Single, Happy and Grateful

Thanks but I'm single but and happy.

I hear myself saying this quiet often lately. I have yet to learn to say it nicely, though because I think I am sounding defensive when I do.

Well-meaning friends, colleagues and relatives have this tendency to think they know better how I can be happy. That I need a partner in life. To some extent, others even suggested that I adopt a baby or a child. What???!! 

But, I am having the time of my life. Right now, as a singleblessed person.

Again, I know they mean well especially because they know I like kids. But as much as I like kids, I like them when they're clean, happy and smiling. Not when they're cranky, smelly and needs cleaning up. When they're in that state, I know it's time to give them back to their moms.

Some would say, you don't know what you're missing. But I also believe that what I don't have, I don't need. So, if I don't have a boyfriend, a husband or a child, it's because I don't need them to grow as a person. I am perfectly fine growing and learning by myself.

Some even have this notion that single people are weird or something is wrong with us that's why we haven't tied the knot with anyone. It's as if the only acceptable state of life for lay people is getting married. I went thru that phase already. I used to think that too. But if that's the case, how come there are married people who have wretched lives.

Of course, those who have marital woes would tell me I'm better off not being hitched. But that doesn't comfort me. I actually feel bad for them. I'm hoping they'd redeem themselves by saying, at least they grew stronger and wiser. Or that they got a beautiful child out of their marriage. Or something like that. Because I think people in our lives and things and events happen for one or two reasons. And one of them, I am certain is for our personal growth. These people and events test our endurance and enhance our character. And we come out better persons and/or become closer to God.

As for me, I am special because I don't need to undergo such pain (and the joy that go with it, too.) Thank God. Suits me fine. ;p

I Saw Red

There was something special and different, I suspected in the air today when I stepped out. People looked frenzied, excited and wearing something red. People in the mall or out in the street were either holding a rose, a bouquet of flowers, a box of cake, Blue Magic paper bag or something beautifully wrapped.

I saw a few couples wearing red tees. One couple in their 50's were both wearing red tops and white jeans. Cute.

The flowers shops were abuzz. The delivery boys and florists looked perplexed as men looking smart in their shirts were like bees who droned about and lined up for a bouquet of roses and lilies. It looks like they skipped lunch to purchase beautiful and expensive flowers for their lady loves. This must be the busiest day for flower shops. 

If there was a day to be brave and ask a girl out, it was today. Which explains why the ladies looked expectant and giggly while the guys had that dreamy but nervous look.

With all these clues, you can't miss this love-ly day. Happy V to everyone! 

Been to Malacanan & Friends' Wedding

Yay! I can already tick off 2 items on my list for 2014!

1. Last January 24 Friday, I got to tour Malacanan Palace. Thanks to our American intern, David, whom we at the office tried to take around as much as we could during his short stint here in Manila, I too got to visit the Presidential home. It's one of those things I take for granted, just because I live in Manila.

2.  I missed attending a friend's wedding last year for a very shallow reason, I had no date to go with. No girl friend to go with even, so I skipped it. But I regretted that so I told myself last year, that's not going to happen again. So, when my friends Mike and Anj invited me to their wedding, I said yes, I'll be there. Right away.

Reception at the Manila Polo Club

Only to realize later that it was on a Thursday! I had to skip work. And to think, we were preparing something important that very week. Good thing, we were pretty much done by Wednesday. Whew! I didn't have to cancel on the couple's big day or feel guilty about being absent from work.

National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe 

Glad I went. It's one of the happiest and beautiful weddings I've been to. To Mike and Anj, have a great marriage!