Saturday, February 1, 2014

Love, love. love

Still incredulous that it is February once again. Time just seems to go by so quickly these days...

Anyway, while I of course appreciate chocolate and gifts, I'm not the hugest fan of Valentine's Day because I think too much pressure is put on that one day. Shouldn't we express our love for our partners and family and friends with thoughtful gestures everyday?

While we're on the subject, I have been thinking about one of my favorite passages in the Bible -- Paul's definition of what love is:

“Love is patient, love is kind, It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

A lot of this is easier said than done, but it is a great reminder of the standards we should try to achieve. And February is as good a month as any to start trying ;-)

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Momentous July


Wow. July was a very eventful month.
While there were some very fabulous moments, there were also some lows. The main bad thing was work related, but that made its way into my personal life too.

While I will not get into specifics (struggling to take the high road!) I will say that sadly, someone who I had trusted completely turned out to be someone who did not deserve that trust at all. Betrayal really sucks but there isn’t much one can do except pick up the pieces and move on. Thankfully, while we had to iron out some issues at work caused by this betrayal, I can honestly say that ROH is stronger than ever, and staff morale is high. We’re all looking forward to our 4 year anniversary celebration next month, and are excited for all that is to come for the organization in the coming months. We are soldiering on!

In happier moments from the month, we had an awesome visit from old and dear friends Matt Mclaughlin and Dan Hew from our New York days, with the added bonus of two super lovely ladies, Matt’s sister, Cindy and girlfriend, Beth. The four of them were so fun to have around and it was a really special visit. Not only did we get to spend lots of quality time together, but Matt and Dan got to know our kids better. While the guys were equally awesome to both kids, I especially loved seeing them interact with Aliya, who they are both godfathers to.
Beth, Cindy, Matt, Marcus and Dan before our firefly tour

Dan, Cindy, me, Beth, Marcus and Matt


Ninong Matt and Aliya

Ninong Dan and Aliya


Marcus also had a birthday! Hooray, we’re the same age again! Haha. To celebrate Marcus’ 34th, we had a nice dinner at a fantastic, super authentic Italian restaurant here in Puerto called La Tana. The Italian owners, Nick and Tina, really went out of their way to make sure the party was perfect and they did such a great job.

Happy birthday Marcus! (With Tina and the amazing birthday cake she and Nick made!)

Soon after that we had more fabulous visitors – the Berroth ladies!! Katie Berroth is a beloved friend from Wellesley and godmother to both Luke and Aliya. She is a sister to me and I love her and her sister Margeaux and mom Peggy to bits! Katie has been living in Hong Kong for the last few years, which has been awesome. Sadly for me, she is moving to New York for 2 months then Ghana for 10 months as she won a prestigious Acumen Fund fellowship. While sad that she won’t be in Asia anymore, I am so super proud of my amazing girl. Jacqueline Novogratz started the Acumen Fund and I have been a fan of the organization since I read Jacqueline’s book The Blue Sweater. I was so excited when Katie told me she’d applied and beyond thrilled as she progressed in every new selection process round, and finally was told she’d won one of the 12 fellowships. Amazing. We’re planning on visiting Katie in Ghana when we go to South Africa in early 2014. Can’t wait!!

Flying baby!!
 
Lukey and Ninang Katie


Gogo with the kiddoes

Peggy checking a client's blood pressure in Aplaya



So…  even with the unfortunate events at work, overall July was pretty awesome. Looking forward to hopefully more happy things to come in August!!



Family photo in Sabang


Tuesday, July 30, 2013

For a Laugh...

Whenever I am in a bad mood and need to smile or laugh, I just look at this series of photos of Marcus and Aliya and my mood totally brightens.


Half a Year of Sunshine

Our little nugget is already 6 months old. Time flies!!


Wednesday, June 12, 2013

5 Months Old!

She will not always let me decorate her with such ridiculous ribbons and bows, but for now she humors her mama ;-)


Sunday, May 19, 2013

Team Swangelista, May 2013!

Finally have an updated family picture with me and Marcus and all four of our children :)


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

4 Months :)

Baby Aliya - or "Iya" or "Aya" as her kuya Luke and his little friends all call her, is 4 months old!