My friends know that I am an OC. They usually make fun of my OC-ness. Workmates usually give a cry of relief when we are done with a project. Family and friends as well. So imagine the level of my OC-ness. If they found my OC-ness a serious matter and some sort of a torture, imagine the torture my husband and my son get everyday considering we live on the same roof, we go home to the same house, day in and day out, without any helpers like what we had in Manila.
Well, when I became I mum, I started to let go a bit of my OC-ness. I thought that life is too short and I would end up miserable trying to do everything as planned. As one article puts it, you have to choose your battles. After letting go of some things, I thought it would end there. But I soon see myself letting go of some more things and try to see beauty of that choice.
I have been trying to teach my son how to be responsible by letting him pack away his toys after play. I would like to think that I am successful at this point but there are also some days where he seems to forget to pack away. On those days, I end up nagging my two-year old telling him to pack away his toys or else...but two days ago it just occured to me that there is beauty on all of those toys scattered on the floor of his room.
The beauty I saw was maybe inspired by the Spirit because I believe, I cannot realize that one, on my own. I realized that I should be thankful because I had something to clean. That something that I had to clean is actually a concrete sign that I have been blessed with a son. A happy, bubbly, bright and healthy little boy. It occured to me that those scattered toys has been there because my son was actually playing with them. I would rather have a room full of scattered toys, than a clean room without him.
Yes, it may be so simple for you but I took delight when I realized it. And so now, I let go some more. Passing by the room of my son at night and seeing the toys he forgot to pack away does not make me fret anymore. It actually puts a smile on my face because, I know, when I see the toys, I got to spend and will get to spend more precious time with me little one again.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Status Updates
A social networking site has introduced me with and a other gazillion people on "status updates." As I have read it before, it some sort of is a summary or a shorter version of a blog. Well, sometimes, one status update is not enough to summaize everything that has happened to me for that day. So I end up writing just something that serves as the highlight for the day. But sometimes, I admit, there are a lot of status updates I would have loved to post.
Just for today, I would be sharing some of my random thoughts. Things that I could have posted but opted not to ;)
1) I Love Saturday nights! Just relaxing with my hubby and son, watching a movie and thinking about nothing...
2) Succesful in creating a variety of my old dish! Bokchoy and Tofu in Hoi Sin Sauce! Yummy!
3) My baby is now a big boy!
4) It's definietly getting colder! It's only now that I feel the Christmas breeze!
5) No more worries! Just keeping the faith!
6) I hope to see my parents soon here in Sydney!
7) I hope my new venture will be successful! I hope to receive the good news soon!
8) Just loves sleeping and waking up with my son tightly embracing me!
9) Looking forward to our barbie with my family tom! gang of 6 complete again!
10) Pretty sure MP will nail his fight tom! Go Manny!
There, just 10 random thoughts of things that had happened today!
I just didn't post them because I might be labeled as an addict if I keep on updating my status every after two hours! Not to mention, writing my updates correctly.
As of now, I have cleared my status update, maybe tomorrow, I'll be writing a new one. I know I will. I'm an addict. Yup, finally admitted it!
Just for today, I would be sharing some of my random thoughts. Things that I could have posted but opted not to ;)
1) I Love Saturday nights! Just relaxing with my hubby and son, watching a movie and thinking about nothing...
2) Succesful in creating a variety of my old dish! Bokchoy and Tofu in Hoi Sin Sauce! Yummy!
3) My baby is now a big boy!
4) It's definietly getting colder! It's only now that I feel the Christmas breeze!
5) No more worries! Just keeping the faith!
6) I hope to see my parents soon here in Sydney!
7) I hope my new venture will be successful! I hope to receive the good news soon!
8) Just loves sleeping and waking up with my son tightly embracing me!
9) Looking forward to our barbie with my family tom! gang of 6 complete again!
10) Pretty sure MP will nail his fight tom! Go Manny!
There, just 10 random thoughts of things that had happened today!
I just didn't post them because I might be labeled as an addict if I keep on updating my status every after two hours! Not to mention, writing my updates correctly.
As of now, I have cleared my status update, maybe tomorrow, I'll be writing a new one. I know I will. I'm an addict. Yup, finally admitted it!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Ready, Steady, GO!
Yes, I have officially begun my career in blogging. God has been so good He allowed me to have friends who were very generous enough to share their knowledge on this field.
I had a lot of questions and it resulted in my apprehension in pursuing this one. But after a series of e-mails, chats and googles, I think I am more prepared.As what I have told my friend, I didn't want to go into something I am not really ready for. Oh, I'm still not 100% confident but at least most of my questions were answered already. I have just placed my first two bids in a webiste that offered general opportunities for bloggers. I don't know if I will get an approval but if ever it will be accepted than the ball has indeed started to roll!
I actually told my friend that I will be updating her on my progress. As of the moment, I cannot maintain 2 or more blogs. If I do, I might end up neglecting my duties as a wife and as a mum. So, I decided to stick it out with my blogspot first. I am in no hurry. I will start slow. That way, I can assure my future clients that they can expect quality work from me.
I would like to thank my friend Mitch, whom I already treat as my mentor, when I finally decided to give this one a try. Hopefully, like my past mentors at work, I can make her proud someday.
I am still keeping my fingers crossed. Hopefully, the ball will start rolling, soon.
I had a lot of questions and it resulted in my apprehension in pursuing this one. But after a series of e-mails, chats and googles, I think I am more prepared.As what I have told my friend, I didn't want to go into something I am not really ready for. Oh, I'm still not 100% confident but at least most of my questions were answered already. I have just placed my first two bids in a webiste that offered general opportunities for bloggers. I don't know if I will get an approval but if ever it will be accepted than the ball has indeed started to roll!
I actually told my friend that I will be updating her on my progress. As of the moment, I cannot maintain 2 or more blogs. If I do, I might end up neglecting my duties as a wife and as a mum. So, I decided to stick it out with my blogspot first. I am in no hurry. I will start slow. That way, I can assure my future clients that they can expect quality work from me.
I would like to thank my friend Mitch, whom I already treat as my mentor, when I finally decided to give this one a try. Hopefully, like my past mentors at work, I can make her proud someday.
I am still keeping my fingers crossed. Hopefully, the ball will start rolling, soon.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
I Feel Good! Tanananananan
I feel good! Yes, I do! I wanted to work on my last requirement for this term in my REd class and before I started hitting the keyboard, I got a new e-mail.
The results of my 2nd assessment, for my REd class, was emailed already with my assessors comments. I got a bit cold. I got a bit scared. I can hear my heartbeat as I pressed the Page Down button of the computer. And there it was, something that made my day!
I am in a foreign land to them, we will be forever, the foreigners. So it's been quite challenging for my part to prove what Asians, and Filipinos, for that matter, can do and achieve. I won't be a hypocrite and tell you that my groupmates welcomed me with open arms during our first meeting. There were some who were polite. But there some who showed some, hmm, how do I put it? Well raised-eyebrows and a little "I'm not interested-in-you attitude." To be specific, in one of our meetings, and after the results of the first assessment came back, some people received some negative feedback from our assessors-- she was one of them. She was asking as to what the assessors want, well, I wanted to share some ideas because I didn't receive any negative feedback, but what I got was something that I really didn't like. She kept on interrupting me when I try to say something, you know, just to cut the conversation short. Oh, I've met a lot of people like that in Manila. But this time it feels different, because, I can see that we are still different. Color, culture, beliefs, and practices and she makes sure that I can feel and see that. I just hope that in the next meetings, she would lighten up.
I feel good because just in case she still acts like that the next time we meet, I don't have any insecurities anymore. The commendation I got from my assessor is more than enough to prove that seeing us less capable of them, is a very big mistake! The next time we meet and she still acts the same, oh, she'll get what she's asking for! ;)
I feel good because in a foreign land, where people see us less than them, I was able to prove them wrong. We can achieve and we can even be better than them.
The results of my 2nd assessment, for my REd class, was emailed already with my assessors comments. I got a bit cold. I got a bit scared. I can hear my heartbeat as I pressed the Page Down button of the computer. And there it was, something that made my day!
I am in a foreign land to them, we will be forever, the foreigners. So it's been quite challenging for my part to prove what Asians, and Filipinos, for that matter, can do and achieve. I won't be a hypocrite and tell you that my groupmates welcomed me with open arms during our first meeting. There were some who were polite. But there some who showed some, hmm, how do I put it? Well raised-eyebrows and a little "I'm not interested-in-you attitude." To be specific, in one of our meetings, and after the results of the first assessment came back, some people received some negative feedback from our assessors-- she was one of them. She was asking as to what the assessors want, well, I wanted to share some ideas because I didn't receive any negative feedback, but what I got was something that I really didn't like. She kept on interrupting me when I try to say something, you know, just to cut the conversation short. Oh, I've met a lot of people like that in Manila. But this time it feels different, because, I can see that we are still different. Color, culture, beliefs, and practices and she makes sure that I can feel and see that. I just hope that in the next meetings, she would lighten up.
I feel good because just in case she still acts like that the next time we meet, I don't have any insecurities anymore. The commendation I got from my assessor is more than enough to prove that seeing us less capable of them, is a very big mistake! The next time we meet and she still acts the same, oh, she'll get what she's asking for! ;)
I feel good because in a foreign land, where people see us less than them, I was able to prove them wrong. We can achieve and we can even be better than them.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Closing a Door and Opening Windows
Exactly one year ago today, we left Manila to migrate to The Land Down Under - Sydney, Australia. I have written another blog a couple of days ago regarding my reflections on this part of our journey. Well, now on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I remembered the things that transpired on that day.
Everything was set. Our 2 big bags for check-in were labeled. Our 2 hand-carry suitcases were ready as well. My personal bag cum Liam's baby bag was ready, with all the important documents. Laptop bag? Check!
We ate lunch earlier than the usual. I felt everyone was trying to control their emotions, including us. Well, we cried the night before. It didn't help that we wrote Thank You cards to our parents the night before. We felt, at that time, that we made the wrong decision of leaving Manila, and leaving our parents behind. I think we felt that way because we watched The Case of Benjamin Button a few days ago. Well, we realized that we didn't want the time to come when we'll see how our parents have aged the next time we see them face to face. Well, thank you for technology. Every week, we get to chat with them and see them face to face. Even Liam knows them. And hopefully, by this year they get to visit us. So it's one worry that is way beyond us.
My family came. After double-checking everything. The whole family prayed-over us. And there it was, we were already on our way to the airport!
When we reached the airport, I thought that they were just going to drop us off. But there was a mix-up. After going down from my Papa's car, we kissed everyone goodbye and then we went inside to check-in. It was difficult to go inside considering the numerous security checks that we had to go through inside the airport. Well, as I've said, I was able to kiss goodbye to almost everyone except for my Papa and my sister-in-law. As soon as we got our bags, my Papa drove the car right away because as he explained it, it was 2-minute parking, for purposes of dropping-off the passengers. My sister-in-law on the other hand just came from her duty from the hospital (she is a doctor by profession).
When my Papa was informed that we already got inside the airport, he immediately texted me and told me to come out again with Liam because he still wanted to play with his apo. My sister-in-law also did the same. But since we were advised to check-in ealier to get better seats on the plane, my hubby and I just decided that it'll just be me and Liam who will go out again to see my Papa and my sister-in-law. There were a few tears that were shed. Everything happened so quickly.
Well, if we only knew that we would not get the seats we requested from Qantas, a few days ago, we could have spent more time with our family. Apparently, there were so many families, travelling with infants as well, that night.
Because of the rush and all the mental notes that I had in mind, it skipped my mind to give our Thank You cards to out parents. By the time I remembered it we were done with the last security check inside the airport. Oh well. We felt sad of course. So in the end, we texted them about the card and mailed it back when we got to Sydney.
As for our flight? Well, it's the longest flight I've ever had. Aside from the fact that we didn't get the best seats (the space we had was TOO cramped. It also didn't help that Liam was teething! So everytime he feeds, I end up being bitten! I was so dizzy doing most of the things -- trying to relax Liam when he felt uncomfortable (he didn't have a seat of his own yet, so all the time he was on my lap), assisting my hubby when he was too dizzy to do anything on the plane.I wasn't able to enjoy my food. I didn't enjoy that flight - physically and emotionally.
I felt so relieved when I heard the Captain announcing that we'll be landing in ten minutes. Even if we still had to deal with the very famous and very strict Australian Customs and Immigration, I felt good that finally that trip was over.
I am of course sad. We felt homesick as soon as we landed on Australian soil. But we have to move on. We had to move on, fo our son. Looking back, we made the right choice. We did close a door but we surely opened windows when we got here. It wasn't really a bed of roses when we arrived but hey, in a year's time, so much has happened! More good things than bad.
I now look forward to our next trip, this time our trip when we have to go and visit Manila. I can't wait to show Liam what is on the other side of the door we have closed, exactly one year ago.
Everything was set. Our 2 big bags for check-in were labeled. Our 2 hand-carry suitcases were ready as well. My personal bag cum Liam's baby bag was ready, with all the important documents. Laptop bag? Check!
We ate lunch earlier than the usual. I felt everyone was trying to control their emotions, including us. Well, we cried the night before. It didn't help that we wrote Thank You cards to our parents the night before. We felt, at that time, that we made the wrong decision of leaving Manila, and leaving our parents behind. I think we felt that way because we watched The Case of Benjamin Button a few days ago. Well, we realized that we didn't want the time to come when we'll see how our parents have aged the next time we see them face to face. Well, thank you for technology. Every week, we get to chat with them and see them face to face. Even Liam knows them. And hopefully, by this year they get to visit us. So it's one worry that is way beyond us.
My family came. After double-checking everything. The whole family prayed-over us. And there it was, we were already on our way to the airport!
When we reached the airport, I thought that they were just going to drop us off. But there was a mix-up. After going down from my Papa's car, we kissed everyone goodbye and then we went inside to check-in. It was difficult to go inside considering the numerous security checks that we had to go through inside the airport. Well, as I've said, I was able to kiss goodbye to almost everyone except for my Papa and my sister-in-law. As soon as we got our bags, my Papa drove the car right away because as he explained it, it was 2-minute parking, for purposes of dropping-off the passengers. My sister-in-law on the other hand just came from her duty from the hospital (she is a doctor by profession).
When my Papa was informed that we already got inside the airport, he immediately texted me and told me to come out again with Liam because he still wanted to play with his apo. My sister-in-law also did the same. But since we were advised to check-in ealier to get better seats on the plane, my hubby and I just decided that it'll just be me and Liam who will go out again to see my Papa and my sister-in-law. There were a few tears that were shed. Everything happened so quickly.
Well, if we only knew that we would not get the seats we requested from Qantas, a few days ago, we could have spent more time with our family. Apparently, there were so many families, travelling with infants as well, that night.
Because of the rush and all the mental notes that I had in mind, it skipped my mind to give our Thank You cards to out parents. By the time I remembered it we were done with the last security check inside the airport. Oh well. We felt sad of course. So in the end, we texted them about the card and mailed it back when we got to Sydney.
As for our flight? Well, it's the longest flight I've ever had. Aside from the fact that we didn't get the best seats (the space we had was TOO cramped. It also didn't help that Liam was teething! So everytime he feeds, I end up being bitten! I was so dizzy doing most of the things -- trying to relax Liam when he felt uncomfortable (he didn't have a seat of his own yet, so all the time he was on my lap), assisting my hubby when he was too dizzy to do anything on the plane.I wasn't able to enjoy my food. I didn't enjoy that flight - physically and emotionally.
I felt so relieved when I heard the Captain announcing that we'll be landing in ten minutes. Even if we still had to deal with the very famous and very strict Australian Customs and Immigration, I felt good that finally that trip was over.
I am of course sad. We felt homesick as soon as we landed on Australian soil. But we have to move on. We had to move on, fo our son. Looking back, we made the right choice. We did close a door but we surely opened windows when we got here. It wasn't really a bed of roses when we arrived but hey, in a year's time, so much has happened! More good things than bad.
I now look forward to our next trip, this time our trip when we have to go and visit Manila. I can't wait to show Liam what is on the other side of the door we have closed, exactly one year ago.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
My Newest Reading Adventure
Just like writing, I have a love affair with reading. For me, spending an hour or so inside a bookstore is one relaxing activity. Browsing through the piles and hundreds of books in front of me and end up choosing the right book is one big adventure for me!
I am particularly happy that bookstores have always tried to attract buyers by offering sales or discounts. Here in Sydney, I was so happy when I got to purchase a book, a DVD and a instructional set for my son, for only $5 each!
The last book that I finished reading was "Have A Little Faith" by Mitch Albom. I am a fan of Mitch Albom, I think I am close to completing collecting all of his books. I was glad that he went back to writing non-fiction this time after having a couple of books after the hit Tuesdays with Morrie.I deliberately did not finish the book in one sitting. I knew that while I was reading chapter by chapter, I would come across a lot of things that I could reflect upon. And true enough it almost took me four months to finish reading it. But I am happy. Because he didn't disappoint me.
There were a lot of things that you can ponder on the life of the two main characters. I even found myself crying when it came to the part where he had to deliver his eulogy already. Don't worry, I won't spoil it for you. But I would recommend the book to anyone.
Maybe in my next blog, I can share with you some of the points that made an impact on me. As for now, I have started with another reading adventure, this time, it deals with happiness.
As soon as I'm done with it, you will definitely hear from me.
I am particularly happy that bookstores have always tried to attract buyers by offering sales or discounts. Here in Sydney, I was so happy when I got to purchase a book, a DVD and a instructional set for my son, for only $5 each!
The last book that I finished reading was "Have A Little Faith" by Mitch Albom. I am a fan of Mitch Albom, I think I am close to completing collecting all of his books. I was glad that he went back to writing non-fiction this time after having a couple of books after the hit Tuesdays with Morrie.I deliberately did not finish the book in one sitting. I knew that while I was reading chapter by chapter, I would come across a lot of things that I could reflect upon. And true enough it almost took me four months to finish reading it. But I am happy. Because he didn't disappoint me.
There were a lot of things that you can ponder on the life of the two main characters. I even found myself crying when it came to the part where he had to deliver his eulogy already. Don't worry, I won't spoil it for you. But I would recommend the book to anyone.
Maybe in my next blog, I can share with you some of the points that made an impact on me. As for now, I have started with another reading adventure, this time, it deals with happiness.
As soon as I'm done with it, you will definitely hear from me.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Music and My Toddler
Young that he is my son is already showing signs that he enjoys music.
I really can't describe the feeling but it sure makes me smile whenever I am reminded of a new "act". At present, he is so fascinated with the Wiggles! His fascination with this group just started last December. HE borrowed a DVD of his cousin and the rest as they say is history!
The Wiggles is not your ordinary children's show because first, the lead stars are 4 adult males! Yes, no mascots or imaginary creatures like Elmo, Pong Pagong, Kiko Matsing, Big BIrd, flying spaceships, etc. No purple dinosaurs as well. Though he is fond of Barney, I think he enjoys watching the Wiggles more nowadays.
What's with this group? Well, it is still a mystery for me. But for one, when one sits and watches their show, there so much singing and dancing involved. I was actually surprised that after a month Liam can already sing some of their songs. As expected, Liam has a favorite among the four main characters, and that is Jeff. The one who always sleeps!
Even if I promised myself not to spoil him in buying some more DVDs, I can't help but eat my words. I am eating my words because I can see the good effects in him. It somewhat develops his musicality.Though, we see it a point that we buy him a new DVD once every quarter.
I don't know up to when will he show fascination with the group. But I hope that by the time he is ready to move on, his love for music has grown deeper and his musicality fully developed -- in all aspects at that!
I forgot to mention that maybe, his classes at Kindermusik is also helping him enjoy music. I just hope, he didn't inherit my genes when it comes to music. =D
I really can't describe the feeling but it sure makes me smile whenever I am reminded of a new "act". At present, he is so fascinated with the Wiggles! His fascination with this group just started last December. HE borrowed a DVD of his cousin and the rest as they say is history!
The Wiggles is not your ordinary children's show because first, the lead stars are 4 adult males! Yes, no mascots or imaginary creatures like Elmo, Pong Pagong, Kiko Matsing, Big BIrd, flying spaceships, etc. No purple dinosaurs as well. Though he is fond of Barney, I think he enjoys watching the Wiggles more nowadays.
What's with this group? Well, it is still a mystery for me. But for one, when one sits and watches their show, there so much singing and dancing involved. I was actually surprised that after a month Liam can already sing some of their songs. As expected, Liam has a favorite among the four main characters, and that is Jeff. The one who always sleeps!
Even if I promised myself not to spoil him in buying some more DVDs, I can't help but eat my words. I am eating my words because I can see the good effects in him. It somewhat develops his musicality.Though, we see it a point that we buy him a new DVD once every quarter.
I don't know up to when will he show fascination with the group. But I hope that by the time he is ready to move on, his love for music has grown deeper and his musicality fully developed -- in all aspects at that!
I forgot to mention that maybe, his classes at Kindermusik is also helping him enjoy music. I just hope, he didn't inherit my genes when it comes to music. =D
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)