Saturday, June 20, 2015

Selfless Soul


I woke up in the crack of dawn to get ready for work. I arose from my bed earlier than usual. My younger sister asked a favor from me to drive her to her internship as her "carpool buddy" is on vacation. With a cheerful heart, I agreed cos that's what families do. They lovingly help each other :) Her office is further than mine so we had to leave an hour earlier than my usual time. I informed my husband about this the night before and to my delight, he responded, "I'll drive you both to work." :)

Lunch time came and my husband asked me to go out to eat. On weekdays, I really don't go out for lunch and I always bring my baon (packed lunch)with me to work to save money and unwelcomed calories. So going out to eat in the middle of work is such a lovely treat. Off we went to this cute tiny place across the street, called Tuscany Cafe. This little cafe is delightfully charming with a European ambiance. Relatively the prices were not so cheap so Alan and I decided to order one meal and split it because 1. we're conscious of our spending 2. the portions were huge 3. I didn't want to go back to work sleepy after eating a big meal. I was craving for pasta and a steak and fries for him. Both of us wanted two different orders. I know how my husband loves his steak and thought it would be a nice treat for him for waking up so early in the morning so I told him he can get the steak and I'll just have some soup.  So this gracious waiter came up and Alan told him, "can we get the Fettuccini Bernadette and Mushroom soup please". I was touched that he gave up his steak and went for what I wanted. 

I know Alan has always been shy when I post things about him but this is my blog. Sorry my love but MY RULES. hahaha. I never let a single small act of selfless love unappreciated and most especially, the big ones. My husband proves to me many times over and over that he's more than willing to give up everything for my sake. Apart from Christ, I've never met a man so selfless who will treat me highly before himself. A guy who will give up his work in a reputable international bank back home and take his chances in the US and be with me. A guy who will spend half of his fortune to marry me. A guy who will give up his favorite thing to pave the way for what I want. He just fascinates me every single day. I'm greatly blessed for his selfless heart beats for me. I couldn't be any luckier. I'm just infinitely grateful and in awe of how God molds this fella everyday in His image and likeness.



xoxo,
Joselle

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Three Things about Tony (aka Daddy): A birthday honoring

Today, it is a very special day for Alan's daddy, and luckily, mine too :) I think it is an opportunity for me to give honor to a man so dear to us on his birthday. Let me share with you 3 things about what I'm most grateful for with daddy. 

1. He embodies grace under pressure

It was around Christmas couple of years back in the Fernandezes' lovely abode. They were prepping for a lunch reunion of their old friends from Japan. I went down to the kitchen to peak and see if they can use a hand. I saw Daddy with his hands full and yet he seemed very calm and chill. So I asked him what can I do to help and he gently asked me if I can fix the salad. He added that the guests would be coming in a few minutes and he felt stressed out because the table wasn't ready yet. In my head, he looked otherwise. Nothing about him looked frazzled or alarmed. To try to lighten up the mood, I uttered, "Stressed na po kayo niyan? You don't look like it po" hehe.  To me, I will be always reminded of his gracefulness. I believe Alan got his soft spoken quality and gentleness from Daddy which I am pleased. 

2. He is thoughtful.

I appreciate so much the times when Daddy would text me to check where I was and if I would be eating dinner at home while on my vacation in the Philippines. I grew up without a father and so to be cared for by Daddy was a great deal to me. Daddy showed me how it was like to have a genuine father on earth. I am blessed and honored to be his daughter-in-law. 

3. He is hardworking.

Daddy worked for the UN in Japan and concentrated on waste management. I've never seen someone very mindful of his trash and the environment as daddy. I believe he also worked as a consultant for earthquakes and disaster prevention. It's his joy to inform everyone how to be prepared when natural calamities come and he takes it very seriously. When I was in high school, I happened to be hanging out with Nina, Alan's sister at their house and Daddy suddenly gathered everyone and showed us a documentary DVD on earthquake preparedness plan. Now at 61,  he devotes most his time on his new baby, Zaan Japanese Tea House. I witnessed how much work he put in while they were starting up the restaurant and I'm just so proud. Please check them out at Mother Ignacia Ave corner Roces Ave. (Please click on the link. Quick ad right there haha) 

To close, I want to honor a man who gave Alan and me insights to many things. I thank him for teaching Alan how to be a gentleman, and to be rooted in God's presence. I especially learned from him how to live simply and to invest in travel because it is the best channel of learning. It makes my heart leap remembering what Daddy shared with me one day about one of his greatest dreams. For all of us to travel to Italy together as a family. That's one of the sweetest dreams I've heard, ever! Just the fact that he dreams intentionally for the family is enough for me. 

Happy birthday Daddy! Thank you for everything! We love you!



xoxo,
Joselle and Alan

  



  

Monday, June 8, 2015

Nostalgia

You know how one event can bring you back in time? Here's mine.

I grew up in a tropical country which is hot with abundant sunshine and humidity. I love taking cold showers everyday especially at the end of each warm, toasty day after playing Chinese Garter, Ten Twenty and Patintero with my friends. However, in early dawn mornings before going to school, cold baths were dreadful. From most of the houses we lived in (we used to move a looooooot) there were no showers built in.  At one house, I remember being excited at the thought of having a shower even without a heater installed. As a little kid, it felt like showering in the rain which I playfully enjoyed doing. A water heater was not one of our major concerns back in the day until we moved here in the US. Try taking a cold shower in winter time and you'll know what I mean. 

Shower in my dreams

Saturday night, we found out that our carpet floor in the basement by our closet area was drenched in water. I thought water from upstairs leaked. I hurriedly took our clothes away and reached for the wall. It was dry. We then came to find out that it was the water tank situated in the basement next to our room that had major issues. I was just glad that it was not water from the toilet (ewwww). So we had to shut it off. We were advised that the heated showers won't be functional for a few days while waiting for the replacement tank but the toilet and sinks were usable. Thank goodness! :)

In times like these, good thing we have tabo (dipper) and palanggana (bucket) at home! I bet you will find tabo in every Filipino houses. Haha. This morning, I filled up 2 palangganas with cold water, heated water from an electric kettle and poured it right into the cold water which resulted in a lukewarm-ready-for-bath-water. I felt like I was home. I felt like the child that I was growing up in Manila. I am happy to realize that I am still the same person, only a few pounds heavier and with more responsibilities. Cheers to the familiar feeling of it all.

Image result for tabo
Tabo

xoxo,
Joselle