It's good getting back to normal. Since June, I haven't really been really feeling like myself. When the sea and the surf is there I feel nothing. Empty. Luckily, if you have a husband like Adam, he'd be picking it up soon enough. So he planned this trip specifically for me. He told me to take my time and to stop looking at my watch. "Surf as much as you want and don't think about me. Just enjoy. Surf for fun."

As we were packing and getting ready, Adam received a message from his longtime friend, Aaron, asking to meet up. As we've already planned the trip, he tried asking his friend if he'd like to join us. And it was great that he did, for the stoke you get from surfing is multiplied when share it. I also noted to ask Krisha (JP's friend we met last year) because I have seen how much she's interested since we pushed her into her first few waves almost a year ago.

The morning we arrived, waves were around knee-high. Perfect for Aaron and Krisha. It was nice for me, too, to have a chill session and to get my confidence back in the water. I had a good two hours in there. The first wave I caught was a wipe out, but then I have gotten myself back together. Not to push myself to my limit, I let Adam surf for the rest of the day.

I was quite surprised how much Aaron and Krisha enjoyed that they signed up for more lessons! And it feels quite nice to see them stoked because two years ago, that was me. I saw myself in them. I used to be the happiest surfer in the lineup; and then I got caught up with so many things and so many negative people that I just lost it.

And I am thankful to the people who continuously help me find my way back.

The day after, the swell was a bit bigger. Also, JP left the city early to catch up with us and we're glad that he did. Everybody had fun, and I really really missed that feeling.

Now we're back in the city looking forward for the next trip, and our "surf family" that's getting bigger.

Hello, North Swell + 45&46/52

Adam and I were supposed to NOT have any surf trips soon because we have been out in the water every weekend since the start of November. But we were really tempted to go last weekend because some new friends were asking us to go. And we really wanted to. So we decided to go to Baler for three days. Because of some conflict regarding Adam's work we did not push through with the trip.

But we felt a certain itch...we wanted to go surf. I never expected myself to be so into it that sometimes it's all I want to do. And because my husband is such a good person luck was on our side. We were able to schedule a trip to Zambales.and it was near perfect! Well...at least for me. I was a little bit down about the last surf we had. I caught just one wave and it was so tricky that I bailed.

There's this quote that goes, "If you can't stop thinking about it; don't stop working for it." And that is something I apply in this surfing journey of mine. From the start I was very week at paddling so I stuck with my yoga practice and gave up dieting so that I can be well nourished and not easily fatigued. I went out to surf even during the days that the waves sucked. Adam always tells me that even if nothing nice happens...even when I fail to catch waves it will do a lot for my paddling strength. And during this trip....I believed in him. I had power to catch waves. I am so stoked that the drops didn't even matter. I would wipe out a few times with a smile on my face. I usually smile the whole time I surf...and I actually drink tons of salt water. All in all, I had a good surf session and I know my husband did too.

A few more things that made this trip so worth it are friends and new found friends. Joan followed us a day later and I am so happy to see her progression. I am also excited as her board is about to come out at the end of this week. Yahoo! Also, because we made new friends (hi friends!). A year ago, I used to fear the lineup. But...it's not so bad after all. I learned a lot just watching people surf. I also got to surf with the surf instructors as myself...not as their student...and that's new to me. I am grateful they still correct my mistakes...there is always room for improvement!

My heart is also so very grateful because our friends give us an easier time because they help with taking care of our girl. She is so full of joy every time we go to the beach. I need to end this post about our trip here because my mind is in a whirl and still day dreaming about it. :)

Again, many thanks to Crystal Beach Resort for always making us feel at home. Thank you to Mac Ramos, Carlo Maesa, Tonton and Telyn for helping me improve a lot during this trip. :)

And now moving on to my 52 Project because I haven't given up on it. Though I always want to because I end up posting late....the year is about to end and I am testing my commitment. Hehe.

45/52

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014." 

She is becoming more and more beautiful each day. She is very curious and easily remembers what you tell her. Though her energy has doubled and all her questions are making me go crazy...I love her being three years old. We can now have decent conversations with sense (so much sense to be honest). We adore her so!

46/52

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Bean now has her own playlist of music in her iPad. I love that she now appreciates music with words (not just classical music). Her current favorites are Taylor Swift, Tangerine Kitties and Katy Perry. <3