The Four Seasons

Important announcement

2006-11-16T00:14:00.000Z

Please visit my new site:
Merry Tea

Guess What I am Up to Next Saturday?

2006-11-04T19:17:00.000Z

Need I say more?

By the way, I missed a very special place on my previous post. The Shakespeare Globe! Can't believe I forgot to mention it. Explanation will suit another post. Later!

The Giant Slides of Tate

2006-10-29T09:17:00.002Z

Last Friday, Alan and I together with a church friend met at Southbank. Southbank is one of our (Alan and I) favourite London walks. It is full of dynamism and vibrance but relaxing at the same time. We usually walk here from London Bridge to Waterloo station. We walk along the river Thames and enjoy sights such as the Southwark Cathedral, the Golden Hinde, remnants of Winchester Palace, the Clink, Vinopolis, loads of pubs and restaurants, Tate Modern, Millenium Bridge, the Watercolour Society, The Coin Street (including Oxo Tower), Gabriel's Wharf, The National Film Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, Jubillee Bridge... and if I miss anything else, I will be utmostly gutted. We have walked along this side of the River for probably hundreds of times!

The current exhibit in the Turbine Hall of the in Tate Modern is called the Test Series by Carsten Höller. It was described by the French writer Roger Caillois as a ‘voluptuous panic upon an otherwise lucid mind’. Visitors are allowed to try on the slide. Höller aims to answer the question, "How might a daily dose of sliding affect the way we perceive the world? Can slides become part of our experiential and architectural life?".

As for me, I still don't know the feeling. Alan and I are going back today and will have a slide or two...

But for now, I would say that no matter what others say that it isn't an art, for me I saw a double-helix...the strand of the human life...a DNA! But I can't help but show fascination. To enjoy a giant helical slide that looks like a DNA is such a surprise for a science-lover like me.

Oscar and events this week

2006-10-20T12:51:00.000+01:00

I admit, I have not posted anything since I came back from business-holiday trip. To tell you the truth, I have so many stories to tell but a few days after arriving in London, I was back to the absolute reality...that I am a worker, a student, a friend, and a maid of my own little self. Aheap of laundry is waiting to be sorted out (but Alan and I have special talents of ignoring them!). This is a summary of my reasons so forgive me for not posting...but believe me, there are so many stories to tell!

OSCAR -- the ginger cat of Burrells Wharf. This was posted in the website recently about him.

"Dear all, Oscar went to the vet last weekend. Unfortunately he is very overweight - he needs to lose 30% of his bodyweight otherwise he risks damaging his kidneys as well as putting too much load on his back legs which were badly broken in an accident a few years ago. If you are feeding Oscar please stop doing so as he seems to be eating at a number of places which is what is making him put on so much weight. He needs to eat at home because he has medicine in his food to control his kidney problem. If you feed him, it discourages him from coming home and eating here and he doesn't get his medicine. Ultimately, feeding him is damaging his health and is really not being kind to him. Many thanks for your understanding."

I really love Oscar. He was the first one to welcome me when we arrive in this development. He is sooooo cute! There's another cat named 'Bafta'. He was named Bafta because he was less glam and less cute than Oscar!

LAST NIGHT

We celebrated the Sanctuary First Birthday! It was a fun night with friends who love Jesus! We looked back on the past year and were blessed by God's goodness in this group of young adults.

The Sanctuary Group

YESTERDAY

It was Felicity's and Elda's birthdays! They are both good friends of mine and I thank God for both of them.

With Elda

TODAY

A very special day for me and Alan. A moment to look back on God's faithfulness to a marriage of five years!

TOMORROW -- A multi-occasion party!

We are going to have a party in our flat! With Felicity, friends from the Sanctuary, Elda and Miya.

SUNDAY

It's Miya's birthday, our friend from the Sanctuary. We also look forward to going church...for all the joy, blessings, friendships and fellowships.

The Much-Awaited Pause

2006-09-26T00:02:00.000+01:00

Just in case you were wondering where I have been hiding for the past few days, here’s a short explanation.

As usual, work is always busy. The more I try to finish my tasks, the more I feel that there are still a lot of things to do.

Today is my first day in university. I enjoyed this day, met the lecturers (who cracked straight to business) and met some friendly classmates (who like me, are wondering how we would cope with this pressure that we have voluntarily enrolled in).

Last week, I went to Brussels for a work-related meeting and took this picture of the Grand Place.

The Grand Place, Brussells (2006)

After the meeting, I went to see my parents, sis, bro-in-law and sweet smart nephew in Germany. More pics:

Which Way Leads to Benjamin’s House?

The Crystal World

Can you see Auntie Maan and Benjamin on the Blown Glass?

Tomorrow (I mean, several hours from now), I will be flying to Canada. I will attend a five-day cancer nursing conference and at the same time meet a good friend named Nao. Alan is coming to join me after two days, and yes…the holiday period begins!!! Hurrah!

Talking About Birthdays

2006-09-10T20:31:00.000+01:00

Since I was little, I do not normally have a birthday party on my own. My sister Michelle’s birthday is three days later than mine. So almost all the time, we have joint birthday parties. We have one party and two birthday cakes. We have lots of pictures opening gifts together. In fact, my eighteenth birthday was even celebrated on her birthday.

Ate Michelle and Me (Germany, 2005)

So strictly speaking, I always share my birthday with someone else. But now, my sister and I are in different parts of the world. Therefore, I can have the party on my own!

But then I married somebody whose birthday is three days earlier than mine. Therefore, I will never have a party on my own as long as we both shall live...but I don’t mind that at all.

Me, me, me!!!

The Highest Point of Zurich (2003)

Atomium, Brussells, Belgium (2004)

The River Danube, Regensburg, Germany (2005)

Hills of Edinburgh, Scotland (2006)

But joint birthdays are always fun!

Foot of the Alps, Heidiland, Switzerland (2003)

Who took my picture? -- Brusells, Belgium (2004)

Danube River, Germany (2005)

The Modern Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh (2006)

It's one of those days...

2006-08-18T20:29:00.000+01:00

Inspite of too many events and happenings lately, I cannot find the inspiration to write anyting down. Is this a sign of the end?

...and so I leave you with a picture. Later!

Days of No Rain

2006-07-29T00:06:00.000+01:00

The sunset as we saw it today.

I am originally from a tropical country so it would be easy to think that I am heat-resistant. But the recent heat wave that hit the country tested my ability to stand high temperatures. The highest recorded temperature in London was 32C but my non-air conditioned office reached 35C! Yes, my office is a low-grade sauna! This is very accurate because I have a thermometer in the office that measures outside and inside temperature simultaneously (one of my research gadgets). So for the past few days, I can’t help but to be a less-productive-dragging-myself-to-work employee.

Last week, Alan and I had daily plunges in the pool and a walk by the River Thames. It is the best consolation that we could give to ourselves. The previous nights were restless, uncomfortable nights. Thank God, it’s Friday! The week that had just gone seemed to be the longest and busiest week of my year so far. From sweltering temperatures to chaotic clinics. From sleepless nights to full packed activities.

Riverwalk along Thames

Alan and I decided to treat ourselves to Elephant Royale. From our flat, it is just about five minutes away. We walked by the River and paused occasionally to watch the sunset and mini-waves. We drank our richly deserved cocktails while watching several party boats pass by.

This is summer…scorching but full of fun.

BBQ with Little Sanctuary Group in Burrells Wharf Square

The temperatures this weekend will be fresher and cooler according to the forecast. It might even rain on Sunday and Monday! Thank God for rain!

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(P.S. The Earth is getting hotter and hotter, why don’t you click this link and this to see how you can help?)

Be Still

2006-07-24T00:13:00.000+01:00

Kent

I’ve already mentioned a bit about the bumpy landing in Budapest. Most of the passengers were scared while the whole plane is experiencing so much turbulence for more than five minutes --cabin crew included. The first song that came to mind was “Be still for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here…”. Perfect song! (or not?) I stopped and prayed, “Lord, why am I singing this song when in fact, it is not still at all?”. But God is a God of peace.

A week after that turbulent flight, I experienced another turbulence of life. A very dear and close person to me was diagnosed with colon cancer. This news was like a big stone that fell and crushed my heart.

At work, I deal with cancer patients everyday. I know the pain, the fear, the uncertainty… But if it happens to your own family all the pain, fear and uncertainty is indescribable.

After yet another week, a stronger turbulence came… She had surgery but it was discovered that the cancer was so extensive. Despite having a big chunk of the area resected, the prognosis was poor. One year maximum. This is heartbreaking.

Strength, hope, peace, joy – this is what our family needs now. I am glad we have God by our side.

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While on the topic:

Latest research published by our team

Another chain entry? But it's fun! Try it.

2006-07-21T20:29:00.000+01:00

Brugges, Belgium

Okay, until now I am confused about the rules, so do not blame yourself if you can’t get it outright. A meme I got from both Mei and Noreen and tagged myself in their comments box.

Ok, here's it goes:

THE RULES: If you comment on this post, I will…

1. Respond with something random about you.

2. Challenge you to try something.

3. Pick a color that I associate with you.

4. Tell you something I like about you.

5. Tell you my first/clearest memory of you.

6. Tell you what animal you remind me of.

7. Ask you something I've always wanted to ask you.

8. Pick a song that reminds me of you.

You then must post the same meme and my response in your blog.

Vienna Rathaus

Everyone who comments on this post will get something like these from me. Here are Noreen and Mei’s answers for me: (my responses are in italics)

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MEI’s answers

1. Random* mala-beauty queen in poise and charm! (flattering:-)

2. Challenge* Attend ka naman ng Hills Church service and get me a picture of Marty Sampson, hahaha! (sorry, I think that challenge is hard to do because I do not know him ;-).

3. Color* Gold elegant and precious. (Wow!)

4. Like* Your interest in the arts, architecture, photography, etc. They're things i'm also interested in but don't have the time to pursue kasi. (Yes, they are very interesting subjects)

5. First/clearest memory. *Siya ang nabunot ko sa mansion kris-kringle na hanggang ngayon di ko pa naregaluhan! haha! inabot na ko ng 48 years, di ko pa rin nami-mail! i'm the great procrastinator kasi. sorry... but i promise you'll have it =D (Very clear nga! :)

6. Animal *Kangaroo. ewan ko why this came to mind. =) (Hey, I don’t have a pouch :)

7. Question *How come you're so slim? how do you do it? share naman your secret! hehe. (I eat all foods that I fancy. That's my way of dieting!)

8. Song *London Bridge is falling down... hehehe... (I like that song)

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NOREEN’s answers

1. Random * I love your posts...it's always about something meaningful or memorable in your life. (Thank you)

2. Challenge * Read a good book this weekend. (Gotta look for a very thin book then…say the Little Prince?;-)

3. Color *Brown. Earthy (Yes, I love the earth and the whole creation)

4. Like * You seem so worldly (tama ba?) I like that you love to travel and see everything the world has to offer. (I have a different interpretation of ‘worldly’ and I don’t like to be one – but I know what you mean;-)

5. First/clearest memory of you.* Akala ko mataray, pero very approachable pala! (It’s always a first impression of me but I am friendly in real life--:-)

6. Animal.* Eagle. Free. (I agree…but I am attached when it comes to marital status ;-)

7. Question * What is your job? (I am a senior research nurse specialist in head and neck oncology)

8. Song * Another Day in Paradise (I like that song, too)

The Parliament, Budapest

Tidbits From a Long Weekend in Budapest (29 Jun-2 Jul 06)

2006-07-04T16:35:00.000+01:00

It was a bumpy landing... We were welcomed with champagne drinks at the Fishermen’s Bastion. There was a violinist who added style in the air. Dinner was then served at the Budavari Fortuna Restaurant.

Fishermen's Bastion

View of the Parliament from The Fishermen's Bastion

Friday was a whole day meeting. In the evening, we discovered Budapest by cruise. Yes, it has splendid nocturnal views.

The Chain Bridge

St. Stephen's Basilica

The following day, we climbed the Buda Hills and admired the panoramic view of the city. Buda and Pest separated by the River Danube…

Buda Castle (View from the top of the Hill)

The day ended showery. Yes, the showers came just right after we watched England lost against Portugal in the Square near Vaci Utca. (This spoiled my weekend a bit…if only…)

Sunday (our last day). We enjoyed the thermal spa, swimming pool and an hour of relaxing massage at the Gellert Baths.

Hotel Gellert Baths

…it was indeed a relaxing weekend. World cup forgotten.

Bitter-sweet

2006-06-05T22:01:00.000+01:00

To guess the surprises that each day brings is something that I seldom think about. When I woke up this morning, I thought that it would just be another ordinary day. Little did I know that something bitter and sweet would dominate the starting day of my week.

On my way home from work, I planned to prepare a special dish for myself. Pinakbet is a native, Ilocano dish that I love. Ingredients include different local vegetables, cooked in fish sauce. Not all people would like it. Even Alan loathes the fishy smell of it. But I love this dish so much. It is a specialty that the old folks in my Dad’s barrio (where he grew up) would cook for us when we come and visit.

While cooking my little treat for the day, I received an overseas call from home. My Dad’s aunt passed away. She was 94.

My Dad’s mom died at the age of 48 because of breast cancer. I was five then. So I have but a few special memories of my Lola Maria. I grew up looking up to her three surviving sisters, Macaria, Aurora and Concepcion, as grandmothers.

Lola Macaria is a petite lady, very quiet and meek. She lived a very simple life. When I heard that she passed away, there is something in me that hurt even we are not that close. Maybe, because my very young heart considered her as a real grandmother. Maybe, I saw a piece of my Lola Maria in her. It’s hard to explain but I think it is only me who could understand it.

Then, I ate the Pinakbet that I cooked with nice memories of my Dad’s little barrio and his aunt.

* Lola -- is a Filipino word meaning grandmother.

Simple Things That Can Make My Day Special

2006-05-25T21:24:00.000+01:00

Picture: An Impression of Myself(2005). A creation of Benjamin, my little nephew, when he was three and a half years old.

I dropped by our on-line mansion. All of us were tagged by Nao. So here’s my share of the fun:

Instructions: name 10 of life's simple pleasures that you like the most, then pick 10 people to do the same.

TEN OF MY LIFE'S SIMPLEST PLEASURES:

Serving God in my own little way.

Getting a big hug from Alan after a busy, exhausting day.

Doing little acts of kindness to people whom I meet everyday.

Talking to my mom, dad, brothers, sisters and Benjamin.

Receiving and sending hand-written letters. If you receive one from me, you must be special.

Having time to myself once in a while, either reading a book, practising my creativity, or just doing nothing.

Treating myself to a stick of cotton candy and a bucket of popcorn.

Looking at the sky or the sea. They remind me that there is a Creator.

Having a good nite sleep being hugged or hugging something (even in the height of summer).

Eating my favourite Filipino dishes that I didn’t cook.

Taken during one of my on-my-own-watching-the-sea-moments (February 2006).

I am tagging Ate Ewok, Cleng, Dave, Jonathan, Mark, IE, Ted, Eden, Eric and Princess Fiona. Have fun guys!

Blossoming Friendships

2006-05-02T11:36:00.000+01:00

One of the inevitable consequences of moving to another place is losing your friends. I do not mean losing them completely, but to be not able to see them as often as possible is like losing a big part of your life. When I moved six years ago, I moved thousands miles away. The only way to be with my friends again is by taking a 12-hour flight.

On My Own

I do not have to explain the value of friendship to make a point here. During my first few months in England, much of the tears that I cried were for my friends whom I left behind at home. I always wondered what fun things they were doing, what would Aileen advice me on a difficult situation, how Abby's little girl was, who was getting married next, who was hosting the next get together... The only friend whom I brought with me was Jesus. Actually, I did not bring Him along. He promised that He won't leave me. ...

...

So I prayed to God to give me friends. And he did! He gave me several friends in Eastbourne. He also gave me my most special friend called Alan. ...

... But Eastbourne is not the right place for our career growth so Alan and I moved to London. London is one of the liveliest and loveliest places on the face of the Earth. Alan and I enjoyed the events, theatres, museums, concerts, sights, exhibits of this great city. But God, we do not want to just meet people; we want to have friends. Friends who share the same belief, the same interests, the same priorities (okay, okay, 'the same-ish'). ...

... I do believe that God definitely answers prayers. He may say 'yes', 'no' or in this case, he said 'wait'. After almost four years in London, He did not just give us friends but He gave us Christian friends. What better deal can we have than what God had given us? ...

... In the Sanctuary Westminster, we talk about Jesus and help each other walk a Christian life.

...

A Walk in Kent, Bank Holiday Monday 2006

...

... And my new friends also taught me how to make sound from a grass leaf...

Whistling along

...

Note: All pictures in this post were taken by Alan.

Spring Has Sprung 2

2006-04-17T14:08:00.000+01:00

"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin ,yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won't he much more clothe you, you of little faith?"-- Matthew 6:28-30

Spring Has Sprung

2006-04-17T13:48:00.000+01:00

"Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world."

- Virgil A. Kraft

The Big Fours

2006-03-09T00:00:00.000Z

Hofburg, Vienna (2005)

Lifted from Edelweiza's Page...

The Big FOURs

**4 Jobs I had in my life:

1. Belgro Agro-Vet Store and Mabela Farms (Family Business) 2. CMG Healthcare Liaison Nurse 3. Staff Nurse (Eastbourne, East Sussex and London) 4. Senior Research Nurse (Royal Marsden Hospital, London)

**4 Movies I could watch over and over:

1. Pride and Prejudice (1995 BBC Version) 2. Forsyte Saga 3. Pretty Woman 4. Sleepless in Seattle

**4 Places I've lived:

1. Paniqui, Tarlac 2. Sampaloc, Manila 3. Eastbourne, East Sussex 4. London

**4 TV shows/channels I love to watch:

1. BBC News and Documentaries 2. Strictly Come Dancing 3. The Apprentice 4. Desperate Housewives

**4 Places I've been on vacation: (My top 4 favourites)

1. Paris, France 2. Milan and Rome, Italy 3. Vienna, Austria 4. Zurich, Switzerland

(Wish I could write more than four!)

**4 Websites I visit daily:

1. BBC 2. Burrells Wharf 3. Yahoo 4. Philippine Daily Inquirer

**4 of my favorite foods:

1. Pinakbet 2. Laing and Bicol Express 3. Pancit Malabon 4. Pritong Galunggong and Tulya

**4 Places I'd rather be now:

1. Philippines (to be with my other siblings and in-laws) 2. Germany (to be with my parents and sis’ family) 3. Reyjavik to watch the Northern Lights with Alan 4. On a Safari holiday with Alan and my siblings

**4 Bloggers I am tagging: Cleng, Dave, Ate Ewok and Mum Tin

IQ Test and A Quick Update

2006-02-23T20:45:00.000Z

I do not know how accurate it is, but I took an IQ Test today and some of the results: "Your Intellectual Type is Visual Mathematician. This means you are gifted at spotting patterns — both in pictures and in numbers. These talents combined with your overall high intelligence make you good at understanding the big picture, which is why people trust your instincts and turn to you for direction — especially in the workplace."

(From nearest: London Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge, Millenium Bridge, Southwark Bridge, Waterloo Bridge) more about london bridges

Well of course if the results said that I am stupid or an idiot, I will not post them here! I wonder if it gives the same results to everyone...
Work has been so busy lately. As soon as my holiday is over, work took over my time almost completely.
But I made it sure that I have my daily dose of reading the paper, watching BBC news, catching up with the girls at Wisteria Lane and recently, watching skating and dancing on ice in the Winter Olympics (not to mention Alan's favourite, curling).
I read the book 'Undomestic Godess by Sophie Kinsella' last weekend and finished it straightaway. The story pretty much describes the busy London life. Between country and urban life...I still prefer the country!
On Saturday, another painting was installed in our wall. Alan and I are very pleased with this new item. We fell in love with it as soon as we saw it and bought it straight away. The painter is a budding Filipino artist. Now Cucciolo, Oxo and Dylan Izaaks' Shakespeare have a new companion!
Every morning of this week, I saw Ate Susan. She works as a househelp in one of the expensive residences in Chelsea. She was walking Barney, her boss's dog. She is happy everyday and we usually stop and talk a while about...anything really. But most importantly, about God's goodness to us. (How and when I first met her: on my way to work along Onslow Square, probably last year.).
Last Valentine's Day, there was this beggar who was shouting, "Seize the day!". Very appropriate for the single and lonely (?). Ok, Alan and I do not really celebrate Valentine's Day but we ended up having a quiet, romantic evening watching-for-the-nth-time, the 1995 film adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. We watched the 3-hour disc on the 14th and finished with the second disc the following day as a post Valentine treat!. Now who says you can fit Pride and Prejudice in a two-hour long movie? And I cannot stand Kiera Knightley to be Elizabeth Bennet!...I like Kiera but she is not the Lizzie that Jane Austen described.
The other day, one of the consultants in the unit celebrated his 60th birthday. Ok, we ended the day with a glass of champagne...and I ended up having a tummy ache 'coz my stomach was empty before I drank it! (Lesson learned).

Okay, this is my quick update about some bits of what's happening with me lately.

It's great to be home!

2006-01-24T23:59:00.000Z

Three and a half long years have passed. For somebody like me who left the Philippines at the age of 22, this is the ultimate gift -- to be home for Christmas. Yes, my Philippine holiday had come and gone but the events and memories of it linger...

...

Frontera Verde, Tiendesitas

After my husband and I hopped off from the plane and ate our dinner at home, we still had the energy to visit one of our Christmas tiangges, Tiendesitas. My sis-in-law has a native bags business there. On the way to Tiendesitas, I saw tricycles, sarao jeep, the sidewalk vendors, the Christmas decors, and the traffic caused by the massive shopping. 'I'm so glad to be home'.

...

The next few days were preparation for Christmas -- wrapping gifts and checking my Santa's list to see who has been good or bad (wink!). Christmas Eve, I was in my parents' house with Alan and my whole family! I had the best Christmas since 2000!

...

... (This picture was taken after we opened our Christmas gifts. This is a once-in-how-many-years opportunity to have a picture taken together with my siblings. Guess who's the oldest or youngest!)

... ... ...

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The next event was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity -- my sister's wedding. This picture was taken at the hotel before the wedding. Ate Michelle, Maybelle and I were giggling, just like before, when we were still little.

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....

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... But when Maybelle was already walking down the aisle, my tears slowly showed my joy for her and Nino. They look so great together! Just like my dad and mom, more than 30 years married but are great together!

... ...

...

... Family and friends, we have lots of them! So we decided to take some time alone. To have an exclusive family time together, we headed off to Subic. Don't ask me why. It's just that it is the resort that is easiest to reach from our place. It was a happy day...I tried to put some tan on and did a bit of kayaking.

... ...

...

... ...

In Manila, we stayed in my sister-in-law's place on the 35th floor of a development in Ortigas. So on New Year's Eve, my husband and I had great fun catching panoramic photos of the city fireworks! ...

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Taken at Josephine's inTagaytay...where I ate Filipino food to my heart's (and stomach's) content! Followed by a halo-halo session in Taal Vista!

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The rest of my holiday were spent seeing family, friends, shopping and eating everything my stomach can accommodate. I just love Filipino food and for me, it will always be the best! ...

...

... ...

The day before I left, my passion for history, architecture and places brought me to Intramuros. For me, to be in Fort Santiago is the best place in Manila. Nowhere else in the city could ever equal the greatness of this place.

...

... ... ... ... ..

.. (Photos from top to bottom: Manila Cathedral; Fort Santiago; with my big lil bro, Mike; and lastly, with my kid sis, Jade) ...

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On the same day, I went to La Salle Greenhills where my sister is teaching. And nothing stopped me from feeling like a gradeschooler again...here are my pictures in her classroom: ...

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... ...

I missed to see some friends and family, and I am so gutted about it. Now, I am back in London and back to reality.

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Looking back, it was indeed a lovely and fantastic holiday!

...

My idea of real home used to be my parent's home. But I realised, I now have two homes. For in London, my husband and I have established a new dwelling.

There's no place like home, I am thankful to God for giving me two!

What's All The Preparation For?

2005-12-20T00:00:00.000Z

RRR

MY CHRISTMAS POEM

...

Why do men run when Christmas is here?

Busy buying gifts and making it a season of cheer.

Why do men keep on trying and spicing

Something that doesn't really need decorating?

...

A memory I had when I was little,

That Christmas is a reason to laugh and to giggle;

Because it reminds us of that special morn,

When in the manger, Baby Jesus was born.

......

Where are the days when Christmas was so simple

That it doesn't matter if you only get an apple?

People, oh people, when will you ever stop

This madness of gifts, trees, trimmings and cards?

...

Christmas, oh Christmas, a time to celebrate,

A joyous season of love and not of hate;

Our hearts will know its true meaning to us,

May it be God's love and salvation -- things that truly last.

...

Suggested thought for reflection: Look for the lyrics of the song "Away in a Manger". Read it with all your heart then ask yourself, "Does Jesus have aroom in my heart if He will knock now?".

...

Christmas is Here: Decors-Trees-Shop Windows-and the Like!

2005-12-11T01:00:00.000Z

Christmas trimmings captured in and around London (2005).

Today, I Saw a Prince

2005-11-28T20:31:00.000Z

His mom, the late Diana Princess of Wales, was a great supporter of the cancer hospital where I am currently working. Today, Prince William was there to show his support to the hospital charity and continue his late mother's passion for good cause.

The Would-be King

(photo borrowed from the Prince of Wales website)

What did he do in the hospital? He was shown the different projects aimed at providing excellence in cancer care. He went round the different wards to visit the staff and patients. At lunch, he ate in the hospital restaurant (I heard that he had jacket potatoes).

How did I found out that he was around? I was on study day. At lunchtime, I went to our office with a colleague of mine. We were surprised to see some really beautiful bunch of exotic flowers from the reception and along the main hospital corridor. Huge birds-of-paradise were hanging from every vase. We asked one of our porter friends, "What's going on?" He replied, "Have you seen him?" We asked, "Who?" We never thought that it was "PRINCE WILLIAM". I cannot remember how I replied but in my mind were rolling a big "Oh my Gosh!", a hopeful "Do I look fine to meet the prince?" and a very excited "Where is he?".

Nobody knew where he was, how can I find the prince? Time is out. I have to head back to the classroom. Okay, dream is over...I won't be able to see him. I thought I missed him! Well, almost! The cordless phone rang. It was reception..."Prince William was looking for me!" Just kidding, a patient left some Christmas presents for us and we need to collect it. So at coffeebreak, we went to the hospital reception. After five minutes...there he was, everyone's prince charming!

What was he wearing? When I first saw him, it was during the Queen's Golden Jubillee Celebration in 2002. My husband and I were in the Buckingham Palace Gates when the entire royal family was at the palace balcony waving their hands to well-wishers. Today is very exciting because I was literally three feet away from him!

Okay, I've got to be accurate now. He's got a green jumper on with a white shirt inside. He was wearing a yellow-brown pair of trousers and...I cannot believe this, I cannot remember what colour of shoes he was wearing! Anyway, I don't think it's black. He is far more handsome in person than on television. He is terribly good-looking, like Diana, perhaps.

Did he look at me? (I apologise for my shallowness!) About a second, we were eye to eye. I almost collapsed! My colleague next to me was also head over heels! (He is very polite to give everyone a piece of his lovely eyes).

What is so special about seeing Prince William? It is probably every girl's dream to see a real prince. For me, that box is finally ticked. Never did I dream that it would be that close! (The fact that he is such a beautiful creature is a real bonus!)

So after all the excitement... I heard that Prince Charles and his Camilla are also coming. But since it's already past five, it's time to go home. Being in the same place with and just a few feet away from the royals is a very rare opportunity. However, I have to go home and have dinner with my real life prince, Alan!

(And they lived happily ever after...Charles and Camilla?)

A Tribute to Central

2005-11-23T21:28:00.000Z

The Central Methodist Church , Pevensey Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex

(This article is a revised version of an article published in the Church's Centralway Magazine, Nov-Dec 2005 Issue)

DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL: Since I was just a little girl, my family brought me to church Sunday schools. At the age of 22, I left my country in May 2000 to work as a nurse in a hospital in Eastbourne. One of my mom's most important instructions at that time was to find a local church where I could go, grow, and glow spiritually. Thus I jumped for joy when I saw the Central for the first time. Rev. Gordon* welcomed me although I didn't attend on that first Sunday because...I was wearing my crop jeans and sports shirt (I feel inappropriately dressed). So the next Sunday, I came and sat in one of the pews. Sudenly, two friendly voices asked me to sit beside them. From that Sunday, I always sat between Jo* and Nell*...two seats away from Win*. In August 2002, my husband and I left Eastbourne for better training and career opportunities in London. (Rev. Foreman’s* first Sunday service was our last prior to leaving.)

WHY THE CENTRAL METHODIST CHURCH IS SO SPECIAL TO ME

One can feel god's presence in this place...there is love among members, they pray for one another and there is joy in their smiles. (A good example is Edith's* smile..if you haven't seen it yet, look for her this Sunday!)

The members are good stewards of their God-given talents. The church calendar is busy from spring to winter. (Have you heard the choir sing? And yes, Spencer* plays the organ so beautifully).

It is a church where age and it's side-effects doesn't stop its members from serving God. Truly, the joy of the Lord is their strength.

When I and my husband got married here four years ago, our friends at Central celebrated with us!

There are so many gems in Central -- silvers, rubies, gold. These couples are pictures of how God wants a marriage should be. In a world of many broken marriages, they serve as inspiration to young couples like us.

In this church, I met a bunch of God-fearing friends, They all have a special place in my heart. With most of my brain cells still working, I can list all of them here. However, Editor Ed* might not agree with the idea, so I rest my pen.

* Rev. Gordon officiated our wedding and is now retired; Rev. Foreman is still the minister at Central; Jo never met my husband because she died a day before he came to England; Nell is a very sweet lady who reminds me to go to church everytime she writes to me, now re-united with her Vic in heaven; Win is one of my special 'grandmother' friends; Edith is also a 'grandmother' friend and is a very lovely lady; Spencer played the organ during our wedding; Ed is a retired minister and is now the editor of Centralway. Special thanks go to Ruby ( our pastoral visitor), Wendy (another "grandmother' friend) and to all at Central.

Say 'I do", please?

2005-11-18T20:23:00.000Z

In a few weeks' time, a girl who is very close to me is getting married to her prince charming. This inspired me to talk about the 'special moment before I do'...the wedding proposal. I've heard so many lovely stories of a man proposing to her girl and I say a few here:

The man asked for the waiter's help by putting the ring as a topping for her ice cream dessert during a dinner date (good thing she saw the ring or else, it would have been a real messy treasure hunt!)
The man proposed while aboard a ferries wheel (top of the world-like?)

A girl was asked by his boyfriend to marry him at sunrise in El Salvador (very artistic guy! There's not a lot of them around)
Plain "Will you marry me?" asked during a formal dinner date, accented by a diamond ring. (He surely knows what a girl's best friend is!)

Please share some romantic stories that you know. I am very interested to hear more stories of love.

Pictures from the top: a couple sitting along the banks of Danube River, Regensburg; Pigeons caught at the walled city of Canterbury; and Cinderella (obviouslly!)

Cucciolo

2005-11-06T10:59:00.000Z

During one of our art gallery visits, a painting of a little dog caught our attention. My husband and I were drawn to the painting because he seems very cute and was painted in a vibrant red background.

A young chap suddenly approached us. He is Francesco Lietti, the artist himself. The painting is titled "My Dog". The inspiration of it came from his 15-year old fox terrier. The artist is a cheerful and friendly Italian who hails from Lecco.

Being a dog-lover myself, I fell in love with the painting. To have a dog in England entails quite a responsibility. Probably, this painting is the answer to my desire of having a pet dog (only that it doesn't bark or wag its tail!). This may not be a Picasso but it is very special to me - my husband gave this to me as a gift. I named him Cucciolo (Italian for puppy).