Having my own family, husband and kids has always been a part of my dreams and prayers. I have been blessed with a caring and loving husband and an adorable son. I have been married to the same man for 3 years 6 months and 1 day and have been a mother for 1 year, 9 months and 29 days. Now that I have my own family, what is next? Well, just like most of my endeavours, being successful on this field is one of my hearts desires. So how does one’s family life become successful? Lucky me, I came across a magazine article that briefly discusses some of the secrets of having a successful family life. I must admit, I agree with most of what was written.
Let me share you the secrets:
1) The right priorities. They had a good discussion on this one but what hit me the most was this “It is easier to say that we put family first than to show it” with the words say and show highlighted. Very true. How many times have we seen and heard people talk about how they “prioritize” their family and yet their actions are entirely the opposite?
2) Commitment. This is no surprise because without it I’m sure couples, me and my husband included, have long given up on each other especially during the times when we didn’t want to meet halfway on certain things. It makes you stay. It makes you stick to the one person you love day in and day out. Love without commitment is useless. I was just struck when it also mentioned that sometimes we may not walk out “literally” but we still walk out on our spouses on some forms like, “stony silence” during times of argument. Bulls-eye! Well, it’s never too late.
3) Teamwork. Need not elaborate on this. Raising our son alone needs a lot of teamwork. I can’t imagine raising our son and not working with my husband in the process. It would be so chaotic!
4) Respect. Respect begets respect.
5) Reasonableness. According to the article this involves giving one another allowance for mistakes. It also compared being reasonable to a careful driver that is prepared to yield in cases of emergency.
6) Forgiveness. I totally agree that there should be a handful of this in the relationship, not only in the marriage but also with parents to children. In this very imperfect world, the least that we can do is to be forgiving of each other’s faults. Life is too short to keep on grudges and hurts.
7) Firm Foundation. Each family founded in the love and service of Christ will definitely be successful.
If I am to compare the age of our family to the others, we’re still considered as a toddler. We still have a long way to go but it is refreshing to come across such articles that reminds us and helps us take care of the more important things like family. 30 or more years from now, I would love to read this blog and see for myself if I was successful in raising my family.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Freebies!
Today, I only had $20 dollars on my wallet. I went to the doctor, had blood tests and had a pelvic ultrasound. I went home with exactly the same amount of money in my wallet. All of the procedures I got for free! Who wouldn’t want that? Well, I guess that is the one of the perks my family and I are enjoying when we moved to Sydney. I was actually thinking, if I was in Manila, I should at least have a thousand pesos with me before I even proceed to my doctor’s office. Lucky me, I didn’t have to this time.
Here in Sydney, I am thankful for so many freebies! My son gets to enjoy most of it. Aside from the free medical treatments, we also get to have some freebies on kids' activities, all materials are included, every school holidays. There is a wide variety of playgrounds my son can go to for free. I also learned that a certain organization helps out and gives out some appliances and furniture to people who are just starting out here. All you have to do is ring them, have an ocular, then wallah! Your list will soon be granted or given for that matter. The government gives out free immunizations for the kids and adults, boosters included, that will probably cost thousands of pesos if we were in Manila. An added bonus is if you complete the immunization, the government gives you another payment! The government subsidizes half of your out-of-pocket expenses when your child attends child care. A parent is given an allowance for taking care of the kids, as well as rental assistance. This is aside from the allowance one child gets every two weeks from the government (this is if there is only one parent working).
Wow. Looking at all those things that I have just listed I consider myself and my family lucky. Lucky because we are here and we get to enjoy those freebies. But of course, at the end of the day, it is still, thank you Thank you to the one up above because even if these things were given to us for free, I know that they are still blessings from Him.
Here in Sydney, I am thankful for so many freebies! My son gets to enjoy most of it. Aside from the free medical treatments, we also get to have some freebies on kids' activities, all materials are included, every school holidays. There is a wide variety of playgrounds my son can go to for free. I also learned that a certain organization helps out and gives out some appliances and furniture to people who are just starting out here. All you have to do is ring them, have an ocular, then wallah! Your list will soon be granted or given for that matter. The government gives out free immunizations for the kids and adults, boosters included, that will probably cost thousands of pesos if we were in Manila. An added bonus is if you complete the immunization, the government gives you another payment! The government subsidizes half of your out-of-pocket expenses when your child attends child care. A parent is given an allowance for taking care of the kids, as well as rental assistance. This is aside from the allowance one child gets every two weeks from the government (this is if there is only one parent working).
Wow. Looking at all those things that I have just listed I consider myself and my family lucky. Lucky because we are here and we get to enjoy those freebies. But of course, at the end of the day, it is still, thank you Thank you to the one up above because even if these things were given to us for free, I know that they are still blessings from Him.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
In His Time
Two days ago, when my husband and I attended the 8th talk of the Christian Life Program for Couples for Christ, I can’t help but cry when I heard and sang the song, In His Time. It has been quite a while since I heard that song. I think the last time I sang it was when I was in fifth grade! It is a very old church song and a very simple song. So why did I cry? Well, I thought at that time that the lyrics were trying to console me and assure me that all our prayers will be answered in His time. You see, I am starting to get impatient.
Migrating and settling in another country, where most people have different backgrounds and the culture and practices are different from the place I grew up with, is no easy task. It also did not help that when we got here, the global recession was at its peak. Australia was not exempted from experiencing the financial crisis. So to make the long story short, we had a rough start.
Day in and day out barely a month after we got here, my husband has applied for different jobs in his field of expertise, as advertised in the different job search websites. He always gets a response which always included the phrases – we’re sorry or unfortunately. But Alvin didn’t give up. Though I knew he was still worried, he was so good at keeping it from me. He has handled the pressure with much grace. At night, when Liam is asleep and I still see him looking for work, after a hard day’s labor, my heart goes out for him. In silence, I cry for him, and in silence too, I pray for him. I prayed and continue to pray that the good Lord blesses his heart. That he continues to have faith and never tire of trying. I think God must love me very much because to date, I haven’t seen any signs of weakness or sadness on Alvin’s part, even if he had unsuccessful job applications or worse, passing the initial screening but not making it after an interview.
The most recent one was when he was called to have another job interview for Coca-Cola Australia. We thought that this job is the one. We prayed hard for it. We always remained positive. But two days ago, we received the bad news that he didn’t make it again for the next round of interview. When I read the mail, my heart crushed. But Alvin’s? Nope, he remained positive. It is but normal to feel bad and sad, and he was in fact sad, but like what I mentioned a while ago, he knew how to handle disappointments. Seeing how he reacted and accepted the decision made me realize that I shouldn’t feel bad as well even though I had questions raised again and felt that my “boat was being rocked.” His optimism saved the day.
And so I am singing in my heart again the song that made me cry a few days ago. I don’t know what is in store with us now. I don’t know if his interview this coming Friday will finally be it. But the past experience allowed me to have a change of heart. Instead of praying, “Lord, may this job be it” I am now praying “Lord, if this is the job you have prepared for him, then so be it.” May His will be done...in His time.
Migrating and settling in another country, where most people have different backgrounds and the culture and practices are different from the place I grew up with, is no easy task. It also did not help that when we got here, the global recession was at its peak. Australia was not exempted from experiencing the financial crisis. So to make the long story short, we had a rough start.
Day in and day out barely a month after we got here, my husband has applied for different jobs in his field of expertise, as advertised in the different job search websites. He always gets a response which always included the phrases – we’re sorry or unfortunately. But Alvin didn’t give up. Though I knew he was still worried, he was so good at keeping it from me. He has handled the pressure with much grace. At night, when Liam is asleep and I still see him looking for work, after a hard day’s labor, my heart goes out for him. In silence, I cry for him, and in silence too, I pray for him. I prayed and continue to pray that the good Lord blesses his heart. That he continues to have faith and never tire of trying. I think God must love me very much because to date, I haven’t seen any signs of weakness or sadness on Alvin’s part, even if he had unsuccessful job applications or worse, passing the initial screening but not making it after an interview.
The most recent one was when he was called to have another job interview for Coca-Cola Australia. We thought that this job is the one. We prayed hard for it. We always remained positive. But two days ago, we received the bad news that he didn’t make it again for the next round of interview. When I read the mail, my heart crushed. But Alvin’s? Nope, he remained positive. It is but normal to feel bad and sad, and he was in fact sad, but like what I mentioned a while ago, he knew how to handle disappointments. Seeing how he reacted and accepted the decision made me realize that I shouldn’t feel bad as well even though I had questions raised again and felt that my “boat was being rocked.” His optimism saved the day.
And so I am singing in my heart again the song that made me cry a few days ago. I don’t know what is in store with us now. I don’t know if his interview this coming Friday will finally be it. But the past experience allowed me to have a change of heart. Instead of praying, “Lord, may this job be it” I am now praying “Lord, if this is the job you have prepared for him, then so be it.” May His will be done...in His time.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Back to School!
Back to school! A few years back I had plans of finishing my MA at the age of 24 and then have kids from age 28 to 32 then go back to take my PhD by 32. Well, God did some things to remind me that I cannot plan all. That even if I plan my life, He still has the final say. And so after passing through a hole of a needle, I was able to finish my Masters degree at the age of 27! My experiences while I was trying to finish my thesis made me re think of my plans of studying again at 32! Am I up for it? Well. I needed a break. I felt that the last year of my graduate studies was equivalent to four years of stress! I'll just teach. No schooling again for me. But as I've said a few spaces ago, my plans are probably different from God's plans. So here I am again about to take on a new challenge.
One challenge at a time. First is my formal training on Religious Education. Since I was qualified to teach on Catholic and private schools here in Australia I need to take formal studies on Religious Education. Primary school teachers here teaches all subject including Religious education, since I want to have a full-time teaching job soon, I need to take this one. God has been good since He allowed me to see a cheaper alternative in pursuing this course. I thought I can't go on with my plans due to financial constraints, the fees at the Uni are quite expensive, but since the Diocese of Parramatta, through CEO Parramatta offers the course as well, in a much affordable rate, I can proceed with the plans. Yup, I'll be back in school, working at the same time, for two years! Whew! I hope that this course, though very intensive, will not be as stressful as the last one I had. So, theology, here I come!
Next, First-Aid. I never realized the necessity of having and knowing first-aid, not until I started teaching here. I heard of a news of a student dying because of the carer didn't know what to do in the emergency that happened. In a land where allergy is a SERIOUS business, I realized that I need to take the next step of having a formal training on this one as well. Whenever I am at duty in school, I have always stormed the heavens of my prayers, that no incident happens. God has been good because to date I haven't encountered any. But I dread the day that I have to deal with it. So while I still have the time, I am taking concrete steps to prepare myself. I have already enrolled in a day-course in applying First Aid. I would be very happy not to use it. I'll still be storming the heavens with my prayers. But getting my certificate will at least boost my confidence that I can do it, in the same manner that it will make me calmer,if ver something does happen, knowing I was already trained to do it.
On the side, I am trying to find for a good seminar or conference to boost my portfolio, as I work on my Full Competence accreditation at the NSW Institute of Teachers. But it has to take a back seat for now. Anyways, I have 6 years to work on it. Right now, my priorities are my Religious Ed and my First -Aid training.
Wow, talk about schooling! Who ever said being a teacher was easy? Well, if you think it is, better think again!
One challenge at a time. First is my formal training on Religious Education. Since I was qualified to teach on Catholic and private schools here in Australia I need to take formal studies on Religious Education. Primary school teachers here teaches all subject including Religious education, since I want to have a full-time teaching job soon, I need to take this one. God has been good since He allowed me to see a cheaper alternative in pursuing this course. I thought I can't go on with my plans due to financial constraints, the fees at the Uni are quite expensive, but since the Diocese of Parramatta, through CEO Parramatta offers the course as well, in a much affordable rate, I can proceed with the plans. Yup, I'll be back in school, working at the same time, for two years! Whew! I hope that this course, though very intensive, will not be as stressful as the last one I had. So, theology, here I come!
Next, First-Aid. I never realized the necessity of having and knowing first-aid, not until I started teaching here. I heard of a news of a student dying because of the carer didn't know what to do in the emergency that happened. In a land where allergy is a SERIOUS business, I realized that I need to take the next step of having a formal training on this one as well. Whenever I am at duty in school, I have always stormed the heavens of my prayers, that no incident happens. God has been good because to date I haven't encountered any. But I dread the day that I have to deal with it. So while I still have the time, I am taking concrete steps to prepare myself. I have already enrolled in a day-course in applying First Aid. I would be very happy not to use it. I'll still be storming the heavens with my prayers. But getting my certificate will at least boost my confidence that I can do it, in the same manner that it will make me calmer,if ver something does happen, knowing I was already trained to do it.
On the side, I am trying to find for a good seminar or conference to boost my portfolio, as I work on my Full Competence accreditation at the NSW Institute of Teachers. But it has to take a back seat for now. Anyways, I have 6 years to work on it. Right now, my priorities are my Religious Ed and my First -Aid training.
Wow, talk about schooling! Who ever said being a teacher was easy? Well, if you think it is, better think again!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Turning 31 and More Reasons to be Thankful for!
In a few more weeks I will be celebrating my 31st birthday! I can't believe I'm actually turning 31. I actually stopped counting at 28. Last year, I was a bit emotional when I turned 3 decades old. It was a sentimental birthday and I even wrote that I am looking forward to the coming year since a new chapter was about to begin in my life again. And oh boy, what a year it has been! I'm not going to be sentimental now, but the year that has passed has brought in so much blessings. I may become a bit emotional again, but unlike last year, were it was quite negative, this time it's more of positive.
Adding another year is not something to fret about. Ageing is a beautiful thing. So as I celebrate another year, here are some things that made it more beautiful, to which I am also very thankful for:
1) I am still alive to spend more time with my loved ones.
2) My family and loved ones are in the best of health.
3) My son continues to bring joy to me each day as he shows big progress and milestones.
4) I have achieved most of the simple dreams I had when I was a kid.
5) I am surrounded by loving and generous people through my family.
6) I have been blessed with a few but very caring and true friends.
7) I have been given the chance to go to places to relax, unwind, and eat my heart out.
8) I have proven most of my detractors wrong.
9) I have been given the chance to write my thoughts and share my learnings through my blogs.
10) I have been given enough financial and material things to meet our daily needs and to enjoy some of life's little pleasures =D
11) I still have my parents with me.
12) I was able to teach again here in Australia.
13) I have been given the chance to study here again.
14) I get to enjoy bonding moments with son anytime and everytime I want to.
15) I was able to write a book, published and being used by many students in the Philippines. (Even if it's just a textbook, it's still a book hahaha)
16) I get to eat more than 3 times a day.
17) There is food on our table always.
18) There is our bed that gives us comfort everyday and everynight specially when I am dead batt at the end of the day.
19) We have a car that can bring us to different places of interest.
20) I get to enjoy life's simple pleasures =D
Some of these are so simple yet most of the time overlooked. Funny, but as the list becomes longer, it became harder for me to think of the things I should be thankful for.
As I celebrate my 31st birthday, I know that I have a thousand and one reasons to celebrate and be thankful for. Sitting now and trying to recall everything is the challenging part. I may not be able to list everything but in my heart, the good Lord knows how much thankful I am for everything HE has given me.
So, here's for my 31st birthday and to the coming year! Cheers!
Adding another year is not something to fret about. Ageing is a beautiful thing. So as I celebrate another year, here are some things that made it more beautiful, to which I am also very thankful for:
1) I am still alive to spend more time with my loved ones.
2) My family and loved ones are in the best of health.
3) My son continues to bring joy to me each day as he shows big progress and milestones.
4) I have achieved most of the simple dreams I had when I was a kid.
5) I am surrounded by loving and generous people through my family.
6) I have been blessed with a few but very caring and true friends.
7) I have been given the chance to go to places to relax, unwind, and eat my heart out.
8) I have proven most of my detractors wrong.
9) I have been given the chance to write my thoughts and share my learnings through my blogs.
10) I have been given enough financial and material things to meet our daily needs and to enjoy some of life's little pleasures =D
11) I still have my parents with me.
12) I was able to teach again here in Australia.
13) I have been given the chance to study here again.
14) I get to enjoy bonding moments with son anytime and everytime I want to.
15) I was able to write a book, published and being used by many students in the Philippines. (Even if it's just a textbook, it's still a book hahaha)
16) I get to eat more than 3 times a day.
17) There is food on our table always.
18) There is our bed that gives us comfort everyday and everynight specially when I am dead batt at the end of the day.
19) We have a car that can bring us to different places of interest.
20) I get to enjoy life's simple pleasures =D
Some of these are so simple yet most of the time overlooked. Funny, but as the list becomes longer, it became harder for me to think of the things I should be thankful for.
As I celebrate my 31st birthday, I know that I have a thousand and one reasons to celebrate and be thankful for. Sitting now and trying to recall everything is the challenging part. I may not be able to list everything but in my heart, the good Lord knows how much thankful I am for everything HE has given me.
So, here's for my 31st birthday and to the coming year! Cheers!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
All About Reading
I can't remember exactly when my love for books and reading began. All I can remember is that I grew up with all sorts of books around me. Having a grandma, aunts and a mother as teachers explains it so. I remember holding a copy of Nancy Drew and the Mystery of the Hidden Staircase when I was much younger but can't tell if I was able to really read it and understand it. I also joined a bible reading contest with my cousins. We wanted to know who can finish reading the bible from start to finish in the shortest time. All of us were unsuccessful. Our desire to read the book and finish it were over as soon as there was something new that grabbed our attention. But my formal book reading as I recall it started when I was in fifth grade. At that time almost all my friends had a copy of Sweet Valley Kids. I had to save money in order to buy my first copy. And from there, my love for books began. I enjoyed reading and I wanted that my future child/ren also take in the habit of reading books. Good thing my husband also wanted the same thing =D
Now that I have my own little boy, my husband and I agreed to instill in him early on the love for reading books. We want him to enjoy one of the world's greatest pleasures. We would buy him books once in a while. We would rather spend on books than with toys. We first caught him pretend reading when he was 1 year and 3 months. We were of course happy with it. Fast forward, after a few more months and more words in his vocabulary we caught him again trying to read from a magazine! Though we didn't understand much of the words that he said we still think that he is making big progress. That our investment in his books are not put to waste. Two weeks ago, I got him 34 pieces of books, all for 5 dollars, thanks to the book sale at the local library. They are not exaactly new but we still treasure them because everytime we open up the pages and read a new story each day to him, we know that his imagination and creativity is enhanced as well. I know that my son is getting there. We are not in a hurry. In a matter of 2 or 3 years I maybe spending more on books because he might be asking me so. But that is perfectly fine. I am not expecting my son to read thick books just yet. We just want him to enjoy each chance he gets to explore on a new adventure everytime he reads a new book. We want his affair with reading flourish slowly. For the mean time, we will enjoy the chance we get everytime we see him pretend to read. For as they say, pretend reading is real reading. =D
Now that I have my own little boy, my husband and I agreed to instill in him early on the love for reading books. We want him to enjoy one of the world's greatest pleasures. We would buy him books once in a while. We would rather spend on books than with toys. We first caught him pretend reading when he was 1 year and 3 months. We were of course happy with it. Fast forward, after a few more months and more words in his vocabulary we caught him again trying to read from a magazine! Though we didn't understand much of the words that he said we still think that he is making big progress. That our investment in his books are not put to waste. Two weeks ago, I got him 34 pieces of books, all for 5 dollars, thanks to the book sale at the local library. They are not exaactly new but we still treasure them because everytime we open up the pages and read a new story each day to him, we know that his imagination and creativity is enhanced as well. I know that my son is getting there. We are not in a hurry. In a matter of 2 or 3 years I maybe spending more on books because he might be asking me so. But that is perfectly fine. I am not expecting my son to read thick books just yet. We just want him to enjoy each chance he gets to explore on a new adventure everytime he reads a new book. We want his affair with reading flourish slowly. For the mean time, we will enjoy the chance we get everytime we see him pretend to read. For as they say, pretend reading is real reading. =D
Thursday, October 8, 2009
This Too Shall Pass
It has just been two weeks since I posted my blog entry, and oh boy, so many things have happened! Floods have swamped the Philippines shores, zeroing in Metro Manila. Earthquakes rocked Indonesia. Tsunami devastated the island of Samoa. One tragedy after another... leaving lessons for us to learn, giving us more opportunities to become stronger and united.
It is quite ironic how these obstacles bring out the best in everyone. People coming out of their way to help and reach out in any way they can. These tragedies help connect people all over the world just as so the people affected can get assistance and help. These tragedies are miracles in itself. These miracles eliminate the selfishness and greediness of most people. Sad though, that as soon as the tragedies and its effects have surpassed, the generosity and unity of almost everyone disappears as well.
The floods that affected almost the entire Metro Manila population has once again proved the strength of the Filipino people. I am amazed at how my countrymen have shown their bravery and their faith in this trial. I have nothing but admiration to the thousands of Filipinos who got affected and still manage to smile. The smiles that they have in the midst of chaos bring hope, that all will be well. The smiles that they have show what faith is all about. Though praying that my country be spared from anymore calamities, I know that there will be more to come. But the big hearts that Filipinos have will always allow them to surpass whatever it is to come. Hearts full of hope and full of faith...I may not be physically present to share the agony of facing this new trial. But to my fellow kababayans, be assured that I am one with you in all of your prayers...in all of your hopes and in all of your dreams. I share in your joys and triumphs. I share as well all your fears and trials. Hang in there. Remember that sometimes, God shatters our windows so more blessings can come in. Keep the faith for this too shall pass. Be blessed Philippines!
It is quite ironic how these obstacles bring out the best in everyone. People coming out of their way to help and reach out in any way they can. These tragedies help connect people all over the world just as so the people affected can get assistance and help. These tragedies are miracles in itself. These miracles eliminate the selfishness and greediness of most people. Sad though, that as soon as the tragedies and its effects have surpassed, the generosity and unity of almost everyone disappears as well.
The floods that affected almost the entire Metro Manila population has once again proved the strength of the Filipino people. I am amazed at how my countrymen have shown their bravery and their faith in this trial. I have nothing but admiration to the thousands of Filipinos who got affected and still manage to smile. The smiles that they have in the midst of chaos bring hope, that all will be well. The smiles that they have show what faith is all about. Though praying that my country be spared from anymore calamities, I know that there will be more to come. But the big hearts that Filipinos have will always allow them to surpass whatever it is to come. Hearts full of hope and full of faith...I may not be physically present to share the agony of facing this new trial. But to my fellow kababayans, be assured that I am one with you in all of your prayers...in all of your hopes and in all of your dreams. I share in your joys and triumphs. I share as well all your fears and trials. Hang in there. Remember that sometimes, God shatters our windows so more blessings can come in. Keep the faith for this too shall pass. Be blessed Philippines!
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