3 years

On our third year anniversary in Australia last June 1, i came home to this feast. Hubby decided to celebrate by cooking pancit, pork liempo, adobong kambing and calamari.

Thank you, Lord for three wonderful years. There are so many things to look forward to.

Oliver

Our good friend, Mike was part of the play Oliver which was running in the Red Centre Theatre at Wentworthville for three weeks in May. Mike played the role of Dr. Grimwig and also appeared in various other supporting roles throughout the play.

That's Mike in the centre with two other actors.

 I’ve always thought theatre is boring but Oliver changed it all for me. From the resulting performance, it was very evident that the cast gave it their all. The boy playing Oliver was so good, his rendition of the songs moved me to tears. And although the venue was quite small, there was a full orchestra playing and the costumes were great.



As for dear Mike, I am impressed! I was a bit surprised when he invited us to watch his play. I did not have a clue that he was into theatre. I met Mike a few months after we arrived in Sydney. I was waiting for my bus after work and was calling Noemie. Mike heard me speaking Bisaya and was too eager to meet a fellow Bisdak. We’ve been good friends since then. We are just so proud of him and looking forward to seeing more of him on stage.

We came in full force to support our dear friend :)

Ever the gracious host, Mike bought us pizza after the show which we shared while catching up with each other at the parking lot. We then all headed to Rouse Hill to get some goodies from the Pinoy store.

Great day!

Of tennis, violins and cow manure

It looks like it's going to be a very busy year for Kuya Vince. Today, he started with his tennis lessons. And because the racket brand Head is sponsoring the clinic, each student is given a small racket to use for the entire year. He couldn't stop raving about their first lesson when he came home. Naku, baka puro lang to porma! Next week, he begins violin lessons as they are also encouraged to take an arts class. Sosyal naman, may pa-violin-violin pa si Kuya!

How different his primary years are from mine! Coming from a public school in a small town in Mindanao, all I can remember aside from our regular classes are gardening/cleaning lessons .Everyday, before we start classes, we have to help cut the grasses because our school's only janitor can't keep up with maintaining the huge grounds. And in the afternoons, there was Home Economics where we had to tend to our own plot of veggies- pechay, sibuyas, kamatis, sili at kung anu-ano pa. Grades were dependent on how healthy your plants were. Ang masaklap, we could only use natural fertilizers! Buti nalang, my father has pangsabong na manok so I can easily bring chicken dung to school. On some days, though, our terror-of-a-teacher would require us to bring cow manure only. Eh, dios mio, di naman ganun kadami ang baka sa town namin! I remember having fights with classmates on who gets the cow manure we see on the roads. Sometimes, out of desperation to get additional points, we would wait patiently for a cow to poop. Gross, i know!

Looking back, I would say it was a good learning experience and I wouldn't mind my kids going through the same stuff. But as it is, my boys will have a different story to tell their grandkids and I'm sure it will be as interesting, nevertheless.

Grateful

The recent heartbreaking development in a friend's life and the tragedy in Haiti, has made me stop a moment to count my blessings.

And so I thank God for:

- a roof above our heads despite the staggering monthly costs

- food on the table and a husband who loves to cook

- a choice of clean and hot/cold water right in the comfort of our kitchen/bathroom sinks, grateful that we never have to walk far and lug heavy bottles of water.

-the seemingly endless pile of laundry that needs to be folded and ironed for it means I have clothes to cover unsightly fats and scars. Pano nalang if I live in a place and time where everybody needs to wear g-strings? Everyday would have been torture! :P

-family and friends scattered all over the world, specially my papa, mama and sisters
-the love of a husband who has kept his commitment to our marriage despite and inspite of all the hardships…hmn..actually he doesn't have much of a choice :-)

-the adoration of two little boys who think I am the best mum in the world. One even thinks I am the best chef and has given my cooking a perfect 10 rating! :-)

-for a thankless job that continues to pay the bills

-for priceless hugs, kisses and i-love-you's from my 3 boys, concrete reminders that the best things in life are free…uhmn, if you don't count the cost of diapers and milk :)

I don't rejoice in the misfortune of others but somehow, it never fails to remind me that although I have difficult days, I actually have everything that matters.

I'm back....

The holidays have come and gone and I haven't even posted a single entry about it.

Aside from being busy with all the holiday activities, our laptop decided to conk out during the long holiday break. Our company closed from Dec 19 to Jan 4 and I intended to blog every single day but the pc had other plans. Grr!


Anyways, for the benefit of those very few who are interested (hehe) here are the highlights of our long break.

The days leading to Christmas were filled with shopping trips to the mall-scouting for last minute gifts for friends, doing the grocery and buying things for the house. Since the little one was getting a thousand dollar "gift" from the Australian govt, we also got busy letting him choose toys and a few clothes.

Dec 24, we had dinner at my cousin's place with a few Filipino friends then we all went to hear midnight mass together. Unlike in the Philippines where going to church on Christmas eve meant braving all the dangerous firecrackers in the streets, we had a very quiet walk to church and we celebrated a very solemn mass. I was pleased that the church was full despite having two earlier masses before midnight. After the mass, we went back to my cousin's house to eat some more then headed back home to open our own gifts. Vince said he got the best present ever. He even slept with his huge Speedracer car! hehe I, on the other hand got a very nice gift from A, a set of bling-blings I have been wanting to buy. Nakonsensya naman ako kasi t-shirt lang ang gift for him hehe

Dec 25- Despite sleeping only 4 hours, A and I had to wake up early to prepare for our Christmas lunch and housewarming. We were so tired but we had a fun time in the kitchen kaya siguro masarap ang naging handa namin. Our friends stayed until 10pm, we had videoke marathon, played cards, exchanged gifts and had a few drinks (sila lang kasi bawal sa buntis).

Dec 26 was Boxing Day and even with my bulging tummy, we went with my cousin and friend to get a few good bargains. Bad but I braved the heavy crowds. Kala ko nga mapapa-anak ako sa haba ng pila eh! haha

Dec 27- This was a special day as A and I hosted our mini-college reunion at home. Two of our college professors who are already based here made the event extra special. We enjoyed listening to their stories about raising their kids here and they gave out good advice. They are returning to the Phillipines in a couple of years to retire.

Dec 28- Our college professor invited us to have lunch at their house. Her husband, also a professor at our school, cooked kalderetang kambing and papait, yummy! They even prepared halo-halo for us! Iba talaga ang hospitality ng pinoy.

On New Year's eve, we slept over at my cousins house. There was a magnificent fireworks display at Darling Harbour but with my condition and with a bunch of kids, we decided to watch it on tv instead. Hirap na kasi madami daw lasing and the fireworks is at midnight pa. Bawal din sa buntis ang magpuyat.

On new year's day, we again had lunch at my cousin's place with our pinoy friends and did another round of kris kringle.

That about sums up our holidays. This was very different from the past Christmases we had since we got married. This year, we knew for certain that we'd just be at home and not shuttle between camps and our parents' homes. Although it's sad that we are not spending it with our families in Pinas, we were happy to be together, the three of us plus the coming baby. I guess A summed it up very well in the card he gave me to go with the gift " Thank you for the new beginning."

And that's exactly the same words I whispered to God when the clock struck 12 on Jan 1.

The Don Moen Concert

Last Saturday-April 12, my cousins (Riza, Layling, Aiza and Mark), my sister (Chiqui) and I flocked to the Don Moen concert in the city. Sadly, A was at work so he couldn’t join us.

To say that it was a moving experience would be an understatement. It was in fact, akin to having a close encounter with God because as we sang to familiar and inspiring songs, we were sitting on the bleachers in an open field. Looking up, you see the blackness of the sky dotted only by a few city lights and the wind blowing so softly on your face, it felt like God was smiling down on you, hearing your every word, listening to your heart, wiping every tear, taking away all your sorrows.

I was uncontrollably crying the entire time, even during the ‘fast’ songs. Maybe because the first song was “Give Thanks” and at this point in my life, i am truly overflowing with gratefulness for all the wonderful, magnificent blessings we are getting.

Thank you, Lord, for people like Don Moen whom you use to remind your flock that you are near…to be still and know that You are God. And that no matter how hard things get… life has a bizarre way of turning trials into triumphs.

Letrato

Just wanted to share some photos taken last week.

I came home early one afternoon and caught my little boy helping his yaya sweep the newly-mowed front lawn. He enjoyed it so much you'd think it's the best job in the world. Hehe!

The photo is blurry because he wouldn't stop despite my efforts at making him pose for me. Mwahaha

These are flowers I bought from a nearby flower farm at P50 a bunch. Ahh, the best things in life are (almost) free!

Psychological Tip

Whenever you're called on to make up your mind,
and you're hampered by not having any,
the best way to solve the dilemma, you'll find,
is simply by spinning a penny.

No - not so that chance shall decide the affair
while you're passively standing there moping;

but the moment the penny is up in the air,
you suddenly know what you're hoping.


-Piet Hein


Do you agree?

I DO!!! :)

when it rains, it pours

...my colleague who was identified to replace me gave birth today

(we were scheduled to do the turn-over in manila next week)

...my househelps walked out on me

...i am soooo busy with work (not new,actually)

BUT

...another colleague was 'volunteered' to handle the job while my replacement is on ML (peace, yen2)

...my sister lent me her househelp (she had no choice hehe)

...i can enjoy a long weekend

LIFE IS STILL GOOD!

Name Game

A few days back, I chanced upon Bo Sanchez’ article titled Your Name Is A Clue To Your Calling. It encourages everyone to “Find The Meaning Of Your Name—And You May Find The Meaning Of Your Life.”

Inspired by that, I hurriedly googled our names and this was what I got.

HUBBY –soldier

Need i say more?

WIFEY- friend, vision of beauty

Hmn…without batting an eyelash, I know that I am a good friend. Vision of beauty? Oh, ask hubby! Hehe

BABY - 1st name :to conquer
2nd name: resembles God

It is my prayer that our son “conquers” the world, putting to good use the talents God has given him. May he touch more people in his lifetime and make a positive difference in the people around him.

How about you? What is the meaning of your name?

Pathway to Achievement

The best way to figure out how to do something is to do it. Make the commitment to make it happen, and you'll start working your way through the details.

Don't get bogged down speculating on how something will come about. Instead, get started on the best approach you have, and follow the path wherever it may lead.

When traveling along a road, you can never see the entire road at once, but that doesn't really matter. What does matter is successfully making your way through the portion of the road that is right in front of you.

Work through the things that are to be done right now, and you'll put yourself in position to handle the things that come along later. Travel down this section of the road, and you'll then be able to travel the next section, and the next.

If you put all your energy into worrying about every little detail of how to reach your goal, you won't ever get started. Instead, put your energy into reminding yourself why you have chosen to go there, and then do whatever it takes along the way. You'll never know precisely how something is to be done until you actually do it.

So go ahead, get started, and discover your own unique pathway to achievement.

=== Ralph Masterson

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!

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!

the world beckons

Last year, my officemates resigned in droves to try their luck in Dubai. Early this week, when the year has barely started, another one in my department left to follow the same route. And there are talks of quite a number leaving the company this year. I already lost count how many ex-officemates I have in Dubai. All I know is that six of them are my son’s godparents and they have abundantly showered him with gifts and moolah.

Just when everybody is setting their sights on Dubai, a friend got her immigrant visa for Canada yesterday and will be leaving the country in May 2008. Her name is in my list of prayer requests for various visa grants. There were originally 9 in that list, and now it’s down to 5. And I just started praying for them 8 months ago!

At my high school yahoo group and my Friendster account, a big number of my contacts/friends are scattered all over the globe. Ireland, New Zealand, Hawaii, UK, the US, and the list goes on. Judging from the pictures posted, they all seem to be living great lives.

With the vast opportunities available for professionals in the international market and the palpable lack thereof in our country, there is really no stopping Pinoys from leaving. I would not even venture into discussing the imminent “brain drain”. All of us see that coming. Oh well, not that my opinion matters, though.

On a personal level, I am perturbed with what’s happening. Is this just some temporary hype that we are willingly submitting ourselves into? Or is the Philippines really going to the dogs and if we stay, we’re pitifully going down with it? Will it really be a greener pasture out there? Or maybe the pasture indeed looks greener from the other side? How will my son adapt to a new place? Will I even have more time with hubby considering that we’ll be slaving ourselves to buy a new house, car and pay our start up debts all over again?

Question after question sometimes rouse me from a dreamless slumber. Questions that need outright answers as the whole wide world beckons.

Goodbye 2007, Welcome 2008!

Happy New Year!

It’s been days since my last post. I have been having a hectic time attending all the parties, shuttling from one place to another and finishing up my workload for me to be able to take a long vacation from Dec 22- Jan 1.

So what have I been doing during the holidays?

We went home to be with our parents, relatives and friends for Christmas. We had a mini-reunion on Dec 23 to celebrate my uncle’s birthday at his farm. The heavy rains failed to dampen our spirits as we enjoyed food freshly harvested from his farm while dancing and singing to music from a rented videoke machine. Dec 24 was spent with my side of the family for our traditional Christmas dinner at my parent’s house. My son just loves being with his cousins and basks in the attention of the older relatives. He entertained us with nonstop dancing till 12mn to the delight of his grandparents. Dec 25 was spent with hubby’s side of the family. I am too lazy to give you a blow by blow account of our activities but I swear we had a splendid time with our loved ones.

New year was spent at the “log cabin”. It was just me, hubby and our son so for a while, we were a “normal” family with the mom and dad taking turns cooking, cleaning, doing the laundry and taking care of our son. We also played badminton, visited the mall and checked out the sights.

2007 had been a marvelous year. We have been blessed tremendously and as my way of thanking Him, I was more generous with my gifts this year. But as I have been telling hubby, the best and most precious gift we gave and received is time. With the nature of our jobs, it takes a lot of effort for us to be together but in 2007, we made the most of whatever time we had for our family. Looking back, we deposited a lot of good memories into our son’s emotional bank account.

2008 promises to be an even better year as our family braces for a new adventure. It is a bit scary to be out of our comfort zones but we are assured that things can only get better. Wonderful things are up for the taking…better, brighter days up ahead. Welcome 2008!

Counting My Blessings

I have always been grateful for all the blessings that are coming my way. But sometimes, when the world seems to be on top of me, I tend to focus on the negative things. Yesterday, I realized these three important gifts.

1. My reliable househelps

This, I realized when I heard someone complain about not having reliable househelps to handle chores and take care of her kids. Currently, I have two househelps whom I can entrust my son with while I am in the office. I’m grateful that my son’s yaya is very kind and even goes out of her way to surprise him with toys and food despite having to share her meager salary with her family. She’s very patient with him and never tires of playing with him.

2. Company benefits

I was watching the news yesterday and saw people complaining about the rising price of electricity, water and LPG. I didn’t have to deal with this because our company-assigned house comes with free utilities. In addition, my son’s tuition is subsidized by the company and the school is directly behind our house. We never have to pay for transportation and we are assured of his safety. And to top it all off, my office is just a five-minute walk from the house, traffic/hassle free and I get to enjoy the nice view along the way.

3. White roses

Yesterday, an officemate received roses from her bf because it was their anniversary. The married ladies remarked that she should enjoy the roses because when she’s married, she’ll not be getting any. It’s a blessing that hubby still sends me white roses on special occasions. For practical reasons, it’s not anymore as often as when we were dating but it still feels great to receive roses once in a while.

These and more…enough to bring me back to my senses when I begin to focus on the negative things.

Thank you, Father, for blessing us abundantly.

Thank you

A friend forwarded this prayer. I think this is worth sharing.

Dear GOD,

I want to thank You for what you have already done.

Believe it or not, all the good things you've been running after, they will start to run after you now.

I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards, I am thanking you right now
I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better, I am thanking you right now
I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me, I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears, i am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves, I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet, I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job, I am going to thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief, I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed. I am thanking you right now.

I am thanking you because I am alive.
I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties.
I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.
I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more
and do better.

I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me.
God is just so good and he's good all the time.