My Name Is Fernand Yim

My First Mardi Gras In San Pablo City

2012-01-19T02:05:00.000-08:00

Last week was the City Fiesta of San Pablo City. It was my first time. I got so excited when Arnel, my 'cousin in law', asked me to experience the Mardi Gras. I heard the event would start around two in the afternoon. Arnel and I just arrived a few minutes after two. I thought we just made it on time. But to my surprise, there was a huge crowd covering the whole place! We tried looking for better location until we ended up in the corner of Rizal Avenue and Bonifacio Street. I hardly viewed the colorful street dancers. I saw hundreds of heads and a couple of umbrellas! In my effort to enjoy that, I obliged myself to observe the people around me.

So what would people of San Pablo City do for Mardi Gras?

Kuya, ako naman diyan.

Pictures From The Dreamwalker's

2012-01-10T19:33:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012!

2012-01-05T00:05:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, everyone!

For quick updates, I am still unemployed after my work in Convergys. Well, I didn’t really look for a job since December, following my wife’s advice. Gracia said that January is the hiring month.

I am starting to get pressured about it but everyone here in the house is very understanding and supportive. My job-hunting will begin next week. So far, no specific destinations on my job-hunting map.

I am still doing The Dreamwalker’s. I am getting more excited about it after getting new ideas from my wife Gracia. I am enjoying Hannah Kharis and Isagani more, the lead characters in The Dreamwalker’s. There were so many revisions even before I posted a request-for-review in filipinowriter.com but I decided not to post the revised version since I am still writing the other half of the story.

There was a funny one who did a review on the original chapter one, The Ghost Teller, and all he said was that the story was boring, saying something like it was just another ghost stories. I am not sure if he really read the whole chapter one or, maybe he did not understand.

First of all, The Dreamwalker’s is not a ghost story. He did not give any supporting details why he said it was boring. There were more than ten people who read the very original six chapters and they did sincerely enjoy the story. Some of these people I did not know, and had not met them in person.

But just like the critique from filipinowriter.com, he said he could be wrong for he had only read the first chapter.

There was also one thing he mentioned about a paragraph which he could not relate to the plot which I found very amusing and helpful. For that one I wanted to thank him.

Still, I did not want to give up that certain paragraph because that was from the aborted Hundred Days and it serves as a sort of legacy for it. When I talked about it with my wife Gracia, she advised me to transfer that instead to another chapter. I followed her advice and it turned out good.

I am still finishing the other half of the story and I’m praying to get it finished before I start working again. I am very conscious in writing it because I don’t want to offend some people. Especially that it somehow talks about faith.

I just read the first two books of Trese by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo and I’m an instant fan. I even joined their Fan Page on facebook and had their website added to my Daily Reads in Reporting Fernand Yim. I also enjoyed Elmer by Gerry Alanguilan. I am telling you, Elmer, the story of adding chickens to human race was really awesome!

Aside from writing, I am enjoying playing with my naïve hobby in photography. I discovered that our pink Samsung PL101 had great feats! My first project was to get pictures of anything that shows the greatness of God in His creation. I called it God in Details. What amazing about it was that most of my new pictures were taken right from our backyard!

This backyard of ours is like a small space where wood debris and other fragments are kept. You will see there growing weeds, dried leaves, and stones covered with moss. But the beauty of it lies in every detail of it. By capturing each element in our backyard, I re-discovered that God is surely indescribable.

About Christmas, you might have seen the pictures here already but we were all busy eating and playing games that we did not capture many funny moments. It was great to celebrate Christmas here in San Pablo City with my in-laws. However, I also felt sad being far from Mama and Papa and my siblings. So on the morning of Christmas, Gracia and I went to San Pedro.

We planned to celebrate New Year in San Pedro but we’re not able to pursue that. Still, the New Year celebration here was twice the fun. We started the program with the breaking of the bread and drinking of the wine. It was Gracia’s family’s tradition. That easily put the memory of the last night of 2010 back in my head. There was a pinch of pain in my heart but it was overwhelmed by gratefulness to the kindness of God in our lives. After that, we started the games around eight in the evening until a little after eleven.

It was so funny that every one would push their own game for the prize of like twenty bucks! I know the prize was not that much but the feeling of winning was awesome. We were even noisier than firecrackers.

There was one game where Tatay (my father in law), Edwin (husband of Mariz, siter of Gracia), and I joined the game by Kuya Dennis (husband of Ate Dian, also a sister of Gracia). Each one of us had to finish drinking a bottle of Red horse Beer, that the first one to finish would be declared as winner.

I got so excited especially while hearing Kuya Dennis raising the bid up to eighty pesos! I rushed to drinking the last drop of the beer and I thought we supposed to put it on the floor upside down. The moment I did that, I threw up right there in front of everyone! It was so embarrassing that I had to run real quick to the bathroom, to wash and to hide at the same time, laughs! But you know what? I won the game, laughs.

So many things happened. Too bad we missed taking pictures of them.

----------

The year 2012 started with flu viruses, I guess. Gracia and I were both not feeling well. She was absent since Tuesday. I can’t still stop worrying about next week but that one I leave to God. I’ll do my best to finish The Dreamwalker’s and then submit it to the publisher and God will take care of the rest.

I also want to thank all the people who have been part of our 2011. I know in my heart that 2012 is our year and is the start of the land of milk and honey.

Glory to God.

First Christmas in San Pablo City

2011-12-26T19:08:00.000-08:00

Victory Calamba's Got Talent (Borrowed Videos)

2011-12-19T18:35:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Calvin could dance!

Below is the video of God's Princesses. I enjoyed it so much.

This one is very funny. I never got bored watching them.

Go Sab!

Victory Calamba's Christmas Party 2011

2011-12-18T23:43:00.000-08:00

Go, Kuya Ernie!

The Stage

The Waiting Game

My Wife Gracia

Foot in the Dark

Nikka Lynn, the Party Organizer

Nikka Lynn and Melody: Picture, Picture!

Excited!

Gracia and the Christmas Tree

Me and my wife.

Youth Power

Jojo

The Christmas Tree

Cute Kid

Capture the Light.

Nervous Calvin and Teasing Alex.

Alana says 'Four'.

Alana in the Middle.

Dancing Jojo.

Just Starting.

Pica, pica!

Christmas Ball

How to do a Smart Christmas Gift-Giving

2011-12-13T21:28:00.000-08:00

Every after resignation in the past, I used to say ‘I’m a mild bum’. Well, I would never say that anymore. So when people ask me, ‘How are you doing?” or “What’s keeping you busy?” I tell them this: I’m a househusband. It’s not something I am proud of. Of course I want to get a job and contribute in our earnings. But I am trying to break a circle here.

I had very few writing and photography jobs before. But majority of my career life was spent in call centers. And I don’t want to go back there. Don’t get me wrong on this one. I love call centers and I love all my friends from that industry. It is just that I want to do something for my dreams while I am still young. It’s not easy but I know it is not possible either.

Every time I check my Jobstreet account, my agent Lina there is always giving me call center jobs. The only reason I may take another call center job is when a call center site would be established here in San Pablo City so that I don’t need to take three hours travel just to get to work. I could deal with that. Still, I am not closing my doors. I don’t wanna end up eating my words one day. I may still go back in the call center industry. But as much as possible, I am not taking that route…yet.

I have projects which I am working on with. My office is our home sweet home. I have to do some researching and a lot of reading. This I call the Dream Project. Time table covers the whole month of December. That might extend to the first half of January, though. Err, ha-ha!

I also realized that it is not easy to look for a job that you really like. I don’t want to take a job which I know I won’t really be enjoying in the long run, you know what I’m saying? I want a job for a long term perspective. I am actually looking for a career, not a job, where I could grow professionally. I trust in the LORD that He’ll give it to me in His prefect timing.

The waiting is not easy, especially when you don’t have a regular income to expect every month. Last Sunday Gracia and I were doing the part two of our shopping for Christmas gifts. Even though, Gracia and I wanted to give gifts to all the people we care for, we just could not do that. It was a hard decision to let go of some precious people from our Christmas list in our lives to match our budget. It was funny that we started listing a lot of relatives and close friends then ending up with un-listing some of them. Gracia and I decided that it had been a hard year for all of us and to show the appreciation to all those who were used by God to help us, those who had been part of the new book of our lives as husband and wife, and to inspire and encourage those people dear to us by giving simple but meaningful gifts.

Given this situation, we learned to be wiser in completing our Christmas gift-giving. Below is a short list which might interest you.

1. Personalize your gifts. This is so given. Of course, we want to give someone we love the things that person badly wants to receive this Christmas. But we know that most of the times, these things they want to receive are quite expensive. It is because if these things are not expensive, why would they wait for Christmas to get these things, right?

So we decided not to take that route. We go for the other route. You know, putting twist on it. It is still personalizing in the way you see that person in your own perspective. How do you define that person in your life? What does this person mean to you? How this person had helped you in the past? What does he or she really like doing? What is his or her role in your life?

By knowing this person in a deeper sense, you can choose a gift which is not necessarily expensive but something that describes that person. It could be a book that you think would help that person. You can personalize it more by writing a little note telling that person why you are giving this gift to him or to her.

A couple of years before, I gave Gracia a beautiful lamp. I told her that when I saw that lamp, I remembered her. It was because she served as a light during the darkest time of my life. I know it’s cheesy but hey, it did work!

2. Choose simplicity. One thing we also realized was that it’s so hard to find a gift for our Ninongs and Ninangs who are rich. One of our Ninong is actually a president of a company. Another is a general manager of a bank. One of our Ninangs is a finance manager. How could you get simple things for these people who seem to have everything they need? Of course, they do not have everything in the world but you get my point, right? You want to please them but how? We sure don’t want to get things which they could buy themselves.

Pondering on some ideas, Gracia and I both agreed that they don’t really need to receive expensive gifts. These people could buy the most expensive TV, laptops, cell phones, or any gadgets when they decide to do so. So we go to simple things that more often than not, they tend to miss. Here, we help them see more of themselves and also to let them know of our impression of them.

It could be those things they tend to take for granted in their daily lives. For example, this person likes coffee so much. Everyday he drinks coffee. That when you see a coffee, this is the very first person that comes in your head. You can buy that person a book that tells more about coffee. Or you can buy him a different kind of coffee products which he might have not tasted yet before. It could be something that is only available in your province. You know, something like that which defines more of themselves in little things.

3. Get a partner. If you really feel that budget would not be able to cover all the people you want to give a gift this Christmas, why don’t you look for someone to partner with you? If you know someone who wants to give that same person a gift, you may want to consider talking to that person to partner with you in getting the best gift for that person. The gift you are eyeing on could be really outrageous. But if you could get a partner, you could instead share paying only the half of it and he pays for the other half. That is less painful in the pocket.

4. Go out and explore. It is always exciting to travel different places. You can make it even more meaningful by looking for gifts for people you love. It is fun and you can also learn new things. You can try the next city or town and discover what they have to offer. Here in the Philippines, every province has unique to offer. You can also try the garage sales and who knows, you could find there something you need for yourself.

The famous destinations here in the country always include Divi or Divisoria. Have you been there? It is a paradise of good finds at amazingly low prices. But it is also a jungle. The game here is the survival of the fittest. You don’t go there just for buying a gift or two. It is more recommended to those who want to buy all their gifts one time big time. And you need to be prepared and be careful when you get there. It’s always jam-packed with a lot of people from different places. And always ready a list before you go there. The early the better.

5. Go electronic and creative. If you have considered all options but still, it’s out of the budget. Why don’t you try creating a slideshow for that person telling his life story? You could do a little movie about that person which you could exaggerate for the sake of arts and entertainment. All you need is a computer and creative mind. That would definitely be appreciated.

We’re still doing our little gift-giving project. We hope that you have enjoyed and learned from our little list above. Always remember, it’s the thoughts that count. Whatever gifts you may come up with, that receiver of that gift would always feel your heart with it. Be experimental. Do it with sincerity. Bless more and be blessed. Happy giving!

With My In-Laws

2011-12-07T02:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, or last night, marked my last day in Convergys. Finally I’m done with the clearance. I also have now my trophy with me at home after 7 hours standing there in elevator lobby to wait for people I know who might be able to help me. I feel so relieved and also sad at the same time knowing that I might not see my good friends from Convergys again, just like in Sykes. Anyway, I need to focus on 2012.

I spent the two-day clearance in Convergys and San Pedro. Psyche was so cute and showing serious signs of hyperactive personality. She wanted us to play catch-the-ball in the middle of the night! She was very talkative. And being there for one night, she thought I would be staying there for good with my little bag, laughs! So on Tuesday night, while I was waiting in Convergys to get my precious trophy, Mama sent me a text message about the two donuts Psyche received from a cousin. Psyche said that she would wait for me before she eats the donuts. She wanted to wait for me so to share it with me. I was deeply touched just like those in Hallmark moments. Psyche was so good at making people cry in a good way, if you know what I mean. And hey, for the records, I did not literally cry there in the elevator lobby, laughs! What I’m saying is I’m missing her, our family, the old times.

I don’t get to see them like we used to do before. I put my faith in God’s promise the He would bring my family back together in one house. Sometimes this makes me jealous of my wife her being with her family all the time. Gracia always tells me that if it’s the other way around, it’s not going to be a problem with her. That might be true. But it is still different when it’s happening. You know, it’s more than a statement. It’s a daily life for me.

Don’t get me wrong. Her family which is now my family, too, is great. Her mother is amazing and very sweet. Her sisters are awesome. Every one is wonderful, including their in-house cousin Arnel. Her Papa is also nice to me but it’s a bit awkward most of the time because he rarely talks. I could see the effort in the two of us but we always kind of fail to connect. Perhaps it is because he never had a son. Maybe it’s me who had a chain of father issues before. That’s going to be a long story to tell. What I am saying is that we want to get along as a family but it’s not easy, I just realized.

During my first months with them, I had this silent, or secret, competition with the other sons-in-law. No one was really competing. I think it’s more of manly pride? Can’t get the right thing to say. Let’s get down to the story.

Last Sunday Gracia and I spent almost the whole afternoon after church shopping for the Christmas gift for her co-employee for their company’s Christmas party this Saturday. I was really tired but I was kind of showing off, making her feel that I was a very supportive husband which was sincere act from me. After that, when we got home, I was like relaxing while reading a magazine. Just like any other woman, she wanted to fix everything before we went on relaxing. I was even joking at her that she was acting like a mother now, laughs!

Then she wanted me to pin those belt holders behind the door but I was kind of into the magazine’s interesting article. Before I knew it, her Papa was in our condo-type room doing the nailing. It was very embarrassing as if I was not a man enough to drill those nails into concrete walls. I tried to get the hammer from him but he was determined to finish it all by himself. I know that it was no big deal for him. But for me, I was kind of hurt and very embarrassed. I had a hard time getting over with it.

Then next day came in. I was cleaning our house as part of my house-husband role when Kiel, Gracia’s nephew, started knocking outside our window. Automatically I opened it for him and one of his little fingers got caught and in the next seconds, he was crying hysterically. Everyone was very concerned and that included me. I felt ‘Strike Two’ blinking over my head as Gracia’s father trying to comfort his grandson. I felt so exhausted that I spent hours sleeping until it was time for me to get ready for my trip to Convergys.

Now I am back here in San Pablo and I felt so blank, trusting God in everything. Tried reading Bible but it’s…I don’t know. I know I kind of need some help here but if someone asks what kind of help, I don’t know the answer.

But I’ll be fine. I know that because I always will, by the grace of God.

Dreams Are Made By God

2011-11-28T01:40:00.000-08:00

I have two weeks left before I get back to the common thing. You know, the usual job hunting activities. I am confident that if I want to, I could get a job in just a day of looking for a job. Please don’t get me wrong. The real questions here are: Would it be the job I would enjoy in a long term basis? Would the offer be reasonable enough for me to take the job? One thing I am sure, though. I want to do something really different this time.

Anyway, as I was saying, I have two weeks left on my friendly calendar before I get there. These two weeks are to spread my wings to fly and reach that dream I have been aiming for since day one I learned to write. I want to be a published writer! Paper-published. Sold in bookstores. If you know what I mean.

I can’t be staring out my window, or seated in front of our computer and watch the two weeks pass by just like any other day.

My wife and I are artists. But we can’t fly, if you know what I am saying. The door has been open for so long and it has been choking me back inside my room waiting for the day for me, for us to reach our star. Drama, huh?

I have three goals for the next two weeks. Deadline is December 10, or the last day, I should say.

1. Continue writing for my blogs. They are my daily exercise. They are my portfolio.

2. Finish Soul Mates and have it mailed to the only publisher who kindly sent me the instructions on getting published. That’s going to be a long way. But the goal here is limited for now into two: Finish the other half of the story and send.

3. Get jobs from ODesk. Of course, I would need a daily income here unless someone is kind enough out there to support me, laughs! Cross my fingers on that.

I felt relieved for the following accomplished things:

1. I would finally have my exit interview in Convergys tomorrow morning with TL Ovin. That would start my clearance and of course would cut my waiting time to my back pay.

2. I now have an official government ID with the help of my wife and Pareng Mase. Thank you!

3. I just set up a brand new Art blog for Gracia and I. It would serve as our official portfolio. If you want to check it out, kindly click here inARTe ni Gracia (Grace Purple Box). And thank you for that.

One thing I want to add here, yesterday in our local church, I was assured by God in the opening prayer with my friend Franz where he said that it was God who put the dreams in my heart. And so keep holding on those dreams until the day God has designed for them to come out for real and shine.

Father God, thank You for these dreams. Bless these and may these dreams give You glory you alone deserve.

I Will Always Be Convergys

2011-11-20T17:16:00.000-08:00

My last day in Convergys.

Almost Ending 2011

2011-11-08T21:44:00.000-08:00

I can’t believe that the year is almost ending! I know it’s too early for me to write my year-end post but I feel like doing something like that today.

Year 2011 has been very tough and soul-exhausting for me and for my family. It was like the stains of 2010 had found its way to crawl into this year. I was hopeful with my family that 2011 would be our year. 2010 ended in a complicated move to a different house which I had to give up the small savings Gracia and I had for our wedding to pay almost everything. That was exactly the last day of 2010. So we celebrated the first day of 2011 in a new home.

We did not have so many foods and we did not have any fireworks to celebrate the New Year with. But great the LORD was that we had enough on our table and we even had a bottle of red wine, plus we were together. We were complete except for Christina who has her own family in Bulacan. I was positive that everything would be okay as I liked so much the new house. It was brighter than the old one.

We began the year with family prayers which was so beautiful and the hope was so fresh that it was almost reaching the face of the sky.

The money issue still crawling into each new day but it was manageable. Papa was getting better and he started working again. But Gracia and I were worried about getting married this year. It had been taken aside for so many times due to recurring reasons. We were losing hopes and we felt that if we did not do anything to hold the wedding this year, the hope which was so little by then might be lost and I knew in my heart that when the fire began to die, it would take a long way to see it spark again. So we sought all help we could get.

In our families meeting where Gracia and I would announce formally that we were getting married, we insisted to get married in May of this year. And we did not have a single penny for the wedding at all! All we had was love and faith.

Our hope got excited when we received a Yes from my biological grandfather that he would support us, especially in money matters. In the end, it only broke my heart into million of pieces when I was left hanging in the air a week before the wedding. I felt so hurt and it was more painful when I was getting blamed for their decision. But glory to God that Gracia and I got married in May of this year. It was not a grand kind of wedding but it was really beautiful. It cost us to give up Gracia’s purchasing power for the next six months, if you know what I mean. So we were on a very tight budget but we were very happy.

A month after the wedding, Papa had a serious heart problem and he was taken to a private hospital in Pacita, San Pedro which goal was to increase our bills. I said this because after two weeks staying in that hospital, we insisted transferring him to the Philippine Heart Center where the doctor there told so many things which should have been done since day one but were not in the former hospital. The expenses were unbelievable. We had been humbled way below the ground. But we kept trusting God in everything for He never failed us.

Then Gracia’s sister gave birth to Ethan James in August. In less than a week, the baby got a fever and was diagnosed with infection of the blood. The bill was incredible. We thought that was it until in September, Gracia’s another sister gave birth to Ezra Daniel through Caesarian. Aside from day to day worry seeing the little baby in the ICU with all those unforgiving tubes, the bill was overwhelming. The memory of my baby brother Jean Emmanuel kept crossing in my thoughts. Although it was not entirely on us, since we are family, we care and we tried our best to help.

Gracia and I had so much to bear. I was thinking about us, about my family, and about her family. It was the grace of God that we got to survive each day. I tried to calm down every time I saw my brothers getting thinner. Praise the LORD that they were born with beautiful faces.

The distance of my travel to work everyday took its toll on me in my birth month, the month of October. Prior to this, I felt like I was always sick but I ignored that as much as I could. The first Sunday of that month, I was diagnosed with Intestrial Pneumonia and later that week, I bled again because of UTI. The Urologist said I had Kidney stones based on the ultrasound results. It was a very uncomfortable situation to me and to Gracia. Gracia was also sick that time.

In that same month, my family had to vacate the house because of the old reason. I had been fighting for this, to keep my family all together in a house but everything seemed so against me. I tried to resort to writing again but after writing half of the story and not getting any call or message from any publishers, I lost my heart and was not able to finish writing. It was so difficult that I could not join my family in the transfer. What broke my heart was the fact my family had to be distributed. Roron had to be in Bulacan. Calvin had to go to a boarding house in Calamba and Jojo in Santo Tomas. Thank God that Alex was offered to stay with Franz, a friend from church until the end of school year. The rest would join Tita Sol in San Pedro.

All of this had put so much Ginger (Depression) on me. Every hour I worried so much in thinking if they had something to eat, if they were safe. Also I was concerned about the people they were with. I also knew, even if they were not putting it in words, they were all hurting and left with no choice but to live with it. I felt so lost and failed.

Then Nanay, my mother in law, had her operation in October. Praise God that it was successful. Also Calvin got another scholarship. God was so amazing that He always assures me everything is in His mighty control.

I fought Ginger with the hope coming from the LORD, believing in His promise that there would come a day that my whole family would eat together in one same table with so much to eat as prophesied to my sister Nikka Lynn by one of our Pastors.

I still have so many discomforts in my body even though the medication for my kidneys was successful. This and so many other things including my long travel to work are putting me on plate of hard decision-making. It was getting harder for me to travel a long distance everyday. I thought of resigning and look for a new job somewhere near in our place. The back pay would definitely help. I had talked to my boss and to the boss of my boss and I was so grateful with those kind words they said about me. But I am getting the Old Allergy again. I was losing the will to fight and this affects everything.

Last night I realized my decisions were selfish. My prayers were more of complaints than of communicating to God. Today, I am praying that when I finalize my decision about everything, this would glorify God and would benefit all that are involved. Also, I pray that the decision would be a decision I could keep until the decided day.

12 Things about My Wife (I Just Learned After Our Marriage)

2011-11-06T02:20:00.000-08:00

The first real conversation Gracia and I had was during the first week in college in 2002. Since everyone was so young back then, I think majority of us were seventeen (I even heard that some were only sixteen.), I asked her when she would celebrate her debut. I know that was so lame a pick-up line, laughs! And instead of answering my question, Gracia laughed so lovely right before me and told me that she already did that year. That means she was already 18. Then she said with that beautiful smile on her face, “I like you na.”

That moment a playful reverie sparked in my head. I don’t know why but that moment she laughed at my question, I saw her as my future bride. I shook the idea away because that time I didn’t believe that I would get married at all because I feared commitment that time.

Days ran so fast into months and months into years. Before we got married this year, I found out that she also had that same reverie in that moment. That was kind of amazing to us.

I thought I knew everything about Gracia until we got married and discovered so many unbelievable things about her, laughs! See my short list below.

1. She farts gracefully.

One example was this. I was listening to my music phone and she was reading before our bed table when she would suddenly get my attention and say, “I’ll fart, okay?” And before I could say something, she farted already! We would just laugh at it.

2. She is always right.

Most of the time, we argue on many little things. And never was there a time that I won. I would always end up holding my hands up in the air saying, “Okay. I know that you are always right, right?”

3. She speaks alien words.

Since she grew up in San Pablo City, she always speaks of deep Tagalog words. Many times I struggle understanding her sentences. We always have a dictionary break, laughs! She also has a different way of saying things. She replaces words like buksan (to open) with bukasi. And guess what does the word atikha mean? Laughs!

4. She always commands.

Just as how lazy I am as she is in getting things from our room upstairs, she ends up saying, “Mahal, favor please? Can you get me…”

5. She is OA when it comes to health.

I always complain about my headaches and sometimes my temperature rises up to the fever line. She would begin acting like an inquiring physician to me asking me so many questions. She always feels like taking me to the hospital which I understand.

6. She sets her alarm clock at 05:30am and she wakes up at 06:00am.

We always put the blame on the morning gravity.

7. She is so aggressive.

Before we go to sleep, she always wants me to drink a glassful of water which even if I could not usually finish one, I always end up doing so as what she says. When it’s my turn to ask her to finish a glass of water and she did not do that, I ask her again to finish it and she would say, “Sampalin kita.” Then we would both laugh.

8. She fidgets her feet to sleep.

That’s it. When she could not sleep and the bed is shaking? That’s it.

9. She is extra OC.

I can’t explain this one. Just this, if you know someone who is Obsessive Compulsive, just put extra there and that’s her! Laughs! Okay, one example I could think of this instant is when I got from work or from the computer shop and I would initiate to hug her, she would push me away and ask me to change my clothes and wash my arms and face so to remove all possible bacteria and germs all over me. (Roll my eyes on that, laughs!)

10. She knows almost all about Government transactions.

This is what I am so proud of her. If I have questions about my benefits as an employee and anything when it comes to government papers, she is such a huge help. And she is a good researcher. One time my sister Christina in Bulacan had a question which I didn’t know the answer right away, I just refer her to Gracia, laughs!

11. She does not like peanut butter.

We have so many differences but one thing which is too hard for me to understand is that she does not like peanut butter! She prefers strawberry jam over coco jam! Err, unbelievable.

12. She always forgets something.

Each time before we leave the house to go on dates and the likes, she always goes about in our room checking that we have everything she thinks important. And she is like a busy bee buzzing and circling about in our room and when we finally got a ride or when we finally hit the place where we are supposed to go, she will remember something she forgets! Err, women.

And of course, each day being together as husband and wife, I have no hint of doubt in her love for me. And I just feel the same way for her. Thank You, Father God.

Holiday Tiangge Experience

2011-11-01T19:56:00.000-07:00

The last time I went to Holiday Tiangge was way back in college with my best friends eightmiles. What I like about Holiday Tiangge is the endless rows of great finds at the best prices. All you need to have is patience and don't forget to have fun.

Last night, my wife Gracia had our first trip to Holiday Tiangge as a married couple. See our pictures below:

Gracia had pictures with the Horror Parade Guys of Lugaw Queen.

And the journey goes on...

At the Garage Sale

The Birthday Drama

2011-10-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

On my Birthday I sinned, laughs! Seriously, I sinned on my Birthday because of the following story:

The day before my birthday, I invited my friends to attend the Sunday service in our church. It was not for the benefit of our church but for the desire of seeing my friends listening to the Gospel of Christ. I wanted then to have something so precious I have. I don’t care if they would not come back to our church after that. My hope was that they would begin to have a relationship with God. I even pleaded to them to come as their birthday gift to me. My heart was broken for the fact that no one replied except for my best friend Comy who sent me his text message of apology for not coming over. I was hurting inside and was battling with myself.

On my birthday, Gracia and I woke up early to attend the 9AM Sunday service in our church in Calamba. I was excited to see my brothers and my sister Nikka Lynn. I was also hoping to see Psyche Jean and Mama and Papa that day in San Pedro but I did not voice out my request for the reason that I did not want my wife to be offended. This was my first birthday as a husband and for sure, she wanted this to be celebrated with the two of us. So I was still excited. I did not want ‘real party’ because it would not be practical which was fine to me.

But then, something happened before we even left the house. I excitedly requested for Gracia to borrow our camera from Ate Ye. Ate Ye was still sleeping that time and you know the morning moods, right? In other words, they had a very small argument. Gracia was suddenly out of the mood. I tried to calm her but it did not work.

At church, instead on focusing on the service, I was looking for my brothers who did not come at 9AM. So I waited until they arrived just minutes before the next service. Nikka Lynn was even late! In other words, we never had a chance to have a real talk. I was hoping that they would attend the 9AM service so we could talk after. But that did not happen. After eating Mami and Kwek-kwek, Gracia and I went home and she was not feeling well. Sigh to that.

When we got home, she requested to have a short nap in a hope that she would get well when she woke up. I waited and tried to do something else. I even dreamed of receiving a call from anyone who wanted to greet me. An hour passed and it was getting lonelier. I went back to our room and Gracia was still sleeping and not feeling well. Instead of worrying about her, I started feeling a selfish anger and rejection. I went to the living room and watched TV with my in-laws and tried to smile every time someone remembered my day as if it popped up in their head and greeted me Happy Birthday. I went back to our room hoping to find Gracia waking up but she was really feeling sick and I was feeling more selfish.

I went out to Ate Amy’s house where I rented a computer and checked my facebook page in a hope to find funny and warm messages for my birthday and found no greetings there and it was almost late in the afternoon! After two hours of crying my heart out on facebook, I went back to our house and found Gracia still on the bed! That snapped the last nerve and I surrendered myself to selfishness.

I went upstairs and comforted my selfishness and I was not listening to any explanations anymore. I was holding on to my selfish reasoning that I decided not to see my siblings in a hope that we would have still a great day! But nothing was happening and the day went so ordinary to me.

That was my drama and even if Gracia was apologizing a thousand times, I hardened my heart and would not forgive her. I chose to be more selfish and decided to hurt her some more. I went so bad on her! I was struggling to commit a prayer for I knew in my heart that it was all wrong.

Thank God that the day did not pass without the forgiveness of our hearts. I learned not to go on facebook when you are hurting or on emo mode. I learned to see the blessings more than my selfish wishes. I also saw the grace of God who was teaching me so that I could become the better me. And I am thankful to God that He forgave my wrong attitude at church.

Now let me share the following greetings from my family and friends.

A. Quotable

1. I asked God, “How do I get the best out of life?” God answered, “Face your past without regret, handle your present with confidence, prepare for the future without fear.” Then He added, “Keep the faith and drop the fear. Don’t believe your doubts and never doubt your beliefs. Life is wonderful if you know how to live.” God knows. God sees. God blesses. Happy 28th birthday, Pamangkin. Prayer ko all your prayers will be granted. Thy will be done. —From Tita Sol, October 23, 12:23AM

2. It’s better to wake up having a bad breath, than to wake up having no breath at all.

Appreciate life. Happy Birthday! Have another blessed year ahead! —From Daphny Gargarita, October 23, 07:53AM

3. Thank you, LORD, for the many things: music and songs, sunshine and laughter; friendship and love, memories and dreams…all these are your gifts. Teach us that all the storms of life come, not to destroy but to deepen the roots of our faith, hope, and love.

My Happy Birthday message to you. —From Jeremy Marfori, October 23, 8PM.

B. Personal

1. Kuya Fernand, happy happy birthday to you! You’re the best Kuya I ever have. Pagpalain ka ni Yahweh sa special day na ito. Huwag ka magbago, OK? Your kapatid sa puso, Comy. —From Comy Comia, October 23, 07:39AM

2. Happy birthday, mahal naming Kuya. We miss you so much! Ingat ka palagi! Muwah! Muwah! —From Christina, October 23, 08:18AM

3. Hey Happy Birthday! Enjoy your day. God bless! —From Jeph Jarabelo, October 23, 08:59AM

4. Happy Birthday, Kuya! Love Love. —From Nikka Lynn, October 23, 09:01AM

C. Pinch My Heart

1. Hi Kuya, happy birthday to you. From Papa and Mama. Si Papa mo ito, nagluto ako ng pancit akala ko darating ka. —From Papa, October 23, 01:01PM

2. Hi Nan, Happy Birthday! (It’s today, right?) Wish you more strength and joy. God bless! —From TL May, October 23, 02:37PM

D. Intriguing and Funny

1. Ei, Happy Birthday…tagay-tagay…he-he, musta? Magkaka-baby na kayo? —From Arnel Isulat, October 23, 02:45PM

E. Simple Yet Warm

1. Hi, Happy Birthday. God bless! —From Ritzel, October 23, 12:26PM

2. Happy birthday. —From Mary Jane Berdin, October 23, 06:26PM

F. Late Yet Appreciated

1. Belated happy birthday, Nan. —From Nikka Lopez, October 24, 11:34AM.

My Story

2011-10-23T00:39:00.000-07:00

My Name Is Fernand Yim® is my online diary. Obviously I write about my life and about people around me. From drawing my toddler version of comics on the back of emptied carton of powdered milk when I was five years old to my attempt of writing my first novel when I was in grade school on a stitched scratch-paper notebook, to writing for My Funny Story in Filipino Funny Komiks when I was eight, to writing my own songs and poems when I was in Grade Five, to writing on my first diary still in grade school, to joining the school journalism in high school and in college, to writing for various blogs, and to all innocent walls, books, old notebooks, and tables on which I committed artistic vandalism, I am still struggling in finishing my first novel, laughs!

I might be spending my whole life writing my first novel and that does not make me worry anymore. For I have learned that the true joy in writing is found in the process of writing itself. I find it amazing to keep a record of my daily life. I can review my past, laugh at the same joke, remember old people and old friends, cry (or feel like crying) on the same heartache, and get frustrated on the same frustrations, laughs! But most of all, I have the power to turn back time and be there back in the past where many dreams and most loved memories dwell even though it’s all only in my head.

Before I graduated in college, I dreamed of becoming a literary writer by profession. But in my country, it is not easy to become one. But that does not succeed killing a dream. Currently, I am still writing (The Dreamwalker’s) Soul Mates which hopefully I get to finish this year.

I have two sets of siblings and I love them all. On my Mama’s side, I have Christina, Nikka Lynn, Jojo, Calvin, Alex, Ron, Jean Emmanuel, and Psyche Jean. On my biological father’s side, I have MariFe, Minerva, Che-che, Kite, Maggie, Marshelle, Me-Ann, Mac-Mac, and Emman.

I am happily married and blessed to be a husband to my lovely and talented wife Gracia. I am a proud Christian and am proud of the love of God for me. I am a member of Victory Christian Fellowship Church where you don’t need to be part of our church to be saved but only through the grace of God by accepting Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord.

For those who read me here, thank you for the support and I pray from the bottom of my heart for more blessings and peace and love in your life! Cheers!

www.fernandyim.com

My Story

2011-10-23T00:36:00.000-07:00

When You Don't Understand

2011-10-17T01:55:00.000-07:00

"When You Don't Understand"

by Nicalyn Agor on Monday, May 16, 2011 at 2:31am

All questions have answers; however, even if someone told you the answer, there is a big tendency that you may not understand it. Thus, you may conclude that this question has no answer at all.

All answers can be questioned; however, when someone tried to explain it further, there is a bigger tendency that you may not understand it. Thus, you may strongly conclude that this answer can never be questioned.

What does not make sense to your generation will make sense to the next generation.

Smelling the Christmas Breeze

2011-10-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

Found this note I wrote last month. I decided sharing it here:

While writing this, I am listening to Hillsong’s O Holy Night. Wow, it’s Christmas now in the Philippines! Filipino Christians love Christmas that we begin feeling Christmas as early as September 1st and it even affects the other Filipinos.

Before I forget, I am so glad that Papa and Mama were in 11AM service at our church yesterday. Only Alex, who was in camping, Psyche, and Chris were not there with us. We were on the third installation of the series ALL IN and we listened to more beautiful gifts from God through the grace of Adoption. It was also the Communion Sunday, remembering what the Lord Jesus Christ did for us in the cross.

God is so great that even Pastor Ernie had a hard time preparing the series. You know what, the illustration of adoption to become the children of God is truly awesome that I don’t know if I could share the whole idea here. I might resort to Podcast, we’ll see.

Last week was the first week we joined the Micah’s team. I still did not know who my other team mates are. We’ll find out tonight. I miss Team May, I miss TL May. Well, TL Micah looks as nice as TL May. I heard so many good things about him. We’ll see.

I am excited for next month. I am not really sure why. I think it’s because I have so many PTOs filed for the month of October. And next month is my birth month! Well, it feels that there is something so huge and so beautiful going to happen in October this year! I don’t have a clue at all but it feels that way. I am praying that there will be something to happen which is great for all of us next month.

Now I am busy writing In (The Dreamwalker’s) Soul Mates. The story is getting clearer now, laughs! Hope this one gives way to the realization of an old dream. Let’s pray for that. This is it for now. Just wanted to write about current details in my life so I won’t forget in the future.

In Hope

2011-10-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

In Hope

I was hearing a song, such a beautiful song

So familiar to me that it could easily hurt my soul

It kept playing on and on in my ear until the truth set in

The melody was so plain as it cradled me to sleep.

Thought it was raining but when I looked out the window, there was no rain

Thought I heard your voice hearing you calling my name in the wind but there was only me

Thought the moment I opened my eyes you would be there, still sleeping

Thought I was stuck in yesterday’s dream but I’m not

Thought I was ready for this but why it hurts so much?

Thought I could do this but why my knees, my lips, my heart are all trembling

In a rhythm no one would want to hear.

I didn’t go there to see you go because I knew I was not that strong

I would rather keep in my heart a memory of us together

Than watch you go for I was sure it would break me into tears

You know me, when I cry I tend not to stop and I lose all my logic

That’s not what I wanted to happen.

You could smile when I say this but I want to be really strong this time.

Because in the heart of my heart, I know we’ll be back together again.

Alex, remember you drew me with that exaggerated big nose?

Calvin, remember when you edited all textbooks we had at home?

Ron, you know that Kuya loves you so much and you are always our bunso.

Jojo, just one more year and you’ll be an engineer!

Nix, thank you for being such a strong sister to us.

Chris, I always love you. We love you.

Psyche, I am always your Kuya Minan.

Mama, I promise you that one day all your dreams will come true with the permission of God.

Papa, you be strong okay?

I am just right here. Yes, I still cry but I am fine.

Love you all.