With You

It's 3am. Alfred and I are still up. Just finished drafting documents for work and sending out e-mails to clients. So nice to be in bed, typing away on our own Macs, exchanging ideas and whatnots. Great team. Very cool. Ok bed time! Nite nite!






Here's a very serene image that Alfred took while in Thailand. I love its soft and quiet textures.

Image Alfredo Mendoza

Missing

I miss my mom. It's been more than a year since I last saw her. Where could she be? Is she safe? So many questions run in my head, day in and day out. All I have now are memories etched in my heart. Memories from a time of simple joys and childhood innocence.

My Lolo Jessie

Today my hero began a journey back to his Creator. Back to a place where there is no pain, no sorrow, no suffering. Lolo Jessie left this world today April 21, 2008 (3:20am) At 85 years old, my grandfather lived a full and adventurous life.
I grew up in his house. Lolo Jessie and Lola Cora took care of me like I was their own daughter. My parents were young medical students at that time and Lolo Jessie took care of our needs without asking for anything in return.My Lolo was our family's beacon and anchor.
A big part of who I am now I owe to Lolo Jessie and Lola Cora. The values that both of them have passed on to me are trully precious and can never be measured or quantified. They worked well together as a couple. Nevermind the usual "married life squabbles"(I know now that this is part of the package). I am now a wife and hopefully an expectant mom (working on a baby project) I always look back and think of their words and examples.
Lolo lived a very simple and quiet life. He would sacrifice anything and everything for his loved ones. Sometimes he would even leave nothing for himself. He took on every challenge with a steely and determined look on his face. I knew just by looking at him that he was already planning and plotting his next move in his mind. I consider myself very fortunate to have known such a man. He always had something very meaningful to impart. Of course he was a man of few words, but his words had weight and substance. Something very rare nowadays!
I will pass on so many important life lessons to my future children and grand children. I will always have memories of Lolo Jessie and how he faced life's greatest tests. I'm sure he's found Lola Cora again and they're probably sitting together, hand in hand, looking down and watching over us.


Thank you Lolo Jessie! See you again! Thank you for always being there during all my life's great and not so great moments. I will always be grateful to you! Please send our warm regards to Lola Cora!

Optimism

When I feel down I pray to my God and reflect on the countless blessings that he has showered upon me. During trying times I find peace in knowing that I have strength and love coming from a being who is far greater than any of us.


The Optimist's Creed

"Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

Look at the sunny side of everything and make your
optimism come true.

Think only of the best,
work only for the best,
and expect only the best.

Forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

Give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.

Live in the faith that
the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true
to the best that is in you!"

- Christian D. Larson

Teachers

"You, whose day it is, make it beautiful. Get out your rainbow colors, that it may be beautiful." -a Nekootsa Indian Poem


Some of my fondest childhood memories are those that revolve around school life. My teachers were my idols! Some were very strict and stern while others were so warm and carefree. Each of them helped in molding me to be a better student, a better human being.

But I know for a fact that being a teacher is not an easy feat. A teacher acts as a parent and role model. They are (in a very big way) responsible for the growth and development of each learner. I usually find myself thinking if my students actually learn something from me and my classes. I hope that they see art beyond the canvas and the color wheel. Having been given the opportunity to teach and work with young children is a great privilege. Truly a great gift!




I work with such dedicated and selfless teachers. They always go above and beyond their call of duty. Each day I learn something new from them. Each lesson I try to carry over and apply in my daily life.



I constantly need to remind myself that learning is an ongoing process. I am very lucky to be surrounded by such passionate, dedicated, patient and hardworking teachers.

Thank you for making my stay a memorable one.


* photos taken at Gerry's Grill, Libis QC, during Teachers' Day celebration

I am a work in progress

positive thinking, honesty, and acceptance are bundled together in the healing process. There are good days and yes there are off days. But everyday I do my best to see the good and strike out the negative. I don't always succeed. You see, all of us are works in progress.
This blog is my space to write about my thoughts and emotions without being judged and ridiculed.

lazy days

...Sometimes I just want to laze around and take it slow. I wish to enjoy more brunches and more quiet time with my baby.

One favorite place to take long meals is Kozui, along Tomas Morato, QC. Yummy Japanese food and cozy interiors. Plus the tea selection is just super!! My personal favorite is Genmai-Cha (green tea with roasted rice).

p.s. I gave up coffee about 3 weeks ago.

2008: reload

I've been doodling and painting again. I'm very excited to have this renewed feeling to just create and express. I will add updates real soon. Very exciting stuff for 2008!