Conversation with a Friend

Sometimes, we really have to sit with a friend and have a good conversation to at least bring out a little of ourselves. The words we may hear from them may sometimes hurt us but in the end, we learned.

20 February 2009

[09:22] annvernille: WE are blessed.

[09:22] annvernille: lahat ng virgo na kilala ko, ganun, they're already successful and yet they think they are not good enough.

[09:36] annvernille: subok na matatag, subok na matibay.. pang commercial talaga!

[09:43] annvernille: oo masakit kung iiwan mo na sya

[09:43] annvernille: pero mas masakit kung iiwan ka na nya para sa family nya.

[09:45] annvernille: kung maaagapan na ng maaga, why not kesa naman sa maghintay ka pang masaktan talaga.

[09:48] annvernille: alam mo mards, sometimes we need to be smart.

[09:52] annvernille: sometimes, men doesn't have to know what women feel, hindi naman sya nagtatanong eh.

[09:55] annvernille: hindi ako naniniwala na ang puso hindi matuturuan.. you could if you are willing to open your heart.

[10:00] annvernille: loyalty is there.. love can come last.

. . . Life's Seasons . . .

If you give up when it is winter,
you will surely miss the promise of spring,
the beauty of summer and the fulfillment of fall.

Do not let the pain of one season destroy the joys of all the rest.

Do not just judge life by one difficult season
but instead persevere through the difficult patches...

And better ones are sure to come,
sooner than later.

. . . God's Gift . . .

I haven’t noticed, just now, that I don’t have any post published introducing my baby to the blogging world. So, now I proudly present my little angel, Stephanie Lorraine. I conceived her when I was working in Hsinchu, Taiwan (2006) but I flew her to the Philippines when I was on my 5th month of pregnancy.

Lorraine was born at the University of Sto. Tomas Hospital at 8:05am of December 2, 2006 and weighed 7.28lbs. Her pediatricians nicknamed her “Pinky” and “Baby Ganda” because of her pinkish skin and beautiful face. Of course, mama is very proud of her.
I remember one time, Lorraine was about 8 months old, when we went to SM North Edsa to buy some of her stuffs at the Children’s Section when a man came to us and asked if I am interested to let Lorraine join their contest – SM Next Baby Model. We didn’t join the contest; first, because she’s below the age requirement of at least a year old and second, I’m not yet prepared to be a stage mother. He instead gave me a leaflet of the contest. I read the criteria for judging as follows: 15% physical built, 15% skin complexion, 30% projection and 40% overall appearance. I wonder, if we joined the contest, could Lorraine possibly won the competition?

The Gift of Love and Life

Having a child is definitely the most important event in one’s life. Moreover, children are the special treasure that enrich our lives, give us happiness and make everything worthwhile.

After so many years of yearning for a baby, Kuya Eli (my officemate) and Doc Anna believed their prayers were finally answered. The good news came Sunday morning, and the couple felt elated.

@ Kuya Eli & Doc Anna: The beautiful miracle of love and life has come to you now. May his/her/their coming bring happiness and joy to your family. Félicitations!

“Miracles occur naturally as expressions of love. The real miracle is the love that inspires them. In this sense everything that comes from love is a miracle.”

- Marie Lloyd

4 Stages of Life ~ Les quatre étapes de la vie

. . . Time Machine . . . [machine de temps]

Usually, there comes a time in one's life where we realized all our faults. You might have hurt someone, someone might have hurt you, you may have lost a loved one.. but all in all, we regret. Wouldn't you wish right now that you have a time machine?! I mean, how amazing would that be.. Pick a time and date and SHAM! your there!

. . . Quarter Life . . . La vie quarte . . .

When I was still in school, I always wondered what it would be like in the real world with real problems. As a student, my problems revolved around studying and earning a degree. Of course, there would always be those occasional friendship squabbles to spice up student-life.

Life then was so easy.

After graduation from college, reality was staring me right smack in the face. Gone were the laid back days of being a student. Gone were the days when the major problems I had were finishing my thesis and making up with a friend.

After college, I was on my own.. testing the waters of the world.

It was a big challenge. You can never be too sure of what is in store for you. You can never tell whether or not the future will be bright -- or whether you'll grope around in the dark.

I saw myself facing responsibilities. I saw myself facing uncertainties. For probably the first time in my life, my "no guts, no glory" disposition vanished into thin air.

It was a slow, agonizing climb, but I learned along the way.

I learned that the older you get, the less friends you'll have. You can never keep all the people you have made friends with while you were growing up. Eventually, you will drift apart and live your own lives. But what you have shared with them has taught you lessons you can take along on your journey.

I learned that no matter what stupid decisions you have made, your family will always welcome you with their loving arms. They will stand by you and let you take your steps on your own, letting you know they're just behind you in case you stumble and fall along the way.

I learned that the job you have right now may not be the job you wanted in the first place, but it could be the job that really makes you happy. Sometimes, we choose the job not for its monetary compensations but more for our own development as a complete individual.

I learned that falling in love does not always equal a happy-ever-after ending. Some may be lucky to live their fairy tales with prince charming ready to sweep them off their feet. Some may shed buckets of tears and get bruised to the bone and lose the love of their life.

I learned that getting hurt doesn't mean closing my door to love. It will always take time to heal and courage to open myself up to someone again. But the experience of falling in love is worth all the tears and the Band-Aids available at the pharmacy.

I learned about trust and betrayal. It is very hard to earn someone's trust and we can lose that trust with just one wrong move we make.

I learned about faith and hope. Sometimes, it is not enough to believe we can make it. We have to have faith to be able to make it through life. And every single day that comes is a breath of hope that today will be better and more meaningful.

I learned that life, with all its twists and turns, is a wonderful journey. Sometimes we are on top of the world. Sometimes we find ourselves lost in the woods.

But each step of the journey, we learn. We take along whatever lessons we get from our experiences. We take along the bonds we have built, the bridges we have crossed, and the mountains we have climbed. Each step of the journey, we become stronger, better and more fulfilled individuals.

I may have lived a quarter of my life already, but I know I still have a lot to learn. I still have to discover more about myself and the world I live in. I still have yet to reach my peak as a person.

It may be a long and tiresome journey, but life has taught me well.

..Aimer un ami.. [Loving A Friend]

I went to Facial Care Center (FCC-Tomas Morato Branch) about two weeks ago for my usual beauty treatment/regimen. After my session, they handed me a free cd of TV host Boy Abunda entitled "Love Life: Life Songs and Life Stories with Boy Abunda."

It was just this morning that I was able to open and play it in my cd player.

The album contains 10 cuts of inspiring and uplifting songs including When You Wish Upon A Star, Childhood, You Changed My Life in a Moment, Now and Forever, Tears in Heaven, Don’t Worry Be Happy, Time After Time, Song for Mama, It's My Turn and Because You Loved Me as well as 10 conversations with Makisig Morales, Sharlene San Pedro, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Ogie Alcasid, Martin Nievera, Kris Aquino and Erik Santos. The album also includes a very special conversation with his mother, Nanay Lesing.

I almost cried listening to this album. All the said conversations are very heartwarming but the one that struck me most is the conversation with Kris Aquino entitled "Loving A Friend."

Here is a copy of the conversation. . .

Kris Aquino to Boy Abunda:

Time after time, you've made me believe that everything.. "as in everything" is possible. And you know what, I believed in my self because you always believed in me. I've gotten lost so many times but you've been my flashlight. Ok sige, hindi flashlight. You've been my diva lights.. You've been brighter than all my studio lights combined. In the darkness, I found my way. I've gotten weak but you've been like a multivitamin strengthening my soul. You and I can't count how many times I've fallen. Sometimes because matigas ang ulo ko. I look without really measuring the depth. Other times because I was pushed to the very edge. But you're better than any parachute.. because you are my wings. I should in fact be at rock-bottom but because of you I've only soared higher. 'Wag na nating bilangin ang oras. Alam naman natin, our friendship is beyond the here and now. You and I know, for sure, we'll see each other in heaven.

Boy Abunda to Kris Aquino:

Sarap naman pakinggan Krissy. Ano kaya ang sasabihin ng Diyos 'pag nakita niya tayong papasok sa langit? Siguro sabi niya raw magiging maingay ang heaven dahil sa dalawang ito dahil alam mo namang tayong dalawa e 'pag nagkikita tau e walang patid ang daldalan. But thank you Krissy. Thank you.. for thinking about me and thinking about heaven na kasama ako. E tanong lang, halimbawa sabihin ng Diyos.. "Naku Kris, hindi pwedeng pumasok 'yang kasama mo." Ano kayang gagawin mo? Pero ako seryoso e.. Alam kong ipagtatanggol mo ko because you've always done that for me. Saka alam mo, dito sa buhay na ito 'pag nahulog ako walang pag-aalinlangan.. walang pagdududa.. I'm sure.. you will be there to catch me. At Krissy, with you I am safe.. and because of you I have become better. Thank you.

... Ma vie passée ... *My Past Life*

The Past Life Quiz

Result: A Queen
Ever get the feeling that you should be in charge of the whole damn country? That's because long ago, you were. Even though you were a tough leader back then, you were still pretty girly. Which is why you like feminine things like decorating and dressing up. These days, just like back then, you love being the center of attention. Even though you might not officially be queen, you still rule all in your own mind.

Something To Think About. . .

Name the 5 wealthiest people in the world.
Name the last 5 winners of the Ms. Universe contest.
Name 10 people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor or actress.
Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headline of yesterday. There are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz… See how you do with this one.

List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
Name 3 friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
Name 5 people who have taught you something worthwhile.
Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
Think of 5 people you enjoy spending time with.
Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier?

The lesson?

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money or the most awards.

They are the ones who care.

à l'homme qui me rend heureux (To the man who makes me happy)

I thank you for your love, your friendship, your kindness.

I thank you for sharing yourself with me.

I thank you for loving and giving unconditionally.

I thank you for every moment, every second that you've been a part of my life.

I thank you for yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Happy Valentines Day!

With your sense of humor, your caring way and your understanding... you've taught me how to believe in love.

It's funny. . .

SVP lu: à l'homme qui a cassé le monde (Please read: To the man who broke my world...)

I don’t know how to start this letter; there are so many things that swim through my mind about you that mixes all together… I have so much emotion in my heart. I never thought that this would happen, never thought that it would be over, and that I would say my last goodbye. It pains me to know that all good things must come to an end.

Looking back on our time together brings me to tears. I don’t know why I fell in love with you so fast, but what I do know is that in the short time we’ve been together was like magic for me. We became so close and everything just felt so right. It’s almost as if something brought us together. I thought we were meant to find each other and complete each other’s life. I withdraw into those moments we had which were so consumed with passion. I remember the feelings you gave me whenever I am with you. I felt as if I were in a place where I would never get hurt. At one point, you were telling me how important I am to you and how you don’t want to lose me – that I make you forget your problems and you have so much fun with me. You’ve been by my side through thick and thin. You taught me how to see the world in another’s eyes. You filled my heart with so much joy. We shared plenty of moments where we opened up to each other and shared our secrets, our feelings of happiness, sadness, sometimes anger and intimacy. And we promised each other that no matter what, we would be together because fate had brought us to do so.

To have given me so much, made so many promises, telling me that I could put all my trust in you and that you’d never let me down; it was just in a blink of an eye how you took it all away. By coming into my life, giving me something wonderful and making me BELIEVE in you only to take it all away and cut me out of your life was not only cruel, but you decided my fate. It has sentenced me to a life of emptiness. Never did I think that it was possible for one person to hurt anyone so badly. I never wanted this for us; I know we could have been great, I know that I would have been with you for the rest of my life. Chance after chance I gave you and you just threw them out the window.

I remember in the beginning how you treated me with utmost care and love and how you treated me like a queen, then it all stopped one day. I don’t know what happened to us. Maybe reality caught up to us, maybe we just weren’t meant to be.

Everyday, I’m waiting for signs which sometimes leave me with hopeless expectations. Every move and every action you make, I interpret… I’m like a fool watching every moment of you and so desperate for you to notice my existence. The sad fact is that you never tried or attempted to straighten things out between us. You never tried to fight for our love… maybe because you never loved me at all. And it pained me the most to know that you can envision your life without me. How can this be? Why now? Where have gone all those promises you once said? I guess promises are really made to be broken. You made me believe that!

Why did you do this to me, when you knew I would have done anything for you, when you knew that all my dreams, wishes and hopes surrounded you, when you knew that not having you in my life would instantly kill my heart? I’m all shattered and everything I see is blue. But I know I can’t change your mind and more importantly, I can’t change what you feel in your heart.

Today I see you… you’re so different. People tell me that you’ve gone down the wrong road and you’re not doing so well. I am so disappointed when I look at what you are doing with your life.

There is no forgiveness for what you did. There is no pity for you either. Anything that happens to you is what you deserve for trying to ruin someone’s life. I may not have been the perfect girlfriend, but there is no excuse for what you did to me.

Hope someday you can achieve a relationship that isn’t based on lies and deceit. Where you can look in the mirror and at your family and know you are doing good and moral things. I hope one day you will experience such emotional pain that you feel like you are being slowly tortured and kept awake during the ordeal so that you can fully experience the pain. I hope one day you find someone you love and trust and they do you the same way you have done to me so you will fully and completely understand the pain that goes along with being cheated on!!! I will survive and I will be stronger than before. You are NOTHING. You are not worth my time any longer. You are not worth my thoughts or my heartache. YOU ARE NOT WORTH ANYTHING THAT I HAVE TO GIVE!

I was told by someone you were NOTHING but a Gold Digger; dig somewhere else because you won’t get ANYTHING from us…

You are a man without a soul. You got tainted memories and secrets of disgusting acts and shame of infidelity… I got many beautiful memories and a lifetime of them to come. I got EVERYTHING… my FAMILY, my HOME and my LIFE. I got it ALL. You got dumped! You got NOTHING!

So now, as the rest of my beautiful family has done, I release you from my memories. You are no longer the nightmare in my every dream; you are as you always were… NOTHING AT ALL. You called me fool… so who’s the real fool?!

Consider yourself forgotten and insignificant by me. There is NO need to respond to this, I am simply not interested in anything you have to say! This nightmare is over!!!

I don’t think I deserve to be with someone who is constantly lying to me and I won’t put up with it anymore.

I can’t see tomorrow knowing that today, it’s all gone. My life has fallen; I only have faith in God to do His miracle. I look forward to the end of my pain and yet I’ve felt the deepest pain a person can ever feel in his/her heart. A cut so deep that medicine can’t even heal but the pain of being alone is there.

Tears are the memory I have of you. They say time heals broken hearts but what do they know, they’re not in my shoes. All I can say is that I have faith in GOD… that He will let me see the beautiful tomorrow.

“You can’t build love and happiness on someone else’s misery and hurt…”

“You broke my world… but you made me strong!”