faithful [feyth-fuhl]
true to one's word, promises, vows, etc.; steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant;reliable, trusted, or believed
Synonyms include: allegiant, devoted, genuine

11:45 pm, Friday, December 26th...
"Hey you two, time to say goodnight," some of us said.
"OK," Rochelle said. "Night, Baby!"
Last hug and kiss.

"Night, Baby!" Matt said back.
The boys set out of the bridal suite and closed the door. Not 2 seconds later, Rochelle ran back, the door flew open and she yelled out into the hallway, "Night, Baby! I love you!"
"I love you too, baby!" yelled Matt.
The door shut a second time, and behind it a little girl with a huge smile on her face. The next morning she woke up as if the the smile had yet to waver.
"I'm the bride today - yay!" Rochelle was saying all morning. A typhoon couldn't ruin this girl's day.

I know I've spoken about Matt and Rochelle before; how long I've known them, how I was there when they met (I'll take credit for this union, thanks very much), how much I love them both. Since their engagement, I'm not sure anyone close to them could hide our excitement. If there were any one couple whose wedding we couldn't wait to witness, it was Matt and Rochelle's. When the buildup for something huge seems even bigger, you worry about disappointment, but for this, there was just no letdown to be had.

Forget the veil that seemed to have an affinity for the ground, forget the freezing weather, or the thousand and one factors to remember on any wedding day. Matt and Rochelle would not have it. Like the song they so happily danced to, "It's like I waited my whole life, for this one night..." our new Mr. & Mrs. Mindanao lived that day for everything they've prepared so many years for and we were fortunate to be there when it finally happened.

I was a crying hot mess any chance I got to be, of course. I felt like I was watching my brother getting married, and to this wonderful woman who I get to call friend, and who I now get to call my cousin-in-law or, all things considered, my sister-in-law truly.

CONGRATULATIONS, MATT & BOBBERS!!!
LOVE YOU BOTH!

Best Christmas Present Ever from my little sister

I got an email today:


"I totally vacuumed and wiped the bathroom :D...i woke up and i just did stuff..it was so not like me."

Hooray! I get to have a clean bathroom when 2009 arrives! =)

OH MY GOSH...Time is going by so slowly today!

I WANT TO GO HOME!

GOD

BLESS
US

EVERYONE!

Why Kobes and Fish Have 3 Rings

Their play has been...well, shady. Thank goodness for our seasoned, calm and passionate leaders who have no problem encouraging and (thankfully) crackin' those whips!

You tell these neophytes on the team to get it together, Fish and Kobes!

Happy Birthday,

ENRICO!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to the

#1 ASS SMACKER!

YAY JEFF!

Happy Birthday,

RENALEEN!!

I'm so happy you're back home! =)

dismiss [dis-mis]
to discharge or remove, as from office or service
Synonyms include: send away, release

We're not even 30 games into the 82-game NBA 2008-2009 season and SIX coaches have been fired already! That's crazy!

P.J. Carlesimo (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Eddie Jordan (Washington Wizards)
Sam Mitchell (Toronto Raptors)
Randy Wittman (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Maurice Cheeks (Philadelphia 76ers)
Reggie Theus (Sacramento Kings)

Imagine going summer training camp, the pre-season and then into the season with all these plans and hopes for your team and after being unable to win even half of the games you've played, the executives for the team basically tell you that you suck at coaching and that you should leave? Yikes! Right now people aren't even betting on which team will win a game, but which coach is going to get fired next. Nuts...

When Kay looks this happy...

...this playful...
It's probably because she experienced something really nice;
a good yoga workout, really good food, a nice glass of wine, etc.
Last night, she was all smiles because... SHE AND PATRICK GOT ENGAGED!
CONGRATS PAT & KAY!!!

Happy, happy

30th Birthday, Mel!!!

Miss you, pinsan!!!!!

Happy, Happy 13th Birthday

to my dear goddaughter,

KAYLA!!!

13?! When the heck did THAT happen?!!!

Hello Papang!

Do you get to read blogs in heaven or do you just look over someone's shoulder when you're down here for visits? =) In any case, I hope you're doing well. Please continue to look after us, and when you get a chance, put in a good word for us up there =)

I miss you and love you very much!

Your granddaughter,

Leng

Happy Birthday,

LESTER!!!

A Charlie Brown Christmas

This was on last night and it NEVER fails to make me happy!

Only for today, I will seek to live the livelong day positively

without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once
Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearances,

that the good providence of God cares for me

as no one else who exists in this world.
Only for today, I will have no fears.

In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful

and to believe in goodness.

~POPE JOHN XXIII

recycle [ree-sahy-kuhl]

to treat or process (used or waste materials) so as to make suitable for reuse; to alter or adapt for new use without changing the essential form or nature of

Synonyms include: convert, reprocess, recover, reuse

As we watch our wallets this holiday season, we've also been on Green Watch. Every so often, we get notes from someone in our office on how to live the "Green" way. I just found this email from last year and I thought it was really clever:

If you don’t feel like reusing your wrapping for gifts, run it through a paper shredder and use the result as colorful packing material.

It seems like a no-brainer kind of idea but I've never even thought of that! It recycles, saves you a few dollars AND I get to use my paper shredder which I love!!! =)

underdog [uhn-der-dawg]

a person who is expected to lose in a contest or conflict

Synonyms include: dark horse, longshot

As Tin would say, "EFF!"

Should've left the Bench Mob on the floor in the 4th, Phil. They got the 15 point lead, and yes, I know they lost 7 of it to begin the last quarter, but still...subbing Vlad for Trevor who had 3 steals? REALLY?

It's ok. Maybe this loss will finally get the Lakers to go back to what they've been so praised for earlier in the season but so very much failed to have any of tonight: DEFENSE. Indiana beat the Celtics too and now stands as the 1 of 2 losses that each team has on record. Hmmm, a team with a losing record knocking off the top teams of the NBA. I hate that the Lakers lost tonight but I do have a soft spot for the underdog...

Happy Birthday,

JOEMAMA!!!