ON A LIGHTER NOTE

Someone told me a few days ago, that I should learn to just rely on myself, not to need encouragement from others so much. I resented this very much, because although I know that there are moments when nobody comes to give you that much needed shot, when I'm really, really down, someone always comes through for me.

This is where I tell the world I love my family to pieces! My father, again, offered to come to Sydney earlier than originally planned. Mike, my cousin in Hawaii, who I rarely write to and rarely writes to me, wrote me an encouraging note. And today, I received a very sweet note from Tito Jim -- yes, I'm cheesy too, your letter to me made me cry. I know my family loves me, that's a given. But to actually feel it, and be reminded of it, especially from people I wasn't expecting it from, makes me so glad I belong to the Paredes family! There are other examples pa, like old reliables such as Tita Lory, Tita Tictac, Gogi and Patring.

I also have great friends. Myrene said she will call me soon, Baby gave me words of encouragement. It's just that just as I was giving up on getting any comfort and trying it out on my own, people come forward to remind me that I am loved. And there are people who would care if all of a sudden I disappeared from the face of this earth.

Marami akong kakampi!!!!

p.s.

I also got news that made my day. I heard from my Tita Janet that my cousin Carlos is now a Team Leader at Green Peace Southeast Asia and they are sending him to Thailand in December for a conference. Way to go Caloy! I am proud of you!!!!