And so I turn 29 on the 30th. I am glad my 28th year will soon be over. It’s been a very tough year for me. If I were to tell the story of this year, I wouldn’t even know where to begin! The good that has come out of this year is that I am much stronger than ever, more resilient and more driven to pursue my dreams.
With the many pains of the 28th year came the determination to transform all the negativity into something productive, something positive. The theme of my 28th year was creativity. I pushed for it in my work life and my personal life — graduating from a fantastic writing workshop, learning how to care for plants, just starting to learn shibashi, writing a lot of poetry, going back to drawing, taking care of this blog and meeting fantastic people, and so much more. I learned to take better care of myself. I also discovered a strength in myself I thought I didn’t have. I liked that surprise.
While I thought that life was about settling down at this point in my life, I realized I was still being pushed to grow, grow, grow. The growing pains are all worth it. I am reminded of the story of the caterpillar who couldn’t come out of his cocoon just yet. If he was forced to come out earlier than expected, he would shrivel up and die because his wings wouldn’t be strong enough. But with patience comes rewards, and in his time he emerged a beautiful butterfly. I love that story.
With a lot of prayers and much love from my husband, my family, my friends (and that includes those who I’ve developed friendships with through this blog!), these growing pains are all beginning to make sense. Thanks everyone.
I am starting my 29th year with beautiful red wings. 
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.
ces
July 27, 2006 at 9:54 am (18 years ago)advance happy birthday toni! so you’re a lion too!
leah
July 27, 2006 at 9:55 am (18 years ago)May you continue to grow in your 29th year so that you can share it with the ones you love. Many happy returns of the day, Toni!!
Kay
July 27, 2006 at 10:12 am (18 years ago)They say that as we grow older, we become wiser. I’m sure the trials you went through was to make you a better person but then who doesn’t want more happy moments right?
Tracie
July 27, 2006 at 12:20 pm (18 years ago)Happy almost Birthday!!
Michele sent me!
Daphne
July 27, 2006 at 3:34 pm (18 years ago)Way to go girl! Great attitude.
Don’t worry as you grow older ooops I mean wiser, it only gets much better.
This coming from me, a child trapped in a 30 something body hehe.
Just keep a positive attitude and life will be peachy.
missyosigirl
July 27, 2006 at 4:01 pm (18 years ago)advanced happy birthday toni
Yupki
July 27, 2006 at 5:20 pm (18 years ago)Hey happy birthday girl! May you continue to grow and glow and share your experiences here. All the best!
Via
July 27, 2006 at 5:49 pm (18 years ago)What a wonderful reflection Toni!
Very insightful! Have a wonderful birthday!!!!! 
karol
July 27, 2006 at 5:49 pm (18 years ago)advanced happy birthday toni! wishing you all the beautiful things in life!
enjoy ur birthday!
kala
July 27, 2006 at 6:16 pm (18 years ago)Advanced Happy Birthday Toni! Have a wonderful 29th year and may everything you wish for come true!
Michelle
July 27, 2006 at 6:52 pm (18 years ago)Hello, Michele sent me
again 
Happy early 29th Birthday
The 20s were a really rough decade for me, especially 25 – 29. The 30s are definitely looking better though!
I’ll be back to see how you celebrated the day!
Take care!
denden
July 27, 2006 at 7:55 pm (18 years ago)happy birthday toni! yup, a beautiful red wing is all you need to start your 29th year. take care
rampant bicycle
July 27, 2006 at 9:05 pm (18 years ago)Happy almost-birthday! Eat some good cake.
abby
July 27, 2006 at 9:27 pm (18 years ago)maligayang bati sa iyo! patuloy mong harapin ang mga pagsubok ng walang pag-iimbot at puno ng pag-asa!
=)
Mae
July 28, 2006 at 12:04 am (18 years ago)Hi Toni,
Advance Happy Birthday!!!
It’s a little early but i won’t be blogging on Sunday, it’s one of my friend’s birthday too! We’re going to the racecourse for a picnic lunch and off to a restaurant in the evening.
I wish you a beautiful year full of joy and go spread those beautiful red wings!
I wish for all your dreams to come true
And next year, i’ll be here to welcome you into the 30s club!
Since i can’t possibly sing to you, i’ll type the song instead.
Happy birthday, to you!
Happy birthday, to you…
Happy birthday, happy birthday…
Happy birthday, to you!!!
Junnie
July 28, 2006 at 12:58 am (18 years ago)(silence)
(applause)
(standing ovation)
(blows flying kiss)
words escape me as i read this entry.
tanya
July 28, 2006 at 4:05 am (18 years ago)lapit na bertdey mo… yay!
iska
July 31, 2006 at 6:34 pm (18 years ago)OMG i missed it! belated hapi bday toni! 😀
Ayen
August 2, 2006 at 3:10 am (18 years ago)Hi Toni! Happy birthday! You may not know it, but you’re one of the 2 people who inspired me to try my hand again at blogging. Your blog is such an inspiration! Keep it up!
Meeyagirl
August 2, 2006 at 6:38 am (18 years ago)beautiful toni, fly!
Lissa
August 3, 2006 at 7:06 am (18 years ago)Hi Toni, I remember you were a good artist so I’m glad you’re getting back into it. Also, I have another confession: I was jealous of your handwriting! hahaha.. I think you have a really nice penmanship mapa cursive or hindi.
It’s nice that you’ve looked back and reflected on the past. Sometimes it’s hard to do or accept pero it seems like you’re on your way to a bright future. *hugs*
Dinna
August 5, 2006 at 10:48 pm (18 years ago)Happy birthday, Toni — belated as my greeting my be (8/5 already!), I want to wish you a better year ahead, and may you have whatever it is that you have been wishing or praying for. I certainly count you as one of the blessings of the previous year.. bumping into you here on the web is something that has enriched me in many ways. It is always refreshing to read your posts, and thank you for always visiting.
Cathy
August 10, 2006 at 10:09 pm (18 years ago)You are a very warm and wise 29 y.o. I like reading your blog entries – very light and creative
Come over and visit me too sometime… keep up the happy and creative thoughts!