Lourdes Pilgrimage 2011

One day in the beginning of January a friend of ours at the store stopped in and mentioned that she was volunteering for an organization and that they were heading to Lourdes, France. She then suggested that I do the same or apply to be a malade case. She contacted her friend in the Order and the next thing I know I was sending my application the next day, thus beginning my road to this year’s pilgrimage.

On March 27^th, 2011 my parents and I went out to an orientation in Towson, Maryland to meet with some fellow pilgrims. I met some of the wonderful people I will be on this journey with and a few fellow malades. We had a mass, anointing of the sick and a light lunch after. They also had a slide presentation of Lourdes. I have no idea what it was but I got teary eyed some.

I cannot even begin to put in words how excited I am feeling right now. I am ready for this trip to begin and bring all of you with me into my journey.

just rambling

I tried to do this whole blog thing but I wasn't good at it . . . I for some reason can't formulate thoughts I need to when I need to so I just stopped. But this weekend, I had a good talk with a real good friend of mine who I consider more as my younger brother and he gave me such an eye opener that I felt that thoughts I have in my head need to get recorded or something. So here it is.

I’ve never felt sorry for myself nor have I questioned why I got dealt the cards I did. But with my friends help, I realized how very lucky I am. Back in 2005 I got diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia. I had 5 surgeries from June of 2005 to June 2006. Recovery was long but as soon as I was able to move around and go without the nasty headaches, I was out seeing the world. Every year I make sure I go on a trip to somewhere I have never been. I have made sure I stopped and appreciated everything I do, see & feel. I go on weekend rendezvous to places I enjoy and spend time with people I love. Doing those things have allowed me to know that I did everything in my power to enjoy life.

I firmly believe that without my faith, my family and my friends I wouldn’t be in the position I am in. My family made it easy for me to recover and not worry about anything. My faith made it possible for me to hold firm in my belief that no matter what happens that I will be ok. My friends made it possible for me to see how appreciated I have been to them and how loved I am. I know I can never repay the kindness and love I have received through the years not that they are asking for repayment.

I guess what I am saying is this, I am so very lucky to have surrounded myself with wonderful angels who continually support me, who love me unconditionally and who truly believe that everything will be ok. I might never be able to say thank you to every single one but know that my heart is overflowing with love and appreciation.

the rest of the WEST COAST trip

This right here is basically just a compilation of everything else I did while in the WEST. Since I fell behind in updating and loading up stuff its like a bunch all at once.
This couch that they have was like a magnet whenever we sat down as you can see. We found ourselves posted on that couch more than once knocked out. But thank goodness them two didn't think to be evil like me and take pictures while I was out for the count.

This group of shots here were taken the first Saturday I was in town when the Masangkay's came by to hang out and grub with us. We did a mexican theme and had good ass grub that had everyone going back and forth.

This was my first Sunday there when Maya and I went to BB Kings in Universal City to go watch Teedra Moses. It was aiight I mean I had no idea who the folks were but it was just to be out. I did meet the members of one band randomly which was cool coz they were actually not so bad. Funny part was out of all those folks there I get a personal card from their SAX player, John. Oh the group name was "MULATTO" by the way.

Now this was when we ran errands for my Mom at the Garment District and decided to spend my Dad's money when we ate at the Mayflower. You see we don't get the same quality out where I live in PA now. My sister and I ordered everything we wanted and ended up having way more than we really needed. OH IT WAS RUBBING THE BELLY TIME!!!!!

This right here is my godson Christopher Andrew Go. The last time I saw him was right after his baptism in January 2006. So of course I had to at least go visit and some time with him. Isn't he cute?

A visit to SOCAL would not be complete if there wasn't a stop at Roscoe's. As you can see I had the #2 which was 1/4th of a chicken drowned in gravy & onions, a sunrise and the waffles. Now that was a good dinner.

This was my friend Stan & my cousin Emily when I did a day trip to San Diego. Maya and I spent the day there shopping, getting facials, more shopping and visiting with both Stan & Emily. I even saw both Auntie Cely & Uncle Boying there on our quick visit at Emily's pretty house.

We saw the Geronimo's on 2.18.07 after Jill's party. We met up with them and had brunch at the Queen Mary. Now that brunch waws so good that when all of us headed to the floor we all stopped at stood there because none of us had any idea where to start.

That same night the Viray's all came to visit after Ate Agnes went and picked up Kuya Henry at the airport who was arriving from the Philippines. Now that was a nice visit because Ate Agnes was so animated and it was just nice to see the ones we grew up with. I guess it just reminds me how old I am getting.


This was taken the night before I left (2.23.07) when an old friend came to visit, Eric Jennings. Now this one and myself have an extensive history. We have known each other since we were fresh outta high school and we were both 18 years old. Granted we went through a period there where we did not speak for about 4 years I am guessing. But now we have this good thing going where he's back to at least being my friend. Pretty ain't he?

Now the last few were taken when my plane took off Chicago O'Hare Airport on February 21st. So basically what you are looking at is the skyline of Chicago at night which of course includes the Sears Tower. Then I snuck a picture of myself inside the plane because I had nothing else to do and I was bored what can I say? Now hold tight until I get to Asia coz I doubt I'll be doing anything else between then and now.