of love and bavarian

I am not a fan of bavarian-filled donuts. Not that I hate them, but they wouldn't make it to my first 3 choices in a donut shop.

Your dad loves bavarian, though. I remember once we bought a box of assorted donuts and he told me he'd eat his bavarian later. I, unfortunately, forgot to set it aside so someone ate it up. He got mad at me, ofcourse, and I never forgot his bavarian since.

Fast forward to last week. I had been reporting to the same office as dad for a days last week. Afternoon came and I wanted a bit of a snack so I sent him a note.

"Pamerienda ka naman. Chocobutternut lang."

Now, I have been with your dad for 6 years. I have learned his ways, and I'd like to believe I have learned a lot about relationships at my age. I now know that (read this Iya)women should not think that men read minds. If we want something done, we must say so, even say how we want it done. It is up to the man to decide, ofcourse, how we actually wants to do it.

So, if you'll notice, I specified the donut flavor that I wanted him to buy because that was the flavor that I wanted.

Your dad bought bavarian.

I wanted to be disappointed. I wanted to smirk at his stubbornness. But then... God enlightened my mind and quieted my matabil na dila. :)

He bought bavarian because for him, that is the best flavor in the shop. Because he wanted me to have the best. Because he loves me.

And that, right there, made my day. :)

Disclaimer: Okay, I ate the donut. But I would still want for him to know that choco butternut is my favorite, not bavarian. But maybe I'll tell him another time. :)

Quick question

When was the last time you learned a new skill? Something you were not forced to learn, not a company or school requirement, but something you just learned to improve yourself. It could be a new language, baking, playing a new instrument, even juggling. Please always strive to improve yourself. I love you my chipmunks.

Dear 60-year-old me

Dear Kaye,

First off, this year, our birthday falls on an Easter Day. Isn't it fitting that the Catholic day for rebirth and new beginnings coincide with the year that we turn 30?

How are the kids? I'm sure they are all grownups now, with lives of their own. I sure hope they still call and visit you. How is Darwin? Have you fulfilled your visions of sitting at the front porch together and just watch/make fun of people as they walk by?

Right now, the kids are 5, 2 and 3 months. Do you remember them at this age? God, they are a handful! You can never work from home properly, the house is topsy turvy and someone is almost always shouting. But you know what? We got ourselves the most adorable and lovable right here. More on that later. Let me first tell you about our day in 2014.

As far back as I can remember, I had always been excited for our birthday. I look forward to greeting ourself at exactly 5:05pm, the time specified on our birth certificate. But two years ago, a little baby girl changed all that when she decided to grace the world with her presence one day before our birthday. Just like that, April 20 ceased to be our birthday. It turned into an I'm-so-tired-from-all-the-birthday-preps-the-day-before-I-just-want-to-sleep-the-whole-day kind of day. Because April 19, 2012, Dahlia Felize was born and she was amazing!

This year, April 19, we planned a small celebration for the princess. Family and few of Iya's friends shared the spaghetti, chicken lollipops and hotdogs that Darwin all cooked (love you pre!). Black Saturday pa yan ha. So come Sunday, Easter, and our birthday, we basically ate leftovers and went to Mass in the afternoon.

I had all but forgotten our day, save for the 60+ people who greeted us on Facebook (remember that?). And it made me think of what do I really wish for on this day. I have 3 beautiful and loving children. I have a family who keeps me grounded. I have a career that I love and hate at the same time. No one is really THAT sick. And although we have some financial hiccups along the way, we manage. I realize God has blessed me with more than I can truly deserve. I find it embarassing to God if I can not even share the blessings he has showered upon us.

So, going back to you, old lady. I hope you enjoyed life. You should have tried to be more friendly. You should have been brave and taken risks. You should have loved more, given more, sacrificed more. Remember that love is a verb, not a feeling. Be thankful for all the blessings and learn to forgive the hurts you might encounter. I hope our life has been full and you had been grateful.

Please give my kisses to the kids and to the grandkids, if we have them by now. Give my kisses to Darwin; he has his faults but I know he loves us and we love him dearly.

May God continue to smile upon our family. I love you, future me. :)