My Treasure Basket

My Husband’s First Gift

I received my husband’s first gift to me last December 17, 2000 during the courtship period. He invited all of my friends to their house during a Feast in Guadalupe, Cebu City. I remembered, although I did not expect it, that his family was excited to know me especially the youngest in their family who was then about 8 years old that time. There were 5 of us who were invited and Dona, his youngest sister, asked all of us our names. I didn’t know why but I introduced myself as “Marie” my second name. I could see her confusion when she couldn’t find the person she was looking for. She told my husband which I also overheard “She is not here! I already asked all of them.” My husband who is very close to his sisters told her to ask again. Then he went to me and asked me, “What did you tell her your name is?” I said “Marie. Why?” He told me that his youngest sister was looking for me. It was discovered later that evening when she asked me again. I didn’t have a choice. I didn’t want to tell a lie. She was very talkative that time. She asked me a lot of things. She told me a lot of things as well. It was a nice conversation.

When we were about to leave my husband, who was then my admirer and suitor I guess, hand me a small box. He told me to open it. My friends were envious as they only received candies from him. I was excited to open it. I found an image of Mother Mary and Her Child. It was one of the most beautiful gifts I received! I didn’t know that my husband really cared for me that time. I was so happy and later that night I slept with the gift beside me.

Aries – The Ram

I bought a bookmark in National Bookstore one day with my husband. I purchased the one inspired by a horoscope theme. Although I really do not rely on horoscope for my dealings in life, I somehow enjoy reading information about it and about myself. I specifically chose my sign and this is what it says,

Aries
March 21 – April 20
Adventurous and Energetic
Quick-witted and Dynamic
Powerful and Passionate
Independent and Assertive
Pioneering and Courageous
Ambitious and Responsible
Enthusiastic and Confident
Straightforward and Candid

It says almost everything positive about me. However, as a human being who gets hurt, I was changed because I was hurt by the things that happened in my life that I could not control because it is a decision made by 2 people who are very close to my heart and who decided to separate. I became more aggressive when it comes to making a decision especially when I’m mad. I can be compared to a blazing fire when I am angry. Sometimes I say hurtful things that could not be taken back. I just pray that they will be able to learn for themselves not to do it to anyone. I have a lot to ponder about myself and I accept that there were times that I have become selfish and I want people to understand me. I learned a lot and I realize all my faults. But it is not that easy to change. Believe me. I always pray for spiritual guidance. It might seem that I am bubbly but that is just part of me, not really who I am. Now that I have gone through that emotional phase of my life, I am starting to heal wounds, my own wounds. I am praying that I will be blessed of the following to become a better person,

Self-control
Patience
Acceptance
Forgiveness
Self-denial
and
Peace of mind

And so today, I pray that everyone who has been hurt will be able to forgive and forget and be blessed with the things I pray for myself so that they will be able to continue through life with hope, charity and most of all, LOVE.

Desiderata

“Desiderata” is the Latin word for “desired things“. It is a prose poem written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920’s. It is about attaining happiness in life. It is about your attitude towards how you should be thankful of the blessings that you receive in life. It is about treasuring what you already have. It is about humility. Every one of us should possess the virtue of being humble so that we will be able to see the needs of other people. We should show gratitude to what we are given so that we may not ignore these beautiful things in life.

With this said, I would like to share to you this poem which was timely shared to me by a co-teacher and a friend. This poem has influenced my decisions in life, my outlook in life. I strongly believe in its message of self-worth. I want to share this because I believe that somewhere out there is that one person who really needs to understand the truths behind this poem that will make him understand the truth about his life; that will make that person believe in himself and become grateful for what he has and he is. Learn the desiderata of our lives…

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Never laugh at anyone’s dream

As early as 8 years old, I was already worrying at what do I want to be when I grow up. It was not really on the course I will be taking when I get to college. It was not about my future profession. It is all about whether I want to stay single forever, or do I want to become a nun or should I also get married just like my mother. These had been playing in my mind. I started to ask my classmates about it and their plans. I admired their answers as most of them said they want to become nuns. I thought to myself, “That is a good idea!” However, it was never my choice. I knew it! Because when I get home and see my mother teaching us what to do, I would say to myself “I will also do this with my own child.” I would even plan of doing something better. And so I decided, I will become a wife, a mother!

It is so funny when I reminisce at how I was thinking even at a very young age. I don’t know but I think it was part of my dream, my aspirations. I have come to think that no matter how funny your dreams may be, it can always come true. And so I learned never to laugh at anyone’s dream.

My First

This picture is taken in Dumaguete City, Philippines.

It is my first time to actually post an item for a blog. I am so excited although I do not know what to say. I have nothing in mind to share at this moment. I am just so happy I was able to create an account! I am an IT graduate and it seems that I am “not technically trained” at this! I was having a hard time getting through creating an account and navigating the site so that I could post this! My husband was even telling me “You’re not really techie” while I was trying to look for the save button. Anyhow, it is nice to see that I at least have started. I am hoping to share a lot of ideas and experiences here! Welcome to my first blog!!!!