Here's a set of questions that helped me assess how I've been, what I've done and what I've learned last year.
Tess,
Raquel and
Carlota may want to do this too.
What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before? Aside from packing my suitcases and taking my 2 kids with me on an international flight to Florida and got married 3 days after arrival, I can say that there've been so many other things I did for the first time being here in the States. I can go on and on that I'm thinking of writing a separate post about it.
Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and did you make more for this year? I dont make new year's resolutions because I know I cant keep them. I just do my best to be better than I was in the previous year without the list of what to do or not to do to go by.
What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005? Self-confidence, ability to speak the English language naturally, better driving skills
What date from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? January was a very significant month for me. On the first week Dean was queing with me at the US embassy to turn in some lacking documents. Shortly after that he flew back to Florida ending a 3-week visit with me in the Philippines. Then the following week I got a package from the embassy containing our US visas. Upon knowing about our visas, Dean excitedly set our wedding date on the 29th, bought our plane tickets and scheduled our flights on the 26th. Since I worked for the government I was told by CFO to get a travel authority and clearance first. So my last week in the Philippines saw me working my butt around to get all the signatures needed for my clearance. I got my travel authority the day before our flight.
What was your biggest achievement of the year? Having been able to cope with the many radical changes and challenges of my new life in the States.
What was your biggest failure? Nothing except when I couldnt make Dean's steak right -- it was either too rare or too done. Right now I'm working on getting better in cooking American food.
Did anyone in your family give birth? None.
Did anyone in your family die? My mother-in-law.
Did you suffer illness or injury? No, by GOD's grace.
What was the best thing you bought? Nothing in particular.
Whose behavior merited celebration? My kids. They've adjusted pretty good in their new environment. I was always worried they might not be able to cope but now I see they're more adjusted than I am.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? President GMA's. Now I'm so convinced that the Philippines will never see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Where did most of your money go? I'm not earning money anymore but the little amount I get to save up goes to my family back home whenever they need some.
What did you get really, really, really excited about? I don't really know. This year was full of unexpected things that got me excited.
What song(s) will always remind you of 2005? "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait, "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me, and "Same Ground" by Kitchie Nadal
Compared to 2004, in 2005 were you :i. happier or sadder? -- Definitely happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? -- Well, I can only say that I've grown way beyond my normal weight when I was still in the Philippines. But thankfully, I'm still tiny by American standard.
iii. richer or poorer? -- Richer, not with money but in terms of peace, joy and love.
What do you wish you'd done more? Talk
What do you wish you'd done less of? Being quiet.
What was your favorite TV program? I'm not much into TV. I watch whatever show is on.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? I never hate anyone.
What was the best book you read? I've read some books but none of them I can say was the best.
What did you want and get? Better life for me and my kids.
What was your favorite film of last year? I dont watch films as much as I did before anymore but "Walk the Line" which I saw last in the movie theatre was really a good one.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I was in Corning, NY when I turned 35. It was just like any ordinary day. I've stopped celebrating few years ago but I always thank GOD for adding another year in my life.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?Nothing. All things happen for a reason.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005? Still the same casual get-ups. Open toes sandals and dress when going to formal occasions; sneakers, jeans and t-shirt on regular days otherwise shorts, sleeveless shirts and flip-flops when I'm staying in the house the whole day.
What kept you sane? Prayer, my kids (who sometimes make me insane too), computer/internet, my kind of music and food.
Which celebrity/public figure did you like the most? I've always liked Reese Witherspoon since her first movie at the age of 9.
What political issue stirred you the most? Hello-Garci tape.
Who did you miss? My family and friends in the Philippines.
Who was the best new person you met? Every person I met and became my friend was the best in his/her own way.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005:1) That adversities are GOD's way to teach us the true meaning of faith.2) That GOD never fails and always faithful in His promises.
What was the nicest thing someone told you about yourself? That I'm a good cook. Actually I'm still learning and I'm not scared to experiment or try things out in the kitchen.
The most touching experience you've had this year? Everytime Dean stuck out for me when some people tried to put me down.
What did you like most about yourself this year? My being more hands-on in taking care of my family. It's something I've always wanted when I was still a working mother. One day my daughter said, "Mama, I'm happy you dont go to work anymore because now you can fix my hair before I go to school." That moved me to tears because I realized more that my kids need me even more than they think they do. I'm glad to be right there with them whenever they need me.
What did you dislike most about yourself this year? My being lazy in the morning.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: "Somewhere over the rainbow way up high, there's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby. Somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true..." (Arlen-Harburg)
Was 2005 a good year for you?Definitely yes.
What was/were your favorite moment/s of the year? My wedding, our trips to so many places in Florida and to NY, my lazy moments in the sofas, my cuddle time with Dean in the couch while watching TV, my heart-to-heart talks with my kids and my adventures in the kitchen.
What was/were your least favorite moment/s of the year? Arguments, discussion with Marc's inconsiderate kindergarten teacher about his behavior, me and the kids getting sick and discipline sessions with my kids.
Where were you when 2005 began and who were with you? With Dean in our room at Dusit Hotel Nikko, Makati City.
Where were you when 2005 ended and who were with you? Our home in Arcadia with Dean, Marielle, Marc, Alex, Andrew, Desiree and Destinee.
What was your favorite month of 2005? January, September, December
Did you lose anybody close to you in 2005? I dont think so. Good relationships with family and friends remain despite the distance or time that separate them from each other.
Did you miss anybody in the past year? Yes.
How many movies did you see in 2005? About 4 ...and to think that my every weekend in the Philippines was never complete without watching a movie.
Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year? Yes ...but nobody knew about it.
How much money did you spend in 2005? I had no money but I did help Dean spend his money but only on essential things.
What was your proudest moment of 2005? Driving the car for 50 miles the first time. I never thought I could actually run a vehicle.
What was your most embarrassing moment of 2005? I cant remember any.
If you could go back in time to any moment of 2005 and change something, what would it be? I would've helped Marc improve his reading skills last summer so he wouldnt have to stay after school for reading lessons.
What are your plans for 2006? Get better at driving and get my license.
