GottaLoveMom

(with actor/producer Zachary Spicer, my friend Dawn and writer/director Paul Schoulberg) Are you looking for a movie with complex cinematic production, lavish scenic locations, supernatural heroes, explosive stunts, sci-fi twists and special effects? If you are, then the movie, " The Good Catholic " ,  is not what you're looking for. However, it is something you should reconsider, because it's a feel-good movie that will make you think, ponder and chuckle. You're probably thinking, "it's probably preachy since it's a Catholic movie." First of all, it's not preachy at all, and secondly, it is not a Catholic movie. In celebration of my birthday, my friend invited me to go see a movie. I suggested that we see " The Good Catholic " which was recommended by another friend of ours. It's playing until September 14th in  our town,  Cranford , which is known as the Center of the Universe. Today happened to be a special...

I’m a California girl at heart, whose soul now belongs to New York.   I’m a jaded, romantic, who believes in crazy-about-you love. I’m a daydreamer and goalkeeper. And I’m always planning my next adventure.  What’s your morning routine?   My weekday routine, during the school year may scare people away, so I’m going to tell you what a typical Sunday is like.  I’m the first to get up and my dog, Stella follows me downstairs. I love the quiet stillness in the morning in my kitchen, with the sun streaming in.  I start my day with a glass of warm lemon water – and coffee with almond milk and cinnamon.  Then I walk Stella.  We live on an acre of land and our backyard looks like a park.  It’s a nice meditative time with her, until she sees a rabbit or deer and then I have to chase her down. I have a nice breakfast, then it’s off to work out.  I’m currently obsessed with TRX/Spin fusion classes and Pilates. I work out at least 4 days a wee...

Whenever conversations mention "love",  few movies, books and television series come to mind: Princess Bride,   a romantic movie date, tells of the love story of Buttercup and Westley, who had a chaotic courtship but eventually lived happily ever after. In the movie, Westley was badly hurt, and he was brought to the healer, Miracle Max. Miracle Max asked a dying Westley.                  "What's so important? What do you got here that's worth living for?"                    Westley faintly replied, "True love". This is Us.   A television series on NBC about a family, 3 of whom share the same birthday. My favorite character is the father, Jack Pearson. His priorities begin and start with his wife and children. His love for his family reminds me so much more of my own father. In dealing with life's challenges, I find myself asking, "What would Dad...

Today is the feast of Saint Valentine, who, according to Wikipedia , was a martyr who was imprisoned for officiating weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry, and for ministering for Christians who were persecuted under the Roman Empire. Aside from LOVE as a common denominator in those aforementioned events, I don't know how such event morphed into a day of a dozen red roses, a box of chocolates and Hallmark cards. But aren't you glad someone invented the modern version of Valentine's Day? Love, what is it really?

Tragedy, an event causing great suffering, destruction and distress.  Sadly, at some time in our life, we will face an event that will cause great suffering and distress. How we cope with tragedy will effect how we live our life. For me, there are two dates that forever changed my perception of the world and the Universe I live in. ·          September 11, 2001. ·          October 27, 2005. September 11, 2001. That day our world was shattered. Individuals  were willing to kill innocent people and die for their religious beliefs.  Was it hate that compelled the 19 terrorists to carry out four coordinated terrorist attacks? Will there be a time when their hatred of our very existence will cease to exist? Or do we now live in a world where violence is part of our daily lives? October 27, 2005 . The day my parents and brothers’ lease on their pass to obtain the American Dream...

My father passed away two years ago. There is a void that will never be filled. There are days when I wish I can give him a hug and tell him how much I love him. I would settle for a moment just to be able to pick up the phone, just to hear his voice. And then there’s Mom.

Do you ever wonder what it’s like to grow up with people who have a hard time hearing?

As I prepared to fly halfway across the globe, I sensed a burnt candle. In my heart I believed it was a message from Heaven, from my Dad. 

When you listen to people's stories, sometimes you wonder, how can someone smile through all that pain and sorrow?

Last year when my father passed away in the Philippines, I went home and took some time to visit the U.S. Embassy in Manila to ask what the options are for my mother to return to the U.S. The consul reminded me of the 10-year travel ban. That on or after November 8, 2015 — not earlier – or 10 years after my mom, was deported in 2005 for overstaying her visa, I can email the U.S. Embassy and inquire about my mother’s approved petition. I asked if I need to file another petition, and she informed me I didn’t have to. I asked if I could… and she stopped me and said to ask everything on or after November 8, 2015. This is where I am, and where my thoughts are drifting as I celebrate this month my 16th American birthday. I am counting the months, the weeks and the days. My daughter is getting married in January 2016 and I would love to have my entire family, especially my mother, to be here when that momentous occasion happens.

There are two reasons why I shouldn't wear worn-out work-out clothes the entire day. Fitness In the winter time, I love to wear my yoga pants or work-out clothes because they're comfortable. It didn't matter if I got to work out that morning. However, I noticed that I don't realize how much weight I gain around the waist until around Spring time when I try to fit into my jeans. Marriage (as posted on March 2012: Marriage is a contract) A marriage proposal is indeed an intention to live as one, and once you say your "I do's", you promise to love and honor all the days of your lives - and as my husband says, to continue to physically take care of yourself -- just like when you started dating.  

 “Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good.”   - Malcom Galdwell, Outliers: The Story of Success At the March 7 Makilala TV taping of the episode on "Filipino American Wedding Trends and Tradition", my co-hosts and I had the pleasure of meeting three young and successful entrepreneurs: ·          Ivie Joy of Ivie Joy Floral Arts and Events ·          Glenn Maningas of MPW Media Group ·          Amable Yalong of Events by Amable Key Music Group and Y2 Collection (luxury clothing for men) The trio, who has been working as a team since 2009, are consistent Wedding Wire Bridal Choice awardees. We learned that to win the Wedding Wire Awards for five consecutive years means that your business has to be in the top 5 percent of wedding service providers in the c...

 “Can you fix me?  I’ve got 90 minutes.” For almost 20 years now, my family and I have been going to the same hair stylist, Pat.   And I must say I look forward to her inspirational stories behind the chair.  The life stories shared in her salon were so interesting that 10 years ago we drafted our book collaboration, "Behind the Chair." However, my life was faced with tragedy and drama and as a result "Behind the Chair" was put on hold. The conversations we had ranged from trivial to profound and covered an array of emotions: laughter, tears, joy, frustration and disappointments. My monthly hair appointments were something I looked forward to. There were times I'd walk into her salon feeling awful and uninspired but after 90 minutes of getting my hair done, I'd leave feeling confident, loved and ready to rule the world - and it wasn't about my hair! I’d whine about looking “ugly” (because I have issues) and...

Dear Older Me – A Time Capsule Present for all ages Birthdays are special days to celebrate life. It’s the day you’re showered with best wishes, love and presents. You quietly make a wish as you blow out the candles. One tradition we recently started is the “ Dear Older Me Time Capsule”.

Twenty years ago, we planned a wedding in Staten Island . The day was cold, but our hearts were very warm. How exciting that day was. We were growing as a family. We were a family of four. By the time noon rolled around, we were a family of seven, and my son became a husband and father.   What a happy day that was.   Before we knew it, we quickly became   known as "The Furer Nine." And those wonderful family parties, where two families from different cultures, moved to the beat of the same drum and became one. We had so many family members at our parties, we couldn't count them all. So much fun, and so many wonderful memories for us, and our children. How exciting those times were.

“There are those who say that seeing is believing. I am telling you that believing is seeing.” -   Neale Donald Walsch, Home with God: In a Life That Never Ends Have you ever picked up the phone and called someone you haven't spoken to in a year and when you hang up you're in tears because it was like you were meant to call and listen. Well, I just had that phone call. Early this morning,   my daughter and I bought a simple, silver star for our Christmas tree. When we got to the cash register, I didn't realize it was $20 more than I planned on spending. I wasn't going to buy it but I saw twinkle in my 25 year-old daughter's eyes - just like when she was 2. So when we got home, my daughter and 13 year-old son put the star on top of the tree. Christmas carols were streaming in the background as we turned on the Christmas lights. And to our surprise - a delightful treat, we were like little kids giggling with joy becaus...

"The present moment is filled with joy and happiness.   If you are attentive, you will see it." - Thich Nhat Hanh's The day started out on a positive note. I have a bad habit of checking my email every morning. You see, my family lives continents apart and the only way I keep in touch with them is through social media or email. That morning, my dear friend happened to email me about her 21-Day Complaint Free Challenge, and one of the quotes she mentioned was that of Thich Nhat Hanh's, a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk. So is it true that the present moment is filled with joy and happiness? I was up early because I needed to be in uptown New York to find answers to a medical concern that was haunting my child for months. Spending time with my son is always a happy event. So I guess, so far so good. Fortunately, the neurologist gave us good news. To celebrate such a day, my son and I had an impromptu breakfast at a diner nearby his school. Anoth...

 When you lose someone you love dearly, something about you changes. After all the tears have been shed, Your life goes back to quote, unquote - normal. You dig deep in your heart to find a way to change the colors that surround you;

I was out for a run when I saw this image.   It was a striking image that I stopped and cried because it reminded me that we are all different but in our own unique ways, we're special. It also reminded me the hope Spring brings. Everyday is a new beginning. I was feeling lost --   sort of.   I forgot how to express myself, to focus, to be at peace. My father passed away 20 days ago. He was sick for 5 long years and the past 5 months, his body deteriorated.  

 I lost something and I needed to get it back. It had been a tough few weeks. My mind was onto something unpleasant. No matter how much I tried to mask it, my heart was heavy for reasons I couldn't put my finger on. Whatever happened to A New Year, a new beginning? Maybe it was the hormones. I'm turning 50 in less than 6 months, and   my body had been screaming for the past 3 years. Maybe it was the freezing temperature. After two warm winters in New Jersey , we're finally experiencing winter once more. I had forgotten what winter was like and my Filipino bones couldn't figured out how to adjust my inner temperature. Maybe it was the possibility of being "ill". Biopsies and lab tests had a way of making me feel anxious. Maybe it was the uncertainty of what the future has in store for me and my family. Maybe it was just something I had to go through. I needed to complain. I needed to cry. I needed to ....WALK. ...