because I believe it.

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Thank you, Lord for giving me a great friend like Pat and thank you for all the blessings :)