It all started with a ring.

Well, wedding proposals always start with a ring. Too weird of me to think otherwise.

From the start, I always knew that the wedding proposal (from Lex of course) was never a question of “Will it happen?” but rather an issue of “When will it be?”. Even before we were together we share the same sentiments with regards to dating and relationships. Be with someone who we really think is spouse material, not some random fling that can be changed any time. After we got together, random talks about marriage issues and how to go about it were always welcomed.

Essentially, we were really engaged. But we still kinda need the wedding proposal to mark the beginning of wedding plans. We also need the pre-proposal timeframe to sort out our personal endeavors (i.e. studies, career, enjoy remaining days of single blessedness, etc)

With that in mind, I would tell him time and time again that if ever he decides to propose, I will do the following:

1. Stop for a few seconds
2. Deliberate whether his proposal was acceptable based on my criteria (which were really easy to achieve, IMHO)
3. If not, say try again.
4. If passed:

a. Pause for a few more seconds.
b. Relish the moment.
c. Say ‘yes’

Good thing, He never questioned the algorithm or proposed any changes to it. Although he did made sarcastic comments about the three-months-salary engagement ring. But in my defense, I was misunderstood. I only said that there should be a time-frame when he’ll think that his salary (not necessarily 100%) will go to the ring. Because there should be the ritual of labor, right? Right.

It was some time in February (I think) when he contemplated on purchasing a new car. His second-hand Nissan Sentra was having more problems and owning it was more of a hassle than a luxury. Of course, there is always the issue of finances and not having enough savings for other things. When he asked for my opinion, I told him that it’ll be better for him to have a new car since the comfort and convenience might not translate to financial savings but at least he wouldn’t be so tired trying to do all his daily tasks. Thinking that a new car could serve as our first family car (his very words), I added that he should concentrate his financial efforts on the new car — not on an engagement ring (which I didn’t require to be too expensive in the first place). I even equated the car to a proposal so that he wouldn’t worry too much on how I’d take it. New car = engagement. That was the deal.

Fast forward to April. Despite the workload in the office, they were really gracious to approve my vacation leave so that I can attend Lex’s MA graduation. We were both relieved and happy that he finished his graduate studies considering the number of hurdles he went through to get there. I needed to go to the recognition rites even if it was a weekday.

After the ceremonies, Lex suggested we have lunch at some fine dining restaurant near UP. Since he was in a barong and I wore a fancy dress, I did not protest. No way would we drive to Techno Park, SM or Trinoma where all the undergraduates are. So we went straight to Zucchini’s — a super classy restaurant near A. Roces.

I really could not remember the exact sequence up to this point. I think somewhere in our conversations about his Master’s degree, his UP mentors, my work and how I should really go back after he just mentioned excitedly that he already bought my anniversary gift. He was really smiling and giddy which I translated to “I have an anniversary gift and you don’t. Ha!” (which is true… for shame!). Still excited about the gift, I asked repeatedly what it was. My mind stop guess when suddenly, a little box just appeared on the table. Still smiling, he opened the box and there it was…

A ring. Not a car, but a ring. THe ring.

And of course, I skipped number 3. =)

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.

In 2008…
… all the things I worked hard for finally came into fruition. Thesis. Heavy acad load. URC. Graduation. Board Exam. Indeed, I am truly blessed.
… I got a job despite the impending global recession.
… my uncle passed away a few days before Christmas.
… my brother married the love of his life.

I realized that…
… sheer luck is nothing without hard work, and vice versa.
… prayers will see you through anything.
… I should move on and make some closure of my own.
… I must work with double the effort in less time.
… new friends come at the weirdest times and old friends are always there whenever you need anything (even the occasional gossip).
… we’re in a big place but live in a small world.

I am grateful for…
… family.
… friends — whether old or new.
… all my victories and defeats.
… the gifts I have received — even the ones that came from me.
… food — one of the best mood uplifters ever.
… the three little cute piggies — one hug and all is well again.
… the Dearest.

I am still praying for…
… world peace.
… prosperity, good health and long life.
… more learning experiences and the ability to retain all of them.
… more blessings — for me and all my loved ones.
… happiness and peace of mind.

I resolve to…
… do whatever it takes to improve myself. (well, that has been my resolution ever since ever).

Happy New Year, everyone! =)

Having free time after work feels surreal. I think I need a week or two to actually get used to not having to study all night long. But that’s reserved for another blog entry. I have been meaning to answer this meme for a long time. Good thing I don’t have to put it away for a year.

You know the drill. 5 questions from other people. If you want to join, leave a comment and I’ll ask you 5 questions. Post the answers in your blog and let others join in as well.

1st Set: from Alet

1. What one thing would you change in your life if you had the power to do so?

I really don’t think thatI would want to change something in my life. I have been so blessed with so many things that it really means nothing to the horrible circumstances that you went through. It would be great to have all sunshine throughout your life but I learned that the thorns on the side really does make you a stronger person.

2. Describe your ideal superpower and what you would do if you had it.

Hmmm… I’d like to have the power to freeze time. Pretty harmless, but I can take my time doing things that I have to do in a longer time span. Like sleep some more, or savor a precious moment, or keep lunch breaks longer

3. Do you think candles are romantic or a fire hazard?

Depends. Just like love, use freely but handle with care. naks!

4. Tell me something you did in the last 24 hours, no matter how big or small, that you think I will be interested to hear.

Nothing special happened today. So, I’d rather tell something that happened a few days ago… I passed my board exams! weeee~!

5. What is the worst thing anyone could ever do to you?

Hmm… no comment? hehe, maybe forget something really important. Because it could gauge how much someone values everything that surrounds him / her.

2nd Set: from Cheska

Questions: (syempre, please explain the Whys of your answers)

1. If given a choice to run for office for the 2010 election, what position would you run for? (considering you had a fighting chance to win whatever position it is that you choose)

President! Because as the saying goes, if you want something done, you have to do it yourself… or change starts from me, and everybody has to follow! But seriously, I don’t think I could emotionally handle being the Philippine president, given the current style of politics we have. I’d much rather be in a position where I could use my expertise – like the NTC or CICT.

2. If we didn’t meet in elementary, where do you think we would have met? Do you think we’d be as close as we are today?

UP, I guess. We would meet during UP AME application period. I’d like to think we would still be as close either way. It’s fate. We just had to be friends

3. Would you really have eaten Michelle’s cat Carl if he was turned into siopao?

Nope. I don’t eat cats (eeeeeewwww!). Seeing Carl siopao is enough (God bless his kitty soul. He must have been in kitty heaven now).

4. If you were to build your dream house, where would it be?

Hmmm… any where with easy access to electricity, water, cable and broadband internet access is fine and of course, I’d have to live with my dream family.

5. Why do you think are ice cream’s cold? Couldn’t they have been invented to be warm or hot?

Maybe because warm and sweet just couldn’t mix? The freshly baked pastries/cookies are the only warm sweets that I know. I don’t think they would invent ice ceam to be warm or hot. It would be too hard to manage sugar rush

Before I could start with anything else, let me greet my baby “Happy 2nd Anniversary!”

Quick question for the day: Sino ang mas cute?

Lex and I have been together for exactly 2 years now and we have known each other for 4. Honestly, both of us couldn’t give out an exact, straight-to-the-point story on how we fell in love and got together… or at least I couldn’t. Maybe it’s just a question of where to start if someone happens to be curious on our love story. Not that it would matter, anyway. The important thing is that we’re together and we intend to keep it that way. And of course there are a bunch of surprised-people stories for reminiscing.

We still have a long way to go before we officially ’stay together.’ I still have a list of personal life achievements to accomplish and he has his. Until then, we could always enjoy coffee sessions and the next movie on the big screen.

I love you, Dearest. *kiss*