sunnysideup perspectives: My Hubby's New Sport

Since last year my hubby has wanted to play football. Everytime we were on vacation in Manila we would always watch the football games of Arenaball Phils held at the Marikina Sports Center. Finally, now that we are back and based in Manila, he has.

In the last few weekends, he has been trying out for a position in one of the teams. He would always go home with bruises and slightly swelled muscles, but still with a grin on his face. I don't really understand why most men are always interested in highly physical sports. Then again seeing how happy he is every practice and tryout day makes me appreciate his new love. Of course, I am still worried that he might get hurt, but as they said, it's part of the game - it's tackle football.

Still congratulations to my hubby for finding his sport and being drafted as an Offensive Lineman. I'll be there always to watch and support you in all your games. I'll be your stage wife LOL. :)

Here's a snapshot of my hubby during Tryouts. (photo taken by one of his teammates)

Well, maybe I will even consider joining Flag football in the future. Maybe it will be a new way for me to exercise, on top of my gym or jogging days. Then again, that will be in the future. In the meantime, I'll try drills with hubby first to see if I can hack it or if I'll enjoy it. The truth is I've never been interested in football before but since his passion for this grew, I've been learning the game - rules, roles, lingo, etc.

I've noticed that since we've been married, the longer we stay together, the more our interests and hobbies begin to be similar. We've also learned how to be more understanding and tolerant of our differences and weaknesses. We're maturing together and growing happier.

Anyway, for any of you guys interested to join Arenaball Philippines' Football, check out their rules and tryout guidelines. You can also checkout their team's FB page, they are still drafting players for the upcoming season. :)

Sunnysideup perspectives: A Night without hubby

I arrived in Manila midnight of April 29. I will be in Manila for a 1 month vacation. Lot's of things on my calendar. I'm planning to attend a workshop, catch up with friends, undergo a complete medical check-up, and work on some errands.


Maybe it's a bit selfish of me to take a trip this long without my hubby, but I just felt the need to. It's something I need to do for myself. I have to admit though that it was not easy. Days prior to this trip I was torned between excitement and sadness. I look forward to the long to do list I have in Manila, yet I feel sad that I will be leaving my hubby behind. My first night was also terrible - I did not sleep. I am now no longer used to having all the bed to myself. Now I have more understanding and respect for the hardships felt by our OFW's who are far from their families and children.


If there's one thing, I am reminded of the fact that I'm so greateful and lucky to have such an understanding husband. I am also reminded that my decision - to take a sabbatical from the corporate world and be a trailing spouse to support my husband - was worth all the sacrifice!
When I return to China on June, I will be a better me - refreshed and rejuvenated!

Sunnysideup Perspectives: In Sickness and In Health

Last Friday, March 27, I had an attack of severe stomach pain. I think it was Gastritis. It's the same symptoms my hubby got last year. I also recall that, as his wife, was the first time I took him to the hospital. Anyway, last Friday was also the first time I ever had trouble with my stomach. It was terrible. My stomach was ultra sensitive to red meat and other types of food. I resorted to safe diet of oatmeal, banana, boiled egg (whites only) and lots of iodized water. One mistake in food intake would result to stomach pains and throwing up.

I will be seeing a doctor soon. I am going home to Manila for a complete check up.

Anyway amidst all this, I'm thankful and lucky to have a hubby who loves me. This reminds me of our wedding vows, "For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health...." We have committed and vowed to loved and cared for each other, and now he is taking care of me really well. People tell me that I have a great husband, and yes, I definitely agree!

sunnysideup perspectives: First year Wifey Learnings

Today, February 17, is our first wedding anniversary and I'm trying to list down all the changes and things I've learned about myself, my hubby and our marriage.

Here it goes. It's been 365 days since our wedding and:

• The most popular question I get is, "Are you expecting?"
  
• We just got our wedding album and video which we always view to reminisce.
• We truly enjoyed our wedding but I still wish I can redo my wedding gown.
• We both gained weight.
• We are now based in China and our, rather, my first few weeks here was tough but my hubby helped me with the adjustments.
• I noticed a stigma on women, particularly, housewives.
• I've learned to enjoy life and take it one day at a time.
• I've successfully influenced my hubby with my love for fruits, veggies and ... MILK TEA.
• He has in turn influenced me to eat more donuts and chocolates.
• I've learned that the bathroom and all the activities in there can be a cause of argument between husbands and wives. (It can make and develop wives into a nag)
• I've proven that I am a lucky woman married to a man who can and is willing to cook and wash dishes (sometimes).
• I've also accepted that men are truly addicted to TV or Computers. They need this alone time.
• I appreciate how (amazingly) sweet and mushy my husband still is.
• I believe that there is no issue that an open and trusting communication can't work on.
• I am able to cook food that my hubby can eat (well except for three unsuccessful recipes)
• I've proven that I can stay at home all day (without getting bored) as long as I have an Internet connection.
• I am beginning to enjoy the life of a trailing spouse.
• I love how my support and love inspires my hubby everyday.

sunnysideup perspectives: Always a Child at Heart

I don't think I will ever grow up. Well not in a negative way! I just mean that I don't think I will ever grow tired of enjoying the simple things of life. :) I guess that's why my husband and I get along sooo well. It's just because we enjoy both the small and big things that life brings. Sometimes I catch us talking about the silliest things while laughing hard. I thank God for that!

I thank God that both of us find joys in many things. I also pray that as we won't lose it as we both grow old in our marriage.

This weekend we had fun with the game Jenga. I also remember playing this as a child. I think back then it was Uno Stacko I got to play. Well this game is both enjoyable and good for manual dexterity. I think we played for an hour or two. I lost in all the games but it's ok. I had so much fun! Maybe it's also because I was taking too many photos. :) I just find it soo cute how focused my hubby is.

Sunnysideup Perspectives: The essence of a woman

As I was doing the dishes, a thought occurred to me - when a lady becomes a wife she enters a new phase of womanhood; she will enter a commitment that entails more sacrifice and more selflessness. Life is no longer about oneself and ones ambition, but dreams and goals with a partner, for a family. Of course I don't mean that married life will only be full of misery or self neglect. That's simply not healthy and I don't think anyone would want to get married if this is how they view marriage.

There is a thin line between selflessness and low esteem. I don't actually believe that one should be a martyr and stick it through when your husband is a jerk who hurts or abuses you. What I mean is that we begin to see that life is not just about us or our next shopping splurge or the next position and raise we are targeting. I mean, our priorities change, and we begin to see that we are here to live for others - for our family, maybe even our community. Of course if a woman is lucky her submissiveness and efforts will be rewarded with a mans love, respect and care. I think I am one of the lucky ones to have been blessed with a good husband who takes on this role very seriously.

I don't mean to sound like a feminist nor do I intend to trivialize the sacrifices of a man. I mean, I do see and observe how my husband is adjusting to the different demands of married life. How he too is thinking more about our family instead of himself and how he has been learning to take on the role that his dad use to play. Afterall, he too will be a father in the future. He too will be Mr. Fix-it, the stay-in handyman, for everything from home furnishings to shoes. Aside from that he is tasked to be the head and protector of the home and more importantly a Dad :)

Coming back to my point about women, I think what actually makes the adjustment harder for women and girls now is the clash of modern and traditional ways. For us women born in modern times, we are trained and used to independence. As singles we are able to carry our own weight and achieve success. We have our own goals and are able to compete or cooperate with men within the corporate world. A woman is highly regarded when she has 'beauty and brains,' but once they marry they are expected to learn the value of submissiveness. At some point we live double lives. A woman may be the boss in the office but once she comes home she needs to be able to change hats - willing and able to take on a support role. Here's one more thing to think about: Women in Manila (might not be applicable in other cultures and countries) change their surnames once they get married. Personally I don't have an issue with this, just the hassle of going to every government agency or corporate entity, to change your name is sooo tedious. (e.g. Drivers License, ID, Social Security... ooh and even ones email address)

In 1994 Ms. Universe winner, Sushmita Sen, described the essence of a woman, she said "Just being a woman is God's gift. The origin of a child is a mother, a woman. She shows a man what sharing, caring, and loving is all about. That is the essence of a woman." These words never meant as much to me and they do now. Being a woman is hard but now I see the blessing that comes with it.

I now also understand that being a housewife is not for everyone. Some are best suited as working moms, others for single-blessedness. My sister-in-law explained to me when I asked her about her decision to stop working and be a stay home mom. I am newly married and am not an expert on this. Some people may not agree with me but this is just my perspective - a reflection actually of what I've gone through this year.

Maybe it is safe to ask future brides and single ladies this, "Are you ready to live a life that is less about you and your dreams? Are you ready to lose and give a part of yourself to blend with your future partner?" If the answer is yes, then maybe you are indeed ready for the challenging yet fulfilling new journey called marriage.

To all my fellow newly weds, I wish you well and God bless! May our marriages be blessed to inspire, encourage and make a difference.