The Countdown of ALL Countdowns

It's the final countdown! In few hours another chapter ends and a new one begins.  That signifies not only the New Year but that of "Yours Truly's" different countdown of sort (which hopefully will have another blog if "yours truly" will not be lazy).

This year is no doubt another good year just like the rest. With all the ups and downs I've been through I can say that I did passed year 2014 with flying colors. There were times that I almost doubted my power to overcome the obstacles that came my way but with God's grace and the unconditional love of my family and friends, I was able to survive the year with stronger faith in God and in myself.

The Most Sought After Brownie

I turned gluten free this year. Long story. When I get the chance I'll write about it.

Anyway, yesterday I posted on Instagram and FB my first ever brownie I baked for myself after half a year of avoiding it. Though I bake brownies every now and then but they are just for my Sweetest. And yes, I wasn't tempted to try them even just once.

SPOILER ALERT: This is NOT my original recipe so I am not taking credit for it. (If you want the original recipe - click HERE) I found it in Pinterest and just want to share it here because a lot of my FB friends are asking for the recipe. So here you go... by popular demand - The Flourless Sweet (a.k.a. Kamote) Potato Brownie

You will need...

The Very First Man I Fell in LOVE With

I can't remember the first time I fell in love with him. But there is only one thing I am sure - no one ever loved me the way he did.

And I have never loved a man the way I loved him. I still think about him every single day. I miss you so much. Happy Birthday, Dad!

A Grateful Heart Thursday: My Miracle

I was crying like a baby... sobbing non stop... tears running down my cold cheeks... head spinning like crazy as I struggled holding my breath and my mobile phone all at the same time. I was trying to make sense of all that was going on right under my nose, but to no effect.

It was one of those rare phone calls that I hate to receive since I left home. I was talking to my friend and former colleague from home trying to grasp the essence of our conversation. Her voice was firm and full of conviction. Her tone was strong and filled with total resignation. Her breathing was deep yet consistent. She was cool, calm and collected.

"Be strong, Mare [a term we used to address each other because her first born is my Goddaughter]." She said in a matter-of-factly way.

“If it is God’s will for me, then I have to accept it.” She sustained as I continued sobbing and said nothing but “Mare”

"This is just one of the mysteries of life and we have no choice but to accept it with faith in our hearts" She continued saying and assuring me that… EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY.

But I am not OK! Neither is she!

She is not OK! SHE HAS LUNG CANCER!

Fun is Over! Back to Work!

This is a very quick post. I am just killing time. As of this writing, some of the teachers and ed techs are looking for a parking spot at the Middle School and the others are already having coffee in the cafeteria. Today is the start of our 3 days in-service training.

Igot the urge to post this to say the least that I did have a great summer and can't wait for the school to be over. hahaha. Though, I know it has not even officially started yet. Official start of school where I work is after Labor Day.

Anyway, I really did have a great summer. Hope you all had the same.

#Just Sayin'

Isn't it funny that the sun that rises and sets in any part of the world is one and the same? But the sunrise and the sunset in the place called home is the most breathtaking one. - Ruthi Gregoire

AHA Moment: Feeling Creative

I'm a gifted artist. Well, it sounds good that is why I used that statement as introduction. But yes, I can proudly say that I was blessed with some creative ideas and I can easily express them in so many ways, bragging aside. WINK****

Spiritual Musings

Years ago, I found joy in reading Bible verses and writing my reflections about a particular verse that struck me. I found happiness in doing it because I was able to get in touch with my inner self. And I found peace in the process.

Years passed and a lot of things happened. Things that I have no control of. Things that somehow shook my faith and conviction. And things that one way or another messed up my personal belief and perspective in life.

Moody

Moody is "not" a word. You don't tell that to a woman who is approaching peri-menopausal stage. And don't even insist or argue. You will be in big trouble. LOL

My favorite Model - Maya. She was already having a fit when I took this photo. When I told her - just one last shot, she smiled. I clicked. Then gave me her biggest frown ever. [LOL] Love her to pieces!

A Grateful Heart Thursday: Let's Run!

I love to run.

I run when I am happy and when I'm sad. I also run when I am bored or when I don't know what to do.

Subject Matter: The Children

When I was a kid... the only thing I worried about was play. The only thing I look forward to was play with my brothers. And only thing in my mind was what were we going to play.

When I was a young... I worry not what to eat. I didn't care about the weather. And I only thought about school so I can play with my friends.

Summer Comfort Food

Summer seems so short. There are lots of things I want to do and it seems I am running out of time. I have never been as busy as my regular 12 hours shift. But no matter how busy I am there is one thing I will not pass up - food!

I love to cook and when I cook it's always experimental. I'm the type of cook who doesn't stick to recipe. I always come up with something. Something made of anything available in my fridge, that is. So one day, the only thing I got was a left-over steak, an onion, frozen broccoli and some left-over noodles from the doggie bag my friend Medy sent me.

Busy as a Bee

Summer has been crazy since Spring. LOL. I know there is no such thing. But in my world it is a huge possibility.

You see I have huge plan before the school ends. I have tons of projects on my drawing board. And I set a goal for myself to finish them before Summer is over.

Sunlight

Blessings come in different ways. If you don't see the beauty of nature as blessings, you will not see yourself as one.

“Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.” Benjamin Franklin 

-------------------------------- Photo Friday ---------------------------------

To Join Photo Friday Challenge... click HERE.