Before I Retire for the Night

Before I retire for the night, let me just say that today is a holiday and I took the time to work on parts of my project paper for graduate school. 

I realize that I have procrastinated long enough, and that I should be tackling things one at a time. 

To be honest, one of the reasons why it took me so long was because I was too idealistic to have a complete set of respondents. When in reality, I had to accept the fact that the time has long passed, and that I must make do with what I have. 

And so, the earlier I accept that, the better. 

If I want to graduate next year, I have to put in the work and prepare myself for the next round of defense. 

So far, I am happy with what I have worked with. And I'm proud to say that I did it all on my own. It won't be long, and I will be finalizing my paper, improving it and sorting out the details. 

I can't wait to celebrate this milestone with C and my family. 

I just really need to close this chapter of my life instead of wondering about the what ifs. 

That's just something for me to dream while I get my rest tonight. Tomorrow is another day. 

Note: The seaport image is about my research on seaport cities. I thought that will serve as a fair enough warning LOL. 

January Hauls, Bits and Pieces

The first month of the year, I thought I had enough time to wrap things up and take it slow, but it's not what I expected. I'm currently going after my personal goals and realized that it takes courage to do all the things I really want and that I have to trust in myself.  It's really no use holding on to the things that weight me down when I want to fly. 2013 was a year of hits and misses, but at least I am mature to realize what I should be prioritizing and what I should be accomplishing this year. My goals may be difficult but still doable.

Starting the year, it's all a mixture of re-energizing and indulging in comfort (as you can see in photos of my favorite food) and the things that I enjoy. Throughout this week I was kind of feeling pressured, but now, I feel relieved and encouraged somehow. I find strength in the least expected places and I am glad to know that there are people who truly value me as a person.

There will be more to come here in my corner, albeit I struggle to find time to let you know what's happening with me so far, but I'm still going to make it a point to come back on every now and then.

From me to you, thank you for making my time here truly memorable.

xoxo

Raisie

What Papa Taught Me

I wouldn't be here without the most important man in my life; Papa. 

He sacrificed so much together with my Mom to give me what he thinks I deserve, together with my siblings. He made sure that I can sleep well, with food to eat, and a comfortable house to go home to, to rest and to live in. 

He made sure I had a childhood, and made sure I got good education, so I could face the world independently. 

I am proud that even if sometimes we both don't agree on some trivial matters, like how to cook this dish and that dish, where to go first, or what to do this year, the bonding moments are irreplaceable. 

He still insists to fetch me if he could, and bring me safely from one destination to the other. 

He makes sure I have what I need. 

He won't sacrifice my security and company to people he does not know or does not trust. 

My fondest memory of being with Papa was when we travelled from Tacloban-taking the overnight ferry to Cebu and then finally touchdown in Cagayan de Oro to meet with my Mom. We did that when I was only eight years old, and backpacking while he carried nothing more than my milk and vitamins in his huge knapsack. 

Father's Day Lunch

Papa enjoying his self-prepared home-cooked, medium-rare steak lunch with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables

He always cooks home-made meals for us, every chance he gets. He is the only one who can satisfy my search for pork sinigang, I got home from college during sem break and told him about how no restaurant in Cagayan de Oro can cook pork sinigang the way I wanted, and he just looked at me as if saying "Told you so". 

Most Important Lesson Papa Taught Me: "Make sure there is food, for your body, for your mind, your soul, and always, always, be grateful for what you HAVE. You will be surprised how this can teach you humility. Share what you have, and always remember that material things do not amount to what you need in this world: love, family, friends and freedom." 

What I have yet to teach him: Computer encoding and how to log in his FB account just so he can play poker. 

What To Look Forward To This Year: Papa and I got promo tickets to Cebu this July to visit Tito Ruel in Ormoc, Leyte and we will be spelunking (without my mother's knowledge) in Samar. 

Happy Father's Day, thank you for everything.