A Must Try: Regina Brett’s 45 Life Lessons And 5 To Grow On

An officemate of mine posted this in his blog, just thought of sharing it since it’s really nice.

45 Life Lessons And 5 To Grow On

by Regina Brett

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I’ve ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here’s an update:

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.
8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will this matter?”
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
35. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative – dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.
41. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

I found this list very enlightening. Sometimes, we already know these facts yet we forget to apply them.

Everyday… I Get Closer To Touching You

Today, I’m exactly 34 weeks and 6 days. Tomorrow, it’s my 35th week. as early as 37th week, I can give birth to our baby. I’m feeling a bit scared about it but I’m more of looking forward to the after birth, when I get to touch that little angel of ours.

Last, last weekend, I’ve washed two batches of the baby’s clothes. Jay washed the last batch last Sunday even if it was really late. My hubby doesn’t really do any laundry… at all! Yet he took time and exerted effort for the baby. He even tried to hang the clothes, though they were still dripping I still appreciate the effort, babe!

Last Monday, I’ve tried making samples of the molded chocolates for her baby shower (and house warming). Doing the chocolate was really tedious and time consuming aside from fact that I was using multiple colors, there were long hours of power interruptions, thus I can’t melt more chocolates nor freeze them properly. Last night, I checked on the samples and they were looking all good. Jay even said “you rock, babe!” and that we can do that as a business.

I still have lots of chocolates to do and lots of ironing behind me. Hopefully I can finish them all this weekend. We’re kinda cramming but I know it’s gonna be all worth it. All the exhaustion, preparations and discussions on which one to buy, where to place this and that, because everyday, we get closer to touching our little angel.

The Day I Thought I Lost It

Last night, I drank a tall glass of prune juice with 3 ice cubes for my pregnancy supplements.

It is unusual for me not to wake up 2-3 times early in the morning to use the restroom. So when my alarm went up at 4:55 am, I went to the restroom to pee… that’s the time I’ve realized, I’ve lost it. My mucus plug, that is. I woke up Jay so that he can check as well. I rolled some tissue and poked it to verify that those are not just a bunch of mucus drops. It has some sort of membrane and as I stir it, it released the mucus.

Jay quickly went to the check the net for images of mucus plug and he found out that it could be my mucus plug though it can still regenerate.

I’ve also asked 2 of my mother-friends; one said it’s probably not it since there’s no blood stain in it while the other said it could be it and labor may come in a few days. Though in our Childbirth class, Rome said you can lose your mucus plug and labor is still weeks away.

Now, I think I’ll just believe that I’m ok, it may be my MP or not and that labor is still weeks away.

 

*Today, I’m on my 33rd week, 5/7 days.

The Day Before The Big Day

This is the Almost-It Day. Jay and I went to SM Sta. Mesa to meet with the couturier and get the mannequin. She was, as always, late by more than 2 hours. My very-soon-to-be-in-laws were there to personally meet her, but she didn’t change her ways. We’ve had lunch, actually, they had lunch, I had avocado shake. I’m afraid that the gown won’t fit because of my growing tummy. Jay and I had our manicure and pedicure services done at David’s Salon. Funny since the two girls doing my nails were all friendly when I’ve told them that I usually get my nails done every month. They’ve asked me to go there every month but I’ve told them that I usually have it done in Rob Galleria, then they’ve stopped talking to me. Hahaha! People!

Just in time, after our nails were done, the mannequin arrived. Jay and I went straight to Country Discovery Suite Tagaytay. I slept most of the trip, it was rather shorter when you’re sleeping! The staff were kind enough to bring the luggage to the two rooms we’ve booked. Yeah, two rooms. We needed to secure the other room for tomorrow; where Jay and his family will be preparing. Jay will be preparing tomorrow at the Siam Suite while I’ll be doing the Bridal Preparations at the Nara Suite. Mine was Japanese-inspired while Jay’s was Thai. We were greeted with a refreshing shake, mint and kiwi. Weird combination but refreshing!

Jay went out to take pictures from the garden as soon as our things were all in our room. I started unpacking our clothes and other things to be accomplished like the scrapbook-guestbook. I called Jay in to help me with the book. We didn’t want the guest book from Niceprint to have scribbles of all sorts from the guests so I thought that a scrapbook wherein we’ve placed pictures when Jay was still courting me, BF-GF state up to the engaged stage. For me, it’s a nice idea for our friends and relatives to see how we really were, not just some staged pictures from the photographers. We ran out of time decorating the said guest book but I guess we can still decorate it after the wedding.

After decorating the guest book, we went out to buy wines for the godparents and parents. Good thing the box we bought from SM Sta. Mesa fits the wine. Jay was so desperate to have a massage at Ton-Ton Thai massage but since they don’t have a back-chair massage, we’ve opted to have it after the wedding. Sorry babe.

We were trying to look for a good place to eat, though we’re not really hungry. We’ve made some stops but in the end decided just to go back to the hotel. When we got there, we asked the hotel crew to prepare the jacuzzi so that we can use it by 10 pm. It was still cold when we dipped in, it was also kinda weird for a preggy girl to wear 2-pc swim suit in a jacuzzi. It was also kinda unusual since the strong bubbling is somehow “pushing” my tummy, it was like me hearing my baby “mommy, something’s punching me”. I went up the curb of the jacuzzi and just dipped my lower legs. I also massaged Jay’s back to “compensate” for the lost opportunity for the Thai massage.

After the dip, we retired to bed, just about to sleep, Jay got a message from his dad saying that there’s noone to pick up the lechon from Marawi. I was like “can’t we have someone pick it up from the airport and take it to the reception?” I was so looking forward to having a taste of that lechon. I’ve heard it’s way better than the ones we have here in Manila. So instead of being able to sleep “early” we ended up worrying about that lechon. I’ve texted friends with “friends, need help!!!” but since it was already 11:30 pm, I got responses the next day already.

Good thing Rodec, Jay’s ASTI friend, was kind enough to lend a hand. He volunteered to pick up the lechon somewhere in SLEX and bring it to the reception. (Thanks Rodec! We owe you big time!)

Next post is the Big Day. Stay tuned!!!

update: on getting married

Earlier this morning, Jay got baptised and confirmed. His godparents, my parents! His dad was there too! It’s nice that he’s able to join since I thought I needed someone to help me talk Jay to it, but Jay was nice and listened really well to the Catechist. Baptismal and Confirmation – done, we’re only waiting for papers, then we can get our Pre-Cana and Canonical Interview!

 

In the Bridal Fair in Rockwell, we were able to meet these suppliers:

1. Booked our Photographers and Videographers – NicePrintPhotography If they can throw a sales talk to us, I can throw some haggling skills back Honestly, I feel good everytime I get discounts or at least freebies. 
2. Musician – Tales of Music; Jay and I were able to hear them play. Plus we hear good feedbacks from other suppliers about them.
3. Coordinators – Red Orange; this may sound cliche (never thought I’d say this), the minute I saw Claire, I knew I wanted her to coordinate our wedding. She looked at me and smiled then went back to her reading, and when I approached her, it’s like she knew I was getting her. Though her rates is not negotiable, I think it’s a good investment. Don’t make me regret this Claire!

 

Pending:

• HMUA
• Invites
• Bridal Car
• Florist – thinking of Flowers of May

update: on having a baby

Today, I’m 7 weeks and 2 days pregnant. I know this journey has just started for me though I’m already experiencing the “symptoms” of pregnancy. Knowing that every pregnancy is unique, some may experience this but others may not.

For me, in my 5th week, I experienced my 1st vomiting (for this pregnancy) in Anawangin, Batangas, 2nd was on April 20 in One.-E-Comm Tower parking lot (when I was rushed to a hospital), 3rd was on April 21 in my bathroom, Bulacan house. Aside from this, I’m also experiencing dizziness every now and then, chest pains/ heartburns.

April 20 was a day to remember for me. I was in the office, the air-conditioning was colder than usual. I started to have chills and lower back pains. The pain started to worsen, I can no longer seat comfortably in my chair, I felt weak and dizzy. I asked Don to accompany me to the clinic at the end of the mall but when I can no longer take the pain and chills became more regular, I called Jay to pick me up. Unfortunately, he was in an important meeting, though he left the meeting without finishing it, I felt that I can’t wait for him. I’ve asked Don to take me to the hospital. Don (group lead), MJ (team lead) and Joseph (Manager) was with me up to the parking lot, Joseph drove me to the hospital. He saw that I was uncomfortable and starting to chill again, he changed set the heater up and started to ask me about things. He was trying to take my mind out of the things I’m experiencing .

We got to the ER, with me walking carefully. I was asked about how I’m feeling and to take the bed need the CR (which was ok since it wasn’t smelly and I often pee since I’m pregnant.

The Resident Doctor asked me the same questions, had my blood and urine samples. The male nurse who took my blood was having difficulty since my veins don’t usually show up. I honestly told him that “they’re hiding for a reason”

For some reason, I got hesitant with needles when I started working. So this male nurse had to ask me questions and shared some info about himself. He was like “George Omali” in Grey’s Anatomy which was good because that’s what I needed.

Jay came afterwards. Joseph was relieved of his task

After waiting for what felt eternity, the doctor requested that I have myself admitted “so that they can monitor me and know why I got sick.”

I was feeling better that time and felt that admission (especially in that hospital – where the doctor seemed to be doubting what to prescribe) is not necessary or even safe to do.  :P

Though I still need to find out why I got sick and if our baby is ok. So we had dinner in Makati, on our way to Medical City. Went to the ER in an “non-emergentt” situation. Waited for 1 hour to get checked by the doctor, another 1 hour for the Urinalysis result, and another 1 hq

Urine test cleared me from UTI, the OB told me that I was fine though they still suggest that I have myself admitted. When I asked them if they found anything wrong in my baby or myself, they said that we’re both ok, with that in mind I asked them if I could just go home and signed a waver. I said that I will go back as soon as I feel anything bad and they said ok.

Since the doctor advised me to have 2-day bed rest and Jay has to work, I asked him if he could drive me to the Bulacan house where my parents can look after me and even if it’s already 1:30 am, he drove.

I stayed at home, eating, watching and sleeping most of the day.  I was feeling better though I threw up my breakfast (strawberry and grapes). Come Thursday, I reported to work. We’re on halfday since we don’t have my load.

Went to meet Jay for the scheduled ultrasound but halfway to the doctor, Jay’s officemates kept on texting him about the important meeting, so we’ve decided to reschedule it.

Come Friday, I’m having pains and had an emergency visit to my OB. She told me to get Ultrasound since I’m already 7 weeks pregnant. So, I was late for work and was trying to find efficient elevators in Medical City (somehow, their elevators seemed to have program bugs). After waiting for more than 30 minutes, my OB showed up in the Women’s Health Center to personally conduct my Ultrasound. I requested her to do it for me so that she can explain to us (Jay and I) how’s the baby doing inside. After with all the twitching inside me, she showed us the “baby” with a tiny beating heart.

I felt a deep sense of relief. It’s got heartbeat! And I’m happy to see that Jay’s happy too! Here’s some pictures of the Ultrasound.

update on: trying to get married

Today, my sister took me to Motif & Styles, together with our mom. Ate told me that she’s planning to get her gown and entou’s gown from this lady.

When we went there, Ms. Mayette was not yet there, but her assistant was so accommodating. She allowed me to try 3 gowns. 1 my sister here really liked, and 1 I really liked. Thus I’ve changed my mind from A-line to ball-gown.

When Ms. Mayette came she asked me if I already have a design and I showed it and then she asked me to wear her gown that I liked. She said that the ball gown complimented my body frame and I’d look better in ball gown. And instead of having the bolero I’ve wanted, I changed my mind to the nice strap she made for the gown I liked.

I then talked to her about my female secondary sponsors, their body frame and their preferences. Initially I wanted a plum and an-almost-egg-yellow motif. At first we’ve agreed that it would look nice but when we were already talking about the bride’s maids, we were having difficulty as to how to incorporate the yellow to their gowns. So I opted to follow Vera Wang’s actual gown, design and color combination, plum and magenta. We’ve also incorporated the same motif to the rest of the bride’s maids. Ate here, opted for a pure plum gown, which she can still wear somewhere else. My only flower girl will be wearing a magenta gown with plum ribbon, just to retain that little girl’s color but still inline with the motif.

After that, we’ve had our measurements. Me, ate and then our mom. It was nice to deal with her, easy to talk to, and gives her opinions about the designs. Hopefully my gown will be grew at, since I’m ate’s guinea pig.  

We’ve made partial payment already, I’ll just have to set a schedule for my bride’s maids’ measurement. Luckily she’s willing to go to a place where we can meet somewhere in EDSA.

trying to get married

Here’s what we’ve covered so far:

 

1. NSO certified Birth Certificates – called them, should arrive by Friday.
2. CENOMAR (Certificate of NO Marriage) – called them, should arrive together with the Birth Certificates.
3. Baptismal and Confirmation papers – I’ve got my mom’s friend from the church to accomplish these. Thanks sister Lita. As  for Jay, it’s either he get baptised and confirmed in Valenzuela or get a Dispensation paper.
4. Musician – I’ve already asked for a quotation and then I’ll book them.
5. Reception – Moon Garden – booked
6. Church – Caleruega – booked
7. MC – talked to Meli already

Next in line is the booking of NicePrint for  the Ph0tography. I’ll talk to them tomorrow. 

Organizers, I’ll talk to Khae and mommy Crissy for this.

On Saturday, I’ll scout with my sister and mom for gown maker.

Jay and I will start designing the invitation hopefully this weekend. 

 

Whew! So much to do in so little time.

trying to spread the news… gently

Last Maundy Thurday, March 9, we went home to Marilao to inform my parents. Nothing formal, I cornered my mom in the kitchen, I let my 4 year old niece tell my older sister that I’ll be a mom soon… and for my dad, my mom did it for me.

Jay texted his parents about it and they said Thanks for the great news!

March 10, Friday, I told Tin, Eds and Dana. They were quite surprised, thought that I was kidding. Until I showed them the doctor’s prescription and requests for lab tests. 

Come Saturday, March 11, we went to Batangas. Jay dived with his friend Vinz, he told Vinz and I told it to his GF and Kerry, the wife of Vinz’ friend. 

Sunday, I told Khae, Brianne and Julius, my Friday Group friends.

The news is spreading slowly, nobody’s telling it aside from me and Jay…

not until today, I told Don, my acting team lead, and then he started mentioning 9  to the team, that I won’t be able to play badminton since it’s bad for me now. then it spread to the team. Hahaha! Nothing beats the DON.

Anyways, nothing to hide, not ashamed of it. I’m even happy for this. Hope everything goes well.

trying something big

Since I was a kid, I knew that someday, I want to be a mom. At 24, it became more intense for me. Now, I’m 26… just imagine the progress.

Since I’ve been engage to Jay, I’ve been asking him for a baby. Yeah, like I’m asking for a puppy. I wasn’t that dead serious though but that thought makes me happy every now and then.

Last March 5, a day before my birthday, I had my first menstruation for the month. I’m supposed to have my first day for April last 2nd, but I was 4 days  delayed.

Yesterday morning, when I realized that  I’m delayed, I took 2 pregnancy test kits, low and behold, both of them gave me two red stripes.

Jay was there when we’re putting drops in those tiny kits. When we saw 2 stripes, he even said, It says wait for 5 minutes.

Yeah, like the other stripe will disappear.

This morning, I tried 3 more kits! As if 2 were not convincing enough! The first one gave me an invalid result since I dropped the urine in the wrong whole.  The remaining 2 gave me 2 red stripes.

I’m convinced

No, we can still use the remaining one, you wanna try?

No, that says it all, babe.

While driving to work we were discussing how it’s going to be. And we’ve agreed on having a civil wedding as soon as possible (hopefully we can get the rings fast) and then church wedding, much more intimate than the first planned. It’ll be us, the entourage and the rest of the immediate family who are not in the entourage.

I’ve searched the net and found out that it takes 10 working days to get a Marriage License and still have to go through the seminars.

This is it, we’re getting married, and we’re having a baby!!!