I love sales! Who doesn't? It started 2 years ago when was heavy with Liam. A friend of mine informed me of a sale somewhere in Pasig. It offered super low priced clothes for kids. I was preparing to be a mum soon so my husband and I agreed to go there. To our surprise, there were also maternity clothes in the site. So at the end of our shopping day, I was able to spend around 2000 pesos for 7 pieces of maternity clothes and a lot of baby stuff. Not bad! We got a good value for our money!
The following year, in an e-group, I learned that Guess and Mossimo apparel will be offered in a 3-day weekend sale. I was so happy when my husband agreed to go with me. I was surprised with the number of people when we got there. I thought that my husband wouldn't stay and be patient enough to wait for me, but no! We endured the hours of wait and the number of people to get ourselves some clothing for a good price. We spent around 4k that day -- which we don't usually spend in a day -- but were happy because if you are to sum up everything that we got in their original price, it wouldn't even be less than 10K!
Now, in Sydney. New place. No more sales? Nope, every week they sales! I look forward receiving the catalogues each week. I feel elated each week especially after going to the shops to buy some good stuff. The past weeks, I've been frequenting the shops to buy all sorts of things, all at a good price! Here's my list:
a. Target - home and kitchenwares
b. K-mart - same as Target
c. Big W - same as the first two
d. Nike - clothes/sports apparel, shoes
e. Guess and Mossimo - kid and adult clothes
Now that my family is preparing to move out from my brother's home, I am extremely happy with the kitchenwares I was able to purchase at half it's original price. Aside from this, I was also able to buy bed linens, comforters, electronic gadgets,kitchen appliance all for such a cheap price. Mind you, I was able to get the branded ones! If we were to purchase all of it when we have moved out already, I am pretty sure that I won't get the good brands.
So hurray for sales! People like me, who always strive to get a good valu for hard-earned money, will not tire of looking and attending sales. Until my next find!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Learning Patience Along the Way
I can be very impatient. Yes, I am a teacher but it is quite ironic that I find myself most of the time losing my patience. I hate waiting. Looking back at all the things I have prayed for I usually do something opposite while asking the Lord to let His will be done. In short, I usually put matters into my own hands, only to get hurt in the process. It was quite a struggle. I didn't enjoy the process.
But each experience as they say is a way for God to teach us a valuable lesson. I think this time, God is teaching me how to be patient. But at this point I still have to prove I have learned the lesson. Since we got here in Sydney, we have always prayed for a job that will allow my husband to practice his exertise. Being a mechanical engineer, he was given the chance to work with San Miguel Coproration when we were still in Manila. We thought that having a number of years of experience tucked under his belt, he wouldn't have a hard time looking for a good job here. Well, to make the long story short, I guess, a few days ago he finally got a job. A job with a good company. A job on his chosen field. A job for our family. A job that will start our future here. Somewhere a long the way God has touched me again and allowed me to see the beauty of waiting.
It is quite hard and scary to know that there will still be a lot of times where I'll be praying for things, asking God to grant my prayers, but Him also asking me to wait again. I am pretty sure He is not yet done with me. I will still be stubborn most of the times. I haven't passed the lesson yet.I can't say anything concrete because I also don't know what is in store for me, what circumstances awaits me. All I have is my faith that just like this one, these circumstances will allow me to really learn the value of patience, in the truest sense of the word. And that someday soon, God will tell me, "Well done, my child, you have passed this test!"
But each experience as they say is a way for God to teach us a valuable lesson. I think this time, God is teaching me how to be patient. But at this point I still have to prove I have learned the lesson. Since we got here in Sydney, we have always prayed for a job that will allow my husband to practice his exertise. Being a mechanical engineer, he was given the chance to work with San Miguel Coproration when we were still in Manila. We thought that having a number of years of experience tucked under his belt, he wouldn't have a hard time looking for a good job here. Well, to make the long story short, I guess, a few days ago he finally got a job. A job with a good company. A job on his chosen field. A job for our family. A job that will start our future here. Somewhere a long the way God has touched me again and allowed me to see the beauty of waiting.
It is quite hard and scary to know that there will still be a lot of times where I'll be praying for things, asking God to grant my prayers, but Him also asking me to wait again. I am pretty sure He is not yet done with me. I will still be stubborn most of the times. I haven't passed the lesson yet.I can't say anything concrete because I also don't know what is in store for me, what circumstances awaits me. All I have is my faith that just like this one, these circumstances will allow me to really learn the value of patience, in the truest sense of the word. And that someday soon, God will tell me, "Well done, my child, you have passed this test!"
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Computer Addict in Me
Hi, I'm Jeana and I'm a computerolic. Yes, I must admit that I am guilty of being a computer addict every now and then, especially with FB. A few years ago a former student introduced me to Friendster and a few years later it was replaced by FB. It just feels good uploading pictures, so family and friends back in Manila can share with our latest happenings. In the same way that it's good to see how friends, former colleagues and classmates are doing now.
These social networks are not the only reasons why I am a bit addicted to the computer. Blame it on the internet. The internet as they say is the window to the world. In the just a few seconds you can actually get what you are looking for. I can't wait to see or browse the newest catalogue of each week's sale offered by the different shops - Target, Big W or Kmart at that.
I sometimes feel guilty of spending too much time in front of the computer. It is as if my day is not complete if I do not touch the keyboard or surf the net. One minute leads on an hour. I don't stay in front of the computer for more than two hours but after an hour's rest, I find myself again back and surfing. Sometimes, this causes a little discussion between me and my husband.Oh, my surfing makes me happy. Can you blame me?
Oh well, I still believe it can still get worse if I don't do anything now. So, while I still can, I better save this piece turn off the computer and do more important things than to surf the net. =D
These social networks are not the only reasons why I am a bit addicted to the computer. Blame it on the internet. The internet as they say is the window to the world. In the just a few seconds you can actually get what you are looking for. I can't wait to see or browse the newest catalogue of each week's sale offered by the different shops - Target, Big W or Kmart at that.
I sometimes feel guilty of spending too much time in front of the computer. It is as if my day is not complete if I do not touch the keyboard or surf the net. One minute leads on an hour. I don't stay in front of the computer for more than two hours but after an hour's rest, I find myself again back and surfing. Sometimes, this causes a little discussion between me and my husband.Oh, my surfing makes me happy. Can you blame me?
Oh well, I still believe it can still get worse if I don't do anything now. So, while I still can, I better save this piece turn off the computer and do more important things than to surf the net. =D
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Health is Wealth
In my 31 years of existence, I have only been hospitalized 3 times. One was because I had to go appendectomy, the second was when I gave birth to my son and lastly, because I had dengue.
The last one was an eye opener for me. It was then that I realized that health, above anything else should be given priority. If my husband and I didn't go to the hospital at the right time, I might be dead by now, since my platelet count has reached a very low count already - 50 to be exact. People in the medical profession know that this platelet value is very dangerous already. I am thanking the Lord for extending my life.
A couple of weeks ago I consulted a GP and through series of tests I learned that I had polycystic ovaries. I was of course surprised because not in my wildest dreams did I have an inkling that I was part of the statistics. For one, I always had my monthly period. Though I experienced heavy and painful menstruations, I always had it every month. I am just thankful that even if I was one, I am one, I didn't have a hard time conceiving for my son. Many people that I know who have the same case are still hoping that someday they will be given the chance to have a child as well. I still have some follow-up consultations with the doctor. I believe my experiences have taught me that even if you have all the money in the world, it is useless if you're not healthy, or you're dead at that.
The other day this belief was put to a test when I received a phone call to have another casual teaching day. Having a teaching day would of course mean, additional income and additonal money for us. But then it had a conflict with my appointment to the doctor attending to my present health situation. When I turned down the offer, I was a bit disappointed. I felt bad actually. I had to sit down and realize again what my priorities are. Health as I have written a few spaces ago, is one of them. One of the most important.
My feeling bad soon passed quickly because I know that there will be more offers for me. Because at this point in my life I have realized how valuable one's health is. I want to live a life that proves that health is wealth, not only for myself, but more so for my family.
The last one was an eye opener for me. It was then that I realized that health, above anything else should be given priority. If my husband and I didn't go to the hospital at the right time, I might be dead by now, since my platelet count has reached a very low count already - 50 to be exact. People in the medical profession know that this platelet value is very dangerous already. I am thanking the Lord for extending my life.
A couple of weeks ago I consulted a GP and through series of tests I learned that I had polycystic ovaries. I was of course surprised because not in my wildest dreams did I have an inkling that I was part of the statistics. For one, I always had my monthly period. Though I experienced heavy and painful menstruations, I always had it every month. I am just thankful that even if I was one, I am one, I didn't have a hard time conceiving for my son. Many people that I know who have the same case are still hoping that someday they will be given the chance to have a child as well. I still have some follow-up consultations with the doctor. I believe my experiences have taught me that even if you have all the money in the world, it is useless if you're not healthy, or you're dead at that.
The other day this belief was put to a test when I received a phone call to have another casual teaching day. Having a teaching day would of course mean, additional income and additonal money for us. But then it had a conflict with my appointment to the doctor attending to my present health situation. When I turned down the offer, I was a bit disappointed. I felt bad actually. I had to sit down and realize again what my priorities are. Health as I have written a few spaces ago, is one of them. One of the most important.
My feeling bad soon passed quickly because I know that there will be more offers for me. Because at this point in my life I have realized how valuable one's health is. I want to live a life that proves that health is wealth, not only for myself, but more so for my family.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Pasko na sa Manila!
Sleigh bells ring are you listening?...oh how fast time flies! Christmas is now just around the corner.Has it been eight months? Tomorrow, we have been staying in Sydney for eight months already! In less than 3 months, the year will be over!
A few months ago, September to be exact, I was quite emotional knowing that Chrismas has officially begun in Manila. Filipinos love Christmas, they start celebrating it early and end it late than the rest of the world. It's a happy season and it's a joyful season. I was missing it but I was quite excited as well to see how my new home will welcome the season. Days passed and my being emotional passed as well. I just went with the flow. One ordinary day after the other. Finally, last week, when I went to the shops I saw a big christmas tree on the lobby! Garlands and ornaments were hanging as well. To top of it all, Santas very big chair is all set up for the kids who would want to have their picture taken with him. As I went from one shop to another, you can see Christmas-y things displayed all over. Gifts, decors wrappers and even costumes! I was very tempted to buy one for Liam. Well, I might soon. Christmas songs are now played trying to brain wash shoppers that it's time to spend for the Christmas gifts. Christmas has finally arrived in Sydney! But something is still missing.
I won't get emotional here because I think I'm over that stage now. Something is still missing because you can feel that not everyone is excited for the season, not like my kababayans back in Manila. You're lucky if you can see a house lit with Christmas lights at night. You're lucky if you can see any Christmas lantern along the busy streets of Sydney.
It just crosses my mind and I know that this time of the year, the busy streets of the whole Philippines are beautifully decorated with Christmas lanterns,homes have put up their own Christmas trees, facades lit every night with colorful Christmas lights, the malls are filled with shoppers, sales are everywhere-- Divi stalls, 168 mall also in Divi, Greenhills, or all tiangges and malls -- are now very busy almost 24/7, people are getting ready for the Simbang gabi, TV shows are flooded with beautifully created Christmas commercials (especially the ones that promote Filipino values), puto bumbong and bibingka stalls are everywhere. People are starting to collect their Starbucks stickers. People are becoming more generous. Christmas list is becoming longer. You have now your monito-monita, you start thinking of the things you'd write on your wish list.Kids are now preparing for their Christmas carolling each night. Used cans as drums and the ever famous song "tenk you tenk you ang babarat ninyo!" Choral competitions on TV, Christmas lantern parade in UP, Maskipaps in UP, weddings and Christmas parties and reunions almost everwhere! Kain dito kain doon! Inom dito, inom doon! Whew! What a list!
Pasko na sa Manila! So can you tell me now, who wouldn't want to celebrate Christmas in Manila? =D
A few months ago, September to be exact, I was quite emotional knowing that Chrismas has officially begun in Manila. Filipinos love Christmas, they start celebrating it early and end it late than the rest of the world. It's a happy season and it's a joyful season. I was missing it but I was quite excited as well to see how my new home will welcome the season. Days passed and my being emotional passed as well. I just went with the flow. One ordinary day after the other. Finally, last week, when I went to the shops I saw a big christmas tree on the lobby! Garlands and ornaments were hanging as well. To top of it all, Santas very big chair is all set up for the kids who would want to have their picture taken with him. As I went from one shop to another, you can see Christmas-y things displayed all over. Gifts, decors wrappers and even costumes! I was very tempted to buy one for Liam. Well, I might soon. Christmas songs are now played trying to brain wash shoppers that it's time to spend for the Christmas gifts. Christmas has finally arrived in Sydney! But something is still missing.
I won't get emotional here because I think I'm over that stage now. Something is still missing because you can feel that not everyone is excited for the season, not like my kababayans back in Manila. You're lucky if you can see a house lit with Christmas lights at night. You're lucky if you can see any Christmas lantern along the busy streets of Sydney.
It just crosses my mind and I know that this time of the year, the busy streets of the whole Philippines are beautifully decorated with Christmas lanterns,homes have put up their own Christmas trees, facades lit every night with colorful Christmas lights, the malls are filled with shoppers, sales are everywhere-- Divi stalls, 168 mall also in Divi, Greenhills, or all tiangges and malls -- are now very busy almost 24/7, people are getting ready for the Simbang gabi, TV shows are flooded with beautifully created Christmas commercials (especially the ones that promote Filipino values), puto bumbong and bibingka stalls are everywhere. People are starting to collect their Starbucks stickers. People are becoming more generous. Christmas list is becoming longer. You have now your monito-monita, you start thinking of the things you'd write on your wish list.Kids are now preparing for their Christmas carolling each night. Used cans as drums and the ever famous song "tenk you tenk you ang babarat ninyo!" Choral competitions on TV, Christmas lantern parade in UP, Maskipaps in UP, weddings and Christmas parties and reunions almost everwhere! Kain dito kain doon! Inom dito, inom doon! Whew! What a list!
Pasko na sa Manila! So can you tell me now, who wouldn't want to celebrate Christmas in Manila? =D
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Da Moves
A week ago a crazy idea entered my mind – I want to try out applying to other jobs which I don’t have any formal training or experience. The reason for this is an entirely a different story. Now back to this one. At first I was hesitant because I was again torn with the idea that if I get lucky and land a full-time job, then I might neglect my duties and responsibilities as a wife and as mom. I am more concerned with the latter. Liam is now at the terrible two’s age and as I have observed the past days, he learns fast, he absorbs things quickly. True to what I’ve learned in formal schooling, kids his age are like sponges. So this thought is actually hindering me from pursuing another job. I am afraid that I may provide for his needs but eventually go home one day not knowing him anymore. He is growing up so fast, right before my eyes! I am afraid that if he spends more time in childcare, the carers might not be able to instill in him the Filipino values I want him to grow up with. In the same manner that they may not be able to discipline him a parent does, all because they are limited to do things with the child, if ever a child misbehaves.
A day or two after the feeling of wanting to try out other jobs, I was able to talk to one sister in the community. I was able to share my insights and my hesitations about looking for a more secured job, and not being satisfied with an “on-call” job as a casual primary school teacher. In the course of our conversation, she assured me that there is no reason for me to worry too much or to feel guilty at that. She shared her own experience and was able to relay that her son, though left in the care of other people while she and her husband were working, is growing up okay – sweet, thoughtful, disciplined. That small talk did encourage me but I still didn’t jump into it right away. I gave myself some time, a week, to think and pray things over. Actually, I am still praying for it. After thinking about the pros and cons of trying it out on some other field, I finally did it. So what prompted me to take the plunge? A lot of reasons! But let me share some of it.
I realized that true enough, being a full-time mum is no assurance that your kid will grow up good. I have seen a number of kids, especially when I was back in Manila, who had stay-at-home moms, and yet they were not still doing well in their academics or they were also misbehaving at school. Some were my students; others are children of my co-workers. On the other end, I have seen kids, whose parents are both working, and yet, grew up to be good and responsible adults. I won’t go far, I’ll have my in-laws and my own parents as examples. Both my in-laws and my parents were working full-time in their respective jobs, both didn’t have any help or maid to help out in the household chores, but modesty aside, I can say that we all grew up well.
Another reason is of course the plain fact that we are already over staying at my brother’s house. We still feel shy even if there is no pressure on their part for us to move out already. If I get a more stable and secured job, of course, it’ll help us out in our finances.
As I have written a few spaces ago, I am still praying for it. Though I already took the plunge in applying for different jobs namely: customer service, office junior/all rounder, receptionist, office administration, stock replenisher both in Aldi and Coles, I am still at that stage of praying that my moves are one with His moves. I hope that in a week or two my mobile will ring and the person at the other end of the line will tell me, “Welcome! Or Congratulations! Or You will start on...” The last two jobs I listed was a humbling experience because I never imagined myself working in a supermarket. This experience is teaching me again and I am pretty sure that it will continue to teach me as I continue to do "da moves" – all for the love of my family.
A day or two after the feeling of wanting to try out other jobs, I was able to talk to one sister in the community. I was able to share my insights and my hesitations about looking for a more secured job, and not being satisfied with an “on-call” job as a casual primary school teacher. In the course of our conversation, she assured me that there is no reason for me to worry too much or to feel guilty at that. She shared her own experience and was able to relay that her son, though left in the care of other people while she and her husband were working, is growing up okay – sweet, thoughtful, disciplined. That small talk did encourage me but I still didn’t jump into it right away. I gave myself some time, a week, to think and pray things over. Actually, I am still praying for it. After thinking about the pros and cons of trying it out on some other field, I finally did it. So what prompted me to take the plunge? A lot of reasons! But let me share some of it.
I realized that true enough, being a full-time mum is no assurance that your kid will grow up good. I have seen a number of kids, especially when I was back in Manila, who had stay-at-home moms, and yet they were not still doing well in their academics or they were also misbehaving at school. Some were my students; others are children of my co-workers. On the other end, I have seen kids, whose parents are both working, and yet, grew up to be good and responsible adults. I won’t go far, I’ll have my in-laws and my own parents as examples. Both my in-laws and my parents were working full-time in their respective jobs, both didn’t have any help or maid to help out in the household chores, but modesty aside, I can say that we all grew up well.
Another reason is of course the plain fact that we are already over staying at my brother’s house. We still feel shy even if there is no pressure on their part for us to move out already. If I get a more stable and secured job, of course, it’ll help us out in our finances.
As I have written a few spaces ago, I am still praying for it. Though I already took the plunge in applying for different jobs namely: customer service, office junior/all rounder, receptionist, office administration, stock replenisher both in Aldi and Coles, I am still at that stage of praying that my moves are one with His moves. I hope that in a week or two my mobile will ring and the person at the other end of the line will tell me, “Welcome! Or Congratulations! Or You will start on...” The last two jobs I listed was a humbling experience because I never imagined myself working in a supermarket. This experience is teaching me again and I am pretty sure that it will continue to teach me as I continue to do "da moves" – all for the love of my family.
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