a friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

thirty

Right-o! Just turned 30 before Christmas and man that was something! I just feel different altogether somehow and just can’t pinpoint what it is… But not in a negative sense, don’t get me wrong. Just different. I feel the 3 decades past me and at this point, for such an important number, I can’t help but reflect on what I’ve accomplished and where I’m heading. The big-0 is such a threshold and somehow I could remember them better…

At 10, I was moving house. It was the time that I was leaving my mom’s family in Laguna and I was going to live with my auntie Ronnie in Makati first before moving to Pasig to join my auntie Dell. I can’t remember how my birthday was but I remember that I was in Benitez School. My baon was 2 pesos a week and I was constantly visited by my classmates knocking at our gate asking if Katheryn was in, much to the amusement of my uncle Tazar. At this time, my accomplishment was learning to ride a bicycle and skipping the Chinese garter way up past my head. Man! Was I nimble or what!!!

At 20, I just finished college and was starting my French lessons in Geneva. It was tough coz I was adjusting to the European culture AND climate. I missed my barkadas in Pinas and the hustle and bustle of our youth group. It was tough and I had just my auntie Dell and uncle Charles who were really precious and supportive but I missed my own age group and just the fun and laughter of young people. It was time of introspection and learning to live as an individual again, independent of any group. Eventually, I adjusted to my new life and Geneva became my HOME in the real sense of the word. I grew up so much in every way possible when I was there.

Now at 30, I’m in Germany, with a wonderful husband and a charming two-year old son. I have a cool job, still helping the local church, organizing activities for the youth and enjoying a comfortable, laid-back life, thru God’s help. I have traveled fairly well and met both great and horrible people. My French is doing well and I can converse a bit more in German while I completely revel in English and Filipino plus starting with Spanish seriously this time. I was no longer the baby of the group in the office coz I’m now 30 so I sort of check my behavior and see if I’m acting my age... I feel stronger and capable of running my life and have been blessed with a wonderful new family. But I also noticed that my elders were growing old and slowly but surely I was taking their place, i.e. instead of taking care of me, I’m slowly taking care of them.

Somehow I became more aware of growing old when I reached this age. But this is how life is... Ainsi va la vie... like they say in French. Being 30 is a threshold of maturity and a step forward to more responsibilities in life. I sometimes feel apprehension for my future but I don’t want to wallow in imaginings so like I always say to myself “I’ll cross the river when I get there.” Somehow, one way or another, things in life just arranges itself according to where its headed sooner or later anyway, so...

At 30, I am grateful. Because my life has been showered with blessings and almost all my wishes came true so I can never ask for more. I just have to remember to keep strong in times of trouble and be happy.


That’s where I am at 30… wonder where I’ll be at 40?!?

PS: My wonderful husband threw a big party for my 30th and here are some photos. I'd like to thank all my family, friends, office mates and acquaintances for being there! Touched ako promise!!! and to my one and only I LOVE YOU SCHATZ, bis zum Mond und zurück...

Thursday, January 12, 2006

farewell to another year

I saw this survey from Jey and I think it’s a great way of ending the year and reflecting on what has happened. I always find it nice to chronicle some parts of my life coz sometimes there are memories worth preserving. So enjoy reading…

What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before?
Stay in line for 13 hours to see the remains of a Pope
Organize: Miss Gay contest, a Fiesta
Assist at a wedding ceremony

Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I never did have one last year so could not compare.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
My sister and my sister-in-law.

Did anyone close to you die?
No.

What countries did you visit?
Philippines, Switzerland, Italy, France, Kenya and USA.

What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
Firm abs. Hahahaha… Asa pa ako!!!

What date from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 2 – Pope John Paul II died
April 6 – On the line from 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. (13 hours) to see the Pope
August 13 – Fiesta ng Kabataang Pinoy
August 17 – Asian Youth Gathering
October 29 – COP7 decision and Masai Mara safari
November 21 – US visa blues
December 13 – Sex and the City Tour, New York
December 23 – Big surprise party!!!


What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Organizing the Fiesta

What was your biggest failure?
Not curbing my sense of humor.

What was the best thing you bought?
Prescription glasses. I CAN SEE!!!

Whose behavior merited celebration?
Tropa because of what they’ve accomplished

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
A friend.

Where did most of your money go?
Travel.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
New York!

Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? — happier
ii. thinner or fatter? — definitely fatter
iii. richer or poorer? — richer in experience

What do you wish you'd done more?
Blog

What do you wish you'd done less of?
Ponder on unimportant people.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Disappointed perhaps but not hate. Yes.

What was the best book you read?
11 Minutes by Paolo Coelho

What did you want and get?
Trip to New York.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I was fitter.

What kept you sane?
My Capricorn nature.

Who was the best new person you met?
Justice. No kidding!!!

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005?
Working for God is definitely a wonderful thing.

What was the nicest thing someone told you about yourself?
I am unassuming.

What did you like most about yourself this year?
My energy!!! Grabe!!!

What did you hate most about yourself this year?
My sensitivity.

Was 2005 a good year for you?
Good and tiring!

What was your favorite moment of the year?
Fiesta and my fabulous 30th birthday party

Where were you when 2005 began?
Geneva with family

Where will you be when 2005 ends?
Bonn with family

Do you have a New Year's resolution for 2006?
Be less lazy

How are you different now that the year has ended?
I’m on the thirties club!!!

What are your wishes for the New Year?

More wisdom, grace and fun…