A day late but two years ago, on March 1, 2015, Nick and I had our civil wedding. It was actually a very intimate affair attended by our close family and friends. Our situation may not have been ideal at that time but our union is. And yes, we've been married twice!

Given that we only had a week's time to prepare everything, we had to move fast to create an affair that though was done fast, would still be quite an intimate one to remember (at least for Nick and me). But this also meant that we had to forego a long guest list and ask for help from our friends and family so we could do everything on our own. And they pulled through for us! Our gratitude and appreciation to these people will forever be with us.

of the summer that has gone past

Ain't nothing like them summer nights.

It is quite regrettable that Netflix and Chill had been our summer theme. The wild ride that we had because of our wedding had us craving for a chill time together. And chill we did! And anyway, we were on a wedding high and bliss for quite some time after and so we were content with just staying put in our cozy abode. Snuggles, are after all, never overrated. 

That be the case, we weren't cooped up all summer long. Although outdoor activities like hiking didn't happen, we still had the kind of fun we do enjoy now - married couple things, as Nick would call it.

of lifetime kisses, hugs, and feels

Marriage, a blessing that lasts a lifetime. 

I remembered being excited about the realization of my dream wedding. And on June 18, 2016, a wonderfully hot California Saturday, my dreams have come true.

This post could actually have a million other different titles but at the moment, nothing rings truer but the fact Nicholas and I will be sharing a lifetime filled with kisses, hugs and all the feels in between. He actually inspired that title (as he should) when I remembered him saying this to me last week when I said I was missing him a great deal. "I'll be waiting for you at home with feels and hugs." He's quite the affectionate and sometimes cheesy guy and I am forever grateful to God that he is who he is - no trouble showing and expressing his admiration and love.

of my blessed thirty years

I'm happy to report that my inner child is still ageless.

   James Broughton                                

This is it. I have reached the Big 3-0! What a blessing! I'd have to be honest though that this wasn't my mindset a week ago. I was dreading it, just cause. When you think about entering a whole different decade, you kind of feel you're being stripped off something and you're expected to act all mature, or at least feel differently. At least that's how I expected adulthood to be. You're more mature and you like things differently. While the latter somehow becomes true, the former is still a question, most times.

How Do They Say It? Oh Yes, Ours Is My Favorite Love Story

I grew up loving Cinderella, romantic comedy movies or any love story with a fairy tale resemblance happily ever after ending. Hearing stories of how couples I know met and eventually ended up together warms my heart, and gives me hope that one day, I'll have mine to share.

While Nick and I's love story wasn't born out of long courtship that spanned from childhood, or that he saw me across the room and was besotted with my smile - it is ours to share and smile upon. And that makes it the most beautiful love story I have ever heard.

Of Familial Blessings

 

Once in a while, God gives you something so great that you never thought to ask for before - and you're left to wonder how He knew to give you a blessing as amazing as that which you've just received. You can only smile and utter many thanks, that He saw you deserving of such a wonderful gift. 

That's how it was for me when I got to be part of Nick's wonderful family. When I prayed for Nick, I didn't think to include 'great family background' as part of my 'requirements' for my man. And I was very specific when I created that list. I did write though that I wanted him to be family-oriented. I love my family so much and enjoy spending time with them, so I hoped my man would also get along with them. And yes, he did, so well it's amazing. God works wonders, I tell you! Just keep on praying, hold on to your faith, and trust in His works and perfect timing.

That Day Came. And Then I Knew

What day will be mine? I don't know. But that day will come. And then I'll just know. ;)

Almost six years ago, I wrote that in this blog. I had no idea when that day will come, or if it will ever come at all, but I've never lost hope that I will one day find him. You see, when I wrote that, I wasn't in the best time of my life. I needed to assure myself that just because it failed for me once, love will never work for me. Love happens to anyone and that gives me great hope that it will happen to me. I won't say that my hope has never faltered because it did. But my hope was grounded in the knowledge of who God is, steadfastly rooted in His love.

"Most days of the year are unremarkable. They begin, and they end, with no lasting memories made in between. Most days have no impact on the course of a life. May 23rd was a Wednesday." - 500 Days of Summer

It was a sunny Sunday in March.

Let's Pick Some Blueberries

Blueberry picking season has actually come and gone and we've missed it this year. It's an annual family tradition come July, but stuff came up and kept us busy. It's a shame really. We were up early last Sunday ready to be bending over under the sun when my Mom, who went there earlier, texted me and advised me against going because there wasn't much to pick anymore. Blueberries aren't big too. And you want them big as they're the sweetest. I blame the drought happening in BC now. It is crazy boiling hot this summer, it's not even funny. We're actually at Stage 3 water restriction right now and being advised to be water-wise. So anyway, Nick, Cedrix, Zoe, and I just went straight to Cora's for breakfast. On a Sunday. That's never happened before.

Enjoying Ruby Lake

At least once a year, my friend Maria and her hubby Chris make it a point to spend a weekend at their cabin up in Sunshine Coast. And we're very fortunate to be always invited when they gather up family and friends to take with them for a much-needed rest and relaxation weekend. To be away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a couple of days is always a treat. And with network and reception being bad there, you're also forced to do a digital detox. Yes, that is such a thing now in this digital time. I'm telling you, it is wonderful to be without smartphones and internet for a couple of days - you can actually lift your head up and look around, take everything in and revel in God's grace and goodness. And just breathe.

Life Is Good ☺

Life's been pretty hectic lately - it's summer and we're all trying to get the most out of the sun before we hibernate in fall and winter months. We've been traveling to places - Seattle, Whistler, Vegas, Ladner (blueberry picking), Spanish Banks Beach, Allouette Lake (best lake in BC!), and in between, getting settled into a new lifestyle, and partying and hanging out with family and friends. And though it's hectic and leaves me exhausted almost exhausted everyday, life's been good. It could be better with a few changes but looking at where we are now, even with the current circumstance, we're pretty blessed. And that, I am always thankful to God for. :)

I am a little bit displeased with myself though - not for anything life-changing - it's just occurred to me that I haven't introduced my little boybun! My friends and family have seen him all over Facebook, of course, but how dare I forget to mention him here? He's been my little bundle of joy and cuddles ever since having him in my life - my silly bun Casper! Got him late October last year and he's now a year old - birth month is August.

Of Weddings, Swings, Instax Pics, Roses, And He Who Makes Me Happy

It has been a long while. And I'm happy to report that so much has changed. Changes that are for the better, changes that I've been waiting for, for quite a while now.

A best friend has gotten married to the love of her life as I stood happily witnessing their union as their Maid of Honor. With their union came new acquaintances and friends, and a new kind of fun and adventure began, with unexpected results that can now be told as funny albeit somewhat embarrassing stories.

It's Christmas From Where I Live

Yes, this early. So judge me.

Canadians would say it's too early, well even some of my Filipino friends thought it was too early when I posted that I've done my Christmas decoration already one Friday night. November 1st. Lol. Just indulge me in this. I didn't do Christmas decors the past years I've lived on my own and just had the urge to do so - thanks to Pinterest and A Beautiful Mess and all the craft DIY ideas they've posted. Makes me wanna go on a DIY crafts craze! I scrolled through pages and pages, I fell in love and felt so inspired to do everything! Haha! And I just had this thought: "If I ever became a housewife, I'd make such an awesome homemaker!" Confidence. I has it! Lol.

On Vacations and Getting Back On Track

Summers are always good, no, great, and this year has been my busiest summer in BC so far! It was awesome, no doubt, but I can't deny that by the end of it all, I was so looking forward to getting back to my regular daily life! I even cannot wait for all the busy-ness to die down! I was just spent! Okay, I think you get the picture.

It's funny because it was actually just August. Just a month - but it's all my summer with all the events that took place.

So... Photos time! 

 

Started summer off with blueberry picking! 

Flying Solo

It's been over half a year now since I've started living on my own and while it's very tiring most of the time, I never really regretted moving out. I've even caught myself saying in the true Austen-language, "It is such a pleasure to run your own home."

When I was deciding to move out, I knew it wouldn't be a piece of cake but I had this vision in my head of me cooking and baking and having a jolly-good time while at it. So with that, I continued my pursuit of finding the best place for me and I did. I moved in and so all the boxes still needed to be sorted out and organized and furniture moved to their rightful place but I was a girl on an adventure. So instead of sighing heavily with all the work that's ahead of me, I just did it. Saying that I was exhausted to death by the end of it is the understatement of my existence. Okay, I'm exaggerating but I was never THAT exhausted. And I slept like the dead that night. By the end of the week, I was asking my mom "How do mothers do it? Do ALL these house chores?" My mom's only reply  was, "Add kids to that."

My vision was shattered and replaced with the reality that I have so much responsibility now over my life. Who knew taking care of myself was a whole lot of hard work? Responsibilities that needed to be paid off came in every month without fail and nothing every stays clean in the house. If I wasn't raised by my parents to be strong, I would've ran back crying to them in the first month of my moving out. And instead of feeling sorry that I had a ton of things to look after, I was grateful and I still am. God has never abandoned me and I rarely felt lonely in my place. That's not a front I'm trying to put up, it is the truth. I don't deny that I do feel lonely but it's not enough to make me crumble. Sure, the responsibilities at times overwhelm me too much that I feel suffocated (the reality that I'm in this for life scares me) but these feelings are quick to pass with a a quick prayer and reminder that God is in control. As I always say, "I am where God wants me to be."

Some Fun Out In The Sun

Excuse me for the very cliche title, the summer heat seemed to have parched my creative juices. But never mind that, what's important is we have summer heat! Lol! Allow me to explain - we've had quite a gloomy start of the summer that everyone out here in the west thought the sun wouldn't be too present this season. I'm not kidding. For weeks at the start of summer the forecast was variably cloudy, showers and chance of rains - it was mid-July and we're all wearing jackets and have umbrellas over our heads. Summer bummer indeed. 

It was a funny sight too, I remember we had our annual company picnic, it was the 22nd of July and we were out at the park around 12 noon, wrapped tight in our jackets and wishing we could make a campfire. Haha! And one of my co-workers, upon arriving commented, "So it's a beautiful February day." That gave us all a chuckle. 

On to the adventure....

The first long weekend of the summer came and it was a bit cloudy. But because there was no forecast of shower, we set out to Delta and picked strawberries! It was both fun and tiring. It was fun hunting them big red strawberries down and tiring because we had to bend down to pick them. I felt so old because I suffered leg and lower back pain after. Haha!

And After Three Months...

... I'm back! I know I've said a number of times already that I'd be diligent in updating this blog but hey, I've got a life to live, and it has been crazy busy... in a good way. :) Thus, I've succumbed to micro-blogging that is Twitter and also started writing my innermost thoughts in a private journal. Not that my thoughts will harm anyone, mostly just my pride (haha), but it isn't wise to put all our thoughts out there in public, right?

A lot has happened in the past three months or so that I've been up and down so many times I lost count. March has come and brought in a bit of a good time, only to be taken away by the start of my birth month, April. I think I've had the worst April Fools in my life. So it wasn't that much of a good start and I've only dreaded the days to come as I near my 20-something birthday. April to the early part of June were spent trying to reprogram my life back to what was normal to me before, but a BIGGER part of it was spent cheering for the Vancouver Canucks! Yeah! (I don't wanna dwell on past aches anymore, so, on to the good parts!)

Anyone following me on twitter would have been (but I hope not) sick of my constant tweets about the Canucks, game day or not. Of course, it increases ten-fold if it's a great game and we're winning! Lol! I've had the pleasure of watching the Canucks' every step towards the Stanley Cup Championship Game. They made it! And all of VanCity was only too happy, for the third time, we went as far as be in the very deciding game. They say third time's a charm right? So all our hopes were so high up and almost everyone's favorite hockey team was suddenly the Canucks! Unfortunately, that saying didn't apply to us. We lost to a great team. It was heartbreaking and didn't feel at all like how a Stanley Cup Final Game 7 should be, with how the game was so against us, and in our own arena too. But oh well, that's how it goes, there's only one winner, and sadly, it wasn't the Canucks.

Moving on (I was sad for a while because of the loss), I decided that it is time. It is high time for me to get out there on my own, yep, I moved out! Yay me! Hahaha! So between watching the Canucks kick the puck's arse to the goal, and working mine off, I was stressing out over finding the best apartment. And oh my gosh did I stress out over that! I've literally had a few sleepless nights worrying over finding the right place and I was always on craigslist, checking if new apartments had been listed. I prayed about this so much like my life depended on it. And because God is so awesomely amazing, He gave me the perfect apartment! The rent's such a good deal too because it includes everything already, plus my landlords seem nice people. :) So, thank you Father God, all the glory to you! =D

Lookie here, some photos of my new place! It's so cute and neat, I ♥ it!

Isn't she lovely? Teehee. ^‿^

Once Upon A Spring In Seattle

An early birthday treat last Spring presented itself when a friend of mine had the chance to go to Seattle for a conference. Thrilled with the thought that I'd get to see one of my friends again, we made plans to go tour the city that started the Starbucks' craze. And with it being only a couple of hours away from Vancouver, it made it oh-so-convenient for us to rendezvous. How fortunately convenient it is that I only had to take one bus to get there, right?

Now let me tell you a story. Months before that, I'd imagine myself listening to Owl City's Hello Seattle and will actually be really on my way to that city. Imagine my joy when the prospect of that coming true was revealed! So, armed with a chock-full of pasalubongs in my suitcase and Hello Seattle on repeat on my ancient iPod, I made my way to my first solo flight ever! The joy of going by myself with a suitcase on hand to a city 200 kilometers south of where I live was truly exciting, I could've been smiling all the way! I don't have any idea what will happen once I get there, I don't know the city and the people, but I didn't care! I just ignored the fear and went on - let the city itself be my guide! Plus, exploring the unknown with a friend by my side just made it more appealing.

I stop writing now and just let you see the adventure Brimen and I had in Seattle, Washington! :)

The Space Needle

Tickets. Of course, we have to go to the Space Needle!

On our way to Pike's Place Market

Having Caramel Macchiato at the first Starbucks

A hearty meal. Nomnomnom

At some sports bar for dinner

Brim and Me. The cheesecakes here are to die for!

With Brim's firends

Spring! I'm blending in. Haha!

While shopping/window shopping. Haha!

Next birthday stop? Vegas, please! :)

Grateful

Blogging from Richmond, B.C, Canada! Yey! So my friends keep on telling me to create a new blog or rename this blog Canadian Sanctuary. Haha! Not happening though, I'm an Oriental at heart! LOL!

I'm missing everyone already - Sarah, Maje, Anna, Ico, Ronan, Aysa, Brim, Mapet, Angge, Jer, Noymee (LOL! Wag kayong maingay haha!), Carl (yeah, hugs? haha), Beb, and other USAP officemates of course, Ati Posh! My Dcan Barkada, and last but not the least, the Tropang Times! Thanks thanks so much for the memories we've shared throughout the years and thank you again for making my last days with you guys fun and filled with much happiness! I hope I've left good memories worthy to be remembered and missed. :) You've all offered me kind words as parting gifts and I'm endlessly grateful that I was able to share meaningful moments with you and that my advices are well-appreciated. =') To my Campus Gels, you girls are the sweetest best friends anyone could ever have and I'm so blessed that I was able to be friends with you girls! Thanks so much for the bonding moments, chikahan, coffee sessions, mall escapades, movie dates, shopping and window shopping times, "lunch" talks, food trips, lunchouts, out of town escapades, "bar-hopping" emotes, advices shared, especially the heart-to-heart talks, and everything under the sun that we girls did together! They are all remembered at heart and thank God, captured on camera! We'll see each other again, definitely! I love you Sarah, Maje, Anna, and Myrtle! Thank you for being a part of the person I am today. You might not know it, but you've really made a great difference in me - I've grown more confident, more sweet, more thoughtful, and more outgoing - just because you girls have shared with me your time, the most precious gift of all. *Hugggssss* To Ronan and Ico, thank you for being two of my closest guy friends! If I am to thank you both for one thing, that would be the trust you've both have given me. My heart swells at the thought that you think of me as one person who you're both confident and comfortable to share your thoughts with. I hope you don't regret doing so, hehe! Be happy you two, I wish you nothing but that as you both deserve to experience it to the fullest! *Huggggsss* Aysa, wow, special mention ka! Hehe! Anyway, thank you for the long and heart-warming letter you sent me and the blog you've posted about me. You're right, people may see us just as asaran buddies as we can't live a day without teasing each other but really it's just our way to express our lambing (hard to believe as it is haha). I told you a number of times already but just so the blogigng world knows, you are the "Ate" I didn't want to have! Haha! Kididng! See, I can't help but tease you haha! You're the "Ate" I've always longed to have. It's so easy to pour my heart out to you, you always are willing to lend a listening ear and offer a wise and tumpak na advice. You've told me the sweetest thing - that I bring with me a part of your heart here in Canada, that it's mine and no one can take it away. Thanks Aysa! *Huggss* To Beb, hey, thanks so much for making me feel special! Your intention might not be to make me feel that, but nonetheless it did, so thanks! Salamat sa sudden friendship at sa kulitan! *Huggssss* Ati Posh - salamat sa walang humpay na tawanan! Sa mga nakakalokang usapan at gay lingo na mukhang tau lang ang nagkakaintindihan! We might not always talk to each other and our time together, although short, we haven't forgotten to treasure the friendship formed at People Support. Ati, hold on, Elvin, you, and Momoneng will surely be together always, in due time. :) *Hugggsss* Tropang Times, my college barkada - salamat sa muling pagtanggap. This thanks is already way way overdue but thanks, still. Despite the argument we've had and the differences, you guys still welcomed me back with open arms. So thank you for still making me feel a part of this friendship, and for letting me know that I will be missed. *Hugggss* To my Dcan Barkada, my friends for the longest time. Wow, I've only realized now that we've practically grew together, and yet, we're still here, still laughing and sharing moments together! Salamat girls! For being here through thick and thin! Di man tau always nagkakausap at nagkikita, we were never really away from each other, the friendship remained intact. Distance and non-communication may have weakened it a bit, but the fact remains that the friendship is still there and we're always ready to pick up where we left our friendship off. Thanks so much!! Hugsss* All of your best wishes and prayers that I may be successful here are my weapons and they will surely keep me going. Thanks so much guys! God bless po. Till we see each other again... ='D

Purple Hunt Tour ♥

I was recently introduced to the newest Yahoo craze for Purple lovers, the Purple Hunt Tour, by my friend and I immediately got myself the Purple Ticket. This purple ticket claims to be the key to start off the hunt and win myself some cool purple-glazed gadgets. So, armed with the purple ticket, my friends (who I forced to register to this event, hehe) and I made our way to Market Market, where the first of the Purple Hunt Tour took place. :D

Since pictures paint a thousand words, let these tell the tale of what the Purple Hunt Tour offers purple lovers like meself (obviously :D) . . . and how joyous (yes, joyous, not happy) I felt surrounded by purple everything! :D

Stuff I got from the Purple Hunt Tour

Project Purple Graffiti Wall

I want this purple shirt! This freebie is only available to those who hold the ticket (?) they got from buying Chalk magazine. Of course, being a fan of purple, I decided to buy Chalk but alas, all bookstores had no more stock of the mag! Huhu! :(

We "purplized' oursleves. ^_^V

I dunno why but this horrible-sounding chicken seems to be a star on the event.

The Ultimate Prize - a "purplized" Honda Jazz
I wanted to look like I won that prize but it just doesn't show that. Blame it on my terrible acting. Haha!

USAP Marketing Presents The Macalooweez - 2peat Champs!

We won again! Second time in a row, baby! Yeah! Hahah! All hard work and practicing till almost midnight paid off! The Macalooweez has once again earned the right to be called champions! As I said, "We are The Macalooweez and we defend what we deserve!" With our dance presentation themed The Macalooweez take it to the streetz, we definitely rocked the dance floor! Also, with the judges being dance authorities themselves, we sure made an impression of how dancing in a dance competition should be like! We not just bagged ourselves a whooping P30,000 we also got the much-anticipated prize of one more year of bragging rights! Hahahah! Kidding! We're just really happy we did it with flying colors as the result. We all hope the USAP Marketing peeps are proud of us. We proved ourselves worthy of the investment, right? :D Thanks again for all your support! And thanks to the Kupy for the Macalooweez logo! :D

And now, give it up for the USAP Dance Competition 2007 and 2008 Champion!! Enjoy! *drum rolls*

USAP Marketing Christmas Presentation (Champion - December 2007)

USAP Marketing Dance Presentation - The Macalooweez (Champion - December 2008)