Social media and blogging connects different people.

Blogging is using a new medium for what it is good for - connecting and interacting. ~George Siemens

Few months ago, I was taking some time off from working and decided to go read some really cool blogs. As I stumbled upon her blog, her story was so compelling, mynewlifeinnorway. She always has some really great articles that are helpful to any blogger. She wrote a post and I commented on it. I didn't know that she also checked my blog. She left some comments... I answered back... and then something amazing happened... we really have started to chat each other. She friended me and sent me a message on Facebook.

This whole episode showed me how social media and blogging connects different people. But on my case, I was very shocked when I found out that she's also a Filipino. We have created a closer connection. I consider her my friend. I just absolutely love making friends with cool peeps like her! I hope to meet her one day.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-7 A Time for Everything!

Everything Really Does Happen for a Reason

"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."
— Marilyn Monroe

Can it really be true that everything happens for a reason? As amazing as it sounds, it is. There is significance in every event of our lives, from the most joyful and empowering to the inexplicable or seemingly unjust. Amazing as it sounds, it is true. It's taken me a long time, but I now see that even in the worst situation-and I've had my share-there are wonderful gifts, hidden opportunities, or life-enhancing lessons. And we couldn't have gotten them any other way. If someone as hardheaded as I am can come to understand this, anyone can.

Of course, sometimes it's easy for us to believe that everything happens for a reason. We see it in little ways, like when our plans for an evening out fall through at the last minute, and we discover that everything we really want is at home that night anyway.

Last year, I was at a point where I needed to make a major life decision. I was planning to go back to the Philippines and just stay there and go back to what I used to do. January this year, I attended a bible study together with my 'kababayans' (fellow Filipinos). They prayed for me and told me to have a vacation. Speaking of vacation, the plan was, we were supposed to have a 3 months vacation in the Philippines this February. But since something came up plus I still don't have my visa yet, and I haven't talked to my boss regarding my vacation, I've decided to stay in Norway. My life was already too busy and this was the thing I needed the most. I feel like, it was almost as if the Universe was forcing me to take a time out- because I was too busy to schedule it for myself.

In this context, “everything happens for a reason” amounts to nothing more than “every cloud has a silver lining”. Rather than looking for a needle of hope in a haystack of despair, let us face the bad things that happen to us as they are, and feel the stronger for it once we have overcome them. Instead of trying to look for reasons why something bad might not be so bad after all, why not accept that bad things happen, do everything in our power to repair the damage, and then enjoy the truly good things in our lives in all their undiluted glory.

Did this situation happen for a reason? As crazy as it sounds, I believe it did and that life is not a haphazard roll of the dice, but rather, an intricately woven tapestry of experiences of great significance. Each event in our lives is important, from the most inspired and enlightened to the seemingly unexplainable, inequitable or incomprehensible.

However, sometimes when we're in the heat of the situation, this is difficult to understand. I was too stuck in the "situation" to even consider that there could be a bigger plan at work. When we look for the meaning, we can find the gift in what could be perceived as a negative experience. By seeing these experiences as lessons and opportunities we find greater purpose in our lives. If you look for and discover the meaning in the random events that happen in your life, everything will change. You will be empowered in a new way, feel a greater connection to the Universe and will step forward with confidence and clarity to live the life of your dreams, knowing that everything does indeed happen for a reason.

God moves in mysterious ways or has plans for us all that we don’t always understand. Now, I'm very happy because I just received a letter from the police that my visa was approved. Since I'm not yet citizen in Norway, I have to renew my visa every year. Finally, my boss allowed me to have a 3 weeks vacation from March 21-April 10... even though I was hoping for 3 months... 'masaya na rin ako sa tatlong linggo.' Now, everything starts to fall into place. (Sana lang magtuloy-tuloy... hehehe) About having a vacation in the Philippines this year, I'm not yet sure... but I know there's a better plan for that one. :)

Problems will always be a part of life, and at times when you’re down, when you’re at your lowest point, talk to God. If you ask sincerely, he will enlighten you, clear your confusion, ease your pain, calm your fears, and heal your heart. It’s not going to provide you an instant solution to your problem, but God works in mysterious ways, and as long as you walk with Him, and just trust and believe, the sooner you’ll get to that place where you’ll see everything clearly, and you’ll finally begin to understand. Everything happens for a reason. You may not understand the reason now, but you will when the time is right.

Have a blessed Sunday everyone! Ha en fin Søndag alle sammen! :)

Happy Hearts' Day!

When most people think of Korean food, they think of kimchi, Korea's staple side dish which, along with rice, accompanies almost every meal. This Valentine's day treat your honey to a delicious and romantic dinner. Happy Hearts' Day and a million happy tomorrows everyone!!! :)

Dak-do-ri-tang
Spicy Braised Chicken w/ Potatoes

Dakdoritang is a traditional braised chicken dish that is full of spices and flavors which are exquisite in taste. Succulent chicken pieces such as thighs, breasts and/or drumsticks are simmered in a base soup where the meat tends to fall off the bones. It is marinated with hot pepper and soy sauce, containing various vegetables such as potatoes, onions and carrots. Some may include jalapenos to this dish in addition to kochujang (red chili pepper paste) which will surely wake up your taste buds. As it can get quite spicy, be sure to eat plenty of rice to offset the heat.
Recipe Ingredients (Yield: 4 Servings)

* 1-2 jalapenos (optional)
* 2 tbsp minced garlic
* 2 tbsp kochujang (Korean red chili pepper paste)
* 2 tbsp kochukaru (Korean red chili pepper flakes)
* 2 tbsp soy sauce
* 1 tsp sugar
* 2 tsp sesame oil
* 2 green onions
* 1 tbsp ginger
* 2 cups water
* Salt and pepper

Cooking Directions:

1. Peel potatoes and cut them into eight pieces (cut each potato in half and then cut each half into four quarters).
2. Cut onions the same way as the potatoes.
3. Peel carrot and cut it into lengths about the same size as its width. Cut each slice into four quarters.
4. Slice jalapeño (julienne), if desired.
5. In a heavy pot, combine all ingredients except green onions.
6. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes over a medium flame.
7. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
8. Chop and add green onions to simmer for 5 additional minutes.
9. Serve hot with rice.

Another Step Of My Life!

Today was my birthday and I went to work. My husband and my mom both told me I should have taken off. I just see it as an ordinary day. A typical birthday celebration back home in the Philippines would be a relaxed barbecue, cake and ice cream, a nice dinner and presents to open and of course a few drinks with family and friends with karaoke singing... that's it. My mom always made a big deal about all of our birthdays. Now that I'm staying in Norway, my husband Geir has taken over with increasing assistance from our 3 years old son.

Usually, I take the day off from work, sleep in a little and spend the day doing whatever I want, which often means a little self-indulgent shopping. However, this year was different!

It’s amazing how differently people react to their birthdays.

Some want to party. Surround themselves with hordes of people and pay homage to themselves.

Others get depressed thinking they have not done enough with their lives.

I, like many, use my birthday (specially this year) as an opportunity to reflect on my life, to examine the ups and downs, and to remember the people, situations, and experiences in my life that I am so grateful for.

I attribute my success and happiness to many factors. However, gratitude is by far the largest contributor.

Because I take time to give thanks for all the good in my life, I recognize just how big a role things like family, mentors, and friends have played in my success. And this, in turn, helps me to be the very best wife, mother, and friend I possibly can. I owe so much to the people and things that have helped push me forward. So I give as much as I can in return. And this has the happy result of helping me get even more out of life!

Gratitude goes beyond appreciation; it goes beyond the emotional state. When you learn how to become deeply aware of the feelings of gratitude, you’ll find that your body actually reflects the emotion in physical form. Gratitude definitely is a choice, although one that is not always easy to make. But the reason I can make this choice is because of what God has given to me.

As I have taken another step of my life, I am honored to share my gratitude list with you.

Here are the top 10 people/things that I am most grateful for:

1) My husband Geir. I never question his love, loyalty (sometimes... lol), and partnership. He is a rock I cherish (and his good looks don’t hurt!).

2) My son Zander. He gave me the gift of motherhood and unconditional love. The compassion and respect he show to all people fills me with pride.

3) My father. He taught me the value of honesty and hard work.

4) My mother, who always tells me the truth even when it’s not what I want to hear.

5) The mistakes I have made in my life. The lessons I have learned from these missteps have made me a better wife, mother, and friend.

6) Having lived in Norway and experienced its wealth of theaters, museums, fine dining, and amazing views.

7) Living outside the city and being able to walk on the beach every day even though it's very cold. hehehe

8) My mentors and colleagues.

9) Music – especially Lifehouse – which allows my creativity to flourish.

And last, but certainly NOT least…

10) My friends all over the world. Your letters, emails, and comments touch my heart and soul every day and make me strive more.

Thank you so much! Maraming Salamat! Tusen takk!
CHEERS!!! :D

Life is a roller-coaster ride...

When I decided to leave everything and board a plane to Europe, I was certainly taking some risks. I was hoping for the best, confident that this was the right move for me and my son together with my hubby, sure that I wanted to live a life different than the one I had been living, and eager to take on the challenges ahead of me. That was one year ago this week, and I have felt sure (in some way)that I made the right choice, that the risk was worth it. I have loved living in Norway, and, more specifically, Stavanger. I'll admit that things were really hard when I first got here. I had no idea that Geir would go straight to work in the morning 14 hours after few days we arrived. I didn't realize all of the things I'd have to take care of while Geir was gone every day. I didn't know a single person, had never been here. Everything was completely new for me. I remember the strange feeling that came over me that first day, when I realized that I didn't have Geir's phone number, I didn't have anyone's phone number in case I needed something. I was on my own, hoping for the best! But here I am, one year later, feeling quite at home. I have friends, I love our home, I'm able to communicate well enough but still using English language and little Norwegian, my son is happy with his place in life here. Stavanger has been a great fit for us, worth the risk and difficulties, and I love living here.

While life in Europe has been everything we hoped it would be, Geir had an accident while working end of 2010. So he needs to stay home for few months. This has been a serious disappointment for him. This part of the experience has definitely clouded our time here for the last few months, but we both decided to just dig in anyway, continue fixing up our home and investing in our life here in other ways. I don't regret that. Something I feel like I've learned through this process is that you cannot be sure what is coming tomorrow, and you just can't worry too much. We have both done our best to simply enjoy the good things in front of us as much as possible.

I don't know what I will do afterward. I pretty much "cashed in my chips" when I made the move out here in the first place, and feel like I don't have much to lose, in terms of money or materials (I don't have any!). Sometimes, I just want to go back to the Philippines and do the things I really want to do. Then I realized, I'm already out here, maybe I can make it work to stay for another year. This is all one big adventure, so I might as well take an extra trip again, and see what it's like living in this place. Of course, I don't know what exactly is getting offered, and at this point everything is quite vague and complicated.

I have always wanted an interesting life. I think this qualifies as very interesting. There is a reason that most people go with what's safe and familiar-- they are far less likely to find themselves unemployed in a new country, far from family and friends, almost broke, and not knowing what's next! But I'm still glad I came. And I am just up for whatever adventure comes my way. Life doesn't always feel secure and cozy, and I have had a LOT of FUN for one year of staying in this country. And I'm sure more is headed my way. In fact, my main focus right now, apart from looking for a better job that I REALLY love is just to have the best time ever, where I am right now...