pinaybeauty

Food Trip

2009-12-23T16:04:00.000-08:00

Four days ago, while having tea break at grandparents place, my father-in-law saw this Thai Station Restaurant while browsing some circulars. Since, dad knows that I love spicy food, he showed me the circular and I immediately read the article. Not bad, their food sounds great, almost the same as chinese cuisine. What makes it different is that Thai foods known for their spicy taste.
After some discussions, we agreed to visit the place and give it a try. But, the question is, when? Time is not a problem for me but for my husband and my father in law, it's one thing they need to have for us to go. Sunday was ddefinitely not the day, because sunday for us is usually italian cuisine,lol. Monday, tuesday not good either, they're both working. Suddenly my husband remembered that he is off by wednesday and so is my father-in-law, so we decided to go on wednesday.
I can't wait to try their food, I'm curious how spicy their foods are. It will be my first time to dine in a Thai Restaurant here in New York. Before I went to sleep, I looked once again on their menu. My husband teased me, smiling. After a long time of confusion of what to have, I finally made up my mind. I will try their spicy basil duck. It is with bell pepper, onion, scallion and chili paste.
Afternoon of today, we started searching for the restaurant. The place is not hard to locate. It was actually 15 minutes away from home. When we went inside, we saw a couple of people dining. A nice waiter greeted us and seated us. It didn't take long for us to have our food since we knew what we want before hand. My husband had Gai Oh Su Ratch (sesame chicken) dad had Pad Gai Ga Poa (spicy basil beef). Their sauce alone is enough reason for you to ask for more rice. Good lunch, not bad paying thirty two dollars for us three. As dad said, " we'll definitely come again with the rest of the family," I second the motion.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

2009-12-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

When I heard the news last night, that there will be snow today, I was so excited and thrilled. The thought of it made me wonder how much snow would it be. Would it be higher the last time we had it? I hope so... Crazy isn't it? You may think I'm the weirdest creature on earth wishing for snow, but I'm not. I am just one of those few or many people who loves snow. Who loves to shovel and knows how to enjoy snow. If you can do anything under the sun, there are things you can do in the snow too. Things you can not definitely do under the sun. Making snowman for instance.

Around eleven o'clock in the evening, just before I went to bed, my husband and I checked how much snow we had outside. Hmmm, 13" high, not bad. Hope tomorrow will be more.

When I woke up this morning, I jumped quickly out of our bed, opened the blind of our bedroom window and looked towards our backyard lawn how much snow there was. When I saw it, my heart filled with joy, overwhelmed of what I saw. I can not wait to get dress and throw myself in the snow.lol. I rushly prepared our breakfast, ate as fast as I can, got dress, bundled up and ran outside after. When I made my first step in the snow, my foot gear disappeared for a minute. Wow! This is something I was looking forward to, I said to myself. High snow enough to build a big Mr. Snowman. Imagine, I wore 15" winter boots, and snow covered it through. We had 19" snow, so exciting!

After shoveling some area, we had to stop to go for twelve o' clock mass. Grrrr, I hate it, not because we to attend mass, which we do religiously every sunday but the idea of making a snowman was on hold. But, it was okay, God first before anything else : )

Finally, everything was done. Mass, tea break, shoveling. It's time to make our first snowman, Me, my husband and my sister-in-law helped each other, having fun even if it was freezing cold, very determined. We kept shoveling for our snowman's base. Big and strong enough to support the body and head. Slowly but surely we keep shoveling until we're able to form a big snowman. We started decorating our snowman. At first,we used five pieces of prunes, two for his eyes and three to form a smiling lips, and a famous carrot for his nose. "Done"! my husband said, but when I looked at it, I thought there was something missing and our snowman looks funny, too bare. I'm not totally happy and content with what I saw. So, I went back inside our house and get some props to accessorized our snowman. Instead of using three prunes for the lips, I replaced it with ten pieces of raisenets. Perfect smile! I put scarf around snowman, placed four mini velvet bows to add some color and a piece each of mini holly and mini velvet bow to hold the scarf. That was it for our snowman. So cute, and I felt so overwhelmed because we did it.

Lunch Special

2009-12-14T14:56:00.000-08:00

Breakfast is over, what's for lunch? Hmmm... I want something new. Forget about sandwiches for now, don't even think of pizza this time, and whatever McDonald"s can offer is not even my plan. Right now, I have much better idea of what to serve for lunch and guess what? Go ahead, just think and try guessing. Hmmm...think...thinking...Gotcha! Dried fish? Wow,you're a genious like me,lol. You guess it right.

It's been a month since the last time I ate dried fish so I'm craving to have it for lunch. I am lucky that I can cook dried fish in our house unlike some of my friends who can't. The smell of it doesn't bother my husband that much. He said, "not that bad." Infact, he likes the taste of dried fish and so does my father-in-law.
I prepared variety of dried fish for lunch such as Anchovies (dilis), Sea Herring (tunsoy) and Squid (pusit) sided with slices of tomato and cucumber. Of course, it's not good enough and dried fish woundn't be complete without spicy vinegar to dip on it. For us Filipinas, the best way to enjoy it is by eating using our hands (kamayan) instead of fork and knife. I can't imagine using utensils on dried fish,lol. It was the best lunch for now, I ended up eating four cups of rice and my husband enjoyed it and devour his favorite Ligo sardines too from Philippines.

Who Needs Santa If You Have Grandparents?

2009-12-05T20:29:00.000-08:00

I found this phrase when I went for Christmas Craft Fair with dad, grandma and my sister-in-law. When I saw it, I took it with a smile and showed it to grandma and she laughed. Growing up without grandparents specially grandma by my sides makes me wonder how it feels like having one. When I went to Taiwan and worked there I was able to took care of some elderly with different health problems. I knew the feeling somehow but it wouldn't be the same if it was your grandparents.
In real life, I met my mom's mother for the first time in 1997, I was 19 year old then. I was nervous and excited to meet her. I let no days passed without thinking how would it be between us. Our reactions, relationship with each other and how things goes while I'm with her. Spending time with her was one of the most precious moments of my life. It was the realization of my long life's dream. I felt so complete and I am enjoying every second of each day, because I know sooner our time being together will come to an end for my vacation was almost over. Sadly to say, it was the first and the last time I saw her and spend time with her because she passed away a year after.
When I came here in USA, I was looking forward to spend time with my husband's grandparents. They welcome me with so much affection. Everytime we need something they're always there to help us. Grandma cooks dinner for us, even prepares our snack. Grandpa on the other hand helps my husband throw the garbage and sometimes clean our front yard.

Since I don't drive, everytime I need a ride grandma is always there to bring me wherever I want to go. When I went shopping with them, or do groceries they end up paying my expenses. That's how supportive they are, physically, emotionally and financially they're always there for us. It may sound a simple thing for others but for me it means a lot. Having a grandparents like them, I couldn't ask for more.

So, who needs Santa if you have grandparents like I do? You do? Well, I don't!

Couple's First Christmas Tree

2009-11-28T11:10:00.000-08:00

Once again, Christmas is just around the corner. You can hear Christmas songs over the radio. Houses are decorated with Christmas lights and colorful ornaments. Of course, don't forget the cold wheather outside.
What makes it special this year for us, is our very own first Christmas Tree. Yes, our first! Last year, we didn't have it since we just moved into our new apartment last December 8. Due to the hustle and bustle of moving, we thought we would have run out of time to decorate our place. My husband's parents offered us to use their ceramic Christmas tree, which you can plug in. This year, we made sure that we had our very own. After going back and forth to check the malls and stores selling Christmas trees, we finally found the one that suited our liking.

It is a 7.5 ft. pre-lit Donner Pine Tree, with 700 multi-pre-strung lights. We couldn't wait to go home and decorate it. The thought of waiting for tommorow before we decorated it was a torture for me, lol. Morning came and I couldn't wait to start decorating. We decorated our Christmas Tree with a lot of ornaments, which we bought at Christmas Tree hill in Lancaster, Pennsylvania this summer. We both couldn't wait until it was done to see how it looked. My husband saw to it that every branch was evenly accessorised. We also have a set of mini villages, which we really enjoyed setting up. Everything was done and we we're about to witness our masterpiece, lol. One...two...three...all lights were lit. Perfect! It turned out just the way we wanted it.

Thanks To A Filipina Named Pauline

2009-10-15T15:55:00.000-07:00

Almost one year of being here in the US, I still can not find the right shampoo and conditioner for my hair. Everytime I took a shower, my hair keeps falling at no end,very alarming. I have tried different hair product but none help to solve my problem. Aside from hair problem, my skin gets dryer and my face gets irritated using face powder which I am not used to. Way back in Philippines, I only used sunsilk and creamsilk for my hair, johnson and johnson face powder, ponds beauty product for my face and skin white lotion for my skin. I did not think of bringing with me those products, thinking that USA got it all. Unfortunately, I was wrong.

A friend of mine told me that Filipino store might sell those product I am using. So, when I run out of stock I asked my husband to bring me to one of Filipino store here in our place. To my surprised none of the Filipino stores has it, we went home empty handed. Falling hair continous. I do not know what to do. I do not know whereelse to look. My husband keeps telling me not to worry much, but I can not help, because everytime I comb my hair, wash my hair, a lot of hair falling.

One day, as I was checking my facebook account, one of my networking friends Pauline posted on her wall that they are going home in Philippines for vacation, even though we only knew each other through facebook,I did not hesitate to asked her a favor. I said to myself, maybe this is how God helped me with my problems. I wrote on Paulines wall regarding my favor, hoping that it was okay. The following day, she wrote me bach saying "no problem, it's okay." What a relief it was. I can not wait until she came back here from Philippines. Two weeks later, Pauline called me, informed me that she already sent the package. This afternoon while I was watching television, I heard our door bell rung, when I opened the door, nobody was there but I saw a small box on our door steps. I went outside and checked the box, I jumped for joy when I saw it came from Pauline. Rushly, I got inside the house and excitedly opened the box. I was so happy when I saw what are inside, just exactly what I asked for. Thanks God, finally after couple of months I was able to use again the beauty products I love. And also thanks to Pauline's kindness and thoughtfulness. She got the essence of being a Filipina. Friendly, considerate, helpful, thoughtful. To Pauline, I salute you!

ALMOST DONE

2009-03-07T21:13:00.000-08:00

This past few weeks we've been so busy for our wedding preparations. We're almost done with everything. Invitations, the church, and of course my dress are all set. Today as the preparation continues we are able to accomplished two things, which are the flowers and my shoes. What to have for a flowers is not really an easy tasks, specially if you have a lot of choices to choose from. When Miguel(the owner of the flower shop) shown me different styles, I was totally stunned and I couldn't even think right at that moment. It was awesome! As I kept browsing, I finally found a style that I really like, not the usual round style, it's something likely the same but it has an orchid hanging around the front area. I chose roses for it's my favorite and a mix of white and pink color.

Around 4:35 pm, with my in-laws and my honey, we went to Sandy's shoes hoping we could get a good pair of shoes. Wow! that was my first word when I saw all the shoes style. They're all simple yet with a touch of elegance. I never even had a hard time looking. Ten minutes after I know exactly what I like for my shoes. The first time I laid my eyes on the shoe display I knew it's the one I like. So far, shoes was the stressless part of the whole preparations.

NOA (Notice Of Action) First AOS Update

2009-02-23T21:22:00.000-08:00

Exactly 12 days today after we sent our applications for my AOS(Adjust of Status), I-765 for EAD(Employment Authorization Document) and for I-131 for Advance Parole,we received letters from USCIS stating that they already received our applications last Feb.12, 2009 just a day after we sent it. The Notice was dated Feb. 18, 2009 and it also says that the next step is to have my biometrics taken, if required. As I go on reading some forums, basically, all applicants went through biometrics, so I believe it's a must. I hope I'll receive my biometrics appointment sooner and for everything to be fine as I go along the process.

AGAIN...WAITING TIME BEGINS

2009-02-11T13:44:00.001-08:00

After months of gathering all the documents needed for my AOS(Adjust of Status) we finally made it today. The whole preparation was not really hard to do, but what make us waited for months was the decision of whether or not to go for a Civil Surgeon to have my vaccination record transfered to form I-693(Vaccination Supplemental form). We took time to read other people's experience and timeline in The World of Filipinas and Visa Journey, called some friends who made it earlier before us, even called USCIS for help regarding this matter but by calling USCIS, it only gave us disappointments for giving us different instructions. It's ridiculous to know that some personnel doesn't know their duties. We carefully examined and weighed what's best to do and we come to a decision and that's to have an appointment to a Civil Surgeon. Day came for the appointment, we both are excited but it didn't last so long. Excitements turns to disappointment as always. When my husband told me that it cost us $140 for the appointment alone and the rest are not included, I can't believe what I"ve heard. It's totally absurd and ridiculous! Some people just pay $15 and how come we'll be charged $140 and just for the appointment alone. It's too much money! Surely my husband can afford that, but that's not the point. So, today we dropped our application even without the form I-693. Other people did the same way we do, and they got no problems with their application. Hopefully ours as well. As the waiting time begins... Que sera sera.

SUCH A WONDERFUL FEELING AND EXPERIENCE

2009-01-25T20:39:00.000-08:00

Today was the first time that I have attended the Extraordinary Form of the Latin Rite, also known as the Traditional Latin Mass (said in Latin) of the Catholic Church. It is the Mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal of Blessed John XXIII. I am Roman Catholic and have attended the Ordinary Form of the Latin Rite (said in vernacular), which is the Mass according to the 1970 Roman Missal of Paul VI, all of my life. As a first timer, I got lost sometimes waiting for the priest to say something, not knowing that the priest prays the Mass in a low voice with the altar boy praying alongside of him. It's good that my husband was there to guide me. Gregorian Chant is sung at the Mass. What amazed me most was how Holy Communion was done by Msgr. James Pereda, JCL, the priest who celebrated the Mass. Receiving Holy Communion is different in the Extraordinary Form, than in the Ordinary Form. We went up to the sanctuary and knelt down by the altar rail. The priest gave each person Holy Communion directly on the tongue and we didn't say "Amen," unlike in the Ordinary Form. Surely, it was one of the most unforgettable experiences for me, to receive Our Lord in such a reverent manner.

PINOY's (FILIPINO) PRIDE AND FAVORITES

2009-01-24T19:30:00.000-08:00

Since I came here last Nov. 12, 2008, I've never been in a filipino store. I always ask my husband if he knows where I can find one. One day, as we attend mass, my husband told me to ask Fr. Tony which is a Filipino Priest, and I'm glad that Fr. Tony knows where it is. From that moment I can't wait to go visit the place and find what I can buy for myself. Today, I woke up with full of excitement and with smile on my face as we finally have time to go and search the place. We got lost our baring but when my husband finally saw the store, the effort of finding the place was worth it. When I read the sign board my heart filled with joy and I come half running at the door step as I stood and take a deep breath and open the door. Overwhelmed with what I see, I don't know which aisle to go first, lol. Then, I start looking around, start filling my basket and to my surprise my husband wandered too and handed me Cantoon and Bihon( Chinese Noodles) which were his favorites in Philippines. Ask me what I've got! lol...of course my ever favorite dried fish with spiced white vinegar. Hmmm, I can't wait to go home and taste it again.

Exactly Two Months and Nine Days

2009-01-19T22:54:00.000-08:00

Living in a different country, specially in the city that never sleep is not as easy as I thought. A lot of things you wish to do and a lot of food you crave to eat. It's been a long time since I last tasted my favorite appetizer "ginamos" (salted fish). I'm so glad that my husband's grandmother bought me ANCHOVIES. It taste exactly the same with my favorite "ginamos" and it's with capers in olive oil that added more flavor to it. The first time I tasted it, i can't help but wanting for more.

My Sweet Sister-in-Law

2009-01-15T22:03:00.000-08:00

Being the youngest it's always been my dream to have a younger sister. Someone that i can take care of and share time with full of fun and laughter. Having two elder sisters is not bad enough, but it's the other way around most of the time when you're the youngest. Time flies and dream came true. I'm now married and i finally have a younger sister,and that's my sister-in-law. We may not be biologically inclined but the relationship we have right now is more than that. She's the kind of sister you will love to have. She's sweet, nice, very warm and bubbly. No dull moment when you're with her. Today, as we celebrate her 25th birthday, i wish her the best of everything. I'm so blessed to have her as my sister-in-law, my friend, my younger sister Gina.

Finally...after 3rd time!

2009-01-13T11:46:00.000-08:00

OMG! as in Oh My God! I can't still believe that after going back and forth at SSA(social security administration)for the 3rd time finally, i was able to apply for my SSN(social security number) using my maiden name. Me and my husband were struggling hard for this. We were denied once and after reading some forums in WOF(theworldoffilipinas.com) and by the helped of co-members we finally made it.It's kinda odd, because it was the same officer who assisted us the first time we went there, and we got denied, and now after having enough knowledge to defend our side, with no further discussion, he approved my application. Whew! We thought its gonna be a strike 3 for us, but God is good, the prayer was answered!

Serve While Hot

2008-12-16T19:47:00.000-08:00

Every morning I always ask myself what breakfast is best to serve for my husband. Often times I rather ask him instead just to be safe, lol...As the days passed I noticed that he really likes egg for breakfast. Scrambled eggs or sunny side up it doesn't matter. I feel happy everytime he compliments me but still I always wonder how McDonald, Jollibee and other food chain made their scramble eggs looks so inviting and delicious and so did my husband. One day, he suggested to put milk with scramble eggs and to my surprise it does look exactly as I wanted and it even taste better than McDonald as what my honey said. For someone who doesn't know how to cook like me, that's the best compliment I ever heard in my life.

Our first Advent together

2008-11-30T19:55:00.000-08:00

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. Last week was the Solemnity of Christ the King, which ended the liturgical year. It is now Advent and the start of a new liturgical year as we prepare for the coming of Christmas. Despite all of the hustle and bustle of shopping and the economic crisis that the world is facing, together with my husband and his family, we've spent time together as the Advent wreath was first lit in church. This is the time of year when we get together as a family and concentrate on what is really important amidst this world of sorrows and material things. Having each other and keeping our faith in God is what matters the most. Soon it will be Christmas and I can't wait to celebrate it with my husband. I may be away from my family in the Philippines, but they are always in my heart and mind. As I now have my own family, I am just as happy and thankful that I have their love as well.

Our first Thanksgiving together

2008-11-29T08:01:00.000-08:00

Five days before Thanksgiving, Jack's grandmother gave us a turkey shape chocolates. I told Jack, i can't wait to eat them because the chocolates appears so yummy,hmmmm...From then on, i started counting days, hoping that the day i wake up i can eat them.
Thanksgiving came...,to my surprise the table was all set loaded with different foods. Funny thing was, i ate too much of what was served first, not knowing that there are still lot of foods coming including the famous TURKEY. Huh, how i wish i never ate much. Dinner's over but not the dessert,we had fun together with Jack's family while having funny discussion, but most of all thanking everyone for all the support and love they gave us as a couple. I'm so blessed and have lots to be Thankful.

Mrs. LEONE by LAW

2008-11-25T22:49:00.000-08:00

Sounds weird right? Indeed, it is. Getting married civilly was never in my wildest dream. Being raised as Catholic, it's the least one would do. But in my case it's the best option we have for now. As a K-1 Visa entrant in USA, i was only given 90 days to get married with my fiance, if not i must return home.

We finally made it today, I am now Mrs. Leone by law as we claimed it. The celebration went well. My husbands family were there to celebrate with us, wish my family were there too. They are very supportive since day one we started chatting. Before the wedding ceremony started, my husband's grandfather cracked jokes, which lead us all laughing throughout the ceremony but when the Judge read a poem everybody was quite, listening and suddenly my tears began to fall as i saw my husband's teary eye. It may not be the wedding I dreamed, but i was the happiest woman on earth that day, and that's for sure. After all the big day is yet to come as we have the real wedding(Church Wedding) on May 23, 2009.

ONE MORE SLEEP...

2008-11-24T21:20:00.000-08:00

MA.JORIZ TONGSON DELIVA,
such a nice name,right?hehehe...for 30 years i've carried this name with me. School records,employment purposes,any documents that needs my information...that's the name...
Tomorrow, as I open a new page of my life, MA.JORIZ TONGSON DELIVA,will be no longer be that way anymore, for I will make a vow to the one I truly love, and become a wife to a wonderful man, I will be carrying his name 'till the rest of my life...
ONE MORE SLEEP and i'll be...
MRS.JACK LEONE...
YES, you read it right, but for now it will be a civil wedding first just to keep me here in USA by law...
May 23, 2009,saturday will be the +Church Wedding+...THE WEDDING...

True love always finds a way...

2008-11-21T07:02:00.000-08:00

Falling in love is never a decision, it is always by chance. Staying in love is never a chance, it is always by choice. But what if you both belong to two different worlds? Do you still choose to fight for the love you have? Living in a society where everything seems possible because of technology, would you still ever take the chance of falling in love? As hard as it is, I have had the courage to take the risk just to give my love a chance.
Yes, I am in love with someone I do not yet know, whose smile I only see in pictures and on webcam, whose touch I haven't yet felt. I am in love with someone I haven't met in person. I am not afraid, for I know when the place and time is right, I'll be led to that one person whom I've only dreamt of, because I know and I believe that true love waits, and true love moves in a mysterious way. I never really imagined myself being in love with someone through online dating. A lot of questions have been asked, yet only few answers have been given, until I've finally found the exact reason, and that reason is LOVE.
One day, I was checking my emails from a friend in Russia, hoping to have a good news rearding my invitation to work there, when I noticed that I had an offline message from a certain guy named Jack Leone, saying, "I wonder if I got your email add right?" It was a friend request in YM (yahoo messenger) in which I unhesitantly added him in my friends list. When I saw he was online I immediately sent him a reply message, thanking him for his request and of course asked him how he had gotten my email adding ntification. I then realized that he was exactly the same person who had sent me an emotigram at CM. It was from that moment on that we started chatting with each other religiously. Our constant chatting helped us to know each other deeper and to build a good friendship from a distance.
Chatting with Jack is the highlight of my day. Everytime I open the computer, I am filled with joy and excitement, hoping that Jack is online, too. Oh, how I love the feeling. Whenever he's not I feel sad and disappointed, yet, I patiently wait for him until his name pops-up and I begin to feel better. It is with Jack that I feel a certain spark from all of the rest, even from the first time that we've talked. Knowing a decent person online is never easy. Mostly, they are rude and perverted, but Jack is truly amazing, totally different from everyone I have known. At the early stage of our chatting, I was able to meet his family and that was so unusual, but it was very touching on my part, and I thought of introducing my family to him as well.
A month later, he asked me if I can be his official girlfriend, to make our chatting more official. I was so happy that time and I was speechless for a moment. There is nothing I wished for in that moment, but to give my feelings a chance. So, by December 18, 2007, Jack and I were officially bf/gf--a kind of relationship that is strange and unusual but worth taking a chance. When he told me he was planning to visit the Philippines to see me in person, I was too hesitant to believe until he sent me a copy of his booking details, and it was booked and dated December 5, 2007! I still couldn't believe it, until he finally came to the Philippines on February 9, 2008!
Our relationship is never easy. Just as an ordinary couple, we've went through hard times. There were times that we had misunderstandings that led to hurting each others feelings. Worst, deciding to end the relationship. But that lowest moment was the turning point, where we had built dreams together and later thinking of ending what we've started. But trials are always part of every relationship and with us, the trials had made our relationship even stronger. Our love even grew deeper and deeper for eah other.
On Saturday February 9, 2008 at 3:15 pm, the waiting was over. I was very anxious, yet so nervous to meet him. I thank God that my family was there with me to welcome him. The first time when I saw him from a far direction, I thought how I wanted to run to him and give him hugs and kisses, but I was too shy to do it. Turning around to let go of the feeling of anxiety that I had, I looked back and I saw him, and he looked at me. Our eyes met and we both understood what we both were trying to say. My heart beat faster as I walked towards him and I said to myself, "truly this must be the day!" As we stood to close to each other, words can't express how we felt, but our hugs said it all!
Every day spent with Jack was great. We had good times together, talking, laughing and just being close with him had made me feel good inside. Jack is such a nice guy, very down to earth, simple, people oriented. I've never had a dull moment with him, for he is hilarious, too! I wished the days did not have to end so fast.
Things began to happen unexpectedly. We had an early dinner in the late afternoon on February 13, 2008. During our meal, Jack began to feel sick. I was so worried about his condition. When his fever kept returning, that's when I decided that he should have a formal check-up. As the doctor said we have to stay there for a day to monitor Jack's condition, I knew there was something wrong. They feared it might be dengue fever, which made me more worried, but I never let Jack notice it, because I saw how fearful he was about dengue fever. When I saw him crying, I couldn't help myself and cried, too. I realized that time how I loved him. How I wish I was the one lying in bed, not him. Every needle that ran through his veins made me feel how I wanted to have them put in me, instead of in him so I could feel the pain instead of him. I felt so helpless at that moment because there was nothing that I could do but watch him suffer, so instead I comforted him with my tender loving care.
We spent the day of hearts, St. Valentine's Day, at the hospital. Truly, our Valentine's Day was unforgettable. It was not the way we wanted it to have been, but being with each other made it even more wonderful. Valentine's Day somehow is beyond cards, flowers, and chocolates. What matters the most, is how we show our love with the one we love.
One fine ordinary day would turn out to be the most memorable and unforgettable day of my life. Right in the middle of our conversation, Jack gave me a gift. When I unwrapped the gift, which was a little box. I excitedly opened it. Honestly, I had the feeling that I knew what was inside, but I also thought our relationship might be too premature for him to propose. As I opened the box, I was speechless. It really was an engagement ring. And not just a ring but a ring beautifully designed with diamonds.
Jack knelt down, and with me still in a state of loving shock, he said, "Joriz, will you marry me?" I felt completely happy hearing those words from Jack. Tears ran down my face, still unable to believe that Jack asked me to marry him! It was barely four months since we've known each other, and exactly seven days after we've met in person. He stood up and started wiping my tears with his kisses. I hugged him so tightly and gave him the box, as I said, "Yes Jack, I will marry you." For how could I have turned down someone who is so kind, nice, decent, very respectful, trustworthy, thoughtful, intelligent, oozing with humor, affectionate, and someone who has much love to offer--someone who from the start, I fell in love with even before I've met him.
The hardest part of our meeting was the day that he would have to leave and go back to his country. We made sure to have made every minute count. Even knowing that it would be temporary, it still hurt. Leaving is never easy, especially when you know how was it is to be with someone you love. What kept us going was knowing the fact that we were engaged before he finally had to leave. We know that no matter how far the distance and how long the process takes, our love draws us nearer until we will be together again, becoming one in the future as we've promised to love each other forever. My heart was too heavy when I started to pack his things. I hated the thought of him leaving, but I knew he had to. I started missing him, even though he was still with me. Everytime I close my eyes, our memories keep flashing back.
Saturday Feb.23, 2008 at 7:30pm, was the time for him to leave. No matter how hard we would cry and how strong we would hold each other, we couldn't escape the fact that the time had finally come when we had to part ways, until we would be together again.
The days had passed and the more I spend them away from him, the more I miss him and have found the true meaning of Jack for myself. Coming from a broken family, I was constantly in search of true happiness and fullfillment in life. It was always my desire to have a family of my own--a kind of family that I could be proud of. I've always prayed to God for Him to give me a wonderful person to love, and now I've thanked God for having brought Jack in my life because the day I met him was exactly the same day my prayer was answered. Jack is the greatest gift life could offer me. Our love is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened in my life. He has filled the emptiness in me. There's nothing that I could ask for. My life is complete because of him. If richness in life counts on being content with that someone you love, then I am rich, for I have someone named Jack in my life. It is our love that conquers all.
Yet, we all have to realize that love is not enough to make a relationship work. We need trust, respect, time, effort, and total commitment. If a person doesn't show respect, doesn't earn your trust, and can't keep a promise, then no matter how many times they say, "I love you," those words will be empty. Take time to listen on what they don't say. Take time to look at what they don't show, because there are secrets hidden beneath their words. Be sensitive enough. Don't let passion alone decide for you, but have the wisdom to love wisely because love is never easy. Before long, I was just a young girl with dream that had now come true.

VISITING OUR GUARDIAN ANGELS

2008-11-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

Once again as Christians we observed a holy day in honor of all our Saints, the martyrs and remembering our love ones who passed away. For most people, visiting graves with brunches of flowers and saying a pray is enough. But for us, it's more than that. Aside from flowers, we usually offer a dozen of balloons and stayed longer while remembering all the memories we had with my nieces. It's been seven years since one of my niece passed away at the age of four. Every year I always have the nostalgia of her dying. Seeing her sufferring of eye cancer at an early age was such a heartbreaking and most painful days of my life. Knowing that there's nothing you can do but watching her dying. And no matter how hard you pray, yet, it's not enough. It's hard to let go of people we love but I can say it's even more harder seeing them in vain. Today, as my family visit my niece we all have the excitement within us. As the years passes by I learn to move on but never forgetting their memories I once had.