GRATITUDE JOURNAL

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. 💁🏻‍♀️