Two Leaves. Two Lives

On December 13, 2003, when I have finally decided to accept the marriage proposal of Pat and set a date for the wedding, I wrote a letter that I plan to read during our wedding.  But somehow, I felt shy reading it in front of the witnesses in the church.  So, I just kept it to myself.  Today is May 18.  Eight years have passed since I walked down the aisle to say "I do". 

As Pat and I are now in our 8th year wedding anniversary, and more than 9 years of being together, I would like to take this opportunity to tell him (and the world!), how I felt that day when I finally decided to marry him.  Below is my letter to my husband, Pat, written more than 8 years ago.

Dearest Pat my Gen,

The day you came into my life, I thank God.  I thank Him for all the blessings He has given me. For providing me with all my needs.  And for not answering some of my prayers 'cause I know that He has something in mind.

Just when I was ready to accept the possibility that I may stay single for the rest of my life.  You came.  We got along so quickly.  And as the days passed, I know I finally said the right prayer.  

But doubts run in my mind everyday.  Fear of the future kept crossing my mind.  Worry took hold of my thinking to the point that it got me sick.   

But you were always there to reassure me.  I know I've been unfair to you and I am very sorry.  You've given up so much for me.  I just know God has answered my prayer. 

I am not sure what tomorrow brings.  I am not sure what our future will be.  I am not sure what God planned for us.  But one thing I am sure of.  If I am not going to give this a chance.  If I am not going to give you and me a chance.  If I am not going to give our love a chance.  I'm sure, I am going to regret it for the rest of my life. 

http://yaymicro.com/stock-image/dry-leaves-background/42459

For when I see us, 
     I see two leaves from two different trees, 
          yet somehow, the edges fit together like pieces in the puzzle.

When I see us, 
      I see peace...  as I am at peace with you.

When I see us, 
      I see love ...  the love that you freely give me.

When I see us, 
      I see forever....  because I want to be with you forever.

If there is someone that I'd want to grow old with, I want him to be you.

I love you.
        
                                                       Binky, your Baks   :-)

Happy anniversary to my one and only love of my life.  my only gen.  my only pat.  I love you very much. muah!   I look forward to more years with you.    :-)

Naturally Human Nature

Few years ago, I read about an ingredient in shampoos and soaps that is harmful to the human body.  This ingredient, sodium lauryl sulfate, makes the lather in shampoos and soaps.  Since that time, I tried finding other shampoos that does not have this ingredient.  Unfortunately, all of the shampoos I've looked into have it.

But last year, I was introduced to  a company that manufactures natural/ organic beauty products.  During the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2012, one of the speakers, Ms. Anna Oposa, talked about her being an ambassador of the Human Heart Nature company, being an advocate for sustainable lifestyle.  So, when I got home, I checked the website of Human Heart Nature. 

After reading their profile, I fell in love with the company.   :-)

So, I ordered one shampoo and body wash (2-in-1 kind of shampoo).  Just to try how their product works on me.   I was satisfied with the shampoo.  As well as with the body wash.  So, I ordered other products - conditioner, another kind of shampoo, toner and lip balm.  I now use the shampoo and body wash as a body wash only, hehehe.   I am not the type who wears lipstick or even lip gloss or lip balm because it dries my lips.  So ironic, isn't it?  So, I don't really use them, unless necessary.  But when I tried the Human Nature's lip balm, I was really amazed that it didn't dry my lips.  By the way, I ordered the Choco Fudge flavor, hehehe.  And with the Human Nature toner, my face don't anymore feel itchy. 

 The first bottle I ordered has the rosemary scent.  I like the peppermint better.

 I also tried their moisturizing shampoo (no body wash).  I like this better than the strengthening shampoo. :-)  

 I have finally found the toner that really suits the skin on my face.  After using it for a few weeks, one time I intentionally did not put toner on my face.  Just to check its effect.  I was amazed to know that without the toner, my face didn't feel itchy.  Unlike the Eskinol toner that I have been using before.   So, I will have to stick to this one.  Love it!

The choco fudge lip balm.  I like it better than the other lip balms or lip gloss I've used before.  With the other lip balms, my lips would get dry and flaky and to the point that my skin would peel.  Which is painful.  With this one, it doesn't anymore. 

This is the box that contained my orders.  :-)

Now, I have four reasons to like Human Nature products and to continue using them.   

1.  Pro-Philippines -  as much as possible, they see to it that the raw materials they use for their products are or can be produced in the Philippines.  So, they don't anymore have to import them.  This is helping the Philippine economy.

2.   Pro-Poor   -  they prioritize in employing those in the Gawad Kalinga villages.   They help generate employment in the Philippines.

3.   Pro-Environment   -  since their products are all natural, it doesn't harm the environment.  

4.   I am satisfied with the products that I have used so far.   By using natural products, I am able to lessen body contact with harmful chemicals.   This is my way of helping the environment.  Another one of my take on sustainable lifestyle.  :-D

I again made another order just this week. I will be receiving it tomorrow.  I am going to try their other products like the lotion, deodorant, facial wash and shaving oil (for my husband, hehe).   :-)