I Am Paper.

The Sweetest Escape

Finally, the moment both of us have been waiting for - a chance to get away from it all and reward ourselves with a much-deserved R&R. Our Baguio adventure turned out into a little "mis"adventure of sorts - boarding the wrong bus and booking a semi-rundown hotel. But these didn't seem to matter much at all. All I know was I was with my Edison, my knight in shining armor. I knew fully well everything will turn out just fine. It has been years for both of us since we last visited the summer capital and were quite surprised to see lots of changes. Mines View Park still holds a breathtaking view of the neighboring valleys and mountains. An additional delight to the shoppers are the numerous "tiangges". The imposing Mansion is still a favorite picture-taking spot. Other places we went to were Camp John Hay, Burnham Park, Bell Temple, and lots more. Though the sights were already familiar, everything seemed new and different seeing them once more with my honey. Walking with him side by side, hand in hand, I just cant help but feel such immeasurable joy. With him, my eyes open up to all the beauty surrounding us. Indeed, at this point in time, I felt we had our little piece of heaven.

(Credits: NBK Froggy papers, Jeanette Bollinger Papillon stitches, Wimpy Chompers She's Beautiful Girly accents, Rlynn Falidays journaling, Shabby Princess SM Word element, Val B Old alphas)

My honey just manages to surprise and amaze me always with his infectatious glee. So many people just warm up to him in an instant - people of all ages and at any given time and situation. What kind of magic could my dashing debonair hold up in his sleeve that makes him so endearing to everyone! Truly, at the sight of his ever-smiling face and joyous demeanor, the people around can sense goodness and sincerity of heart -- and I tell you, they become hooked! I am always just so proud of him. He constantly teaches and encourages me to be the best I can be - to grab the reigns, to overcome my fears, to throw away my anxeities. Beside him, I feel brave and strong, and that the world is full of infinite possibilities that are up for grabs. Thank you, my love, for always inspiring me!

(Credits: Pirocha Amazing Dream papers, KSKD Rebecca Start elements, AWP Springtime photo corners, Miss Aunt Painted Season elements, RMG Grungetta Revisited elements, RPENN Express Yourself alphas, Mandarin AAC wordart)

Of course, our vacation comes with meeting new acquaintances. We met up with Elizabeth, my honey's best friend sa internet chat scene. We "eyeballed" at Don Henrico's over scrumptious buffalo wings, pizza, and pasta and instantly had a connection. Zabeth is prim and proper, very petite, and utterly pleasant and charming. She glows and beams with pride upon talking about her children and the man she loves. In a way, she reminds me of my mom at how she cares for and looks over her kids. She is one cool woman! Though our encounter was only brief, I am looking forward to the next opportunity of meeting up with her again.

(Credits: Unique Spring Out Loud quickpage, Pixie Queen Pure Love & Happiness elements)

Can someone please tell me if really being with your sweetheart all day gives you gas? LOLZ. I swear each and every time, he manages to come up with something fresh and original to make me smile or belt up with uncontrollable laughter! His sense of humor is just so captivating. There are times I would feel guilty for making him sad during my grumpy moments, because I know he doesn't deserve that at all. Here is a list of some of the things he does that make me flash my smile:

1. when he imitates my grumpy face by askewing his pointy lips on one side

2. when he eats voraciously his favorite dishes at Gerry's Grille, Mann Hann, Yoshinoya, Kamay Kainan, Congo Grille, Aristocrat, Dencio's (we just love to eat!)

3. when he encourages me to rub rub rub his tummy

4. when he acts and dances crazy in public

5. when he exagerrates his Californian twang

6. when he falls asleep on my shoulder while watching a movie and snores (i love this!)

7. when he hugs me tight and whispers "I love you"

8. when our gazes lock and he smiles reassuringly at me.

There are lots more but then the list would go on and on. He says he will never get tired of making me smile, and that all of his sweet and funny ways will never cease until we grow old. I believe him. He says that my eyes and my smile are beautiful. As the song goes, "If you say my eyes are beautiful, it's because they're looking at you."

(Credits: MCO Hullaballoo papers, DMK Scrapkit HD elements, AWP Citrus Berry buttons, Pretty in Pink kit, AWP Chloe elements, WG Into The Mystic element)

Receiving flowers from my honey is such a delightful surprise! Holding it and just looking at how tender and sweet the red rose buds look symbolizes our deep love and respect for each other. Like these flowers, our love needs to be constantly tended for it to weather the storms and make it blossom to its full beauty. In the two months since he came back from the States, both of us felt sure that everything will soon be in its proper place. Yet, the trials keep on knocking on our door only to challenge us once more. And though the ultimate moment we have been waiting for isn't yet to come, we hold onto one another and pray that very soon, everything that we long and desire for will eventually happen.

(Credits: Three quickpage, MS Felt alphas, Titch Taba alpha)

For now, we just settle for the contentment of how truly happy we are being together wherever we are - be it in Baguio or Tagaytay, in the malls, inside the movie theatre, or in just one private corner at Gloria Jean's at The Block sipping our brewed coffee and planning for our future. Back then, I thought I was happy just being alone and going about my daily work grind. I know now that my true happiness is in being with my soulmate Edison, the one who completes and complements my entirety. The feeling is inexplicable - an admixture of exhilirating emotions that cannot be measured but can only be shared to the people around us. We are like a walking billboard for true happiness! Spread the love - that is what living and loving is all about.

(Credits: Ateets Sun Porch papers, Val Js Chipboard elements, Edeline word stripes)

Sweet and Bittersweet

In less than 3 months' time I was back in the arms of my honey! Love as sweet as this cannot top anything else. My heart pounds and my whole being trembles just by his mere presence. His tight hugs and soft voice always reassure me that everything will be just fine despite the "bittersweet" moments. If only time would stand still so that I would be forever gazing at his calm and sweet face, forever wrapped in this magical world the two of us exist in. Indeed, even the greatest of loves are tested through life's obstacles. My only prayer is that we will be armed with patience, understanding, and perseverance to see our love through.

My love never fails to shower my loved ones with the same affection he gives to me. And though this can be received differently, he is still steadfast and sincere with his intentions. It was a happy moment for me seeing us together at a family reunion held at Dampa Macapagal - my honey along with my dad, mom, sis, friends, and the rest of the Pedrosa clan. I was so proud of him that day as he warmed his way to the other people. For sure, this is the start of good things to come, as he inches his way closer and closer to our family.

His love for me is unquestionably so true! To give up what he had going abroad just to be with me is a feat that only the brave dare tread. Indeed when love strikes us, there are no second thoughts as to the steps one would take just to be with the love of your life. Giving up his stable, sane life in LA just to be here in this jungle (in the peak of summer! lolz) is really no joke. And it's something that I dont take for granted (though I may not be too showy about it) ;) In the coming months, I feel that our love will continually be tested. But I know deep in my heart that despite the obstacles we encounter, our love will pass the test of time. I just love him so much - with all my heart!

(Credits: REUNITED: Nuit Dorce quickpage, M. Soblitz Make Your Own alphas; CLOSER & CLOSER: LLC My Guy Stickit quickpage; JUST CHILLING: Kid Couture quickpage, Jean alphas, FR Little Miss Moon Trombone elements, Flergs VC Sampler elements)

Trip to The Ark and The Ocean

A few months ago, my sis and I decided to go on an animal trip, like checking out Ark of Avalon and going to The Ocean Park soft opening. It was our first time in the Ark, and we earlier had some misgivings going there due to an aired complaint by a parent whose child was said to be bitten by the albino snake. My sis felt a little daring and wanted to see the snake herself up close and personal. It was really a cool thing seeing the snake nestled on her back while holding both ends with her hands. Way to go sis! This sort of encouraged me to take pictures with the falcon using special thick gloves so that its claws wont injure my arm. Geez it was heavy, but it felt great! There is also an area on the 2nd floor where the kids for sure will have a great time feeding the bunnies and the rest of the animals. As for Ocean Park, there are still areas under construction and we sorta felt "bitin" and that it wasnt worth the entrance fee. Nevertheless, we still were in awe with the vast variety of aquatic animals that we just took pics like crazy - only to be scolded by the staff for forgetting to turn off the camera flash ehehehe. In general, the park looks promising, and we definitely wont have second thoughts going back there again to see the rest of it in its completion.

(Credits: A TASTE OF THE OCEAN: Onder Water papers and elements, Scrapdoll elements, Redju bow freebie, Instrose Scrapsational elements, NBK Chocolate frames; ENTER THE ARK: NBK Fake Fur quickpage, Cheetah alphas, MJV Forever Memories alphas; ALL THE BIRDS: Summer Driggs Moments paper, Shabby Princess fibers, A. Heimann bracket, Limerick Chrome alphas; LOST IN THE OCEAN: Salget Well papers, SBS AML papers, Mhulshoff overlay; UNDER THE SEA: Aquarium quickpage by Moune, Famaure Cashimire frame, Fraisinette Heureux button)

Andrew's Day

This guy, Andrew aka Andres aka Eks, has been our family friend for years na, spanning for more than a decade. He has been Mom's ever loyal friend/dance instructor since he was 18! They have been seen strutting their stuff at Harmony, Black Betty, Bike's, and Miss O. And on his 32nd birthday last March, we just couldnt resist celebrating it. The place he suggested was at the Macapagal Dampa just opposite mom's favorite WangWang tiangge shops. It was our first time to be there, and we found this dampa a cut above the rest among the ones we have previously gone to. All the seafood you can imagine! Dad was in fish-heaven as these are his main staples (along with fruits and veggies) rather than chicken, pork, or beef. Mom, however, went crab-crazy and for a few hours forgot about her pending blood chemistry examination. With the numerous restaurants around, each and every one's gustatory cravings are surely to be satisfied. The lunch we ordered seemed fit to feed more than a dozen peeps, but we were only just 5 haha! so you can imagine the look of surprise (and envy) on the peeps at nearby tables hungrily waiting for their orders ahihihi. Just cant wait to take my honey and my friends here!

(Credits: DANCING V-DAY AWAY: EBDG Clearing Skies paper, ZicZac Desirena fibers, K. Schmidt Mini Heartthrob elements, Jeanette Bollinger Papillon stitches, MCA painted frame, Lovely Pink alphas by Choukette; DANCE PARTNERS: SKD Rose Cottage quickpage, R. Tin Designs paper, Storybook Romance alphas, Fashion Colors gold elements; BIRTHDAY WISHES: Souffle quickpage, Cottage Arts Hope Ornate word art, Famaura Cashimire flower elements, NBV Vintage Gerbera elements; FILLED TO THE BRIM: Cmentz paper, Lisa West Megakit papers, Cottage Arts Scrap Edge Swirl white overlay, Country Chic journal; 2 OF A KIND: FR L'etang de Jade frame, Chaos Lounge doodle, V. Lim One Reason paper, Lazy Kitty elements, SP Com Festival alphas)

Tagged by Alby

This is my take on Alby's 5-4-3-2-1-Zero layout which she posted about a month ago. My inspiration here is no other than the love of my life, Edison and the tie I gave him on Valentine's day. To be honest, what do I know about guy's ties, LOLZ! It is sort of a challenge to think up what to give your man, so I just went along with my instincts and bought this nice-looking tie which seemed to elegantly lie in its sturdy wooden box in one corner at Rustan's Department Store. It just warms my heart to hear him so happy upon receiving it! He tells me that the blue and yellow colors are just right for his suit, and that they somehow resemble "gold bars" which to him would imply luck in fortune. I do hope it would bring him a lot of luck! :) A few more days now and I will soon be seeing him again. I am just thrilled at the thought of us being reunited once more, and this time being together for keeps! I love you so much Edison!

(Credits: Digitreats Jump ABC Grungy Solids paper, CMS Painted Doodles, Norcutt elements, K. Agard blue chipboard symbol)

Benign Days at VFP-OPC Lab

Most days at VFP-OPC laboratory are said to be benign, but I guess nothing can top this! So what better way to make the most out of this than to ...... convert the facility into a beauty parlor hahaha! Most willing subject was our dear Nancy who wanted to tame her wavy hair with the "plantsa" under the expertise of our resident beauticians led by Myra and assisted by Jing Jing. So the makeover took only a few minutes which yielded good results based on the look of satisfaction by our "only" customer. Pero may pahabol pang next customer though... si Aaron, Jing's super cute son! :)

(Credits: BENIGN: lifted from Random Thoughts LO of Danielle Titus using I. Riordan Funky Floral papers, K. Lewis flutter tape, Tickled silver swirl, Aby flow stitch; GOING STRAIGHT: lifted from Self-Portrait LO of Holly McCraig using Pillowgirl My Blue Heart papers, Fraisinette Heureux elements, SPCom journal elements; NEXT CUSTOMER: Elembas Dove quickpage, Aqua Appeal elements)

Missing My Honey

In the nearly 2 months my honey has been away, the days just rolled on seemingly incomplete and mundane despite being swamped with duties at work and errands to run. Not a day, or minute (or millisecond even) passes by without me thinking of him. My thoughts would often drift back to that magical day at Coffee Bean and the sweet days that followed. Sometimes I would chide myself for being dazed, as if daydreaming and walking on air most of the time, even in the middle of a meeting. haha! Can you blame me? Im in love...at 37! tee hee hee. Talk about late bloomers!

My honey has made himself busy as a bee though, travelling from one place to another but never ever failing to bridge the distance through whatever medium you can imagine - internet, mobile phone, landline - even the courier! Those are the moments which I always look forward to every single day - seeing his cute face with his sweet smile on the webcam, or just hearing his cheerful and reassuring voice on the phone. One moment he is in Hawaii spending precious time with his best buddies, his precious boys Graham and Jonson; another minute he is in Seattle with his sweet and charming mom and his sister; and also meeting up with friends in between stops; AND still gathering enough energy to attend to work. Wow! Where does he get his energy?! He is just like the Energizer Bunny! :)

Viewing all the pics he has sent me has filled me with an aching longing. Oh how my heart desires to be with him each and every day. All i know deep in my heart is that one day that time will come when everything will happen the way things are meant to be. Indeed, the future looks bright!

(Credits: Spring Breeze paper by Andrea Dickinson, Karen Lewis "Breathe" Collection paper, Hooked on Books paper by Mikkel Paige, Elisa's Bite "Oceanic Sentinence" paper, Bows Boucles by Redju Designs, Busy Bee MTD quickpage)