have faith

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Faith and worrying doesn’t go together. My fretting and worrying about a current decision we have in our young family is almost driving my husband insane. When he told me to relax and not to worry (mostly about finances and on getting this thing right and perfect), it was then that it hit me. Where did my faith go?

Matthew 14:31, “Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

And so today, I thank God for sending me Hubs to remind me about our faith. And remind me to focus on the beautiful things, not on how it might get bad. And thinking all this and remembering the hugs and kisses that our daughter gave me earlier, why indeed should I worry?

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

cheesecake!

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We were able to visit Hubs’ aunt in their house and was able to enjoy her delicious cake yet again! Last year, we had apple tart (the best one I had. It sure easily beats La Maisson’s). This year, we had cheesecake coupled with sweet strawberries, dipped in strawberry and kiwi sauce.

This, enjoyed in a tatami room cum artist room that’s full of interesting stuff – from antique Western dolls wearing antique lace, graceful Japanese dolls wearing elaborate kimono, life size paintings drawn by Hubs’ aunt herself.

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Tastes great with Vintage Earl Grey milk tea.

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Osechi 2014

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Our Osechi for this new year. The jubako (layered box) features cranes which symbolises a fruitful year.

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The baby of the house has her own osechi as well (thank you for the thoughtfulness, Obaachan! 🙂 ) Featuring the Anpanman cartoon series characters that’s popular among children here in Japan.

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As one would suppose, each of the dish included in Oseshi has its own meaning. Read here for the symbology of some of the dishes!

Happy New Year 2014!!!

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Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!!

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The year that was has some heartaches for me, where friendships are concerned, from the first month and right to the last month. But the inner struggles somehow gained me wisdom – that the friendships were blessings right at the time that they should be in my life. That probably the friendships weren’t meant to last. That I should be thankful that at some point in my life, I had their friendships and that those friendships blessed me (and hopefully them too). That probably, we have to move on, to be better persons. Someday our paths may cross again; and who knows those friendships might yet be rekindled. But until then, I would just have to be thankful for the time we’ve been together – be it in laughter and tears, joy and sorrow. And with these experiences, I am yet reminded again to cherish and nurture the relationships I have now.

And yes there are lots to be thankful for too! Me going back to work (and be being able to wholly take care of Yui for eight months! What career mom wouldn’t be thankful for that? It’s like getting the best of both worlds), Yui going to daycare, Yui celebrating her first year in the Philippines, Hubs’ overseas business trips and safe arrivals, us finding our perfect place paving the way for yet new beginnings, good health for us and our loved ones, good food to enjoy with love ones, and so much more other blessings besides. I welcome the new year with a grateful heart, Lord. 🙂

Now, the new year! The new year has lots of exciting NEWs for us. And with this is our fervent prayer that our decisions be guided by Him and that it be according to His plans for us and that these NEWs will see us with more love and laughter. We’re excited to receive the blessings you have in store for us this year, Lord! 🙂

Lost bag at Drugstore Charley

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We went out the house late this afternoon to go to the biggest bookstore in my husband’s hometown (where kids have the whole BIG third floor to explore books fit for their age). On the way, we dropped by Charley’s to (mainly) buy diaper wipes for our daughter. The drugstore was considerably big so we sat Yui on the store’s baby cart and hung my bag on the cart’s built-in hook. Then we shopped around. After shopping, I gathered Yui up, hubs carried our shopped goods, we hopped unto the car, and Otosan drove us to the big bookstore.

We were already in the bookstore however, when I noticed that my pink bag was missing. And with a sinking heart, I realized we left it hanging on the baby cart hook. My phone and wallet was there – which contained my residence card. Thankfully, Hubs was able to keep the receipt of our purchase which Otosan used to get the number of the store (a reminder yet again – keep receipts!). He called up the store and asked if they’ve seen a pink bag hanging on a baby cart.

They confirmed yes, they’ve seen it and they’d kept it (A sigh of relief from us). Otosan asked them that we are a bit far from the drugstore and that if it’s possible that we can just pick up the bag later on our way home. And they confirmed yes on this.

More than two hours later, we picked up the bag – with nothing amiss on it. With a big sigh of relief, I exclaimed how relieved I am that I lost my bag in Japan. If it has been in some other country, it would have been gone for good. And what a headache it would have been!

Kudos Japan and I hope you’d keep this country as safe as it is now (or even safer!)

travel wardrobe

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I used to do this for myself before – planning what clothes goes with what on which day whenever I/we travel. But, well, things change when you become a Mom. It’s all for the baby now. And with it being winter and we’ll be dressing up in layers, mix and matching clothes for your doll – er, baby – is so totally fun!

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As for what the Mom will wear…well, there are a couple or so clothes in the closet. I’ll just grab some and throw them in the luggage. Whichever, whatever (as long as it will keep me warm!) will do.