2010- The year that was...

In about 10 hours from now, we will be ending another year. Another decade has passed and I am sure that everyone is just as excited as I am to start the year 2011. But before I move forward-- I would like to look back at the Year that was...

MY TOP 10 EVENTS IN 2010

1. New Year's in Las Vegas- being far away from family during the Holidays is probably the toughest situation any OFW could go through. And I am so blessed that GOD has surrounded me with people I can trust and definitely call friends. And with these friends I celebrated the New Year's with. It was definitely a blast and something I would like to do with them again.

2. My New Home- In February, I moved to my own apartment and decided to live by myself. It was just about time that I get my own personal space and have friends over when I just feel like it. It was a good vibe to have my own sense of independence. It might be a lot pricier compared to having roomies but the freedom I have now is something that money cannot buy.

3. SFC- CLP Team Lead- Being given this responsibility was GOD's gift. It was his way of drawing me closer to Him and helping the Church grow. It was an experience having done this with one of the persons I truly trust and admire-- my favorite person in the world-- Ruzer. I definitely gained a lot in this journey and I am looking forward to more opportunities to serve my Community-- The Singles For Christ.

4. My Big 3-0- I couldn't think of any better way to have celebrated my Big 3-0 than this pictorial and a surprise photo gallery by Kroner and Donna. The Photo gallery/ party was attended by all the people dear to my heart in the US. I was overwhelmed with the love and just had hang over for the next couple of days. If this is how I could celebrate my birthday every year, I don't mind getting old.

5. Return to Manila, Philippines (08-18-10) - Just when I was starting to enjoy everything I had in the US-- I had to come back due t

o Visa issues. I didn't know how long was I going to stay. It was heart breaking because there was

n't any assurance that I'd be able to be granted another visa. But I kept my faith....

6. Pre-school teacher once again- God has been so good to me and did not leave me empty handed. After 2 weeks of being in Manila, Mindbuilders (where I started my teaching career) offered me a position as a mentor/consultant. I enjoyed every second of it being with kids and I feel blessed meeting young teachers who has a big passion for learning.

7. Approval of H1B- I thought this day wouldn't come anymore. After being in the Philippines and waiting for 3 whole months, I was granted the visa. And GOD was true to his promise that He will give us the desires of our heart.

8. Holidays with the Family- growing up, I learned to value family. Christmas and New Year's are always spent not just with immediate family but also all the Uncles, Aunties and cousins. That was something I had a hard time letting go when I moved to the US 3 years ago. Some of my cousins has also moved abroad, so it has been a long time since we celebrated the Holidays with everybody present-- But this year was extra special, because for the first time after many years we are complete... And I could say that this is the one of the best if not the best holidays I've ever had.

9. The loss of Dada- it was so sudden when Dada passed away yesterday Dec 30,2010. When I brought him to Animal House, the vet said he had swollen molars and he scheduled him for extraction. A week after the visit, Dada passed away. He brought so much joy to our household-- and today we are all missing him and just hoping that he has saved a life or will be giving a life to somebody in our family...

10. 'Nuf said....