I Used To Wish....

I used to wish...

... That I was a little bit taller. Anything over 5' would have been great. But now I've come to accept my height and love myself the way I am. Plus I have a ton of awesome shoes that compensate for my vertical challenges in life.

... That I had bigger boobs. Don't all girls at some point wish for this? Anyhoo, through the years bra manufacturers have made some great inventions. On top of that, I've learned some simple tricks on how to wear certain items in my wardrobe to flatter my "petite upper body". It's not a concern for me anymore. I'm happy with what I've got... however let's revisit this one 10 years after I have a baby and breastfeed (LOL!)

... For more jewelry. Through the years I've built a great collection of sparkly and shiny stuff. Yes, there are still some items I desire, or some pieces I'd love to upgrade, however I'm happy with what I have now. Don't get me wrong - I will never decline another piece from Tiffany to add to my growing collection, nor will I ever decline any pieces or upgrades my husband offers, but I am happy to say that right now, I'm good. (Of course I say this after I received my chocolate pearls last Christmas!)

... For siblings. I grew up as an only child and always wanted a brother, sister, or both. Now I have some of the most fabulous friends, who are like sisters, and brothers, to me, and I feel so blessed to have them in my life. In addition, my husband comes from a big family with lots of first cousins, who all live in the U.S. (most of my family is still in the Philippines). Thankfully we all get along great and I love them just as I do my own family.

... For Mr. Right. I found him and have been happily married to him for over 11 years. Even though we may disagree or fight from time to time, I still love him and couldn't imagine my life without him.

... For a big house with pillars. For whatever reason, I've been obsessed with houses with pillars since I was a kid. I think it has something to do with the big houses in teen movies (Pretty in Pink, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, etc.) We moved into our first single-family home three years ago, and I can't complain. There aren't any pillars, it's not a McMansion, but it's nice and big enough for me, Mr. Right, my parents, and baby-to-be. What matters is that we have our own walls, our own front and back yards, and a fabulous walk-in closet with cabinets and shelving that we designed and put together ourselves.

... That I would quickly and successfully climb the corporate ladder. Two years ago I took a job that is (1) not in the company's corporate office, (2) not a management or leadership position, (3) requires me to work in the field and see clients face-to-face, and (4) I have no one that reports to me directly. I never thought I'd make a change like this... I was in management for so long and was so eager to be the first female, minority, (insert-big-title-here) at a large corporation. Pfffft, whatevers, I'm good. I'm happy. I like what I do and I make good money.

... That I could speak several languages. Man, I tried. I took German from the 4th grade through senior year of high school - no success - can't speak the language at all. I took Spanish senior year of high school and four semesters in college... I used to be able to carry a conversation with customers when I worked retail, but since I don't use it that much anymore, it's a struggle. I bought some tapes to learn Arabic (since I was really into my Islam classes in college), but other than "Marhaba" (sp?) I don't know how to say anything else. I never took a formal class in Tagalog, just learned it from my parents, family and friends through the years. I get by pretty well - but I wish I had bigger vocabulary. I figure I'll focus on this one so I can teach my kid how to speak it too. Hopefully I can better master this one soon.

I used to wish for so much more... I could go on and on... but now I count my blessings and remind myself to thank God for my health, my husband, our family, and our friends. For the love and support that we are surrounded with constantly. And for so much more... I am thankful.

My only wish, is for the son I'm currently carrying... that he may be healthy, strong and live a happy life :)