Ibyang
Ibyang

Deep Thoughts

Thursday Funny

I’m having one of those busy weeks in the office and I’m so glad it’s Thursday today–my last day at work for this week. In a few hours, I will be saying “Hello!” to my weekend. I can’t wait.

I can’t wait because this week, I’ve been feeling really really lazy. If you’re a woman, I guess you know that we have certain days when we just feel so ‘blah’. Like you know you are happy and you are grateful for what everyday brings you but you just have that feeling of so-so. The feeling that you love your job but on some days you just feel tired and you just want to stay home and sleep. Those are my feelings this week and I’ve been managing it by trying to focus on work and laughing my negative feelings away.

Thank goodness, this work week will be over soon and if you are having lazy feelings or blah feelings like me, I hope this photograph cheers you up:

Hehehehe. This photo of a seal trying to get in the photo of penguins cracked me up this morning and it gave me a little boost of energy and happiness at work today. I hope it makes you laugh too. 

It’s always the little things that make one happy.

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Where’s the Party?

For the past years, I have always had a party. Whether a big party at home or a small intimate dinner with family and chosen friends, I’ve always had party. My parents always made sure that I do. My mom especially explained to me that parties are a must as it is a way to celebrate milestones and our way of giving thanks to the people we love.

A few people has asked me, “What are we doing on your birthday?”. I simply replied, “Nothing.” When my mother learned about this, she reacted as if there was something wrong with me. Well, I have always been sort of crazy in some ways (ask my friends!) but not celebrating my birthday with a party or a simple dinner is something unheard of, at least to my mom who knows me well.

Not that I’m being the Scrooge of birthdays nor am I being ungrateful. Today, more than ever, I’m very grateful for the gift of life I’ve been cherishing for the past 33 years. After my successful operation a month ago, I’m forevermore thankful that I was given another chance at exploring life and be with my loved ones.

I know it is but fitting to have a bigger celebration this year after my memorable December experience. I should be in a more “party” mood. But let me just say that the happiness and gratefulness that I feel is so much more than any other parties I would ever know. For me that is enough.

Since there won’t be any real parties but I’m still in a celebratory mood, I have instead prepared a “virtual party” for all of you (see below). I really hope you enjoy it.

I’ve already received several messages…THANK YOU!!!! Thank you for thinking of me and for sending positive thoughts my way. If anyone were to ask me what gift I want, I would love for you to click on this link https://www.caritas.org.au/source/Donation/ and make a donation to the Haiti earthquake victims. Instead of sending me birthday cards, giving me a gift, treating me out to lunch/dinner/coffee or make an overseas phone call to me (you can just greet me via Facebook), just click on the link and use the money you will spend on me to help Haiti earthquake victims instead. Not only will you make me very happy but your contribution can save a life.

Thank you very much for joining my “virtual party” and for making my day special.

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The Moon on New Year’s

…was breathtakingly beautiful.

The great thing about staying home during the new year fireworks was that I got a chance to photograph the full moon.

This was a first time for me to capture the moon at its fullest form. Due to the location of our building, it is very seldom that we get to see the moon. I never really expected to see it on the 1st of January, I only knew of it. So when I took some alone time in our balcony after cleaning up our little new year’s party, I was surprised and amused to see the moon looking down on me. It was mesmerizing. Too bad, it was a very cloudy night. In a few seconds, the full moon was covered by dark clouds.
They say that a full moon on the first day of the year is good luck. I’d really like to believe that. After a challenging 2009 for everyone, so challenging that it seemed everyone was too eager for 2009 to be over, we need all the good luck we can get.

However, the universe may have given us a sign but it’s always up to us to make 2010 a great year. So let’s do it! Let’s make things happen in 2010.

Photos by Ibyang Sanchez, Copyright 2010.

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Thank you 2009!

I can only describe my 2009 as one big package full of surprises. Exciting, fabulous, at times confusing, but most of all, LIFE-CHANGING.

If 2009 were a dance, it would be like the Cha Cha for me–stepping forward and backward, to the sides, and then there’s the turn–as I had a myriad of questions that needed answers, decisions that needed timely resolutions. Decisions that needed me to step forward and take risks. Decisions that needed me take a few steps backward in order to have a better perspective. Decisions that told my guts to just dance to the music playing in my heart, mind and soul. Decisions that mattered in my present but holds consequences not only to my future but also my family’s. Decisions that will forever change my life.

With all the charmed experiences, challenges and decisions made this year, I’m eternally grateful for the special people, events and things in my 2009:

Thank you for giving me a devoted Husband who never fails to make me happy each and every day, for being my partner and bestfriend, for taking good care of me and for being my eternal source of sunshine. Thank you for giving us a chance to grow together everyday.

Thank you for the gift of time spent with family and relatives. My Parents coming over to visit. My Auntie from America visiting as well. Times spent with them are always priceless. I’m happy to have shared a piece of our life here in Sydney with them.

Thank you for the love of my In-laws. Not only do they love me like their own daughter, they are also great friends with my parents. Their love and friendship means a lot to me.

Thank you for relatives who are always concerned and who are always there for our family.

Thank you for the gift of friends, old and new. This year, friendship takes on a new meaning for me as the truest of true friends went beyond extra miles just to show their love for us. I may not have siblings by blood, but God made sure I have friends who will stand by me no matter what. My friends are the food to my soul.

Thank you for the gift of being part of Australia. This year, I’m officially a citizen of this country who has been good to me.

Thank you for blessing in disguises. Meeting people who served as my guardian angels. Circumstances that seemed unkind but in time turned out to be learning experiences.

Thank you for the gift of life. I am blessed me to be healed and here I am, good as new, alive and healthy once again. Thank you for giving me another chance to live.

Thank you for the gift of a home that is welcoming and cheerful, one that is almost always full of laughter and good vibes. Thank you for the beautiful sunsets that greet us every time we arrive home.

Thank you for the gift of surprises and unexpected gifts. Friends visiting Sydney. My Husband giving me a car on my birthday. News that my Parents will be coming over. A written reflection of mine to be published in a book! And some other things that made my day extraordinary with the surprise blessings that came my way.

Thank you for the gift of travel. With each place explored, I learn more and I share more.

Thank you for the gift of photography and writing. Two passions of mine that has become a blessing for me as I meet friends who share the same passion as mine. I’m grateful to all the inspiring responses from people who appreciate my photographs and articles.

Thank you for a stable and not-so-hectic career. There are days when work was so demanding but it was always worth it because work also gave me back days-off that I could enjoy and a flexible time so I’m able accomplish my personal goals. I will always be grateful that the career I have now gives me more time to be a Wifey than a careerwoman.

Thank you for the gift of inner peace and faith. That even if there are uncertainties at times, I am able to sleep well knowing that tomorrow will be a better day and that God will always be faithful to me.


Thank you for all the memories, big and small, good and not-so-good. They made me who I am today and has made me cherish every moment that I’m alive.

As I say goodbye to 2009, I feel that with all the things I’ve gone thru, I say hello to 2010 a stronger, bigger and better person.


For 2010, let’s positively believe that the year will bring great, happy things for all of us. As we look forward, may we always focus on the good things about to happen.


I wish everyone a kinder and more blessed year ahead. A sparkling and bright 2010 to all! Cheers!

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