from 22 to 23

February 19, 2005 ... people who mattered to me shared that night with me. All my cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and siblings of my grandma came. My cousin Mikko got drunk, and Justin threw up as soon as they got home. My college & high school friends were there. My friends that I worked with at that time also showed up. In fact, mommy Lauren was one of the early ones. My friend Al from my first job showed up even if it meant he'll be late for work.

I was so tired at the end of the party coz ... I made inumerable rounds of walking in and out of the house ... to the garage, to the gate, to the corner of the street. I was showing them where to park, showing them where the food is, trying to find a spot for them to sit at. I also went around to make sure everyone had a drink. Tito Albert helped me with this, coz the moment he saw someone's bottle is almost empty, he would give them a new one. Plus, I really made sure that everyone had at least 1 shot of tequilla ... I literally went from table to table giving shots to every single person, and of course, to make it fair to them ... I also took 1 shot per table before giving each table their shots.

Well, that's how I welcomed my year as a 22 yr old individual. At that time, I was aware that it'll be a while before I can spend another birthday with my family and friends so I enjoyed every single moment.

Looking back at Feb 19, 2005-Feb 18, 2006 ... a lot definitely has happened. I've learned a lot. I've met a lot of people and went to a lot of places.

Some of the stuff I've learned/realized and/or was re-emphasized:

• My family is the most important people in my life. I will never trade then for anything.
• I should not settle for someone who doesn't deserve me.
• Distance is one of the greatest teachers of all time. It teaches you who you really value and who really values you.
• The goodness in other people's hearts come out during the time you least expect it. In fact, it comes from the people you least expect it from.
• Freedom is a precious thing, but along with it, comes a very very great responsibility and serious problems.
• No matter how clean or pure the intentions are, some people will just interpret it incorrectly.
• If someone is mad, just be quiet. Answering back or arguing will just make the situation worse.

Now that I'm 23 yrs old, I have a little more freedom (especially that my mom is not around to shout at me, hehe, joke lang Ma) but it's seriously hard. I mean, now, I have to worry about getting my own apartment. My deadline for myself to move out is April 2006. Along with that, I'll be paying my own bills, get my own internet, cable, and shempre food. I also have to save for school coz I'm planning on taking Nursing in 2007. I also have to save for a car, insurance, and retirement plan. Siguro I should start thinking about a memorial plan na din. haha. Joke.

February 18, 2006 ng gabi (which is February 19 ng umaga sa Pinas) ... I called home and talked to people there. It was great hearing their voices. I really miss them. Lalu na nung tima na un. I was so homesick. My little cousin made sumbong her older siblings coz inaaway sha. I also bombarded my brothers with questions coz ala na kong inaasar dito. I miss them. hehe. I also talked to my grandpa and mejo we joked around. I told him na malamang miss na niya ko coz ala na sha sinisigawan na umuwi ng maaga or tatawagan kung nasan na coz late na. He said shempre daw and he said na he's pretty sure namimiss ko na daw na may sumisigaw sa akin at nangungulit na umuwi ng maaga. Haaay, nakakamiss sila ni Mommy coz the two of them would often stay up until I get home or hear something from me that I'll be home late or di uuwi or something. Haaaaay. Naiiyak ako. ¤=(

February 19, 2006 ... I spent it with 4 great individuals; Keith, Marc, Tita Nimia & Tito Rod. They've been so nice to me ever since I met them. They're like my second family here. On that day, we went to church in the morning. Then for lunch, we went to the city to this restaurant called Dragonfly. I had Sinigang na Salmon ... namiss ko tuloy luto ng lola ko. My lola's cooking is great! Anyway, after a great meal, we headed back home. Pero Keith and I went out again and did some window shopping. hehe. It was great. Keith gave me this super nice wallet, a Gift Card and the complete set of one of the DVDs that I wanted ... Meteor Garden. Jologs na kung jologs pero I really like that show. Tas Tita Nimia gave me 2 sets of top and this cute bag. Then I also got a letter from Mama, Brian, JC, Tita Les, Ara, Pipob, Jude, & Tata. Sobrang natouch ako coz they sent me that. As in, I cried talaga.

Haay, I feel so blessed coz I have a great family and awesome friends. Even if I'm far away, I still felt their presence somehow. Thanks for those who greeted me ... Mama, Brian, JC, Daddy, Keith, Tita Lulu, Tito Albert, Gabby, Tricia, Nicole, Tita Henie, Ate Kaye, Katle, Jude, Tita Les, Ara, Pipob, Tata, Elaine, Kacey, Tito Bibit, Tita Ruby, Jaline, Phong, Joanna, AJ B, Mabby, Irish, Ivan, Joe, Tiffany, Lainey E, Tita Jeannie, Tita Nimia, Tito Rod, Marc, Cla, Kitin, Alex, Ana Marie, Cathy B, Mon, Ria C, Kate R, Katz, Cherwin, Carl C, Francis, Zein, Homer, Gem, AJ G, Penny, Nap, Berlin, Lauren, Maie, Ria M, Zhai, Marion R, Keysa, Heidi S, KY, Laarni, Dana, Gie, Jade M, Rozy, Vince M, 233, Vinz R, Arby, Wil U, Michelle M, Ellen M, Ash, Rachel, Michelle T, Charlie, Marsha, Marion N, Jo Ella, Greg A.
**If may nakalimutan ako ... sorry po!! Di sinasadya!!

Thanks for everything people ... I love you!!