My favorite time of year has come again and sadly, I didn’t quite feel it turn up. Similar to what I had said last year, I feel like it sneaked in while I wasn’t looking. It’s so frustrating to not have the Christmas spirit because it’s:

1. First and foremost, Jesus’ birthday – Son of God whom He willingly sent us, His people, to be the messenger of His love.

2. Also the merriest time of year. Surprisingly, everyone’s just nice and generous during this season.

I honestly believe that there’s really no one to blame for the absence of Christmas spirit this year. I suppose the atmosphere is just a bit gloomy because of all the heartbreaking events that have just taken place.

Even so, I’ll still try to celebrate the real reason for this season in my own little way… and also try to be cheery by listening to Christmas songs on my ipod.

Oh and many, many thanks to those who sent me gifts and greeted me! Ü

Isn’t it great how even those people who have offended, wronged and hurt you also greet you on this special day? Heehee.

Truly, Christmas is one miraculous day because it lets you know who truly values you as a person.

Once again, Merry, Merry Christmas to all of you! May you receive more blessings this season and in the coming year. Ü Cheers!

Before anything else, I’d like to extend my warmest sympathy to those deeply affected by the successive tragedies that have engulfed our country in the last few weeks.

Our prayers go out to you and your respective families.

On a lighter note, I am home. Yes, people, I’ve been home since Wednesday morning and been sick, as well. Actually, I was already feeling a bit sick two weeks ago but since a lot of people wanted to take me out (haha feeling!), I still took off every single day (and night) despite my ill condition. Yep, because I couldn’t afford to disappoint anyone of them.

See? That’s how I am with people I love -- even if I’m sick, I’ll still walk out in the rain with you. If you ask me to. Hah.

Yeah so on my last day in the Bay, Heids and I went to the mall. Heh. Would you believe we were still purchasing stuff by 4:45pm when we’re already supposed to be leaving for the airport by 6pm?!? Goodness, by the time we reached Aunt Emily’s, I was already panicking because I hadn’t finished packing yet. Argh. Due to my carelessness, I wasn’t able to fully indulge in my favorite Kare-Kare as I only finished packing by 6:30pm and we still had to travel for another 45-minutes-to-an-hour to get to the airport. And did I mention that my flight was at 8:45pm? Tsk, tsk. There goes my sense of time. Heh.

So anyway, Ate Cris, Gary, Heids and Cassie brought me to the airport and waited with me until it was time to board. This departure wasn’t as hard as we imagined it to be because we all knew we were going to see each other again soon. There were no “goodbyes” uttered. What filled the air, instead, was a bunch of “see you again real soon!” statements. It was cool because we were even pretending to cry right before we parted ways.

But honestly, even if I didn’t cry, I still felt extremely sad deep inside. Aww.

Parting is such sweet sorrow.

Oh okay, so as I was about to enter the plane I suddenly heard someone yell “Candiiiiice, Candiiiiice!!!” frantically. Seriously. I got surprised because I didn’t know anyone who was also flying back to Manila that night and it couldn’t possibly be any of my relatives as I was already inside the boarding area where only passengers were admitted. How strange is that? So when I finally turned towards the voice, I was shocked to discover it was Miel Yap’s! Hah. Who would’ve thought I’d have a high school classmate working for PAL San Francisco?

Coolness.

So what have I been up to ever since I got back from the States?

Let's see... Well, I’ve only gone to an Ateneo Christmas Party with my parents and been attending Simbang Gabi at different Churches (Gesú, Mt. Carmel and our Parish Church). That's about it, I think. No par-tays whatsoever... yet.

I haven’t really gone out-out coz I’ve been sick. Would you believe I actually lost my voice for a couple of days?

Sadness.

At any rate, I’m glad I have Fantone to keep me company. Woot. He’s my new best friend.

~*~

I love hearing early mass.

Grandma Polly picked me up at 730am today to hear mass at Our Lady of Peace to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I loved the mass there for its solemnity and wonderful song selections. Actually, it reminded me of the ones we had back at the College Chapel of the Ateneo which either started or ended my school day. Either way, though, I still enjoyed the noon masses there. I liked going with Monique and seeing the regulars. I seriously took pleasure in listening to Fr. David’s sharp sermons and his impeccable delivery of the English language. Que suave.

While we’re at the topic, allow me to tell you a lil somethin somethin that took place there.

Way back during my early college days, I went inside that Chapel and asked for a sign. I asked Him to make the next friend I see in there someone who would play an important role in my life. So the following day, I saw someone I knew praying there and upon seeing him, I quickly said to myself, NA-UH, he cannot play an important role in my life. I tell you, that guy and I honestly haven’t had any serious conversation whatsoever from the time we met. And that's strange, right? Oh my. Would you believe a few weeks after he suddenly started making contact and we’ve actually become friends? How unbelievable is that?

Impossible is, indeed, nothing.

Actually, he still doesn't play an important role in my life. Not yet.

But who knows, right?

At any rate, happy Immaculate Conception and happy Ana J. day! :D

~*~

My new toy

30 minutes after getting home from San Francisco last Friday, I heard angry knocks on the front door that scared the heck out of me. You know the type of knock in movies wherein the FBI people raid someone’s house? That kind. Eeek. Seriously, I was anxious to get the door as I was left home alone that night and it was a bit eerie. But after a few minutes I realized that it could be someone or something important so I opened it and saw a UPS truck about to run off. [Oh] and a small package lying on the floor which turned out to be my first Christmas present for this year.

Thank you Aunty Tina and Kuya Rollie so, so much. :D

I’m an extremely blessed person.

Thank you so much, Lord.

Sweetest dreams.

Still missin everyone back home :D