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I'm thankful for my family, who constantly remind me to be my best self. My husband who is my "patna in the foxhole," my love, and the one who always tells me to keep going when things get way tougher than I expected--Thank You. To the two littlest souls who I adore, whose simplest smile or touch brings warmth to my heart like no other, Thank You.
To my parents, whose unconditional love inspires me to make my way through this insane life, Thank You. Your sacrifices to give me the best you could, continues to inspire me to be a better parent and partner to my husband.
To my sister, though we have our roller coaster fights, we somehow always find our way back to each other and learn to love and laugh. Thank You for loving me as I am.
To my crazy family (that includes my in-laws, too), that I love without abandon, I'm forever grateful for the support and love you give to me and my family. Thank You.
To my friends, you know who you are, I'm so lucky to be surrounded by such genuine, loving, strong, funny people. In a heartbeat, you know how to improve my mood, that laughter and time do heal all things, and for all the times you guys held my hand when I was scared to stand alone, Thank You.
But most of all, Thank You Lord for all of the above, because my life would not be complete without it.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember, gratitude in your heart will make you a better person.
Above are my superheroes, hard at work protecting the neighborhood from evil forces. This was the kids' Halloween costumes. Supergirl was a rad hand-me-down that just pleases this Mama. I'm not a big fan of princesses and fairies, etc. I'm not against it, but it's just not my thing, so when my baby girl wanted to be SuperGirl for Halloween, who am I to stand in her way. My son was both a Jedi and a Power Ranger. Two separate costumes. Don't ask. We didn't have to pay for either, so thank you peeps.
If you are still eager to learn about our Hawaiian adventure, check here. I've finally posted about our travels. I have yet to update my other blog about the great food finds we found. Will work on that before 2013 is over. Next week begins the countdown to Christmas! Woot! Woot! Holla!!
Have a great afternoon.
The devastation of Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan to the Philippines is absolutely unbelievable. My heart goes out to all fellow pinoys and those who have loved ones affected by this directly or indirectly. My family, thankfully, was not hurt as they are in Manila, but I'm sure they know of people and/or relatives that are.
I am asking anyone who happens to read my little space in the interweb, to help out the Philippines. We can all do one little thing to aid those affected. Monetary contributions to trustworthy relief organizations that are working directly with the people on ground zero is quite helpful as they can direct funds to what is needed the most. All over Facebook, the web, through word of mouth, through your churches and community leaders, you can find where to donate to.
Below is a list that I've received on FB, and from friends and family (one of whom works hand-in-hand with relief organizations in the PI) of institutions and organizations you can donate to. Instead of spending another few dollars on a second cup of coffee, buying yourself a treat, or going to the movies, perhaps you can allocate those funds in a way that will continue to keep giving and know your dollar went somewhere to feed, clothe, medicate, and assist in someone's survival.
To everyone that has donated money, time to fundraise, contacted others in sponsoring shipping things to help out, from the bottom of my family's heart...A multitude of thanks and appreciation. I know you are already stretched thin and with the holidays approaching, what I'm asking may be a lot. So, may God bless you and your family and if and when you are in need, we hope to return the thanks a thousandfold.
De La Salle University-Disaster Management Response Program:
http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/philippines-disaster-response/
Habitat for Humanity/Rebuild Philippines:
http://www.give2habitat.org/philippines/ReBuildPhilippines
NAFCON with Visayas Primary Healthcare Services:
http://nafconusa.org/programs/
One World Institute: http://www.theoneworldinstitute.org/donations/index.htm
My cousin is a social activist and is part of Gabriela USA, her organization is working with NAFCON. I know it's important that our hard-earned money really does reach the people of the Philippines and want to give it to vetted organizations.
The Philippines may seem worlds away from where you are, but in the aftermath of any disaster, we live on this one world, and we need to help each other survive it. Let us inspire our kids to continue to be compassionate leaders.
We have been back from beautiful Oahu for almost two weeks. However, our kids are still saying, " I don't want to leave Hawaii." Tough luck kiddos, if only life was a permanent vacation. You're officially on mainland soil.
It was an interesting trip. Relaxing for the most part, but a pretty tough beginning because Micron had a fever before and 3 days into the trip. Let's just say, I couldn't relax in paradise, no matter how much the surf and sand called to me. But in the end, it was fabulous, and nothing less than awesome. Mr. Fliz is already asking when we're going back (and the plane hadn't taken off yet).
This was the kids and Mr. Fliz's first time to the island they call the "Gathering Place." Fortunately for me, this was my third time, but it was ten years ago since I last saw this magical place. Creating new memories with my family was especially fun and what stood out most in my mind, is remembering how carefree my children were at the beach. Without a care in the world, they played, and played, and played, and played some more on the sand and in the ocean. Telling them to leave the beach was difficult at times. This vacation was exactly what our family needed. It seemed forever ago we had purchased tickets (just about the same time we were going to Disneyland) and then before we knew it, time for our getaway.
It was good quality family time. What I truly love about island getaways is the mentality and easy-going approach of the locals. They truly want you to "hang loose." No rush, no need to fret about things, the casual attitude and not to mention, their kindness to tourists. The people of Hawaii really speak to you. The locals for the most part were all quite kind, though we did encounter a few peeps not living up to the "hang loose" creed.
I will do a few food-related travel posts on my travel blog here, please check back in a week or so.
