Life begins at 40 + my Engagement Story

A few days ago, I made this list of things that I am thankful for in the last 40 years.

However, the week leading up to my birthday gave me more than I could have ever hoped for. What happened on my 40th went beyond my wildest imagination.

It started with a surprise from my brother who lives in Singapore. Lunchtime a week ago he asked me what I wanted for a gift. I told him I wanted an air purifier because I have a baby. Sadly, the one I saw on Shopee was sold out so I told him it's okay. He didn't need to get me anything.

Lo and behold, when M came home that afternoon, he handed me a box.

It seems that my brothers and M conspired to make this possible. I was SO HAPPY. I actually had tears because my brother who was in another country made an effort to surprise me. I felt so loved.

After, I received another surprise, this time from a member of my Diamond Painting group.

It contained two mystery diamond painting kits and I am so excited to see what it actually looks like when done. I was really surprised by this too because she never mentioned anything so imagine my shock when this came in.

Another friend of mine asked what I wanted and got me exactly what I said. It felt nice to just get what you want too.

ASUS also sent me a cake and it was so pretty!

Then, the 30th came, I turned 40, and a lot happened. I woke up and went to work, had a meeting with my San Francisco team, and then was surprised by my other brother with a box of the Fet Boys famous giant cookies and my coveted hoodie from ONE CHAMPIONSHIP.

We had a quick breakfast that was made more special by Salmon HQ because they sent me a Salmon Cake and Aburi Salmon Baked Sushi. It was definitely a great start to the day.

After, I went back to work and M cleaned the car because we were bringing baby to the pedia for his vaccine. He then came into the room, took a shower but for some reason was sweating like a pig.

He came over to my office area and stood there for a while which was weird. I thought to myself, "oh no, we must have a problem! Is there another big expense with the car?" He looked nervous and kept asking if I was already done with work which thankfully, I was by that time.

I remember that it was almost 8:30am then and I had asked permission to go on a terminal break to catch Khali's Pedia by 9am. I told M that I was done with work and then he held my hand. I knew then that there was a concern.

He looked scared, worried. I had to bite my tongue to stop myself from asking how much the bill was going to be for whatever it was that needed repair.

He then said, "Love, I wanted to make things official so I'm doing this." Then he knelt down on one knee and said, "Will you marry me?" Without hesitation, I said "YES! OF COURSE!"

We kissed. We hugged. He put the ring. It didn't fit but I didn't care. I was just so happy!

He said that he chose to propose on my 40th birthday because they say that life begins at 40 and he wanted to formally begin a life with me. So there I was, engaged at 40. Who would have thought?

Afterward, I celebrated the day with family and friends who love me and gifted me with things that I love.

This is Shrimp Tempura from Tokyo Tempura. She makes the best ones and you can message her on Facebook to order if you are living anywhere near Las Pinas.

This chocolate mousse cake is from my sister and her family all the way from Cebu. They remembered that this is my all-time favorite cake and I had 3 slices all to myself!

I also received another gift from someone from my DP group and I am just so touched. I love the citronella and essential oils the most. The toothbrush holder is now up in the other bathroom.

This acrylic tray is from another friend. It was what I needed for me to finally let go of 90% of my accessories. These are the only ones left now and I think that it's perfect since I'm in my 40s and don't really need the chunky ones anymore.

My favorite essential oils. Everything from doTERRA is just a dream. The scents and the overall effect on my psyche is amazing. It helps me sleep better. It rejuvenates me. It's amazing!

The craziest gift I got. I wanted to chant "I am not worthy!" over and over again. Thank you so much. I am so excited to have my nails done soon.

I also got my annual Starbucks cake. I was actually thinking that I won't be getting one coz of the pandemic so I was extremely happy to have gotten my annual Starbucks cake.

And I received another surprise gift from someone in my DP group, this time it's an Amorsolo DP as well as DP accessories. I truly feel so blessed and I am so grateful.

Lastly, I got a big box of Ferrero! ACK! I am just so happy. The last time I got a box like this from someone not related to me was back in college hahahaha. That was almost 17 years ago.

Some people who mattered to me did not greet me on my 40th birthday and my engagement but it didn't hurt me that much anymore. I know that they love me still, we're just not in the same place right now and I can just love them from afar.