Be a blessing to everyone

It's Spring Break and I chose to spend it with my family in Baltimore, Maryland. I haven't been there in 4 years, and as soon as I got there, I felt like I was home - because of the people I was with - Tito Francis, Tita Lhong, Paolo, and Marcus. As I was on the bus home to New York City earlier, I realized that I booked my ticket to Baltimore as soon as something bad happened to me weeks ago. At the first strike of the problem, I found solace in running to my Uncle. I know my sister is here with me, but I have no idea why I did what I did. 4 years ago, I went to Baltimore during the lowest part of my life. Really, it was my lowest point. I won't even talk about it anymore, because it would just bring up sad memories. But right after that trip in 2008, I came home to my parents a complete person. I didn't do touristy stuff like go to the Inner Harbor or go to Fort McHenry, I've done all those stuff before. Similarly, the past weekend was all about family and I'm so thankful I went there to visit them. Best few days I've had so far.

On the bus ride home earlier too, I realized how important (and symbolic) Baltimore is to me. Maybe it's because of the family I have there. Whatever the reason is, the trip I had recently healed me in some way. I was listening to music on my way back home, and when I heard NSYNC's "This I Promise You", tears just started to fall from my eyes (yes, drama queen lol). I felt like it was God talking to me. The first lines just hit me:

When the visions around you bring tears to your eyes

And all that surround you are secrets and lies,

I'll be your strength, I'll give you hope, keeping your faith when it's gone

The one you should call was standing here all along..

So I came home to NYC a happy lady. The Lord is always with me, no matter what happens. I just have to trust Him always in all ways. What made me extra happy today was seeing my friend, Karen's status on BBM - "Thank you Claudine for the good vibes". I just talked to her the other night and early this morning about how amazing God is and how we should trust in His goodness all the time. To see that status - I felt that I was a blessing to her, which feels so amazing. I am here to tell everyone how great God is, and to be a living testimony of His goodness. I could spend the whole day talking about how amazing He is, and not get tired of it. :) Thanks Karen, I really am happy that I was able to be a blessing to you. :)

Spreading good vibes to everyone!

XOXO

Quarter-life

For my 25th birthday, I had a very low-key celebration at home, with the most important person in NYC for me, my sister Celine. It was simple, very heartfelt, and I wouldn't have spent it any other way. I attended mass at noon to thank the Lord for another year (and for more blessings), went to school at 5:40 (and received my Finance midterm--got an A! Sweet!), went home at 8, then cooked pasta for me and my sister. Celine went home with a cake for me, and I was so happy with what she got me. We actually had two types of pasta for dinner: red and white sauces.

What I cooked: Linguine alla Vodka

Birthday cake from Chi

Celine's carbonara

Me and my birthday cake

She's gonna hate me for this, but what's a birthday without pictures, right?

I cannot believe I'm already 25. I'm torn if it means I'm that old or that young. I feel pressured to be a single lady still at 25. You see my mom got married when she was 24, my eldest sister got married when she was 23, and I am still single with no boyfriend at 25. The irony of things. And then I remembered this Filipino movie from 10 years ago starring Claudine Barretto and the late Rico Yan entitled "Got 2 Believe". I looked it up online and watched it. The lead character was basically pressured because she was 24 turning 25, and she believed that their family had a curse where if you get past the age of 25 as a single lady, you'll be an old maid forever. She wanted to meet the perfect man ASAP but ended up with the guy she least expected to fall in love with. It was funny, and it's still one of my favorite movies to date. Anyway, after I watched that, I kept laughing and told my sister I'm already at the finish line. And then I realized I shouldn't be pressured at all. I'm living in New York City, where 25 is still YOUNG. People my age are having the time of their lives, and I should be doing the same. So now, I'm happy and content to be who I am, and where I am today.

My birthday week wasn't exactly a good week for me, it was stressful, and very tough. Completely different from what I expected it to be. But the experiences I had in that week only made me stronger. And I have learned to accept things as they come, since everything happens for a reason. And I really should stop worrying about so many things and live for the moment. I have surrendered my life to the Lord and I am certain that He will provide only the best for me. I'm sure the road isn't going to be smooth, but it's gonna be an amazing journey. This is gonna be MY year. :)

xoxo