tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60411971062852670172024-03-18T21:28:56.593-07:00The Secret NotebookClairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.comBlogger344125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-12787748919864773962019-01-30T18:22:00.000-08:002019-01-30T18:23:55.927-08:00Twenty-seventh Letter to SofiaMy dear Sofie,<br />
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It has been so long since I last wrote you a letter here. I have one in my laptop which I have never been able to post. I have been very lazy to blog although I am never lazy to think of you. Your dad and I think about you every day. We talk about you every day too. We imagine conversations with you with funny made up dialogues. We love thinking about you although I most of the time end up crying afterwards. I still blame myself in a way.<br />
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We placed your cremains in a nice resting place at the Immaculate Conceptuon Carhedral and we visit it every week right after (or sometimes) before Mass. I like bringing you my favorite flowers of carnation, stargazer and gerbera. You actually had the prettiest basket of flowers last All Soul's Day.<br />
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Your Kuya, dad and I are moving to a new home in a new city. It's probably around 8km away from your reating place. We will still visit every week.<br />
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I have to go back to packing now. We move on Saturday morning. I hope that the new home will be good for us.<br />
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I love you always, Sofie!<br />
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Flying hugs and kisses to heaven,<br />
MommyClairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-7034784430682109522018-04-26T07:28:00.001-07:002018-04-26T07:28:11.713-07:00Twenty-sixth Letter to SofiaMy dear Sofie,<br />
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It has been three years since I gave birth to you, three years since I last saw your face, three years since the first and last time I kissed you. Yesterday was your birthday and the anniversary of your passing. We still miss you a lot. I still think of you every day. Daddy and I talk about you all the time, imagining your antics and your reactions to certain things and situations. We imagined how different your birthday would have been this year. We said that maybe you would have wanted to spend the day at the Manila Ocean Park, that you would have been so noisy and excited at the back of the car.<br />
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Instead, Daddy and I spent the day shopping for presents for you which we would give to a needy little girl in your name. We had a quiet dinner with your Kuya, Lola and Lolo and your cousin Emilio and his parents.<br />
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I wish I could bring back the day I gave birth to you and kiss you one more time. I miss you so much! I love you always.<br />
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Flying kisses to Heaven,<br />
MommyClairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-25501813829243971502017-12-07T23:25:00.000-08:002017-12-07T23:26:46.036-08:00Twenty-fifth Letter to SofieMy dearest Sofie,<br />
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It's been a long time since I last wrote you a letter. I have been very busy this school year. I have actually been neglecting this blog too. Anyway, that doesn't mean that Mommy is too busy to think of you. That's very far from the truth. I still think of you every day, and I know I will continue doing so for the rest of my life. Daddy and I always talk about you, and wonder what kind of personality you have. We always argue about who you look like. I just know you look like me! But Daddy keeps insisting that you look like him. đ<br />
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I have been trying to paint lately, whenever time permits and I can't help thinking that had you been here with us, you would be painting some pictures beside me. And you would probably even tell your daddy that it was you who made my paintings! đLife would have been so different with you here! So much happier with the sounds of your giggles and shrieks, the sound of little feet running around the house and maybe even the sound of you whining because Kuya doesn't want to play with you. These are the sounds I would never know but will forever wish to know.<br />
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Your daddy said he would have called you his little monkey because you would always be hanging around his neck. What I am sure of is that Mommy would have been so proud to be seen with you because you would have been the most beautiful little girl anyone has ever seen.<br />
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I love you so, Sofie!<br />
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I miss you.<br />
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Flying hugs and kisses to Heaven,<br />
MommyClairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-67728291500869508532017-10-17T06:35:00.001-07:002017-10-17T06:41:39.759-07:00My Recent PreoccupationsSeptember has come and gone and I was not able to post anything.<br />
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My mind has been so preoccupied lately with the tons of writing assignments I have to check. I am handling English for Academic and Professional Purposes this year and I have around 280 students in that subject. I also handle Business Ethics with 35 students. I only have 30 minutes of recess and 30 minutes of lunch with no other breaks in between. My lunch break isn't even enough for me to clear my head and get ready for my next class. Sometimes I feel my legs getting numb from standing too long and my chest tightening from sheer exhaustion.<br />
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And then I have my clients to attend to in my Sun Life business. I have to find time to call them, to see them, to submit what is needed at the head office and to look for more clients. I have recently made a Facebook page specially for this business hoping to attract more prospects before the year is over and I have been busy thinking of a good content to put up on that page too.<br />
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I have recently stumbled on Shopify which I am sure many of you know of. I am attempting to build a store but I don't know if I will ever be able to finish setting it up. It's just too complicated for a technological immigrant like myself. I am having a hard time setting up the shipping fees, taxes, payment options and all that stuff. I have, however, already thought of a name for it.<br />
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Just last weekend, I discovered a new love. Hunnybed fetched me from a water spa where some teachers and I were at but the traffic was still too heavy that we decided to wait a while. Hunnybed and I decided to try painting at Sip and Gogh to kill time. This is an art studio where guests can try painting. They have different art works that you can copy and resident artists to tell you what to do. They also serve wine or juice together with some finger foods to their guests.<br />
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I chose a landscape painting to copy and Hunnybed chose a pair of Kois. <br />
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That night was truly one for the books. It had been so long since I've had that much fun. I cannot say that I have finally discovered my hidden talent because I do not think I am talented in painting nor in drawing. I can draw, I can copy and sketch but my work are nothing extraordinary. However, seeing my painting that night gave me a feeling of such sweet accomplishment! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6cot_R8ol2mnkXNcCeMB-iGqrF1QhYWfgIm7rpw8VNEm1UCKcrrvz5kqmhGtlfzIHV0ZJPZb_oPczmEjpGJrCZpPsqb9gYzheOlBTzE9xmjIVXfyhqHBnWAAyiuZs_1EgGIHutsLx1E/s1600/22366527_10155850030923417_6840140682543975090_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6cot_R8ol2mnkXNcCeMB-iGqrF1QhYWfgIm7rpw8VNEm1UCKcrrvz5kqmhGtlfzIHV0ZJPZb_oPczmEjpGJrCZpPsqb9gYzheOlBTzE9xmjIVXfyhqHBnWAAyiuZs_1EgGIHutsLx1E/s640/22366527_10155850030923417_6840140682543975090_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see, the model painting is at my left.</td></tr>
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I can't wait but paint again!<br />
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What have you been busy with lately?<br />
<br />Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-75879501556358748862017-09-02T08:23:00.002-07:002017-09-02T08:26:02.862-07:00Beautiful AugustAugust has been a beautiful month! There were so many things to be thankful for! <br />
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My son turned another year older on the 4th. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBsq9WfvxzMhAkkL7eKACR9y8n63kS0DNAzA_RO_XBArr7krOX5sCVdNmZDN0jFX90hq0R138XenAX-c1GNu4gTESHTnaByHkJHiWhOKkmnm0HuqItTEW-e7hCPEtSs4wbn7knh7B_88/s1600/21297702_10155727070663417_899339593_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBsq9WfvxzMhAkkL7eKACR9y8n63kS0DNAzA_RO_XBArr7krOX5sCVdNmZDN0jFX90hq0R138XenAX-c1GNu4gTESHTnaByHkJHiWhOKkmnm0HuqItTEW-e7hCPEtSs4wbn7knh7B_88/s640/21297702_10155727070663417_899339593_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunnybed was the one who took this photo.</td></tr>
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My Tootsieroll is my life, my precious gift. And this year's Buwan ng Wika Celebration gave me another chance to witness his many talents once again. Among his many accomplishments this August was his essay that bested 500 essays written by his fellow Senior High students.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The smile of a proud stage mother :)</td></tr>
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My mom turned another year older three days after my son turned 18. We celebrated her birthday with the whole family and by whole family, that always includes my sister, her husband, and their four-year-old son.<br />
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Classes opened on the 7th and this year I'm handling 17-year-olds. It's my first time to handle kids as old as they and I am just loving it. Being an adviser to them is so different from being an adviser to grade schoolers. This time, I no longer have to do everything. In fact, they do almost everything. :) My student leaders are the best. They are responsible and dependable. My students are very supportive of one another too and that's what I love about them. They are also one of the sweetest classes I've handled so far. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are my students after the elimination round of one of the Buwan ng Wika competitions. I am somewhere in the middle.</td></tr>
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I turned 43 on the 26th and I was just so grateful for all the blessings I've received from God. I went to Mass very early in the morning feeling so thankful that I was born in the faith was born into and feeling so blessed that I could receive the Lord in the Eucharist on my birthday. <br />
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For the first time in a long time, I was the one who treated my family to a sumptuous lunch.<br />
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I was just a little sad that day because my sister could only stay for a short time. I got a little emotional because we seldom see each other and we don't get to talk anymore. She does find time to be with her friends though so that hurts me a little.<br />
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My students gave me a surprise cake the following school day. I love their thoughtfulness. I was so touched that they thought of a surprise for me, complete with party poppers, considering the fact that we had only been together for two weeks.<br />
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So this is how my August went. I hope September is going to be just as beautiful and blessed.<br />
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I hope you had a wonderful month as well.<br />
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<br />Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-16544689331936088622017-07-14T07:19:00.000-07:002017-07-14T07:19:46.489-07:00Random Thoughts on a Friday Evening<br />
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I haven't posted in a long while. I always remember my blog and always think of posting something but I always end up not getting my laptop out of plain laziness and I don't have any excuse for that.<br />
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Tonight I decided not to let this laziness get the better of me once again and here I am sharing my random thoughts to the world.<br />
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1.The rainy season has started and school will start in a few days but if I had my way I would go on another trip to the beach. I'm not a beach bum like most people here are but my recent trip to the beach was just so nice and relaxing that I want to go back. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInurHsox46fnvX9Afb9v7la5x90HxDF7omG1wSPWgelJo-2DunoxhT23gwEKsln_D6sugMs5LQTAS1_Aux1kZ7bGvwA8RoxsBTwv83-eBWUH2RBysHLeK6uFAQh56PvwHLXYt1jmOsjs/s1600/18882030_10155422422423417_7049391906678474609_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInurHsox46fnvX9Afb9v7la5x90HxDF7omG1wSPWgelJo-2DunoxhT23gwEKsln_D6sugMs5LQTAS1_Aux1kZ7bGvwA8RoxsBTwv83-eBWUH2RBysHLeK6uFAQh56PvwHLXYt1jmOsjs/s640/18882030_10155422422423417_7049391906678474609_n.jpg" width="640" /></a>Our short vacation was actually Ruel's birthday celebration. I love that he enjoyed his birthday this year. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We rented a water taxi for 950 pesos. I enjoyed going around the other islands although I spent most of the time shrieking because of the big waves.</td></tr>
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2. I love how my son got along very well with my high school best friend's son whom he met yesterday when we had lunch with my high school friend. I'm actually hoping that my friend and I would get to rekindle our friendship and that our sons would be friends too.</div>
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3. I need a new laptop for school work and a tablet for my business. However, I only have budget for one of them. I'm thinking if there is a tablet which would allow me to work on Exel and Word (I'm not tech savvy so don't judge me if you know there is one :) ) then I'll be more inclined to get a tablet.<br />
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4. My son is going to college in a year's time so I really have to work doubly hard. And I pray that God will keep our family safe and healthy so that we can continue working for our goals and aspirations. I also pray that He will send me more clients for my business. <br />
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What have you been thinking of lately?<br />
<br />Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-17778859080687541242017-06-17T06:29:00.001-07:002017-06-17T06:32:15.593-07:00How to Choose the Right Rosary for You : A guest post<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Hello friends! As I am still unable to post something today, I decided to post something from a friend I met online, Megan Dahle. She's a fellow Catholic from Harrisburg, South Dakota.</div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">How to
Choose the Right <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_SG_14a12751d4dd4de587080348ab1d622f">Rosary</a> for
You<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
millions, </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.how-to-pray-the-rosary-everyday.com/what-is-a-rosary.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the rosary is
something so much more</span></a><!--[if !supportNestedAnchors]--><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_SG_cf43f00d8e634c0f80841d1ceeee814e"></a><!--[endif]--></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> than
a decoration inside the home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
youâre one of those millions, choosing that special rosary that is just right
for you is an extremely important selection to make.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Praying the Rosary<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosary"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The rosary
is a set of prayers</span></a><!--[if !supportNestedAnchors]--><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_SG_36becd3a1a0448cb967916ba5b3733b4"></a><!--[endif]--></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
designed to venerate the Holy Mother. Use of a set of rosary beads when praying
the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_SG_1f68bcde5a7d4b3dad1d3c3077a836eb">rosary</a> provides a
physical means of keeping count of the prayers as theyâre recited. Your fingers
move along the string of beads as you recite the prayers. This leaves your mind
free to meditate on the mysteries of the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_SG_e6c2e6599a154cce92d405022c272ab9">rosary</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rosary
beads are physical objects that represent a part of our faith<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Travis%20Dahle" datetime="2016-10-19T10:54">.</ins></span>
This makes them highly personal. While all the faithful basically perform the
ritual of praying the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_SG_f02722da54bf41ccaea40ded027a9125">rosary</a>
in the same manner, the special connection the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_SG_c1415c9e319d494986ff9db816b00c7f">rosary</a> brings to our faith
holds specific meaning to each of us individually. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Choosing Your Rosary<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rosary
beads are a string of beads formed into a closed circle. Each of us has the
choice of purchasing a </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.discountcatholicproducts.com/Rosary-Beads-C419.aspx"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">pre-made rosary
for our personal use</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> or creating a customized string of
beads that symbolizes our private faith. Whichever you prefer, the rosary you
choose is important because picking the rosary that is right for <i>you </i>will increase the likelihood that
you will actually <i>use </i>it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Not
only do you need a rosary that is visually appealing to you, it needs to feel
good in your hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
you find the rosary beads that are just right for you, your rosary becomes a
motivator that calls you to prayer instead of a fashion accessory or keychain
that gets forgotten in a drawer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Length of Your Rosary<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
length of the string of rosary beads can make a difference. Shorter rosaries
are commonly adorned with wooden beads linked together with a cord instead of a
metal chain. The beads are usually close together with little free space
between. Longer rosaries tend to have the beads spaced out a bit more, with
links of metal chain providing the space between them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
shorter rosary may make it more difficult for your fingers to slide along the
string. Without a definite space between the beads, your fingers may accidently
skip a bead. This will throw off your count of the prayers youâre reciting.
Shorter rosaries are easier to tuck into a pocket or purse when youâve
completed your prayers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
longer rosaries make it easier to count your prayers with confidence because
the spaces make it easier to slide your fingers from bead to bead. The space
between the beads lets you count without having to look down at the beads.
Longer strings can tangle more easily, however, and will require more space to
store when not being used. One way to safely store a long rosary is to keep it
in a soft pouch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Feel of the
Beads<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How
the beads feel when you touch them makes a difference. They should feel
comfortable to your touch so as not to distract you from your meditation and
prayers. Beads with a smooth surface will flow through your fingers easily.
Faceted beads with a jewelry-like structure are usually more visually appealing
but wonât move as smoothly through your hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Beads
with a multifaceted cut will reflect the light, creating a cascade of sparkly
points of colored light that may dance around a room. Rosaries made with each
bead resembling a precious stone, or glass birthstone rosaries, make gorgeous
strings of prayer beads. While looking great, remember that they will not glide
effortlessly through your fingers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
bottom line comes down to this: Do you want a rosary that is pleasing to your
hands, or to your eyes?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Basic Design or
Fancy Customization?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
youâre thinking of giving a rosary to a new Catholic, a selection that is
rather plain and basic may be your best bet. Super-fancy rosaries may be
overwhelming to a budding Catholic or a child. A plain rosary is usually
characterized by round beads, generally wood or plastic, strung on a slender
cord-like rope. These are usually inexpensive, so you havenât lost a big
investment if a child loses his or her rosary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Remember
that the rosary beads are designed to call to you and to encourage you to pray.
Youâll need to ask yourself if the inexpensive, plain rosaries will do this for
you. Would a more elaborate or decorative rosary provide you more motivation to
pray the rosary? If you know that a visually beautiful, ornate rosary will
encourage you to use it more often, then your choice becomes fairly obvious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Special Devotion
Rosary<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Special
devotion rosaries generally have a centerpiece that is associated with a
specific saint or a particular devotion. These rosaries hold a special meaning
to those holding them. The beads will usually fall in line with the theme of
the centerpiece. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">An
example would be the Divine Mercy rosary that has a centerpiece of the Divine
Mercy image of Jesus. The beads in this rosary will usually have red and white
swirls to signify the red and white rays that radiate from Jesusâs heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
you have a specific devotion that is important to you, a special devotion
rosary may help you to focus on these intentions when you pray the rosary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Men vs. Women<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
youâre choosing a rosary for yourself, or looking to give one as a gift, make
certain you choose one that fits the person who will be using it. For a man,
donât pick one that is strung with jewelry-like, fancy decorative beads. A
manâs rosary is usually made with larger beads in a dark brown or black color.
A manâs bigger hands can manage the larger beads better, and the darker shades
of beads project masculinity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
women, consider the age of the recipient. If youâre choosing one for your
mother or another adult female, choose a beautiful color that you know she will
love. A classic, timeless rosary with an ornate crucifix as a centerpiece is
generally a sure hit. A carefully chosen rosary can become a treasured heirloom
that she passes down to the next generation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Visit Megan at <a href="http://blog.discountcatholicproducts.com/">her blog</a> today.</div>
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Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-9843379637185510172017-05-14T02:08:00.000-07:002017-05-14T02:08:08.332-07:00Twenty-fourth Letter to SofiaDearest Sofie,<br />
<br />
I wasn't able to write to you on your birthday and I am so sorry for that! Although I know that my greetings have reached you in Heaven I still feel bad that I was not able to write you a letter. You see, Mommy sees this blog as some kind of portal through which she can send her letters to Heaven.<br />
<br />
The month of April was a very busy month for your mom. You should know that your mom can do a lot of things so most of the time people ask her help for different things. I really wish you got to know me, Sofie. I think you would have been proud of your mom. :)<br />
<br />
Anyway, I was planning to be absent on your birthday so that we could celebrate properly. But I was asked to write and direct a play and the play was shown on your birthday. I could not be absent because there was no one else to do the work I had to do.<br />
<br />
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We had a simple dinner celebration at Contis'. Your grandparents on my side were there to celebrate with us. For your birthday cake, I ordered chocolate velvet but I had already sliced the cake before I remembered that I had not yet taken a picture of it.<br />
<br />
We may not have been able to celebrate your birthday the way I wanted to but I know you had a blast in Heaven. <br />
<br />
Remember that Daddy and I think and talk about you all the time. We miss you so!<br />
<br />
<br />
I love you, dear Sofie!<br />
<br />
Happy 2nd year in Heaven!<br />
<br />
Hugs and kisses,<br />
Mommy<br />
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<br />Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-26213930208062642652017-04-07T21:52:00.002-07:002017-04-07T21:52:43.606-07:00Twenty-third Letter to Sofia<br />
My darling Sofia,<br />
<br />
You'll be turning two in a couple of weeks. Even though you are in Heaven I am still excited to celebrate your birthday. I want it to be special just like last year because you are special and I want<br />
people to know that you matter.<br />
<br />
Daddy and I always talk about you. Sometimes he talks about his plans for you as if you were still around to make his plans come true. Most of the time, he smells my ears and imagines it's your ears he's smelling. It's weird, I know. But in a way, it makes him a little happier. <br />
<br />
It's been almost two years but until now I do not understand what happened. I still don't understand why you were taken from us so soon. I still don't understand why God gave me a gift He never meant for me to open. And the sad thing is that I don't think I will ever understand. Daddy mentioned the other day how you sighed in his arms and I realized that I never even felt you breathe. It makes me so sad that I never even really felt you except for that time I rubbed my cheek against yours and kissed you. Knowing that that memory is slowly fading with time makes me even sadder. I want so much to remember how your skin felt against mine but the remembrance of it is slowly fading away. <br />
<br />
Despite the fact that it's getting harder for me to remember how your skin felt like, I want you to always remember that you will never be forgotten. You will always be remembered. You will always be loved, my sweet baby girl. Mommy will always keep you in her heart. <br />
<br />
I love you always, Sofie! Flying hugs and kisses to Heaven...<br />
<br />
Love,<br />MommyClairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-82918076920007886822017-03-01T23:23:00.002-08:002017-03-02T05:50:40.236-08:00Midweek Currently<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's the middle of the week and I suddenly find myself wanting to do a<i> Currently</i> post so here I am!<br />
<br />
Thinking: of the two books I want to write<br />
<br />
One of them is a non-fiction book about my first love, which is customer service. The other is a romantic novel. I've written so many beginnings and middles of romantic novels but I have never ended one. Hopefully, when I get to write this one, I will be able to finish it, if only just so I can have something that's finished (published or otherwise).<br />
<br />
Craving: for a bubble bath<br />
<br />
I recently stayed in a hotel and had what I only get to have in a hotel -- a long and warm relaxing bubble bath. Sadly, we don't have a bathtub at home so I only get to take long showers. :(<br />
<br />
Wearing: a light yellow v neck blouse with 3/4 sleeves, brownish/gray pants and flats<br />
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Feeling: out of focus<br />
I should just be thinking of school and my business at the moment. I cannot afford to lose sight of my goal but these thoughts of writing two books and not even knowing which one to write first is making me lose my focus and momentum.<br />
<br />
Loving: a particular <i>teleserye</i> shown every night at 9:30 on channel 7<br />
<br />
This light romantic comedy makes me feel young again. I am neither a fan of the heroine nor any of her possible leading men (there are four of them), but I just like the story and how it brings back memories of being young and falling in love.<br />
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Wishing: I was thinner.<br />
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I think I look a lot older because of my weight so I want to lose some pounds. <br />
Unfortunately, although one of my New Year's resolutions was to exercise and lose 20 pounds this year, I have not done any real physical activity except walking around in the classroom.<br />
<br />
<br />
So that's what my currently is all about. I really hope I can focus more and get back on track when it comes to my goals.<br />
<br />Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-4423332932939656812017-02-12T04:12:00.001-08:002017-02-13T06:06:47.904-08:0010-Year Service AwardeeIt's been more than a month since my last post. I miss blogging but it seems I just can't find time to do it like I used to, specially now that I have another business. It's been taking a lot of my after-school free time.<br />
<br />
I just wanted to share with everyone something that happened in January. It isn't really big but it was an important milestone in my career as a teacher. On the 25th of January, I was one of the faculty members who were given service awards. Dressed in our <i>barongs, </i>we were presented to the students one by one. I was a ten-year service awardee and I never imagined that I would feel the way I did during the celebration of the eucharist which preceded the awarding. Mixed feelings of gratitude, humility and joy enveloped me. I was so thankful to God for blessing me with so much. Without these blessings I do not think I would have lasted in the teaching profession for this long.<br />
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I do not know how long I can still stay in the same institution or in the same profession. With God's will I am planning to follow a different path after a year. In any case, may God continue to bless me that I may continue to be a beacon of light wherever I may be.<br />
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To God be the glory!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-60900736344065085172017-01-04T05:46:00.005-08:002017-01-04T06:01:13.567-08:00The Holidays, 2016 in Review and 2017 Goals in OneHappy 2017 everyone! <br />
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I've been meaning to post something before the New Year but my schedule did not allow me to do so. I do not know what happened last holiday season but despite the fact that our school break came three days earlier, my schedule was more hectic than usual. I actually was able to put up our tree ten days before Christmas whereas I usually make sure it is up on the first of December. <br />
<br />
I brought home around 180 exam papers to check and I still have ten unchecked papers. I still have five gifts yet to wrap! Please don't judge me now. I know I am bad and I feel bad enough!<br />
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I am proud of the simple feast I laid out in front of my family though.<br />
<br />
Noche Buena feast menu:<br />
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puttanesca<br />
buttered garlic prawns with chili<br />
macaroni salad<br />
ham<br />
leche flan (Mom cooked this) and buko salad for dessert<br />
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Media Noche or New Year's Eve was spent with Ruel's family in Bulacan so I didn't have to cook. I still made it a point to prepare something though because I was not used to not having anything special to eat after the festivities. :) We had a family get together on my mother's side the following day. <br />
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Overall, I enjoyed every bit of the holidays, although everything flew by like a breeze. I am thankful to 2016 for many things like family gatherings, dates with my husband, the best Mother's Day celebration I've had so far, going on a pilgrimage to churches with holy doors, my son's moving up from junior high, finally getting to watch Les Miserables, celebrating Sofia's first birthday, attending our high school jubilee homecoming, finding a new friend who is so much like me, celebrating our fourth wedding anniversary in Tagaytay, passing the licensure exam to become a financial advisor, getting a chance to write and direct a mini-play, receiving so many prizes during the institutional Christmas party, celebrating Christmas and New Year with all the people I love best and so many others.<br />
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As I enter this new year, my heart is filled with gratitude, HOPE and FAITH. I hope, pray and believe that this year will be one of the best years I have ever had.<br />
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Happy 2017 dear readers and friends. Here's to an awesome year -- a year full of hope, love, priceless moments, and wonderful surprises! May God keep us all safe, bless us with good health and grant us prosperity. Cheers!<br />
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<br />Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-84551717564562304102016-12-26T04:50:00.001-08:002016-12-26T22:34:09.486-08:00Twenty-second Letter to SofiaDearest Sofia,<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas, my darling! I wish you were here to see the lights and to hear the sounds of Christmas. You would have loved this time of year, just like Mommy does. Do you know that it's my favorite time? It's during this time when Mommy and Daddy got married and it's also during this time when we first learned you were growing inside me! Christmas became more magical that year. We were so happy and so filled with hope. How I wish I could bring back those moments when you were here and probably do some things differently, so that that this time, you could stay. <br />
<br />
I have been in toy stores thrice this month. During those times I saw toys I would have bought for you...so many cute toys you would have loved!<br />
<br />
Daddy and I always think of you, always talk about you. We often make up conversations where you are included. Daddy always tries to imagine how you would probably react and how you would probably try to defend him every time he feels I am being unfair to him. It's funny sometimes. Anyone who overhears our conversation would surely think you're alive. In a way, you still are and forever will be in the hearts of those who love you best-- Mommy, Daddy and Kuya.<br />
<br />
I love you, baby.<br />
<br />
Flying kisses to Heaven.<br />
MommyClairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-2857885229252075022016-12-05T06:16:00.001-08:002016-12-05T06:34:36.990-08:00Celebrating Four Years of Happy-Ever-After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Four years have passed since Ruel and I started our happy-ever-after. Our marriage, like most marriages, is far from perfect. In those four years we have had our share of petty quarrels, the ups and downs that married people usually experience and the roller-coaster ride of emotions that couples having trouble conceiving usually feel. It's been just four years and we already have three angels in Heaven. It's been a hard four years, yes. But generally, we have been happy. There are a lot to be thankful for and to be celebrated.<br />
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We celebrated our wedding anniversary on the 2nd of December. We initially promised to have a yearly celebration in the city where we were wed but I could not leave school last Friday due to the fact that another teacher in my area resigned from work and it would have been harder for the school if I filed a leave of absence. </div>
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We had a simple dinner after school instead.</div>
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We went to Tagaytay the next day (the day after our wedding anniversary) to have a proper celebration. And to me, a proper celebration will and should always include gazing at the Taal Volcano and its surrounding lake, and going to the the church where we were married.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YDQNfeIRaQh1cwSlBiK07h5gKzoqA13-9VZgW2D4EzUlm5BAWjx6aVOXdURtb8s1YQ10tHOi4_3ZoLsgzmbvVq-gl_o7UkHlP9EjQ6f0LJOu7AHeZEZdVxPWRyLvgHuikryFFqJITLw/s1600/DSC_1618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YDQNfeIRaQh1cwSlBiK07h5gKzoqA13-9VZgW2D4EzUlm5BAWjx6aVOXdURtb8s1YQ10tHOi4_3ZoLsgzmbvVq-gl_o7UkHlP9EjQ6f0LJOu7AHeZEZdVxPWRyLvgHuikryFFqJITLw/s640/DSC_1618.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four years, three angel babies and ten pounds heavier , here we are!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the church where we were wed, less the white building in the background.</td></tr>
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We went back to the church to pray for more happy and healthy years together, for a healthy and normal baby and to be more financially stable. <br />
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And while we were on our way home, we saw this rainbow.....I took it as a sign of HOPE, a sign of God's promise.<br />
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I look forward to a happier year, with many beautiful surprises and answered prayers, to a brighter future and to many more happy wedding anniversaries.<br />
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God is good all the time!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-20424036447575939132016-10-11T07:10:00.000-07:002016-10-11T18:56:47.184-07:00High School Reunion: Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present It's funny how some things can change in a blink of an eye and how some can stay the same for decades. I have not always been as confident and as self-assured as I am today. When I was in grade school, I was super shy. I was one of the most well-behaved girls in class. I hated speaking in front of the class. My teacher used to say, "louder" all the time whenever it was my turn to recite. I stayed with my small circle of friends, who, like me, were also quiet and well-behaved. We were the good girls in the front row and we didn't like mingling with the "cool" crowd who were usually the tall girls at the back. We were intimidated by them. They were confident and popular. We were short, quiet and maybe, to the tall girls at the back, we were dull. I was more or less the same in high school.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look for the shortest. That's me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with my best friend</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our senior class....I'm the one on the second row, second girl from the right</td></tr>
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It was only when I entered college when I decided it was time I stopped acting as if I was inferior to these type of girls. And since, it was a new school, a new environment, I took every opportunity to create a new me. A new Claire was born. As time passed, I grew in wisdom and confidence. Since then, I have accepted my height, embraced my flaws, and have taken pride in what I know and in what I can do. I have long stopped being intimidated by tall girls and bullies. I am proud to say that I am one of the strongest women I know.<br />
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Last weekend, I attended our batch's Silver Jubilee Homecoming. It's been 25 years since our high school graduation and it was time to "come home". I was excited to see my batchmates but the feelings of inadequacy that left me a long time ago, suddenly came back and prevented me from joining the cool girls in the dance performance that I so wanted to join. Somehow, I doubted if I would enjoy practicing with them-- girls I never even exchanged more than one word with when I was in high school.<br />
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The homecoming turned out to be fun. Many of my batchmates were surprised at the way I spoke and laughed. While I was different, many of them were still the same. There were still the bullies who would push you when they thought you had to move or those who rolled their eyes at you every time they thought you were too slow to understand them. There were still the bright girls who thought they had the right to order you around and reprimand you when they thought you were misbehaving. And there were still the girls who didn't know anyone except for the girls in their own clique. <br />
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Homecoming was really like going back to high school except that the faces you see are older, and that there are so many faces and names that you don't remember anymore. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with one of the nicest girls in class....she had the most beautiful singing voice I have ever heard...I was her biggest fan in high school</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with some of our teachers</td></tr>
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Even though my closest friends were not able to attend the homecoming because they were abroad, I am still glad I made the right decision and attended the event. I am now in the process of rebuilding old relationships and it feels so good.<br />
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There is so much wisdom to be learned in the past, so many childhood memories to be cherished and preserved. These are the things that made me who I am. It's because of the past that I have so many victories and so much to be thankful for and to be celebrated in the present.<br />
<br />Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-7859896476040569842016-10-04T06:52:00.000-07:002016-10-04T07:05:59.985-07:00Currently I'm....<br />
<b>Celebrating</b>: Teacher's Day. We were actually pampered by the parents and students today by providing spa services for us. Lunch was also free. I heard tomorrow would be another celebration. I hope it will be fun.<br />
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<b>Craving</b>: for a kind of rice cake from the province of Negros. Hunnybed and I went to a trade fair three weeks ago and it was there where I tasted it. It was so good specially with muscovado sugar.</div>
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<b>Hoping</b>: for another relaxing time playing archery with my two favorite boys.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went straight to the archery place from our Saturday make-up classes in school, hence, the outfit.</td></tr>
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<b>Wishing:</b> for more time to do this</div>
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and this,</td></tr>
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and this .....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtGL4IGq9zooYcGGStrzLGRUlm0pDXWb8NEtN8YunlVkpKs8WFfIGKR5XlZiatjNVTNyj0PJs8QxKc1Cr-kCX2er5ZRSsLd9cKl0dQUfj4fxeH6IroLdacryzkMH-JHq01tJ8oFykj_E/s1600/watercolor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtGL4IGq9zooYcGGStrzLGRUlm0pDXWb8NEtN8YunlVkpKs8WFfIGKR5XlZiatjNVTNyj0PJs8QxKc1Cr-kCX2er5ZRSsLd9cKl0dQUfj4fxeH6IroLdacryzkMH-JHq01tJ8oFykj_E/s640/watercolor.jpg" width="348" /></a></div>
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<b>Loving:</b> this layout</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaIPLql9QD3TerooxT-OY5GspBD1mhDuHOC-xrqI4Bvn0n55aH7JH_dk0rIQSQpEKicf3JmwkkqIH4tsOb1TNlkByIEsHryvfpM1v9oZrfHIIdP4RDZcMNaewT03htJjhR1fNneLqK_A/s1600/layout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaIPLql9QD3TerooxT-OY5GspBD1mhDuHOC-xrqI4Bvn0n55aH7JH_dk0rIQSQpEKicf3JmwkkqIH4tsOb1TNlkByIEsHryvfpM1v9oZrfHIIdP4RDZcMNaewT03htJjhR1fNneLqK_A/s640/layout.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Waiting:</b> for my period. I'm one month late and it's causing me a lot of stress.</div>
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<b>Hoping:</b> Things would change for the better soon.</div>
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Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-80911217761171885232016-09-22T06:33:00.001-07:002016-09-22T06:34:20.349-07:00Twenty-first Letter to SofiaMy dear Sofie,<br />
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It's been quite a while since you last received a letter from me. You know that's a good sign, don't you? That means Mommy doesn't need to write letters to feel better as much as she did before. But although I feel so much better now, you should know that Daddy and Mommy still think and talk about you every day. We always talk about you, and try to guess what kind of personality you have. We think about how you would react if we did certain things. We wonder about who you look like and we actually always argue about that. Daddy thinks you look like him but I keep insisting that you look a lot like me. </div>
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Mommy is not yet pregnant so please help me ask for a healthy and normal baby girl from God, ok? I just need another baby to love and take care of. Kuya needs someone he can be with in the far away future when Mommy is gone and Daddy needs someone who will love him the way little girls love their daddies. She will never replace you. Nobody can. </div>
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I hope to see you in my dreams, my sweet Sofia.</div>
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Flying hugs and kisses to Heaven,</div>
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Mommy</div>
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Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-91209662962442002092016-08-19T08:38:00.001-07:002016-08-22T06:50:13.391-07:0042 FavoritesI'll be turning 42 a week from now. I thought I could write something fun in relation to my birthday so I decided to come up with this post.<br />
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Here are my 42 favorites in no particular order.<br />
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1. Tagaytay<br />
I fell in love with this place 30 years ago when I first visited it on a field trip with my classmates. Countless visits after that, I am still in love with the place and I still cannot help but goggle at the scenic Taal Lake. If you want to make me happy take me there. I just hope people would just stop building new infrastructures and high rises in the city. The high rise buildings are slowly taking the charm off the city.<br />
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2. Song de Chine by Crabtree and Evelyn<br />
This is my most favorite scent. I discovered it in 2000. Unfortunately, they don't carry it anymore.<br />
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3. Crema de Mangga<br />
This is the dessert I love best. I love making it. I sing in anticipation of eating it. I can actually eat it all day. There's something heavenly about the sweet Zambales mangoes and cream. If you want to make some but don't know how, you can check out my <a href="http://teachlovewrite.blogspot.com/search/label/recipes">recipe</a>.<br />
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4. Zambales Mangoes<br />
This variety is one of the sweetest in the world and I'm lucky to have been born with a small Zambales mango farm. Zambales mangoes are so sweet I thank God I'm alive everytime I eat one.<br />
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5. Hongkong<br />
I have visited this place thrice and compared to other Asian countries I have visited, this is the place I want to go back to everytime I think of taking a trip.<br />
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6. Jean Valjean<br />
He is my favorite male protagonist. To me, he is the best example of human transcendence. I just love him!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tJsTa4UX9e6e-4hZc8YQd7ASGWJ2ek204hKX4p-Fk6kpKmUds3TUsHzWO37msHzx5B723_Ez0kizbVXemp7EYHUQHANf8URdMZylyCUUcBIlNeZ2ovYB9p4Msn6Xqu4uZ-s4-Ya_XEI/s1600/jean++valjean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tJsTa4UX9e6e-4hZc8YQd7ASGWJ2ek204hKX4p-Fk6kpKmUds3TUsHzWO37msHzx5B723_Ez0kizbVXemp7EYHUQHANf8URdMZylyCUUcBIlNeZ2ovYB9p4Msn6Xqu4uZ-s4-Ya_XEI/s640/jean++valjean.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with 2016 Production's Jean Valjean</td></tr>
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7. Les Miserables (novel and musical)<br />
I first heard the songs 25 years ago and read the novel after a few months. I fell in love with the novel and fell in love with the musical. I loved how the music and songs were able to express exactly the sentiments of the novel (except for the character of Marius whom I hate).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6X7i3-xKMpwMsvaZdMCCmhRSnS8hzb-_-R23CARadXKWDnCisR6w0yeBAvyHMfOUAgk7UalPLUGINwPVSLb_kQzuTaBGqlueqda8lbCA7Cb9vNury06tM7kSIs6gT753QGNNyITUwb8I/s1600/book+and+souvenir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6X7i3-xKMpwMsvaZdMCCmhRSnS8hzb-_-R23CARadXKWDnCisR6w0yeBAvyHMfOUAgk7UalPLUGINwPVSLb_kQzuTaBGqlueqda8lbCA7Cb9vNury06tM7kSIs6gT753QGNNyITUwb8I/s640/book+and+souvenir.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
8. Victor Hugo<br />
He had a deep understanding of man, his motives and intentions. Without him, there will be no Les Miserables and therefore, no Jean Valjean.<br />
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9. Wuthering Heights<br />
This is the only depressing story that I love. I wish the one who borrowed my copy would return it to me...wishful thinking.<br />
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10. Scarlett O'Hara<br />
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She is my favorite female protagonist. I don't know why I love her because many people hate her. She is actually really hateful and while reading the book I hated her too but afterwards I loved her character. Weird huh?<br />
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11. Gone with the Wind<br />
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I love history and culture and this book has a lot of both.<br />
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12. Pesto<br />
This always tops my list be it a dip or pasta sauce. It's very easy to make too!<br />
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13. Christmas<br />
Who doesn't love this holiday? Christmas just fills you with joy and nostalgia. Each Christmas tune or decor or even just the weather brings you memories of Christmas past and hope for what's to come. It's my favorite day of the year which makes December my favorite month.<br />
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14. December<br />
This is such a happy month for me. First it's the holiday season so there are lots of events to go to. Second, this is the month of our wedding anniversary and the the month when we first learned I was pregnant with Sofia.<br />
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15. The town of Taal<br />
As you have read above, I am a lover of history and culture. It is for this reason that I love the heritage town of Taal. Unlike other parts of the country where people have no sense of history and old houses are demolished to make way for modern ones, the people of Taal have found a way to preserve their old houses and keep an old-world charm. To preserve this feel, atm's, McDonald's, Jollibee are nowhere to be found. The heritage town is also famous for their <i>balisong, longganisa, tapa</i> and cheap hand-embrodered <i>barong Tagalog.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxHoTTMacV1vD7Ssg-778tC3zdBk26JMGsfYrmdtV4s4rZJVkCeK4K2yO83fmwOk-peNXhyY9p5jLZTluFgjlIxqaewvZZtwJ1ixguDUGqmyV7r61qi_TYL06NTNepm8YQjzYDfzbkt4/s1600/Taal+entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxHoTTMacV1vD7Ssg-778tC3zdBk26JMGsfYrmdtV4s4rZJVkCeK4K2yO83fmwOk-peNXhyY9p5jLZTluFgjlIxqaewvZZtwJ1ixguDUGqmyV7r61qi_TYL06NTNepm8YQjzYDfzbkt4/s640/Taal+entrance.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3T6AfwWlR7MUTtCKzp298Bnx9Nw6zGcKhzOCcED_7pUgOzkkn5ePPbVLTgxQTI_ZPQCwHFD8T564SymxAoGtETvKX07E9VzK24-Dq2wQP8jZXexVbUp29RWTcon8seWOKXmN6HXger-g/s1600/birdseview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3T6AfwWlR7MUTtCKzp298Bnx9Nw6zGcKhzOCcED_7pUgOzkkn5ePPbVLTgxQTI_ZPQCwHFD8T564SymxAoGtETvKX07E9VzK24-Dq2wQP8jZXexVbUp29RWTcon8seWOKXmN6HXger-g/s640/birdseview.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a bird's eyeview atop the Taal Basilica</td></tr>
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16. Taal Basilica<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JruvjJtAxzWcytBWUTFmTZ58TqSKMzFhwNzMmohwIHd-igvVUjAlkqQiI2a1iqEFcfprcHT7INQvXV5G4aobjvM7Ii4uCKBoV2eoxFWj2oZu5ovc7lKvirQf98f8SaDgctZIdAhxrWQ/s1600/Taal+Church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JruvjJtAxzWcytBWUTFmTZ58TqSKMzFhwNzMmohwIHd-igvVUjAlkqQiI2a1iqEFcfprcHT7INQvXV5G4aobjvM7Ii4uCKBoV2eoxFWj2oZu5ovc7lKvirQf98f8SaDgctZIdAhxrWQ/s640/Taal+Church.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the largest Catholic church in Asia. Each pillar, each stone speaks of history. I couldn't help but fall in love at first sight. I've always wanted to visit it and when I finally did, I was not disappointed. In fact, I was amazed beyond my expectations.<br />
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17. lace<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVVn_ufBP6P347b4-NWrgUPCc1xh61jTZRRKo4OyQUvSag20IeNgCYHoWZYN6R_TKf5jR8j_-LeEBFvuf2zjcZ2fYFSKjlRHXZPgE-hmRu1WI1vocU9U1wgv8Xmma8v1G6NXRxAXZmr8/s1600/lace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVVn_ufBP6P347b4-NWrgUPCc1xh61jTZRRKo4OyQUvSag20IeNgCYHoWZYN6R_TKf5jR8j_-LeEBFvuf2zjcZ2fYFSKjlRHXZPgE-hmRu1WI1vocU9U1wgv8Xmma8v1G6NXRxAXZmr8/s640/lace.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's something about lace that makes me feel so feminine. <br />
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18. August<br />
This is the month of my birth, the month of my mom's birth and the month I first became a mom.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLd1tLooaP1rRtAtuRQeOJp8jrOz8INAX3SiHFLcrzUhOmc7wT_zVj99Z1SIaOF7VQ_-GCk1vimhfoX3d6ggxzIhWLsILmNcpdpI2E26Np395PmnU-upFIMhCXYyG5SF0YvNgp7ao5R88/s1600/Toots+breastfeeding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLd1tLooaP1rRtAtuRQeOJp8jrOz8INAX3SiHFLcrzUhOmc7wT_zVj99Z1SIaOF7VQ_-GCk1vimhfoX3d6ggxzIhWLsILmNcpdpI2E26Np395PmnU-upFIMhCXYyG5SF0YvNgp7ao5R88/s640/Toots+breastfeeding.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a young mother at 25....(a few weeks before my 26th birthday)</td></tr>
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19. buko salad (strips of young coconut meat, with grapes,cherries, pears, condensed milk and nestle cream)<br />
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Of all the salads, this is my favorite. I can eat kilos of it in a day!<br />
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20. musical plays<br />
My dad used to take us to musical plays when I was a teenager. This made me fall in love with the theater, most specially with musical plays.<br />
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21. Daughtry's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvpoYxwI08M">Gone Too Soon</a><br />
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This song is just perfect for parents who have angel babies. <br />
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22. The Accidental Hero<br />
This movie which starred Dustin Hoffman, Andy Garcia and Geena Davis was a very funny movie. I watched it in when I was still in college and never forgot it. I loved it so much that I bought a copy of it four years ago. In a funny way, it showed the sad reality that we judge by appearances, and the inspiring truth that all of us, even the unlikely ones, can all be heroes if life catches us at the right moment.<br />
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23. Ever After<br />
This Drew Barrymore movie was the best Cinderalla movie for me.<br />
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24. Legally Blonde<br />
I fell in love with Reese Witherspoon in this movie....one of the movies I love watching again and again.<br />
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25. April<br />
This is the month of my Sofie's birth. Though it was also the month she went back to Heaven, I will always look forward to celebrating her birthday.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AgR_9eXc_IdbMNvWg0bkKq8yBbA2zBzPzw9Tchr6qtZMBMlzxFYeF-HBcKU-S6wWWwB-MYCHB01mjWPNI_XvKLCIxRqMkQM-ZpfyNVXsKMyRz8AyY_dx-1qUZ29WQyCP7MvXV18On8Y/s1600/Sofia%2527s+first+birthday+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AgR_9eXc_IdbMNvWg0bkKq8yBbA2zBzPzw9Tchr6qtZMBMlzxFYeF-HBcKU-S6wWWwB-MYCHB01mjWPNI_XvKLCIxRqMkQM-ZpfyNVXsKMyRz8AyY_dx-1qUZ29WQyCP7MvXV18On8Y/s640/Sofia%2527s+first+birthday+cake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sofia's 1st birthday celebration - picnic in the mountains</td></tr>
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26. Makati City<br />
As a young girl, working in Makati had always been my dream. To the young impressionable version of me, Makati offered a world of modernity and sophistication which other cities lacked, specially in the 80's, so when I finished college I never entertained calls from companies without a Makati address. I accepted an offer from a multinational financial company three months after graduation and Makati became my home for almost ten years--- the place where many of my most memorable memories were made, where most of my lasting friendships were built. Today, so many things have changed, I can hardly recognize some of the streets but it will always be special to me as evidenced by the feeling of nostalgia that I always have whenever I visit.<br />
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30. White pearls<br />
The simplicity and elegance of pearls have always been beautiful in my eyes.<br />
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31. Crystals<br />
Who wouldn't love how they sparkle in the sun?<br />
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32. Carnation and Gerbera<br />
These are really pretty flowers that can stay pretty for a long time.<br />
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33. Ronan Keating<br />
A handsome man with a beautiful voice<br />
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34. Christopher Reeve<br />
He will always be my Superman.<br />
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35. Smallville<br />
Loved this show...thanks to my husband who introduced it to me.<br />
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36. MacGyver<br />
He formed many of my ideals and inspired some of the decisions I made in my younger years.<br />
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37. Monk and Psych<br />
These were really funny TV series. My son introduced them to me and my Hunnybed and we had a lot of laughing-out-loud moments watching them.<br />
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38. Michael Jackson<br />
Well, he's the King of Pop. Need I say more?<br />
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39. Body Shop's Vitamin E (day cream)<br />
It's the best moisturizer for me -- very light, easily absorbed by the skin and leaves no sticky feeling.<br />
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40. Cheetos Jalapeno<br />
Cheese and jalapeno are just the best combination. <br />
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41. My son's first story.<br />
He wrote it when he was six years old. You can check it out <a href="http://teachlovewrite.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-sons-first-story.html">here</a>. On second thought, maybe it was his second because the title reads "Johnny English Part 2".<br />
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42. A post I wrote about Sofia.<br />
This is the story of her birth and her flying back to Heaven. Check it out <a href="http://teachlovewrite.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-end-of-sophias-battle.html">here</a><br />
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What are your favorites?<br />
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Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-72081070487692396162016-08-14T19:30:00.000-07:002016-08-14T19:30:24.520-07:00Random Thoughts on a Rainy Monday MorningI just can't understand why some establishments have their people check receipts of customers at the exit. I mean, I do understand that they're doing it to make sure nobody is leaving without paying but what I don't understand is why they risk offending paying customers by asking to check their receipts. I mean, why not install cameras and tighten security at the check out counters to make sure everybody really passes through the cashiers? I don't know about other people, but my husband and I get irritated when security guards at the exit ask for our receipt. <br />
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What happened at Landers yesterday was worse. We applied for membership on the same day and went on to have a crowded shopping experience. That was fine. After paying for our items, we were stopped by one of their staff who was standing a few meters away from the cashier. She asked for our receipt and then started rummaging through our bags, taking some items out, counting the items and checking the items off the receipt, one by one. I mean, what right did she have touching the things we paid for and therefore OWNED without asking for our permission? I calmly told her, "<i>Alam mo Miss, hindi niyo dapat ginagawa yan kasi nakaka-offend ng customer. Ano bang gusto niyong palabasin, na kumuha kami ng mga items na hindi namin binayaran?" (</i>You know, you shouldn't do that because it is offensive. What are you trying to imply, that we got items that we didn't pay for?) And what really irritated me was the way she sarcastically grinned as she went on checking our items. She didn't even stop to look at me and my husband while we were talking to her. I felt all my blood going up to my face. I could only imagine what my face looked like. Usually, I don't go back after such lousy treatment from an establishment but I already paid for a membership card. I just wouldn't renew next year. These membership stores check receipts to ensure accuracy of all transactions ( so they say). If that's their goal then they have to train their cashiers properly and let them be the one to ensure everything is encoded properly in their machines. After that, items I paid for are mine, and therefore cannot be touched or unpacked without my permission. I just can't understand why nobody else is complaining.<br />
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The only thing that made the day better was the wine ice cream we bought.<br />
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I'm sitting on my bed, hoping I didn't have a pile of laundry waiting to be washed. It's a rainy day. Classes in Metro Manila have been suspended and all I wish is some "me" time under the covers while watching a feel-good movie on DVD.<br />
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I would probably have to postpone the laundry til after lunch. Then I'll force my son to watch a marathon of Flash or Hawaii Five-O (or any of the series that he likes) with me in the living room while the machine helps me with the laundry. For now, I'll have to do a little organizing in the bedroom.<br />
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What are you up to this rainy Monday? What irritates you as a customer?<br />
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<br />Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-42828588611388772832016-07-07T07:41:00.002-07:002016-07-07T07:41:31.206-07:00The Power of WritingI have never been a planner girl. I have never liked listing to-do's. I was the type of person who just kept all her to-do's and to-go's in her mind. And for years I have struggled trying to make sure I remembered everything. I even used to describe these things I kept in my memory as cobwebs because they were like that -- webs that intersected with one another, keeping my mind from thinking clearly, or from relaxing because everywhere I went, whatever I was doing, I was always making constant reminders to myself to do this and that.<br />
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When Starbucks started coming out with planners, Hunnybed gave me one and every year after that. I tried using the planners but I would usually stop after a month. I don't know why.<br />
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Last year, I got introduced to the traveler's notebook and to bullet journals. I started watching people on YouTube, planners who talked about their inserts, their systems. Pretty soon, I was also already making my own fauxdori and my own inserts. I have also experimented on different systems and layouts and am now just trying to see which ones I like best.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglav6vToL64u68veWgbH44rjsns7ajltedIzGPSdp2xMazvwQ7zouydhWfWZ0Tx32Lgjby8oIcfSkXiFJUOcphMawipuYSPFu3r7rAaekBRwadU7WfxcOfWvcdRuzT__P7CMvjG4GK7_M/s1600/13644075_10154363357153417_2041868574_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglav6vToL64u68veWgbH44rjsns7ajltedIzGPSdp2xMazvwQ7zouydhWfWZ0Tx32Lgjby8oIcfSkXiFJUOcphMawipuYSPFu3r7rAaekBRwadU7WfxcOfWvcdRuzT__P7CMvjG4GK7_M/s640/13644075_10154363357153417_2041868574_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my current weekly layout for this week</td></tr>
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I don't know why, but ever since I was the one making my own notebooks and layouts, I have been religiously writing things down. And I am amazed at how clearer my mind has become since then. I can't believe I did not start writing to-do's earlier in my life. Writing down my tasks and appointments has lessened my stress level and now, the cobwebs in my mind are gone. I feel so much lighter.<br />
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Now, I have a planner that stays at home and a planner that goes with me wherever I go. I have also started another journal. It's called a pray rain journal. I discovered this kind of journal only last week. It's a tool for manifesting your wishes. You take any notebook of your choice and in that notebook you are going to write about your wish or dream as if you already have it, you describe how it feels or how you feel, the way it looks, etc. You write every day and they say that when you get to the last page, your wish or dream would have come true or you would already be well on your way to making it come true. If you want to know more about it, check out <a href="http://goodvibeblog.com/pray-rain-in-action/">Jeanette's blog</a>. This is where I first read about it. <br />
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I hope this pray rain journal works for me. <br />
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What about you? Do you like journaling/planning?<br />
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<br />Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-38494306832909402492016-06-30T07:10:00.001-07:002016-06-30T07:14:55.763-07:00How I Spent My Summer BreakIt's been quite a while since my last post. There have been some life events that I wanted to write about here in my blog but I was not able to do so because there were tons of stuff I had to take care of. <br />
I had to send our helper home because she was constantly not feeling well. And with two dogs living with us, blogging at night was just something I didn't have the strength to do anymore.<br />
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Vacation is almost over. Three days from now I will be going back to school. I am not happy at all about that. I'm already contemplating of retiring from teaching. Let's hope that will happen in the very near future.<br />
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What's for certain is that this summer has certainly been wonderful and productive. No, we didn't go anywhere this summer except for the time Hunnybed treated me and Toots to a staycation at a hotel in Alabang for Mother's Day. <br />
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I think it was one of the most memorable Mother's Day that I have ever had since I became a mom.<br />
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We also celebrated dad's birthday this summer. I thank God for giving me one of the most hardworking, loving fathers in the world, I thank God for his rich accomplishments and I pray that God will continue to bless him with good health and many more happy birthdays spent with us and soon, with our future child.<br />
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Since our school's opening was a month later than most schools', I got the bring my nephew to school on his first day. We were all there ---full support!<br />
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We also celebrated my husband's birthday in June. I bought him an ice cream cake afterwards and put Sofia's name in the dedication part.</div>
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I visited my favorite city...Makati. I have always loved Makati and when I was young it was my dream to work there. It is for that reason that I turned down all job offers without a Makati office address when I graduated from college. I got my dream. I was a Makati girl for 8 years. Leaving Makati to work in a school is another (quite long) story.</div>
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And of course, if I visited Makati on a weekday, you'd be sure I'd drop by the first company I worked for. I haven't been with them for a long time, but every time I visit I still feel I belong. I have always said that most of the people I consider to be my true friends are the ones I met here in this insurance company.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBd8HQUeGEhKZ7gzoyrRS72EYWFLcrpk4r2ryn3qR5uWriEpkUZ0_Ri880WyN9guJVoKgHswddlEjrD4QbDy7LPqy-95WLNiMtmfmwa8oArsujFxq_SMo5v14dvpaIZB2fYIK9MupA4hw/s1600/1464788765313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBd8HQUeGEhKZ7gzoyrRS72EYWFLcrpk4r2ryn3qR5uWriEpkUZ0_Ri880WyN9guJVoKgHswddlEjrD4QbDy7LPqy-95WLNiMtmfmwa8oArsujFxq_SMo5v14dvpaIZB2fYIK9MupA4hw/s640/1464788765313.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've always liked then and now photos. Here's one with me and my friend Lalaine.We have been friends since 1998 and though we seldom see each other, it's like nothing has changed when we do.<br />
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This summer, I also had a chance to meet two other friends, one of them was my best friend in college, Jen. Too bad we were not able to take a pic, we were too busy catching up to think about taking a selfie!<br />
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And aside from all this lunches, dinners, coffee meet-ups, I was able to make a lot of pre-ordered notebooks, sewed some other things like totes, laptop sleeves and made water color projects. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIp9juk2Ni5tq4CLfykCHQC967020MknTnfamDWwtU4-PMnLRpcVlKUf7wVNC6RWuT09JA4M6icXDHhkYkAzKXCBM7bwlGH79HLQNL0TsCPwytEEurdsen5ZlrnTsYRSEmxqaPIdalNTY/s1600/DSC_0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIp9juk2Ni5tq4CLfykCHQC967020MknTnfamDWwtU4-PMnLRpcVlKUf7wVNC6RWuT09JA4M6icXDHhkYkAzKXCBM7bwlGH79HLQNL0TsCPwytEEurdsen5ZlrnTsYRSEmxqaPIdalNTY/s640/DSC_0481.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these TN inserts here! They're ready for shipping but I am absolutely jealous! I love pink and I just love these patterns. I am certainly going to make one for myself!</td></tr>
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So you see? I really have been productive. However, I still was not able to make the more pressing projects that I had in my list. Oh well....I really have to look at my schedule and see where I can squeeze them in.</div>
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What about you? What kept you busy this summer?</div>
Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-56501672419418363902016-06-11T06:16:00.000-07:002016-06-11T06:18:48.723-07:00Twentieth Letter to SofiaDear Sofie,<br />
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I have been pretty busy these past couple of weeks. Mostly because I have been experimenting on some crafts and artworks. Your mom has been learning how to paint with watercolors. I'm not really good at it, but I am proud of my work.<br />
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I made this card for your Dad. It was his birthday last week. I also gave him a bottle of perfume which he didn't particularly like :( and a gift certificate to facial and diamond peel. <br />
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And here are some things I've sewn for my growing business. <br />
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I started sewing a year ago some two months after you went home to Heaven. I was so devastated back then and even thought I would never smile or hum a tune again. One day I found something on the net called traveler's notebook and I thought that making it would be a good diversion for me. Sewing my first notebooks and writing letters to you have done so much for me. I can't say I am completely healed because there is a big hole in my heart that will never heal until I finally have you in my arms. But at least, the notebooks and the letters I write have helped me cope with my grief.<br />
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I have also sewn a laptop sleeve, a tote bag and I'm happy I have found a productive way to spend my spare time. But you know what? I'd rather have no spare time just as long as I get to spend my time with you and Kuya together. But that's impossible now, my only wish is for you to ask God to give me another baby girl, a healthy, normal and strong baby girl not to replace you but just to be bring cheer, joy and love to our days here on earth. Can you do that for me little one?<br />
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I love you dear Sofie. And I miss you. <br />
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Love always and lots of flying hugs and kisses to Heaven,<br />
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Mommy<br />
<br />Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-29395168750092929332016-05-23T00:11:00.001-07:002016-05-23T00:11:07.988-07:00Watercolor and MeAfter finishing my lesson plans for the first and second quarter of the next school year, I am now officially on my summer break. This makes me so happy!!!<div>
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Our family doesn't really have definite vacation plans this summer so I'm sure I have a lot of time for movie marathons. But aside from that, I have listed down some projects that I have been putting off for quite some time now, which I hope to finish before the end of my break.<br /><div>
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One of them is learning how to paint with water colors. The last time I worked with water colors was when I was in grade school. I remember using threads, screens, and blowing the water in different directions but I never really got the hang of it. In fact, I didn't really know what to do to make my art work look nicer. Decades afterwards, water color calligraphy has become quite a fad. And I want to make my own to decorate my living room or our bedroom with.</div>
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Today, I had my first water color practice. It can be quite frustrating, I must admit. Writing letters with loops using a brush is something I didn't imagine could be difficult.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know this is far from good but it was my best this morning.</td></tr>
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After several attempts, at calligraphy, I finally was able to paint popsicles which looked decent enough and one word which would not have earned a passing grade if I were a calligraphy teacher.</div>
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I do find the popsicles cute for a first timer. I am so happy with them...I think I am going to make more! They're the only things I can make for now. Hahaha! Anyway, if they look familiar, it might be because you've seen them on YouTube. I watched <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1AWLY0H8zE">Art TV by Fantasvale</a> and thought the popsicles were simple enough for a beginner like me to try. And I was right. </div>
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I wish calligraphy was as easy as painting popsicles. </div>
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Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-74557031230160529702016-05-03T05:59:00.004-07:002016-05-03T18:46:40.965-07:00April's JoysApril was a month of celebrations, milestones and dreams coming true.<br />
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April 2: <br />
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My son Manuel attended their Junior Seniors Prom at the Novotel Hotel.<br />
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April 9:<br />
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My sister celebrated her 39th birthday. She treated us to the breakfast buffet of Balay Dako in Tagaytay. They had a wide selection of breakfast food items and I enjoyed every morsel. Plus, there's the beautiful view. If you haven't tried Balay Dako's breakfast buffet I'm telling you, it's worth getting up early for. <br />
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April 12:<br />
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I finally got to watch Les Miserables. This is my favorite musical of all times and it has been my dream since I was 17 years old (and that's a long way back) to watch it. My sister and I started listening to the songs and loving them when I was 15 or 16 years old. When I was 17 my dad started taking us to musical plays and that's when I started to wish Repertory Philippines could make another production of Les Miserables (They made one and I missed it because that was before I was interested in the play). I was also 17 when I read the novel and I fell in love with the book. Jean Valjean is my favorite character and Les Miserables is number one in my list of favorites. Reading the novel made me love the musical even more. It really reflected the emotions in the book. Except for Marius: I hate his character but the musical made him likable.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am with this production's Jean Valjean</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My worn out but well loved copy of Les Miserables together with my souvenir program</td></tr>
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April 25:<br />
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We celebrated Sofia's first birthday. Sofia's life, short though it was, was and still is a cause of great celebration and great joy for our family. You can read all about that in <a href="http://teachlovewrite.blogspot.com/search/label/Letters%20to%20Sofie">this post</a>.<br />
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April 29:<br />
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My Tootsieroll "graduated" from Junior High. I put the quotation marks because I am still not used to this K-12 system where the seniors in high school do not graduate but merely attend the Moving Up Ceremony. They are not called graduates but completers. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-mlNtgvC8UPG4nNrmaD4Hw8L-cZn1-o0ZncU-68zmJnVNwtXV_oYn5nu6TUQQkBoMkzR6MHnwpEtZwH1XPtxoXrFocJMze3wbSiYkpJ1WB4QR7hsRCK2eL3dz5I8Tgj-JWNWT4g0nIQ/s1600/_MG_7439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-mlNtgvC8UPG4nNrmaD4Hw8L-cZn1-o0ZncU-68zmJnVNwtXV_oYn5nu6TUQQkBoMkzR6MHnwpEtZwH1XPtxoXrFocJMze3wbSiYkpJ1WB4QR7hsRCK2eL3dz5I8Tgj-JWNWT4g0nIQ/s640/_MG_7439.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was taken during the Thanksgiving Mass which was held a day before the Moving Up. The Junior High completers attended this Mass together with the Grade 6 Graduates. I volunteered my son to offer something for the offertory part of the Mass and that's why he's holding this bouquet of flowers in this photo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of my favorite parts of the Thanksgiving Mass. It's actually done towards the end of the Mass after the communion. The Basic Education Principal holds a lighted candle and lights candles of some of the students. The light is then passed from one candle to another until all students are holding lighted candles. I think it was very beautiful and symbolic.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXto6jWni5r53iDwd6_LgkucQEUDhGYYyWm6TF-rxFeaUv9MR-xaju68cZUjDWMEvw2B3bSnO-npNpjo_H72-0v7QrbeKF04lGyvreUkCfUZMJAIG2rEFpUXmpqcv-THyxBxrQXcEx9gc/s1600/IMG_7488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXto6jWni5r53iDwd6_LgkucQEUDhGYYyWm6TF-rxFeaUv9MR-xaju68cZUjDWMEvw2B3bSnO-npNpjo_H72-0v7QrbeKF04lGyvreUkCfUZMJAIG2rEFpUXmpqcv-THyxBxrQXcEx9gc/s640/IMG_7488.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture was taken the next day, during the Moving Up Ceremony. That's my son facing the camera and there I am with my back towards the camera. That's his dad beside me. We went up the stage to receive his medal and place it around his neck. You can see the theme there behind the nun. It says: Go forth Paulinians: Spread the Word. Share the Light. Transform the World.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjl4Hx9F_FGpOowGVEYsAm7QNBKwZEMqU1l7NGRnCpaZ-mi4BmWqs8vEMlwmXXVg1WvrZMKhaeqIhODG03npsOVH7uJ6hdHSq9JbM3wA4KhGuZ0ONnZesfxp_epsVbybfNl9lnEEZ16rI/s1600/IMG_7504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjl4Hx9F_FGpOowGVEYsAm7QNBKwZEMqU1l7NGRnCpaZ-mi4BmWqs8vEMlwmXXVg1WvrZMKhaeqIhODG03npsOVH7uJ6hdHSq9JbM3wA4KhGuZ0ONnZesfxp_epsVbybfNl9lnEEZ16rI/s640/IMG_7504.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Tootsieroll with his two dads.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibr6gkW9VcINsrjMt9EClaXBR55umD8QLBGMGCbz0vPM9iGK3EN8Aog5cs83sdhlV0KsmScsggbDRMlDep09IT4UcSMk5u6RqROGRBss_NmlvtnA3lvL_7aE2-OH8-G6CGupqhY-sEmCM/s1600/IMG_7559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibr6gkW9VcINsrjMt9EClaXBR55umD8QLBGMGCbz0vPM9iGK3EN8Aog5cs83sdhlV0KsmScsggbDRMlDep09IT4UcSMk5u6RqROGRBss_NmlvtnA3lvL_7aE2-OH8-G6CGupqhY-sEmCM/s640/IMG_7559.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went to Four Seasons Hotpot and Buffet right after the Moving Up to celebrate my son's achievement. It was attended by his grandparents (my side), my sister and her family and his nanny who has been with us since he was in first grade.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zfpcyR8ISBwzA89vaesTBdO75miKcN8ubLOdY-ndavNT-H-i7RB45-XyC2s5kcOrVXvS-lPEsSjg-kh2dVlTGZb117E2dPlWaYWcHceFbTZOG84necPTfvYyntAAhI7p_-PBxA_G88o/s1600/IMG_7554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zfpcyR8ISBwzA89vaesTBdO75miKcN8ubLOdY-ndavNT-H-i7RB45-XyC2s5kcOrVXvS-lPEsSjg-kh2dVlTGZb117E2dPlWaYWcHceFbTZOG84necPTfvYyntAAhI7p_-PBxA_G88o/s640/IMG_7554.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this little boy here was the reason I was not able to enjoy the buffet. He wanted to play with me ALL the time! He's my sister's son, my nephew and my godson.</td></tr>
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I am so proud of my son! He has brought me so much joy. He may not be perfect but he is God's perfect gift to me and I cannot ask for a better son. I thank God for His many blessings and for making the month of April such a blessed and beautiful month. It was indeed a joyful month for everyone.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6041197106285267017.post-67110325190393891132016-04-25T02:34:00.000-07:002016-05-02T01:12:46.965-07:00Nineteenth Letter to Sofia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Sofie,<br />
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I cannot believe it's been one year since the day I gave birth to you. Time has flown so fast, no matter how much I wanted it to slow down, for fear of getting too far from the time you were here with us...with me. <br />
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I hope it's a happy day for you in Heaven, hearing Mommy sing Happy Birthday for you this morning. I wanted to make this day special for you and for our family so that time you heard Mommy sing, it was 4:10 in the morning. We woke up early to go to the hills because it was the highest place I could go to and I wanted to go as close to you as possible.<br />
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We went to a place called Caleruega.<br />
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Daddy, Kuya and I had a picnic breakfast there to celebrate your birthday.<br />
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We had fried chicken, salmon pie, prawns, apples, grapes and oranges , and of course a birthday cake for you with three lighted candles (one for each member of your family here on earth). I hope next year there will be four candles. <br />
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You want to see what the rest of the place looked like?</div>
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Here's Daddy in the middle of the hanging bridge.</div>
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There he is again...so tired from carrying the heavy cooler.<br />
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I wrapped a present for you. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwsntWCpHiEQATqyGjRDOE-b5htrm7B4wFu7INOEuTr3ZsKjZk7E6ncZ-lb7PciRRRTa4vhKgar7CTIJYPMKkps8BAdKtqLEgFuBIExOpD1Iuz-4Yi7bwmo9f_D2gkg4V6oJU3svW5oE/s1600/13090556_10154184609158417_141246649_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwsntWCpHiEQATqyGjRDOE-b5htrm7B4wFu7INOEuTr3ZsKjZk7E6ncZ-lb7PciRRRTa4vhKgar7CTIJYPMKkps8BAdKtqLEgFuBIExOpD1Iuz-4Yi7bwmo9f_D2gkg4V6oJU3svW5oE/s640/13090556_10154184609158417_141246649_n.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
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No, Mommy hasn't gone crazy wrapping presents for an angel baby who doesn't need earthly things anymore. I wrapped a present because I wanted to have the joy of wrapping something for you. And then....we gave your present away to children who needed it more.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYV0wRUnDtbB0pa6O2qqiP_FkzSrqNa3pOGlM-9LQFZOKW-bXz6lAIDQOCs2ZY4pJbq-UuEhYhCmY7WlcZ2yZk_4LhCvtbu2gvsPNsbA7oT9V6NlwixhRAuc10d8JW6ZChWvi-XzUHZM/s1600/13090293_10154184643558417_225903384_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYV0wRUnDtbB0pa6O2qqiP_FkzSrqNa3pOGlM-9LQFZOKW-bXz6lAIDQOCs2ZY4pJbq-UuEhYhCmY7WlcZ2yZk_4LhCvtbu2gvsPNsbA7oT9V6NlwixhRAuc10d8JW6ZChWvi-XzUHZM/s640/13090293_10154184643558417_225903384_n.jpg" width="628" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See ? It says, "To Earth's little angels....From Heaven's Sofia Marie"</td></tr>
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You want to know what's inside?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomtxTjO4JFL3zkvnTbcrQO1La41sEkshUja9LrQEiJ7DymVI5nyx161PsZ_uAfLuVqEoYxgR0IbS7J5bwA5INK9oviPmZvdRc2mxgIO1ist7GZ9cGSZUtdZyqnZoDZW4oOS0cd_Hlrck/s1600/13077357_10154184608463417_130954656_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomtxTjO4JFL3zkvnTbcrQO1La41sEkshUja9LrQEiJ7DymVI5nyx161PsZ_uAfLuVqEoYxgR0IbS7J5bwA5INK9oviPmZvdRc2mxgIO1ist7GZ9cGSZUtdZyqnZoDZW4oOS0cd_Hlrck/s640/13077357_10154184608463417_130954656_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorites are the ones with angel wings.<br />
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These baby clothes went to the babies who live here ....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkmOcvwpW98x7NevGoVaLMn43pK6ct5DSkGrrWfiCnEyWVXEIkMuU4j2v1oXTDUiALEtZEe5YzoXao7HcY4zynlgh9WLfphHac5GU-5nt_WWuyKbDaYtLF35bj0swu354ygWL5HeZYnA/s1600/13084270_10154184609953417_1122983395_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkmOcvwpW98x7NevGoVaLMn43pK6ct5DSkGrrWfiCnEyWVXEIkMuU4j2v1oXTDUiALEtZEe5YzoXao7HcY4zynlgh9WLfphHac5GU-5nt_WWuyKbDaYtLF35bj0swu354ygWL5HeZYnA/s640/13084270_10154184609953417_1122983395_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Their mommies abandoned them so the Augustinian sisters take care of them.<br />
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We also gave them some diapers in addition to the baby clothes. <br />
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Here is your birthday cake which we shared with your Lola Alma and Lolo Maning yesterday.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUrxrYHiGgM4k8oIkJVUUyEA4C8ngjM7q_LsMO1_TcHF9-llCU94N1SL4BWDspi5i4bgU3tEnEyGU5ocKF6vU4m58NT4s75Uhohwgu0qOpJ26Fq0V20O-bP0W4_JX6VidOqKMhxv7930/s1600/13082003_10154184609078417_740502021_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUrxrYHiGgM4k8oIkJVUUyEA4C8ngjM7q_LsMO1_TcHF9-llCU94N1SL4BWDspi5i4bgU3tEnEyGU5ocKF6vU4m58NT4s75Uhohwgu0qOpJ26Fq0V20O-bP0W4_JX6VidOqKMhxv7930/s640/13082003_10154184609078417_740502021_n.jpg" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I forgot to take a picture of it before slicing. </td></tr>
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And of course, we made sure you had fresh flowers.<br />
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We also offered Masses for you in different churches and it's almost time to attend one of them now. I have to go and change.<br />
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I just want your memory to live. I want your life, no matter how short it was, to mean something not just to me or to our family but to the world. That is why I am going to do nice things in your name for the rest of my life. I want it to be said that the world is a little bit brighter BECAUSE YOU LIVED.<br />
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Happy Birthday and happy 1st year in Heaven. I hope you're having a blast with your two siblings.<br />
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I love you, dear Sofie. I miss you so much!<br />
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Lots of flying hugs and kisses to Heaven,<br />
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MommyClairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346648483872314184noreply@blogger.com5