GRATITUDE JOURNAL

May you and your loved ones have the best of health, peace and love this Christmas, and all of life's blessings this coming year. In our little corner, a quiet lunch, an afternoon of marathon Netflix of Mama's favorite Love to Last series, kakanin snacks, early dinner, gift-giving and streaming mass completed our Christmas Eve celebration.  ♥️

Counting down via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CIYAoJ8gK1L/

via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CIQa5L2Ao-l/

Our family last Nov 22, after we attended Sunday mass in church for the 1st time during the pandemic... via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CIIjkJDA5eF/

via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CIIiLragKpV/

Dear 2020,  What was all that? 2019 pales in comparison to you. You clearly wanted to be remembered.  I genuinely hope that the remainder of the year is all about healing, survival, celebration, reconnection and unity.  Love,  Me  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CHz9OIQggMR/

via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CHzpHUUAQWG/

Pusoy pa more!  How comical dear hubby looked when he tried to prevent the stray ball from hitting me as I sat and arranged my cards. People were actually watching while I was absolutely oblivious to what was happening. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤪  The ball careened above my head and crashed against the tripod which was recording at that time. Lucky capture I guess, and lucky miss too, though I didn't win in any of the card games.  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CHsP9PVgnzm/

via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CHsCmbKAyFg/

To make sense of things running through my head, I resorted to reading some articles.  Clearly there are different viewpoints about things. Some validated my thoughts and some pulled me in a different direction altogether.  Ultimately, it made me realize that my daily “hurdle” is also a daily reminder of how blessed I truly am.  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CHfW1EzAeNd/

via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CHfWccBgv-g/

Sandra Tsing Loh once said, "I am a member of the 'sandwich' generation, that group that must simultaneously care for elderly parents and support children." I, too, find myself in this sitch. Since 2016 to be exact... Thus, it is inevitable that the stress of dealing with competing priorities gets the better of me. Add to that the effects of dwindling hormones, then boom! Insanity.  So on this one day in a year, I decided to spend with dear hubby, away from everyone. I felt I needed the breathing space badly, so I single-handedly booked us for a stay in a villa by the sea. And I must say, that was one glorious and happy escape.  Crimson Resort  October 2020  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CHcx9s5ARze/

Then 🍽 🍌🥚🍞💊🚿☺️ via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CHWfC74gk-P/

Hoping and praying for better normal  💦☀️🌴🍃  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CHSfAacASh8/

🤔☺️ via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CHSc7DnAlR4/

53 years and 1 week...  Showing off the laugh lines that helped me get through tough times, the wrinkles that were borne out of empathy for others, and everything in between.  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CHP6gDrgJ__/

via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CHP444mgWoD/

On the 30th day of the 10th month, a queen in the Pearl of the Orient Seas was born. It was the 303rd day and 44th Monday of the year in the Gregorian calendar. The queen just turned 53.  Those are fun facts, but just kidding about the queen. 😁  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CHAdT7SAJX4/

via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CG9q1vLAhwE/

For some people, wanderlust stops when the kids come along. I agree that it could be daunting to tow little ones around unfamiliar places.  For our family, the idea of taking the brood was intimidating at first: expenses, logistics etc... However, over the years, we have accepted that there will be mishaps and mistakes along the way. And there are many of those little annoyances, believe me. Lol. But we look forward to the far bigger bunch of good stuff that will happen as well. ♥️  Mt. Titlis, Swiss Alps  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CG4u7RmAY5_/

via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CG4sT95gsU_/

Missing our brunches ♥️  This photo from 2016 appeared in my FB memories. Looking back to the time our school kids were much younger and our schedules were easier to manage. ☺️  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CG2KGpmglY1/

Virtually travelling to Cebu's South Sandbar which we visited with family and friends last May 15, 2016.  It was memorable for how pristine and unexploited it looked, how overjoyed everyone was while paddleboarding and swimming, and how the boat ride back to the city triggered one of my worst panic attacks. 😣🤣  South Sandbar, I remember that day very strikingly.

View this post on Instagram Lisieux 2018 "Even now I know it: yes, all my hopes will be fulfilled... yes... the Lord will work wonders for me which will surpass infinitely my immeasurable desires."- St. Therese In a world full of uncertainty and despair, the great virtue of hope keeps us afloat, while we hold on to the promise that things will be better. A post shared by Linnor 🇵🇭 (@linnor) on Oct 23, 2020 at 5:02am PDT via IFTTT Lisieux 2018  "Even now I know it: yes, all my hopes will be fulfilled... yes... the Lord will work wonders for me which will surpass infinitely my immeasurable desires."- St. Therese  In a world full of uncertainty and despair, the great virtue of hope keeps us afloat, while we hold on to the promise that things will be better.

View this post on Instagram The trill of birds, the dazzling colors of a rainbow and a placid Sun Moon Lake during an afternoon stroll... What could be more tranquil than that? A post shared by Linnor 🇵🇭 (@linnor) on Oct 20, 2020 at 5:00am PDT via IFTTT   The trill of birds, the dazzling colors of a rainbow and a placid Sun Moon Lake during an afternoon stroll... What could be more tranquil than that?

View this post on Instagram Unedited clips from the archives A post shared by Linnor 🇵🇭 (@linnor) on Oct 19, 2020 at 5:03am PDT via IFTTT Unedited clips from the archives

2020-10-18 This year looks a lot different from what we are used to.  And seven months into the lockdown, restrictions are easing up a bit. Is it a good thing? I'm not really sure. Too many thoughts running...  Meanwhile, here we are after the 32nd livestreamed Sunday Mass we attended.  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CGe_CePA9BH/

View this post on Instagram The boys A post shared by Linnor 🇵🇭 (@linnor) on Oct 17, 2020 at 5:04am PDT via IFTTT The boys

2020-1010 Last Saturday's alfresco afternoon tryst happened more than 8 months after the last one.  This time, ubiquitous bottles of hand sanitizers were on the table.  Masks were off only when eating, drinking and when taking photos.  There were no cheek kisses, no hugs, no high-fives or fist bumps.  What used to be friendly gestures were missing, but the banter and muffled laughter through our masked faces more than made up for the lack. A lot have changed since that Sinulog religious procession we all participated in last January.  Though we miss the old ways, we are settling into this new normal, whatever form it may take.

Posting this from 2018 because of #EmilyInParis  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CGKYzJBAMdN/

It may seem like our lives have now returned to some semblance of normalcy, but far from it.  In reality, there were only about 3 other groups more than a meter away from us. Masked diners waited for food to be served. One family wiped down their tables and chairs.  The way people were being cautious quieted my anxiety a bit as I sprayed alcohol all over my unopened can of juice...  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CF4XJZQA2OF/

Late this afternoon up in the mountains of Cebu, 30 minutes away from home.  Too many things to prep for these days before stepping out of the house: quarantine passes, masks, shields, alcohol spray bottles, wet wipes or hand sanitizers, own pen for filling up health sheets.  Missing the time when we would just up and go spontaneously without any thought.  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CF1yOsfgvbh/

View this post on Instagram Before and after DIY. Not perfectly done but I feel accomplished nonetheless. Sept 16, I trimmed my long tresses. Oct 1, I colored my grays. 💁🏻‍♀️ A post shared by Linnor 🇵🇭 (@linnor) on Oct 1, 2020 at 7:10pm PDT via IFTTT Before and after. Not perfectly done but I feel accomplished nonetheless. Sept 16, I trimmed my long tresses. Oct 1, I colored my grays. 💁🏻‍♀️

A new month in a few days...  Things have changed beyond what we were used to and we are all adapting. Though we have lost some degree of control over our lives, I think there are some good stuff that have (and will) come out from all this modification in the way we live: new habits, new hobbies, more healthy lifestyle, less consumerism, more introspection...  For now let's stay healthy and safe. Let's stay calm and stay sane, while we ponder on what life will be like after this.  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CFo6eUxAN0q/

The mask is only required upon entering the resort and while filling up the health questionnaire.  I was just being extra. 😷  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CFjxbkUgpfb/

Happy to beach here ☺️.  This was two weeks ago. I pray for the day when our extended family can visit again.  For now we abide by the rules that only those with quarantine passes are allowed to go out and cross city borders.  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CFegSxRgeeX/

HAPPY 82nd BIRTHDAY, MA!!! May God bless you with more birthdays to celebrate with us. We love you. via IFTTT

We picked our piping hot calamari with our alcohol-sprayed fingers, the same way we ate the fries that came with it. And both bottles of beer that Jerry consumed, also passed through additional disinfection.  I'm sure the resort already did their health protocols but new normal is being extra cautious about exposure.  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CFW487WAvCX/

Relishing the beach weather away from other resort guests 😌 via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CFUUU1ygUaL/

While smiling for the camera here, we were a mixed bag of emotions: happy to be out in the sun and breathing the sea breeze, but there was that feeling of unease; prepared, yet we wondered if our safeguards were enough.  In front of us were very few people lounging, some were in the water and two ladies were on a banana boat. Everything seemed normal. However, lifeguards and guests with masks were proof that everything was far from the old normal we were used to.  Even though it is safe outdoors versus enclosed places, and there is much more space to be 6 feet apart, we still couldn't let our guards down...  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CFRwGIbAEVd/

It has been raining lately and most days have been overcast. However, we were fortunate to have a nice, bright and breezy day last week. Perfect for the work holiday too!  So after months of being cooped up at home except for essential errands, we dared to venture out. Armed with our quarantine passes, masks and shields, we drove to our destination 18 km away.  Finally! ☀️🌊🌴  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CFMldXfAFrO/

2020-09-15 This wasn't really an attraction but I felt it was a nice spot for a shot while waiting for my brother to take us around Boston Common and Public Garden.  I could hardly recall what exactly happened, but this photo reminds me of that time when confusion ensued because we couldn't find him and he was frantically searching for us too.  Funny how photos bring back memories like that. I am shaking my head and grinning in amusement now. ♥️  Boston  May 2014  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CFKBi5NATAv/

2020-09-14 Friends tell me they cannot imagine themselves packing so much sightseeing in a short span of time. For peso-pinching travelers like my family, it is how we make the most of our budget for five. This photo, for example, was taken at Solvang where we had lunch. When we traveled from Anaheim to San Francisco, instead of renting a self-drive vehicle, we opted to take a tour bus which had stops at Santa Barbara and Solvang.  It was a better option for we didn't have to take turns at the wheel for the long drive or risk getting lost. We just slept on the road, then explored the places and took photos in every stop. It was fun, I highly recommend it. Caveat, read user reviews to be sure.  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CFHb3PPg5d2/

2020-09-13 Isn't a mom always the biggest fan of her youngsters? There may be times when things are not a-okay, when tempers flare up or when views clash but never will I ever be not thankful for and proud of these three ♥️.  Banff, May 2017  #sundaythoughts #reminiscing  via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CFE3d5hAH1D/

2020-09-12 The sons while playing frisbee on a cold spring day on a beach in Orleans, Cape Cod (May 2, 2014). #reminiscing via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CFCSjHRAT1S/