good ... bad ... balance

This morning while I was in the bus on my way to work, I realized that though I had a lot of hardships in my life, I should still consider myself lucky.

My grandma's passing gave me the chance to see most of my relatives coz they went to the wake and/or the funeral. Me being exiled to New York ... kidding ... my being here in New York has brought me far away from my family but at the same time helps me see things in a different way ... a better way. I THINK I've become more responsible and mature (well, that's what I think). Plus, I realized the value of my family more than ever.

I thought at first I'm gonna die here (or have a reaaaaaally hard time) coz I don't know anyone, but I met a wonderful family who really takes care of me. Every morning, either Tita Nimia or Tito Rod would take me to the bus stop coz they don't want me to freeze walking in the cold plus it's dark at that time. Keith drives me around when I need to get something and always keeps me company. Marc has been like a little brother coz his age is actually in between that of my brothers; he actually makes me feel like a big sister when he talks to me ... makes me feel special & needed.

Though I don't earn a lot, at least I earn something. The job I have is with a good company so that counts for something, plus I think, I'm doing a good job. So at least, a little career growth there.

But still, there are some things that I'm really sad about ... my "LASTS". Here are some "last pictures"

New Year's Eve 2005 (last "complete" celebration coz I'm not there and my grandma's is not physically there as well)


New Year's Eve 2005 (I'm holding super strong "firecrackers" ... called "Sinturon ni Hudas" aka "Judas' Belt"


Christmas 2004 (pix with my cousins)


Puerto Galera March 2005 (I loved ALMOST every moment of last Galera)


My Birthday 2005



So all in all, I'd say, I'm still blessed. I've got a great family I was born into, a great family who sorta adopted me, an okay job, a "growing" mind/personality ... wow, I do have a lot to thank God for. =)