Someday Today: 2018

Its been my yearly tradition to look back and put everything I'm grateful for into writing. .As Lang Leav puts it ".. you cannot write about something if you have not lived it."
2018 is a perfect mix of a challenging, bold and surprisingly beautiful year for me and Mark.

Mahirap pero kinaya.Moving in the States is not an easy-peasy as I thought it was. We're back to square one, so to say. But it is just once a dream to work here and 2018 made it a dream come true.
Every time I feel like I'm out of my wits, I hold on to this: "Where you are now is exactly where God wants you to be."And thus far, I have learned not to fret and stop wiggling like a fish out of water. Even if sometimes He allows us to be entangled in the inconveniences of the small details,Im a firm believer that there are no coincidences, believing that it is part of a bigger plan. For that, I'm grateful.

One thing I truly enjoy this year is the gift of travel. We've been to places that I once googled, daydreamed and picture ourselves doing shameless selfies with.

A 3-hr drive to a jaw-dropping life-sized Noah's Arc is our first destination.It made me whisper, God,you are amazing!

Got reunited with half of the Dulay kids in Chicago.An answered prayer for me.In fact,it is one of my inspirations to push my career here in US. To spend more family time with them.

Can't get enough of Chicago and been there thrice this year. Despite an eight hour drive and its frigid weather, we enjoyed taking pictures with our reflection under the
famous
"The Bean."Indulge in a hotpot dinner with the whole family.
Set ourselves a 1353-foot- challenge: with our shaky knees,we still manage to kiss at the Skydeck, overlooking the lighted city.

Spent quality time with these girls slaying crazy shots from the 103rd floor, reminisced tough days in Pinas over cheesecake and roamed
around the city and tried the prettiest lippies in town.

.Universal Studios, Wizarding World of Harry Potter transported us into its magical world.Cloaked as a Gryffindor, dashed through a brick wall in platform 9 3/4,
, enjoyed a walk throughout the Diagon Alley and rode the Hogwarts Express. Its wickedly fun-filled birthday for me.
And yes, at 28 I solemnly swear I'm up to no good!

Walt Disney is not on the plan since it's out of the budget. But Mark surprisingly saved a

little from his hard-earned money just to treat me and made my childhood dream come true.

A day in the happiest place where I got reminded of its inspirational tagline,

"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."

2018 let us experienced 4 colorful seasons.

The beauty of snow the first time and hated it the next day.haha!

The budding flowers in spring.The long days and warmth of summer.And the breathtaking burst of colors in autumn.

Went on a cable ride last summer overlooking the mountains of Appalachia. Took snapshots with giant pumpkins in October and went on a scenic drive last fall.

What makes every year blessed is the people you got to spend it with.Been reunited with my OLLH Labables Ate Karen and Ms Anne.Mainly the reasons why Im here,and will be forever grateful for them.

Ate Ethel and her family made it to US too and reunited with Zoey,from UAE to USA!

Experienced apple picking with them and trick and treating this year.

As much as I missed my friends in bahay ni kuya in UAE,one good thing of moving is you meet equally amazing friends as your old folks.

But still sticking of keeping my circle small.Always quality over quantity.

A year of first time sleepover,dancing our ass out and surprises in between.

I always pray to give me the best people to work with since I can't pray for an easier job. God never failed me on this.
Shared sleepless nights, a cup of coffee or two, or a sinful crispy pata at midnight in between toxic night shifts.
Insert Ate Weng , Ma'am Karen,Quinn and Trey as well (we barely had time for selfies,you know!)

This year mommy celebrated her 80th birthday.One thing I'm most thankful for.We may not be there doing wacky shots but I always pray that she'll be healthy and will be celebrating more happy birthdays!
This year we kissed our miss goodbye..Shamito is getting married.

And oh the books Ive read this year when I just want to snuggle under the blanket and delve into a good book!Its always on my list to read Harry Potter and got the time this year!Not to mention i watched all the episodes of Criminal Minds! Apparently a me-time success on my part!

Our first Christmas here in Hazard with this amazing family away from home, keeping us warm despite the coldness and homesickness.

Wrapping the year with a 12-hr roadtrip to new Jersey to spend the year end with the ever-giving Gonzaga-Manalungsung family.

Still can't believe were cruising New York this time.haha!(this is just a dream!)
Finally met the iconic Statue of Liberty with these cool camera ready bunch. We will always be thankful for having them around.On top of being fun to be with,I cant skip to praise how humble and generous they are.
We will make it as a yearly tradition to spend the New year with you no matter how exhausting the distance will be!

That's how jam-packed 2018 was.Looking back made me grateful and feel blessed to experience all these.Sometimes you really have to stop and count you blessings to start the new year right.