The "Yes" Day

2 years today, I gave the  'yes' that put an end to my singleness.

And the "Yes" was sealed by this ring. :)

Bottom it is.

Recently read articles about Relationships and Money in The Simple Dollar that caught my attention. Excepts below.

From Inspiring Others to Financial Responsibility Without Being Preachy:

Wait for their “bottom,” then gently offer help. Although a low point can often be incredibly painful, it can also be an incredibly valuable learning experience for people. It is at that point that a person realizes, for the first time, that they’re following a path that doesn’t work. It’s at that time when they look around them and see who their true friends are, as they are the ones who are willing to help them at this low point. That’s when your help will really matter. That’s when a helping hand won’t cause resentment, but will be appreciated. That’s when it’ll build into something more than just a quick fix.

From What Is the "Bottom"?:

They have to bottom out for themselves. It’s an internal thing, where you finally accept that there’s something wrong in your life that needs to be fixed. Some people will reach that point much more easily than others.

Until then, any help you give someone on a downward trajectory will just prolong that downward trajectory. If you think a drug addict has bottomed out and you give them some help, but they haven’t bottomed out yet in their own mind, they’re very likely to use your help to further their downward spiral. The same thing happens for anyone on a downward spiral of any kind. If you help someone that hasn’t reached their bottom yet, your help will mostly just prolong their downward slide.

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Of course, we always want the best for our loved ones. We will help as long as it is within our power. Even if it isn't, we will look for ways to make sure they are provided for. But helping others financially has always been a dilemma. It's difficult to determine if giving is actually helping or doing more harm than good.

For now, I guess this is the road I'm taking. I'm not sure if this is the right option but I'm willing to give it a shot. It breaks my heart to not help but if this will make you trust God more and make you grow into the person God wants you to be then so be it. As Ate Cherry puts it, Don't Play God in your loved one's lives.

Happy Birthday, Little Brother!

I'm older than him by 11 years. So I've seen him since his infancy. Been mad at him because he wouldn't stop crying even if I've already given him everything. Found time to think during our daily bike ride every afternoon until he fell asleep on the sidecar. Rolled over with laughter for every new trick he learned who-knows-where. Bathed him before going to sunday school.

This is Maki and Me. I think he is two years old here.

It is much easier when he began schooling. He doesn't need much supervision to learn. He's the smartest of the siblings. We just need to push him to make his assignments or insist that he review his lessons before the tests, which he thinks is not necessary since he says he knows them all.

Difficult part is when went to college. We're not used to the idea of not seeing him everyday. He has become the source of laughter in the home, second to dad. We never got used to it.

Today, he's turned 18. A young man to everyone else but will always be a little brother to me.

I’m Coming with You!

A wife said to her husband, "I'm so tired of our fighting. I can't take it anymore. I'm leaving the house!" And the husband said, "Me too! I can't take it anymore either. I don't want to stay in this house, too! I'm coming with you."

Bo Sanchez from his Book How to turn  thoughts into things

Haha! Saya No! :)

Happy Birthday, Mayk

Mico: That's how we call him when he was just a kid. Fastest running in school. So smart, he is a threat to all  the institutionalized honor student for fear he will steal their crown.

This is Mayk and Me when I was four.

Mike: In Highschool. A consistently coping student but he always managed to pass the tests required to make him stay. Still, I'll forever envy him for having the chance to study at the school for the smartest kids in the country.

Mayk: In college. The fastest runner in the university. He's won competitions, so many, his medals are just scattered at home. A silent rebel, you will never know unless he tells you himself. Thank God he never left Mayk. He, again, met God and found the passion of his life. Oh, and he invited me to join him and experience things I would not have seen had I stayed in my little circle.

Now at 27, he continues on living a passionate life, with his wife. And I continue on being challenged on pursuing my own passion.

Happy Birthday, Kuya. :)

To My Beloved

Got first acquainted with him middle 2008, I think. I cannot exactly remember. But I’m quite sure he remembers it (His memory is so sharp he’s memorized the product key of Windows AND Microsoft installers). Actually spoke with him in September. Was in an “official” relationship with him by November (the “world” knew about it by December). Was engaged to him by August. Married him December 2009. Fast huh?

He was never slow. He was the bravest man my mom has ever known. One of the most respectful men my dad has ever met. Has become a brother to my brothers (they all look alike, it was as if I was the “adopted” one). A provider to his family. A pillar to his siblings. A beloved kuya to his cousins. An example to be imitated according his aunts. “Mahal” to me.

To the man who changed my surname to what it is today: Happy Birthday.

Happy Father’s Day, Papa

This is me and him when I was four. I miss being his little girl.

Happy Father's Day, Papa. I love you. :) 

Mommy Peewee's Birthday

Spent our Monday with Mommy Peewee and Aaron’s siblings. Amazing to observe how Mommy Peewee was loved by those around her. Aaron wouldn’t miss her birthday for the world. Her “flock” went all the way from Batangas to be with her. And her long time friends celebrated the day with her…at the SPA.:)

Happy Birthday Teacher Joie

The Voltes 5 (that’s how we call our group. I can’t remember why) have been together for more than 5 years. And I have not seen them for a long time. Thank God I was able to come and be with them this weekend. Missed all the non-stop stories. It’s good to know that I can always go back and not feel I’ve been left out.

Happy Birthday T'Joie :)

Happy 52nd Birthday, Papa.

I used to call him Papa. But one day, Maki came home from school and began calling him Dad. So there, Dad. :)

Anyway, we celebrated his birthday last Sunday. Been a long time since the last time we were in the same place...complete. But that day? Yep, we're all there.

Married couples in the family :)

Oh! We have to make sure that the baby is not out-of-place. Peace, Maki! :D

Happy Birthday Dad! Praying for more years to come, blessings, wisdom, health and wealth. I love you!

Since I wasn't here last Sunday...

Belated Happy Mother's Day Mom. I love you! :)