0 And I loved!

So yesterday was V-day and... I hope you had a beautiful one!
Red and white EVERYWHERE, arrangements being sent by (secret) admirers/ lovers, candle-lit romantic encounters, beautiful wishes, kisses, tight hugs, sweet poems, teddy bears, chocolate boxes, heart-shaped balloons, declarations of love, cuddling...Have I forgotten something?

A widely commercialized holiday, yes, but to my opinion with an important meaning and a life-lesson behind it.
When you come to think about it, which holiday isn’t really commercialized these days?

V-day is truly about LOVE...
The feeling that makes the world go round. In the end, what is a human-being without love?
Mr. George Sand quotes: “There’s only one happiness in life, to love and to be loved.” Of course, life’s got other things that bring happiness to a person’s heart... and maybe we should discuss the topic of happiness on another occasion; but love is surely one of the most important ingredients to a fulfilling life.

People may think about romantic dinners, lovely cards, secret admirers and “couple-to-couple-kissy-kissy-love” when the name valentine is mentioned...but in the end it’s more than just that...much, much more.

It is about the love of your family, the companionship of a friend, the thoughtfulness, feeling you are important to people, feeling appreciated...simple silly reminders that you matter to those around you and that they matter to you in return.

No, I wasn’t showered with gifts yesterday, but I’m sure that each one that I received was given directly from the heart. And each one that I have given out was undoubtedly meant to translate sincere love and appreciation to the people in my life.

You don’t NEED to buy the commercialized stuff to celebrate LOVE...make a card of your own, write ‘I love you’ on your loved one’s arm, give them a  spontaneous heart-warming hug, SHOW some love...love some more.
And even if next time you choose to buy a bouquet of roses, a box of chocolate, a hallmark card or invite the person out for an expensive dinner...that’s all good...as long as it’s given wholeheartedly.

Thou I believe it is important to constantly show love...not just on February the 14^th. And it’s not  even the material gifts that matters most, it’s the gift of you...to the people you love.
So, go ahead and act totally silly....send out a message to wish someone a happy love day; cause you loved them yesterday and you still love them today.

And, by the way... happy love day to you too while you read this...

Have a meaningful, heart-warming, happy one...

Yours always,

A lovebug

0 The Victory

Promise made is a debt unpaid.  ~Robert Service

The day before yesterday, when I was drowning in my anguish about the exam, I made a promise; that I will inform you in due time about the results.
By now, most of my actual followers know the result already... HA-HA you guys couldn’t handle to just wait huh? Impatient!!!

But hey, it’s totally understandable. Having to wait is a virtue only a few have mastered...lol

Most of you know how much I “loved” working on this thesis. And most of you know how much I’ve been through to make it this far. Including totally sleepless nights and completely re-writing the damn thing. In an earlier post (dated March 19 2011) I expressed myself for the first time on this blog about the frustration of making a thesis. But surely I finished the post saying (and I quote) :

“Just a couple of months left to fight this “thesis virus” and by June 2011 I’ll be stronger, wiser, better & GRADUATED.”

The moment I stepped in the meeting room where I had to defend my thesis, I had nothing else in mind but this.

Don’t ask how the conversation went. I can still remember how I was shaking, thinking hard, hoping, fighting and trying to look strong...ALL AT THE SAME TIME. And I can’t recall much, the minutes went by fast, the questions were unexpected and the faces of the 4 people sitting at that table were (at that moment) blank...no approval and or disapproval was to be read on their faces. My heart was beating in my throat, my hands were shaking...and it almost felt like crying from pure nervousness.

And it did go though my head...”What if I didn’t make it?” But the need to finish was much stronger, and continuously it hushed that voice that wanted to doubt.

My mom was the person who has strengthened me the most. She didn’t do much neither did she say much. But the whole morning, only with her attitude and her being, she was mega supportive and calming.
And at the moment I left the only thing she said, “In the name of God, my child”. That was enough to boost me for the last mile...

The moment was unforgettable! And as nervous as I could have been, I’m glad I went through it. All of it has contributed to make me indeed stronger, wiser, better and yes...also GRADUATED.
And I wouldn’t trade the feeling for a dime...

Seems as thou I faced another barrier, I fought a giant...and I came out victorious. Next monster...HERE I COME!!!

As I said in my previous post...THIS WAS IT! And indeed...it marked the reaping of 6 long years of hard work, tears, sweat and perseverance. But I tell you, the fruit sure is sweet!