My 2020

What a year it has been!

For most, if not all, it was not really a good year.

At the beginning of the year, I remember Taal Volcano erupted.  We are miles away from it but I remember it happening as a number of people are still reeling from the earthquakes in December 2019.  Classes were cut short and Christmas break came early at that time.  I remember the Taal Volcano eruption since Chesca's Kindermuisk classes had some changes to synchronize with their schedule in Manila.

I turned a year older in January.  All I can remember was that on the eve of my birthday, Chesca came to the room bringing a cake with a candle, which we blew together.  I cannot honestly recall how I spent my birthday.

February went on normally, although news about the Coronavirus started coming in.  JJ had to leave for Australia to study.

In the middle of March, classes were canceled. We stayed in our own house for about a week or two.  But when it became clear that the lockdown would be for a month or two, we decided to move to my parents' house as it is bigger and with more company, both for my parents and Chesca.

Our longtime helper was also asked by my Mom to leave due to misunderstandings.  So they were without any helper as well.

My second semester classes for Law School continued online.  I have already finished my classes and exams with my undergrad class for AdDU.  I was not able to give an exam for my UIC classes though.

Chesca did not have any issue staying at home for two months.  I think she enjoyed being with all of us, all day and night.

In April, we celebrated Chesca's 3rd Birthday party with a "Jungle Theme".  She still had fun with her stuff toy as her guests.  She enjoyed blowing her birthday candle several times and of course, opening her gifts.  I was so happy that I was still able to give her a themed birthday party.

During the two-month lockdown, I think I went out twice to buy stuff.  

Restrictions eased a bit by the middle of May .  I started reporting to the office.

I also got appointed as Assistant Dean of the AdDU - College of Law, which I am truly grateful.  I was not totally expecting it as it just came out of the blue.  I do remember that I received the news on Mother's Day.  

As the days went by, things got more busy with Law School as enrollment began.  Of course, a lot of transitioning happened with online delivery.  I had to attend meetings and training everywhere.  Add to the fact that I still had some lawyerly stuff to do.

Conducting online classes was not the easiest stuff to do, not to mention that I was handling 8 units for the first semester (What I was thinking?!?). Thankfully, I was able to manage all of it, though, I still have to finish checking the exams and submitting the final grades as of this writing.

I also had one undergrad with UIC.  It was not easy as well as I had to record all of my lectures.  The students did not have that much luxury being online with unstable internet connection and data consumption usage.  Yes, I talked to them and conducted exams wherein all I see are their profile pictures.  

Prior to the lockdown, Chesca started not wearing diapers during day time.  I wanted to use all her diapers first before to discontinue using it during night time.  But when I noticed that she does not pee on her diaper that much in the evening, I decided that it was about time.  So, it was in August were she started with no diapers at all.  It was such a breeze!  From the time she started not using diapers in the evening, I think she peed on the bed for less than 5 times.  At the onset, I brought her to pee in the middle of the night.  As the days progressed, she would also wake up and tell me she will go wee wee.  A few times, she went down the bed to go to the CR by herself (Of course, I noticed it and went with her).  

Chesca has her online classes as her school.  I think it does good for her.  But this is one thing that I had to juggle as well as I have to go home before her classes start at 4:00 pm, 3x a week.  Although, I am blessed that Johanna can cover for me at times.

Looking at Chesca watching Youtube videos of Disneyland and other places makes me sad as I want her to experience all of this.  We were supposed to go to London this December and I know how much she would have loved traveling.  I am really praying for better times, the sooner the better.

I still get teary eyed whenever I go to the mall and I see the Kidzoona and all those play areas closed and I can still all the toys.  

Watching and hearing the news are truly disheartening with the economic effect as a lot of people lost their income.  I continue to pray for better circumstances fo everyone.

Of course, there is that constant worry about this virus and constantly praying for protection for my family and friends all over the world.

Nonetheless, I am still grateful for our family is still surviving.  

Prior to the pandemic, I was extremely busy.  Things did not actually change after the two-month lockdown as I was still busy from May up to the present, maybe even more busy.

I am juggling things - taking care of my toddler, keeping our "room" clean and orderly, managing my classes and some administrative stuff, and coping up with my private practice.

I admit things have been hard between me and my spouse.  I am praying for things to be better.  

Here I am saying goodbye to 2020.  Yes, it was not that all bad for me.  I still do have a lot to thank for the year that was.  And I am so looking forward for better things this 2021!

My 2014 - Part 8

NOVEMBER 

Now, November!

Another semester starts.  Another set of students.  Another subject to teach.  Challenge accepted!

And another dinner date with friends!

Goodluck sa waistline!

And the law students decided to feature me in their publication.

Ka-level na ata mi ni Pnoy!

I was likewise honored to speak in front of the LA members.

Unity. Excellence. Equality

Admittedly, November wasn't all fun and joy as one of my tita, a dear family friend died.  Rest in peace Tita Nena.

DECEMBER

December na jud!

On December 7th, I was one of the bridesmaids for one of my dearest friends Bajo.

Without the bride but with Lyn and Jinky

Pretty Girls with the Blushing Bride!

I also congratulated by students for passing the October 2014 CPA Board Exams.

We look like classmates, hehe!

Christmas is also get together with friends.

Hala, sige kain lang!

With the Law School Gang :)

My mom decided that we'll celebrate the holidays in Singapore.

Christmas Eve was spent at Marina Bay Sands.  We just stayed overnight to experience the infinity pool.

Yes, that's me!

Christmas Breakfast

And of course, we went around Orchard Road.

Feeling the Christmas Spirit at Orchard Road

Christmas Day around Singapore

We left for Kuala Lumpur on Christmas Day.  It was raining when we arrived.  We stayed at Furama Bukit Bintang Hotel, a very good location at a very good rate.

Breakfast at Furama (Dad still sleepy .. hehe)

We went around the malls in Kuala Lumpur.  We also did a little shopping as well.  

Goofy at Petronas

We also went to Legoland Malaysia.  We hope there would be more rides and adventures in Legoland Malaysia in the future.

Kids at play at Legoland

Ready, Wet Set, Go!

Drenched!

Legos!

Of course, we also took a hop-on-hop-off trip around Malaysia.

We then went back to Singapore, but this time we stayed at a Pines Hostel which was actually clean and nice.  

Of course, we would not miss going to Universal Studios.  We went to the Mummy's Revenge twice.

Thrillseekers

Minions

Before leaving Universal!

And then, on New Year's Eve, we watched the amazing fireworks at the bay.

Had to be early for the fireworks!

Baby, you're a firework!

And the phones!

It was a bit tiring but fun nevertheless.   

Sarona!

I will be back!

And by the way, just a few days before we left Singapore, Allan asked permission from my parents .... to marry me!  Cheers to new adventures ahead!

 Natapos rin :)

My 2014 - Part 1

Yes, I know.  I am fully aware how less I blogged in 2014.  I posted the fewest blogs in a year from the time I started blogging.  Let me just say that my hands were indeed full.  Nevertheless, to cap the year that was, here is my 2014 summary.

JANUARY

I celebrated New Year's Eve in one of my favorite cities in the world - Melbourne.  And on the first day of 2014, took a plane from Melbourne to Manila and from Manila to Davao City.

Happy New Year from Melbourne! 

Of course, I was very happy to be a part of my friends' special events - attending Teen's birthday and thanksgiving party as well as Cloud's baptism.  

 With law school friends at Teen's party (Ate Jo not ready for the picture .. hehe)

 Godparents at Cloud's baptism

 And there's that once in a blue moon beach outing with law school friends.

Beach time at Paradise!

This was also the year I turned 33.  I was very lucky to have people greet me before, during and after my birthday.  I feel so special having celebrated it with family and friends.  

Turning 33 at Yakimix!

How sweet!

Simple but fun lunch with this bunch!

FEBRUARY

My February usually starts with a joint birthday celebration with Lyn.  This time, we spent it at Vikings!

 Mukhang busog na ako dito :)

Teaching wise, I was very flattered having a talk with my former teacher now my co-teacher in undergrad.  

And of course, my BL Entrep Class was very amused with my perfect circle in class.  I do not have any picture of it, but my students surely took a picture of it.  I just drew a circle on the board and amazingly, it looked as if it was a perfect circle.

MARCH

I had a sumptuous dinner sometime the first week of March with friends.  

Food galore at Cellar de Oboza

Things happened so fast towards the last week of March.  It was quite shocking and surprising for the whole family and we just all hoped for the best.  To this day, I always thank GOD for the strength He has given our family as we went this ordeal together. 

Taken at 1 am after we fetched Jeni and Ally from the airport.

Our dad was very surprised when Ally was the one who woke him up at 1 am! 

Paradise again with family!

APRIL

One thing I will be always grateful is that of GOD's presence in my life.  Without Him, I have already faltered.  But what is amazing is that my faith remains steadfast in Him.  Our family has truly been blessed by Him, and with that I am always thankful.

To be continued ...

Mmmmm .. Melbourne!

I love Melbourne!

I was really blessed to have been given an opportunity to one of the best cities in the world.  I was assigned to work there for a total of 11 months and I still relish that experience to this day.

When my sisters decided to further study and work in Australia, I gave them my all out support to stay in Melbourne.  And I am pretty sure they love it!

I was ecstatic when we got a chance to visit them last Christmas -Mom, Dad, JJ and me visiting Johanna and Bajeck.  Jeni is missing .. next time hopefully.

So we left on the 22nd of December for Melbourne ... (Considering that I writing several months after our trip, the events are not necessarily in order)

First stop .. St. Francis Church right.  I used to attend Sunday mass here.  Sometimes I just go inside whenever I am near the area, which is just a walking distance from my workplace.  And they have a Filipino mass here!

Tram ride!  One of the reasons I love Melbourne is because of its public transportation.

Of course, we have to eat! (for lunch)

 We also got to eat at Crown (buffet dinner) .. I used to watch movies at Crown, too!

Pictorials at Yarra River!

Right across the iconic Flinders Station.  I told my sisters that we should laugh while the picture was taken.  We are so naturals! (And yes, we decided to wear maong for that day!  OOTD coordinated!)

Since it was the Christmas season, lights were all over town as well.  This one taken at Bourke Street (just near my previous work place!)

Noche Buena is not practiced in Melbourne (except for Filipino families perhaps)  But for us, along with the friends of my sisters, we really stayed awake up until midnight.  We played charades and ate.  We woke Mom and Dad just in time for Noche Buena! (With the cute Christmas tree!) (By the way, that crown thing is apparently a Melbourne/Aussie thing)

We also got to eat sumptuous dinner courtesy of Tita Cybele and family.  Busog!

Meeting the animals at Melbourne Zoo

Of course, we took the Great Ocean Road tour.  The mini-bus we rode kept on conking out and so we finished the tour late.  Nevertheless, it was still an experience worth remembering!

My first helicopter ride was right there at the 12 Apostles!  Johanna and I, who experienced it before, kept prodding our mom to take a helicopter ride.  After much thought, she decided to go for it, reasoning that the more she gets old, the less probability that she will get to experience.  Live and experience now!  Johanna and I rode experienced the helicopter ride again!  

I just can't get enough of this view!  I have been here at least 3 times, as far as I can remember!

At the Gibson steps!  I didn't go down the stairs anymore.  I just enjoyed the view!

We also went to Frankston Beach ...

Jump shot!

                                     

... to see the Sand Sculptures! (Jumanji!)

Best Actresses! (Angry Girls!)

We're all "J"s! (with Joan and John)

Living life at The Edge!  (Rialto used to be the building for a view of the city)

Brighton Beach!

And how did we spend New Year's Eve?  Together with the rest of the people of Melbourne.  We had to be early so we could get good seats ...

The gang's all here!

Last night in Melbourne!

We surely had great fun.  I am looking forward to go back to this wonderful city!