Money lessons

Last night, my son and I decided to open his piggy bank since it was already full. These coins were from his grandparents and titas, hubby and I which we give him to inculcate the value of saving.

We sorted the coins according to denomination which was a great opportunity to teach counting and coin identification.

This morning, he eagerly reminded me to bring the money so that I can put it in the bank. I told him we can get the money later so that he can buy whatever he wants.

Post-mortem and a short visit

The ABC committee went down to the city yesterday for a celebratory lunch and post-mortem of the activity last weekend. The bosses were happy with the success of the event so the same group was tasked to handle the next ABC. And they asked me to emcee again. Ha! I just smiled and said, “let’s see…”

It was also the bday of Ma’am Linda, a committee member so we ate a yummy moist choco cake and banana split. Very bad for the diet. The meeting ended at half past two but no one wanted to leave, yet, maximizing time with the group. The setting was actually perfect. We were under a white tent in the middle of a beautiful garden and the cool breeze from the beach just a few meters away was lulling us to sleep after a very heavy lunch of crispy pata, fish kinilaw, vegetables and grilled fish.

This is another one of those things I will miss.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

My sisters, my son and I went home to visit our parents last weekend. The trip was strenuous considering that I barely had sleep after the ABC but it was well worth it. My parents were very happy to see their apo and I got to spend time with Joy and Ellen, my college friends. We tried out the new restaurant which is quiet a rare development in our sleepy little town.

My Mama, as usual, prepared sumptuous meals. One of the things we love doing as a family is our discussions during and after meal times. Meals usually last for an hour or two amidst lively or serious talk about anything under the sun. Before we know it, it is again time to prepare the next meal of the day. Hehe.

Last Hurrah

Last Saturday was our company’s annual business conference - a gathering of more than 200 supervisors, managers, senior managers and top level executives to discuss previous year’s results and current year targets. The activity started with the business proper from 7:30 am to mid-afternoon where each senior manager presented the updates from his/her dept. Then the team building games from 2:30 – 5:30pm where various games were played. I joined the juice drinking contest. Haha And then there was a fellowship party from 6-11pm where there was a live band and various prizes were raffled off.

This year’s ABC was memorable for me because I was tasked to be one of the emcees for the business proper. A lot of work went into the preparations and there were even last minute squabbles among committee members over very petty things as a result of too much pressure to do everything right. Friday was tough because they were relentlessly calling me for last minute program changes while I was cramming to submit my financial reports for the board meeting. I had to remind myself to stay calm and patient. Afterall, this will be my last ABC and I am not letting anything ruin my memories of it.

Yeah, my last ABC because in a few months, I will be resigning to try out other opportunities. I will be saying goodbye to all the wonderful people who have become my family for the last 10 years. I will be leaving our pretty little staff house and this picturesque community. (Too bad I didn’t have time to master volleyball. Hehe!)

During the party that night, I was on the dance floor whenever the band played. I relished watching my colleagues having a grand time, exchanging jokes, singing and dancing, grateful for the disco lights that hid the tears rolling down my cheeks. I am definitely going to miss all of these people and I fear I might not be able to meet a bunch who’s half as warm and fun-loving.

5 Reasons Why God Uses Problems

An officemate emailed this and i can't resist posting for easy reading when the going gets tough.

The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you – depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring.

Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:
1. God uses problems to DIRECT you. Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? "Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways." Proverbs 20:30

2. God uses problems to INSPECT you. People are like tea bags...if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot ever water! Has God tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you? "When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience." James 1:2-3

3. God uses problems to CORRECT you. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something... health, money, a relationship. .. by losing it. "It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws." Psalm 119:71-72

4. God uses problems to PROTECT you. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem – but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good... Genesis 50:20

5. God uses problems to PERFECT you. Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity. "We can rejoice when we run into problems...they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady." Romans 5:3-4.

Here's the point: God is at work in your life - even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But it's much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him. "Success can be measured not only in achievements, but in lessons learned, lives touched and moments shared along the way" LIFE IS AN ECHO. What you send out, you get back. What you give, you receive. WHEN YOU BRING OUT THE BEST IN OTHERS, YOU BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOURSELF!

Last weekend…

… I finally bought a new cellphone. It took a lifetime for me to decide on the model because I had to get the best value for my hard-earned money. Now, my five year old cp can enjoy a much deserved retirement.

…I also bought a pair of leather boots (uso pa ba ni?) at a heavily discounted price, a pair of khaki slacks (at 10% discount) and a pair of leather sandals.

…and, tadaaaaaaa! I bought a HUGE suit case, this one at half it’s original price!

Now, make a guess, what the panic buying is all about.

Asa man diay ka moadto manang?

Flowers Galore!

These flowers are currently in bloom at our house in the city. Thanks to my sister's friend, Bryan, who took these last Sunday.

There.

Just wanted to immortalize them through this blog :)

5

This was what greeted Vince when he woke up the day he turned 5. A slept late blowing up the balloons (which kept bursting throughout the night, we were afraid it’d wake up Vince) and coming up with the banner. I actually asked him to buy a ready-made banner but he insisted he’d cut out the letters himself! All the hardwork paid off because Vince’s face lit up when he saw this. Good thing it was a Saturday, we just took our sweet time in bed- admiring the balloons and banner while hugging each other.

Later in the afternoon, we headed to Luna Park with a friend, my cousin and her daughter. We only let the kids ride the carousel as the others are quite expensive. Haha! Then off we went to another park under the Sydney Harbour Bridge so the kids can play ball. It was very relaxing just sitting on the grass, with the wind blowing against your face and hearing the kids’ excited shrieks. All these while you have the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House as your backdrop.

That night, we invited a few of our friends and threw a small party for Vince. The little one couldn’t wipe off a big smile on his face that day which showed how much he enjoyed his simple but sweet celebration.

A and I were exhausted but it was such a small favour compared with the tremendous joy this little guy has brought into our lives. As the short note on his christening invitation said, " From the top of his head, to the tip of his toes, this little bundle has made our lives complete."

A valentine to remember

I think it is safe to say that this has been my most memorable valentine’s day.

First, hubby was home which allowed us to have a pre-valentine dinner with our son at the clubhouse Wednesday night. He gave me roses and a card while I gave him just a card. hehe

Second, when I got home from work yesterday, my son came up to me hiding something behind his back. With his usual sheepish grin when he’s up to something, he said “Mama, I have something for you.” When I asked what it was, he pulled out a valentine card he has made in school. Written inside the card, in his own chicken-scratch scrawl were, “I love you papa and mama. Happy heart’s day. “ Ahh, isn’t that sweet?

And third, we finally got one of the BIGGEST blessings we have prayed for. I am so happy I’ve been wearing a big grin since Tuesday, Feb 12. I will write more about it when everything has been settled.

God is sooo good!

Fun-filled weekend

Anak,

February 11 was the fiesta of our community’s patron saint, Our Lady of Lourdes. There were lots of activities for all the residents including a carnival and a bazaar.

Lolo Nick, Lola Day and your titas came to visit and join in the festivities. They arrived here Saturday amidst heavy rains, the first rain after several weeks! But that did not prevent us from checking out the carnival so that you can enjoy the rides. Sunday, we all went to see the soccer tournament at the plaza where Cesar Montano was the special guest. Mama and her officemates were introduced to him then we had our pictures taken. Hehe! Our Cesar Montano moment!

In the afternoon, we took advantage of the good weather and played badminton in our lawn while lolo and lola watched. Then you insisted that we have a picnic so we spread a mat on the Bermuda grass. You claimed that a picnic is not complete without food so you took it upon yourself to get bread and juice from the kitchen. Haha! Your grandparents were really amused. Later that night, we went back to the carnival because you wanted to try the rides again.
Monday, all of us went to hear mass early then we prepared some food for lunch. In the afternoon, we went down to the city so that we can visit Ninang Beth’s mama who was in the ICU.

It was a special weekend because you got to spend time with Lolo and Lola. Lolo couldn’t say no when you hinted that you wanted a watch. He bought you one which made you very happy.

Compliment?

I was in yet another meeting yesterday.

When it was my turn to present, the president asked, “How long have you been in the company?”

I answered, “___yrs, sir. I was with internal audit for __ yrs, then I moved to financial planning, then Mr P asked me to join his group.. blah, blah..”

Then he quipped, “So, how old were you when you joined the company? Sixteen?”

And then all the ‘gods’ present burst out laughing. That actually broke the tension and paved the way for a light and easy discussion of my presentation.

Now, should I take it as a compliment? That I look younger than my age? Hehe or do I lack credibility and that he doesn’t trust I can handle the job? Hmn…My boss said it was meant as a compliment. Whatever :)