It's The Most Stressful Time of the Year

We've done nothing in the past several weekends but work on and spruce up the house - painting, unpacking, shopping, re-arranging furniture, have the pipes worked on, installing garbage disposal, changing lightbulbs, wall sockets, etc. The list is endless. I have never been to Home Depot as much as I have in the past month! Adding to the frantic pace was the knowledge that the holiday season was upon us and we were NOT ready. Moving and settling into a home is already stressful, not to mention having to prepare for Christmas and New Year at the same time.

Somehow, in all the craziness, we drove out early morning last Sunday and got ourselves a fresh tree. We took the time from our home improvement schedule to put it up and hang trimmings. Fortunately, we had stashed safely, our discounted Christmas decors from Crate and Barrel, after we raided the store last year during the day-after-Christmas sale. Little did we know that by the time we used them, it would no longer be in our apartment but our own home.

It was a nice time to slow down and start savoring the holiday season that seemed to pass unnoticed, by us. The smell of pine and the carols playing helped us remember what time of the year it is. For every trimming we hung, our hearts brimmed with thanks at the amazing blessings that God granted us this year.

May we never forget to appreciate the Giver of all the kinds of gifts that we have received.

Have a Joyful and Peaceful Christmas, everyone!

The First Time the Bug Bit

Sound of Music - 6th Grade
Originally uploaded by MadMuse.

My school had a grand reunion several days ago. Needless to say, I wasn't able to attend in person as I am too house-poor to do any traveling for the next ten years. I was, however, able to attend via video-conferencing, which was okay - but, of course, nothing like being there.

Anyway, they had a slideshow which showed all our horrendous sixth grade photos, plus a few of the activities that we had that year. This photo has a special place in my heart because this was my first ever theatrical venture and it was done in school. Oh, I've had a couple of ballet recitals under Shirley Halili-Cruz by then but this was when the bug really bit and I knew I belonged onstage.

My road to getting the role was not easy, but that's for another blog. Can you pick me out? :)

Not Just Yet

Today, I officially got blown off the position I was seeking nearly six months after I put my foot forward for consideration. The consolation is, I was one of the "last men standing". It felt good to be even considered for the job, given the short time that I've been with the company. I was encouraged by the senior execs to gain more experience as they believe that I had the potential to eventually grow into the role in the near future. I just wasn't ready now - not just yet. I was told that they are very supportive of me finding another role that would provide me that experience that I need in order to hone and maximize my potential. So yes there is some disappointment, but there is also promise.

From what I've seen of the disappointments in my life, things always have a way of turning out better than I had originally planned or desired. It just takes a bit of patience and faith to watch it all unfold. So I'll give it my best while I wait and see.

In the meantime, Hubby got his year-end review in. He was rated as "Outstanding, without peer". I really didn't know what that meant until he explained it to me. Apparently, it's a rating rarely given out in their company, and it means that he excelled in every aspect of doing his job - above his colleagues. With all the hard work he's been putting in, I'm glad he finally got some well-deserved recognition. Congratulations, Hunni!

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You're Gonna Love Me...

Oh my gosh! GRABE! SOBRA!

No one can ever do this song the way Jennifer Holiday did. My goosebumps give her a standing ovation everytime I replay this clip.

Yup, you gotta love her in that performance!