Thankful Thursday

This week, I am thankful...

...that my hub is getting enough rest. I couldn't say that when he was working in his previous employer (when even in his sleep, his project would haunt him).

...for Matt's creativity. He always bring pleasant surprises for us all.

...for the music. They are the perfect drug to take on a hectic day.

...for friends who keep in touch. And who share their lives.

...for the sleep I get even when I am working on night shift (Aha! Working while sleeping is not really a good idea but we are allowed to do that when there's no activity in the network).

...that I am able to open my lids this morning. It's good to be alive! And it's the best to come to a kid who jumps when he sees you, hugs and tells you "I love you."

Thanks be to God!

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

Thankful Thursday

I was searching through some files early this morning so I can post a Wordless Wednesday entry. I was still deciding which image to post when I received a call and I was jolted into the realization that today is not a Wednesday! I’m a little put off with myself for this minor lapse – not that this is the first. *wink* But moving on...

So today is a Thursday! And what better way to start my 2008 post than with a Thankful Thursday post! Great!

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

Today, I’m thankful to be alive. To be well and working at this very moment. Oh, actually not working but blogging at this very moment.

I’m thankful for time my hub was home. What glorious days we had! My son – and my hub, too- couldn’t be happier. I had some free time to finish chores, do a little reading and even go to a salon to have my Fido Dido hair tamed. (No, I’m not exaggerating about the Fido Dido hair- the past months, it’s been sticking out of my skull like that!)


I’m thankful for the time I have had - to relax and rest in the past few days.


I’m thankful for all the blessings I received in 2007.

I am thankful for all the lessons I learned from my experiences and mistakes, and lessons I learned through my friends and loved ones.

Thanks, thanks, thanks all!

Thankful Thursday

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

I know this is a late post.

But before I slept last night, I'm just amazed at how God has blessed me with so much. What did I do? What have I done to deserve such blessings?

I'm just this tiny, tiny speck of dust before God and yet I know that He loves me. And that is SO much to be thankful of.

Thankful Thursday

I am so good at complaining. Sometimes. Okay, out with it - most of the times. I complain about how my back aches after I carry my kid. Or when I stoop low to lift my toddler. Or when I go about the household chores.

Some days, I complain about my seemingly lack of energy. And the torture is everyday, I get to see a kid who has the supply of energy equal to a hundred horses. Boundless, even. I wonder if I can get that from the drugstores.

There are times when I try hard to stifle a vain scream as I frantically rummage through my kikay kit for a cream... or a concealer or something, anything to help me cope with the new indentations on my face that I noticed in my reflection on the mirror.

I frown when my clothes suddenly feels tight and then blame my slower metabolism for the excess flabs.

I am getting old, I always say. I must ruefully admit that, at 30, indeed, I am so good at complaining about getting old. Me, getting old.

But one afternoon of late, on my way home, I heard someone over the airwaves say: Do not resent growing old because many are deprived of this privilege.

Although I did not resent growing old, I did not like it either. (But then the prospect of growing old leaves little to the appeal, ey?) So I felt that was meant for me.

That statement - it showed me the prospect of getting old in a different light and I just could not look at growing old the same way as before.

I'm not dumping out my prevarication tools but I thank God for giving me the chance to age gracefully. It's just great to be alive. And yes, I thank him for those tools, too.

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

Thankful Thursday

I slept so late last night. Actually, it was already early morning when I laid my head down on the bed. I had a task to do and it was only when Matt is asleep that I could work without interruption. I decided to bring down some of my son's old posters and replace them with new ones - bigger, more colorful and attractive posters.

Over the course of this task, I was suddenly struck with a thought that put me in a reflective mood. I was thinking of my reason for taking these old posters away and replacing them with new ones, which I believe looks better and more fitting for my son's age.

And yes, I came to realize that this must also be the reason why God took away some things from us. He only meant to replace them with better, more wonderful things.

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

So today, I'm thankful for everything that God took away from me - material things, relationships, opportunities - because He certainly replaced them with greater and more amazing things, relationships, opportunities.

Thankful Thursday on a Friday

If you look at this unedited picture taken last Saturday, you would have deduced we had all the sun I was praying for on Matt's party.


But this is a misleading picture because Mr. Golden Sun actually went on leave that day. And in his place was Mrs Relentless Rain.


Looking at the first picture, you wouldn't have thought that the other side looked like this, would you?


The past few days, the weather was dreary. That's due to tropical storm Lando that swept the Visayas area, but which also affected some parts of Mindanao. There are reported damages and casualties but I am grateful that it's down at minimum. And I hope there’d be no more addition to that, especially since another typhoon is on its way round here.

But I thank God for bringing all sorts of weather- good and bad. Because we all need a little of everything --like in our lives, sometimes, we need storms to keep us on the right track.

Anyway, despite the rain, Matt had a good time on his party. And I'm glad because that's what really matters to me. I'm also thankful that our friends and relatives were able to bring their kids and join Matt on his party. I’m also glad that despite the bad weather, my husband arrived home safe and that he was able to attend Matt's party. And more importantly, I am thankful of my son's life. He is a precious gift God blessed us with and everyday, I am learning to be a better person because of him.

Last Monday, because of the dreary weather, some flights were canceled in our area, including one that should have brought my husband back to his workbase. But I am grateful. No, I was not too happy that my hubby’s flight was canceled; in fact, I was disappointed because I didn’t want him to miss a day of work because he has just transferred in this company. But I couldn’t allow myself to be eaten up whole with negativity brought about by something I do not have control of. So when something unexpected and disappointing happens, like a canceled flight, I’ve got to look at it in a different perspective. And certainly, a canceled flight can only mean a little extension to the time we can be with my husband. And yes, it did allow Matt (and me) few hours of his company. For that, I am grateful.

Thankful Thursday

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

• I'm thankful that I am alive.

• I'm thankful for the chances God gives to sinners like me.

• I'm thankful for the good health.

• I'm thankful that we have full stomachs when we retire to bed at night.

• I'm thankful for the gift of motherhood.

• I'm thankful for the life of my son.

• I'm thankful for the resources that we are blessed to have so we can give him a kiddie party.

• I'm thankful that my hubby is adjusting well in his new workplace.

• I'm thankful that our Internet connection at home is already fixed.

• I'm thankful for the gift of friendship.

• I'm thankful I won a copy of the After the Leaves Fall from Nicole Baart.

Thankful Thursday

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

Yesterday, in a bloghopping spree, I found a short quoted post, which reminded me to be thankful for TIME.

I'm thankful that we had time to visit my MIL's grave on All Saint's Day, which is also her birthday.

I'm thankful that over the weekend, we - along with my parents and my sister- found time to relax.

I'm thankful that dear husband was home for 5 glorious days and during his stay, we were able to spend time, however limited that was, with just the two of us.

I'm thankful that I have free airtime to call my hubby, who's already in a new work location and I'm thankful that he has available time to orient himself with the environment before he officially starts with his assignment.

I'm thankful that I finished my son's laundry and his bottles earlier because that gave me a little time to play with him before he naps.

I'm thankful that I have time to write my posts today while my kid is napping.

And, I'm thankful for friends who take some off their precious time to pay me a virtual visit.

Thankful Thursday

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

This week, I am thankful...

... for God's provision.

... that Matt is doing good, health-wise.

... for hubby's weeklong vacation (to be spent at home) before he takes on a new job.

... for hubby's new job. I hope this one would allow him enough time for himself (to relax).

... for modern technology, like the Internet and cell phones, that helps bridge the distance between loved ones living away from home.

... for available resources (although not so big) that we can use to help others.

... for friends who brighten my days.

... for this life.

Thankful Thursday

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

• I’m thankful that my dear son Matt, who got sick with the bad case of bronchitis, is recovering now.

• I'm thankful for a pediatrician, who was so gentle and understanding and who prescribed medications for Matt.

• For the medicines that ease his condition.

• I’m also thankful for things like camphor and eucalyptus. They are so useful; and their scent not only soothes my son but me as well.

• I'm so grateful for my family, for helping me care for my son. I couldn’t have imagined taking care of him all by myself.

• For the strength God gave me during the harrowing days he was sick. I was sleepless and I had missed some mealtimes, but I survived.

• For the person(s) who organized the SPArty. A relaxing massage was just what I need after those stressful four days when I stayed 24H with Matt - carrying him and rocking him to sleep. And the timing couldn't have been perfect! Plus, everything -including an all-natural facial session- was all for free. Wonderful!

• For the change of work sked I had. My restdays now are Sundays and Mondays. This means I can go to church regularly and that I don’t have to make hurried exits during family affairs, usually held on a Sunday.

• For the friends I have in the Blogosphere who take time to visit and send heart-warming messages.
  

• For Crystal, for hosting the Thankful Thursday.
  

Thankful Thursday

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

I was sleeping on Saturday and when I opened my lids, it's already Thursday! Already October! Okay, that's an exaggeration but time flies real fast! And funny because we sometimes race against time. And in the hope of keeping up with the frantic pace of everyday living, we sometimes forget. We forget the little yet significant things-or events that make us think, cry, smile, throw fits of laughter or make us realize how how great it is to be alive.

I forget, too.

But thanks God for dropping pieces of "packages" here and there. They help me slow down, they help make the hours and days not go by in a blur, with me not having the slightest memory - que horror! - of what-has-been.

These are things like the mistakes I made over the past week. Makes me feel human and imperfect. And I like that because it means I cannot rely on myself alone but with the Greater Being who reigns over the heavens and Earth.

Like a job offer. Not for me though, it's for BH. Gives us the chance to ponder on our options, to speak from the heart and share our thoughts on the possibilities this offer could bring.


Like the traffic. Yes, the traffic and on my way to work last Tuesday, it was unbelievable. I am grateful that I was able to drive through the traffic and I arrived safely to my destination. And I am thankful that we have a vehicle that could bring us from point A to B.

And then, I am thankful for the people I work with. My officemates. They have become my friends and they make my working life much easier. Also, they are very kind to bring me home when my shift ends at so late at night. And to think that my house is a long way drive from the office.

Then, there's the office boy who keeps the office, the toilet and the pantry clean and who buys us our food.

The guards who open the gate, who sometimes help me find a cab and who offer an umbrella when it's raining.

And today, I'm truly thankful to be alive and to be able to write this Thursday post.

Psalms 107:1  Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Thankful Thursday

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

As I am writing this post, I still feel the effects of working on graveyard shift but I am grateful because I was physically able to report to work last night.

I am thankful I have a job. I am thankful, though it’s not the world’s highest paying job, for the chance to look forward to every payday that comes when I can collect money to help my BH take care of the cookie bills.

It also dawned on me that everytime I say "I'm tired", it means I am physically able to perform some work during my shift.

I am thankful for this job. It has taught me – and is still teaching me the value of hard work, patience and perseverance.

I'm grateful, despite having moments when I feel like changing job, to be a part of a company that helps in making communication available to everyone - regardless of socio-economic status, religion, race - in this country.

Thankful Thursday

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

On my way to the office, I was thinking about what I should be writing in this TT post. I had few things in mind then. But these few things quickly evaporated before the car rolled to a halt in front of our office building.

Few comments from my passenger - who is also my father, did that. I will not say what these comments are but suffice to say that I honestly felt hurt. I know I must be scowling when I got in the office early this morning [and I’m just glad no one, maybe except the guards, saw the stormy look on my face then].

So hurt was I that as I opened my email, I was really ready to cry. But I did not. Actually, I forgot all about crying the moment I started reading the messages in my inbox. They were encouraging messages that help dispel the gloomy mood I was in. Thanks, thanks a lot. And thanks to my friends who sent the mails.

Later in the morning, I had this conversation with an officemate. We were having a casual chitchat about parenting when she said, “Good for you that you still have your parents to help you out... I don’t have that luxury…” That hit a chord. At a moment when I was feeling unhappy with my father, that really got me [and thanks to this officemate].

I was reminded once again of the value of maintaining good relationship with my folks. I was reminded of the unconditional love they’ve given us –their kids, of how they sacrificed their needs just so they could give us a better life. I know they didn't have an easy life, what with five kids to take care of. But they are always there for each one of us.

Try as I might now, I couldn’t remember a time in my life when I needed them that they were not there. I really couldn’t imagine not having them around. They helped, guided and supported me.

I was able to celebrate my 30th birthday because they are instruments of my existence. After 3 decades, nothing has changed. They are still helping and supporting me every single day.

I’m really forever grateful to them. For everything I have now, it’s because of them. Oh yes! They are important. However hurt I may feel at the moment over some comments my father made, will not make him not less important (because he will always be). And I know those comments as before will soon be forgotten and will soon be a part of the past.

Okay, we may disagree and hurt each other at times. But whatever happens, it will never change the plain and simple truth that they are my parents and they are family, that they are part of me as I am part of them, and that they love me as much as I love them.

Of that, I’ll always feel blessed. And I am thankful. Nothing will ever change that.

Thankful Thursday

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

The past few days were a series of trips for everyone in the family (all except my son). First, there’s my brother’s wedding. Then, there's the individual business trip to Manila, for me and my BH.

Last Friday, everyone, including my brother and his bride-to-be wife, was supposed to board the earliest flight to Manila had things gone as planned. As it was, their flight was cancelled and moved to a later time because of aircraft mechanical trouble. Thankfully though, they were able to board at 5:30PM after an 11-hour delay. That was looong but that was better. More than that would have been difficult; it would have prompted the to-be-wed to postpone the wedding as it would be impossible for them to make it to their destination because of the good 7-hour land trip following the plane ride.

But very early on the wedding day itself, they safely arrived in La Union, where the wedding ceremony would be held. Thanks, thanks be to God.

I’m also thankful that my brother finally found his lifelong partner. May their union be blessed now and for always.

I’m thankful that while everyone was away, I was able to manage the goings on in our house. And that I survived that first night when I was home alone with my son, who was a little sick.

I’m thankful for my BH’s sister for keeping me company the second night.

I’m thankful that my parents, my mother’s brother and my sister made it safely back home.

I'm thankful that while I was out myself, I have my mother -as always- to take care of my son. I was really worried sick when she called me that Matt had fever. But the thought that I got my mother to attend to him was reassuring.

I’m thankful that (although we were not able to see each other there) my and my BH’s trip to Manila went well and that we arrived safely back to our bases.

I’m thankful that kiddo Matt has no fever since yesterday. Thanks God.

Whew! So there. It really feels good counting my blessings. Have a blessed week everyone.

Thankful Thursday

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

Thursday once again. Time does fly real fast.

I'm thankful for the chance to see my son smile, hear his laughter, listen to his seemingly endless babble. For the chance to hug and kiss him and exchange Iloveyous with him.

He is definitely a gift from God. A living proof of His love. And through my son, He has shown me what it's like to love unconditionally, without reservations.


Although he has the ability to make me want to open my mouth wide and scream like a madwoman, I have to thank God for that too. Because through Matt, He is helping me learn become more patient and understanding. And I am truly humbled.

Thankful Thursday

So there he was slightly propped on the hospital bed. He was wearing a hospital gown and a knitted bonnet that hid the indentation at the right side of his head where a part of the skull was once normally in place. He, who was once as active and lively as any regular guy I know. If not for that one tragic motorcycle accident.

Numerous tubes ran from some parts of his body to gizmos and gadgets in the corners of his bed. I understood they were oxygen and some monitoring devices; but those contraptions were more than that, they're a jarring reminder of how delicate life is.

By his side was his wife, who was speaking softly and telling him about his guests, while carefully and gently re-arranging stuffs around the bed. Needless to say, she’s gone through a lot of rough times.

On the other side of the room, separated by glass and glass door, was a nook for the ICU nurses- and I saw a couple of them- who would monitor the patient’s vital signs and who would immediately attend to his needs.

It was a gut-wrenching sight and I could only stare. Because that’s all I could do at that moment. I could even hardly breathe, much less speak.

That was a couple of weeks ago.

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

Now, though more collected than that instant, I cannot deny that I still think about them, about that tragic accident that drastically changed his and his family’s lives, about how strong his wife is, about how lucky he is for having a persevering wife like her…I am actually thinking about them now and lots of other thoughts, too.

But more than anything else, I am thankful. So thankful that God has given her husband, my college friend another chance to live. That this friend is wonderfully fighting back. I am thankful that they are already out of the ICU, out of the hospital now. I am thankful that despite incurring an enormous hospital bill, there are people who are willing to help them settle their account. I am thankful for the wife for being patient and loving and persevering; she has truly inspired me. I am thankful that God is continuously giving her the strength to cope with Life’s difficulties. I am thankful for her family for helping her get through the rough times. For the doctors and nurses, who helped them while in the ICU. For people who are helping them everyday.

And thanks to her, and to him that I realized that there have been a lot of little yet significant things that I have only taken for granted.

Thankful Thursday

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

It’s Thursday once again. I’m truly thankful for so many blessings. A huge mountain blessings.

Among these, I feel so blessed for the friends who taught - and are teaching me- important lessons in life. Lessons like patience, forgiveness, faith and persevering love.

I’m thankful for the people I meet who made- and are making – me look at life, experiences and circumstances in a different but positive perspective.

For my loved ones who bring meaning to every little adventure, every banal activity and every ordinary routine so that these are turned to wonderful memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Thankful Thursday

• I’m thankful for God’s provisions.

• I’m thankful that nothing bad happened to my son when he accidentally banged his head on the wall/floor. The incident really scared me off my wits.

• I’m thankful for the mistakes I made, just recently and those in the past. They made me – are making me – considerate to others.

• I’m thankful for that chance I had yesterday to speak with my brother, who is in South Korea. Apart from the fact that that long international call was all for free, I’m glad to hear he’s doing okay.

• I’m thankful that hubby will be home during the weekends and will be staying for three glorious days with us.

• I’m thankful that today’s already Thursday. I’ve been looking forward to spending some zany time with my blabbering tot tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.

• I’m thankful that there’s a Thankful Thursday. It makes me feel more blessed listing down my blessings.

For more Thankful Thursday participants, visit Sting My Heart.

Thankful Thursday

This will be my first time to participate in Thankful Thursday but I guess, I'll be doing this weekly from now on.

• I am thankful for this life. I may have problems but that's only because I'm still alive.
  

• And so thanks for these problems, too. It humbles me and gets me on my knees.

• I am thankful that Hubby was home for 3 days.

• I am thankful that during the time he was home, we were able to spend a just-the-two-of -us time, even if it's just for my annual physical exam and dentist appointment.
  

• And so thankful that he was able to bond with our son the rest of the time.

• I am always, always thankful that I married a patient, caring and God-fearing man and that I have no reason to doubt that he is God's best laid partner for me. And that despite our periodic separation, I can soundly sleep at night and be at peace because I know he is faithful to God (and also faithful to our marriage).

Violets from our yard, this is one of the files I retrieved in my stick

• I am thankful that my laboratory results were A-ok and that I was given a clean bill of health by the doctor.

• I am thankful that my family is in good health.

• I am thankful that hubby arrived in Cebu safe and sound.
  

• I am thankful that despite waking up in the morning and seeing powdered formula sprinkled on the sheets, the floor and everywhere in our room, the milk supply [for my son] in the cupboard is still enough to last through the week.

• Although my son licked and had a taste of the beeswax balm [for scrapes, cuts etc...] this morning, I am thankful that it's almost-100% natural and not anything toxic and son is not harmed.
  

• I am thankful that after moving from one PC to another (in the hope that I could retrieve the files in my memory stick), in my fourth try I was able to get through and able to copy all my files before it finally gave up on me and flashed the USB Device Not Recognized again.

P.S. Am also thankful I found Iris @ Sting my Heart