To my very dear sisters,

Thank you so much for all the advices. I really appreciate the fact that I have two sisters who are always there when I need some advice. It's true that life can be so confusing and that Prayers are the only answers.

Right now I'm trying to discern for my career...yes, i need discerning partners. The more the marrier kaya damay kayo. :) Please pray for this intention. Actually, baka January na ako magstart to work. I want to spend much time with Isaiah and Praise bago ako magduty ulit. I think that is a good decision.

Anyway, I'm so blessed to have you both around.

Love you both,

Ate JO

Yesterday as I opened my email, I found an email  entitled winning notification. It was the first time I opened an email that came from an unfamiliar person. As I read the email, I was kind of shocked to read what was stated.

The email came from the British Lottery Headquarters and this is what was written:

British Lottery Headquarters.

Customer Service
28 TANFIELD ROAD,
CROYDON, LONDON
Ref: BTL/491OXI/04
Batch: 12/25/0304

WINNING NOTIFICATION.

We happily announce to you the draw of the British Lottery
International programs held on the 1st day of November, 2005 in London. Your e-mail
address attached to ticket number: 564 75600545-188 with serial number
5388/02 drew the lucky numbers: 31-6-26-13-35-7, which subsequently won
you the lottery in the 3rd category.

You have therefore been approved to claim a total sum of
US$2,500,000.00 (Two million, five hundred thousand, United States Dollars) in cash
credited to file RPC/9080118308/04 made available from a total cash
prize of US $125 Million dollars, shared amongst the first Fifty (50) lucky
winners in this category.

All participants were selected randomly from worldwide web sites
through a computer drawn system and extracted from over 100,000 companies.
This promotion takes place monthly.

Please note that your lucky winning number falls within our booklet
representative office in Europe as indicated in our play coupon. In view
of this, your US$2,500,000.00 (Two million, five hundred thousand,
United States Dollars) would be released to you by our affiliate bank in
London as soon as you establish contact.

Please be warned. To file for your claim, contact our Claims Director
with the below details:

CLAIMS DIRECTOR: Thierry Armengaud
Email: thierryarmengaud@yahoo.com   
Tel: +447031841621
Fax: +447092872376

To avoid unnecessary delays and complications, quote your 
reference/batch numbers in any correspondences with us or
our designated agent. Congratulations once more.

Faithfully,
Mrs.Calister Miller.
Zonal Co-ordinator.
Sweepstakes International Program.
Open 7 days 8am-11pm

BRITISH LOTTERY INTERNATIONAL
COPYRIGHT © 2005 ALL RIGHT RESERVED.

At first I didn't know what to do. I was thinking it this was really true. Imagine 2.5 million dollars!!! It's a big amount of money. The next thing I did was I replied to the email and I asked how to claim the prize. After a few hours, I received another email. It was the claims form.

BRITISH LOTTERY HEADQUARTERS

UNA PALOMA BLANCA
George Baker Selection (The Netherlands)


When the sun shines on the mountain
And the night is on the run
It's a new day
It's a new way
And I fly up to the sun

I can feel the morning sunlight
I can smell the new-mown hay
I can hear God's voice is calling
For my golden sky light way

Una paloma blanca
I'm just a bird in the sky
Una paloma blanca
Over the mountains I fly
No one can take my freedom away

Once I had my share of losing
for they locked me on a chain
Yes they tried to break my power
oh I still can feel the pain

Una paloma blanca
I'm just a bird in the sky
Una paloma blanca
Over the mountains I fly
No one can take my freedom away

Una paloma blanca
I'm just a bird in the sky
Una paloma blanca
Over the mountains I fly
No one can take my freedom away

 

i bet no one except us has heard of this song... hehehehe

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW

I can see clearly now the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way,
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) sunshiny day.
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) sunshiny day.

I think I can make it now the pain is gone,
And all of the bad feelings have disappeared,
Here is the rainbow I've been praying for.
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) sunshiny day.
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) sunshiny day.

Look all around, nothing but blue skies.
Look straight ahead, nothing but blue skies.

I can see clearly now the rain is gone.
I can see all obstacles in my way.
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) sunshiny day.
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) sunshiny day.
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) sunshiny day.

***** the song that describes our sisterhood ********

Ate Jo said:

Now sisters I need your advice....

What would you  think would be the best options for me...

1. Would I just stay here in the Philippines and practice my specialty in ambulatory care clinics like med central in galleria? or a hospital like manila east in taytay rizal?

2. Would I take a full time job meaning three duties a week or would a lighter load like once a week suffice? (I have to consider the income and the time left for my kids...)

3. Would I just go to Australia or New Zealand were career options seems very favorable?

I'd say:

I'm sure there's a perfect mix for you and your family. In God's time, everything will fall in place. I suggest you list your criteria: all your must haves and wants. Then go through the process of seeking information, perhaps even submitting resumes and undergoing exams & interviews so that you'll have sufficient data to weigh out the best option. By doing this, you'll clearly find out what's ok and not ok with you, di ba?

Of course, discernment is essential. Really praying for God's will and for His help in directing you toward the right direction is important. I can be your discernment partner or you and Tyrone can do it yourselves (since the results of your discernment will affect both of you). Iba talaga when you know what God wants you to do. Even if He leads you to uncertainty, you can be certain that He'll support and bless you all the way.

On a more selfish note, I'd love it if you'd migrate to another country... para later on, Marvin and I can visit you and stay at your place! hehehe...

As the camel driver in Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" says, "We are afraid of losing what we have, whether it's our life or our possessions & property. But this fear evaporates when we understand that our life stories and the history of the world were written by the same hand."

by jopay

My friend Duke tagged me to write 20 Random Facts about myself. I originally listed the random facts in my blog. For easy access, I pasted it here as well.

So here it goes:

1. Penmanship - I use script whenever I jot down my thoughts. There's something about the fluid motion of writing in script that keeps my thoughts going.
2. Childhood Dream - As I child, I dreamt of becoming a director (stage or movie).
3. Childhood Past time- Growing up, I designed shoes, played with pencil toppers & designed treasure maps as pasttime.
4. Winner - I always Apple Eating Contests during birthday parties when I was growing up in the US.
5. Dream - I dream of living in New Zealand.
6. Tendencies - I thrive on logic (finding rhyme & reason in things) & creativity (making something new & artsy).
7. Fear - I know how to swim, (in fact, I undergone swimming training in highschool) but I'm afraid of holding my breath under water for a long time.
8. Shoes - I love round tip shoes. I find them more comfortable for my feet.  It's maybe because my feet are wide and my toes are rounded.
9. Favorite Color - Green.
10. Animal Symbol - If I were an animal, I'd be a horse -- graceful, strong, swift and determined. It can also be stubborn at times and would kick you in the butt if extremely agitated!
11. Doodling - One of the first things I'd draw when doodling would be a tree.
12. Lettering - I developed my lettering skills by tracing the headlines of tabloids found in my parents' office.
13. Street Smart - I consider myself street smart (though my husband would rather call me a reckless pedestrian).
14. More money - If I had more money, the first thing I'd invest in would be extremely comfortable shoes. Because I walk a lot, my feet usually hurt at the end of every day.
15. Dry Skin - I currently have dry skin. I think it's because I don't drink much water.
16. Love Ko 'to, Mcdo! - I love Mcdo! Being there makes me happy! It's one of my safe places. When I am down and hungry, the first thing that comes to mind is Mc Donald's food.
17. Breakfast - I don't usually eat breakfast because I usually rush off to my destination in the mornings. If ever I have the time for breakfast, I prefer a Continental Breakfast.
18. Eye - An eye doctor once told me that I had a "lazy eye" -- My right eye is the so called "lazy eye" because it depends too much on my left eye whose vision is perfect as opposed to my right eye.
19. Ballet - I was once part of a Nutcracker Suite Ballet production. I danced the part of a mouse.
20. Hot Soup for the Soul - Eating hot soup calms me when I am tensed, tired or in distress.

*Note: Did you notice that I mentioned shoes at least three times?

It took me 15 min to do this so I will tag 15 people to do this. Here they go:

1. jazziefizzle - lasallian
2. jopurplemd - er md
3. miraclemarvin - international roaming main man
4. tina - citibanker
5. carla - He's Just Not That In To You - fanatic
6. chel - gummy...
7. jucyn - new blogger
8. anna - aussie-bound
9. tatee - trainer with a twang!
10. daphne - winnie the pooh
11. apple c. - pdu-mom
12. elaine c. - happy people - mom, artist
13. tyrone - dad of isaiah & praise
14. arland - G3
15. aldo r. - husband of pia (pia was already tagged by duke)
16. llanti - tresmaras cousin (i added you so you would have a new entry in your blog)

by jopay

know what, for some reason it gives me goosebumps readin your entry! i really dunno why... my advice? well, hearin your options i can see that it really is difficult to decide. Jo, don't think too much. instead pray more. pray more with tyrone. diba? coz i/anybody can give you what i/they think is the best option (though as of now, di ko talaga alam...), but through discerning (spelling check pls!) you'll know where God is leading you. cmon, you know that.. eto, help kita magdiscern. actually il help you pray about it, still dont know how to discern e! hihi! il pray that God will guide you to make the right decision that will lead you to life He is plannin for you and your own family. naku! parati ko naman kayo pinagppray e! hmmmm.... Pipan can help you discern! Trust me jo, He has something really great planned for you. Si Lord pa! e never naman niya pinabayaan family natin. diba?  don't worry about anything. Ayaw ni God yun! Ayaw ko rin! instead let us pray about it, and count on his faithfulness to us.

His ways are not our ways. love you jo! don't worry too much ha.... we'll help you go through this one, as always..  mmmmmwah! *tightest huggggggggg*

oh! i love yea to pipan!!! don't be jealous! hehehe

-jaz

..... COZ LIFE IS A PLEASURE WITH THEM BY MY SIDE...... 

Since last Sunday (my last duty from my residency training---at last natapos rin ako...yehey!!), I officially declare myself as a BUM--- no job at the moment...no source of income... the stay at home type... the do nothing but watch tv and wonder person. Ever since I started med, I always knew what I wanted to do or how my life would go. I knew every step I would take. I was determined to finish medicine and become an Emergency Physician! And yes with God's help every thing turned out just the way I wanted.

Now, i finished residency training---yes, I'm so happy. But now, where do I go? This is the first time in my life that I was halted by what seemed to be my indecisiveness. Having a family of my own now made my decisions in life a little more harder. I have to always take them into consideration when it come to taking major decisions about my career.

Now sisters I need your advice....

What would you  think would be the best options for me...

1. Would I just stay here in the Philippines and practice my specialty in ambulatory care clinics like med central in galleria? or a hospital like manila east in taytay rizal?

2. Would I take a full time job meaning three duties a week or would a lighter load like once a week suffice? (I have to consider the income and the time left for my kids...)

3. Would I just go to Australia or New Zealand were career options seems very favorable?

Haaay, Ang hirap magdecide... lalo na if you have kids with you... also, I have to think a bout tyrone... if we leave the country, ano magiging work niya doon... baby sitter? wawa naman siya...

Help!!! I need inputs....

been waitin for me?....

hei!!!! yea, those stalkers... i won't be able to notice them if pipan dint react. well, i did notice them but the thought that those guys are plannin to do something bad dint enter my mind. Yup! after having 4 encounters with those "bad guys", still it dint enter my mind that things like that can happen. hay... di kasi ako marunong magduda e... im very observant, but its just that i have this weird belief deep inside me that everyone is good and noone wants to do harm to anyone. weird huh?.... yup! im like that. to me, everyone is mabait. that's why i don't mind people around me. i always feel safe. ayan.. criminals love chasin me tuloy. but thanks to my sister's tips and my mom's endless pangaral oh! and the discussion we had in relstri awhile ago, it made me realize that this belief itself will harm me. hirap ng buhay ngayon together with the bad forces present around, some people can really do bad stuff to others. JAZ, REMEMBER THAT OK? you commute panaman!!! OK!!! hehe. there, so you guys out there.... reading this be mindful of your surroundings. believe me you should! and to those criminals reading this... I"M STRONGER NOW!!! HUH!!!

-jazie

I was at a funeral last week. I was there from Thursday to Friday, from funeral to burial.

Marvin and his siblings were assigned as "hosts" last Thursday. Of course, being the loving supportive wife of my man, I was there, too. So was mom. Hey, we need some sort of adult supervision for we are no funeral host experts!

I only got to meet three times: when we handed her our wedding invitation, during our wedding and at her funeral. I didn't think I'd cry because I wasn't that close to Nanay, Marvin's grandmother (motherside).

In the early part of the day, no one seemed to cry. Most we sad because of the loss, others were also happy to finally see Nanay at peace. But there were two peculiar ladies who cried by Nanay's coffin-side during the burial. I wondered who they were... Not so long after, I learned the answer because in between the wailing, they were crying Ate, ate....

They were the remaining siblings (sisters to be exact) of Nanay. The sorrow and grief expressed through their cries were evidence of how close they were to their Ate.

With the sadness echoing around me at Nanay's grave, I couldn't but help to think about my sisters -- how incomplete, devasted, lonely and shattered I'd feel when one of them dies. Tears then started to flow uncontrollably....

When I finally got hold of myself, I lifted a prayer for Nanay, my sisters and my family.

Mizpah - May the Lord be between us while we are apart. - Jopay

After being stalked by 2 guys in a black van last saturday, I've prepared few tips on how to look and be street smart.

Jaz, this is for you...

Jo, i think you should know this by now...

1. Carry your bag securely in between your armpits. This way you'll feel and know if a pickpocket is trying to make a move on you.
2. Look smart and confident. One must project a no-nonsense-i-know-what-i-am-doing-know-where-i-am-going attitude. Can't appear to look like you're happy-go-lucky or ditsy. Can't appear to look lost or confused.
3. Properly pace yourself. Make sure that your pacing is appropriate. If you're walking in the street where there is a lot of people, you have to stride in their rhythm so as to blend in. If you feel like someone is stalking you... be aware of his presence but don't be obvious. Makiramdam. Sometimes you need to brisk walk to ensure you maintain sufficient distance in between the 2 of you. Other times, you'll need to slow down and allow him to walk past you especially if you want to move away or "hide" from him. Objective should always be: Confuse the Stalker.
4. Look left then right. Vehicles here in the Phils are right-hand drive so before crossing the street, look to your left then right before to make sure that the coast is clear and safe for you to cross.
5. Look them in the eye. When crossing the street, look at the drivers straight in the eye. Make sure that they see you and know that you intend to cross the street. This is how to prevent car-pedestrian accidents. When identifying stalkers, confidently look them straight in the eye. Identified stalkers are stalkers no more.

by jopay

i was brought up by my parents to always put my family as "FIRST PRIORITY".  When i was young i would usually hate the idea of having to go to family weekends instead of going out with my friends. I was deprived of how it really felt to be a barkada person...my parents were too strict to allow me to go out with my friends... to enjoy the teenage life...to experience how it felt to be cool & 'in". Don't get me wrong I don't blame them for being overprotected....even when i was young I already understood their reasons...Actually, everything that my parents taught me really paid off. The values that was planted in me by my parents made me understand the true value of FAMILY. My family is my source of strength. Even if i have my own family now, i treasure the family that made me the person i am. I know that in whatever endeavor it may be, my family would always be there for me...be success or failure, happiness or sadness, My family was created by a God who knows that we would always be together, no matter what... -joanne

One has a short tongue.

Both are not sober enough in this picture.

This is where we got our looks and craziness

Would you believe that growing up, they were strict with us?

O sige na nga, they weren't strict... just overprotective! Hahahaha! LOL!

Jaz: Isn't this a good combination? All three of us came out perfect (?)

Jo: No comment

Jopay: Here, here...

Both can be silly.

Dad will dance to the tune of any song. See for yourself...

Mom on the other hand is malakas mang-asar. This is what most don't know about her. That's why we're warning you not to let this sweet pa-cutie face fool you! Hahahaha!

There now, you know why the 3 of us are a mixture of sugar and a lot of spice... -jopay, jo, jaz

Right now it's already 330am. I'm in the ER working my shift.

I'm tired...stressed out...sleepy....

Thinking of my two sisters and wondering if they are alright...

I miss both of them so much....

I'd like to dedicate this song to the dos marias...

"Beautiful"

[Spoken]
Don't look at me

Every day is so wonderful
Then suddenly, it's hard to breathe
Now and then, I get insecure
From all the pain, I'm so ashamed

I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
I am beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring me down
So don't you bring me down today

To all your friends, you're delirious
So consumed in all your doom
Trying hard to fill the emptiness
The pieces gone, left the puzzle undone
Is that the way it is

You are beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring you down
You are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring you down
Don't you bring me down today...

No matter what we do
(no matter what we do)
No matter what we say
(no matter what we say)
We're the song inside the tune
Full of beautiful mistakes

And everywhere we go
(everywhere we go)
The sun will always shine
(sun will always shine)
And tomorrow we might wake on the other side
All the other times

We are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring us down
We are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring us down
Don't you bring me down today

Don't you bring me down today
Don't you bring me down today

In this day and age of blogging, texting, chatting and mobile phones, it's impossible to say that it's difficult to keep in touch! I am utterly grateful to the blog inventors for introducing this on-line journal-scrapbook-photoalbum-website-rolled-into-one. I especially love the fact that I can blog, upload pics and connect with friends and loved ones (even if I'm at the office, in between work). It's like texting without the 1 peso charge. I can immediately holler and have everything recorded (carved in stone) with just a few taps on my keypad. I used to feel so isolated because of work. No time for family and keeping in touch. Now, I am in touch with my dos marias even at work.

...From every angle, whatever it may be...the Tresmarias remains to be beautiful!

Blog? BlaG? is this the sound of something that fell to the floor? hehehe... corny.  Sorry I'm new at this... It was my sister pin... josephine...jopay... (whatever her name is) who was the one who first introduced this blog thing to me... Am i ignorant or what!!! My life has been so busy. Being a Emergency Medicine resident  and a wife and a mother of two adorable babies has really made me so ignorant to the world outside of my house and work. There are so many thing I don't know of... I'm really glad I have my two sisters who always update of was going on.... " hey yeah hey yeah.... what's going on" Tama ba yon?.... yung kanta??? they are the ones who teach me of the in and out things.....

Anyway, so here I am blogging... thanks to my sisters....now i'll be having a new friend around me.... mr. computer.....corny ko talaga.....-joanne

Don't you guys mess with us! We're feisty fiery gals!