30 at 30

By Celine -
I'm celebrating my third decade on this beautiful world this month, and I thought of making a list of thirty things I'm grateful for. I'm going to divide it into sections as best as I could, but I could be repeating some of them.

Faith

This is something I am grateful to my mom and years of Catholic education. No, I haven't memorized the bible, but the values it instilled in me have been a foundation of my life.

1. God

I'm a Catholic. I'm thankful to know that I worship a loving God who sent his Son, Jesus, to save me. Every time I go through trials, and there's been plenty, I know I can go to Him and surrender.

2. Kerygma Family

I can't remember the first time I discovered Kerygma, but receiving the Gospel for the day and reflection allows me to be connected to God daily. Moreover, the teachings are not just for spiritual growth. They include financial, emotional, and even physical.

3. Faith Community

When Jomar and I moved into our current apartment in Canada, it's just the two of us. My parents and siblings live in another city. However, every Sunday during Mass, we see familiar faces of young families and old couples in our community. I am grateful to be part of this community.

4. Charitable Organizations

I support World Vision Canada, Compassion Canada, and a few more organizations in Canada to share the many blessings I receive.

Relationship

5. Jomar

I don't think it should come as a surprise that I'm thankful to have a loving, respectful, and kind husband.


6. My Parents

I am grateful to have a funny and responsible Papa and a strong faith-filled Mama. When I feel tired at work or am feeling sad, I give them a call, and I feel so much better after.


7. Siblings

I have three younger siblings, Ate Ro, Kuya, and Baya. The last 26 years of being an Ate (older sister) have been amazing. We shared laughter and tears, celebrated life milestones, and just being there.


8. Relatives

Growing up, we are surrounded by loving aunties, uncles, titos, titas, and cousins that make every occasion filled with wonderful memories.


9. In-Laws

It's probably rare, but I am grateful that I am blessed with kind parents-in-law and siblings-in-law.

10. Friends

I miss my friends back in the Philippines. I am grateful that even though I'm far away, I can feel their love and care.


11. Sponsored Children

I have three sponsored children. Princess Mae from the Philippines and Frantzlin from Haiti are both through World Vision Canada. Paul Syrus from the Philippines is through Compassion, Canada. Thanks to them, I am reminded that I'm working hard not just for myself but to continue supporting them.

12. Colleagues

I am grateful to my colleagues at Gumstix. I have only worked full-time with one company ever since moving to Canada, these wonderful people have become friends. This seems like a good transition to the next section.


Life in Canada

While I do miss the Philippines (sometimes), I love my life in Canada. It's not perfect, but there are so many things to appreciate and be thankful for.

13. Vancouver

I live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It's a place where you can ski in the morning and go sailing in the afternoon.


14. Seasons

Honestly, the reason I decided to stay in Canada is the four seasons. Spring, summer, autumn, and winter are all wonderful.

15. Health Care

There seems to be a misconception that health care is free in Canada. It's not free, but it is accessible to everyone. In BC, we used to pay our MSP, but recent law changes are changing it so that they can get it from taxes without us having to pay anything to the pool of funds.

16. Gumstix

Gumstix is my Canadian miracle. If they didn't hire me three years ago, I'd probably be back in the Philippines already.

Practical

17. Basic Needs

I'm grateful for the roof over my head, soft bed, and all the basic needs I have.

18. Privileges

Things that I shouldn't take for granted, like the laptop I'm using now, the smartphone, and internet connection.

Personal

Below is a list of things I am grateful for that seems self-explanatory.

19. Blessed Life

20. Good Health

21. I am loved.

22. My Dreams

23. Hope for tomorrow

24. Wisdom

25. Joy and Laughter

Life's Bonuses

I am so grateful to have the opportunity to earn so I can enjoy life to the fullest through the following:

26. Eating at Restaurants

27. Travel to new places


28. Games

Hello, Pokemon Go!


29. Data Plan

To play Pokemon Go. :D

30. Movies

Thank you entertainment industry for working hard and thinking of ways that will allow me to escape even for a couple hours to a different place and narrative.

Comments

Post a Comment

Thank you for leaving a comment. I hope to hear from you again soon.

Popular posts from this blog

Exploring Cineplex in Vancouver

By Celine -
Image
When Jomar and I got married 6 months ago, we agreed to watch a movie at the cinema once a month (minimum). For the 5 of those 6 months, we have been watching movies at Cineplex Cinemas Marine Gateway and VIP. This month we decided to watch at Fifth Avenue Cinemas. First one inside the theater! Fifth Avenue Cinemas As the name implies, this cinema is at 5th Avenue corner Burrard. Walking distance (if you like walking) to both home and work. This location is restricted to age 19+ because they serve alcohol at the Licensed Bar and Lounge. Licensed Lounge Theater There are 5 in this location and the one we went to is smaller than I expected and it's ground level. The seats were low. April date Food and Snack I was disappointed by the food offering. I don't know but I was expecting it to have as many food choices as they have in their Marine branch but they only serve like 9 items and even the snack bar didn't have Outtakes - only popcorn. Food was st...
Continue reading >>

How much does a wedding in Manila Cathedral cost?

By Celine -
Image
Jomar and I will have our Philippine Catholic wedding in July. To enlighten those who want to have their Sacrament of Holy Matrimony in the beautiful and historic Manila Cathedral, I will share with you how much it cost. Why did we pick Manila Cathedral? I want to say that because it's historic and beautiful. But honestly, it's because Manila Cathedral has relevant information on their website for a couple like us living and already legally married abroad. Ms. Donna also responds to our emails and calls promptly. The bonus is it's historic and beautiful. According to one of my Ninang, " ang haba ng walk down the aisle mo ." I didn't think of that. I'm not sure if I like it. LOL. They also have a dashboard where you complete the forms, and it lists what you need to submit and when. It's pretty impressive. Wedding Preparation Step 1. Reserve a wedding date The first thing you do is go to their ...
Continue reading >>

How to quickly get the Sacrament of Confirmation in Manila?

By Celine -
Jomar and I have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation which is a requirement to receive the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. At the recommendation of Manila Cathedral, we looked at both Quiapo Church and National Shrine of Saint Michael and the Archangels (NSSMA). We decided to go to NSSMA for confirmation the day after we arrived from Canada. What to prepare? Bring the original and a photocopy of your Baptismal Certificate Wear a white shirt with a collar Be ready to donate Php 650.00 Talk to friends to be your Ninong and Ninang (Godparents) and yes, you need a pair. What to expect? We arrived there at 7:30 am because jetlag is real and we were awake by 4:00 am. There were around 13 people waiting. At 7:45 am, the security guard started giving out forms which we had to complete. Then, at around 8:00 am, he started giving out numbers. Later on, they started giving both the form and number at the same time. The office opened shortly after 8:00 am. Confir...
Continue reading >>