I wanted to write a philosophical entry on turning a year older. I wanted to reflect on the emotional changes that happened during my 27th year. I wanted to reflect on how I’ve matured now that I’m going to be right smack in the middle of my late 20s. But you know what? Naaaah. I don’t want any drama. I’ve had a pretty amazing 27th year and I’m just really thankful it was great.
Highlights of my 27th year:
- Fell in love with cooking. I’ve cooked more meals in my 27th year than all the meals combined in the first twenty six years of my life!
- Young Tigers conference in Malaysia. Met many new friends from around Asia. Realized it is possible to have strong connections with people despite race and distance. Learned that laughter is universal even if language barriers exist.
- Relived the magic of Christmas cards. Helped spread the old charm of snail mail with old friends and new ones. Used glitter and drew on the envelopes. Labor of love!
- Bonded with my friends from work. It’s hard to develop friendships in the workplace, but when you do, it makes even the heaviest load so much lighter. *Hugs to my Department-mates*
- Saw the shores of Boracay. And I will return.
- Made good friends online. I’m still mining the blogging world and I’m so happy to have met geniunely sincere bloggers in person.
- Developed deeper friendships. I am at a loss for words to describe this. I choke up even while typing. I’m so thankful I’ve found a solid group of the dearest friends.
- Realized money isn’t everything. Because of certain decisions I’ve made last year, I have developed a stronger sense of self and a stronger affinity with my work.
- Prayed some more. But I feel I still don’t pray enough.
- Migrated to WordPress. I was wondering when I’d “upgrade” from Blogspot. It happened this year, yey!
- Became more conscious of my health. I got terribly sick in April so I’ve become more aware of my relationship with my body. Now I’m trying to eat right and be more faithful to the gym. (Just please get those oatmeal cookies away from me).
- Got my first pets. I really think my fishies are good feng shui for our home and our marriage. I’ve also become much more patient and more relaxed.
- Got featured in Blog-o-rama.Hopefully I get to help more people through my own little life experiences.
- Celebrated my 2nd year of marriage. H & I still make each other laugh, we still hold hands, we still are as sweet as before… we’re truly blessed.
I have a lot more to be thankful for this year. Thank you, thank you, thank you Lord. Thank you for this new year, too.
What’s my birthday wish? Hmmm. I don’t know. I’m REALLY happy. More happiness, I guess? I suppose. More reasons to smile and laugh would be great.
My 27th year was amazing and you know what? I look forward to my 28th year. I have a very good feeling about it. 
Hi! I'm Toni Tiu,
and I've been blogging at
at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.
Pao
July 28, 2005 at 8:43 pm (19 years ago)hi there. bloghopped from girlie. im newly married and i see that i can relate a lot to your posts. i’ll surely be passing by again.
paz
July 28, 2005 at 9:04 pm (19 years ago)happy birthday toni!
may you be blessed with more joy, peace and happiness in life!
Via
July 28, 2005 at 9:11 pm (19 years ago)Many happy years ahead!
Tanti auguri, Toni! (di ba you want to learn Italian?)
jeanny
July 28, 2005 at 9:19 pm (19 years ago)Wow, what an accomplishment. Congratulation girl.
I wont greet you muna, he he he. So exact birthday mo na lang. 😀
pinayhekmi
July 28, 2005 at 10:49 pm (19 years ago)Advanced Happy B-day. I’ll be flying on the day of your birthday! Thanks so so much for everything. I truly enjoyed meeting with you.
JO
July 28, 2005 at 11:27 pm (19 years ago)hi toni, advance happy birthday!
Marie
July 28, 2005 at 11:49 pm (19 years ago)Advance happy birthday Toni! God Bless! It was really great to meet you.
dexie
July 28, 2005 at 11:53 pm (19 years ago)happy birthday
tin
July 29, 2005 at 12:30 am (19 years ago)hmm, i wish i was the first one to post a greeting here..
but a birthday greeting is always special whether it’s advanced or belated. so here’s mine, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TONI! may He shower you with your heart’s desires.
keep this blog rockin’! hugs..
Alma
July 29, 2005 at 6:57 am (19 years ago)Happy Birthday Toni! I am happy you have enjoyed, accomplished and lessons were learned the past year… Hey, you forgot to mention the aquarium!!! BTW, my maid and I cleaned our aquarium for the 1st time. I usually hire professionals for the task, and saved P800 for labor! Though it took us double the time compared to the prof cleaners, boy, are we proud of our own work! I have yet to go to Cartimar… I will when I find time during the week days.
Paparazzi
July 29, 2005 at 7:43 am (19 years ago)You more than merit and deserve all those blessings the past year, Toni! Truly, God is good all the time!
I like your declaration that you and your hub still hold hands together even after two years of marriage. But Mamarazzi and I feel more blessed because we still do even after 40 years…that’s the only way we can support each other from falling due to gout or arthritic pains.
Happy birthday, Toni. Wishing you nothing but the BEST!
jey
July 29, 2005 at 8:13 am (19 years ago)happy birthday, toni!
you surely are blessed wtih so much and i’m turning 28 in a 8 days too and life has never been more colorful and beautiful, right?
happy birthday and God bless!
jojo
July 29, 2005 at 8:23 am (19 years ago)happy happy birthday sis! that was really a very well lived 27th year! stay happy, and cook some more and write some more (sali ka sa cooking contest ng ABS-CBN!)
Linnor
July 29, 2005 at 9:02 am (19 years ago)Hi Toni!
Baka on your 28th year may little one na. Hihihi. God bless you!
Happy birthday sis (in advance)!
meeyagirl
July 29, 2005 at 10:17 am (19 years ago)happy birthday, toni! may all your wishes come true
Mikey
July 29, 2005 at 10:49 am (19 years ago)Happy birthday! I always dreaded turning older; I had the feeling that I was dying after I celebrated my 20th birthday, but you make it sound like so much fun!
Wish you the best!
Daphne
July 29, 2005 at 11:08 am (19 years ago)Count your mornings by sunrise, not sunset. Count your life with smiles not with tears and when life reaches its autumn. Count your age by friends not by years!
Loads of happiness and more blessings to come for you Toni Believe me it only gets better as you grow wiser 😉 Advance birthday greetings! Enjoy your special day!
kala
July 29, 2005 at 2:36 pm (19 years ago)hi toni! happy happy birthday and happy anniversary too! all the best for you and hubby… and many more dishes and recipes for you to discover!
mare
July 29, 2005 at 2:53 pm (19 years ago)Early birthday greetings, wishing you much joy and happiness ahead!
annabanana
July 29, 2005 at 8:08 pm (19 years ago)happy birthday, toni!
whew, buti na lang hindi ako late! god bless you and h! 😀
Cat
July 30, 2005 at 4:09 am (19 years ago)hey toni!
belated happy birthday! this is a great entry, reflecting on that one year of your life.
anyway, this is in relation to your comment in my blog about chick lits. Anything written by Jane Green is great. She has yet to let me down. :p Speaking of books, Powerbooks has a sale on July 30 and 31! Don’t miss it!
stel
July 30, 2005 at 7:14 am (19 years ago)happy boitday toni dear! may all your wishes come true…
maan
July 30, 2005 at 10:56 am (19 years ago)HAPPY BDAY! kainggit naman u met up na with tin hekmi…enjoy ur special day dear
BabyPink
July 31, 2005 at 12:35 am (19 years ago)i’m sure you will have an equally, if not more wonderful 28th year. aside from more happiness, i also wish you PEACE (in the truest sense).:)
happy birthday ulit, sis!:)
Sidney
July 31, 2005 at 3:13 am (19 years ago)Happy birthday!!!
!
So young and already so wise ! Some people need a lifetime to discover happiness (if they ever do).
What will you say when you turn 100
ajay
July 31, 2005 at 4:51 am (19 years ago)Happy Birthday, Toni Grrrl. I am glad I was able to follow the milestones in your life through reading your blog (teka, bat di kasali ang feature sa MB?haha) Thanks for the Christmas card and till the Blogkadas meet again. G’day!
Junnie
July 31, 2005 at 9:46 am (19 years ago)happy birthday toni., i couldve greeted you live in person. pero baka hindi na maging happy…hehehehe.
denden
July 31, 2005 at 5:39 pm (19 years ago)happy belated birthday dear toni!!! hope you had a wonderful time. *mwaah*
petite
July 31, 2005 at 8:02 pm (19 years ago)happy birthday, toni! may this year be filled with blessings and adventure for you and your hubby!
bea
August 1, 2005 at 10:38 am (19 years ago)Aw, this is really nice.
Happy, Happy Birthday, Toni! I hope we get to hang out again soon.
God Bless you and H always
Sheila
August 1, 2005 at 1:28 pm (19 years ago)Happy birthday toni! Of course I’m late as always, in my defense I did greet u in advance when we saw each other last Thurs. Haha, defensive!
You’re so young yet you’ve accomplished so much. And come so far from when we were in college! I can say those were the good old days but I think the best days are yet to come.
Yupki
August 1, 2005 at 6:23 pm (19 years ago)Happy birthday girl!
Hey, while I was reading Undomesticated Goddess by Sophie Kinsella, I couldn’t help thinking of you… not that you are undomesticated (while maintaining a career at that). Have you read the book? You might just like it 😉
Christine
August 2, 2005 at 7:15 am (19 years ago)hi Toni — you are indeed blessed and I count you as one a friend in the blogosphere! Keep on blogging, cooking and smiling! See you in Sept/Oct!
mwah!
Jean
August 2, 2005 at 10:09 am (19 years ago)Toni,
The best thing that can ever happen in your lifetime. Never snub your nose at what you deem as beneath you, instead be grateful for that they are there to begin with.
Sorry, crossed eyed right now. Can’t think straight. Hell, clicking the “Submit Comment” button anyway.
kat
August 3, 2005 at 4:10 am (19 years ago)BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY TONI! you truly are wise beyond your years! here’s to another great year ahead!
hanagirl
August 3, 2005 at 12:44 pm (19 years ago)happy birthday! hope u had a blast! Indeed you have to achieved so much and have a lot be thankful for.