Learnings of 2012 - II

(4) We celebrated our 20th anniversary last May. We invited new and old friends. Friends and colleagues who became part of our history as a couple. I was elated to hear "our story". We had a great time!

And with this, I learned that we don't have to wait for the 25th, 50th...to celebrate a milestone. To reach a year or two of marriage is an accomplishment, so celebrate. Having a baby, buying a new house, pre-school graduation of our kids, these are milestones...reasons to be merry and be grateful to Him.

(5) One thing good with these celebrations is sharing happy moments with relatives and friends. I realized that an older person just like me can be friends with younger generations. I learned that friendship transcends age group. It doesn't matter if you're in your 40's and they are in their 20's. As long as you understand each other then it's fine. Even if you sing songs of different era. hahaha...even if you don't see each other often, as long as you communicate...FB, text or e-mail, you'll be connected. Thanks to computer technology.

My "focal group" friends after our photoshoot in Kota Keluarga

Night out with BFF

“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang

(6) I learned that traveling is so enriching. Travel if you can but with those you love. Nothing beats the happiness and adventure if we experience it with our friends and family.

with friends in Kuala Lumpur

(7) September and October were trying times for my husband's family as Inay was hospitalized and passed away. I learned that no matter how much we want our parents or any sick person to live, if it's their time to go, then it's goodbye. We need time to mourn, to grieve for our loss, but we also need to let go and move on.

Lahat ng buhay sa mundo ay may katapusan. Who are we to argue?

(8) Lastly, I realized that Christmas spent with family, wherever you celebrate it as long as you are together is the best. Last year was the first time we celebrated Christmas abroad . We were  in Hong Kong. Celebration there is not as festive as in our country but with us together, its wonderful!

With all these lessons I learned, I thank God for the blessings of life that He gave me and my family. These will be my "baon" or provision for this year. These will serve as my guide in my continuing journey. Welcome 2013!