2014

2014 what happened?

It started out so great and then last quarter was a disaster. I don't know how it started awesome and ended with dismay.

I get to travel for most part of the year, Philippines (Jan-Feb), US (October/December) and domestic Canada (Toronto - July; Calgary - September).  A lot of firsts also happened this year but not all those first are good memories. There are lessons taught to me and I have to learn it the hard way.

* when you love, save something for yourself because when they leave you'll be left with nothing

* patterns never lie. everything else changes except this one. watch out and look for the signs. Do not ignore it. do not make excuses for him to comfort yourself. 

* learn to appreciate everything (people, things, moments, efforts). it goes a long way. show someone that they are special no matter how busy you are. say hi, send a text or email to your mom, dad, family and friends. ask them how their day went. appreciate the people that cares for you, thank them for the effort and time they put into it. money can be replaced but the time someone has set aside for you is priceless. 

*stand by your word. back in the days, your word is your honor. as for me, when i say, i'll do something, i'll do my best to fulfill it. 

*humility - its not about who is wrong or who is right but sometimes acknowledging that we are not perfect is good enough and assure them that you'll make it up to them.

Still, 2014 is memorable and I like to thank these people who inspired me and made me hope that the best years of my life are still ahead. Here are my 2014 People of the Year

Capt and Biker- They are 2 amazing individuals. I haven't talked to them much but I saw that they were able to fulfill their lifelong dream. They made me hope that someday I too will be able to do my own adventure of a lifetime. Capt has achieved his dream to be become a pilot, it sure did took a while but he got there. He did it! Nothing is impossible while Biker here is currently on an adventure with the love of his life. Cycling from North America to South America, they've been in the road for several months now. I wish I could do that too. It's still on my bucket list and I know I'll do it someday. 

Cla - Thank for being my voice of reason. Thanks for reminding me to love myself and put myself first before others. You may not know all the story but you're always there to listen to me.

ACT - for always, always being there. You never get tired of cheering for me even if i have not been a good friend to you.

AnnKat - You've always come through whenever I need you. Wherever you are, whenever I send you a message you never bail out on me. Thank you for always being there.

Bogart - never a dull moment with you. You've always been a great travel companion. I wish we could live in the same province together. It would be really awesome. Here's to more lakwatsa days, booze and mischief moments.

Midnight Boys (Rye, Jay, Fran & Dave) - working at nights with you guys are always the best! being a night auditor for the first time, you were all supportive and helpful guiding me at work. and when i'm alone, you've always check on me if I am alright. Through heavy snow, dealing with suspicious persons, calming down drunk guest, you always got my back. Graveyard shifts are the best! lol Thank you all for taking good care of me.

Rachel, Nads and Shei - Though we are miles and miles apart, all of you never forget to say Hi or check how am I doing. You don't know how it means a lot to me. Thank you girls for always remembering me.

The constant persons on my list are my family here and back at home. Words are not enough but from the bottom of my heart, Thank you, Thank you for everything, I would not be here without you all. Looking forward to 2015. 

Cheers! 

My 2013 People of the Year

As an annual tradition of this blog, here's a salute to the people who made my 2013 extraordinary.

AnnKat

 - Changing time zones and distance is not a barrier in our friendship. Thank you for listening to my krung-krung and heart break stories. And thank you for not making any judgments on my actions and decisions. kunsitidor! Thank you for being supportive!  wahaha!

"Dex"

- 2013 has been crazy, thank you for keeping me sane. You make each day bearable in this miserable weather. I hope you won't get tired of me. It'll be spring in a month or two, are you still keeping that promise?! I hope so. 

ABC

- Thank you for your never ending faith in me, and I'm sorry if i caused you any pain. I hope you understand. Thank you for always being present whenever I need you. I hope someday I could repay all your kindness. I wish you well for the rest of your life.

Kathy

- Thank you for not getting tired of driving me to and from work even on your rest day. I never hear any complaints from you and you always offered to drop me to work on wee hours in the morning and for that I am grateful.

Tadz and Taby

- I am forever thankful for looking after me; for being my 2nd moms here in Canada; for all the help you have extended not only to me but also to my family. I don't know how I will be able to repay you both but I know God is faithful to give you all His blessings.

Patty

- I dread going to work everyday especially when I was new. Thank you for patiently teaching and guiding me; for making work less stressful; for believing in my capabilities and for always being there to defend me. Thank you! Its always a pleasure working with you.

Marose

- Thank you for being my 1st friend at work. I have found myself a new lakwatsa buddy. We rarely see each other but knowing that you're still with JV gives me relief, I still have a friend at work. 

Bogart

- My evil twin, you never fail to make me laugh with your witty hirits! Looking forward to your everyday rants about weather and school, you make feel normal. hahaha! Thanks for taking the time to meet me last August. Let's plan again this year!

AK barkada

- I won't name all of you, you all know who you are. Thanks for everything ( I know gasgas na yung line but I really mean it). Whenever I read our conversations on our "chatroom" it makes me smile and sad at the same time. (baliw lang?!) I miss you all! Thank you for keeping in touch!

Family

- Thank you for believing me, for loving me unfailing love. I miss you all. I wish we could all be together soon, I hope. 

Thank you for being a constant force in my life.  I am forever grateful to God to have met all these wonderful people in my life. Let's make more memories this 2014. 

my people of the year 2012

Last year, I started a post thanking people that helped me and made an impact on my life. To continue the tradition this post is dedicated to these wonderful people that made my 2012 memorable. Thank you for everything from the bottom of my heart!

Family - If there are people that loves me unconditionally, my family would be on the top of the list. Thank you for being always there when things are not going well, thank you for the boost of confidence and believing in my capabilities.

Tadz  and Taby - Thank you for everything, as in everything. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you -  Tadz.  Taby, thank you for all   help. Thank you to both of you for letting me invade your home with my presence. hehe! :)

Cousins and uncles - Thank you for making time to accompany me and touring me here in winterwonderland called Winnipeg. Thank you for all the treats and presents, and for making me feel welcome in your home.

AA Family
Sheila - Thank you for always keeping in touch despite the distance and time difference.  Thank for always being there; for being a great friend to me and for the encouragement and support.

Mimi - Thank you for being an awesome housemate, i'll miss our night talks, your experimental cooking, your kapraningan, your out-of this-world theories on things. Thank you for accepting me as your housemate.

Patching - Thank you for patiently listening to my kwentos about who-know-you and for trusting me with your own kwento. When I watched the video and you said, to hell with haters! I almost cried, thank you for believing in me. Thank you for always being on my side.

Rachel - My malditang alaga, Thank you for all the laughs. We never have a dull moment together, you made my 'short stay' bearable with your witty one liners and comebacks. And oh, thank you for listing me as one of your nominee. Let's plan our getaway soon! Just like what you said on the video, "see you later, ali-gay-ter!"

Nadine - Thanks to your bubbly personality and your becky speak, my vocab has improved tremendously. I'll miss our halimaw moments that always ruin my DIEt. wahaha!

Remember girls, there is life after _____ (fill in the blanks na lang). Wahaha! Go!

College Barkada  - Its almost 15 years since we met on that classroom and formed this amazing friendship. Thank you for those years we've been together  and even if we only get to meet twice or thrice a year I know we will still be there for each other.  Thank you for the send off dinner get together we had... to be able to meet with you all before I leave is really heart-warming. Special thanks to Nikki for that video message! Goddesses rule. :)

Dex - Thank you for constantly uplifting my spirits and cheering me up. Never told you this before but you can break my facade and make me cry, that sometimes I need a timeout for being tough on myself. You can read through my feelings and moods; and I thank for that! You know me too well. 

Ankat - Thank you for always listening to me, for never judging me, my actions; for always being there to support me in everything I do. I miss our asaran, basagan-ng-helmet talks and lakwatsa. I wish we could see each other soon! I miss you!

Hype Family - Thank you for your help and support especially now that I still unemployed in this foreign land. I'd like all of you to know that I'm thankful for all the assistance you have extended to me.

ABC - Thank you for always being there. I know I have not been a good friend yet you are willing to drop everything for me. I know exactly how you feel (I've been there....) I hope I could make it up to you in some way, someday. Thank you for all the patience and love. I wish you all the happiness you deserve.

To each and everyone on this list, thank you for all the love. I appreciate it and really grateful for all the things you've done for me. I may not be able to express it all the time (you know me naman...) but rest assured I am forever grateful to all of you. 

pag-ibig na wagas

me: (sending msg to the group) 

hellooooooo! kamusta na?! punta ko dyan next week. ano mga sched nyo?

tsaka tanong ko na rin kung alam nyo kung san ang PAG-IBIG. may aayusin kasi ko doon. 

let me know your sched. sana pwede kayo.  see u soon!

Nel:  hi! waah wala ako d2 s monday alis kame.. mag elnido kme letss go! hehe

• san kasi yung pag ibig lam ko kasi lumipat na sila. wait txt ko samin kung saan.
  
  
  Josh:  Gail sa Monday off ko. Samahan kita.. Hanapin natin ang pag-ibig. Nyahahaha.
  
  
  Nel: 

  Kung commute, sabihin mo suburbia right after pepsi. highway lang un. Dun nyo mahahanap ni josh ang tunay n pagibig
  
  

  me: sa

  masahan mo ko josh?! yay! wahaha! teka, san tayo magkikita?! tandaan mo sinabi ni renel. basta may pepsi may pag ibig. wahaha! thanks! 
  
  
  Shei: mga adik pa rin kayo no..namiss ko tuloy kayo bigla..hehehe.gail magkita tayo bukas dito ka ba?sana kasma din si mimi at josh...para bago ka naman alis magkita-kita pa tayo...wahahaha.. 
  
  
  
  
  awww.... namiss ko na rin talaga sila. almost 6years kami magkakasama... dami na naten pinagdaanan.lahat yun nalagpasan naten! Yun ang PAG-IBIG na wagas!wahaha! i miss my  crazy CRK family!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

thank you 2011!

Heartbroken that's how I started my 2011. As they say, Broken hearts don't kill us. We only sometimes wish they did.   Throughout the rest of the year, that's how I have been 'broken' with several happy moments in between. Even if  2011 was not that good, I still have a lot of things to be thankful for. And these people made me survive 2011.

*in random order*

• Tadz - I do not where to start but let me say that I'm forever grateful for all your help. I don't know how to repay all your kindness and generosity not only to me but to the rest of the family. I may not be able to repay all your kindness, but I know HE will be the one to giveyou back all the blessings. 

                                               

• Family - Family will always be there no matter what. With me on the verge of unemployment, my sister agreed to take care of me. :) *it's payback time* wahaha! I told my dad about the situation, he never said a word and was willing to take me back. My mom and brother have been very supportive, I'm very lucky to have all of them in my life.
  

• 'Dex' - Dex and Em.  Em and Dex, that's how it should be. Well, at least in the book and movie. But oftentimes, life does not imitate art. I thought I lost you...  Thank you for teaching me about love, sacrifice and pain. 

• Law - muh brotha from anotha motha. We didn't get along well at first, we were bickering all time. well, we still are but its just us acting childish. Law, you always took care of us and think of our welfare, You'd always come to our rescue whether its a disruptive passenger, or we don't have a ride home, or we need your car for errands, you're always there. You've always been a team player, and you've taken bullets for us. It saddens me that we have to part. Thank you for everything, I'm forever indebted to you.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

• Shei - We've been friends for 8 long years and I tell you this is not goodbye. We've been through some bad times... and yet we still manage to work out our differences. Thank you for being a friend through and through. 

• Rest of MAA - Mimi, Josh and Nel: My Crazy Clark Family. Its been 5 1/2 years and it has been a CRAZY ride with you guys. 

              Mimi -  ever since I  moved in to Clark, you have been very accommodating. Thank you for making my life easier. You patiently listen to my heartbreak stories even if you heard it a million times before and even if I didn't heed your advice I never heard you say,  'I told you so'. I have gazillions reasons to thank you and space is enough, THANK YOU for all the things you've done for me. I may have left my sister in QC but I also found one here in Clark. 

              Josh - you always made me smile. Thank you for keeping up with my unpredictable mood swings and always trying to make things lighter.

             Renel -  you're the last one to join our rowdy family and made the effort to adjust to us.  Thank you for all the support, understanding and love you showed especially when I'm upset or in a bad mood

We will be all working together soon. Till next time. :)

• Whine and Dine Partner - Bambi AKA Bogart and Cla :  From Bangkok to Macau to Hong Kong to Camiguin we traveled far and wide together and been through a lot, I'd like to thank you for listening to my endless whines and sharing yours as well. hehe! :) looking forward for more whine and dine sessions with you two.

             Bogart - My evil twin sister, my partner in kalokohan. :) Thank you for keeping up with my pranks and crazy antics; for not getting tired from listening to my endless chika and whining! We'll continue being crazy in another continent, hopefully soon! *fingers crossed

             Cla - My soul sister, my partner in senti moments.  Whenever I need someone to call just to express my sadness or just need someone to vent out my emo heartaches, you're always there. The one who supports me in everything I do... Thank you Cla! We will soon find Prince Charming. :)

• Nino - You brought fun and spontaneity to my dull after flight nights... chikahan, DVD marathon, food trip, spur of the moment lakwatsa, coffee and inuman sessions I don't drink, I'm just accompanying nino. defensive?! Almost every night whenever we get home you're by the door or at the gate, you've always been friendly and cheerful. You know our weakness... FOOD! You had us by 4 bottles of C2. wahaha! I'm really glad that we got to know you. Thanks to you, every night is fun night! :)

Thank you for making 2011 a memorable one! See you this 2012! :)

hittin' three's

 A few days back I've celebrated my birthday with family and friends. What more can I ask for? I'm  surrounded by loving people.

23.Oct.10  dinner with college friends

college barkada

24.Oct. 10 lunch with my family

 ziplining! what a way to celebrate my 30th! another activity ticked from my bucket list! :)

It was a celebration of life; of 3 decades of challenges and triumphs, frustrations and achievements, tears and smile, heartaches, but mostly love. 

30 years of my life had passed, through all the pains and joy, I grew, I became stronger and most importantly, I learned. Sometimes I get confused and don't know what to do but hey, no one's got it all figured out ; so I'll embrace it as it comes. And hopefully, pick up all the lessons life throws. 

As they say, life's a journey so far I'm enjoying the ride of my life despite some setbacks. I love my life and the people in it! I'm so blessed. I thank God for all you. 

Looking forward to another 3 decades of my life. Life is a journey so keep exploring! :)

P.S. My blog also turned 3 years old! A warm thank you to all who reads and visits my blog. Hoping to share more life stories with you all. Cheers! :)



mother's day

Happy Mother's Day sa lahat ng mga ina. :)

Pinaabot ko ang aking pagbati sa aking mga 'Ina', ang mga taong nagsilbing ilaw sa aking buhay.

1. Mother

 - yan ang tawag ko aking mahal na nanay. hinde ko alam kung pano nagsimulang tawagin cia ng ganyan, pero yan ang term of endearment namen sa kanya. Hinde kame close ng nanay ko lalo nun bata pa ako, kase di naman ako lumaki sa piling nya. putol-putol yung mga taon na magkakasama kame (1-3,7-9 yrs old ako nun kasama ko siya).  Highschool hanggang college lang talaga kame nagkasama. sa ngayon okay naman kame at close na kame. Hanga ako sa nanay ko kase di matatawaran yung mga sakrispisyo nyang ginawa para sa amin. hanggang ngayon, yung pag-aalaga, pag-aasikaso nya walang kapaguran, walang hangganan. Napaka-selfless nya, para sa kanya na ibibigay pa nya sa amin.  

2. Nanay

- Si Nanay ang ina ng aking tatay, in short lola ko cia. may ilang taon din ako lumaki sa piling nya. nun bata ako 'iniwan' ako ng tatay ko sa kanya. Noong mga panahon na yun nagtatapos si 'mother' ko sa kolehiyo habang nagsisimula pa lang magtrabaho ang tatay ko. Si Nanay ang aking sandigan, kakampi at tagapag-tanggol lalo na sa mga mapang-alaska kong mga tito, tita at mga pinsan. Sadyang mapag-kalinga si Nanay, at sana sa mga susunod na buwan o taon ay magkasama na kame ulet. Sana mabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na madalaw ko cia at ako naman ang mag-aalaga sa kanya. Dalangin ko na pahabain pa ng Diyos ang kanyang buhay at biyayaan pa cia ng malusog na pangangatawan. Hay, na-mimiss ko tuloy si Nanay. Noong huli naming pag-uusap tinatanong nya kung kelan ko daw cia bibisitahin, namimiss na daw nya ako, pinigil ko ang aking luha at sinabi ko na malapit na. sana nga... 

3. Maluz

- Noong 9 yrs old ako ay 'pinatapon' ako sa Tuguegarao para dun ipagpatuloy ang pag-aaral ko sa grade 3-5. Magsisimula na rin kase mag-aral ang kapatid ko kaya siguro minarapat ng mga magulang ko na dun muna ako tumira. Ang kumupkop at nag-aruga sakin ay si Maluz (short for Mama Luz), ang ina ng aking 'mother'. Medyo istrikto ang lola ko na ito, madaming bawal, madaming 'batas' na dapat sundin. Pero okay lang, madami din naman ako natutunan sa kanya, lalo na pagdating sa responsibilidad at pagiging independent. Dahil din sa tulong ni Maluz ay nairaos ang aking pagtatapos sa college. Marami akong utang na loob sa aking lola, at balang araw ay sana matumbasan ko rin lahat ng naitulong nya sakin.

4. Tadz

- Tadz, ang pangalawang kapatid ni 'mother' ko. kala ng iba wala ko galang sa kanya kase Tadz lang tawag ko pero ang totoo nyan shortcut lang ang Tadz. Tita Deane ay naging 'Ta Dean hanggang sa naging Tadz na lang. May love-hate relationship kame nito ni Tadz, palagi kame nagkakaiinisan. Pag pumasok na si mother sa school at nasa opis naman ang tatay ko, kay tadz ako naiiwan, cia ang nagbabantay at nag-aalaga saken, nagsisilbing nanay ko for that day.

Pagtungtong ko ng grade 6, dahil nga palipat-lipat ako ng paaralan, ang tatanggap lang saken as transferee ay yung school na pinasukan ko nung grade1-2 ako sa Sampaloc, at sa QC na kame nakatira noon. Kaya kinukop ako ni Tadz sa kanyang bahay sa loob ng isang taon. Siya ang tumayong Nanay ko kapag weekdays (weekends kase umuuwi ako sa QC).

Sa tingin ko kahit nagpalipat lipat ako noon bata ako, maswerte pa rin ako dahil ang dami kong Nanay! Maraming Salamat sa inyo aking mga Nanay. Salamat sa tulong, pag-aaruga, pagdidisiplina, at higit sa lahat sa oras at pagmamahal na ibinigay nyo sa akin. Hinde matatawaran ang pagod at sakrispisyo nyo sa pagpapalaki sa akin, utang ko po lahat nng tinatamasa ko ngayon. I love you mga Nanay ko. I am forever grateful to all of you. :)

gratitude journal

A couple of days back I've read that Oprah has a 'Gratitude Journal'.

Having inspired by this, I started my own journal last December 1 . My goal is to list a least 10 things that I'm thankful for for that particular day. It's really hard to list 10 things when I'm having a really crappy day. But I think it's also a good practice of seeing things in a positive way, of having a new perspective.

3 Dec gaiLie's thankful for...

> breezy cold mornings

> being able to get up and report for work even if I'm not feeling well

> being able to get to work on time! hehe!

> knowing someone remembered and missed me

> crazy (in a good way) officemates

> coming up with new ideas (which means my brain is still functioning. hehe!)

> discovering a new hobby

> being able to get to laugh heartily

> knowing someone can identify with me and understands how i feel

> electricity ans the comfort it brings ( brownout sa apartment, good thing sa office hinde :)

thank you, Cory

i'm an 80's baby... i never experienced Martial Law...but I've heard horrible stories regarding the Dictator's rule.

and how, we, Filipinos fought for our freedom.

i was sitting on my dad's shoulders and waving a flag, shouting and cheering. we were in Luneta (i think. i'm too young to remember all the details.) there was a sea of ' yellow people' donning yellow shirts and yellow ribbons, they, too were cheering.

i don't know if that event was THE EDSA 1 Revolution but all the people were smiling, my dad too!

at our house, a round-shaped barb wire with yellow ribbon proudly hangs in our living room as though it was a trophy meant to be displayed.

as i grew older, i came to realize the significance of that yellow thingy in our living room. it was the SYMBOL of the very FREEDOm i get to enjoy today.

Thank you, Mrs. Aquino for being an instrument in bringing back our freedom.

Your battle is over. May you rest in peace.

forever grateful

last year was a challenging year, but i have alot of things to be grateful for...


Dear Lord,

Thank you for my family, for keeping us away from harm. Thank you for my dad's fast healing on his angiogram procedure and for the successful operation of my mom's right hand (carpal tunnel) and I know You will be there in her next carpal tunnel operation (left hand) scheduled this February.

Thank you for your never ending grace, for guiding and letting my sister pass her Board Exams, may all of these be a step closer in Your plans for her. Thank you for your continuous blessings and providence.

I am grateful that You gave me strength and wisdom to stand up for the truth; to be strong when the storm comes.

Thank you for your compassion and forgiveness. I am deeply sorry for my misgivings. help me and mold me to a better Christian.

Thank you for guiding me and my family last 2008. I know that YOU will always be faithful to Your promise. We know that we can hold on to YOU this year and for the years to come. Thank you so much!

Forever grateful,

GaiLie

thanks

...had an unexpected phone call this morning. the first one this 2009, you know who you are... thanks for remembering. you had me smiling the whole day, probably the whole year too! hehe! thanks. *hugs*, here's a hug just for you!

year one!!!

one year of blogging, whew! never thought i could write all these.

one year of written thoughts, one year of jotting down all those feelings, emotions and moments that made my life a crazy, happy ride.

here's to more blogs, more photos and more enriching life stories and experiences. hoping for more years in blogosphere. for those who read my blogs, my warmest thank you for reading, encouraging and being with me for one year. hope to share and swap more stories to all of you.

a BIG THANK YOU for the bottom of my heart.

heypi birthday!

Happy birthday!!!

To those who greeted me on my birthday, Thank you very much!!! I love you all! To my family, Thank you for everything! To my extended family in clark; mga bolangs, Thank you! To my high school friends, Thanks for the greeting, its been 10 years since we parted but still you all remembered, my macro friends, even if we haven't seen each other for quite awhile, Thanks for remembering, my college barkada Thanks for being there always, as in ALWAYS! To all my friends...THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I thank God for this wonderful blessing... having lived a good life for 27 years. My deepest gratitude to all of you!