My Little Miracle

My son, Mikael, is my little miracle.

Less than a month ago, our pediatrician told me that when I gave birth to Mikael, he was very very pale and almost gray with absolutely no movement. He did not cry; you could see no breathing --- what he had was just a heartbeat. She told me he looked practically dead.

Tomorrow, our little Mikael turns a month old!

Join us in celebrating my baby's victories over his battles by attending our fund-raising concert or by donating any amount to help us in paying for his hospital expenses. Below is a letter his LoKa (Lola/grandmother Karen) wrote to our family and friends.

Dearest Family and Friends,

Last July 29, 2012 my daughter Aneka gave birth to twin boys. Unfortunately one of her babies did not make it due to ‘Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome’ (TTTS). This means that one of the twins had transfused too much blood to his brother, causing an overload and making his heart go into cardiac arrest.

The surviving twin, whom Aneka named Eric Mikael, also suffered a stroke during the time of death of his twin (Juanito Rafael) and is now at the Neo-natal ICU of St. Luke’s. He has been there since July 29, undergoing several tests, having lab work done, scans, ultrasounds and is currently running up a tremendous hospital bill. As of August 19, Mikael’s running bill is already at Php 440,000. There is still no definite date for his discharge.

We are putting together our funds however it is not enough. For this reason, we have asked some of our very good friends to perform in a fund-raising mini concert wherein the proceeds will be used to fund Mikael’s growing hospital bill.

CHEERS for MIKAEL is a faith and LOVE-filled concert because our artist friends (Baihana, Eric Antonio, Pia Acevedo, Chicoy Pura of The Jerks, Ebe Dancel and more) have agreed to waive their professional fees. Please reserve Friday, August 31at 7:00pm – 9:30pm. Venue is the Rizal Mini Theater, at the Ateneo de Manila University. We are already spreading the word about this event to be able to achieve our goal of raising enough funds by the end of August. Tickets are sold at 169 Kamias Rd. QC at P500/ticket.

Monetary donations would be deeply appreciated as well. You may deposit any amount directly into Aneka's bank account. (Anna Francesca S. Crisostomo

BPI Savings Acct. 3329 0889 35)

PS: For those who would like to make online donations via Paypal:

Fund for Eric Mikael Crisostomo Tolosa

PHP

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=89B9A8YQCQ9L2

USD

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=AZ24D7TAU74A8

EUR

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KFP7RLG8MAPMQ

To Purchase Tickets for CHEERS for Mikael!

Please bring valid ID (i.e., driver's license, student / faculty ID) to claim your ticket at the entrance of the concert. Make sure that the name you enter in the PayPal page is the same as the name appearing on your ID.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=RQXPMV9757XAC

Welcome - PayPal

www.paypal.com

Please help us by supporting this endeavor, spreading word about this concert and by continuously praying for Mikael’s complete recovery.

Your presence at the concert would mean so much.

My heartfelt thanks in advance.

Much love,

Karen Crisostomo (aka LoKA short for Lola Karen or K-Lo -Kikay na Kakalokang Lola) +639297737913

Dear readers, we would appreciate any help you can give --- may it be in prayers or in monetary donations. Thank you in advance!

The Family Fun-Triathlon

This is my family. Healthy, sports loving, happy people. When we can, we host family fun-tri's --- micro triathlons hosted at the Ateneo de Manila campus grounds. It starts with a swim at the Ateneo Grade School pool, followed by a bike ride spanning the entire campus, then it concludes with a run (or walk, if you prefer) that covers a part of the campus as well (we've been doing 3km runs). The photo above is from our second family fun-tri held just last Sunday, June 24th. The first one was held last year, the day before Christmas.

A lot bigger compared to my previous preggy photo, yes?

This is me at 29 weeks. I have a ball of my own attached to my body. It's heavy but I can still manage... to watch the games that is.

For our second fun-tri, I was but a mere spectator. A cheering squad waiting at the finish line, hoping that her representative doesn't get lost on the school grounds. 

I had my HTB stand in for me this time around. And although he wasn't mentally and physically prepared for what transpired last Sunday (I only told him about it Friday night I think), he took the event gamely and did all of the stints with heart. 

He's not a strong swimmer, see, just like me. But he finished all 12 laps and was able to get out of the pool at the same time as the other participants. I did 6 laps the first time, got out of the pool last, and nearly died. Now that's my man.

We've decided that these babies in my belly are getting swimming lessons; they will learn how to bike at an early age, and we will make sure they get Sunday family quality time doing recreational sports (just like I did growing up). I'm pretty sure these little ones will soon be participating in this family tradition-in-the-making. Might as well give them a head start with early training!

Post Triathlon Photos: my HTB Eric, Juancho and Mom, and my cutie-patootie Daddy

1) Cheering squad cousins RJ and Ava ; 2) Cell Sabino, our master coordinator ; 3) Hali coming in 1st place!

Today, I realized that my belly area will most probably never go back to the way it used too look --- firm and stretch mark free. Good thing I had all those bikini photos taken before, yeah? Not that I'm complaining or anything. I may not end up having a pretty abdomen, but I'll end up having two beautiful little boys. Nothing can compare to that. Here's to more family fun-tri's and to our expanding family! :)

This Too Shall Pass

It's already past mid-March and the last time I've spoken about myself was 2 months ago, in early January. February was missed, although that may just have been one of the happiest months of my life. A lot has happened since that January: life-changing and awe-inspiring events. I guess you could say I've come a long way from the new year.

Quick Update

On the last day of the first month of the year, I discovered (or discerned, rather) that I am pregnant. For our first ultrasound, I learned that not only am I just pregnant, but that I am carrying twins. TWINS. Who would've thought that I'd be mother to two, instantly? The children always came in ones in my dreams, one after the other. Still, the news brings twice the joy and double the fun. I am overwhelmed by the fact that I am now able to fulfill my biggest dream and goal in life --- to become a mother. For the first few mornings after our ultrasound, I kept on welcoming the day with the phrase, "I'm having twins!!!" I somehow couldn't get over it. We're turning 16 weeks this Saturday, March 24.

MY BABIES AT 11 WEEKS

In addition, I am also engaged. Engaged to the father of my children who has been patiently accompanying me to the multiple hospital visits, laboratory tests and check-ups, quietly putting up with my moodiness and rapid emotional changes, and lovingly supporting my pregnancy from the moment we found out its truth. No date has been set in stone but we'll get there soon enough.

Although all this may seem premature for those who know me and my stage in life, all I can say is, the Universe has a clock of its own and God must have made all this happen for a reason, because God has perfect timing.

Just Yesterday

There are those days however, that things will just seem bleak. Blurred by the more real and practical aspect of this realized dream, it has been a challenge each day to continue to think positive... to continue to look on the brighter side of life, and to have faith that all things will fall into place.

For those difficult days, some words of advice from Henry James:

I don't know why we live—the gift of life comes to us from I don't know what source or for what purpose; but I believe we can go on living for the reason that (always of course up to a certain point) life is the most valuable thing we know anything about and it is therefore presumptively a great mistake to surrender it while there is any yet left in the cup.

We all live together, and those of us who love and know, live so most. We help each other—even unconsciously, each in our own effort, we lighten the effort of others, we contribute to the sum of success, make it possible for others to live.

The full account of his letter of advice is found here. I recommend that you read it.

That said, I really should get up each morning with gusto. I haven't had a cup of caffeine since January, and well, that's another challenge. 

I Made Myself Hungry in Writing this Post

There are two types of busy: One is you being so active that you don't even have the mind to think about the time passing by, while the other is you taking on a lot of things at a time that every second counts and you feel every tick of it. Either way, busy is still busy and you feel exhausted by the end of the day.

Today was definitely one of those busy days that I just felt my day go "woosh!" It was super filled with activity that before I knew it, it was time to board the office shuttle for my journey home. It's a good thing that my day started just right with a nakakakilig gesture from someone I know. I arrived at the office this morning with this petite pink rose on my desk. This moment pretty much sums up the moderate pace of my morning before everything went abuzz.

Thank you for making me smile.

Eleven hours or so after, I arrived home to my mother cooking dinner. Nothing beats capping the day with a home cooked meal by, take note, someone you rarely see in the kitchen.Yes, my mother is not one to cook. But for these past few months she has taken up an interest in being active in our little kusina. See the wonders this change is making! She's getting pretty good at it too. With new and interesting dishes to try, I find myself wanting to eat dinner at home for most of the time.

Dinner was delicious!

The days are getting colder and surely, the dog days are over. For example, upon arrival at the office this morning, we were welcomed by a sudden down pour of rain. The overcast mood our skies have been sporting these past few days/months is a pretty good indicator that the rainy season has come in and will be staying for quite some time. I always had rainy birthdays...

Spicy Jjampong with extra chili and kimchi! <3

Drastic changes in weather can only mean one thing for me: the onset of cough and colds. My body is weak to these temperature changes and I always find myself either coughing up a storm or sneezing out my brain. There's no stopping it. I'll just have to double up on the intake of liquids and treat myself again (I had this for Sunday breakfast) to some hot and spicy Lucky Me Jjampong with extra chili and kimchi. This should cure my colds, right? Yummy!

I Need More Time to Sit Down and Write

Here I am, trying to type something in at half past midnight...

I took this picture on the bus home from work last Tuesday (15 March 2011). One of the Chiefs at the Department had a surplus of jellybeans and thought of sharing. No matter how small this gesture was, it made my day. Jellybeans, with their bright and quirky colors, put a little bit of happy in my life.

On another day, I got a foot long bar of chocolate from Australia. This one was from one of the Division Chiefs belonging to a bureau not even being handled by our office. I was hungry and was in need of a sugar rush at that time so the thought of taking a photo of it did not cross my mind at all. I can tell you though, it was an extremely sweet treat.

Bottom line: people can really be sweet when they want to be. No wonder I'm gaining weight!

Definition:"time flies when you're having fun"

A conversation on the way home:

while inside the tricycle...

me: Hey Juancho, just like before!*brings out camera* Smile!

juancho:*smiles for a few shots but not that enthusiastically*

me:*tries to get as many pictures. got away with just four*

Aw, you're not that into it anymore.

Don't you remember how we used to do it?

juancho: I'm not in grade school anymore, Aneka.

*silence*

me: Ha? *brain shock* Grade school ka pa ba 'nun?!

During the last few days of my freshman year of college, this photo was taken:

This was dated February 2007. Juancho was grade 6.

During the last few days of my senior year of college, this photo was taken:

This was today. Juancho is wrapping up his sophomore year of high school.

WOW. How's that for retrospect?

Wait for it...wait for it...

AND YES! I HAVE FREEEEEEDOOOOOMMMMMMM!

Last requirement of my academic college life was passed this morning at 7:30am!

After a whole night of no sleep, yes I was up until 6am writing that paper,

All that's left for me now is to get myself into the clear for graduation.

Hmhmhmhm... clearance, you are such a bother.

Yes, no profound thoughts here. No reminiscing (just yet!).

Just let me relish in this feeling.

Something random: I want to learn French again.

Valentines, I celebrated anyway

I've always said that I never really celebrated Valentines day for a few reasons:
1) It's my mother's birthday
2) It's my best friend's birthday
3) I never really had a date to celebrate it with, actually.

Well, guess what? I celebrated anyway (albeit a day or two early).

It started out Friday night with Sinta, a play on love. Followed by a fun and impromptu road trip to find dinner, which finally ended at Mom's in Marikina. One sizzling plate of sisig later, the night ended early with me being home a few minutes after midnight. Saturday was a busy day, since I had a project to fulfill for a certain tedious subject. The whole morning was spent at Park7, conducting a one-time kids workshop on the waste segregation. The extra pair of hands (those not of my groupmates, if you get what I'm saying!) was a godsend. Nevermind the heat of the sun, or the shrill voices of the children, my time was well spent. Lunch at KFC plus winding down in the afternoon was nice too, even though exhausted. Sunday was the day. After a mountain of sweets and red hearts, my mother has grown one year more beautiful. We spent the afternoon with popcorn and a movie marathon. As always, dad had a rose for me. He never fails to make me happy on Valentines.

So yes, it wasn't a grand celebration of sorts. No boquet of flowers or a box of chocolotes or an expensive meal. What was given was time. Time for each other. And as the saying goes, time is gold, right?

Avengers assemble!

Couldn't help but post this. Too cute!

Courage, Honor, Loyalty, Sacrifice. You're braver than you think.
- Captain America: The Chosen

On Superheroes & Superpowers

When you're young, it's easy to pretend that you are a super hero. Tie a towel or blanket around your neck and you've got something on your back as a cape. Add some swimming goggles or shades for head gear and brandish anything phallic or similar to a sword... voila, a superhero!

As a child, I would know no boundaries in the powers that I could posses. I think my favorite was playing invisible, although Matilda made me try telekinesis. Back then, nothing seemed impossible. Nothing was too great to conquer. Everything was beautiful, bright, vibrant. Well, this is how I would want to remember it, though I'm pretty sure things got gloomy from time to time. Every superhero has a bad day.

Superpowers were relegated to neon particle beams and sparkling light waves, just like the ones we would see on television. We'd have to be in costume like Superman, and even though we wear no masks, nobody would know our true identity. We'd be playing hide and seek, and in my mind's eye, I'd be invisible. True enough, the it wouldn't find me. Today, I find myself wishing that I had the power to control time. Looking on ahead with these last few weeks of college, my calendar is riddled with deadlines that I'm trying my best not to panic. Seriously, it's scary. But no matter how hard I try to stop time, it just goes on straight ahead, ticking away!

In this day and age, superpowers no longer belong to the era of light beams and paranormal happenings. They now belong to what we can call tantalizing time management skills, bombastic work-life balance, wondrous wallet pinching, happy soul helping, super stunning smile... you get the picture. We have the "supermoms" and the "quatrokids" (in my university, 4 is the highest grade possible, hence the quatro) and the special individuals who make incredible differences in people's lives - yours and mine. From the pages of comic books and the screens of televisions, we have brought to real life these superheroes. They're in our homes, on our streets, and within our company.

No doubt, I have my parents as my superheroes. Despite all hardships in the world, they have made it possible for our family to live and be happy. They're making it work. They're making it possible. And with these gifts, they definitely have bestowed upon us siblings the power to be who we really want to be. And of course, there's that occasional special someone who'd give me my much needed energy boost to get through these stressful days (winkwink).

I'd like to think that we've all got it in ourselves to be superheroes.
We just have to find it within ourselves to take up our own respective superpowers.

Thinking of what was

So, I know it's pretty late. Second week into January and I haven't even updated anything here. No post even for the new year. Well, here's the deal. I've been thinking of how my 2009 played out, trying to pull things together from memory, month by month. I'm writing it down in my little black book. I did not anticipate that it would be a bit challenging. With the year that whizzed by, there was a real tendency not to pay much attention to details anymore. Hence, retrieval is a bit slow. I do think I just may have to do some small research as to what had occurred so that I can put together a month by month take on my 2009 (I'll post a photo). All I know is that it was a great year. It had its ups and it definitely had its downs. But overall, it was filled with change and challenges. Now I know that both of them can be something positive.

I'm looking forward to 2010. It will definitely be something with my entering another life stage (goodbye graduation, hello "real world"!). In 6 weeks or so, I'll be facing some bigger things. Here's to life, here's to hope. Happy 2010 people!

Happy Holidays People!

As I stood at the steps of the jam-packed church, all I said in my prayers was this:

Lord God, holding my family here with my two hands, this is the greatest gift you have given me for the whole of my life. They are all I need; they are all I want. Bless them forevermore. I love you. Thank you.

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope all of you are happy with the gifts you have received. But let us not forget the most true and special gift we have received tonight, Jesus Christ. God bless all, God bless the world.

Reconnections & functional social support

On the other side of things (apart from my academics), this week has been a rather emotional ride. There are some issues trying to be resolved, some heavy feelings trying to be forgotten, some knots in my throat trying to be taken care of. And just like perfect timing, this week has been the week that my friends were available. I really needed them.

When: Monday Night, November 09
Who: Mimi and the XX crew
What: Starbucks and dinner at Flaming Wings

Mimi and I, we were originally supposed to go drinking that night. But then we opted to just hangout at Starbucks Katipunan with some of the people from Health Sci block xx. This was even probably better since I was able to talk to Mimi about the sad state that I was in without blaring music hindering our conversation. Oh, and I also treated myself to a Toffee Nut Latte! Yes, emotional comfort from sweets. Mimi also handed me her pasalubong from Hong Kong. I now have the most cute gigundo wallet ever! I love Mimi's wallets. She was the one who gave me my previous one too, which now has to be retired from loving usage.

Another beautiful person I was able to talk to was Lauren Santos. We had such interesting conversations, I absolutely loved that talk. Everyone else, jenmagno, chicki uy, mara iballa, erold justo, steve medalle, gaston, luis faller, they were all so nice in cheering me up, even if they had no idea what the problem was. Such good and beautiful people. After Starbucks, Luis had the intense urge for some dinner and so we headed towards Flaming Wings (only Laur, Jerold, Luis, Chicki, Mimi, and Jen this time tho). I probably had the most spicy chicken tenders! Haha finishing my meal with my eyes welling up the whole time was probably another win of that day - it took my mind off of things.

When: Thursday, November 12
Who: Frances Ledesma, Jika Regala, and Ina de Guzman
Where: Teriyaki Boy for lunch, Perspolis for dinner, and Cantina for evening drinks!

Franny had just gotten back from her trip to the US and had gotten me something. We decided to meet up so that she could hand me over her pasalubong. Our meeting up turned into a lunch date and I had so much fun catching up with her. I have not been able to hang out with Franny for the longest time. I missed her constant talking and her curse-riddled sentences. She's a forealz elitist, but I guess that's what makes me fond of her. She's just so amusing to listen to!

Jika met up with us at T-boy after our lunch. Believe it or not, I met Franny and Jika both under different circumstances only to find out that they are bestfriends too! Funny how this world works, yea? Jika was my English and Lit blockmate from freshman year and now, I consider her as one of my best friends. I love this girl so much simply because when we talk, we laugh a lot, or well, I laugh a lot. I don't know for sure, but I have a lot of fun when I'm with her. I admire her free spirit. I think I'm drawn to her because of that. I met Franny when I was still in Health Sci. She was my first friend over there, and we practically hung out all the time in freshman year! We seriously had funny and embarrassing times... I don't even want to remember, we were so silly back then!

Late in the afternoon, Ina contacted me and lured me out of my bed and onto the streets. I met up with her at Papu's where we then proceeded to Perspolis for some dinner. Good food and good talk - no wonder we've been best friends since second grade, Ina really understands me. I really needed to talk to her. I really needed to see her. Last night was perfect timing. I love you, Ins. Thank you for always being there for me. I feel better now, I really do.

I've got great friends. I only keep a few, but they're all friends I can count on, friends who are ready to listen and friends who know what it is exactly that I need. All of the out-of-the-way reconnecting was completely worth it. I'd do any of these again in a blink of an eye.

I'm hoping for a repeat!

My vote counts (I hope!)

Finally! After waiting in line for about 7 (SEVEN! 7:30am to 2:30pm) or so hours (a very long line for that matter) without any breaks, finally, I can say that I am a registered voter of the Philippines. It was truly a tough and tiring ordeal. In fact, there was no time that I did not think of just giving up and getting home. BUT Ate Ana and I persevered! Yes! yes! yes! Armed with Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being (I still have yet to finish this book), plus my little black notebook and trusty colored pens, I battled with boredom and came out... victorious!!! Good thing the weather was cooperating; we were blessed with a clear and windy day, free of the intense humidity our country usually hosts (even at noon time! Imagine that!).

Back in... what was it? Freshman year? I had already turned 18 and was therefore old enough to vote. I even had the opportunity to register, with Ateneo shuttling students back and forth to City Hall. But with my finals happening that week, I decided not to. Well, here we are three years after.
Pahabol na kung pahabol, pero registered voter na rin ako! WOOHOO! Sa wakas!

Oh my, if this is just registration, I can only imagine the chaos of lines the actual voting procedure will produce. Let's hope my will doesn't break so easily this coming May 2010.

It can't wait 'til morning (er, sunrise rather)

I'm not as emotionally messed up as I used to be. But I am feeling a bit sad... and happy at the same time. There's a lot of confusion involved. This is partly the reason why it's so hard to write about it. My mind isn't exactly organized. My id and superego are arguing; my ego is in limbo. But i'm getting by.

That same day we had pancakes for breakfast (refer to previous post), mom called me out from the mall, telling me to follow, just so she could buy me a nice little black dress. Our family had dinner out that night, Italian pizza at PizzaHut (I recommend Florence), and I walked home with a brand new dress in my hand. Commuting with my two brothers by jeep, that day was indeed a good day.

Today was no different either. With the company of four young gentlemen, other than my brothers, our home was filled yet again with added happiness. Dinner was a full table; we even needed a little table extension to fit. How sweet Hali's classmates all are, I cannot simply describe. They are the most adorable. I'm really happy he's in this class. Our family is so blessed to be surroundeed with so much love. I'll write more about them next time. :)

Hallocakes~what made get up for breakfast and last night's howling

It's funny what gets me up in the mornings. I literally jumped out of bed when I found out we were having pancakes. Want to make me happy? Make me really good pancakes. I don't usually 'jump out of bed' at the sound of 'pancakes,' but I guess you can say my 'jumping' is evidence of my body wanting for something happy and comforting. Not that anything sad happened recently... I mean, who doesn't want happy and comforting? right?

Now that I've got my fill of three cakes stacked high with butter coating each layer and maple syrup dripping down to the plate, I feel like writing. If it's a good write, I don't know. I just feel good that I'm writing again. I have a feeling that I'll be going back to the way I used to write, unafraid of what others may think. I trust that those of you who do know me, personally, will know when to ask about it (whatever it is I write) and when to just leave it to this blog (don't ask, don't tell me, what I write makes me "fine").

But I won't get into anything of such sort right now... maybe later. For now, I'm going to talk about Halloween.

It's been a while since I've actually celebrated Halloween. The last time I donned a costume was probably back in grade school when I would still go trick-or-treating with my little brothers. This year was special. I celebrated it not once, but twice.

The first time was an early celebration with the Brightminds kids (see photos!). The second time was on Halloween itself, with the family and four of our Fireflies friends (more photos here). Even though it was just a small celebration, we were all still game to dress up and put on a little something for costume. Good food, good drink - it was all good.

If there was a costume contest, I'd probably give mom and Hali a tie for first prize. Mom, dressed in all black from head to toe was the dark counterpart of the white lady. We even put her costume to the test and made her stand outside the gate, ever so slowly walking back and forth once in a while. Everyone else was behind the gate, with only the tops of our heads peeking out, making woo~ sounds to call attention. Motorists and passersby would actually slow down for a second look! It was so hilarious and oh so in the good spirit of Halloween.

My mom was the one who pushed for this celebration. I guess you could say she wanted it more than we kids did. But for this, I thank her. Because of her, I still get to celebrate these little celebrations we've long before delegated to childhood. My mom knows how to have fun... and so does my dad (see Nido Man costume. hahaha!). I hope I can be as fun with my future kids.

Isn't it obvious? I really love my family. <3

Down Time

After those more-than-hell-than-need-be stress induced weeks of deadlines and optional finals, I can finally rest.

Sembreak is well on its way for me now. With the mellow tournament-slash-sem-ender inuman with some people from the team last wednesday night, it has been good. Since that last late night, I've been trying to get some z's early on in the evening and sleeping in 'til the late morning. Knowing that this isn't really a healthy lifestyle, with the eat-sleep-gain-weight pattern and all, I plan to get back to running (or jogging, that is). Ever since I joined varsity, I have lost my connection with running. I plan to reconnect with my runner self this sembreak. Hopefully I don't get too lazy to actually push through with it. Haha! Lazy days are good days.

Click the photo below for some senior year first semester success!
*October 27, 2009 edit
Here's my 2nd sem senior sched to boot! Hell~o 7:30am classes every single day!

Lazy Happy Day

I woke up a bit late this morning, hit the snooze button at 9, and got out of bed at around 10:30. Sleeping in has never felt so good. I lazily got myself to the bathroom for a shower and took an easy paced relaxing cold bath. Ate lunch with brothers, a bit faster now, and left the house at 12:15, just five minutes away from my class’ first bell. Scrambled for a tricycle – too hot a day for a bike ride – got my heavy bum to school. Started walking a bit fast, but slowed down a bit midway. I didn’t really care. I made it just on time anyways, right before the second bell.

Class wasn’t a lecture. It was more of a how-are-you-first-day-of-class type of thing. It felt like we had just gotten back from summer vacation or sembreak. One class, dismissed early – break – two class, dismissed on time. Dilly dallied a bit, got home, left home, went and became happy.

Today was a lazy day, no doubt. I haven’t done anything remotely academic except attend class. And yet I feel accomplished, accomplished and greatly happy. I should really do this more often. Less stress, more happiness.

Change is good

The short hair is back!
and so is the spunk.

Now now, I absolutely loved my long hair. And to be honest, this short haircut was an accident. I said "trim" to the stylist and.. I don't know, maybe he didn't hear or understand or something... or maybe his concept of "trim" is all different.

I needed a day or two to get used to it, but as you can see, it's turning out fine. Well, I think it is. Now I don't have to worry about fixing my hair after getting out of bed. Brilliant!

Trix

Erica and Aneka, Christmas 2008

I love you,
I miss you,
I want to greet you...
A Happy Happy 21st Birthday!

We go clubbin, yes?

Like Father Like Daughter

De la Costa benches, 10:30-12noon common break

On the best of days, I've got my father by my side. Thanks dad, for being there for me always. I love our lunch dates. I'll be missing this once I graduate. :)