Whenever people ask me how is married life, I always answer, "Masaya". In many ways, it's because of Mark (if you know him - you already know what I mean). But also, I think, marrying for the right reason makes sense --- and consequently, everything seems lighter, sunnier, happier.
Just a sample, here are some scenes in a typical day:
waking up...
5:30 AM (alarm beeps) Me: Love, pasara ng alarm.
5:31 AM (Mark with both eyes closed, snoozes the alarm)
5:45 AM (I wake up and put on the kettle - for a warm bath)
6:30 AM (after taking a bath and dressing up) Me: Love, gising na.
Mark: Five minutes pa.
6:31 AM Me: Love, tapos na five minutes.
Mark: Ganun ba? Tara na...
in the car, on the way to work...
Me: Towel, Shoes, Belt, Undershirt, Socks, Tie, Wallet...
(Mark takes a bath kasi in the Meralco gym)
in the bedroom, while I'm watching CSI...
Mark: Ano pinapanood mo?
Me: CSI.
Mark: Tignan mo lang sa 61. Maganda ang palabas.
Me: DZRH sa TV yun e. Nauna na ako dito sa TV.
Mark: Five years akong hari ng kwartong ito. Ngayon, ejected na ako?
Me: Kasi may reyna na itong kwarto mo.
Seriously, being married gives me a certain kind of peace and comfort. I like the fact that there is someone I can tell anything to and be my best and worst self with. I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be than here: me, typing away while Mark is sound asleep on the sofa as WWE is on :)
Showing posts with label being married. Show all posts
Showing posts with label being married. Show all posts
Saturday
the Catarrojas turned ONE!
We turned one last February 10 and we commemorated the occasion doing two things we really loved: travel and food. We drove to Pampanga for the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta and finally had the food trip we've been planning for awhile already. Days before, Mark did his research and had valuable advice from travel and food blogs (ivanabouttown and antonblogs), plus recommendations from our friends Dianne and Emer.
Pilot and Co-Pilot at the Simulator
Fun day at the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
This was how our first year as a married couple was like...haha!
Aling Lucing's Sisig at SM Clark
AND...the best sisig ever --- Mila's Sisig, Bgy. Sto.Domingo
Here's what our weeked was like through our pictures:
early morning drive along NLEX
breakfast at McDo, Lakeshore (that's Mark at the entrance)
Lunch at Junjun's (super sarap ng pork barbecue!)
Dessert at Aurely's Bakeshop
MUST-TRY: Aurely's Special --- only Php 130 a box
Welcome drinks c/o Emer at the "Bar"
Pilot and Co-Pilot at the Simulator
Fun day at the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
This was how our first year as a married couple was like...haha!
Aling Lucing's Sisig at SM Clark
AND...the best sisig ever --- Mila's Sisig, Bgy. Sto.Domingo
MUST TRY also - Lechong Kawali of Mila's
(to die for - literally!)
Needless to say, we had a blast. If the past year is any indication of what being married to Mark will be like --- I can't wait for the next thirty years!
Monday
lucky
Mark and I sometimes talk about our ceremony and the wonder of it. I know that every wedding is perfect in their own way but when you truly, truly prepare your heart for it, nothing can go wrong.
The greatest compliment we ever received was from our friend, Marvin. He told us, "Pag kinasal ako, gagawin ko lahat ng ginawa niyo. Church, reception, food. Kasi ok na lahat eh. Di ko na kailangang isipin kung ano ang ok. Di na ako mahihirapan."
We were lucky because of our family who gave not just their support but their whole love every step of the way. We were lucky because of our friends who are still our friends even if we asked them huge favors. We were lucky with our ninongs and ninangs whom we now see as our second, third, fourth, fifth parents and who see us as their own children. We were lucky with our spiritual advisor, Ms. Marcy, who opened our eyes to what our marriage meant to us. We were lucky with every supplier we got because they gave more than we ever hoped for. We were lucky for our guests who braved the travel to Tagaytay and who smiled and kissed and hugged us a lot. And we were lucky, not just because we met, but moreso because we decided and committed to one another in the presence of God and our family.
The reason why I'm a bit nostalgic is because our wedding anniversary is coming up and I realized that we don't get to think about all the people who helped often enough.
And so, for all those reading this and wanting to get married, here's some unsolicited advice. We didn't ask for advice either but hearing this from others did help us.
1) Get to the core of why you want to get married. When asked this question by Tita Marcy, we were taken aback a little. Parang first time lang na may nagtanong sa amin nang diretso. But when we each told her our reasons, it was also just then that we found the answer. We knew it but we didn't outright say it. Maganda ring sabihin kasi mas nagiging sigurado ka rin.
2) The ceremony (whatever religious beliefs you hold) is important more than the celebration. In our case, we held our Catholic ceremony in a small chapel, surrounded by everyone whom we held and who held us important. Marriage, as Ms. Marcy said, is truly a vocation. In front of God, you are asking Him to give grace to your marriage. And by grace, we don't mean happy-ever-afters, but His presence in the highs and lows of your marriage. And that is also precisely the reason why we look to God, because as humans, both husband and wife will commit mistakes. But with God's grace (presence) and with the guidance of all the people who love you, you are corrected and shown the right path. So it's not just the ceremony, they're not just the guests. When Mark and I said our vows, I truly felt everyone else also committed their love and support for us individually and as a couple. Imagine that! In a way, I married not just Mark but also every person who loved him :)
3) On the wedding day itself, let go and just enjoy. Savor every moment, every smile, every hug, every greeting. Funny that our wedding day seemed to pass in a daze but when we I think about it, I remember the details pala. It wasn't perfect, there were still opportunities for improvement, as they say in training. But it was perfect for me :)
4) Read through your wedding vows before the ceremony. Individually, and together. Because during the ceremony itself, you'll get caught up in all the emotions and you can't really know for sure of you'll be too nervous or too weepy. But during the quieter times, as you're going through the meaning of every word days before the celebration, you take into your heart the deeper message your vows mean to you. We even said our vows to each other, just the two of us, reading our misalette. And in so many ways, it was the most real we got in our "wedding".
5) Lots of people who love you want to help - let them :) We were so lucky that we didn't need a day coordinator yet everything went on fine. My sister Polly looked over the whole ceremony and reception. Our moms and Ate Mich looked over preps in the venue. My brother carried flowers to and from the chapel. My teammate Monica arranged the processional. My good friend Chrise and cousins sang for us. Our friend Ramil was the host. Kuya Jojo drove for us and lent his car. Mark's friend, Patrick, lent his car for Mark. Even my Dad arranged seats in the chapel. These tiny little things were huge gifts for us. We didn't worry about a thing on the day itself and we proved that we were truly, truly loved. Sino pa ang magmamalasakit diba? And so, I also vowed to my friends that can ask me to do anything on their wedding days, too.
6) Gifts come in many packages. While we received some nice gifts, their presence and support were great gifts, too.
7) Give large tips to the waiters and photographers, specially for excellent service. This advice was given to us by Ate Mich, because she knew first-hand how maasikaso they were.
8) Marry the "right" person for the "right" reason :)
The greatest compliment we ever received was from our friend, Marvin. He told us, "Pag kinasal ako, gagawin ko lahat ng ginawa niyo. Church, reception, food. Kasi ok na lahat eh. Di ko na kailangang isipin kung ano ang ok. Di na ako mahihirapan."
We were lucky because of our family who gave not just their support but their whole love every step of the way. We were lucky because of our friends who are still our friends even if we asked them huge favors. We were lucky with our ninongs and ninangs whom we now see as our second, third, fourth, fifth parents and who see us as their own children. We were lucky with our spiritual advisor, Ms. Marcy, who opened our eyes to what our marriage meant to us. We were lucky with every supplier we got because they gave more than we ever hoped for. We were lucky for our guests who braved the travel to Tagaytay and who smiled and kissed and hugged us a lot. And we were lucky, not just because we met, but moreso because we decided and committed to one another in the presence of God and our family.
The reason why I'm a bit nostalgic is because our wedding anniversary is coming up and I realized that we don't get to think about all the people who helped often enough.
And so, for all those reading this and wanting to get married, here's some unsolicited advice. We didn't ask for advice either but hearing this from others did help us.
1) Get to the core of why you want to get married. When asked this question by Tita Marcy, we were taken aback a little. Parang first time lang na may nagtanong sa amin nang diretso. But when we each told her our reasons, it was also just then that we found the answer. We knew it but we didn't outright say it. Maganda ring sabihin kasi mas nagiging sigurado ka rin.
2) The ceremony (whatever religious beliefs you hold) is important more than the celebration. In our case, we held our Catholic ceremony in a small chapel, surrounded by everyone whom we held and who held us important. Marriage, as Ms. Marcy said, is truly a vocation. In front of God, you are asking Him to give grace to your marriage. And by grace, we don't mean happy-ever-afters, but His presence in the highs and lows of your marriage. And that is also precisely the reason why we look to God, because as humans, both husband and wife will commit mistakes. But with God's grace (presence) and with the guidance of all the people who love you, you are corrected and shown the right path. So it's not just the ceremony, they're not just the guests. When Mark and I said our vows, I truly felt everyone else also committed their love and support for us individually and as a couple. Imagine that! In a way, I married not just Mark but also every person who loved him :)
3) On the wedding day itself, let go and just enjoy. Savor every moment, every smile, every hug, every greeting. Funny that our wedding day seemed to pass in a daze but when we I think about it, I remember the details pala. It wasn't perfect, there were still opportunities for improvement, as they say in training. But it was perfect for me :)
4) Read through your wedding vows before the ceremony. Individually, and together. Because during the ceremony itself, you'll get caught up in all the emotions and you can't really know for sure of you'll be too nervous or too weepy. But during the quieter times, as you're going through the meaning of every word days before the celebration, you take into your heart the deeper message your vows mean to you. We even said our vows to each other, just the two of us, reading our misalette. And in so many ways, it was the most real we got in our "wedding".
5) Lots of people who love you want to help - let them :) We were so lucky that we didn't need a day coordinator yet everything went on fine. My sister Polly looked over the whole ceremony and reception. Our moms and Ate Mich looked over preps in the venue. My brother carried flowers to and from the chapel. My teammate Monica arranged the processional. My good friend Chrise and cousins sang for us. Our friend Ramil was the host. Kuya Jojo drove for us and lent his car. Mark's friend, Patrick, lent his car for Mark. Even my Dad arranged seats in the chapel. These tiny little things were huge gifts for us. We didn't worry about a thing on the day itself and we proved that we were truly, truly loved. Sino pa ang magmamalasakit diba? And so, I also vowed to my friends that can ask me to do anything on their wedding days, too.
6) Gifts come in many packages. While we received some nice gifts, their presence and support were great gifts, too.
7) Give large tips to the waiters and photographers, specially for excellent service. This advice was given to us by Ate Mich, because she knew first-hand how maasikaso they were.
8) Marry the "right" person for the "right" reason :)
Saturday
a happy birthday
Mark celebrated his 29th last January 2 and I decided to surprise him with a spa weekend. I chose Nurture Spa in Tagaytay, specially because I also wanted to visit Chapel on a Hill (where we got married). The staff of Nurture Spa was very accommodating. The sales officer even suggested a spa package that was sulit and within my budget. He offered an I Blast promo worth Php6000. But it was consumable and you had a free overnight stay at an Ifugao Hut. And so we went and had a very relaxing stay. I think Mark was happy with my surprise :)
a very blue Tagaytay sky
a reflective pose while waiting for our hut
our Ifugao Hut, Karungan
a delicious dinner
happy feet
capping it all off with birthday wishes from kiara and gab
Friday
Lord of the Rings
I have my very own Lord of the Rings, and I don’t mean the DVD.
This saga of epic proportions started when Mark and I got engaged. See, Mark proposed to me by just saying he wanted to get married. In the car, going to a mall (I think). No big dinner, no fireworks, and no ring. And I must admit I was a little bit disappointed. Not because of the absence of a ring but with the absence of a transition, a passing of sorts. That act when he would formally ask me and I would say yes. When I thought about it in retrospect, though, I rationalized my disappointment by thinking that it was just as well, since we were saving up for the wedding and the house and future expenses we still didn’t know.
We got married and such joy to have our wedding rings to symbolize our vows to each other. I never took mine off. He sometimes forgets and I chide him that he was cavorting with a married woman.
Now, girls being girls, I still wanted to invest in jewelry. I bought diamond earrings and just told Mark I forked out a formidable sum after the fact, since I knew jewelry was not high on his list of priorities and that he might tell me not to buy it anymore. After I did tell him, he went on about him not giving much attention to jewelry because unlike other things, like a bigger TV, a PSP or new mags for the car, jewelry does not have any practical value. And so I took it all in, but added that I do like jewelry, specially the ones my lola, mom and aunts gave me and that I bought the earrings because it was something I saw myself giving my own daughter.
Last Christmas, when we weren’t supposed to give gifts (because we wanted to save, after all), I gave him a watch that he wanted to buy for so long. And because he felt guilty, he wanted to buy me a cellphone --- which I didn’t want. A fight even broke out because of this.
But on Christmas Eve, a little before twelve, he gave his real gift --- an engagement ring! Or, a post-engagement ring… or a marriage ring? Anyway, he gave me the ring to symbolize our promise and to remind me that we indeed came to terms about our engagement.
It wasn’t the traditional kind with wine and roses and sweet words and fireworks. It was in a car with two people graced with acceptance of each other and who knew in their hearts that they were willing to work things out with the other no matter what. It was just a simple conversation and deep connections. And that the ring came after --- when they had enough money saved and had more than extra. And I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
When my friends, daughter or granddaughter ask me, excitedly, how did Mark/Tatay/Lolo propose, I would smile, and say, “Well, he proposed after we got married…”
This saga of epic proportions started when Mark and I got engaged. See, Mark proposed to me by just saying he wanted to get married. In the car, going to a mall (I think). No big dinner, no fireworks, and no ring. And I must admit I was a little bit disappointed. Not because of the absence of a ring but with the absence of a transition, a passing of sorts. That act when he would formally ask me and I would say yes. When I thought about it in retrospect, though, I rationalized my disappointment by thinking that it was just as well, since we were saving up for the wedding and the house and future expenses we still didn’t know.
We got married and such joy to have our wedding rings to symbolize our vows to each other. I never took mine off. He sometimes forgets and I chide him that he was cavorting with a married woman.
Now, girls being girls, I still wanted to invest in jewelry. I bought diamond earrings and just told Mark I forked out a formidable sum after the fact, since I knew jewelry was not high on his list of priorities and that he might tell me not to buy it anymore. After I did tell him, he went on about him not giving much attention to jewelry because unlike other things, like a bigger TV, a PSP or new mags for the car, jewelry does not have any practical value. And so I took it all in, but added that I do like jewelry, specially the ones my lola, mom and aunts gave me and that I bought the earrings because it was something I saw myself giving my own daughter.
Last Christmas, when we weren’t supposed to give gifts (because we wanted to save, after all), I gave him a watch that he wanted to buy for so long. And because he felt guilty, he wanted to buy me a cellphone --- which I didn’t want. A fight even broke out because of this.
But on Christmas Eve, a little before twelve, he gave his real gift --- an engagement ring! Or, a post-engagement ring… or a marriage ring? Anyway, he gave me the ring to symbolize our promise and to remind me that we indeed came to terms about our engagement.
It wasn’t the traditional kind with wine and roses and sweet words and fireworks. It was in a car with two people graced with acceptance of each other and who knew in their hearts that they were willing to work things out with the other no matter what. It was just a simple conversation and deep connections. And that the ring came after --- when they had enough money saved and had more than extra. And I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
When my friends, daughter or granddaughter ask me, excitedly, how did Mark/Tatay/Lolo propose, I would smile, and say, “Well, he proposed after we got married…”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)