One Thousand Pesos = Happiness

I never thought one thousand pesos can make me this happy...

Got myself a beader book for my Tita J, a couple of yoga magazines for my cousin (yup, I admit, I will have to browse over them first before handing them over to her), a golf instruction mag for hubby, parents magazine (the article on “how to handle whining” caught my eye), an Oprah, and last but definitely the least… a crochet book (for the beginner stitcher). Yeheeey! Napapalundak ako sa tuwa, can you see me jumping for joy?

Then I found myself a (relatively) quiet nook with a comfy cushioned seat near the aircon in Jollibee. With an hour to spare while waiting for my ID pictures to get done, I was as happy as a lark.

Today, I became enlightened. Out of the blue, I told hubby that starting this month, I'll be taking care of the Meralco bill. Now, that felt good.

I still get a genuine kick out of living in our tiny suburban paradise. Peeking through our windows while the gentle breeze caresses me gives me joy.

Christmas Lights, Christmas Memories

Today, they’ve lit up the streets of Makati. Saw it on TV. It brought back beautiful memories of my Dad driving us along Ayala/Paseo de Roxas in our good old VW Beetle when we were little.

Back then, we never shopped in Makati. Christmas shopping was done in Cubao (then later on SM City – now North Edsa). But the folks made it a point to drive us through the bright lights. It made me feel even more “Christmassy”.

I can still vividly recall how the whole experience felt as I stuck my neck out, head peeking thru the car window from behind Daddy’s seat. Ah, all was well.

Maybe Hubby and I can bring along the 3 little ones for a “drive-thru” one night.

On Being Up Early and Keeping My Sanity

Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than rising up early. I keep wondering why I do not find the discipline to do it every day.

This morning, I woke and fought the strong urge to count the number of hours I’ve slept and the even stronger urge to get back to bed. Grabbed my Bible and Our Daily Journal, said a short prayer, and greeted my mother-in-law on her birthday.

My youngest Little One woke up as I got down to start eating breakfast. I am thankful that we have help; they take charge of cooking and cleaning most of the time. It was fun chatting with the Little One about nothing in particular – laughing over sneezes and funny words like “Komodo… sacrifice!” (Long story; think – cartoons and speaking cows [Hint: Back in the Barnyard]).

I told our help that I meant to leave early before noon and therefore am planning to eat lunch early. Keeping the communication lines open does wonders to my sanity. I know it will help me not to be running late for work, therefore, make my day remarkably less stressful.

I then spent… I don’t know, maybe half an hour or so watering the plants and trimming a few bushes. Pulled out a handful of ugly-looking weeds. Glad I caught them early. Just a few weeks from now and they’d have grown nasty thorns, making them much harder to pull out. Which, I guess, speaks a lot about life in general. See some “weeds” you don’t like in your life? This early, PULL THEM OUT!

Had to fight the very strong urge to spend more time cutting some grass. Doctor’s orders. No stooping over to avoid increasing my intracranial pressure and spare myself the torture of a really bad headache (which usually drags on for days… really).

I know I’ve been fighting a lot of urges lately. But this is all balanced out by giving in to some pleasant instincts – like rising up early. My mantra is still “Let it go”. Works wonders for my health and sanity. I end up with a happier household and a happier me.