Thank You List 5

I often wonder whether i'd be able to make a long list for the week. when you are so busy waiting and looking forward to something, you tend to miss out on the special blessings, albeit simple ones. i realized that i could be like that sometimes --- ungrateful, mapaghanap, lacking in faith. i am thankful for my TY list because it reminds me to be more appreciative of people, things and circumstances, for without these i get no better each day and i would eventually lose the excitement of looking forward to the next or joyfully anticipating what lies ahead and beyond. if i lose that sense of hope (that things are going to get rosier, that people will be better and circumstances would be more favorable), i would automatically be in a defeat mode, by default, and this is not right. hope springs eternal, and gratitude is a spoke in my so-called life.

Thank You Lord.

1. Being given running shoes (mr p picked Adidas). i didn't feel as guilty for the cost because we went to the store while it was on sale. i liked the process of being tested first, whether i was flat-footed, or my arch was curved or my sole was stable then a computer print out is interpreted to help me get a pair that fits me well. i had to get a pair under their stable line because my "landing" is wobbly despite not being flat-footed. thought bubble: my ankle and shoe size never changed despite my weight changes. there. no further explanation.

2. Shakey's pizza and chicken delivered at home because mr p is so anti-mall, anti-crowd. inasmuch as we wanted to eat after, he suggested we go home and have food delivered. well, it was a Saturday when we went out for my running shoes, and in fairness to that guy, he endured walking to the store amidst the busy mall hallway and lifts. for that alone, i was happy. i can imagine how trying it must be to go out of one's comfort zone. i so cannot relate because i always try to be a "fish out of water." i like adventure, taking risks and proving a point although i cannot say i have been successful in every decision i made. LOL. (and in fairness to me, i do not lose heart when i fail. ganun siguro kakapal ang mukha ko at katibay ng dibdib ko).

3. my cousin bringing home Selecta's quezo real after we texted him that we were all craving for ice cream at midnight. i know that it has been available in shelves for the longest time but it is only now that i liked it much. (there have been things that i realized i liked only recently. for example, steamed okra and fried eggplant dipped in bagoong isda with chili and kalamansi. i eat this almost every day, and i never tire. when i was younger, i didn't like anything steamed, moreso vegetables. now i eat almost everything, and it has been fun!)

4. Going back to my former office in Marikina to celebrate our Admin's birthday. it was, as usual, a filling lunch with the latest gossips in the industry, about showbiz and politics. former boss also talked about potential projects for the year, and he asked me to join them in a Training Project and to teach Project Management to professionals and career executives. it's nice to be given the chance to teach because it's a good excuse to talk then share experiences. the good side of doing what you like is enjoying it while being paid. it does and will never feel like work because you simply breeze through your day.

5. that same day, i met with tess and len for an early dinner in yellow cab. (yes, it was a day of gluttony but i was with friends! 'nuff said.)

to say that i enjoyed our conversation would be an understatement! both tess and len are friends from PMS, and we have remained close despite several career shifts and org transfers after. i think we have similar tastes --- good food (often unapologetic for overeating!), our passion for work and everything that we get ourselves into, our love for family and friends, our fighting form although in varying degrees and approaches.

len treated us to pizza (that with the 4 flavors in one), chicken alfredo, hot wings, crispy fries and ice cream fro dessert. tess and i thought that we would be sharing ice cream since we ate so so so much but no! len insisted that we do not share. since i am obedient, i ate my vanilla ice cream happily.

6. Going to UP and was happy with my loot --- crispy chicken bituka included. UP will always be like Disneyland to me. it brings me back to happy memories and is a place guaranteed to be full of surprises.

7. fried tofu, ginatang langka and the ever reliable adobo as staples at home.

8. Feasting on kare-kare in Abe's.

9. Doing the grocery, this time on a budget, which is a true test of will power and control.

10. juicy, crispy fresh pears from quiapo and bacon from Excellente. i look forward to working again near quiapo because that place is one certified haven for thrifty discoveries and yummy treats!

11. learning about jo's promotion thru her blog post. it was subtly written and as expected, witty. there was nary a trace of kayabangan but more than writing about her promotion, that post was, in fact, a grateful post for the goodness of her boss in and outside the workplace. i texted to congratulate her and told her how deserving she was. of course, my opinion would never matter but i still wanted to say how proud i was.

i am a sucker for good news, especially from and about family and friends. it brings so much positivity and hope, and good vibes are contagious.

12. Being gifted with grace and strength to be brave amidst a few domestic issues.

13. For God, who is always in control and faithful.