Getting engaged is an exciting event and a very "kilig" moment for every couple.  True that it is sweet and flattering to have a man kneel before you with a diamond ring and ask your hand in marriage, but it is also the scariest moment of having to say "yes" for an answer (I am not speaking for the majority but this is what I honestly felt).

A "YES" does not only equate to a diamond ring and a wedding BUT a life-changing decision to do a lot of sacrifices in the future.  Just like what the "old" people say (I am somehow feeling old of having to say this as well,) wedding is just a day but marriage is a lifetime.  Don't say "YES" if what you are after is just a ring and a party.  Don't say "YES" just for the sake of having the "need" to settle down.

Say "YES" if you and your man are both ready (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially) to start and raise a family.  Say "YES" when you are ready to commit to a "selfless" life-long relationship.  Say "YES" when you are ready to handle the responsibility of being a good parent.

Someday, time will come when you will have a little one that you would love more than yourself, more than anyone else and above everything else.  That is the reason why your answer to the "will you marry me?" question matters.  Because in the future, this little one will be the only one that will matter the most.  So say "YES" only when you are ready and marry a good man.

I have not been working for about a year and a half already.  In all honesty, I miss having a job.  Aside from the fact that you become preoccupied with things that needs to be done (so there's very little idle time to kill), having to take home a pay check gives you a little (or perhaps, a lot) sense of self worth.  I stopped working.  It was a personal choice.  I decided not to have a career the moment I learned I was pregnant with Rafael.  During those times it was easy to convince myself that I have made the right decision because I had a very sensitive pregnancy.  I literally have to stop "working" on anything and I needed to stay in bed in order to keep the little one's heart beating.  All those times of having to be stuck in bed at home paid off when our little healthy baby boy was born.

Fast forward nine months, I am still jobless but this time around, I already have a little kiddo that keeps me busy day and night.  I am a stay-at-home mom.  I love my new role.  But sometimes there came an instance when people would frankly tell it to your face how "easy" your life is as if you're doing nothing.  It is during these times that I would start to feel a little "insecure" for not being the income-generating person that they are.

A few weeks ago, I told Ronnie how sad I am for entertaining this feeling of "insecurity" and how I regret not having the career that I wish I had. I started to re-evaluate things and weigh my priorities.  Then I realized, I am actually living the kind of life that I have always dreamed of ever since - to be a full time house wife.

I want Rafael to grow up as a fine gentleman who would remember me as his mom who was always there.  From the moment he learns to take his first step or speak his first word, to that moment of having to bear the pain of a heart break or overcome a failure.  I want to be the mom who he can always run to.  I want to be that person who is always present to give him a hug of comfort or a cheer of a number one fan.  I want to give him all the time that I have in this world (no one knows how long or short that is), hoping that would be enough to show him how much he is very much loved.

I'm choosing to be a stay-at-home mom because I believe, no amount of pay check can ever replace time.

Last Saturday, after attending the Holy Mass, we decided to have our lunch at the Noodle House of Souq Qaryat Al Beri. Since we are in UAE where weekends fall on a Friday and Saturday, we usually spend Saturdays like the usual "family day" Sunday in the Philippines.  We begin the day by attending the 9:30am mass then eat our lunch outside (so the master chef of the house who happens to be my dearest husband, Ronnie, can have a rest day).

This was actually the third time I have come to visit this place.  It's a bit far from the city proper, a little small and less populated compared to malls.  If you are the kind of person who wants to have some privacy and enjoy the middle eastern style of architecture, this is one of the perfect places to be!

Since we were attending an early morning mass, it is very often that we always have to wait for restaurants to open at 12 noon before we can have lunch.  Good thing cafes are readily available to save us temporarily from hypoglycemia.  We were supposed to be heading to Starbucks (as usual) but we happened to pass by this cozy cafe on our way.  So, we decided to give it a try.

The place has a very peaceful and relaxing ambiance, classy and attractive pieces of furniture, and a comfortable seat perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or a good book.

We really enjoyed this place.  Aside from the very nice place which you will surely love, their set of menu also taste good and are very much affordable.  That's what you call value for money.  Are we coming back? Definitely! And maybe you can also give it a try.  Believe me, it's worthy.