The musings of a wandergeselle about faith, literature, music, dancing, culture, food, travels, art, fashion, photography, life experiences, and everything in-between from journée to journée.
Starting tomorrow until Friday I will be hibernating on social media as part of our start-of-the-year prayer and fasting in church. Just in time for my season now because I have A LOT of things to pray for.
And my first prayer point will be reserved for the Breast Cancer warriors. So far I already know what their prayer concerns are after reading their posts in the Facebook groups. I am also praying that there will be cancer support groups for teens and young children who have cancer. I’m interested to know if peer support groups will have a significant impact in the way that young cancer warriors cope with the challenges brought about by their fight against cancer i.e. bullying in school, social stigma, low self-esteem, etc.
If you also have prayer requests, please don’t hesitate to send me a message via my LinkedIn profile, which you can find in the “Social Media” section of my blog. I would love to pray for you. ❤️
A blessed Sunday, everyone! 🙏
P.S. It looks like I’ll be rereading some of these books during my free time. So, which one to read? 🤔
I might start with the Medical Dictionary that my 2nd and 3rd sisters used for their second courses, which are Nursing and Caregiving. If I will be volunteering in medical missions, this will come in handy. 😉This section of our mini library here in my sister’s condo will somehow give you an idea of what my siblings and I took up in college and the professions that we pursued. Try to guess which of these books are mine. 😊
P.P.S. I just started conducting a feasibility study on property rentals in Sorsogon City and the entire province, and this popped up in my Facebook newsfeed. Any pet lover out there can surely relate to the photo below. 😹
I’m going to name this plant Lily Doggoensis. 😆My sketches for the Hospice Facility/Retirement Homes project proposal, which I hope ze siblings will approve. Because what mattersis what we donow to reach our goals – plan first, conduct extensive research, then execute in God’s perfect time. But more importantly, we pray fervently for God’s leading, His instructions and provisions, and that His will be done always. 🙏🙂Photo credit to my brother: Thankful to God for a blessed start of 2024. My siblings and Dad were able to visit an almost forgottenproperty outside our town that belonged to Dad. It was difficult to access before, but God paved the way to access it via the tourism road project of the LGU. Indeed, God is good all the time. 🙏 This means an additional task on our end though. But if it’s for God’s glory and purpose, then I’m not saying “no.” 😉I am praying for all of the ongoing and future developments in our town and province. May they open countless opportunities to the local community in terms of livelihood projects. 🙏
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
One month down and I’m feeling extremely homesick already though I also love it here in our Manila home. Let me share with you some simple design inspo for condo living. 🙂
That rare moment when you have the sight of the empty pool all to yourself. 😀Write or take a dip? Hmm, sleep. 😁Flashback to the days when the chairs still have cushions. ✌️☺️Quarantine Christmas 2020I was able to pull off the entire setup under 1k only – all thanks to Lazada. 😃I find this very romantic and cozy. 😍The minimalist condo interior style before my husband converted it into a man cave. Tsk, men. 😑🙃
I think I’m just never gonna be a metro girl. The need to commune with nature every day is too strong, and my heart just craves for country life. I also miss decorating our home in Bicol during Christmas.
Circa 1991: The Evolution of the Christmas Tree – Province Style 😊This was taken in December 2022, andI’m pointing at the “destroyer of Christmas tree” hidden somewhere there. I think you already know who I’m referring to. Check out the video below. 😹
When your youngest fluffball tries everything to get your attention while you’re playing the guitar. 😻Last year was the 2nd time (the 1st time was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic) in about 3 decades that we didn’t put this tree up because we were all still grieving over Mom. I am claiming for a Christmas tree makeover this year. 🙏
I’m also missing Mom’s plants. I felt like she was with us every time I saw her plants. A few months before she passed away, she’s been devoting so much of her time to the garden. She was already feeling the symptoms of cancer at that time, and gardening has always been therapeutic for her.
Yellow BellsWild OrchidHeart of Jesus / CaladiumVariety 1Heart of Jesus / Caladium Variety 2OlivaFireball LilyAlocasiaI still don’t know the name of this plant. I love the combination of yellow and red flowers in one plant. Heart of Jesus / Caladium Variety 3 (pink plants).Another plant that I still need to research on Google. It has a combination of white and purple flowers.
The plants must have sensed that Mom was very ill and reciprocated her love by giving out their best blooms. This Bromeliad bloomed its first ever flower since Mom planted it some decades ago.
And before I left for Manila last December, lilies started blooming. I felt like it was Mom wishing me a safe trip coming back here. She once told me that I am happier here in our hometown. Well, Mothers always know best. 😉
When Mom told me that she didn’t know that the Bromeliad plant has a huge flower and that she’s been waiting for ages for it to bloom, I somehow had this intuition that Mom might only have a year with us. So during our convo, I only asked her questions about the plants because if I insisted we bring her to the doctor, she would’ve given me her ever-famous “Platypus reaction” which is synonymous with “No.” 😅
Her recent garden project. ❤️
Ah yes, my Mom and I are alike in so many ways. But I use the “Platypus pose” now for my selfies only. I realized I looked cuter in the photos with that pose. lol The photo below was taken 3 years ago, by the way. So I have pretty much outgrown the “Platypus pose” already. Hmm, on second thoughts, I think not? 🤔😅
I’m feeling too lazy to transfer this to my other phone, so I just took a photo of the photo. 😀
I can’t wait to get back to Bicol and continue what God has called me to do. There are so many things to accomplish there and yet I only have one life to do all of them. I just hope and pray I get to live a lot longer. But if not, I hope I made God happy by obeying Him even if I don’t see the fulfillment of some of His plans. 🙂 🙏
Nope, I don’t go to the farm barefoot. But my late grandpa, who’s the true blue farmer in the family, did it every day. If not for the thorny weeds, I would love to do the same. Nothing beats the sensation of feeling the ground you’re walking on with your bare feet.That no filter, no makeup, sweaty farm look. Nature doesn’t seem to mind. 😉
P.S. Speaking of life, I am praying our farm plants are still alive when I get back. 😩
“I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” – Isaiah 46:4
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4
Here’s something I penned just yesterday for those who have been reading my posts. I think you weren’t brought here by chance. Thank you for journeying with me, and this is for you. Cheers to 2024! 🥂😊
I Want To Know
by Christine Lailani
I want to know your chaos. Because I want to see if mine will complement yours so we can find peace together.
I want to know your darkness. Because I want to see how you’ve managed your way out towards the light. And should you find yourself stuck in another darkness, let’s search for the light hand in hand.
I want to know your demons. Because I want to see if you have tamed themand if not, let’s pray on how to defeat them.
I want to know your weakness. Because I want to see how and when should I be strong for you.
I want to know your failures. Because I want to see how can I be the wind beneath your wings.
I want to know who God is in your life. Because I want to see if you and I have kindred spirits. So we can light this world up together.
I hope this inspires you to be the hope that this world oftentimes deprives some of us. Keep on shining, my loves. Somebody’s got your back and praying for you always. ❤️🙏😘
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” – Romans 8:18
P.S. The video link below from “The Other Slide” is not related to this post, but it’s my current fascination. I hope you get mesmerized by it, too. That is if you’re also a Science lover like me. 😉 I never got to experience this when I was in high school, and I don’t know why we didn’t do this in my Bio class in college. I guess we didn’t have this on planet Nibiru. 🤔
Found this movie by chance, too, over YouTube the day before yesterday. 🙂 And I am not going to make any spoilers (if you haven’t seen it yet), but just wait for the scene that if you can caption it, it’ll go like this:
“Time stopped when our eyes locked, the world suddenly became smaller and only the two of us are in the room…”
Enjoy watching! 🥰
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26
New Year’s Eve 123123 was by far the most “chill” celebration I’ve had. No stressful planning, no hassle, and everything just went smoothly. Though we terribly miss being with our families during the holidays.
Hubby and I never had any plans on how to celebrate New Year’s Eve except that we will watch the fireworks display in BGC. Our day yesterday started with good news because the result of my repeated urinalysis looked like nothing was off the charts this time.
The doctors are on a holiday break though so I will schedule my consultation with an Internal Medicine doctor possibly on the second week of January.
Lovely piano music courtesy of a patient @ St. Luke’s BGC. 🥰
Then after lunch, hubby and I decided to attend the 5PM service at Victory Fort. I was surprised (but so happy) that I was able to book a Grab ride right away, so we arrived a couple of minutes early.
Victory Fort 5PM Service
Then after the service, we decided to walk just a couple of blocks from Victory Fort to an Indian restaurant called “New Bombay.”
Cozy and very colorful interiors. 👍
I love their huge plates. 😍
When we got to the restaurant, we were the only customers there so it’s like an exclusive dining experience for me and hubby at first. But a couple of minutes later, other guests started arriving.
The menu is about 5 pages long. This means more options and, thus, more reasons to come back to try them all. 😁
I will give this restaurant 5 stars for its great-tasting food, affordability, store accessibility, and excellent customer service. If you’re looking for authentic Indian cuisine in BGC, this is the place to be.
We love Indian food!
They also offer generous servings, and the strawberry yogurt is the perfect drink to pair with the meals. My husband and I tried Mutton Biryani, and I highly recommend this dish. The mutton is so tender, and I like how the spices aren’t too overpowering.
Chola Chat – Samosa
Mutton Biryani(good for 2 pax)
They have a lot of dishes to choose from, and there are also options for vegetarians. We ordered dishes that were somewhat heavy on carbs, so we were just too full to finish everything. lol
Chola Pesawari
Seafood Soup
Then we headed to the concert venue and when we got there, the place was literally jampacked. Hubby and I decided to go to the designated Family Zone instead to avoid the crowd because I’m actually claustrophobic.
On our way to the Family Zone, we ordered Starbucks drinks and oh boy, it took my hubby about an hour to get our order. Long lines were everywhere inside the Family Zone. All the tables were occupied, too, and I was fortunate enough to find a spot on a ledge under the tree. But I think it’s the perfect spot because I got to observe a lot of people. 😃
❤️❤️❤️
Then at around 11:30PM, we started walking towards the Fireworks Viewing Area just a couple of blocks away from the concert grounds.
This BGC catcasually sat down beside me while waiting for the fireworks display. 😃
There were fewer people here, but it’s the perfect spot to watch the fireworks display, which lasted for 10 minutes.
After the concert ended at around 12:50AM, hubby and I chose to stay a little longer while waiting to book a Grab ride going home. We were unsuccessful, so we thought we’ll just walk a couple more blocks and check out what other transportation options we had.
By the way, I prefer walking around because I get to familiarize myself with the neighborhood and observe a lot of scenarios for my next stories. If we brought a car, I also don’t want my husband driving during times like this when heavy traffic’s unpredictable because it’ll get on his nerves and ruin his mood, and he’ll be too tired. I think all guys can relate. 😃
All the beautiful colors and textures are in one frame.
We also passed by a high-end club in BGC and a couple was having an argument. Then another guy looked like he’s already drunk and was about to jump off the second-floor balcony. I was like, “Oh please no, Lord. I don’t want to start my 2024 witnessing a horrible incident.” His friends grabbed him though, so yes, always bring your friends with you if you plan to really get drunk at a party.
Then when we got to the main thoroughfare, my husband was able to hail a cab and by 3AM, we’re already home. My sister’s condo in Pasig is near BGC, so going home isn’t a problem because you’ll have lots of options to choose from.
It was a calm ending for 2023 – simple and yet at peace. I felt God’s assurance reminding me that when He is in control, we have nothing to worry in 2024. I am forever grateful for everything God has blessed me and my family with last year. I pray you are, too. A blessed 2024, everyone! 🥰 🎆❤️🙏
Thank You so much, Lord, for guiding me and my husband always despite our flaws and imperfections. 🙏
“Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.” – Isaiah 43:19
The Journeyman's Moments 