Salamat po!

The biggest thanks I have for today is that the Lord added another year and a day to my existence. I have wonderful friends and family. The opportunities are continuously coming in. I’ve pretty healthy, I’m able to do things that I enjoy and I’m learning.

Today, I’m particularly happy for these things:

• Saw someone I had grievances with in the past. I was quite nervous, but pleasantly surprised to be treated with civilly and politely, no chills or cold shoulder. I appreciated that, and made me rethink my opinion of that person.
• I saw a good friend achieve her dreams. I’ve seen her struggle, and seeing her at this point in her life makes me proud. Congratulations Attorney!
• The cab I rode home in was cut off by a rude driver. The cab driver was trying to edge out the other driver, but I asked him to just let the other guy be because he’s (the cabbie) has a passenger (me). Thankfully he backed off, and I’m home safe and sound.

I turned 30 yesterday. They say it’s a milestone. Me, I’m just grateful to be here still. I resolve to be more active, be more creative, be more thankful and love more.

Today was one of those days where the good and great things just kept on flowing. Quick rundown:

• I got to finish a huge bulk of my work. Only minor updates on Monday!
• Had lunch with the team, and I didn’t have to pay anything except the parking
• Found the third book in Philip Pullman’s “Sally Lockheart” series for only P95!
• Got film (36 shots)
• Found a hardback copy of Nora Roberts’ “Black Hills” for only P99
• Went to my best friend’s house so she could give me her gift from Japan: A yukata!
• Her brother gave me a Professor Layton gashopon
• Arrived home save & dry

Will post photos of my finds and gifts later. Thank you for this most amazing day! :)

That doesn’t mean I’m not thankful :) I say thanks for…

1. A successful family cook-out last week. It was great to eat something that we all prepared, then spent the rest of the night til the wee hours of the morning just talking.

2. Manang Gaya. My parents decided we needed someone to help around the house, to do the cooking and cleaning. It’s great, and a big relief.

3. Books, books and more books.

4. Freebies. Nuff said.

5. Food trip with my co-workers. I’m going broke and fat, but I’m happy.

6. Being able to love someone, and knowing you’re loved back, even if it’s not in the way you want, it’s still love.

7. Cheap earphones that still has great sound.

8. Cheap (meaning affordable) thrills, like a magnetic bookmark and secondhand books.

9. Music.

10. Not getting caught in the rain.

Last week was so full of win (so to speak). I got a chance to meet Neil Gaiman, talk to him for a few minutes and get my book signed. Never mind that he won’t know me from Adam should we meet again. To me, that was a moment (or two) that I won’t ever forget.

Saturday, I went to run some errands and found a book someone was looking for. I sort of act as a book buyer, so when people email me for a book, I try to find it for them. These books are usually secondhand books, so they’re cheaper and often hard to find.

Sunday, I spent the whole day with my family: brother, cousins, aunt & uncles. We went around Chinatown and had a fun food trip. It was a tiring day, but it was so much fun that we plan to do it again.

It made me appreciate my relatives more. It also made me more aware of the treasure hidden beneath the chaotic world that is Manila.

quote-book:

kari-shma:

[via: homegrown hospitality]

Thank you.

Today, we got a cash bonus at work. Though it doesn’t make me financially rich by any means, it lightens my load considerably. I can now pay my bills without wondering how I’ll survive til next payday. Thank you!

Also big thanks for the following: bonding time with my brothers, great conversation with friends, cookies, bargain prices and bringing everyone home safe & sound!

Friday, October 9

• Having my family safe & sound together
• Keeping my brother safe despite his mishap while driving

Saturday, October 10

• Book Geek. I didn’t win, but I had fun, met some nice new people and got a free book.
• Going around the mall with Drew, stinkbombs aside.
• Dinner with the family, my siblings meeting Biboy. Bean Boozled game and just having fun with the cousins.

Sunday, October 11

• Osky’s successful check-up
• Hanging out with Mama, Papa and Otki
• Papa’s delicious chicken tinola
• Getting my Internet back

What are the things you are thankful about? Be it material, spiritual, people or anything at all, say it! Let the world now.

The word “Salamat” is the Filipino word for “Thank you.” It has variations all over the country, depending on the dialect, but it sounds similar and all has the same meaning.

For Muslims and Arab speakers, it may sound familiar because the root word of “salamat” comes from the Arabic spoken greeting “Salam Alaykum.” Salam means peace, and the statement as a whole can be translated to “peace be with you.”

Personally, I find it easier to say “salamat”. Somehow, it’s more meaningful than saying “thank you” even though they have the same meaning. I guess for me salamat has more weight when you say it to someone when you are thankful.

I’ve got tons of blogs that I rarely get to keep, but I hope to keep this one up as best as I can.