Hello Blog

I thought blogging would be something I won't tire of but turns out, given the micro-blogging effect of Facebook, I slowly succumbed to blogging almost rarely.

Today, I was alone in the office and work wasn't too much that I decided to see how my dear blog was doing---this is why I'm writing. I guess it's to keep this online journal of mine on the sidelines. A read of the past which carried me to the future. One day it's nice to remember certain phases of my life then smile about it and say...wow was that a rough ride.

I do have to say Thank You Blog---for without you, I would have had no output for certain thoughts I and only you understand.

Happy 39th Dear Me

My birthday month has passed but it didn't pass unnoticed. It began with our family's school break vacation and ended with a beautiful beginning to my 39th year. Family and friends from all over the world, thanks to technology, made it all the more special.

Material presents were thoughtful thoughts and appreciated but the ones that really mattered were the ones that money can't buy ---The Genuine Love and Good Wishes That were sent My Way. I'm sure had my parents been alive to see me now, they'd be proud of the strong person I have become.

Pity the Dumb(er)

It's upsetting to hear people say how dumb their staff/workers at work are as if they're the most intelligent creatures in the planet. The ironed clothes, polished shoes, even well-fixed hair might make one look business-like and all but the utterance of such degrading words is more than enough to make me see how low one really is.

If the person is wrong and perhaps, "slow"...is there really a need to tease and embarrass one to show how good you are? Is the bowed head, silence and soft smile not clear enough to mean "Stop it?" Was there really a need to do that? Worse, after the person left, you continued lifting your seat and played self-righteous of how you've held the job for him. Perhaps it's worth thanking you for. But that doesn't mean you have the license to emotionally destroy anyone.

Yes I was irritated but it felt good to realize that it's that bragger who needs more pity than the other.

Timing

For the past years, I've been paying certain things in the Philippines. Some will soon be reaching the bracket of which it pays on its own and waiting for the right time. Say, something I can about

With that part looking stable, this time I'm itching on investing and owning something. Perhaps a side effect of my being in an investment firm? Nah! I just know that since I'll be welcoming my 4th decade next year, it's time to have an accomplishment. Surely not to mistake that line for accomplishing nothing. I have, but they're immaterial and priceless.

Truth is, while I can and have the means, then "might as well." I figured having the luxury of a job now without the need to pay for the rest of the family's responsibilities, it gives me the opportunity to pay for the other things that will also be beneficial for us all in the long run.

hmm...

those pondering moments

Having a job nowadays is a treasure for many people and I'm thankful for having one that understands the demands of being a parent and pays nicely without draining my being.

However, sometimes it comes to me that I want to quit; a thought that's very strong specially during my children's school breaks. Of course we go somewhere for a 2-week beach vacation but the guilt of not having 24 hours with them sinks in mostly when I remember the time I had FOR them when we were in Germany---even our dear dog, Jake had my full attention back then.

Again, that was then. Our helper has taken over the house maintenance and has given me the freedom to do something else for myself. I'm in the present and this is where and what I should live in (for now); not the past that I also have had the chance to enjoy. I have to think differently. That I'm not really losing my time with the family, it's just that I have something in the past to compare it with hence this feeling.

Making the best of every time we're together is key and that is what I should ponder on more.

Mom's Night Out

What started out as a simple comparison of personas about who's who in the fashion movie Sex & the City turned out to be a full blast Mommies Night Out.

We booked the whole Gold Class cinema and you can imagine the chattering of 30, yes 30, highly excited women. Some even came all dressed up like Carrie possessed them...I found that really cute. They felt the freedom from their Mommyhood and had their inner teens released.

The package we took included free flow of drinks and appetizers but I guess food was the least of our interest given the shoes, clothes and MEN on screen.

Alas! It was midnight and it was time to get back to reality. Though some had to go home, I and the others opted for another hour or so at Clarke Quay for some dancing and innocent drinks...I love Virgin Coladas!

Sweet Surprises!

I was having lunch with my boss when my mobile rang.

Me: "Hello?"

Keanu: "Hello Mommy. You know what?"

Me: "Hi! Love. What's up?"

Keanu: "I have a surprise for you. You'll be so, so, so happy!"

Me: "Really? So tell me big guy. What is it?"

Keanu: "I GOT a medal in my Projectwoche! You know Mommy, the Sportwoche we had in school this week! I was second place Mommy. Bryan was first and Charlene was third. Only 3 of us got a medal in our class. I'm second best Mommy!"

Me: Ignoring my boss's existence...I cheered to my little one's pride.

"Oh my god! That is sooo great! Congratulations! I am so proud of you! You ARE the Best!"

Keanu: "I'll show you later when you get home!"

Me: "Yes, my love. Would love to see that!"

Back to boss gleaming with pride and excused my childish cheering.

Boss smiled and said: "It's alright. Well done."

What can I say?---It's a perfect Friday!

Plans, plans, plans

If there's one thing in planing a trip (or trips) that I didn't expect--it's losing the excitement. Call it weird but yes, it can happen. It's only February and I have dates blocked until mid-July!

I'm still overwhelmed with the after shock of the Christmas/New Year holiday preparations and celebrations and now I find myself hunting for nicely priced airfares to Germany FOR Christmas 2010 and the year JUST started!!! oh well, planning way way ahead is considered a norm, if not a safety precaution to have a place to stay in in this case.

The trip to Beijing has been postponed for another time. I'm getting burned out with organizing and looking forward to this and that that I'm ending up NOT excited anymore and yet another suggestion of a short getaway is brewing. Add to that is organizing our helper's trip which again tickles my pet peeve---disorganized, bureaucratic PAPERWORK!

Last but not least, $$$. Knowing this year end's family vacation won't be cheap, my ant character is quickly taking over because though vacation is part of our lifestyle, I'm very much aware that we have a reality to live in a.k.a. Kids, School, House, Food and and and

Thank goodness my better half got the message and took control of planning an alternative and not so pricey dozenth year with the request that I should trust him with it.

So, trust it is.

Welcome 2010

Though 2009 ended with me mostly visiting the doctors and being hospitalized and then followed by a surgery on the first week of 2010, I shouldn't think of it as a bad entry to 2010 but rather a good one with the renewed outlook to healthier living.

Ironically, being the Year of the Tiger, this one took a nibble on the Pig in me.

Goodbye 2009

Without realizing it, 2009 was over and a new year is faced. The stories and happenings in this web journal ARE but a few of the many things that have transpired. The unwritten ones are either those that I will treasure for myself in silence and those that I deem unnecessary to dwell further on.

Some memories are meant to just be memories...

Lost in Translation!

The boss told the driver to pick-up his car from the workshop and there it began...

Driver: "Just, the girl said no Mike. She's not friendly."

Me: "No, he's there because I just spoke with him a few minutes ago."

(Driver goes back and tells the receptionist again.)

Phone rings again and same words. "Just, the lady is so rude and says they have no Mike."

"Ugh! wait, I'll call her." "Hi my name is Justice, can I speak with Mike please?"

Lady answers irritatedly with BAD singlish accent and grammar (if that's what you call it)

"You know ha, we car motor shop, why you ask me for Mike---we don't sell Mike here you know? Many times I say already that we only sell car parts!"

STATUS quo

Hubs is now a PR (permanent resident) here and with that comes a whole circus of paperwork for the rest of us. Not his fault actually, I just didn't see the need for me and the children to have that status yet so we had to go back to ground zero to apply their student passes and my long term pass here; which I'm using to apply for the work permit since as a spouse of a PR, I'm not that affected by the limitations of quotas and government levy. Similar advantages are given to DP (Dependant Pass) holders of which I had before when A was holding an EP (Employment Pass). DP holders can work too and just need LOC (Letter of consent) from their employer and no CPF (something like an SSS I think) deducted from their pay. That's still something I have to find out when I'm done with this work permit thing. As for tax, pay isn't taxable if you don't exceed 21or 22K for the year but you still have to file it for control, oops record purposes ;-)

I'm not keen on doing paperwork, however, no matter how irritating the situations may be, it helps me understand more about how things work. There are certain advantages and disadvantages not listed in the websites and me being the detailed interrogator when it comes to paperwork, end up calling the government bodies to explain to me other this and thats. Oh, and I don't limit it to one or two calls. I usually have a third, even fourth to compare number 1 to number 2's answer then move from there.

Why I haven't gone for PR? Well, there might be a couple of strings attached (that may be a disadvantage or not for Keanu one day) and while I'm not sure how it'll affect him directly, I'd rather not put him in the position wherein he can't get out of in the future. So far it works for us anyway to have foreign status and until we're pushed to the wall, then I'll check if I can cross that bridge.

Young yet full of Courage to speak the Truth

I Don't Think We've Met

There are still so many to discover in one's personality which are driven by years, situation and perhaps emotional evolution. Sometimes who you think you knew since childhood has totally become someone else. First you investigate how it happened and then make a verdict according to the scenario you deem right. However, in the process of judging, you forget that you're not in their shoes and perhaps HAVE NOT been in those shoes (yet). Well pray hard that you don't because you wouldn't want to be judged either or worse, you might not know what to do.

People who know me consider me a strong, very social and friendly person. They're right. But there are those who force me to act according to their thoughts and beliefs--just because. They don't realize that my actions are driven by situations I am in and make decisions as I (READ: I) deem necessary for that time. Some may and may not agree to it but we're entitled to our own opinions. I've learned that it's pointless trying to fight the current. "I told you so" lines are annoying whispers because I have a different shoe size...I also know though they don't believe that, that I've given certain things a try before moving forward differently with the hopes that maybe, just maybe, this one works. If the decisions produce positive results, then good. If it doesn't and gets worse, then it is probably how it should be. Only time will tell and I am ready to watch how it turns out---again, may it be good or not.

I cannot and will not live according to what people think but to what suits the time now while considering the pros and consequences of the future.

So if you think you know someone--think again.

MY call, not yours (II)

We were sitting in front of each other (an unfortunate table seating arrangement) and the discussion was being overheard by others. Their faces wondering where this will lead and I was neither planning on being gentle and tactful too long. Someone already warned me about your airheaded & closemindedness and they said how that seemed to be your agenda every time---to show-off on how flawless your choices are. Sorry to disappoint but you barked at the wrong tree and I'm so not impress rather feeling pity for your innocence at the age of 44 so I educated you more about life OUT of the book.

You're surprised that the Philippines is a 3rd world country but you cannot accept that a 3rd worlder like me, has a vivid description and experience of certain places you'd want to live in. You haven't been to the Philippines?---I stand corrected, you have not been to ANY third world country at all. You wanted me to either be wowed or silenced when you uttered those words but your lack of knowledge and actuality are far more pathetic than enviable. My disinterest confused you so you had to continue with another topic of which again was a wrong choice. Religion.

I was giving you the benefit of the doubt by convincing myself that maybe you mean well and it's not to criticize but what was I thinking? You spoke with a more holy tone this time. (that usually happens to people when they talk about religion--the feeling righteous ones.) What belief do you practice at home? None officially, but my kids know about God. You mean you don't go to church? No. Are you Catholic? Yes. Was. What do you mean, was? I was baptized one but my mom became a born again Christian so we eventually followed by choice. Oh, I'm Christian too. What about your husband? He was baptized a Protestant I think but he believes in Evolution now. Huh? so how does that work? Aren't the kids confused? No. Why should they? The kids don't have to choose sides. But how can they become better people if they're not Christians? It was time to end the tutorial, I raised my brows and flatly said, No offense but I know people who are regular church goers, bible holders, choir singers and cry their hearts out but trust me, they're NOT better people for being so. Some are mistresses, scandalmongers, backstabbers and the likes...they're just using the church or religion to feel cleaner, ask forgiveness for their 'justified' human weakness, and do things that they lack better judgment of. You saw some agree with me for there was truth on my last statements and you didn't push it more and you gracefully said, well hopefully you can visit ours one day. Maybe, who knows?

We both know that's not likely to happen though.

OUR call, not yours (I)

Leave me alone and I'll let you be, but don't try to convince me with your ways of which I don't agree. Your views are different than mine but that doesn't make you right and me wrong. I really have no willingness to endure in silence and let you get away with it. If I choose to smile, not react and be diplomatic, then STOP, I'm hoping you're not that stupid. But if you still don't get that and you continue to probe, I'm happy to indulge in a discussion where I will let my, what you'd call, different perhaps stubborn frame of mind be known. It's not meant to be liked or disliked. Just another proof that we're different.

You asked me about my kids. Where do they study? In an Int'l School. Why there and not the local schools here? Because I'd like them to continue from where they started. But what about the younger one, he could've continued with a local school since he was in a local kindergarten right? I wasn't sure why you're so concerned with MY 5 year old since you have yours to be busy with but anyway. True, but we'd like him to learn German and not be too stressed with learning yet---the schools here demand a bit too much from the kids, eventually becoming stressful for children and parents. Of course, kids can handle it, but since we have a choice and can still afford it, then why stress us all if it's possible to be not. But your kids will be behind you know? I knew what you meant but it was nice to drag it longer. What do you mean? Kids in local schools, while in kindergarten can already read and do simple math but the Int'l schools, they do no learning at all. A definite statement that was so true in your little perfect bubble. Hmm, if you meant reading and solving math problems, no, not yet but they're learning in other ways. If they don't do school work and just go to play, then what do they learn? I gave a long sigh then continued to educate you. Well, camaraderie, sportsmanship, and watching a seed become a plant---you don't consider them learning?

pause...the birthday cake arrived

Oh Prairie Soul

According to Wikipedia: 

• "Like other voles, prairie voles can reproduce at any time of the year, but the main breeding seasons are in the fall and the spring. Unlike other voles, prairie voles are generally monogamous. The prairie vole is a notable animal model for studying monogamous behavior and social bonding because male and female partners form life-long pair bonds, huddle and groom each other, share nesting and pup-raising responsibilities, and generally show a high level of affiliative behavior. However, they are not sexually faithful, and though pair-bonded females usually show aggression toward unfamiliar males, both sexes will occasionally mate with other voles if the opportunity arises."
  

Alright, so what does this tell you?   Let's make it simple, happen to know this song?

"I'm only human, of flesh and blood I'm made. 
Human, born to make mistakes" 

Oh yeah, people are. 

A Day with Kuya

I have alot of cousins but I have a few I call family. Two weeks ago, our eldest cousin who works in a cruise ship had a stopover in this island and my sister and I weren't missing that meet-up for the world so we both didn't go to work!  

It was a blast! Walking around as we chatted about everything under the sun was great. Lunch was of course here. Pochero, Pork and Seafood (prawns, squids, mussels) Inihaw, Ensaladang Talong and 'ample' amounts of rice. Bingeing at its best. 

We brought him to the common tourist places like the Esplanade, Merlion and wherevers then we headed home. It's the best place to be after a day's walk in the midst of tourists and traffic. 

Hours later, it was time to once again separate but this time there were no sad goodbyes rather happier days to look forward to---we'll see each other again on July for my sister's wedding in Manila!   (provided the swine flu has died down. who knows?)

From latter days to today

People say that when years pass, things fade. Perhaps true in certain situations but not when it comes to good friends filled with 'youthful' memories--let's call it the good old school days.

Max and his wife, Pearl, stayed a night in this island and thanks to facebook, we were able to plan a couple of hours meet for some wine and dine. We went European in the tropics! Dinner at a German restaurant called Brotzeit and drinks at the Swissotel The Stamford, the tallest hotel (for now) here. I have to say the evening view is beautiful.

Lots of teasing, reminiscing and embarassing moments to talk about. He reminded me of my boyish attitudes and how I never let the boys push me around as they did to the others or I'd punch them (literally). Memories of the most liked and disliked teachers, the pop-up quizzes we dreaded and more...it was really fun! Hopefully when I go to Manila on July, we could meet more batchmates and see how we've all grown-up.

Loves of our Lives

Following the tradition of having a 'kid' in every country we go to, we've added an Australian in our family. Meet Jessie. Our 4 1/2 month old golden retriever. We fell inlove with her on March 1. The kids have been asking to have another 'sibling' for Jake for years but I'm not an impulsive mother in that way. I consider age gaps quite seriously (based on experience) and everyone's readiness for another baby at home. I want to make sure most especially, that our dearest Jake won't feel jealous and out of place---and everyone should understand that. 

In my book, only a handful are more important than him. 

Anyway, it's been more than a month since her arrival and routines are in place. There are little wee-wee accidents and nibbled furnitures every now and then but that's part of it. She is slowly learning from Jake's attitude and not slobbering the whole time---I personally find it degrading when a dog incessantly licks just almost everyone for attention. 

Jake, being the kind-hearted one that he is, has surprisingly been patient and understanding of Jessie's naughty nature. He doesn't mind when she bumps him off as he drinks or snatches his toy or when she tries to lick off the food from his mouth. He even lets her 'walk him'!

So, 3 kids, 2 dogs, a turtle and a hamster...next please?