Ibyang
Ibyang

Charmed Life of a Mrs

Nightcap

Today was a long day for me. Lots of emotions involved.

I went out today for the first time since my operation last week because my stitches were taken out by my doctor. I can walk now but I’m slow as a turtle.

Meeting with the doctor was a relief. He showed me photographs of the operation–yes, my insides (gross I know but I was very objective when I saw it) were shown to me, blood and all. The good news was he was able to save whatever part of my body he needed to save. Another good news is that my recuperation is going pretty well. I’m advised to rest til next week.

Since we were out already, I told the Husband to take me to the mall, you know, just to see people. Plus, we needed to buy some grocery stuff too. I was very careful walking along other shoppers and sat down whenever I’d feel pain or dizziness. It felt good (although tiring) to be out again.

After our short trip to the shops, we headed straight to our relatives’ place to be with them. Our family is going thru a crisis right now, a family member is very sick (but will positively recover soon) and we needed to be there for each other. Not to mention that today is also the day my Dad’s family laid our Tatay Igmedio to rest. I feel overwhelmed but being with family helps ease whatever heaviness I’m feeling.

I’m glad I have a Husband whom I can talk to about my feelings, who truly listens and who also loves my family like his own. When we arrived home, we had some quiet time at the dining table–I just needed to talk. Wine, Gambas and olives, we talked of things we are blessed with this year even with the challenges we faced. I told him we had a crazy year (and the year hasn’t even ended yet), he said it’s okay because we faced craziness together.

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Musical: Mamma Mia!

If I were to initially comment on my take on Mamma Mia! (The Musical), I would simply sing this line to you:

Mamma Mia, here I go again
My my, how can I resist you?

Since experiencing the zest of “Mamma Mia!” last month, I’ve been raving on how great the show is and how it’s such an unforgettable experience. Definitely worth anyone’s time and money.

This is a dream come true for me. Since I’ve migrated here in 2005, I’ve always wished that they’ll show Mamma Mia! in Sydney again for my sake (hehe). When they made a movie of this musical, I watched it in the cinemas alone and when the DVD was released, I bought it to share the experience with the Husband. He loved the movie and I promised him we would see the musical if ever we get a chance, whether it was here or in another part of the world.

After watching Mamma Mia! The Movie a thousand times and after playing the CD soundtrack inside our car everytime we’re on a roadtrip (yes, that’s how much we loved it), the universe has finally conspired to make our dream come true. Mamma Mia! is celebrating it’s 10th Anniversary in Sydney!!!!!

To-date, this is the most entertaining and funnest theatrical experience for me and the Husband. Here are the reasons why:

The storyline and the songs. Those ABBA hits became the foundation of a story which anyone can easily relate to: a wedding, a reunion of friends, finding one’s self, a lover coming back to your life, giving second chances. If you’ve ever been inlove or had great friends, this will surely warm your heart as you hear melodies of “Dancing Queen”, “Chiquitita” or “The Winner Takes it All” come to life infront of you. Note: There are more songs in the musical compared the movie.

The actors. The cast has the funniest leads and ensemble I’ve ever seen. My favorite is Anne Wood who played Donna Sheridan and Jennifer Vuletic who played Tanya, one of the Dynamos. They were both funny, beautiful and acted really well. The cast sang every song beautifully and they danced really really good.

The choreography. Each production number will make you want to dance as the choreography is highly energetic. My favorite from all the production numbers is “Voulez-vous”.

The fun costumes that complimented the lighting. Very modest set but they made sure that lighting was great and the costumes were fun and sparkly.

A mini-concert by the end of the show. An encore that’s sort of a mini ABBA concert with the lead players disappearing just long enough to come back in eye-popping, deliciously colorful costumes that made the audience get on their feet and dance!!!! Yes, I was one of those that danced while they sang “Mamma Mia!”, “Dancing Queen” and “Waterloo”. It was such a fabulous experience. I loved it! I never wanted the experience to end–that’s how good it was.

For anyone who’s in Sydney right now, I recommend you watch and experience this musical. Bring your husband, I assure you he will enjoy it too. Or go with your girlfriends and you will surely have lots of fun.

Mamma Mia! will make you sing, cry, laugh and dance. A must-see for everyone.

This will run til February 2010. Buy your tickets now via Ticketmaster.

Trivia Time:

(b) The most touching part of the story was when Donna (the mom) helped Sophie get ready for the wedding. Donna sang “Slipping Through My Fingers”. For anyone who’s a mother or a daughter, I’m sure this will warm your heart.

(c) Since Chris and I were in such a festive mood that night, all because we are having so much fun, Chris brought me a “Super Trouper” Daiquiri in a flashing glass (which you can take home) during intermission. In honor of the musical, they named the daiquiris after ABBA’s song titles.

(d) Given a chance, another time or place perhaps, I will watch and experience this musical again.
 
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Sad News

Usual Saturday chicka with parents this morning. But what was unusual was my Mom talked to me first (usually the Dad answers the phone) then she asked if I can laugh already and I said “Yes, no more pain in my tummy when I laugh.” (I thought she was just making sure that my tummy’s all good because she knows I laugh a lot) and when my Dad talked to me he sounded so sad.

After asking about the usual questions about my operation, he suddenly became quiet and said, “Wag kang magugulat…wala na si Tatay mo.” And then we both cried.

The person I fondly called “Tatay” is my uncle from my Dad’s side. He is my Dad’s brother-in-law. My Dad is the youngest in the family and instead of being taken cared of by his parents, he was taken cared of by one of his older sisters. My dad’s sister and brother-in-law were the ones responsible for bringing my Dad to Manila and taking care of him from teenage years til he got married. So my Dad treated them like his parents. And when I was born, I treated them like my Grandpa and Grandma as I never got to know my real grandparents from my father’s side of the family. Nanay and Tatay were a big part of my growing up years as they took care of me when I was a kid. Nanay died a few years back…and now Tatay is finally with her in heaven.

I remember my Dad telling me that Tatay looks for me whenever they visit him these past few months. Tatay would ask “Nasaan si Ivy?” which my Dad would always reply, “Tay, si Ivy di ba nasa Australia na nakatira? Dadalawin ka daw nya pag nagbakasyon siya.”
My heart would melt everytime my Dad would tell me that Tatay looks for me. I had a funny feeling about it, like a premonition. I asked my Dad to tell Tatay to wait for me and that he should stay healthy so I can visit him soon.

To our family’s surprise, he passed away last night and I will never get to see him again. My parents didn’t call me last night as they were afraid it might affect my condition. But this morning they just had to let me know. Recuperating or not, I really can’t control the overflowing of my emotions.

I know my Tatay is in a better place now but I’m just very very sad that I won’t see him when I visit Manila again. I’m just sad that another loved one has passed away.

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Recuperating

Thank you very much to everyone who prayed and sent positive vibes my way. Your messages and presence helped me throughout my ordeal last Wednesday. The operation was a success. I’m now back home and recuperating. The Husband is taking very good care of me. Family and friends are keeping an eye on me too. I’m feeling very much loved right now and it’s helping me get better by the day.

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Affirmation: Miracle

I am
a MIRACLE
ALWAYS waiting to HAPPEN.
Reflection:
All of us are instrumental in making miracles happen ALL the time. If viewed at a learning and positive perspective, our every endeavor or adversity is an opportunity for us to make a miracle happen in our lives and in other people’s lives. This affirmation is a good reminder that unhappy circumstances may be blessings in disguises so let’s face our challenges with a proactive and faithful attitude.
Personal:
I was able to compose this affirmation in August when I learned that I am once again facing a health-related challenge in my life. Having health concerns is never easy. There is that initial reaction of surprise and fear. There’s also my concern for loved ones whom I know will worry for me. But with faith in God and lots of support and love from family and friends, my fear has turned into excitement…excitement to get well.
Six years ago, I had to undergo a major operation and that experience has taught me to live each moment as if it were my last, to enjoy and just “be”. This time around, as I face another major operation, my greatest lesson is to always look for blessings in disguises and that every turning point in my life–whether good or not so good–there is a miracle waiting to happen so I can share more with the people I love.
This week, I face a very challenging situation in order to be healthy again and I am confident that everything will be alright. Thank you to everyone who called, emailed and messaged me. Thank you for wishing me well, for your prayers and good thoughts which inspire me very very much. See you when I’m back from the hospital.
Have a great week!
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