You've got mail!

In my previous post, I already told you about Heather. It began when I received a comment on my post Second Mothers. She said she had a question about my blog.

....and here's her response when I sent her an email. 

Heather says:

Hi Rory! Thanks for emailing me. The reason I have reached out to you is because of your blog! I am 43 and a mother to a quirky little 7 year old, Lily. She is my only child, and my whole world. When Lily was just 3 1/2 months old, I was diagnosed with Mesothelioma; a type of cancer that kills 90-95% of those who have it. As I’m sure you can imagine, the first thing that came to mind when I was diagnosed was my baby girl and how I wasn’t going to be able to watch her grow up.

After intense treatment and recovery, I’m still here 6 1/2 years later and cancer free! My journey with cancer was a terrifying one and I'd like to turn my pain into purpose and become someone that other people can look to for guidance, inspiration, and hope in situations like my own. I contacted you because I feel that your blog would be an excellent place for me to share my story. I realize that you may be thinking my story is not exactly a perfect fit for your blog audience, but I’m trying to raise awareness of this horrible little known cancer that is such a deadly killer (and sadly, 100% preventable) Would you accept a guest post from me about my journey as a new mother with cancer and the dangers of asbestos? I would love if you could at least include my link in your blogroll! Here is the link to my blog: www(dot)mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/heather

Either one would be such a great help to me. Let me know what you think!

First off, I'm so ecstatic that someone outside my usual readers -- namely my family (haha) -- reads my blog. I wrote this blog to share my thoughts to anyone open to read it. My purpose is just to put my thoughts out there since my husband usually gets disinterested with my stories when he's heard it the third time. Haha! My blog isn't one of those fashion or beauty blogs. Don't get me wrong, I'm fond of reading those but it's just not my personality. So I guess you can say this blog is pretty boring since it's mostly about my life, hence, imagine my surprise when I found out someone read it! Weeee!!! The beautiful thing about it is that I get her story and I feel for her. Please help me share her story and you might help prevent someone from having mesothelioma cancer. Watch out for her guest blog and please share. =)  

Asbestos and Cancer

It's such a wonderful surprise to know that someone who aren't family or friends actually read my blog! Last week, Heather Von St. James reached out to me so I can share with my readers her advocacy to help find a cure for mesothelioma. According to www.mesothelioma.com, Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer affecting the membrane lining of the lungs and abdomen and the primary cause and risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.

Heather was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma three months after giving birth to her daughter Lily Rose. I am not a mother but I can just imagine how distressed I would be to know that I might not be able to see my daughter grow up. In her blog, she shares her journey through her battle with mesothelioma cancer.

Heather before her Extrapleural Pneumonectomy Surgery (EPS)

I have been in and out of the hospital several times in my life too. I have been in the regular room, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and even the Telemetry of Makati Medical Center and I know first hand how difficult it is to be in a situation wherein you are not in control. I am full of energy and I plan ahead but what my mind wants to do, my body sometimes cannot handle. It is frustrating most of the time and it's a daily battle with me but all I can do is trust that God will do what's best for me. Read more about Heather's battle with pleural mesothelioma on my next post. Who is better to tell her story than Heather herself!!! I'm excited to tell you that for the first time, I'm having a guest on my blog so watch out for it soon!

- God is truly the greatest HEALER-

Second Mothers

No, this is not a typographical error. Second Mothers--I have two of them. Either I’m that lucky or God knew I’m going to be hard headed someday that I will need all the guidance I can get. Haha! Let me tell you about them.

Mama Jez is my mom’s sister. According to pamahiin, someone should buy your baby to save her from her medical condition (I was born with a weak heart) so my Mama Jez paid my mom a peso as an act of buying me from her. Crazy story, I know but that’s what my mom told me.  Mama Jez is my Santa Claus—Christmas or not! I had everything when I was a kid because of her. When I wanted a Barbie, she bought me many. Then she added Ken. Then Barbie had a kitchen, a sofa, a house and a car! When I collected stationeries, she bought all the cool stationeries that I want at Gift Gate! I was in stationery heaven! Mama Jez is not all about material things though. She has been such an influence in my life. She taught me to go after my dreams. She believed in me that I began to believe in myself too. In all my endeavors, she supported me. Success or not, she has always been there for guidance.

Christmas 2011

Mama Jez isn't vocal about caring. She just lets you feel it. It's always nice bumping into her at the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell. Oftentimes, I would text and ask her where she is so I can purposely bump into her. Hahaha! Being with her is such a joy. She's so selfless. She just loves to love.

One of our Power Plant encounters

If Mama Jez is my basket of positivity, Tita Jem is my vacuum. I remember crying to her on the phone in the parking lot right after my career heartbreak (which has its own entry). She absorbs everything I give her—my joys, my pains, my worries. She was the first person I told about Mike back when it was just a crush. We were at her house playing Noel Pointer’s ‘Never Lose Your Heart’ and talking about love. She listens intently to all my stories. She never gets bored. If she is, she has a good way of hiding it. LOL!

Pampanga January 2009

Whether it’s a business or a belief, she backs me up all the way. A few years ago, I won black jack in the Casino. When it was time to cash in my tokens, I realized the cashier gave me less than my winnings. I complained and demanded to see their security video. They refused to at first but I was being oppressive and burdensome to a point. Looking back, I cringe at the thought of me, a twenty-something small time player, being so demanding to high-ranking Casino officials. All through out the drama, Tita Jem stood by me and supported me 110% knowing I can be right or wrong.

My 34th Birthday

My Second Mothers. They give me a push when I’m unsure. They catch me when I fall. Drama all the way na but Moms, thank you for loving me the way you do. Thank you for believing in me. And when I fail, you never judge. You hold my hand when I cry. When I pour my heart out, you just listen. You give me a home when I'm lost. Thank you. Life is so wonderful with both of you in it.

Trivia: They split the bill on my birthday dinner. Grabe talaga!!!!!!! <Hugs>  

Scarf It

If I would be asked what my favorite accessory is, I'd say it would be a scarf! Yessss! I'm a scarf lady! Compared to a jacket or a blazer, I prefer bringing a scarf since it isn't too bulky nor is it too thick. I don't get cold easily anyway! Here's a cute scarf I recently bought from one of the well-loved British high-street fashion store, Miss Selfridge, which opened in Greenbelt 5 last May. 

Also sharing this video from fashion blogger Wendy Nguyen on 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf all in 45 minutes! Nice ha! Try them na! 

Laundrista

Time runs by so quickly! I did not realize that my last post was last year! I apologize to you, my readers (or lack thereof...haha) if I haven't updated for a while. Life has been so packed since last year. I remember not even being into the Christmas shopping spirit last December due to full schedule. So you ask, what have I been up to?

After opening a Nail Spa with two friends, I thought it was time for another project. This time, I decided to go back to my first business love -- the laundromat. I have been in the business for 7 years now. My first shop failed. Yes, it did and I'm not ashamed to admit! My dad told me that it is in failure where one finds strength and determination to move forward. Naks! I was too young then. Just off my 5-year corporate life, I decided that a 9 to 5 job wasn't for me so I jumped into becoming an entrepreneur. I was too nice that I let people take advantage of me and it was actually what led to its failure. I've learned a lot from that experience so when I put up the next one, it was a success! I think I'd be drowning in debt right now if it wasn't so. Thank you, God!

So here's to another blessing. I partnered with a good friend on this project so we can afford more machines because I know this time, it is going to be an instant hit.

Logo I made. Yes, did it myself!

Located at the basement of this very nice Clubhouse.

Gorgeous community!

Let construction begin!

Machines delivered one by one. Wee!

My banner layout.

Reception table and the husband praying for dirty clothes. LOL!

Many have been asking if I am open to franchising. I am not yet ready for that. However, I offer consultation services for those who are interested to dig into the laundry business. You may contact me for more details. What have you been busy with lately? Care to share? =)

Random Hug

Lately, I have this habit of waking up in the middle of the night and tonight wasn’t any different. It’s 2:36am and I can’t force myself to go back to sleep so I played my new favorite game Millionaire on Ipad. While I was playing, my husband suddenly woke up and asked me to stop what I was doing, and so I did.  He then hugged me. Awww. My thought at that moment? Happiness! I am so thankful for having a husband who gives random hugs like these. How did I get this lucky? I have a very witty husband who makes me laugh a lot. He cooks for me and is pretty amazing at it. He loves my company and always spends time with me. He works really hard for the moolah. He has a lot of patience reserved for my endless mood swings. And did I tell you he loves me unconditionally? Although not perfect, at least he’s not like one of those horrific husbands some of my friends tell me about. LOL! I can probably give him 99%. He’s my almost perfect husband!

my cutie pie husband

Are you as lucky as I am? Care to share? 

Papi

To this man I owe my wonderful husband -- honorable, a man of integrity, a loving husband and a great father. To Papi, you will never be forgotten...

PEDRO CHUA

August 1, 1947 - September 1, 2011

"A father's holy life is a rich legacy for his sons."