This is a little uncanny! I looked at my last post a year ago and what do you know, I quoted same and exact words from John Burroughs while greeting everyone a happy year 2010. I made my New year greetings early this morning and this is what I wrote on the picture that I took last December 25.
Compared to the bustle and clutter of 2009, this year has been a little subdued. It was a year full of quiet musings and deep introspections. I’ve gone on a few short trips, just testing how I can endure the long ride after chemotherapy. Time was when, my life was divided into pre-surgery, recuperation and chemotherapy. I thank God for giving me the strength to carry on despite the pain. Hard knocks of life really make us a little stronger and enduring.
Hubby and I went back to Caleruega for an overnight stay last February 11, 2010 and as I have said in my previous blogs, that trip was a litmus test for me after six grueling sessions of chemotherapy. If there is one place that I’ve blogged more than anything, it’s Caleruega. It has become a sort of sanctuary for me. And I thought, if I could survive that trip, then I am well. I did and I am so much thankful for it.
Next came our Visita Iglesia last April 01. We did the rounds of at least seven churches in six towns in Laguna. Every year, we make it a point to visit some churches during Holy Week .We traveled via the scenic route from Binangonan, Cardona, Morong, Baras and Pillila, Rizal to the towns of Mabitac, Siniloan, Famy, Pangil, Pakil and Paete. Laguna is famous for century-old churches. It was a little tiring for me, what with so many people around and mostly under the heat of the sun. I did okay, another plus for endurance, don’t you think? Anyway, I thought that if I could spend the whole day outside without complaining of over-fatigue, everything would be okay and it was. Hubby and I were also able to attend a Lenten retreat which made the celebration of Lent all the more meaningful. God is so good!
Finally had our small grotto blessed last April 11, 2010. It was my promise to Mama Mary that I would have her image enshrined at our garden when I go out of the hospital. Our garden was destroyed by typhoon Ondoy so we had to replenish everything planted there. The grotto has a small pond and we have Koi fish swimming there now. I am still not much into gardening except for an hour or two spent watering the plants every morning.
I was rushed to the hospital last May 01, 2010 because of an acute UTI and my urologist found out that a kidney stone was lodged somewhere in my urinary tract prompting him to insert a DJ stent for three months. It was a quick but an expensive procedure. I have to make another visit to Dr. Ang’s clinic ( he is my surgical oncologist) and he assured me that I could spend the Christmas holidays without the pressure of having another colonoscopy since he scheduled it early next year. Hooray!
My life is slowly but surely getting back to normal. Reading has taken a backseat though because I easily get tired while my eyes are focused on the small prints. I remember the days when I could finish a book in a day, two or three days at the most for a long novel. One of the joys of recuperating is having relaxed days, just concentrating on getting back your strength, never doing any taxing job. I feel guilty though that I could not do heavy household chores although around this time, I could easily tag along doing the weekly marketing without complaints.
June 05, 2010 was Bank of the Philippines Island’s Family Day. My daughter persuaded me to come but I was afraid to take any ride so I ended up just relaxing. I found a former office mate, such a perfect time to catch up on each other’s lives.
The month of July found me attending our second grand reunion at the UST Library aptly called Balik-Aklatan 2. Ten years ago, we had our first reunion and this is the second time we had it. It’s nice to be back and see old friends and new faces . The three years I spent here were the best years of my teenage life. My love of books started during my stay here and I greatly appreciate what the experience taught me – responsibility at an early age, juggling work with studies, meeting lots of friends and colleagues and most of all learning to appreciate good books. I was able to view the library exhibit’s Lumina Pandit which is in preparation for the Quadricentennial celebration of the University.
Remembering the good old days – that’s what the reunion was all about. Hubby and I had an overnight trip to Bataan middle of September. We heard mass at Balanga Cathedral and met some new friends. Awesome place, friendly people. I want to go back there one of these days, if time permits. September also started my journey as one of the three administrators of a Catholic page at Facebook. Fr. Louie, OP calls it my online apostolate. It is such a joy to be able to help and inspire other people. Membership at the site is steadily increasing. What a wonder, God is pointing the way for me to interact with people. Last September 25, I was able to touch the image of La Naval when my good friend Lovell invited me to join them in praying the rosary when they transferred our Lady of La Naval in an enclosed room in preparation for the October Feast Day. Awesome moments for me, seeing her up close! Last November 29, I met an online friend for the first time after exchanging notes and blogging at Multiply. Bong is such a very gracious lady and we had a blast with her hubby, my daughter and my husband.
A few days ago, my daughter, his boyfriend and I went home to attend the barangay fiesta at our place. Though it was only a short vacation, I enjoyed it. We’ve been able to visit some relatives and spent lunch at Maxine’s facing the famous Hundred Islands. I took lots of pictures of course.
At the marina, facing the lighthouse ….
The famous tourist attraction, The Hundred Islands in Lucap, Alaminos City
Somewhere along SCTEX , facing the Arayat Mountains in Pampanga
It’s been a good year so far and before it ends, I want to greet all of you HAPPY NEW YEAR. May the coming year be fruitful, blessed and happy for all of us.
Dreams And Escapes 
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