a happy, happy day!

Three wonderful things happened today.

Last night, on the way home after watching Twilight with Francis, Cindy and her friend Mel in Robinsons Galleria (was disappointed by the movie, by the way), I realized I didn't have my Starbucks planner with me--which means, I must've left it somewhere, either in Podium or Galleria. But then again, when I tried to recall real hard where I probably have left it, I don't remember ever having it with me when we were in Galleria. That must mean I left it somewhere in Podium, in the 2nd level comfort room, if memory serves me right. So early this morning, I immediately called the Podium administration to report what happened, and they were very kind enough to accommodate my dilemma. A certain Mr. Gomez entertained my call. He got my name and contact number, assuring me he'd endorse the issue to their secretary, Michelle. I called them at 8am; come 10:30, our phone rang and my sister called for me, saying someone from Podium was calling. I was so happy to hear from Michelle that they did find my planner! It was pure joy! That planner contains 11 months of my 2008 life, so I prayed really hard that I'd be able to find it. So before meeting with Francis tomorrow for our "official" anniversary date, I'll drop by Podium to claim my beloved planner.

Then this afternoon, my sister and I went to Divisoria to check on the color of the fabric for my entourage. I was worried that the couturier would really have a hard time finding the perfect fabric in the perfect shade of plum we want. But lo and behold, after an exhausting walk to the couturier's stall, they found a better one! Wooopee! Happy bride I am!

And since we were in Divisoria, we made most of the time by scouring the place for the perfect wedding favor, which is the only thing unchecked in our list. Francis and I were hoping to find something musically themed. After minutes of walking and pushing around amid the crowd, sis and I were disappointed to see that the many wedding giveaways there are the ordinary ones that didn't really suit our taste. We decided to just head home, as my sis still has to attend choir practice by 7pm. She decided we take a short cut, hoping to find an easier (and less crowded) way back to where we can hail a PUV to the LRT station. Unfortunately, it was a bad decision; we found ourselves squished among a stream of busy shoppers, and I had to scold my sister for insiting we take that "short cut". Good thing there's this sidestreet with less people (but a tad crowded with mechandise). And just before turning another street, we passed by this quaint store, Grandway Commercial, housing lots of figurines and other house decor. I dragged my sister in to see if we can find something nice. We were barely in the store for five mintues when I found these cute steel figurines holding various musical instruments! It's like I was meant to find them! Such serendipity! Not wasting any time, I took a picture of one figurine, sent it to Francis, and hurriedly called him to ask his opinion. I wasn't disappointed--he loves them! Therefore, I haggled for a more reasonable price and told the sales clerk I'd be back as soon as I can to finalize my order. It's been a blessing finding that store! They also have lots of wonderful, quirky pieces that'll spice up any home--cute salt and pepper shakers, a beehive container (yes, a beehive!), antique-looking oriental chests, and other wonderful stuff.

Thank the Lord for a blessed day!

this is our first decade together

Dear Francis,

Forgive me for writing at this hour; this is my little way of consoling myself for losing to you every time I try to beat you to greeting us a “Happy Anniversary”. This is also me anticipating losing to you (yet again) tomorrow. I’ll try so hard not to, because I won’t get to greet you a “Happy 10th Anniversary!” in person until another 10 years has gone by. Anyway, I just want you to know that…

When we’re old and grey, I still need you to intertwine your calloused fingers with mine.
When we’re old and grey, I still need you to plant soft kisses on my wrinkled forehead.
When we’re old and grey, I still need you to strum your guitar and accompany my hoarse melodies.
When we’re old and grey, I still need you to tell me those outdated jokes—and I will still laugh like they’re the best jokes ever.
When we’re old and grey, I still need you to call me silly names that make me want to slap your flabby arms.
When we’re old and grey, I still need you to make up stories that I would believe as if they’re history.
When we’re old and grey, I still need you to wrap your arms around my frail shoulders.
When we’re old and grey, I still need you to listen to my endless chattering.
When we’re old and grey, I still need you to remain calm while I throw a fuss like any old woman would.
When we’re old and grey,
I still need you.

Happy 10th Anniversary to us, Pangga. I can’t wait for another decade spent with you— blessed by the Lord. Another decade and another and another and another…

i shall flash

Flash me!

I thought Francis won't be giving me the flash I've been pining for for our 10th anniversary, primarily due to budget constraints (we're still in for a lot of wedding spending!). And I never would've minded it, really. But the Master of Surprises pulled another hat trick and voila! a Canon Speedlite 430EX II became mine for the taking. Never mind if I failed to comply with our be-at-work-by-9am-at-the-latest-for-two-months deal. The sacrifice, though, is our celebration on the 30th (the 26th day of this month is our official date)--we may not have that grand date we were planning, but who cares! I'll just take tons of pictures of us two. Hahaha! Nah, I'm sure we can cook up an extra-special date that doesn't require breaking the bank.

Pangga, THANK YOU!

But there's only one thing that displeases me: now that iPod indeed pales in comparison with the flash. Hmf!

P.S.
Cos, thanks again for helping Francis. Hahaha!

license to wed

Fresh from the QC Hall, Civil Registry, Window 10

Wooohoooo!!!

You know those moments when you're just utterly at lost for words? That was how I felt when I finally held those precious papers that legitimize our intention to marry. I may have looked like a weird, little girl with a silly smile plastered on my face when I stepped out of the Civil Registry building, making my way to the DOH building to briefly meet my dad.

Of course, I was again running late. Took a half-day off from work to run to QC Hall for our marriage license. I was afraid I'd never make it on time and would have to wait until after lunch for office hours to resume. But I was right on time--40 minutes before lunch. I only had to wait for about 10 minutes before "Funa" was called. I promptly stood up, refraining myself from dashing to Window 10. Wow. I stood up at the call of "Funa". Wow. Wee!

So there I was, beaming as I held the license. The moment was surreal but magnificent.

Well, I bet every moment of February 28, 2009 will be surreal. In fact, I think every day thereafter will be...