Is there an unselfish deed?

Today's Wednesday
Am on my 2nd year of teaching CCD (Continuing Catholic Development)
Last year, I thought will just try it out
Since my son was anyway going too
If you read the blog regularly
You remember how nervous I was about teaching kids
After awhile, you gain confidence
You get your own style
You get your groove
And you get to know and love the students
It then becomes easier, fulfilling

When I signed up again this year
My hubby asked, he thinks I sign up for too many pro bonos
I said, yea, am enjoying it
And part of it is am saving up points
til I get to that desired destination
the one that doesn't involve credit card points, haha

So today, it was raining so hard
And I just let go of my driver so no one to drive me
Such a shallow predicament, you might say
But in Manila, it can be if you're used to it

Was I tempted not to go, yes
Especially since it was raining bad
And my son's varsity practice got cancelled
So he's home early
It was tempting to stay home and be comfortable
and not take a cab

But then, one's gotta do, what one has to do
The guard got me a cab, no problem
Off I went to class
I even had another class join in cause their teacher was absent

I taught, we discussed, had activities, played games
Class ended
Mom came over to me and said her daughter always looks forward to CCD class
Another mom said, her daughter said she has the best teacher
Is it worth it?
You bet it is!

So while in the cab going home
I thought, it was worth going to class today
I enjoyed it
I feel good
Which made me think of that episode in Friends about doing an unselfish thing
When we do good things, we feel good, does it become a selfish act?
Nah, we do it without the intention of feeling good, it is after the unselfish act is done
that the good feeling comes in

Whether unselfish acts turn to selfish satisfaction
I want to look at it as a win-win situation

Happy middle of the week!

Portraits

My stylized Filipiniana portrait

At painting class today, we moved on from still life to portraits

I was like a kid , at first, complaining, "'aahhh"
(Well, I'm the youngest in the class)

But our teacher's so good, I have no idea how I was able to draw a face!

I can never do this on my own

I just turn into a different person when am in that class

Teacher shows us

We follow and interpret

And all my classmates are so into it that it's impossible for anyone not to try hard

Good thing, the portrait needs to be stylized hence the thin, long neck

and big hands

My painting class is really exciting, fulfilling, and a must-go for me!

Happy long weekend!

Still life

Another still life, avocados

finished work

Guess whose work is hanging on the kitchen wall

We're still on still life in painting class

Can't wait when we can do more varied subjects

So today, I had to finish my batirol in class then start with the avocados

And guess who got her framed work?

It's now hanging on our kitchen wall

Replacing the one we got in Paris, hahaha

Owner's original always better, isn't it?

Have a good weekend!

The Circus is in town!

Watched the amazing Varekai last week

Have seen Cirque more than a decade ago in Hong Kong for their show Saltimbanco

It never fails to impress

Even my kids were amazed

When I see talents like these

It just makes me grateful for all the gifts He has bestowed on everyone

And for these gifted ones to mazimize their potential and share these gifts for the world to see

If you could, it is a must see!

Sweet nothings

this is Manang from Joyce where I buy rhum cake

her pasalubong from Bacolod

Yesterday, after my son's tennis in Rockwell

Kids and I had dinner and as usual went to our fave stall in Baker's Dozen

It's the Joyce stall selling rhum cakes, etc

Funny thing is, my kids love to get the samples which is already embarrassing

But this Manang keeps re-filling everytime and encourages them to get

We see each other often, in Rockwell and the monthly American Women's Bazaar

Last Monday, after tennis again, she asked if I can come this weekend

She will give me something

Was so touched when yesterday, she gave me this piyaya which she brought from her vacation

from Bacolod

I was really touched for her to have thought of me

What a nice gesture from someone I just smile at and share cordial greetings

and buy from every now and then

Things that make you see how much goodness there is in this world despite of.

Okay, okay, need to go real soon!

Til next!

They still keep coming!

When I got home today from lunch at Anna's
Guard gave me a gift from Hindy
She wasn't able to make it to my party last Friday
But she still sent her gift
Thanks much, Hinds!

Anna also gave me a gift for our kitchen
and a souvenir from their last trip to Shanghai
Awww, you guys!!!

I already feel so special
You guys can't help it, huh? haha

Thank you, thank you, thank you

How can I not love getting older?

Thanks, Mai!

Thank you so much to my dear friend, Mai Kaufman, for always being so sweet, kind and loving.

Though she couldn't make it, she sent her lovely gift which I surely will enjoy.

Thanks, Mai. Stay well!

You've got mail!

top: Maldita, pants : ZARA

My day was very productive.

All my things to do were done.

Had a photo shoot that will come out in a couple of days

Will post it once it's out

Got a gift and a card from a good friend/client

Very touching

Heartwarming

Makes you want to always be the best version of yourself

If I may share what was on the card

"With you

I feel as if God is spoiling me a little"

I don't know any other saying that could top that!

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

It's very humbling.

I've met people who think that saying something good about someone

would make the other person arrogant and big-headed

On the other hand, I feel good words make one feel more humble and humane

Whenever people say good things about me

All the more I have the desire to not disappoint

All the more I feel how human I am

And all the more I feel His presence and goodness in my life

Everyday of my life

I try to achieve that others would see a part of Him in me

And that I would see Him in others

Am not always successful

as people sometimes misunderstand

But the intention is always good

When I know I've touched someone

even in the most diminutive way

My day is made

And I go on believing that

My humanity is being served

Thank you again for the wonderful gift but most of all for the kind words

It's something I would always treasure and go back to again and again

Likewise, I feel the same.

Enjoy your week!

Toting it

Got this tote bag from my friend, Lills.

She supplies to major stores and mostly overseas.

Thank you for the bag, Lills.

Will be using it especially with all the docs I would need to carry.

Keep up the good work!

I want my ATM

photo credit : my 8 year-old
clutch bag from Aranaz, given by my friend, Anne Gonzalez

photo credit : my 12-year-old

Unlike me, my son doesn't like parties.

I sometimes have to beg for us to do something on his birthday.

So, since he likes paella, among other things (he's a real gourmand, by the way)

we decided to have a casual dinner at Terry's Selection (Pasong Tamo Ext)

Eversince, my husband & I always thought about unique and original gifts to our kids.

Something not only lasting but will teach them lessons.

This year, since he's already 12, decided to have him own his own ATM account.

Went with him today to open an account under his name and wherein it's him who signs

No dad or mom

Explained to him the values of saving and keeping track of his balance
He loves it!

He feels grown up and responsible.

And of course, cool!

Gives him some kind of independence to decide on his own.

Wonder what could top that feeling for Christmas...

Happy birthday!

Pineapple

photo credit : Anne Gonzalez

Just wanted to share one of the fave gifts I got.
Thanks, Isa, for my lovely earrings.
Got compliments.
You really get my taste.
Congratulations for winning the game but that's for another post!

Unexpected gift

This was the necklace I got from my neighbor, Anna Rufino.
Just wanted to share how it was one of the perks of my day.
We were shopping yesterday, told her I liked the necklace and she bought it for me!
Whoa!
Nice surprise!
Though I really like the necklace, it was much more than that.
She wanted me to have it, it was the gesture that touched me most.
And all I can say is, thanks, Anna!

Things that make you go... cute!

sailor outfit for babies

for the girly girl

Just some cute finds I got at insanely inexpensive prices.

Random gifts for my nieces and for a friend who after the 5th try finally gave birth to a boy.

My kids are kinda big already but I still always look out for cute stuff. Good thing I have a lot of godchildren.
One of those I'll never outgrow - cute things!

Cover up

I enjoy giving gifts and love wrapping them. I, myself, feel extra special when I receive a gift that's well wrapped, it shows just how much the giver expresses one's style and personality and at the same time how one regards the other.

It may take seconds to unwrap a prettily wrapped gift but the beauty lingers in one's memory.

In this case, do judge a book by its cover.