saying goodbye to 2011! AND WELCOMING 2012!..

this last day of 2011, I wanna reflect on things that made me stronger, happier and contented with my life...

January, nothing very significant that happened.

February, which is suppose to be the month of heart, made me very sad. This was the start of my disappointment on my recent past relationship. I am a person that values special occasions that are related to relationships; may it sound corny to others, but I always look forward to wonderful experiences; funny things, so when you are old, you have good memories to reminisce and laugh about.

March, My friend, Lily arrived in Canada. One of my friends in Taiwan that I promised help. That is one blessing that I want to thank the Lord of, another promise kept and made.

April, nothing much!

May, nothing much!

June, although I am happy with my sister helping me out to put my party together for my 41st birthday. I was never completely happy, because, the person that I am expecting to surprise me, never showed up and not even all or send a message. Baduy! or corny to others but that really made me terribly sad. And the worst part is, I cannot show it to my relatives who are present during the celebration because I have made a good story and impression of him. That is the greatest disappointment.

July, the approval of my US Visa! Thank you God! another answered prayer. 10 years multiple entry. What more can I ask for...

August, my first cross the US border experience. Walking across the Rainbow Bridge to Niagara Falls, NY. And my first 4 days in the US - The Up State NY, USA. This is also the time that I have been asking if where am I to spend Xmas and New Year after the failures to be with the person I want to be with in special occasions and never had a definite answer. I understand anyway. and This month also brought the end to my relationship.

September, the struggle continues, I know a lot of my blog friends would remember this. Because I used my blog to release all of  my frustrations, sorrow and tears.

October. especially the 29th made me whole again. Met and found a person who have made me feel that I am not a trash like I thought I am. He had made me believe in myself again. I am very thankful of that day. and I wanna thank you, JC and to tell you, that I love you so much!

November, my first visit to Tillsonburg. My meeting with JC's parents. a wonderful experience. Very warm and wonderful people. I can remember, 11-11-11, we woke up with snow. JC's mom, open the door to their backyard to show me, how beautiful it was with the thin layer of snow. I found my family away from home... And then, November 26, JC, drove with me all the way from Tillsonburg to Ajax, to meet my family. and he was, with open arms, welcomed to my family. That completed us.

December, finally, I have visited the Big Apple. JC and me went to NY upon the invitation of my cousin Albert and Friend, Ben Rojo. Watched my long time favorite, Manhattan Transfer at the Blue Note Jazz Bar. Seen the sights and sounds of New York. Then, Xmas with JC's family - the most wonderful Xmas I ever had away from home. Then, the Silver wedding anniversary of my cousin's, Regina and Roberto last thursday. Once again, JC was welcomed, now with my extended family all over Northern America. That wedding that had once again put me back to what I love doing. Hosting a party and dancing. It gave me the chance to show people here, after 6 years, that this is what I love. JC even joked saying that, I love the microphone, the spot light and the cameras. With no hesitation, I just answered "yes!"

and tonight, I am meeting JC again, we will have our new year together. Just the two of us...

Fellow bloggers and readers, I just wanna end this post by quoting the two things that was mentioned by Kuya Boy and Ate Reggie for their 25th wedding anniversary. One, it is not how many times they fall but it is how they get hold of each other and stand up again and go on with life. and secondly, that, it is the imperfection that is making their relationship wonderful. Imperfection, gives them the room to develop, strive to be better and and space to grow.

HAVE A BLESSED, PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

I LOVE YOU ALL...

YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY PRAYERS!...

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Me and JC, in the traditional Filipino Attire

The Barong Tagalog 

 the Junio Family

Oliver (2nd), Jesu Mari (3rd), Regina and Robert, and Robert Jr.

December 29, 2011

At this time, JC and I are at Timothy's at Church Street and Alexander. He, having a coffee and I am having a tea! Yes! I am having a tea for a change. Anyways, I already had 4 glasses of white wine and a glass of red! Oh no! 2 glasses of red because JC just noticed I am already drinking his wine. Hahaha...

We have 3 hours of break from the first part of the anniversary celebration of my cousins, Reggie and Boy. They have given me three hours of my old life, being in front of a crowd with a microphone, flashes of cameras and applause... For three hours, I am home...

With good comments and Appreciation of my hosting. I guess I am back in business. Got people asking for my contact info and the guy who did the video and camera documentation, even gave me his calling card...

Anyways, just found out that three couples in my family are celebrating their anniversary today, including Ate reggie and kuya boy's sister, Ate Leah! And to realize, it is our second month today. Me and JC are celebrating our second monthsarry today... Hehehehe...

Okay! In 2 hours, we need to head on to the second part of the celebration. The close family party at their residence. And funny, my sister and my cousins, made me promise that JC will be there. It made me very happy. That assured me that he is officially accepted in my family. Yahoo! Loving it....

Hope you too my blog friends are having fun....

My Biggest Smile

this poem is dedicated to the Calcutt Family

whom I spent my Christmas 2011.

The last weekend
were the most fun
of my days
since I was away 
from my family.

I can truly say

that I have experienced

the most wonderful Christmas.

The hugs and kisses

The warmest welcome I ever had

and the gifts from Santa

made my smile

wider that I usually do.

Thank you...

My found treasure

My found bucket of happiness

My found pot of luck

and most of all

My family away from home.

posted for Magpie Tales Photo Prompt 96

courtesy of Tess Kincaid 

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i just got home an hour ago.

JC though how sad he is needs to drove me home.

i am now back to work.

but we were looking forward of

being together again on the 28th at 1pm.

we will be attending the 

25th Wedding Anniversary of my cousin 

Ate Reggie and Kuya Boy

in Scarborough.

I am excited to see JC 

in our traditional wear,

the Barong Tagalog [link]. 

I am hosting the event

and I am very happy that he said

"yes" for escorting me to the event

as he is excited to meet more of my relatives...

hope you had a wonderful Christmas too...

and the malls are crazy as we pass by

for the boxing day...

continue enjoying the holidays...

love you all!...

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Afrikaans - "Geseënde Kersfees en ‘n Voorspoedige Nuwe Jaar."
Arabic - "I'd Miilad Said Oua Sana Saida"
Argentine - "Felices Pasquas Y felices ano Nuevo"
Armenian - "Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand"
Basque - Eguberri on
Bohemian - "Vesele Vanoce"
Breton - "Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat"
Bulgarian - "Tchestita Koleda; Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo"
Chinese - [Mandarin] - "Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan"
Chinese - [Catonese] - "Saint Dan Fai Lok"
Cornish - "Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth"
Croatian - "Sretan Bozic i Nova Godina" (Merry Christmas & Happy New Year)
Czech - "Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok"
Danish - "Glædelig Jul"
Dutch - "Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar"
Inupiaq Eskimo (Kotzebue area in NW Alaska)-
Quvianagli Anaiyyuniqpaliqsi suli Nakuuluni Ukiutqiutiqsi-
(Merry Christmas) (and) (Happy New Year)
English - "Merry Christmas"
Estonian - "Haid joule ja head uut aastat"
Farsi - "Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad"
Filipino-"Maligayang Pasko"
Finnish - "Hyvaa joulua"
French - "Joyeux Noël"
German - "Froehliche Weihnachten"
Greek - "Kala Christouyenna"
Hawaiian - "Mele Kalikimaka"
Hebrew - "Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova"
Hindi - "Shub Naya Baras"
Hungarian - "Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket"
Icelandic - "Gledileg Jol"
Indonesian - "Selamat Hari Natal"
Iraqi - "Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah"
Irish - "Nollaig Shona Dhuit"
Italian - "Buone Feste Natalizie"
Japanese -" Shinnen omedeto, kurisumasu omedeto.
The first part is translated "Happy New Year.
Kurisumasu omedeto means Merry Christmas.
Japanese people generally add the expression gozaimasu to indicate soemm humility.
Korean - "Sung Tan Chuk Ha"
Latvian - "Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus un Laimi'gu Jauno Gadu"
Lithuanian - "Linksmu Kaledu"
Navajo - "Merry Keshmish"
Norwegian - "God Jul"
Pennsylvania German - "En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr"
Polish - "Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia"
Portuguese - "Feliz Natal" "Boas Festas"(Good Holidays.)
Rumanian - "Sarbatori Fericite"
Russian - "Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva s Novim Godom"
Serbian - "Hristos se rodi"
Slovakian - "Sretan Bozic or Vesele vianoce"
Samoan - "La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou"
Scots Gaelic - "Nollaig chridheil huibh"
Serb-Croatian - "Sretam Bozic. Vesela Nova Godina"
Slovak - "Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok"
Slovene - "Vesele Bozicne. Screcno Novo Leto"
Spanish - "Feliz Navidad"
Swedish - "God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt År"
Tahitian -Merry Chrismas :" Ia orana te Noera"
and Happy new year is "Ia orana i te mata iti api"
Thai - "Sawadee Pee Mai"
Turkish - "Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun"
Ukrainian - "Z Rizdvom Khrystovym !" - "Merry Christmas"
" Z Novym Rokom !" - "Happy New Year"
"Z Rizdvom Khrystovym i Novym Rokom !" - both greetings together.
Vietnamese - "Chuc Mung Giang Sinh"
Welsh - "Nadolig Llawen"
Yugoslavian - "Cestitamo Bozic"

MERRY CHRISTMAS
my fellow bloggers
and especially my
BLOG FRIENDS!
love you all!!!

thanks to this website [link]

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just so happy that

JC and his family

invited me to celebrate

my Christmas week

with them.

so JC picked me up yesterday at 9am

from Burlington

and we went to pick up our

Barong Tagalog

for the wedding anniversary on the 29th

and off we went to Tillsonburg.

staying here until tuesday.

Merry Christmas

everyone!..

My Gift

picture taken by JC at NYC Subway...

spent two days

just to find a gift for you.

roaming around burlington 

to hiking the city of toronto.

i have moved from one mall to another

from one store to the other

yet i cannot find something

that is worth giving.

until with frustration

i found myself in front

of the coffee shop

where we first spent our time
during our first meeting

talking with my friends

hanzel and lily.

just as we did

i went in and ordered coffee

sat on the same table.

and after 30 minutes

of being there

i realized 

i can no longer find a better gift

because i already given you the best.

myself and my love.

a poem made for JC

Fun with the Sun

One day, as we are having fun

Right at the door 

     with the ray of  the sun

I snap a picture of you

With my shadow, 

     came out to be 

     a picture of two

Endless fun until 

     the day is done...

image: Lee Friedlander, 1966

Posted for Magpie Tales Photo Prompt 96

Picture courtesy of Tess Kincaid

Happy Holidays fellow bloggers!.. 

have a
Meaningful Christmas

and a 

Prosperous New Year

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My Other Blogs

Mis Canciones [link] White Christmas by Michael Buble

My Amateur Shots [link] Times Square, New York, USA

R A G

one morning they saw me
carefully folding a piece of cloth
with the pair of scissors
needle and threads...

and then they asked me
"what are you doing?'
i just simply replied
"i am making my rag beautiful!"

hmmm, for some
maybe you are just a rag
a piece of cloth
a cleaning material
but for me
you are my everyday bestfriend.


you are making my job
and work easy
giving me company of at least
8 hours a day
to at most 12 hours
or 'til they ask me to stop.

a witness to all my laughters,
crying time,
sad and happy times.
also falling in love
and heart breaks.


and for those hours
you never ever complained,
how many times
i wash and squeeze you
until we are both done
for our day of work.


if a writer have
a good typewriter or computer;
if a businessman have
an expensive pen to sign contracts and cheques
if a carpenter have
a good hammer and saw;
for me,
a beautiful rag is the best.


a thing that help me
put money in my pocket
food on the table
that at the end of the day
put a smile on my face.

this i promise you
that at the end of the day
i will keep you
washed and dry.
so a good rest for you at night
as i do to myself.
so we will be both
ready for the next day
of work and labor...

ps. this was inspired after my lady boss saw me
sitting on a couch near the Christmas tree
yesterday. She was smiling when she saw me
doing my rag from an old shirt that I cut and
use as a rag for cleaning...

My Other Blogs:

Mis Canciones [link] White Christmas by Michael Buble
My Amateur Shots [link] Times Square, New York, USA

Places To Visit & See and Places to Live...

Now that I have seen New York, maybe not all of it but most of it; I can definitely say that I will have NYC as one of those places that I will put on my - Places to see and visit list.

Even back home in the Philippines, not because of the negative thoughts about security, I really have considered some places part of my visit list. And even, when friends local (meaning Filipinos) and international (obviously the ones who are not from the country, including those with Filipino decent but not born or raised back home) to go to the provinces and not settle in the big cities, like that of Manila and it's surrounding; that way they have the feel of what the culture is all about. and the "homey" feel of the country.

If you really wanna feel how Filipinos live, how they can have fun despite hardships and trials, go to the areas like my province, Palawan [link]... just a sample of what you can see there... and recently our Underground River is voted one of the finalists for the new seven wonders of nature, hopefully, it will make it to the top 7. That will help boast our tourism industry for sure.

Just like when I arrived here in Canada, I have stayed in my sister's place in Ajax, and I love it. until the time that I am getting acquainted to the area and I feel like there are some things that is missing in the area. But that area could be a good place to reside tho.

Then, I have seen Mississauga, sorry, but I don't find myself living there.

And of course, Toronto. A place for me to come and meet friends and have fun. shopping not at all. I have seen the things that are being sold in downtown Toronto are also sold in other places in much much  cheaper price. and being in there, 2-3 days is just enough. and that is what I feel about being in NYC. I feel like there are so much things going on. It's like every part of the city is not connected with each other. Sorry, that's what I feel about it. Although, there is one thing, that I wanna comment on.

When friends learned that we will be staying one night in Harlem, even my cousin said "aw!" but you know what. It is on that part of the city that, we have experienced friendliness. A guy who lives in Harlem helped us out in the Subway. he approached us and showed us where to go and what train to take. And then, the lady even walked us to the street and show us where is the place we will stay. And the receptionist and the guard and the whole place, we stayed; I am impressed.

Then of course Tillsonburg, i just love the simplicity of the place. The two parts of it. and knowing that for a small place, it's a bit busy, meaning business if you are into what the place is offering. But, with the kind of plan that I have, it seems like I cannot make it there. But I love it. and I owe Tillsonburg a lot, i found my great buddy from there, JC.

Then, I have the luck to see, live and work here in burlington, and I love it. This is somewhat what I have in mind of a "place to live."

A place to live for me is somewhat like a country but you have a feeling that whatever you need downtown is just at most 30 minutes drive.

So, that's it...

Next places to visit... These are the places that I wanted to see in the US...
> Washington, DC
> Hawaii
> Las Vegas
> San Francisco
and of course
> Chicago... Sister Suz! up for coffee... LOL!

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Mis Canciones [link] It's beginning To Look Like Christmas
My Amateur Shots [link] Bryant Park, New York
>

Home Sweet Home In Burlington

After leaving for New York City last friday, December 9, 2011; I am finally home in Burlington.

We actually went home last Sunday, 11 dec 2011, but we went home to Tillsonburg. And I stayed there for a couple of days and JC drove me back home just an hour ago, it's 8:14pm now.

There are a lot of things to say but I still need to relax my mind and settle down. Great experience! Now I have to mark down New York City on my list of accomplishment. You know when you are from a country where applying for a US Visa is hard, getting it and being there is quite something. I just hope that I can also have my family experience things that I have experienced.

So back to work, back to regular blogging.

 taken on the bus, on the way to New York City

taken outside the 

Blue Note Jazz Bar

after the 

Manhattan Transfer Show

 at Bryant Park

 Times Square

 On the boat to Staten Island

 JC with my cousin Albert and wife Diana...

 On the way to the 86th Floor of

Empire State Building

Rockefeller Center

more pics will be posted on

My Amateur Shots [link]

H. E. L. P.

Help

So

Near

Yet

So

Far...

Posted for Magpie Tales

Photo Prompt #95

Phot courtesy of

Tess Kincaid

on the road

I'm doing this post while aboard the Megabus. On my side is my very good travel buddy, JC. While i am taking pictures using my iPad, he is bugging me. Especially when we pass that area that i once visited. As i have expected this is a wonderful trip having him with me.

We are now 15 miles away from Syracuse and the bus driver announced that we will have a 20 minutes break. My bum is killing me already. Duh! And i need to pee.....

But nevertheless, i am enjoying this because of him...

And my iPhone 4 weather forecast is right. No sun but no rain and snow too. So it's awesome!

New York and New Jersey, USA

oh finally!

at last!

LOL!

after so much things that had happened in the past, work and personal life related matters. I have it done. With the help of some people, their encouragement and push, I am now set to do my visit to New York City.

I am all excited after my cousin, Albert Balmonte in New York told me that he can join me for at least a day, saturday, as he is busy working and running a new family, with a new baby. and My old friend and former co-worker back home in the Philippines, Benjie Rojo told me, he have squeezed his already tight schedule to meet me on this visit; I am all set to my journey to New York! Benjie is now settled in New Jersey.

Albert even promised to meet me at the bus station and take us to their home, where we will be spending our first night. Yes, it is a WE. JC have it worked out. Albert and his equally accommodating wife, Diana were excited and happy to tell us, that she will be preparing for a welcome dinner at their place.

So after making the bookings... we are all set to leave Toronto on Friday at 8am and we will be arriving in New York at 6pm. btw, My lady boss even offered me a round trip airplane ticket, but aside from I don't wanna abuse their generosity, after paying my two root canals a month ago; i wanna see every city or town before NY. Anyways, with JC on that land trip will surely be exciting. Especially looking at the weather forecast, it seems promising. Hope my iPhone 4 weather forecast is good and at least 95% accurate.

So on our itinerary were the following:

1. The Statue of Liberty
2. Bryant Park
3. Times Square
4. The Empire State Building
5. The Wall Street
6. The Brooklyn Bridge
7. St. Patrick's Cathedral
8. and of course, The Chinatown...

any blogger, who wants to meet up for coffee? just message me... that would be exciting...

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ON MISCANCIONES [link] HOME

with youtube videos of

Asia's Songbird REGINE VELASQUEZ

and the first TV appearance

of WHITNEY HOUSTON

On MY AMATEUR SHOTS [link] On A Rainy Day

Crowded Isolation

Reposting an older post that I have last November 1, 2011, a picture taken by my friend Roland [link] during the Halloween Costume Street Party at Church Street, Toronto... seeing this new Photo Prompt from Magpie Tales, i thought that the idea is the same... 

Crowded Isolation

I can hear voices,
screaming, 
laughing 
and even crying.

I can hear footsteps
and sense movements.

Suffocated,
Crowded...



Yet I feel alone 
and see noone.

posted for Magpie Tales

photo courtesy of Tess Kincaid

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My Other Blogs

Mis Canciones [link] Let There Be Peace On Earth

My Amateur Shots [link] I Made It For Christmas

A day for Gabriel Roa Rodriguez Jr.

I am offering a day of prayer for my brother, whho we fondly call Gabriel or Jun. i still can remember that morning when my sister, Vicky called my brother, Father Val that morning to tell us what is happening back home.

He maybe the guy that everyone will call the prodigal son, a black sheep. But for us, he will always be the Manong Jun that at the break of morn will have his checks red as he got what our grandparent's spanish chinese skin - pinkish! And it will turn red as he starts to drink his favorite rhum, the Filipino local Tanduay, which we call "TUNDAY" because his only son, Gaver (Gabo) can't pronounced it perfectly.

And so i pray...

Lord

Grant my brother

Gabriel Junior

The peace that he never had

While he is still with us.

I know that

Just like most of us

He has battled a lot

And had been weak

For all the challenges

And struggles

That our family have been through.

Let him know

That we,

His mother,

His brothers and sisters,

Nephews and nieces

And especially

His son Gabo,

Loves him so much

And that we will never forget him

All our life.

And we know

That as much as he tries

Not to give us trouble

When he is still with us

He will be our angel Gabriel Jr

Helping out our another angel,

Gabriel Sr.

Guarding us...

Guiding us...

And loving us from heaven...

May they rest in peace

In your paradise

Amen.

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and this is my nephew

Gaver Rodriguez

now, 17 years old.

isn't he a handsome young man?

he got his father's looks. 

5 days and 5 nights with JRC...

It was full of fun, excitement and love...

Friday...

I was preparing to get out of work as my Days off will be from 12noon. My lady boss and her daughter were doing their routine exercises with their gym instructor who comes in three times a week. While they are sweating it all, I am doing my routine too... Checking the water filter, the firewood for the fireplace, the salt of the water system, the tropical plants that we have to bring in and all the rooms.

When my lady boss shouted at me, "JJ will you stop it!" shocked, i went down to see and ask her what i should stop; Thinking that I did something wrong. She told me, "stop parading in front of us with that skinny pants and tight fit white shirt. We all killing ourselves here working out and seems like nothing is happening while you eat rice three times a day and still, looking that well..." we all laughed.

So by 12noon, me and my lady boss are already on her convertible white audi. She is going to the store and dropping me off to Burlington Go Station. I arrived in Toronto around 2pm. Checked in to the hotel, and after my phone was fully charged, i went to eaton center to check out some stuff that i am planning to buy.

At around 7pm, JC arrived, picked me up at Yonge street and we went to have dinner. roland joined us shortly. It was a fun night. Being with JC is always fun. Endless kisses and hugging and whispering of sweet nothings. As usual have beer at Woody's. Roland who left after the dinner joined us there around 10pm. And Oscar, another cute asian guy arrived and join us too. Hmmmm! Double date ei... LOL! Home after having 3 pitchers of beer. I'm pretty drunk. Hehehe...

SATURDAY!

We got up at 7am, snuggle a little, and went to meet Roland at Java Jive for coffee. About 9am. We went to walk around church street and yonge street trying to look for whatever. We went back to the hotel to rest awhile while waiting for 12noon. We need to pick up the ticket for Romeo and Juliet Ballet at the Four Seasons Performing Arts box office. Tne instruction was at least 45minutes prior to the show schedule which is 2pm. Anyways, we decided to go early to pick up the ticket, grab a bite and come back. Unfortunately something came up with the Subway, and we were left with no choice but to eat a sandwich and coffee at Tim Hortons... Oh well!

The show was fabulous! It was Jc's first time to a ballet show and he liked it. We were looking forward to see sleeping beauty on March 2012. Wanna join us? Sure...

The show went for three hours including the three breaks. We are rushing after the show for we still need to drive to Ajax. My sister is hosting a dinner party at her place. We have to dropby The Beer Store for i promised that we will be the one to provide the drinks. We were there by 7:30pm.

(son 1, kuya boy, son 3 and son 2, JC, Dania, Romano)

(ate Reggie, Ate Ruby, Ate Manique, Isabella, Bian and Vanessa)

btw, Ate (pronounced ah-te ) means older sister and kuya (ku-ya) means older brother

At the party were my cousin Ruby and her daughter Bian and son Christian, neighbors and adopted family, Walter and Vanessa and Daughter Dania, Ate Reggie and Kuya Boy, with their three goodlooking sons. By the way the couple will be celebrating their silver wedding anniversary on the 29th of December, and yehey! JC as a new member of the family will be my escort for the night. I will be hosting. And of course my sister Manique and daughters Isabella and Lawrekaye, and my youngest brother, Romano.

(youngest brother Romano, Ate Ruby, Walter, Lawrekaye, Vanessa and JC)

How happy to see that JC and my family get along well. Sooooo happppyyyyyy!...

Instead of staying there for a short while,we ended up leaving 1am. Yahoo! Good that JC has control over alcohol unlike me who ended up drinking the beer that i brought.. 9 cans of Corona... He is driving back again. Anyways, it was worth it. I am so damn happy and JC too. Both of our families now are connected. Soon we will have them meet. I love his family and hopefully they love me too... LOL! Wonderful people. And JC love my family too and they love him. They are even textng each other now. And facebook friend too with my sister Vicky.

(JC, Kuya Boy, me, son 2, Ate Reggie and Romano, sister at the back cooking)

(fyi, the son 1, 2 & 3 are kuya boy and ate reggie's sons. don't know their names, LOL!)

SUNDAY...

After meeting Roland again for coffee, we are heading back to Tillsonburg... And there I met some members of his family, that made me fall in love with them more and with him soooo mucccchhhhh....

As i am writing this... I am back here in Burlington from staying with JC and his mom and dad for two days and two nights.

on my other blogs:

MIS CANCIONES [link] Stomping Tom TILLSONBURG
MY AMATEUR SHOTS [link] i made it for xmas

The Red Love Seat

The days had passed

When we used to

Chill and snuggle

On that red love seat.

Fire place burning

Red wine in a sparkly glass

My head on your lap

While we whisper sweet nothings.

Oh! How wonderful those days were

But it is now time to say goodbye

To the seat
Because we need a bigger one.

We are now a famliy
And no longer
just you and I.

Posted for Magpie Tales
Photo Prompt No. 93
Courtesy of Miss Tess Kincaid

JC and My Family

Awesome Saturday!

Today! We were up,eraly are we are both morning person. We went to have coffee with Roland at Java Jive at 7:30am, that is after being with him at Woody's last night with, and Ossie came by and joined us. Their chemistry is awesome. Unbelievable!

We have planned to leave the place by 12noon because we need to pick up the tickets for the Romeo amd Juliet ballet at the Four Season Performing Arts Box Office at least 45 minutes before the performance, but because the modern story for cinderella was playing on TV, we ended up leaving around 12:45. Crazy part, we have delays on the subway station at Union Station that i thought was gonna last forever; anyways, we made it 1:15pm and just got the tickets right in time.

Timmy's is very good to help us out. We are starving and that the fastest food we can have before the show.

The performance was awesome and. Highly recommended!..

But the highlight of today was actually when we drove from Toronto to Ajax for JC to meet my family in Canada. the BEST!.. He was welcomed with open arms. He is now officially a member of the family.

Present are my sister Manique with daughters, Isabella and Lawrekaye with the friend. Cousin Ruby with daughter and son, extended family Walter and Vanessa and daughter Dania, Kuya Boy and Ate Reggie and three sons, who by the was celebrating their 25th anniversary on Dec 29th and JC as a new family member was handed out instantly his invitation for the event. And lastly my youngest brother, Romano and of course the love of my life, JC!

Awesome! Amazing! I never thought my sister would even give JC a hug. Crying? No i am not. Because i'm dying already of happiness...

And tomorrow, i'll be home with him in his home court again... For sure it's going to be another awesome day with them...

Have a blessed Sunday fellow bloggers! Love you all...

Ps... Pictures of this gathering and event will be posted soon as I am home in Burlington...

Is this ever gonna happen?

Problem with JJ is, when he is in love he cannot think of anything else, but love and the one he loves... Hehehe... It's not wrong but might bored you guys a lot. I just wanna enjoy the time, for times like this cannot be brought back.

Anyways, I have been thinking of what to post that is different from being in love. And now that the American Thanksgiving is here, 2 more days if I am not mistaken (November 24 / Thursday); I have spent my whole night thinking of what to write, that has something to do with it, or at least anything that is related to being thankful, until I saw the news about drought and famine in some parts of the world.

It is very touching that, people on these parts of the world, the third world countries, are still thankful that they are still breathing and very hopeful that there will be help or blesings that will come.

Have we, people who live in a comfortable house, with job that gives us money to pay our bills, put food on our table, clean water to drink, sometimes a pop, wine or beer, gas to our cars, have money to dine out once and a while, and so on and forth, etc and etc... Have we ever been thankful?

Individually, have you thought of: what do u have and what are you enjoying and be thankful of that. Set aside what you think is making your life miserable or difficult. Stop complaining for awhile and just do what needs to be done. I tell you even here where we are living, the developed world, there are people who would love to be in our place.

For the unprivileged, be thankful that you are still breathing. It simply means, there is still hope for a better life. Use every strength that you have to face the challenge of life and make it better. Don't waste any chance. I know it is easier said than done; but I guess, we all does not have any other option. Let's just be positive about things, for us to invite positive vibes.

For those who we call, the middle class, ow come on! They still exists. You reading this is one sample. Don't be so negative. LOL! Those who have comfy home, car, pc or laptop or macbook, a job (the most important), be thankful that you still have all of these things. We have a local saying in the Philippines that goes, "sige magreklamo ka ng magreklamo, mamaya mo may nakarinig sa'yo bawiin pa kung ano ang meron ka!" (ok, keep complaining, hopefully noone will hear you and take back everything that you have)... let's just do what we need to do.

If we are on sales, remember that the one you are serving are mostly the people of your own class. And if you saw someone who is in need of what you are selling, make sure to give him/her the best option that he/she can have for his money. Remember those money are hard earned. If you cheat, you damage the person and you level down your integrity. Be responsible not only for yourself but for others as well.

If your a doctor, a nurse, a lawyer, a carpenter or whatever it is that you do in life, do it with your best. not because of anything else but for your own good and conscience. Anyway, for good "KARMA!"

And for the rich, Ow! what can I say about them. Be thankful because they are rich. Of course they are.

But you know what, I cannot remember the author or the article or whatever it is that I have read that says; after we acquire the basic needs in life, whatever we will acquire will not give us so much happiness or the amount of happiness we will have is no more significant. The richer we get the more stress we get. Why? to keep the status they have. To keep them on top.

Actually, I was talking to JC the other night and we have talked about what kind of life are we trying to do now. We are not contented of what we have, we are trying to knock out each other. We don't want to share the best part of what we have, because, we don't want that person to use that "best" because he/she might use it to go ahead of us. The true art of giving is, when you give the person the thing that you like and not the things that you keep on the garage or basement because you don't like it anymore.

Company owners, why don't want to share their wealth, because they will become poor. The rich are also in competition with each other. I hope you believe that? If we the middle class are trying to knock down each other, what do you think the 1% is doing with each other? That is the reason why they don't wanna share their income eventhough it is more than what they need to have a wonderful comfortable life. Why they can't just be thankful of what they have and share it?

Funny I have this conversation with my recent Ex, my friend now I hope, when we talked about the rich guys who have promised to give 50% of their wealth to charity when they die. The immediate reaction was, why then, why not now? It is so generous to think that wow they will share 50%. But on the other hand, selfish in a way for making this people wait. hhhheeeellllloooooo! if they will give it now, they for sure with their brilliance, they can still earn it. Anyways, who is poor in love JJ can do about it. Give me that millions and I will help you share it.

And lastly, for the government officials, workers and employees! Well, why can't you be contented with being there are do your job. Your work is to serve and not to be served? That is what you are suppose to be thankful of.  You wished and and hope to serve the people, there you go, you got it. The majority gave you what you wished for, and then, what is next - We served you? Duh!

one last question, have you thought of going to depressed areas, community or third world countries countries not for vacation, but to be one with them. learn why despite all life's uncertaintess and struggle, they can still smile, laugh and have fun... Aha! try it, that would surely make you feel good of what you have and be thankful with them. Probably that's the reason why I always see the sun behind the clouds.

Ok? as usual, I would start by saying, I don't know what to write and before I notice it, it's already long and I don't even know if I made some sense at all... Hehehehe....

Love you guys! Let's start all go back to the basics if it is still possible. That is the only way we can be happy and be stress free. But if that is not possible, well! be thankful of what you have. That would make you contented, I hope...

and so, I pray....

Lord, thank you

for all the good people around me

who is giving me the courage, the strength

and inspiration to go on with life.

And for those who are not so good
Thank you Lord
for they keep

putting up the challenge

for me to make my life good if not better
and keeping it not boring.

Lord, thank you

that no matter I complain

about simple things

that I know can be resolved,

I still complain

and yet YOU continue

to bless me...

And Lord I pray
that we learn to be thankful
and appreciative of what our
neighbor have and and acquired;
not envy them;
but make them an inspiration.

Lord, thank you for my job

that gives me the money

to pay my bills

put decent food on the table

and safe drinking water.
that not everyone have everyday..

And Lord

I hope that we
all the blessed ones

learn how to share our blessings

to those that we call

unpriviledged.

Amen!

posted for The Gooseberry Garden [link] Poetry Picnic Week 14: What I'm Thankful for in My Life

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING AMERICANS!

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MY OTHER BLOGS

My Amateur Shots [link] i just love these
Mis Canciones [link] I Got The World On A String

The First Kiss

what a very

silly situation that was.

we were seated 

in your red ford pick up truck.

after a long walk 

from the blue jays way

to wellesley parking lot.

After seeing each other

for the first time

and the 6 hours

of being together

and walking around the

city of Toronto.

not mentioning the unusual 

introduction of one's life...

i cannot stop myself

from kissing you.

a kiss that brought me

to this wonderful beginning with you.

posted for Magpie Tales Photo Prompt #92

photo courtesy of Tess Kincaid

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My Other Blogs

Mis Canciones [link] For The Good Times

My Amateur Shots [link] The First Snow 2011

Christmas Card Design

I have been thinking of the design that I will be using for my Christmas card this year. I, for the 4th year now, is using my own designed cards. and I am lucky that i have an early snow when i came to visit the wonderful family of JC Jr. in Tillsonburg, Ontario last week.

And JC agreed that it is a good picture for the cover. Now, hopefully he can help me figure out what will be the dedication inside. The first two years, I have my friend in Taiwan helped me. Last year it was sad I did it on my own. Nobody cared to help... Just kidding! and luckily this year I have JC to help me. Yehey!...

the one on the left will be used. although the sepia version (R) is also beautiful.

taken 11 / 11/ 11 at 8:30 in the morning

at the Calcutt Residence

rest of the pictures are posted on my other blog. 

link is below this post.

Hoping that we will be able to do it on my next visit, so I can do the final draft and have it on for printing. it must be send the last week of November or else; or else it would be late for Christmas and they might think it's an early valentines card, hahaha!.. I will be sending it to friends and relatives back home in the Philippines. And special people here in Canada and around the world!..

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oh how fun it is to think

of the holiday season.

Christmas lights

candy cane

gifts under the tree

cards.

unending invitation for parties

nights outs

singing

and

dancing.

but for people away 

from families and love ones

it is a sad season of the year.

what brings us happiness

is to know that they are fine

in good health 

and happy. 

sooner or later

Sacrifices will surely be rewarded.

true love is doing the right thing

even if it is the hard one.

and not that I don't mind it

but I am willing to do this

for my the love of my family. 

I love you all!

God bless us!

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Mis Canciones [link] You To Me Are Everything

My Amateur Shots [link] First Snow 2011