DID YOU BELIEVE IN SANTA?

I was six years old when I found out the shocking truth. That Santa Claus was a fairy tale :( I wanted so much to see him, catch him putting gifts under our Christmas tree. So I woke up much earlier in the morning, i tiptoed down the stairs only to see our mother, also on her toes, putting goodies under our Christmas tree. I was breathing heavily and I wanted to cry. Instead, I slowly and silently took the steps back to our bedroom. Our three other younger siblings depended their Christmas delight on those Christmas socks and presents galore from Santa. I couldn't just ruin it.

So now, it's time to pass on the torch! lol A friend asked me, if later my son also finds out about the 'shocking truth' what will I do? I keep thinking and thinking about a contingency plan, but I couldn't come up with anything. For now I will just let my Abe be the child that he is supposed to be.

Abe's first Christmas sock

See the obvious delight in his face the first time he woke up to find his Chrismas sock containing goodies? A week later he thought of a brilliant idea. He hang a big plastic bag instead! How hilarious. And before he went to sleep, he shoved in some of his toys in the bag saying, "Para dugangan na lang ni Santa Claus." (So that Santa will only be adding something into it) I told him that he's breaking the tradition, to his feisty protests. Now I think I will have to look for a really big sock.

I never got to talk to my parents about their 'lie'. Nevertheless Santa Claus brought me much delight as a little girl and it's all that matters. Because of it, Christmas became my most favorite season of the year, like most of us. Imagine Jesus Christ being born and we all would have to celebrate and exchange gifts?? I tell the same story to my Gabriel, so that he too, will have something to tell his children someday.

Now, for a contingency plan...

CELEBRATING 33

Reflecting on the 33 years God has allowed my life, I came up with 33 things I discovered along my journey...

1. Life isn't about choosing the lesser evil. Evil should never be an option.

2. Nothing is indespensable. So I delete my inbox. But print some first :)

3. Friends aren't friends when they don't argue. So I stay away from them.

4. Never miss a good opportunity to shut up. It can spare you from shame.

5. The world will not stop for my tears. I cry, and sometimes I have to cry alone.

6. Laughter isn't the best medicine. Sometimes it gives me abdominal pain :)

7. But laughter keeps me young. So I laugh some more.

8. Learn poetry. You'll be surprised to know you already have it.

9. Dancing in the rain is romantic. But sometimes it gives me colds.

10.Less is more. So the less I blog, the more friends will clamour for it *nyehehe*

11.More is less. The more I talk, the less I'm being heard and understood.

12.I'm living heaven on earth. Gabriel is my little piece of heaven.

13.God loves me enough to stay silent once in a while. That will teach me forbearance.

14.It's okay if someone forgets my birthday. I forget birthdays, too.

15.Hubby can't be around always. Sometimes I have to pee at midnight - alone. So I bought my
'arenola'.

16. Once in a while, money can buy happiness. Plane tickets are expensive.

17. Bedtime stories is my father's greatest gift to me. So I pass it on to Gabriel.

18. The way to my man's heart is through his feet.

19. Saying I love you when you don't really mean it, is almost a blasphemy.

20. When someone gives me advice, I look at how he lives his life. Then I decide if I follow his advice or not.

21. I had to be a mother first before I could truly understand my own mother.

22. Dreaming is believing. How to make it happen is another story.

23. Finish at least one book in 3 months. It will keep you at par with the world.

24. Learn about computers. But keep your typewriter.

25. Share your life story. It will make you immortal.

26. When you promised someone you'll pray for them, mean it.

27. When saying sorry is hard, I don't say it. I do it.

28. Sometimes friends don't have to be frank. Reality does bite.

29. Love is a decision.

30. Also happiness.

31. And faith.

32. I am the captain of my soul. But a captain must have a compass.

33. So God is my compass.

BIRTHDAY

I'll let the photos speak for themselves for now...