December 3 – Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards)
I think I felt the most alive this year when I heard the news that my Dad was rushed to the hospital. I cannot remember the texture, the smells but for days my stomach was in a knot. Looking back now, the day I received the news and days after when my Dad was confined in the ICU, are all gray to me. I know I was part of those moments although I was miles away from them, but I felt like a third person —part of the audience — watching the events unfold. It was a nerve-wracking and humbling experience. Being miles away left me with no other choice but to completely put all my faith in God and lift all my worries to Him.
December 4 – Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year? (Author: Jeffrey Davis)
This year I think I had a healthy dose of adventure. As a family, we went for 2 trips in Mui Ne, Nha Trang (complete with delayed flights, canceled flights, and a 22-hour train ride that felt like an eternity), and Malaysia. I started working again in an industry I never thought I’d set foot on. I got into walking as an exercise, Zumba, and hopefully Yoga. Also, we joined two 5 km fun runs! And lastly, I started my baby steps in allowing my son to let go a little as he began attending playhouse slash daycare. Whew!
December 5 – Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)
Funny that this came right after my last thought in the previous paragraph. I began starting to let go of control a little as I allow my son be taken cared of by other people. I think that’s the hardest of all — losing control.
December 6 – Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)
The last thing I made was a wreath for Advent. I couldn’t find a store-bought wreath so I bought several items like the holly, plate, candle holders, and candles. So I assembled them myself. This was the last physical thing I made.
But I also made a poem yesterday for the kids of my friends for Christmas. I wrote them on Christmas cards. Truly hope they like it.
December 7 – Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)
I think I found the sense of community here in Saigon with those living in our apartment complex. Online, I rediscovered the community in PinoyExchange.Com. In 2011, I would like to deeply connect with Newlywedsatwork.Com. :)
December 8 – Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful. (Author: Karen Walrond)
Uniqueness is something I always wonder about. With so many people in the world, how can I be any different? I mean somehow there’s someone out there just like me — in the sense of personality. I feel like people are more the same than people think. The only difference really is the physical appearance and the DNA. People just have the same wants in life — love, contentment, and finding a place in the world. How can I be any different? I can only think of two really important thing that makes me unique — that is I’m a mom to my son and a partner to my husband. I MATTER to this two people. THEY matter to me. And THAT is beautiful.
December 9 – Party Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans. (Author: Shauna Reid)
What else? But my son’s 2nd Birthday Party in Bud’s. Why? Because it’s so hard organizing a party in a foreign country — knowing so little about suppliers and logistics — and then actually pulling it off. We had games, face painting and the balloon man. My son was in his red Elmo shirt and Elmo shoes — so darn cute! What made it even wonderful was that my parents and mother-in-law flew all the way from the Philippines. We served chocolate fondue, 2 ice cream cakes (one for hubby’s birthday and one for Sam), pizza, and pancit palabok (courtesy of a really good friend!).
Oh and the other reason why we had 2 ice cream cakes was that Sam’s original cake was lost when the delivery guy in a motorbike got into an accident.
December 10 – Wisdom Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? (Author: Susannah Conway)
I think the wisest decision I made this year was refusing a job offer that would cause me to work full time. As much as I want to earn, watching my son grow is far more rewarding.
Today is my Dad’s 1st year death anniversary.
Actually, expect more of this when we go to Manila next week for the holidays — especially when we go to the boondocks where there is virtually no Internet access.
We had the photos taken at our favorite resort at Balay Indang in Indang, Cavite. The photos turned out wonderful! See our 
