Well, it SHOULD be the most wonderful time of the year.

But somehow, Christmas feels different than before. I guess the joy and excitement of Christmas wears off as you grow older. That, and a handful of thoughts lingering in my head for some time now.  Christmas and harsh reality will take a very long time to mix. It may end up like oil and water no matter how hard I try.

I did manage to complete the Simbang Gabi. A feat worth saying since I could not remember the last time I completed the nine days novena. The idea of being granted a wish after it all gives me a sense of hope.

I am very much grateful for family, friends and my special guy. My wish will always be for their good health, safety and success. Because that is what Christmas is for me. Being around the people I love and seeing their success and happiness despite the cruelty beyond the warm walls of home.

We may only cross paths a few times, but you will always be remembered with a smile.

Rest in peace, Miss Tara Santelices. May you finally have rest in the arms of our Lord.

Time sure flies pretty fast if you’re not keeping a close watch.

Case in point:

I went bowling with Pam and Michelle last Labor Day weekend. I kept on saying a few meetings back that our barkada should really adopt a sport (for more gimmick options other than eating and drinking coffee) and I picked that weekend to start the resolution. We went to the bowling lanes in Eastwood (oh, the irony!) since Megamall was having a mall-wide sale and Sta. Lucia might be crowded as well.

We didn’t realize that it would be a sort-of High School reunion as we coincidentally run into 4 High school batchmates (plus 1 that Michelle met earlier that day plus 2 that Pam and I met after seeing Michelle off). Seven might be a small number but in a class that only has ~170 students and still has its own subgroups, it was a big deal.

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