WiMo!: Wrapping up 2007

As much as I wanted to hold on to the year that brought tremendous changes in my life, I would say 2007 just have to pass it on to the next exciting year not just for me but for the one whom I share my life with.

Isn't it nurturing to look back at the ups and downs of 2007? I have so much to cherish in this year. While 2006 was my cue to leave my singlehood forever, 2007 has taught me something extremely worth keeping. Well, of course all of life's challenging adventures are all worth keeping it's just that my enthrilling journey to married life is something for the books.

January-February-March: These months taught me and Poms the true meaning of sacrifice. Our patience and faith were tested. For just two months shortly after our church wedding Poms left for the US. We chose that path for our future hoping to be together again soon. But the waiting period was unexpected. I never felt so lonely without Poms by my side. Some days I told myself if choosing a brighter future with a little bit of sacrifice was the best decision we've ever made then I would always think that whenever there's sacrifice there'll always be sweet rewards.

April-May-June: It was a very emotional moment on the phone when Poms called up to greet me a happy birthday. Months passed by and I became more eager to be with him. Poms on the other hand was keeping his loneliness all by himself. He never told me but I felt it. He made me strong always and I on the other hand never gave him a reason to be unhappy. It's funny how we comfort each other by saying we'll be together again real soon when deep inside our hearts we feel each other's pain-the longing to be with each other. The good news is, we both tried to veer away with sad issues. All we wanted was to hear each other's voices. His voice was my comfort and I was happy to be an inspiration to him. June was the happiest month of all. After six months I left Manila. We were together again after six months. It was also the moment when I felt my vows to Poms run in my veins. It was such an amazing feeling. Love itself is a magical word living in a real world.

July-August-Septermber: New life, new culture, new home. The previous months that turned our world upside-down have produced sweet rewards for being patient. This was indeed a really tough year that struck us hard like our heads banged against the wall and made us realized that this is life we're dealing with. It's time to put those daydreams into reality. We are now on our own away from our families and relatives. Our first year anniversary was the most simple one. I could not ask for more. I've toured eight States in five months with Poms. It was an adventure to know the culture, tradition, and history of another country. I was never fond of travelling until I married a traveller. Going around to so many places had given me a thrilling adventure but still I miss the place where I call home. My real home. There were times when I tell myself how I wish my family and friends were with me to experience the same adventures of life outside Philippines. I just never get tired of saying there's no place like home over and over again.

October-November-December: I am now starting to like our life away from home but not too much. Despite those fulfilling trips we had, there are some nights that I just couldn't stop thinking about how I miss everyone. I never thought that being apart from the people I grew up with and the place I bravely travelled during late nights would quite create an impact of homesickness. Now I understand how our beloved OFWs feel especially those with families and little children they left to provide them a better future. That is why I was so enraged when a story came out about OFWs sweating out cheap colognes packed in an international flight to Dubai. Some people just don't get it.

Well, that's just about it. My Poms and I are ready to welcome 2008. Let us all hope and pray for more good things to come this year.

Right now we are welcoming 2008 at Poms's cousin Eileen in LA. Her house atop the hills has the best view of LA's skyline. I just couldn't take the best shot so I just took a picture with George joining us for the New Year. He's just so adorable and sweet. We couldn't leave him alone. He gets agitated with the noise made by fireworks.

We dedicate the first day of the year to the One who sent us with so much blessings. When you visit LA don't forget to pass by the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angeles. You'll be surprised of what to see in this church.

Trivia: I am not sure if everyone of you knew this but the word "Hollywood" that appears on top of the hill in Los Angeles, was not built to symbolize LA as the entertainment capital of the US nor a symbol of the movie industry in Beverly Hills. It's actually put up by a private neighborood by its homeowners to let the people know it's their neighborhood's sign board. Big time! How cool is that?