This blog aims not only to make people laugh, but also to inspire others, instill positive values...in short, to make this world a little better, a little happier. This blog is meant to bless (in my own little way) all those who read it. It's my way of saying "I love you more and more".
Today, mom and I attended a children's party. It was the birthday of the first grandchild of a family friend. Actually, the real birthday is February 25 but the parents and the child are bound back to Canada already.
There was a party host who started with games - pass the balloon and bring me. Then after some eating time, he did some balloon forming. The highlight was a magic show. I was like a child as I watched in amazement.
Food consisted of dirty ice cream, salad, carbonara, kaldereta, adobo, barbecue, fish fillet, fruits, leche flan, halo-halo, etc. I didn't eat everything, of course. In fact, for some reason, I didn't have a good appetite.
The party ended with blowing of the birthday cake.
We had our usual intercessory prayers. Then I led worship. The songs I chose were "Come Holy Spirit", "The Tabitha Song", "Strong and Faithful", "Healing Grace", "Give Thanks" and "We'll be Faithful".
We ate kutsinta, chicharon, and cupcakes with softdrinks.
Talk was fun...about ballroom dancing, d.i., suitors, community, someone's son getting married and all of us attending the wedding, a surprise birthday party for one of us next Saturday, etc.
How I miss my community and prayer group! I'm so glad they came to visit me.
Today, I went out for a client meeting in Ortigas Center.
Luckily, I got a cab home right away because the taxi driver did not like to go to Makati or MOA.
Before going down to the basement, I saw street food! So I went down immediately. I bought P20 worth of fish balls and squid balls, and P10 of banana cue plus P5 melon juice. Ha ha. Food trip! I miss those simple joys!
Many people these days, especially those my age (about 50), are talking about their bucket lists. I don't have a bucket list due to financial constraints and health conditions. Instead, I came up with my very own "Bakit List". Here goes...
My Own Bakit List (Taglish version)
1. Bakit ako maganda at matalino? (to prove that God is a wonderful Creator)
2. Bakit ako mabait? (kasi maraming naging mabait sa akin)
3. Bakit ako mapagmahal? (kasi maraming nagmamahal sa akin)
4. Bakit ako mataba? (dahil sa mga gamot ko at matakaw ako)
5. Bakit ako poor? (to strive harder, enjoy the generosity of others, and appreciate the providence of God)
6. Bakit wala akong asawa ngayon? (kasi si Lord ang perfect man sa akin)
7. Bakit walang humahawak sa malasutla kong mga kamay? (same answer as above)
8. Bakit walang yumayakap sa akin? (sige na nga, kung may interesado, i-add mo ako sa FB)
9. Bakit ako pumandak? (dahil sa osteoporosis...para hindi ako sumali ng beauty contests)
10. Bakit ako may diabetes? (I have to be true to myself...I'm sweet, therefore, bawal...huh?)
11. Bakit ako may chronic recurrent bi-polar mood disorder? (as a manic-depressive, I will not exchange the highs of mania, and the lows of depression)
12. Bakit ako may 3rd stage multiple myeloma or cancer of the bone marrow (ewan, siguro, gusto na akong kunin ni Lord...but then again, I'm in remission, so maybe not).
My Own Bakit List (English version)
1. Why am I beautiful and intelligent? (to prove that God is a wonderful Creator)
2. Why am I kind? (because many have been kind towards me)
3. Why am I loving? (because there are many who love me)
4. Why am I fat? (because of my medicines and I eat a lot)
5. Why am I poor? (to strive harder, enjoy the generosity of others, and appreciate the providence of God)
6. Why don't I have a husband now? (because the Lord is the perfect man for me)
7. Why is there no one holding my soft hands? (same answer as above)
8. Why is there no one embracing me? (alright, alright, anybody interested, just add me in FB)
9. Why did I lose inches in height? (because of osteoporosis...so I won't join beauty contests)
10. Why do I have diabetes? (I have to be true to myself...I'm sweet, therefore, off-limits...huh?)
11. Why do I have chronic recurrent bi-polar mood disorder? (as a manic-depressive, I will not exchange the highs of mania, and the lows of depression)
12. Why do I have 3rd stage multiple myeloma or cancer of the bone marrow (dunno, maybe, the Lord wants to get me already....but then again, I'm in remission, so maybe not).
You, why don't you come up with your own "Bakit List"?
Yesterday, I had another gettogether at Milky Way.
Grace again fetched me. Beda rode with us.
Our Balikbayan was Lovelie. She is soooh slim and beautiful! In high school, she was rather plump.
The occasion was well-attended. There were about 18 of us.
Food was wonderful: crispy pata, fried hito, tokwa't baboy, adobong mushrooms, crispy pata, binagoongang vegetables, ginatang puso ng saging, paksiw na baboy, pancit palabok...not sure if I got everything right.
Since it was such a large group, conversation had to be broken into small groups. Ours were on fellow batchmates, family, work, turning gold, and bucket lists. Speaking of bucket list, read my next post, "My Bakit List" and have a good laugh and maybe be inspired.
Everyone was concerned about my health. I said I'm in remission. As usual, they did not make me pay.
Yesterday, Sandy hosted a thank-you dinner at the Bagoong Club. Grace fetched me.
Present were Maryknollers (batchmates of Sandy in high school) and Ateneans (batchmates of Sandy in college).
I have heard about the Bagoong Club. And true enough, the food was great! There was okoy, chicharong bulaklak, binagoongan, sisig, munggo, seafoods with buko, etc.
There was talk about business, politics, family, skin (one of us is a dermatologist), and so on.
I spent practically the whole day calling up graduates of a school as part of a tracer study I am currently doing. My voice got hoarse from saying the same lines..."Hello, this is Nimia Gamo. I'm an independent research consultant. I was hired by _____ to conduct a tracer study of its graduates...."
Result? We have five respondents so far. Ninety-five more to go! But my hopes are high because I was able to talk to several potential respondents and they agreed to fill up the questionnaire.
Our electric fan got broken so for three nights, we had to suffer the heat. Air came from my mom's ionizer. So, today, she bought a new electric fan. What a relief! Asahi is the brand. Hope it lasts.
Today, I had a poetry session with Jobert again in Eastwood. We stayed in an area which was very windy! The weather was great and conducive to our creative juices.
We were able to write two poems, "Pure Thoughts" and "God's Love".
"Pure Thoughts"
Thinking of you brings a smile to my face The light in my mind for happier days I recall the joys you’ve brought to me The sunshine in my life my heart could see
Your words of wisdom I could still hear Living the advice you gave makes me feel you’re near Your tender touch I could still feel A love that brightens my soul makes it real
Though you’re so far I hear your voice so clear When you’re on my side there is nothing to fear Just remembering you and my spirit soars high Memories we’ve shared brings me a happy sigh
We have gone through many times together I hope that our friendship would last forever You are God’s special gift to me And in gratefulness I shall always be
As I prepare to return home soon Our cheerful laughter shall be our musical tune And our love for each other will ever grow Then gladness in our life we shall always sow
*poetry by Nimia Gamo (purple lines) and Jobert Abiva (blue lines)
"God's Love"
Lord, Your love is beyond measure A love that is beautiful and pure We all feel so blessed to have a Father like You Accepting Your children to be loving and true
You care for all creatures, big and small Earth we must protect as our heavenly call Your love for us is brighter than any star You yearn for us to be the best of who we are
We are touched by Your tenderness Your concern is our happiness O Lord, how can we thank You enough? You were there for us even life was rough
You are the source of our joys Your wisdom speaks through our inner voice You are the light in every darkness The love that shines in our gladness
We can never fully fathom the depth of Your love But You guide us so we could be with You in Heaven above We thank You Lord for Your love so deep Your holy presence in our heart for our soul to keep
*poetry by Nimia Gamo (purple lines) and Jobert Abiva (blue lines)
In between writing poems, we talked about school, relationships, family, politics, and so on.
We ate shwarma and drank Coke Zero. We also ate ice cream.
Today, I received two job offers. But I felt I was not qualified for either.
A project came in so I immediately worked on it.
Two other projects are coming this February.
Yehey!
Now, more daydreams...
I daydream of --- heaven! I imagine what it must be like to have my own room. I would have a big ref and freezer and pantry stocked with food! All the sweet stuff I couldn't eat I could eat with abandon! Chocolate mousse, ice cream, chocolate bars with almonds. My room would have a library, a computer, a huge TV screen, DVDs. It would have a receiving area where I can entertain my visitors.
Heaven will have lots of banquet halls where everyone will be worshipping the Lord. There will be dancing and singing.
The fun part is I will be with my loved ones who have gone ahead. We will talk about the good times on earth. I will also meet new people and make new friends.
But the best part of all is special quiet alone times with Jesus Himself. We will hold hands and I will ask Him all that I wanted to ask Him.
I edited a questionnaire because a project has been approved! Praise God!
I was supposed to start the analysis for another project but I was told to ignore the first set of charts they sent me.
I watched another episode of "Supernatural".
Jobert and I wrote another poem via text, entitled, "Virtues."
Kindness to those who needs it Where Heaven and Earth would meet Patience during trying times When human and divine rhymes
Generosity to those who have less In sharing and giving we are blessed Fortitude during times of adversity In unity as family that we’re free
Honesty in both word and deed Loving gestures our heart could read Indeed of all virtues, love is the greatest When we appreciate to serve all the rest
*poetry by Nimia Gamo (purple lines) and Jobert Abiva (blue lines)
These days, to amuse myself, I daydream of things that make me feel good.
One such daydream goes like this: I help a lost foreigner who has Alzheimer's disease. She does not know where she is staying. I go from hotel to hotel to ask if she is one of her guests, just riding cabs. When we finally find the right out, I sneak out and ride a cab home - feeling very tired but glad to have helped someone in great need. Soon after, news comes out that the grateful family of the woman I helped wants to find out the identity of "Good Samaritan". Several women came forward, expecting a reward, but the woman did not recognize any of them. I did not want to come forward because I did not like the publicity. And then suddenly, there is announcement that the Good Samaritan has been identified and she will be presented on a TV show. Curious, I tuned in to the show. So, the host introduces members of the family and the woman I helped. Then, with much ado, a woman I don't know comes on stage. She shyly takes a seat and gets interviewed. All this time, the old woman remain silent. Then, the family is so happy brings out an envelope and is ready to give it to the "Good Samaritan". There is phone number on the TV screen and the host says that unless there are any objections, the reward money goes to the woman. So, I call, and say she's an impostor. Turns out, it was just a way to trap me. They trace my call, and I get found out! I visit the old woman again and we become friends. The family offers to give me a cash reward. I refuse because I say that a good deed is its own reward. Soon after, the old woman dies and leaves me a huge sum of money. THE END.
I will tell you about my other daydreams in future posts. Ha ha
I watched a few episodes of Season 3 of "Supernatural". It's about two brothers who are hunters of demons and evil beings. I don't usually go for this kind of stuff but there's nothing else to do.
I will be reading another book entitled, "Last Man Standing". It was made into a movie so it must be good.
I feel bad that I cannnot attend the funeral mass for the son of our batchmate, Joanna Morales. The son's name is Noey and he was only 28 years old. I grieve for Joanna. I cannot imagine the grief of losing a son. I cannot go to the mass because I don't have transportation and my mom won't allow me.
I worked on two projects today. Actually work on past projects.
I also re-watched "Slumdog Millionaire" for the nth time. I don't have a lot of DVDs with me so I keep watching the ones I really like. I like "Slumdog Millionaire" because it is a love story with enough action and suspense and humor.
I'm reading a book entitled "Daughter of God". It's an interesting book. Exciting enough. I should be finished with it in a day or two.
Today, I went on a personal retreat. I just did it at home. Started with an opening prayer. Then, I reflected on the year just past. Gave thanks for the blessings of 2009. I also reflected on not so good things that happened last year. Then, I came up with my mission for 2010.
I took the time to watch another DVD today. This time, I watched "Avatar". It's quite a long movie. Two and a half hours. But very interesting and exciting! I enjoyed watching it.
I'm sad to find out that one of my batchmates in Maryknoll just lost her 28 year old son to a tragic car accident. She must be feeling devastated. I am praying for her.
One of my nieces, Gina, has an ad for a sport goods store called Jack Rabbit. I'm proud of her!
I watched DVD today of "2012". Not bad. It has its exciting moments. I saw the humor in some points, too. I wouldn't say I wasted the time it took me to watch the movie.
But I just know that 2012 is just too soon for the "end of the world". Despite the huge toll of human lives due to the Haiti earthquake recently, it's not going to happen soon. Not in my lifetime.
Today, I went to Eastwood with Jobert and Lovely. We listened to a band of drummers called the Charcoal Drumbeaters. They're very good!
We ate spaghetti at Fazoli's.
While eating, we wrote a poem entitled, "Nature's Beauty".
Thank You Lord for all the flowers and trees The flora and fauna found throughout the Earth Thank You Lord for all the mountains and hills Thank You Lord for my eyes that sees all these
The colors of all creation express Your divine creativity The beauty of all nature is evidence of Your abundance I feel loved by all Your creations A oneness of life as the spirit of Our Creator
The magnificence of the sunset reflects Your beauty Each sunrise gives me new hope Day and night we always think of You Lord Every rainbow is a reminder of Your love
I am not afraid to feel Your creative love Countless creations that speak that You are the Lord of Life I am but a product of Your divine wisdom You’re my genuine happiness
The life You gave is the life that we share The love You shower upon us is the love we give to others Selfishness is not Your language But ensuring that everyone’s life is lived with generosity
*poetry by Nimia Gamo (purple lines), Lovely Abiva (pink lines) and Jobert Abiva (blue lines)
Then, we went to Padre Pio's shrine nearby. We will come back some other time.
Which do you prefer? I feel "free-er" with my short hair. Ha ha
----- I didn't do any work today. At least, so far. I'm thinking of preparing workshop materials on marketing research analysis after writing this post.
My FGD project isn't pushing through. But it is being replaced by an indepth-interview study in early February. Oh well, you win some, you lose some.
I had a vivid dream last night of candles lit all over my old room in our house in Matulungin Street. The candles were placed perpendicularly on the curtains by the windows and walls. When I looked up the Internet what lit candles mean, it said the coming of small fortunes.
True enough, a client which has not given me a project for so long, is giving me a three-group FGD project. I will be facilitating next week. Yehey!
There's another part of the dream when I saw one candle blow out. The interpretation of this is the fear of dying. I just texted my doctor and asked her what my prognosis is because that is what my friends keep asking me. She said "Good naman because you are in remission." Great! There's nothing to fear.
Last Saturday, I attended yet another gettogether of Maryknollers. This time at Masato in Metrowalk. There were about 10 of us and one brought her daughter.
Of course, we ate Japanese food but I don't know their names so I'll just say that the food was delicious enough and there were about 8 varieties.
After Masato, we went down to the open plaza where there was a band singing.
Talk was about Ondoy, work, being golden girls, other batchmates, prom (the daughter was attending a junior-senior prom).
Felix was around so he very kindly brought me home.
Yesterday, Amy passed by to give me puto and kikyam. She told me she has a new project with Synovate. And she is enjoying her voice talent workshop. I am glad she is in high spirits again.
Today, we learned the news that one of Daddy's clients is giving us money from the States. I keep saying it, the Lord provides!
Today, I did a lot of dialing and calling up. What for? I am looking for new clients, particularly on the clients' side.
Result? I was able to email to three prospective clients today. I should be more proactive in getting research projects these days. What with my medical expenses skyrocketing!
Here's my prayer:
Lord, I know that You are the God of providence You provide for my every need Please continue to answer my plea for projects so that I will be able to pay for my medicines and basic expenses. I also would like to have extra money to help the needy and reach out to the poor.
Thank You very much in advance for Your generosity!
That's the title of the poem Jobert and I wrote via text, "Sunny".
During times when I feel blue Especially when I miss you I simply remember our times together Memories I will cherish forever
As I recall your beautiful smile Making me happy is just your style I can almost hear your laughter Always making my days brighter
So please come back soon as you can Cummon lets fulfill our plan You are God’s gift to me Let us live together joyfully
*poetry by Nimia Gamo (purple lines) and Jobert Abiva (blue lines)
A rather lazy day. I did some report-writing.
I called up some clients and friends.
I've been reading the Bible daily and attending online mass since Day 1 of this year, plus praying the rosary of course.
I called up my publisher when I remembered they owe me some royalties.
I'm helping my friends gather up glossy magazines for a livelihood project for the QC jail inmates. I am also helping another friend get donations for their annual gift-giving activity this January. In my own little way, I want to help and reach out to others.
I will be contacting Fr. Gerry Orbos to ask for missionary priests whom I can correspond with via email to ease their loneliness.
I may not have a lot of money but I can be a blessing to other people. I keep praying that God will continue to use me as His instrument of love and joy.
A client called to tell me we have a new project. Yehey!
I worked on another report which is due for presentation tomorrow.
I chatted with a friend online.
I shampooed my newly cut hair after putting on some scalp treatment.
I solicited online for donations to the annual gift-giving activity of God's Beloved Prayer Group at the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong. A few of my friends have already responded.
I called up past clients, and prospective employers, and even my headhunter for future projects and jobs.
I am reading a mystery book, entitled "Murder of Honor". Interesting.
Here are the poems, Jobert and I wrote the other day. This one is entitled, "Joy":
A certain feeling in my heart That we’ll never be apart You are so much a part of me Together we shall always be
What did I do to deserve you? A heaven-sent love so true I thank God for giving you to me Because your love has helped me see
My life is filled with happiness And your happiness is my gladness Loving you has taught me so much That care begins with a gentle touch
All the hurts in my past are gone Because you taught me to look beyond My future looks bright When love is in our sight
Troubles no longer plague me For an encouraging heart has set me free I am truly blessed for having you Because with you my life started anew
And this is our first Tagalog Poem, "Kapayapaan":
Sa himig ng mga ibon Sa ihip ng hangin Ang tinig ng katahimikan Dinig ko sa aking puso
Damdamin ko’y maligaya Pagka’t lahat ay mapayapa Pag-ibig ay ating dalangin Pagmamahalan ay adhikain
Subalit saan ko matatagpo Ang tunay na sinusuyo Sa kagandahan ng buhay Ikaw ang siyang tunay
Ang hanap ng ating kaluluwa Ay kung bakit nilikha Ang kasiyahan ng pagkaka-isa Makakamtan ng lahat
Nagsisimula sa pamilya Hanggang sa buong mundo Nguni’t ang sanhi ng kapayapaan Ay pusong marunong magmahal
*poetry by Nimia Gamo (purple lines) and Jobert Abiva (blue lines)
Today, I waited for hours for Jobert. He said he will pick me up "after lunch". Well, after lunch turned out to be almost 5 pm!
But I used the time to pray the rosary, to text, to chat, to go to the bathroom, to drink medicine, to observe people coming in and going out...and most of all, to grow in patience!
It was all worth the wait! We first exchanged gifts. I gave him the massager I bought for him. He gave me all sorts of stuff from Taiwan - small notebooks, coloring materials, a blouse, a pair of slippers.
We went to Teriyaki Boy in Gateway. We used the elevator so I didn't have to do much walking.
I ordered kani salad and Coke Zero. Later, I also ordered ebi tempura with rice.
Jobert and I wrote two poems. One is entitled, "Kapayapaan", our first Tagalog poem. Then, we wrote "Joy".
Back in the car, we continued to talk about ourselves. Then we prayed together.
Today, as I was listening to Preacher in Blue Jeans, I took note of Bo's Novena to God's Love. It goes:
Today, I receive all of God's love for me Today, I open myself to the unbounded, limitless, overflowing abundance of God's universe Today, I open myself to Your blessings, healing and miracles Today, I open myself to God's Word so I would become more like Jesus every day Today, I proclaim that I am God's beloved, I am God's servant, I am God's powerful champion. And because I am blessed, I will bless the world in Jesus' name. Amen.
Beautiful prayer! And I heard, it's a powerful novena to those who have dreams.
I have dreams...several. And I lift them up to God. Bo Sanchez is a blessing to many people. I want to be a blessing to many people, too.
And so, in ways big and small, I shall bless this world with who I am, with what I say and do. Guide me, Lord!
Last night, we just watched the fireworks from our condo window. Beautiful!
We just ate sylvanas and castañas and Coke Zero.
Today, we went to my aunt's place in Parañaque.
Food was great and plentiful - shrimps, prawns, Pixie's grilled fish, KFC, macaroni salad, Gerry's Grill pancit, sisig, kaldereta, lechon kawali, chocolates, cakes, ice cream, biko, cassava cake, puto bumbong, caramel popcorn, chips, softdrinks, etc. I didn't - couldn't - eat everything though, much as I wanted to.
There was the usual kwentuhan about family/relatives and friends, and work. My sister removed white hair from me. We borrowed books from my aunt. We enjoyed the cool air. There was picture-taking of course.
Lots of friends greeted me through text and Facebook.
Here are some of them:
...2010 na! Happy New Year! God has prepared great things for this year. Mging excited tau. Enjoy! - from a former student
...Lord, thank you for this great day and year. Do bless my friend, her family, home and work. In Jesus Christ name. Amen. Happy New Year with more blessings - from a sister in community
...Here comes the year of the tiger! May we all have a roaring year ahead! God bless you and your family! Take care! - from a former student
...Sending you my warmest wishes for a year filled with good cheer, joy and peace. Happy New Year to you and your family. - from a batchmate in UP
...May the Lord bless you with what you prayed for, reward you with what you worked for, grant you with what you hoped for, and pleasantly surprise you with what you have not asked for. Happy 2010! - from a friend from Slimmers World days
...Thank you for being part of my 2009. And may the coming 2010 be filled with love, joy, peace, good health and prosperity. God bless! - from a friend from marketing research
...Happy 2010! I know it's a bit early, but I'll need to txt to hundreds of friends so I decided to start with the great and good-looking ones first! All the best for 2010! - from a male friend
...I wish you:..the fun of living, the joy of loving, the wonder of sharing, the gift of faith, and the serenity of a contented heart. Happy New Year! - from a fellow bi-polar patient
...Lechon man ay nais kong ipadala. At may hamon pang kasama. Pero diet mo ay aking inaalala. Tataba ka pa. Kaya text na lang, zero cholesterol pa. Happy New Year, Nim! - from my best friend
Many people come up with new year's resolutions every start of the year. This time, I have only two resolutions:
1) This year, I shall be as loving as I can be to as many people as possible.
2) This year, I shall seek and obey the will of God for me.
So, welcome 2010! I am eager to find out what you have in store for all of us!
Hi I'm Nimia. Just turned 50. Single again. Not desperately seeking (but secretly longing). Notorious for my corny jokes. My mission in life is to be a joyful instrument of God's love and a loving instrument of God's joy through TAWASSS - teaching, appreciating, writing, affirming, speaking and serving with a smile.
Food consisted of dirty ice cream, salad, carbonara, kaldereta, adobo, barbecue, fish fillet, fruits, leche flan, halo-halo, etc. I didn't eat everything, of course. In fact, for some reason, I didn't have a good appetite.
