2006 in Review

      The past year has been a whirlwind for me. So many things have happened that I hope I am able to recount all of them with accurate detail. A lot of memories are truly wonderful, and some I wish had never happened.

      2006 started with our wedding preparations well under way. The previous year, Blair and I had made a trip to the Philippines and purchased items that we felt would add a Filipino element to the ceremony. It was fun putting those together. As the wedding date draws near, the family started coming from all over the world which made our day extra special. My sister from Paris, Ate Emily, my sister's family from Toronto, Ate Aurea, my mother from the Philippines Nanay Felisa and my nephew from Hawaii, Emerson, all came to be part of our celebration. Blair and I couldn't be happier as our family and friends gathered together to watch us become husband and wife.

      For our honeymoon, Blair took me to Italy. We went to Rome, Florence and the Amalfi coast towns of Sorrento, Amalfi and Positano. It was magical. You can't believe that there are places that would force you to do nothing. Up to this day, I still go back to the evenings we had in Positano just listening to the waves and watching the lights of the homes descend in the side of the mountains to touch the water. Or those nights where we would venture out to find a cafe with musicians serenading with beautiful music.

      A week and a half after we've returned from our trip, Blair's father R. Stanley Harsh passed away. He was a wonderful man. I would always remember his and Blair's debates over the dinner table as he loved challenging the intellect. He was a fountain of knowledge and had helped me learn about history more than any of my teachers did. My mother in law later told us that he didn't want us to know if something happened to him while we were away. He loved travelling and didn't want any news to reach us that would cut our trip short. That was my father in law, Stan. A very selfless, loving and wonderful man.

      Throughout the year, we've made a lot of major decisions. Life changing decisions if you would ask me. Blair and I started a company in July. It is a technology and marketing firm. We had our first client without having a web site, business cards or even a letterhead...come to think of it...we still don't have those... :)

      This was also a year of milestones in terms of birthdays. Without telling you what it was for, Blair and I along with Mark and Michelle headed to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico to celebrate. There we snorkeled, dined, toured the ruins, slept then dined then slept. It's one of the most amazing places I've ever been. From that day on, we made a pact that this is the trip will be making each and every year.

      Towards the end of 2006, we felt that it was time to move from our townhouse in Norham Dr. to perhaps a single home closer to the city. With that in mind, we started getting our house ready and within 3 days of putting it on the market, found a buyer of our house. During the same period, we also found our dream home. So in November 29th, we closed on our home and bought our house in Holly manor.

      Those events highlighted 2006 for us. There have been many weddings as well and birthdays and all of them are great. A lot of changes but along with those, a lot of things remained the same, including our friends and family who has supported us all through this year. God's blessings overflowed and we are very thankful. Blair and I are looking forward to 2007...to the many wonderful things that are still yet to come. Happy New Year Everyone!!!