I started writing when I was 8. My mom got me a journal where I could rant (prob so I won't be an annoying brat). I stopped writing for 8 years until the pen and then later on the keyboard called on me again. I blog because I like writing and that's just about it. Hope you get inspired though... Bite the apple!
My Mom kept telling me she wanted us to go back to the childhood home. The decision to go back was made on Dad's birthday after she passed away. It was bittersweet and it took me months to start on sunsetting the house. Emptying the house took two long years.
We took time to really plan what to do with the house. Tito Bert built the house to last, but at some point you really need to redo the electrical and plumbing system. We had the house reviewed by a structural engineer and several architects and engineers. The recommendation was the same for everyone. Demolish the house and build a new one.
We eventually decided to follow the professional recommendations and started to think about what we wanted in our forever home. The funny thing is our current home is similar to my childhood home. I started a wishlist to detail our goals.
Here are our goals for our future house:
Provide appropriate space for our needs and lifestyle.
Proper ventilation to keep heat out and be protected from bad air quality. Assume all rooms will have air conditioning and air filters. We are fine to have a loft for storage. All rooms have air purifiers.
Preserve Mom’s garden. Ensure structural integrity of garden and where house will be built. Be able to collect rainwater.
Proper drainage system and keep out flood water. Build house higher than current height from road.
Follow property line and ensure security*.
Solar energy and future proofed
Listing our goals helped communicate what we wanted out of the house. We gave this and our room wishlist to the architects we consulted. It took awhile before we chose one. I'm glad we followed our instincts and chose the one that closely aligned with our values and expectations.
Next week I'll write about how we finally chose our architect.
#BeKind #StaySafe
What a stressful week it's been and I'm so glad it's Friday. I'm still recovering from the medical procedure, but I've been able to water my plants again. In between watering plants, our cats have been very affectionate.
The week isn't over yet. We still have some things to do and have to find time to do groceries. I haven't been able to cook again, but I have a list of dishes I want to cook.
One thing I learned this week is to stick to your principles. Don't let anyone push you around just to do shortcuts.
Happy weekend everyone!
#BeKind #StaySafe
Anyway, that was when he asked if there was a Fr. Henry among the Passionist priests. We both grew up under parishes led by Passionist priests. Me in Paranaque and Sweetie in Marikina. Our faith was both nurtured mostly by the same priests.
I remember Fr. Henry Free, CP. I was a young child when he spent time in our parish. I remember him because he was a very jolly priest and I'd annoy him by collecting Ziggy toys from Tang. He took it with much grace and would laugh out loud whenever I gave him toys or cards with Ziggy on it.
It's probably more than 4 decades already since I last saw him, but I remember him. I looked him up and he passed away awhile back. I always had in my mind he's just having a new adventure somewhere else. He is with God now and probably happily watching over all of us.
Miss you Fr. Henry a.k.a. Fr. Ziggy. Thank you for bringing joy to my childhood! :)
#BeKind #StaySafe
