 sand_seashells
" It is the heart, in search of oneness... that captures the most inexplicable beauty... "
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moving to www.rodaortizluis.multiply.com
Hey Friends!
I have moved to a new site...
Let's keep in touch via my multiply account!
Posted at 06:05 pm by sand_seashells
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It has been way tooo long since I last visited my blog… and sooo much has happened too!
I gave birth to Ethan, we experienced tragedy in the family, I got a Team Lead position in the office, we left the Condo, lived in Cavite and transferred to our new house (renting still), Ethan's first birthday, my super toxic life at work, and now… everythings seems to be "normal" again…
Whew! It really has been too long.. I miss writing, I miss blogging.. I miss sharing my thoughts..
And now, I want to do this again :) especially now -- that I have my little prince to boast of!!! I asked my very loving hubby to post pictures here while I write. So, from here on, we'll be a team on this -- all the pics, he'll post, I will continue to write and document our growing, happy family life…
Am soo excited to start… :)
Posted at 03:30 pm by sand_seashells
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Thursday, January 05, 2006 |
Our first Christmas & New Year =) I love christmas time and I look forward to the beginning of each new year. That's why, I especially prepare for these holidays during the year. This year, it's extra special because I am now celebrating it with my husband.
It was fun shopping for gifts for both our relatives, office mates, common friends and even personal friends - going around and thinking if this gift fits this person or fits our budget. haha! We were happy deciding for gifts for our parents and couple friends. Nothing really beats the joy of giving. It gives you a different warmth inside.
We spent Christmas at our own place. We just prepared ham, cheese, bread, pasta and wine (for him) while fruit juice for me. Then, we opened our gifts. It was very special and meaningful.
The next day, we went to my parent's house to celebrate Christmas there with my family and later part of the day, we went home to his parent's house to be with them and also give them our Christmas presents.
New Year's Eve we spent at my husband's parents' house. We attended the midnight mass at their local Parish Church and celebrated the new year together. It was my first time spending new year with them and I had a lot of fun. My husband was busy lighting the firecrackers with his dad while his mom and I prepared the food. It was such a treat! Aside from the food, I enjoyed the company.
It was indeed a good way to start Y2006!
All throughout the holiday season, I was a bit cautious and conscious about taking a rest and not pushing myself too much during the holidays due to my pregnancy (I was advised by my doctor to have lots of time to rest). But sometimes, I really need to remind myself a thousand times to slow it down, hehehe!
There was just too much activities and the holiday fever didnt escape me. Last night, before our usual evening prayer, I asked my husband if we could enumerate and write down the blessings that we received last 2005 and our hopes for Y2006. And as we claim in both our hearts, year 2005 was OUR year.
Too many blessings came our way last 2005, soo much to thank for, too many joys to celebrate...
Here's hoping and praying that we may also hold dear the hopes of 2006 as we see it realized throughout the year.
Posted at 05:06 pm by sand_seashells
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Tuesday, November 08, 2005 |
I am now 22 weeks pregnant and I love feeling my baby inside me. Since the 18th week, he (Yes, it's a boy!:) has started his little acrobatics inside me and have been making his presence felt.
I would feel him during day time just after a hearty lunch and after dinner just when we're about ready to retire to bed, sometimes earlier when my husband and I are still watching tv. The squirming and punches are getting stronger as day passes and we look forward to feeling him move every moment he allows us to.
The day I had my ultrasound, I was excited and a little tense. It would be the first time that I would be seeing my baby. The radiologist asked me to lie down as she put some gel on my tummy, then she started pointing at the monitor showing us our baby. My husband was with me and we were so amazed. There is our baby -- and he is a boy! He was moving a lot - he was touching his face, pulling his leg up, and moving his arms. It was if he knew he was being watched. =)
I was soo happy and so amazed! It was a miracle to see the life growing inside you. My husband was ecstatic - he wanted a boy and he got his wish =D
It really is a blessing to have a baby, a child of your own. Each night I thank God for giving us this miracle and each day I pray that I may be the best mom for my child..
Posted at 03:58 pm by sand_seashells
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Tuesday, October 25, 2005 |
When I was single, I often get excited whenever I see a friend pregnant. I would happily touch her tummy and ask her if her baby's a girl or a boy. I especially love visiting nursery rooms, looking at a newborn child. The baby has this certain aura that brings a smile to everyone's face.
And now its MY turn. When I first learned I was preggy (think I mentioned it here already), I was torn between joy and sadness, excitement and fear. But my condition slowly grew on me. I cannot exactly recall when I started getting the "highs" of pregnancy but it has turned my world upside down (in a positive way).
Just this week, I began wearing maternity blouses (hehehe). This was one of the things I dread doing but I think it suits me well (hahah!) Since July, I only drink fresh/pure fruit juices, said goodbye to softdrinks, coffee and super sweet foods and cut-down my intake of very salty food. I also incorporated vegetables to my diet and religiously swigs my "energy drink" (food supplement for baby) and vitamins.
This routine is a bit hard for me since I love softdrinks and coffee, salty foods and chips. Plus, I hate milk! So, taking my creamy supplement drink is a real big thing for me. Not to mention that I am not a veggy person, so you can imagine how its like. =(
Aside from the fatigue and sleepiness I experienced during the early stage of my pregnancy, my condition has never given me real pressure or difficulty.
Today, I look forward to seeing my child. I have felt him/her move 2 weeks ago and he/she makes me aware of his presence every now and then. And boy, do I love every chance I got.
In 2 weeks time, I will have my anatomical ultrasound, to find out my baby's gender -- I cant wait! =) It still amazes me to think that there is a growing life inside me. The baby I will have as my own and will nurture until he can take care of himself/herself.
Gosh, I'm really ready to be a mommy... hehehe!
Posted at 07:39 pm by sand_seashells
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I read a book authored by Iyanla Vanzant titled "In the Meantime, finding yourself and the love you want".
I read it 2 years ago but I can still remember the message that book has left me with.
It says there that we all have our "meantime" moments - a time to seize an opportunity that would come only once; a rare instance where you meet your true love; a short stretch of having to make the best decision that would change your life. These are descriptions of "meantimes" a person experiences and would sometime just let go or would let pass.
We all have our meantime moments. At times we are aware of it, more often we are not. That is why, we shld always define our meantime moments. The moments that count for us - from the simplest to the most mind-stimulating one.
What then are your meantime moments? Let me share mine =)
- When I graduated from college
- When I got my first ever job in the corporate world. I was interviewed and hired the same day, the next day, I started with work. haha!
- The day I felt something different other than friendship for a long time friend.
- The 23rd of December 2000 when this person told me he is falling in love with me after he brought me home from work. With almost 6 mos of courtship.
- January 6, 2001 when I finally admitted I felt the same way to the same person, He has been my boyfriend for 4 years and four mos.
- My first ever job promotion.
- My second job promotion just the year after I was first promoted.
- Moving to a new company =)
- Meeting new friends and colleagues and challenging myself even more to perform well.
- Getting my first big bonus from Caltex
- When my first nephew was born
- Serving in the parish for the most part of my life
- Leaving the parish community after 11 years of service and involvement.
- Giving a retreat to young kids, college students, and even yuppies
- Major conflict with my dad
- Dates with my boyfriend (concert, dinner, movies, etc)
- The day my boyfriend proposed (with a ring!) -- and I said yes!
- The preparations for our wedding
- Our wedding day =D =)
- Our honeymoon
- July 8, 2005 - when I confirmed that I was pregnant
- Every night when my husband and I pray together
- Each sunday that we go home to our parent's house to share meals and stories.. =)
- Times with my nephew
- My first ultrasound when I saw the tiny fetus inside my uterus.
- Everytime I watch my husband sleep and feel really blessed on having him as my partner in life
- When I cooked my our first meal as a couple
- The afternoon when I was so scared because of the blood I saw on the bathroom tiles while I was on the shower (I am preggy).
- The first time I heard my baby's heartbeat
- Everyday - on moments when I get more excited as I wait for the first movements of my baby (inside my tummy).
As I recount all these moments and read through them again, I cant help but smile. It's so nice to enjoy and remember.. A welcoming thought to realize that I have seized most of my meantime moments.
Truly in the meantime, you begin to understand yourself more by knowing what counts in your life. In the meantime, you find love -- love for God -- the all time provider; love for the people around you; and love for yourself...
Posted at 05:23 pm by sand_seashells
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Thursday, October 06, 2005 |
I have always wanted to write something about this special friend of mine but whenever I try, I cannot seem to be able to organize my thoughts. Maybe because there are just so many things, memories and words that can be linked to this lass in my life.
Let me start with how we've met. I met her at our local parish community, the CLW (Community of the Living Waters). We belong to the same batch (that was 1997) and became instantly friends. I cannot remember though how or when we really started hanging out together (Hi Mi, maybe you can refresh my memory, heheheh).
Anyhow, I still recall long talks on the phone, long hours on the mall, long afternoons at her house just hanging around and eating the pasta, fruit salad or any sumptuous meal that her boyfriend (then), Bing prepares for her.
Mimi is a constant and loyal friend. More like a sister to me. We would exchange cards and sweet notes, text messages even. She has once regarded me as her bestfriend -- and I have not really directly told her this, but she is to me the best one a friend can have. And in my heart, she really is my bestfriend too.
We were so close until a time came when something I cant explain happened. There was a shift in focus and priorities (for each of us) and then I just learned that she's leaving for Paris. For a few years we lost touch. I cannot recall clearly what transpired but all I know is that though I had no news about her, she has remained special to me.
Then in 2002 I think, we had the chance to communicate again. I was so excited to hear from her and realized that I missed this girl and her friendship. From then on, we have never stopped sending each other emails. She would update me bout her life and I would do the same. It seems that no lapse in friendship has passed. We were into each other once more.
Mimi over the years is more than a friend to me. She is a confidante, a supporter, an advicer, a penpal and a spirit starter. Each day as I open my Outlook account, I always look forward to her notes and emails. Do you know that she went home last May just so she can attend my wedding day? =)
As I look back, in my heart I know it would never be as complete without her friendship and love. I have soo many friends, close friends, best friends -- but Mimi will always have a special place.
Afterall, one can only have one dearest friend in her lifetime...
Posted at 06:11 pm by sand_seashells
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Wednesday, October 05, 2005 |
Being preggy -- such a miracle! one of exciting moments in a woman's life and one of the hardest.
Cooking -- Learned to like (not in the love stage yet =). Easy yet complicated. But very fullfilling especially when you have a husband like mine who delightfully finishes every meal i cook.
Being married -- a very happy state of life. waking up with the man you love and hugging til its time to get up for work (i love saturdays! hehe)
Living in a condo -- i dont love it. I ealized I want a regula house with people around you, a garden and a driveway. i hate the cramp space and the elevators and the strangers that serve as neighbors!
Emails with friends -- have a passion for IT! Mimi my dearest friend from Paris is my all time favorite penpal (Hi mi!). Her emails perks up my day and I enjoy swapping stories bout life with her.
actually, there's really a lot more I want to write here, but its gonna be a long long list. I realize that all the entries I included above are basically the thoughts that make a difference and add value to my day.. heheh!
now you know... =)
Posted at 04:30 pm by sand_seashells
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Tuesday, October 04, 2005 |
Friendships..
Last saturday, I had the honor of witnessing one of my best friends get married. Her name is Teng. Actually, I was more priveledged as I was given a role in the wedding ceremony, being the commentator.
I have been to numerous weddings of acquaintances and friends but seeing someone close to you walk down the aisle with so much joy on her face is a blessing. And since I was standing on the altar, I had a full view... I saw her when she started walking til the time when Teng and her groom walked up to the altar for the wedding rite. She was so beautiful -- and I was so happy for her..
Teng has been one of my girl "best friends" when I was growing up. We have been best buddies since grade school to college, til now that we now have families of our own, we still regard each other as such.
I remember when we were in high school, we would always hang out at each one's houses, swaping pocket books, talking, eating, and just goofing around (this includes long hours on the phone with phone pals which I believe she mastermined). We went to the same college (though with diff courses), met each one's circle of new friends, and still remained the best of friends. Actually, we were three -- that was me, Mae & Teng.
Time flew so fast but the friendship didnt wane. We have developed our own set of clicks and friends, had relationships, and now -- have married.. but the link that entwined our lives together as friends (and sisters, I may say) binds us well.
And that saturday morning, during the reception -- as I watch her glow in happiness, I felt something inside me melt. My friend has taken a big leap; has stepped into a new journey -- and til now, we have each other. As I watched her audio visual presentation showing pics of the 3 of us, I was filled with gratitude -- for the long years of friendship and the memories that goes with it.
Cheers!
Posted at 05:10 pm by sand_seashells
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This is a good article that applies to all. "Say Thank You". I believe in this. I know that if can only focus on the good stuff, all the blessings in this world will follow, all of them, big and small.
So, to you, I say, "thank you.." =) Please read on..
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SAY THANK YOU
By Oprah Winfrey
I live in the space of thankfulness - and I have been rewarded a million times over for it. I started out giving thanks for small things, and the more thankful I became, the more my bounty increased.
That's because what you focus on expands, and when you focus on the goodness in your life, you create more of it. Opportunities, relationships, even money flowed my way when I learned to be grateful no matter what happened in my life.
"Say thank you!" Those words from my friend and mentor Maya Angelou turned my life around. One day about ten years ago, I was sitting in my bathroom with the door closed and the toilet lid down, booing and ahooing on the phone so uncontrollably that I was incoherent. "Stop it! Stop it right now and say thank you!" Maya chided. "But - you don't understand," I sobbed. To this day, I can't remember what it was that had me so far gone, which only proves the point Maya was trying to make. "I do understand," she told me. "I want to hear you say it now. Out loud. 'Thank you.'" Tentatively, I repeated it:
"Thankyou - but what am I saying thank you for?"
"You're saying thank you," Maya said, "because your faith is so strong that you don't doubt that whatever the problem, you'll get through it. You're saying thank you because you know that even in the eye of the storm, God has put a rainbow in the clouds. You're saying thank you because you know there's no problem created that can compare to the Creator of all things. Say thank you!"
So I did - and still do. Only now I do it every day.
I kept a gratitude journal, as Sarah Ban Breathnach suggests in Simple Abundance, listing at least five things that I'm grateful for. My list includes small pleasures: the feel of Kentucky bluegrass under my feet (like damp silk); a walk in the woods with all nine of my dogs and my cocker spaniel Sophie trying to keep up; cooking fried green tomatoes with Stedman and eating them while they're hot; reading a good book and knowing another awaits.
My thank-you list also includes things too important to take for granted: an "okay" mammogram, friends who love me, 15 years at the same job (and loving it more than the first day I started), a chance to share my vision for a better life, staying centered, having financial security. I won't kid you, having money for all the things I want is a blessing. But as I look back over my journals, which I've kept since I was 15 years old, 99 per cent of what brought me real joy had nothing to do with money . (It had a lot to do with food,
however.)
It's not easy being grateful all the time. But it's when you feel least thankful that you are most in need of what gratitude can give you: PERSPECTIVE. Just knowing you have that daily list to complete allows you to look at your day differently, with an awareness of
every sweet gesture and kind thought passed your way. When you learn to say thank you, you see the world anew. And as Meister Eckhart so eloquently stated:
"If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is 'Thank you', that would suffice."
Posted at 04:20 pm by sand_seashells
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