IN THE PARK

We all have different ways of spending time with our family. Some prefers to be indoors to have intimate get-together's and some would have them at holiday parks.

These past years, I see more and more people being outdoor. I believe they find it more enjoyable to the whole family to have a change of surroundings, to have more choices of things to do than the usual at-home activities and to broaden their experiences together. Exploring other places gives new excitement and everybody being vulnerable to it makes it something heartwarming thus a more treasure-able experience.

Try it one time and realize you will be craving for it all the time!!! You either jump countries and see each magnificent landscape each time by renting out villas or cottages...or you can rent out a boat and enjoy the sun and the waters. So much fun ideas...I for one am hoping to try one real soon!

HELLO "BER" MONTHS

It always gives us a little thrill to hear it first time within the year the "ber" in the present month.

Yes it is septemBER now...and that is the beginning of our countdown to the most awaited month of the year, DECEMBER. Everybody seems to wait for that season, the season to be jolly. The season when it's cold and more cuddly. The season when we feel more the spirit of loving.

I guess it's within the culture, but for me, I care not so long as it makes people a bit more on the brighter side of things. Everyday we wake up to the same routine, but soon it'll be a little different. There will be festivities, there will be more partying, there will be more seeing old friends and long lost relatives that appears suddenly in your doorstep saying hello.

Wonder now...can we not do this all year round? We can make a difference...we can start doing this anytime, anyday. After all everyday is a day to celebrate. A day to celebrate LIFE!!!

AWAY FROM HOME HOLIDAYS

Not everybody is having a grand time this season of festivities, because there are many who are away from home, from their love ones and celebrating is far from pleasing for them.

Like us they are shedding tears, but not from mirth as we watch kids and adults in our reunion join the parlor games. They are tearing open letters and not gifts as we do ours. And as the clock strikes 12, only a whispered greeting to the thousands of miles away family and not the cheers, hugs and kisses we give one another. I am truly glad to work at home than someplace else.

One thing only can be common, the prayer of thanks for another year.

REPAINTING

I walk around the neighborhood and I smell the nice smell of paint as one house after another is having remodeled, repaired or repainted…just as ours is.

Yep, I’m having our gate repainted. So are the grills and window seals.

“Why” you say? Obviously, the neighborhood is thinking in the same line as I do…the holidays. With all the celebration this coming New Year, I’m pretty sure guests will be coming over to share the merriment that comes only once a year. Well, not counting birthdays, anniversaries, and summer fun. Hahaha. Not too many huh?! But then again, it’s not everyday that you face another year coming ;)

HOLIDAY SEASON

The scent of the coming holiday season can be felt in this end of the globe, the chilly nights, the twinkling of the wind chimes, the lights and decors in the neighborhood, the increasing number of shoppers,…the jolliness of everyone as the end of the year comes at a fast pace.

There may be different ways in celebrating it from every nation but it brings out the same feeling of exuberance as everyone awaits 2010. Beliefs and festivity of different kind ranges from gift giving, fireworks display, countdown and cheers, street dancing, or magnanimous to simple family and friends gathering. But whatever way one chooses, it always ends up with an appreciation for the year that had passed.

After economic recessions and individual declines, I wonder how it will be this year end. One thing I will be certain of…I am here able to thank the heavens. I am breathing and I am blessed with people I love most.