A Year of Hope

The husband and I moved here in Adelaide, South Australia (after much prodding and convincing) last July 28, 2014. We have faced challenges that tested our character, faith and our belief in ourselves.

It has been a year since I had my second miscarriage. This time it was physically, emotionally and spiritually painful. The time I found out I was pregnant at 11 weeks was the time I found out I miscarried. No big deal - said no one who have been wanting to have a child for more than 8 years! The doctor said it is about 25 - 30% of pregnancies miscarry and there is no way to prevent it.

It has been a year and yes, I still feel sad. There are days when I blame myself and wished I have done things differently. There are days when I think about how my baby would look like had he not gone sooner than we've come to known him. There are days when I doubt the grace of God to heal me from the pain.

It has been a year and yes, I go on. I go on and not move on. There is no moving on on losing a love one. There is no moving on in grief. I go on. I go on to enjoy the beauty of each day brings. I go on to love my husband who, not only gives me what I need, does everything to make me happy. I go on to be grateful with God for showing me that He is faithful through the kindness and charity of friends and strangers. I go on because I know with each pain comes great blessings.

Succu Love

I love growing plants. Period. No matter where I live I end up finding myself caring for a potted plant. When my husband and I were in Singapore and we bought plants to care such as mint, parsley, bonsai and another flowering plant (which I forgot). So, when we moved here in Australia, it was natural for us to have some live greens in the house. My current obsession - succulents.

The only succulent I've know is the Philippine Kalanchoe (or Katakataka) but, it was through Pinterest where I found some beautiful varieties of succulents and cactus. They are really gorgeous specially when they are crammed up together in one container or pot. I just love them!

Here's my second attempt at creating a potted garden. And... it doesn't look as I expected it to be. O well, I will try next time. I believe in practice makes perfect. In this pot it has echeveria black prince, gaptoveria pink, jelly bean, sedum voodoo and two unidentified beings. 

I don't know if it is just me or what. I find myself spending more and more time with my plants! I always check if their leaves are ok. There is always a question: are they growing as they should? Is the soil dry enough? Should I water them? Or, not? Should I replant? What are these on the leaves? Is it normal?

My husband even joked about it. "I envy the plant because you are with them more than me." Sorry, beb, will be with you in a minute, only if we are able to get that echeveria subsessilis this Saturday. But, we all know it is far from truth. Haha!

How about you? What's your current obsession? 

Hello There, 2016!

I know I have been away for more than two years and in those two years a lot of things happened. I may have to share them in several posts.

2015 brought the most painful experience I have felt in my existence but, it gave great joy that's enough for me to say that the past year was still a wonderful year. I can't be more than thankful. 

For this year, I don't have resolutions but only plans to continue to act on fulfilling our dreams. There are new adventures to take, places to travel and passions to explore. So, cheers to 2016!

Most Beautiful Woman (In Husband's Eyes, At Least)

I saw this video featured in ANC. It made me blush and smitten! Here's a guy who was in a daze after a surgery and was not able to recognize his wife. Watch what he said:

Isn't this the sweetest?! The last part was funny. He asked his wife to turn around. Haha! Looking for that booty?!

I remember one of the silly conversations, via sms, that hubby and I had. Here it is.

Gaah! Who wouldn't get a swollen head even for a minute with this? *kilig*

This Moved Me To Tears

Who wouldn't be move by this? The innocence of the young boy, the genuine love of the Pope and the happiness of the father for his son. Ohh... tissue.

Teejay Ukay-Ukay

It had been a very long time since I last visited an ukay-ukay store. I guess that was a decade ago in Baguio. I don't like the idea of buying second hand clothes. Plus scouring through tons of items in a hot dusty and dirty place.

Last Tuesday I went to Robinson's Mall in Imus and decided to check on Teejay's Ukay-ukay store out of curiosity. Lo, and behold I got so excited to see a lot of not-your-usual dresses, jackets and pants. I came out with four items on hand and promised myself that I would check out the store again or look out for other ukay stores in Cubao or Quezon City.

Anyway, here are what I bought so far. All tops cost 125 each, while the jacket at 250. I was able to haggle but only got 60 pesos discount on the total. I think it is still a bit expensive since some stores give 60-100 for tops.

I had them washed in hot water to kill the bacteria and remove the germs.

My next mission is to score a designer dress, bags and a cool pair of boots.

Taking The First Steps

Since I was a kid DIY paper dolls and dressing them up have been my favorite play time. Together with my sisters and cousins we would cut cardboards and papers to create our own dolls. Dressing them in our own definition of fashion and style. We would then line them up as just like in a beauty pageant. 

In my elementary years I moved from paper dolls to paintings, sketching and crafts. Homeworks have never been a problem to me when it involved arts and the hands.

As years went on and priorities have changed, I realized that I have lost my talent in the arts. I lost my confidence in that field and left my right side of the brain stagnant.

Then, decades and decades after, here I am. In a place I am so excited about! In my mid-30s I am a student again. An enrollee of Fashion Institute of The Philippines - Makati. I am taking up all the Basic Courses and intend to finish up to graduation day. The graduation will have you showcasing your collection in a fashion show. Woah! Exciting and scary!

Basic Pattern Making

My Basic Pattern Making Classmates and Instructor - Oz Go (brother of Rachel Ann Go!)

I can say that the teachers are competent and are very good in their own right. I appreciate the style of teaching where you do more hands-on than theory. 

My only concern is that one room is shared with several classes. It can go up to four classes which sometimes becomes a bit noisy. Add to that the forever playing of Anything Could Happen song by Ellie Goulding. But, I guess it's just a way to lighten up the class.

This is totally new to me. I hope to endure this and succeed in this path.

Wish me luck!!