my lucky charms

“Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it."
– Charles R. Swindoll

a daughter's self-portrait...

My 20yo completed this painting today as part of her college requirements...

She was agonizing about it because it wasn't perfect..

But it definitely looks like a masterpiece to me - it just grabbed the center wall in our living room - on the mantle of our fireplace!

My Christian beliefs...

A treasured gift from my sister-in-law...

Our Jewish treasure, mezuzah...

A cherished possesion passed on to me by my mom (in-law)...

A friend once asked me,
“Do you feel like you live a charmed life?”

I chuckled and hysterically laughed,
“Me? My life’s super chaotic!”
“There’s always drama and tragedy every single day!

And when I think it can't get any worse,

Bam! Another tragedy decides to pay me a visit...”

Hhmm.. It’s been 25 years since I first arrived here in the U.S.A.!
Moved from Manila to San Francisco to Oakland to Los Angeles to San Diego and then to NJ!

I guess I do live a charmed life!

No matter how difficult the challenges we have had to face all those years,
My family got stronger…

I’m not saying I’m all smiley-faces every single hour,
But I do see the light at the end of the tunnel…

Last night, I asked my husband, “Are we going to be OK?”
“What do you mean, OK?”

"OK in our life – our marriage, our finances, our children, our quality of life.’

“Honey, after over 8 months of being home with you every single day,
Seeing each other 24/7 and not one time being mad at each other,
Our children are in good health and seem happy,
Still have a beautiful home,
A happy family,
A lovely marriage.
What more can we ask for?”

I guess I do have my lucky charm!

“The remarkable thing is, we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.” – Charles R. Swindoll

As Deborah Larson King summarized it: “Life is choices and attitude”.

What's your lucky charm?

Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Completed my first 16 Week IsaBody Challenge: Believe You Have A Purpose

My family is what matters most to me. I’m 51 and a mother of 4 (ages 14 – 26). I wanted to be healthier, more active and stronger not just for me, but for the people I love. I wanted to set an example for my family that we each possess the tools to master our wellness and vitality. I've always been petite except when I was pregnant ( when I gained an average of 50 pounds per pregnancy - 4 times!) Over the years I had tried various diet and exercise regimens, and I did enjoy a degree of success, but the results were not to the level I hoped for, and they were somewhat short lived. Achieving stable, long-lasting results proved stubbornly elusive. Then when I hit menopause everything became more difficult. My body stopped cooperating altogether, and I was constantly grumpy. My waist and hips expanded and I found myself napping in the afternoons. I started to accept the idea that there would be this new, less vibrant ...

SPICE-up a young child's development: social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional

Children are the precious gems of a family. When they’re young and innocent, they are like sponges that willingly and quickly absorb any knowledge and emotion. That’s why at an early age, we encourage our children to read, be creative, be happy and feed their curiosity. With all the technology and instant gratification that children get from playing video or computer games, asking a child to read a good book has been a challenge for some parents . “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, And though they are with you, and yet they belong not to you. You may give them your love but not your thoughts, For they have their own thoughts. You ma...

Immigration and Family: Will my mom ever get to see my daughter walk down the aisle

Last year when my father passed away in the Philippines, I went home and took some time to visit the U.S. Embassy in Manila to ask what the options are for my mother to return to the U.S. The consul reminded me of the 10-year travel ban. That on or after November 8, 2015 — not earlier – or 10 years after my mom, was deported in 2005 for overstaying her visa, I can email the U.S. Embassy and inquire about my mother’s approved petition. I asked if I need to file another petition, and she informed me I didn’t have to. I asked if I could… and she stopped me and said to ask everything on or after November 8, 2015. This is where I am, and where my thoughts are drifting as I celebrate this month my 16th American birthday. I am counting the months, the weeks and the days. My daughter is getting married in January 2016 and I would love to have my entire family, especially my mother, to be here when that momentous occasion happens.

Helping others surpass their goals and expectations

"It's not about the end goal. It's who you become by consistently pushing to the edge of your limits." - Robin Sharma Do you ever wonder why you stumble on new things? Do you ever wonder why unsuspecting strangers cross your path? Do you ever wonder why your mind takes you to a direction you didn't think exist? I was walking to StarBucks to meet my husband when I noticed a sign...

Still shaky, skidded in snow, but so blessed my guardian angels are looking after me!

"Never again wonder, what to be thankful for..." - Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life It’s yet another snowy day in New Jersey. Beautiful, yes but dangerous! In line with my goal for this month is to get back on schedule. I got up around 4am to get my 15yo ready for his Model United Nations conference. (Thankful that our neighbor offered to drive him to school by 5:30am ) I got my 9yo ready for school and I'm thankful that my other neighbor offered to drive him to school. I then drove my husband to the train station to Manhattan. I decided to stop by the Community Center and decided to run a fast 5K on the treadmill. I was 1 mile short because I was so sweaty and hot. (Note to self: dress lightly next time) While cooling down inside the car, I read Day 14’s chapter of Rick Warren's the “Purpose Driven Life” book. I felt really good because it just reminded me that there is always something to be thankful for no matter how awful yo...

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