My Husband: My Hero

    I seem to always talk about my experiences, my feelings and everything about me. I get so consumed by what's happening and not happening with my life that sometimes I tend to forget my significant other, the one who's been silently struggling as we deal with our infertility journey.

     I think everybody will agree that without the patience and understanding of our dear Darling Husband, we cannot go through this, even with our close family at our side.

     We've been married since 2002 and been trying since day 1. You can just imagine how painful it has been for both of us, especially when we've been hoping and praying to have a child since we got married. My husband always has a soft spot in his heart for little children.
This is actually one of the reasons why I fell in love with my guy. In my mind's eye, he would be the perfect father to our kids, if only he'd be given the chance.

     
     Beyond his love for basketball, cars, PC games, action flicks and good food, he's warmth and sincerity in all things he does and say, make him stand out above the rest. This personality of my DH gets him a lot of friends wherever he goes.

     Sure there are times when we get into squabbles and petty disagreements, which I admit are due to my oversensitivity. But we're not perfect. Every day I try to be a better version of the past me. However, oftentimes I think too much of myself and fail to see that he also has feelings and other concerns, which he usually prefers to keep to himself.

     I guess one common trait that most men have is their ability to keep cool. I often admire my husband's optimism that even if I'm at my lowest point or when disaster happens and nothing seems to work out...he can still manage to stay focused and remain positive. Someone who always reminds me to keep on hoping and never give up. Countless times, he has saved me from all these situations. Now I truly realize the true meaning of "for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part".

                                                                              

     I may not say this often but to me, after all we've been through, he'll always be my best friend and shoulder to cry on, my Superman! My one & only forever Love... my Hero.

     How do you feel about your husband? Do we share the same sentiments? Would love to hear from you. 


Photo credit: S_Xurble; Falcon_33 

The Art of Planner Decoration

     I've always been fascinated with arts especially if it involves lively colors and the opportunity to bring out one's creativity. Back in my school days, I used to excel in the Arts subject, and got to participate in different forms of arts, be it drawing or performing. I was lucky to still get the chance to do those kind of activities during my job in Robinsons Recreation Corp. But sadly, my succeeding jobs after that turned out to be monotonous, even boring most of the times.

     About a month ago, I got gifts from my cousin in the US, Ate Jeejay, that includes a cute planner from Barnes & Noble, together with cute stationeries, stickers and washi tapes. We were just talking about stationeries a few weeks back and about how fun it was during our childhood years when we collect these stuff and exchange or swap them just for fun. Little did I know that this kind of items & activities still exist even in this high-tech, gadget-dominated age.

     Out of curiosity and thanks to Pinterest & Instagram, I found different ways of how people organize and decorate their planners, where and how to use washi tapes, and other creative stuff that can be done if only one has the passion and inspiration to do so. Just looking at those photos seemed heaven to me! And because of that, and a little push from Ate Jeejay, I've decided to bring back the creative side of me and rediscover my love for Arts.

Stationeries, stickers, washi tapes & pens I got from Ate Jeejay

Here are some of the initial pages I've made for my cutie planner from Barnes & Noble. I'll try Filofax or Kate Spade next time, which are more famous for planner decoration fanatics

      
     I know this is just the beginning of my interest in planner organization but I feel that this will continue for a long time because in just a few days that I’ve done this, somehow it has added color and adventure to my dull & monotonous days. Now I can see the big difference between listing tasks on Ipad or Smartphone, compared to manually writing a list, schedules and notes on pages of paper especially if you can adorn it the way you like it afterwards. Besides crossing out each task you've completed, making your list a work of art as well is the sweetest fulfillment any creative mind would have. I'm officially a #PlannerAddict!

      This is one of the hobbies or activities besides the ones I mentioned in my previous post on How to forget your infertility struggles. Simple, fun and you can use your creativity and imagination. Just collecting different stationeries, washi tapes and cute sticky notes can be a hobby in itself.

     Have you tried planner decoration? If you haven’t yet, together let’s explore and join the bandwagon! Show me your decorated planner pages and I’ll show you mine. If you have suggestions or questions just let me know by posting them on comments below. Happy decorating!

    

How to forget your infertility struggles without even trying

     I have to admit there are plenty I should be thankful for. Sometimes these are the little things that we take for granted just because we get overwhelmed by what we've been longing to have. I know it’s hard to forget and it's not easy to pretend that there's nothing wrong with my life as a person, as a wife.

    

     Weekends are the best days for me. I forget about all my worries and troubles without even trying. I simply cherish every minute with my hubby because I can spend more time with him. And of course if he doesn't have to leave the house the happier I will be. And what do we do on a weekend besides cuddle in bed? Very simple activities, actually.

     We're fond of watching English movies and TV series. We don't watch every single good movie that we like in cinemas, but instead we just choose the ones that are worth watching on a large screen just to appreciate the movie more. I have to admit it’s inevitable to get hungry and eat out when we go to the mall. And so a cheaper way for us to enjoy a movie or any TV series is to wait for the ones we like from the internet. Economical but we still get to spend time together and relax right at the comforts of our home.

     

     On Sunday mornings, (though I don't get to do this often) one way for us to exercise without going to the gym is just to go out early in the morning and run for about 3km at a nearby village. No fees needed and yet we're spending time together while trying to stay fit. If we can't get up early in the morning another option is to clean the house while music plays in the background. Cleaning, singing and dancing to the tune of familiar songs that we both love to listen to. 

     This is how I spend my weekend with the love of my life. These simple activities make me feel alive and normal, even for a quick 2-days off from work. As if nothing is missing...

     Everyone has his own way of forgetting things. You might have other things in mind which are also economical and beneficial to all of us. Let's talk about them. I'd appreciate your suggestions. 

P.S.

Recently I've grown fond of a hobby, fun yet still economical. Might interest those who love arts. This and more on my next post. Stay tuned!


Photo Credits: Butterfly Orbs; iambrianna