What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
1. Live in Singapore
2. Visited Disneyland (Florida & HK!), Eiffel Tower , Louvre and Rockefeller
3. Had two long vacations (2 winters in one year!)
Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Nope and probably not
Did anyone close to you give birth?
None, surprisingly
Did anyone close to you die?
None, thankfully
What countries did you visit?
Indonesia (Bali), Singapore, USA (East Coast), Malaysia (KL), Hong Kong, Germany, France (Paris)
What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A baby
What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
December 28, 2008 – tour of Paris, cruise along the Seine, top of Eiffel
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting promoted to a regional director position
What was your biggest failure?
Not making progress on the baby plans
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major
What was the best thing you bought?
Breitling watch
Whose behavior merited celebration?
Husby for doing good on his bike business ; Sis B for finishing college ; Sis A for buying a house
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The person who “underestimated” me
Where did most of your money go?
Travel-related expenses (buying darn souvenirs!)
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going to Disneyland and Paris
What song(s) will always remind you of 2008?
Auld Lang Syne (from SATC soundtrack)
Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Even Happier
ii. thinner or fatter? Even Fatter
iii. richer or poorer? Just Richer
What do you wish you'd done more?
Explore Singapore
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Working late nights and weekends
Eating unhealthy
What was your favorite TV program?
Price is Right, 30 Rock and Gossip Girl (XOXO!)
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No one close
What was the best book you read?
A lot but most memorable would be Ian McEwan's “Atonement”
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Avenue Q
What did you want and get?
Veranda with a view while sitting on a swing
What was your favorite film of this year?
Mamma Mia and Sex and the City
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Turned 35. Had a guided tour of Paris streets and sights, lunch cruise along River Seine complete with violinist playing La vie en rose, went up the top of Eiffel Tower
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More maturity to deal with weasels at work
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Unexperimental
What kept you sane?
Husby’s home cooked meals
Overseas calls to my mom in Manila
What political issue stirred you the most?
I chose to be indifferent
Who was the best new person you met?
Global MR folks?
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008 :
Have faith to tame the lions
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Avenue Q "For Now" ---- “Everything in life is only for now…”
Do you have a new years resolution for 2008?
Yes, which I didn’t get to keep
What was your favorite month of 2008?
Always December
How many concerts did you see in 2008?
Swing Out Sisters
Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2008?
Never
Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
Acquiescing and losing confidence in my abilities
How much money did you spend in 2008?
A lot
What was your proudest moment of 2008?
Receiving news of my promotion and move to Singapore while accessing email in a cozy Manhattan hotel
What was your most embarrassing moment of 2008?
Being terrified at the Sentosa sky ride
If you could go back in time to any moment of 2008 and change something, what would it be?
I have no regrets
What are your plans for 2009?
1. Get pregnant
2. Visit Rome
3. Start saving for my dream house
How are you different now that the year has ended?
1. Better traveled
2. An MR director, finally – and regional at that
3. Less insecure
What are your wishes for the new year?
1. Continued good health for family
2. More financial blessings to share
3. Yuan or Yana
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Happiness this week is...
- A lazy afternoon with Husby, eating a pint of Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie, with rain pouring outside, and listening to I-tunes.
- Watching Husby enjoying himself playing Prince of Persia Wii.
- Coming home to catch Drew Carry's Price Is Right show on the local channel.
- Looking forward to spending Christmas in a cabin near the Swiss snow capped mountains and spending my birthday in Paris.
- Looking forward too to having the Coke gang visit us here in Singapore.
- A quick visit from sister A bringing some of Mom's longaniza find in exhange for Tiger Balm :)
- Riding a Mercedes Benz cab
- Finally figuring out who the agency person I met up with looked like ( he looks like the janitor in Harry Potter movies, oops, mean ba?)
- Baked Spaghetti and Fried Chicken Wings made by Husby
- Eating char kway teow in Penang place instead of soup from Yucky Yucky canteen
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Lethargic
I have not written in a long while. Lately, I've just been sleeping through my weekends (pathetic!) and possesses no desire whatsoever to explore what life out there is like in Singapore on Saturdays and Sundays.
I also don't feel like writing today! Sigh.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Being Underestimated
Someone said to me last week " I underestimated you". I didn't know what to say back or how to react. I dismissed the thought but it lingers until now.
It sounded flattering but then again, it sounded insulting at the same time. And it reeks of arrogance from the person who said it. But then again, it may be a humbling admittance.
One thing I know for sure though is to never ever use that on someone else.
It sounded flattering but then again, it sounded insulting at the same time. And it reeks of arrogance from the person who said it. But then again, it may be a humbling admittance.
One thing I know for sure though is to never ever use that on someone else.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Another Life Plan???
My friend A sent another distress signal - i.e.an email for me to call him because his company is cutting down on phone call expenses hahaha -- and we got to talking about our usual "what have we done to our lives" melodrama. He and I are like wonder twins gifted with superior sense of paranoia and unique tendency to overanalyse things. I think we are both getting the concept of stepping up in Maslow's ladder to sef-actualization but never have the guts nor the will to leave behind our material bliss. And so we labor (or so it seems) day in and day out as corporate slaves. What sucks more is that we are actually good at what we do and are in fact high potentials. High enough to actually have been given rare lavish expat packages which many would die for and funnily, something which we never asked for . And since we so often tend to look at things half-empty, we blame ourselves for not having had a hand in controlling or steering our destiny. And so, come end November, we will once again congregate, together with our two other bestest buddies, to re-craft our life plans which for some reason, we never get to follow through on. Pathetically, we both gave up on 2008 already (even with two full months ahead!) and start anew in 2009.
I call mine my Jerry Maguire worksheet which details my desired endpoint until 50 years old. Not a surprise to me that none has been fulfilled to this day. But it gives me comfort somehow that a plan exists even if there's no deliberate execution. Sigh.
I call mine my Jerry Maguire worksheet which details my desired endpoint until 50 years old. Not a surprise to me that none has been fulfilled to this day. But it gives me comfort somehow that a plan exists even if there's no deliberate execution. Sigh.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Can't Wait to See Avenue Q Again :)
Yup, the Philippine cast of Avenue Q is coming to Singapore and I'm watching again! Tickets are pricey but who cares. Husby was begging me not to drag him but too late, already bought tickets online. He will be less motivated to go because Rachel Alejandro (Lucy the Slut/Kate Monster) , his only favorite in the cast, was replaced by Carla Guevarra.
Anyway, reason for this short entry is because I'm listening to my I-pod at work and "It Sucks to be Me" came on and brightened my afternoon. I stayed up late last night and I'm really struggling to stay awake!
I also got reminded of the time we "almost" watched Avenue Q on Broadway but was so jetlagged we woke up at 10pm so we missed the entire run! We still went to the theater and came just in time the show ended and actually had the rare opportunity to meet the cast as they were walking out of the cast gate. I had a shot taken with Howie Michael Smith (Princeton) which was so cool for an Avenue Q fan like me. Sadly, the memory card got corrupted (together with all the other US pics taken from Husby's camera) and to this day, I'm not letting Husby forget about this, hahaha.
So excited to watch on Nov 1 at the Esplanade. My sister B will also be here in Singapore on that week to spend her birthday with us and she is ecstatic as well when I told her I already got us tickets (she didn't get to see the Manila run).
In the meantime, I am also able to get tickets to the rare Vienna Boys Choir one-day concert on Oct 17. While I'm not exactly a fan, I know it's a rare opportunity so I grabbed the chance. I don't think I can watch them ever in Austria!
Thank gad for Singapore COLA!!!! hahaha
Monday, September 29, 2008
I Heart Kate Spade
Husby is on a roll. Last week, he surprised me with another Kate Spade bag.
I can certainly remember how he surprises me with it everytime -- this latest one, he put in the shoe cabinet where he knew I can't miss not seeing it because I always park my shoes the moment I enter our house. It was another just-because surprise (or probably because I hinted I needed a weekend casual bag hehehe).
It's the sixth KS bag he's already given me since I became a fan of these wondeful creations last year. It all started when I started with my ASEAN job where I was constantly jetsetting together with my goddess boss who has just about all the coolest designer bags, clothes and accessories. My North Face bag then just wasn't making it -- I looked and felt like a PA next to her, hahaha.
So Husby and I searched around for a brand that will put me in my place i.e. an upstart, young apprentice who is paid well enough to afford a designer bag but not enough to afford ridiculously priced ones. Bulgari, Prada, Bottega was just too darn pretentious for my level (will probably graduate to this if and when I become VP or something!). LV, Coach, Chanel bags were just too everywhere, even trying hard and wannabes have them on their shoulders, real or otherwise. Zara and Mango were too young and hip and it's quite embarrassing to be having the same bag as assistant managers and trainees considering their salaries are probably not even half of what I get.
And so we saw Kate Spade in Shangrila Mall. It had exactly what I was looking for : understated elegance. Has funky colors and designs which shouts young and experimental but at the same time has real functionality which shouts serious and practical. It is also not a high maintenance bag, it is in fact quite unassuming. But it does have a solid yet silent equity about it of style, manners and graciousness. It's a respectable brand and I love it.
To top it all, it is quite affordable. Affordable enough for me to have more than one of it. Unlike some ladies who invest in one really snooty bag and guard it with their lives. What is so amazing is that I have not bought a single one - what I have are all Husby's gifts with his hard-earned business earnings. I remembered teasingly telling Husby "how can I be a Kate Spade fan if I only have one?" -- the next day, he got me my second bag.
My KS babies are the stars in my closet. I hang them so they don't lose their shape even if it means folding a lot of my office blouses as my Singapore closet is not as big as the ones I have in Manila. I love looking at them because they remind me so much of my Husby's thoughtful ways and selflessness.
Sad thing we didn't get to reach the Kate Spade store in New York when we were in the US last March. We were on our way but Husby had a bum stomach so I didn't get to visit the "mother ship". He made up for it when we got to Leesburg and he got me two bags and a wallet -- which is not a bad deal for me at all :)
I don't know when the fascination will end. I tried looking at Tod's store last weekend but it just didn't have the "it" for me yet. Until then, my loyalty to KS will continue. Saw their latest lines and the Northhampton Stevie line one I fell in love with... already showed it to Husby and knowing him, he's probably already looking around for this to give me this Christmas.
Hay, life is great.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
That's why they call it work ...
Not feeling too happy at work. Been working and re-working this presentation to the gods and can't do anything but stare at all the unread, unresponded to emails and deadlines passing me by. Next week I will start to clean up and pick up where I left off -- just the thought tires me already.
That's why they call it work... it's not supposed to be fun. Even Mickey Mouse, in supposedly the happiest place on earth, is tired. Here's a picture I took of him in HK Disneyland -- must be terrible indeed to be inside that really hot costume on a really hot day... i hate him for doing this, treating me like a nosy papparazzi hahaha but now, I pity him and feel a whole lot better about what I do for a living!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Happiness is...
a quick trip to Hongkong.....cramming everything in the 2 day itinerary which meant walking from morning to midnight. not having our own terminal gate at the airport because we rode a budget airline. buying a ferragamo perfume at half of its original price because it was a tester bottle. husby delighted with his dry-fit shirt finds. the so-called seaview hotel with absolutely no view of the sea but had two clean beds and aircon to soothe our tired bodies at night after raiding the HK night market.sweating in line so my niece can have her pic taken with Pluto, Minnie and Donald. more sweating as we watch the Disney parade at noontime (I swear the High School Musical performers are so tanned from having to do their dance everyday under the sun at 12 high noon!). no long line at the Small World ride. getting dizzy again at the MadHatter teacup ride with my sister A. gulping a coca-cola slush and the brain freeze after.
a visit from friend A ...seeing him with his ridiculously big luggage from his Beijing trip filled with Olympic merchandise for friends and family. and yet still having enough space in his already full luggage for his Singapore finds -- his polar bear carpet, book stash from Page One, several candles, MUJI finds etc. hurriedly eating his chili crab minutes before the boarding gate closes.
an email from my sister B who switched to a more 8-5 job and starting her journey to the corporate ladder...
a call from my Mom about everyday things in Manila...
finishing "The Pact" and ambitiously starting "Atonement" - in fact relating with Briony in some weird way, still struggling halfway through "Time Traveller's Wife"...
finding a Season One DVD of Arrested Development.. 5 CD compilation of Motown songs.. and another 5 CD compilation of rare 80s-90s songs ...
best of all, happiness this week is looking at the Cebu Pacific ticket which Husby booked for our trip to Manila this weekend...
a visit from friend A ...seeing him with his ridiculously big luggage from his Beijing trip filled with Olympic merchandise for friends and family. and yet still having enough space in his already full luggage for his Singapore finds -- his polar bear carpet, book stash from Page One, several candles, MUJI finds etc. hurriedly eating his chili crab minutes before the boarding gate closes.
an email from my sister B who switched to a more 8-5 job and starting her journey to the corporate ladder...
a call from my Mom about everyday things in Manila...
finishing "The Pact" and ambitiously starting "Atonement" - in fact relating with Briony in some weird way, still struggling halfway through "Time Traveller's Wife"...
finding a Season One DVD of Arrested Development.. 5 CD compilation of Motown songs.. and another 5 CD compilation of rare 80s-90s songs ...
best of all, happiness this week is looking at the Cebu Pacific ticket which Husby booked for our trip to Manila this weekend...
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tame the Lions!
I knew going in that Singapore was no smooth trip.
But the past two weeks was really hard. Betrayal, low self-esteem, daunting tasks, you name it.
My ever wise Husby reminded me to have faith in myself. He said I should be just like the biblical character Daniel who tamed a den of lions.
Daniel was a man who came into Babylonian captivity from a life as a man of God in Israel. He later became elevated to a position of power in the Babylonian government and was the leading “president” over one-hundred and twenty princes. He was a Jew and not a Babylonian. He was promoted because the king saw his relationship with God and spiritual insight that was valuable to the king in his rule over the kingdom.
A number of the other princes and leaders became jealous of Daniel’s relationship with the king and plotted against him. The story goes that they deceived the king and had him sign a decree that for thirty days no one was to pray or petition any god or power except the king. They knew Daniel's character. He prayed three times a day without fail, and they knew he wouldn’t change his habits.
Just as they expected, Daniel prayed, and they played. They went to the king and ratted Daniel out. The Bible says the king was saddened when he realized he would have to enforce his decree. The penalty was the lion’s den.
The king told Daniel that he was convinced that Daniel’s God would somehow deliver him in the midst of the problem he faced. The king had more faith than all the other princes that Daniel thought were his friends.
The story goes that Daniel was dropped into the den of lions. Now these were not ordinary lions. They were breed for the purpose of punishment. They were kept hungry so that they would quickly pounce on anything that came into their den.
All night long, the king stayed awake. He couldn’t eat, he couldn’t sleep, he worried and fretted about his friend Daniel.
But all the time the king was tossing on his bed, Daniel was taming the lions.
I believe that Daniel stepped into that den convinced that one way or the other, God was going to deliver him. I don’t think for a minute that he crouched over in the corner, and said, “oh woe is me, here I was trying to do right and now God has given me over to the lions.” No, he walked right up to the lion and faced them head on.
Armed with this story in my heart, I too, will face and tame my lions.
But the past two weeks was really hard. Betrayal, low self-esteem, daunting tasks, you name it.
My ever wise Husby reminded me to have faith in myself. He said I should be just like the biblical character Daniel who tamed a den of lions.
Daniel was a man who came into Babylonian captivity from a life as a man of God in Israel. He later became elevated to a position of power in the Babylonian government and was the leading “president” over one-hundred and twenty princes. He was a Jew and not a Babylonian. He was promoted because the king saw his relationship with God and spiritual insight that was valuable to the king in his rule over the kingdom.
A number of the other princes and leaders became jealous of Daniel’s relationship with the king and plotted against him. The story goes that they deceived the king and had him sign a decree that for thirty days no one was to pray or petition any god or power except the king. They knew Daniel's character. He prayed three times a day without fail, and they knew he wouldn’t change his habits.
Just as they expected, Daniel prayed, and they played. They went to the king and ratted Daniel out. The Bible says the king was saddened when he realized he would have to enforce his decree. The penalty was the lion’s den.
The king told Daniel that he was convinced that Daniel’s God would somehow deliver him in the midst of the problem he faced. The king had more faith than all the other princes that Daniel thought were his friends.
The story goes that Daniel was dropped into the den of lions. Now these were not ordinary lions. They were breed for the purpose of punishment. They were kept hungry so that they would quickly pounce on anything that came into their den.
All night long, the king stayed awake. He couldn’t eat, he couldn’t sleep, he worried and fretted about his friend Daniel.
But all the time the king was tossing on his bed, Daniel was taming the lions.
I believe that Daniel stepped into that den convinced that one way or the other, God was going to deliver him. I don’t think for a minute that he crouched over in the corner, and said, “oh woe is me, here I was trying to do right and now God has given me over to the lions.” No, he walked right up to the lion and faced them head on.
Armed with this story in my heart, I too, will face and tame my lions.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
I'm grateful this week for ...
past week in the office was hellish as we prepare for BP. patience was tested, blood pressure went up, eyebrows were raised to the roof and for several nights, sleep was sacrificed. emotion went way past rage with a backstabbing fat bitch.
still, there are things i'm grateful for. without these, i would have lost my mind.
this week, i'm thankful for ...
my eldest sister and her family for coming over to visit us. the pool in our condo which delighted kaikai so much. singapore zoo especially the baboons and the bird with the deadly toenail. hotdogs at underwater world. 4d magix. ikea value for money finds for my sis' new house. nydc mudpies. elmo dvd. connie talbot's angelic voice.vitamin c tablets. evan almighty. purefoods chunky corned beef from manila. zero traffic from airport to office. nice soft blanket. overseas call to check up on my Mom who caught the flu. my younger sister's new job. my dad enjoying his yoyo jelly candy. undy, jumpy and aike bubbles (my niece's stuff toy stash). glass of coke with ice. my trusty green ipod nano. bridge to terabithia dvd. hersheys with almond.
to top the list : my marvelous, perfect-for-me Husby who arranged a trip to HK this weekend so I can recharge in Disneyland.
still, there are things i'm grateful for. without these, i would have lost my mind.
this week, i'm thankful for ...
my eldest sister and her family for coming over to visit us. the pool in our condo which delighted kaikai so much. singapore zoo especially the baboons and the bird with the deadly toenail. hotdogs at underwater world. 4d magix. ikea value for money finds for my sis' new house. nydc mudpies. elmo dvd. connie talbot's angelic voice.vitamin c tablets. evan almighty. purefoods chunky corned beef from manila. zero traffic from airport to office. nice soft blanket. overseas call to check up on my Mom who caught the flu. my younger sister's new job. my dad enjoying his yoyo jelly candy. undy, jumpy and aike bubbles (my niece's stuff toy stash). glass of coke with ice. my trusty green ipod nano. bridge to terabithia dvd. hersheys with almond.
to top the list : my marvelous, perfect-for-me Husby who arranged a trip to HK this weekend so I can recharge in Disneyland.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Today, I'm grateful for ...
I have extended my bedtime ritual and tried to ask myself this morning when I woke up “what do I really really really want?”. It popped out from nowhere “ I want to work in Disney”. Maybe it’s because I feel I’m being forced to grow old in my new role in JJ and I’m losing my child like wonder.
Everyday, with a journal by my bedside, I will ask myself that question everytime soon as I wake up. I will answer it truthfully each day. Over time, I hope my honest answers will let it sort itself out.
Things I’m grateful for today :
1.) That I can work from home. Thanks to broadband and VPN token, I can check and respond to office emails. Thanks to my cozy house, I was able to work without distractions.
2.) Thanks for I-pod. I get to listen to all songs I like all day while working. I find it funny why some people categorize their playlists. For one, those songs were already pre-selected by me so there’s no chance it will play a song I don’t like. I put mine on Shuffle mode all the time. The randomness of the songs take me back either 10 years or just a year ago and with each song evoking a certain feeling and memory. Of the many songs I listened to today, Bamboo’s
Umagang Kay Ganda stood out the best for me. Love the arrangement, love the lyrics.
Halika na pumikit limutin ang problema
Hihintayin ang umaga
Magpahinga, panaginip ang ikaliligaya
Darating din ang umaga
Basta’t tayo’y magkasama
Laging mayroong umagang kay ganda
Pagsikat ng araw
May dalang liwanag
Sa ating pangarap, ooh
Haharapin natin
3.) Thanks to Husby’s books for it gives me a wider selection of stuff to read. You can tell from our bookshelf which are his and which are mine. Mine are largely contemporary, self-help (boohoo!), sappy drama/movie tie-ins, chick lit, some business and corporate books. His is a vast collection of books on horror, fantasy/medieval and classics. Last night, I picked up “Catcher In the Rye” by J.D. Salinger. Interesting read, very different from my feel-good books.
4.) Salted eggs and tomatoes. With leftover tapa. Hot white rice. Perfect lunch. Far cry from my usual cafeteria food.
5.) Walking hand in hand while walking with Husby in the park where we had dinner tonight.
Everyday, with a journal by my bedside, I will ask myself that question everytime soon as I wake up. I will answer it truthfully each day. Over time, I hope my honest answers will let it sort itself out.
Things I’m grateful for today :
1.) That I can work from home. Thanks to broadband and VPN token, I can check and respond to office emails. Thanks to my cozy house, I was able to work without distractions.
2.) Thanks for I-pod. I get to listen to all songs I like all day while working. I find it funny why some people categorize their playlists. For one, those songs were already pre-selected by me so there’s no chance it will play a song I don’t like. I put mine on Shuffle mode all the time. The randomness of the songs take me back either 10 years or just a year ago and with each song evoking a certain feeling and memory. Of the many songs I listened to today, Bamboo’s
Umagang Kay Ganda stood out the best for me. Love the arrangement, love the lyrics.
Halika na pumikit limutin ang problema
Hihintayin ang umaga
Magpahinga, panaginip ang ikaliligaya
Darating din ang umaga
Basta’t tayo’y magkasama
Laging mayroong umagang kay ganda
Pagsikat ng araw
May dalang liwanag
Sa ating pangarap, ooh
Haharapin natin
3.) Thanks to Husby’s books for it gives me a wider selection of stuff to read. You can tell from our bookshelf which are his and which are mine. Mine are largely contemporary, self-help (boohoo!), sappy drama/movie tie-ins, chick lit, some business and corporate books. His is a vast collection of books on horror, fantasy/medieval and classics. Last night, I picked up “Catcher In the Rye” by J.D. Salinger. Interesting read, very different from my feel-good books.
4.) Salted eggs and tomatoes. With leftover tapa. Hot white rice. Perfect lunch. Far cry from my usual cafeteria food.
5.) Walking hand in hand while walking with Husby in the park where we had dinner tonight.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Bedtime Ritual
The Daily Om today (www.dailyom.com) writes about the need for a bedtime ritual. It says nightime rituals hold for us a beautiful chance for self-appreciation and blessing. Before going to bed each night, one must send gratitude, compassion, and healing to the being one has been up to until that moment. This is one way to be consciously engaged in one's own evolution.
I think this can work for me. Husby usually works late and since I can't disturb him much from 10pm onwards, it's usually my "me-time" and I catch up on either my books, TV, DVDs ,work, facebook, blog. Perhaps I can squeeze daily, or should I say nightly, blog entries about things I'm grateful for. Lately, my memory's been quite poor so this should also be a good documentation of my life's blessings and delighters. I will try to skip writing about "usual things I'm forever grateful for" like God, family, friends, house, money, etc. Instead, will focus on something specific for the day. Here goes ...
Today, I'm grateful for :
1.) Friends and 30 Rock. Super funny shows which appeal to my kind of wit and humor. I can watch any episode over and over and never get tired of it - whether on DVD or Star World.
2.) Automated Expense Reports. Back in Manila, our secretary used to do all my expense reports but now that I'm here in SG, I'm on my own. And it's no longer done via Excel which I find too cumbersome. It was my first time to upload ERs in GXRS and quite relieved I won't have to do it again until next month as I've finished up declaring all my receipts for three months worth of business travel, including relocation expenses charged to the company. Organized, photocopied and sent out in sealed envelopes all original receipts! It's a bummer to do admin stuff but now that I finally rolled up my sleeve and did what used to be unthinkable for me is one heck of an achievement I'm proud of today.
3.) Husby's divine homemade tapa. With fried eggs on the side. Been burping since 8pm :)
4.) Project Murni presentation to APLT went by without a hitch. Glad to be part of something which is socially responsible and to be working with a team I genuinely like.
5.) My cabbie drivers today who were both so nice. I love it when a stranger bids you a warm goodbye.
Okay time now to sleep and rest. Tomorrow's another beautiful day.
I think this can work for me. Husby usually works late and since I can't disturb him much from 10pm onwards, it's usually my "me-time" and I catch up on either my books, TV, DVDs ,work, facebook, blog. Perhaps I can squeeze daily, or should I say nightly, blog entries about things I'm grateful for. Lately, my memory's been quite poor so this should also be a good documentation of my life's blessings and delighters. I will try to skip writing about "usual things I'm forever grateful for" like God, family, friends, house, money, etc. Instead, will focus on something specific for the day. Here goes ...
Today, I'm grateful for :
1.) Friends and 30 Rock. Super funny shows which appeal to my kind of wit and humor. I can watch any episode over and over and never get tired of it - whether on DVD or Star World.
2.) Automated Expense Reports. Back in Manila, our secretary used to do all my expense reports but now that I'm here in SG, I'm on my own. And it's no longer done via Excel which I find too cumbersome. It was my first time to upload ERs in GXRS and quite relieved I won't have to do it again until next month as I've finished up declaring all my receipts for three months worth of business travel, including relocation expenses charged to the company. Organized, photocopied and sent out in sealed envelopes all original receipts! It's a bummer to do admin stuff but now that I finally rolled up my sleeve and did what used to be unthinkable for me is one heck of an achievement I'm proud of today.
3.) Husby's divine homemade tapa. With fried eggs on the side. Been burping since 8pm :)
4.) Project Murni presentation to APLT went by without a hitch. Glad to be part of something which is socially responsible and to be working with a team I genuinely like.
5.) My cabbie drivers today who were both so nice. I love it when a stranger bids you a warm goodbye.
Okay time now to sleep and rest. Tomorrow's another beautiful day.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Being with Sonics
That's how we call workmates who are from the country where Taj Mahal is. In local childhood play, we used to chant ****** pana, kakana kana. While we used to call them Pana, apparently, they've decoded that already so we call them Sonic.
Anyway, call me racist but I've never been particularly fond of them. For one, they never fit my description of beauty and second, I can't stand the smell. Call me shallow, ignorant, whatever. I'm just being honest with how I feel.
Anyway, there's a Finance Sonic who drained my energy today. He is so annoying! He pretends to know what he's saying when truth is he doesn't. He thinks delivery, not content, is important. He is questioning me about cost charges when it is his job to figure it out. I swear I will limit my dealings with him because he is draining all that's left of my very little positivity about working in this regional office. Everyone knows he's new, I guess that's his weird way of showing he knows about how things work already. I don't think he will go far in this organization. I pity him.
He was calling for another meeting but I left office without telling him. I did him a favor. One more meeting and he will get a taste of my venom.
Anyway, call me racist but I've never been particularly fond of them. For one, they never fit my description of beauty and second, I can't stand the smell. Call me shallow, ignorant, whatever. I'm just being honest with how I feel.
Anyway, there's a Finance Sonic who drained my energy today. He is so annoying! He pretends to know what he's saying when truth is he doesn't. He thinks delivery, not content, is important. He is questioning me about cost charges when it is his job to figure it out. I swear I will limit my dealings with him because he is draining all that's left of my very little positivity about working in this regional office. Everyone knows he's new, I guess that's his weird way of showing he knows about how things work already. I don't think he will go far in this organization. I pity him.
He was calling for another meeting but I left office without telling him. I did him a favor. One more meeting and he will get a taste of my venom.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Happy Kahit Hapo
I am looking forward to a quiet week. The past three were toxic!
Week 1, Husby's parents came to visit. Week 2, went to Ho Chi Minh for a regional meeting. Week 3, it was my parents' turn to visit and in between, had to host a Global visitor and do an evening telecon with the gods on mid year business status. Re-connected with friends, got to know my workmates a little more, went on a day trip to Kuala Lumpur on a 5 hour coach ride (one way), finally had my foot spa and had a fill of that Singaporean beef jerky.
Tired. With plenty of work backlogs. But thankful. And surprisingly happy.
Not giddy happy, or hysterical happy, or laugh-out-loud happy, or smile-all-day happy, or I-can’t-believe-how-lucky-I-am-happy…I’m just happy.
Week 1, Husby's parents came to visit. Week 2, went to Ho Chi Minh for a regional meeting. Week 3, it was my parents' turn to visit and in between, had to host a Global visitor and do an evening telecon with the gods on mid year business status. Re-connected with friends, got to know my workmates a little more, went on a day trip to Kuala Lumpur on a 5 hour coach ride (one way), finally had my foot spa and had a fill of that Singaporean beef jerky.
Tired. With plenty of work backlogs. But thankful. And surprisingly happy.
Not giddy happy, or hysterical happy, or laugh-out-loud happy, or smile-all-day happy, or I-can’t-believe-how-lucky-I-am-happy…I’m just happy.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Baby Blues
Considering I’ve been married more than four years now, I’m getting really used to people asking me if I already have kids. The questions range from the well-phrased (and hopefully well meaning!) to downright annoying and often hurtful. I remember being told before “To have a baby, you’ve got to want one”. It’s not the words per se but how it was said to me. It was painful and accusatory. And yes I think that made me cry that night.
It has been tough. All the questions put so much pressure on me. The thought of being infertile has crossed my mind. It scares me but for all the times that I thought something was wrong with my body, it would somehow assure me that I was fine.
I’m slowly learning not to let this upset me. I’m actually a bit glad we didn’t have a baby the past years. I would not want to have had a child just to put the questioning pressure to rest. I’m glad that Husby and I still continue to enjoy activities that build ourselves as individuals and as partners. We still act like lovestruck honeymooners after all these years and quite content with our family of two.
I believe in my heart that God will bless us with our Yuan and Yana but it will come in His Own time, not ours. And we’ll wait until then.
It has been tough. All the questions put so much pressure on me. The thought of being infertile has crossed my mind. It scares me but for all the times that I thought something was wrong with my body, it would somehow assure me that I was fine.
I’m slowly learning not to let this upset me. I’m actually a bit glad we didn’t have a baby the past years. I would not want to have had a child just to put the questioning pressure to rest. I’m glad that Husby and I still continue to enjoy activities that build ourselves as individuals and as partners. We still act like lovestruck honeymooners after all these years and quite content with our family of two.
I believe in my heart that God will bless us with our Yuan and Yana but it will come in His Own time, not ours. And we’ll wait until then.
Friday, July 11, 2008
A Declaration of Love
I love my Husby very much.
He always makes sure I’m well-fed. He cooks me my favorite comfort food when he knows I need it. He makes me laugh when I’m in a work rut, teaching and reminding me not to be too high-strung. He pampers me like a queen and puts up with my mood swings. He makes me a cup of coffee even without my asking. He listens to me when I won’t stop talking. He is like a steady rock during my moments of indecisiveness.
He’s my anchor, my center, my best friend.
Husby and I. We sure have a lot of love. For the last 16 years.
There. I just want to declare my love for him.
He always makes sure I’m well-fed. He cooks me my favorite comfort food when he knows I need it. He makes me laugh when I’m in a work rut, teaching and reminding me not to be too high-strung. He pampers me like a queen and puts up with my mood swings. He makes me a cup of coffee even without my asking. He listens to me when I won’t stop talking. He is like a steady rock during my moments of indecisiveness.
He’s my anchor, my center, my best friend.
Husby and I. We sure have a lot of love. For the last 16 years.
There. I just want to declare my love for him.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
My Dream Swing
I've always been fascinated with swings. I was sorting our pictures over the weekend and saw two photos of myself as a child happily smiling seated on a swing.
And since childhood desires always have a way of manifesting when you get old, I actually bought last Sunday a really really expensive teak swing which I will put on our 5th floor patio. God only knows how often I will sit on that swing but owning one gives me such a high.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Nauupos na Kandila
"There will only be one of you for all time. Fearlessly be yourself."
Strong quote for what I consider a small problem. But very helpful indeed.
Ever since I joined my present company, I have always struggled dealing with people from my same department. Back in Pinas, we thankfully didn't work a lot together but those few times, I am always left drained and on the verge of quitting. My move in Singapore brought me nearer to them literally and since we're in proximity, there is an expectation we'll work closely together and more often. The very thought already demotivated me even before coming here, it was in fact one my reasons for initially resisting the idea when boss discussed possible relocation.
And up to now I am really desperately trying to like them but they are just plain unloveable. I am usually very warm to people and over the years, I have mastered the art of congeniality. But they are really testing my patience. You see, they are very arrogant yet untalented, very loud yet not substantive, intimidating yet unbrilliant and very abrasive despite being shallow. They are your know-it-alls without really knowing it all -- which is is darn annoying, right? And the worse part is, people bear with them since this company frowns on confrontation.
I am really really trying to get along. I think I'm succeeding as they seem to think I agree with them. But I don't care so much about how they feel me about me. I care about how I feel everytime my confidence and hope shoots down to zero. The past two days were spent meeting with them on how to improve the current state of our department within the region and I am again disappointed. There is no worse feeling than that of helplessness.
This is a continuing saga and I think this is a first of my many blog entries on this topic. But one thing is for sure I will watch out for. I will never be like one of them. Never. Ever.
Strong quote for what I consider a small problem. But very helpful indeed.
Ever since I joined my present company, I have always struggled dealing with people from my same department. Back in Pinas, we thankfully didn't work a lot together but those few times, I am always left drained and on the verge of quitting. My move in Singapore brought me nearer to them literally and since we're in proximity, there is an expectation we'll work closely together and more often. The very thought already demotivated me even before coming here, it was in fact one my reasons for initially resisting the idea when boss discussed possible relocation.
And up to now I am really desperately trying to like them but they are just plain unloveable. I am usually very warm to people and over the years, I have mastered the art of congeniality. But they are really testing my patience. You see, they are very arrogant yet untalented, very loud yet not substantive, intimidating yet unbrilliant and very abrasive despite being shallow. They are your know-it-alls without really knowing it all -- which is is darn annoying, right? And the worse part is, people bear with them since this company frowns on confrontation.
I am really really trying to get along. I think I'm succeeding as they seem to think I agree with them. But I don't care so much about how they feel me about me. I care about how I feel everytime my confidence and hope shoots down to zero. The past two days were spent meeting with them on how to improve the current state of our department within the region and I am again disappointed. There is no worse feeling than that of helplessness.
This is a continuing saga and I think this is a first of my many blog entries on this topic. But one thing is for sure I will watch out for. I will never be like one of them. Never. Ever.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Rainy Days and Monday
That's my way of justifying why I can't seem to get my mind and body to work today. I have lots of work waiting for me but here I am procrastinating again.
Last Friday, went to KL (my 2nd for this month alone) on a daytrip and had to take the 945pm flight. My headache was so bad because I was sleepy and can't take a nap. I totally missed the Pinoy Mafia celebration in Vivo City last Saturday to rest and forgot my phone charger so wasn't even able to text that I can't make it :(
Anyway, small improvements in the home front. Paintings are already up on the walls, the living room already feels home-y and cozy versus the showroom feel in the last weeks, Husby finally conquered the kitchen and already able to cook sinigang (with lemons!), halabos na hipon, chicken & pork adobo and we even had steak last night. We also discovered good food at a nearby village bar.
Looking forward to family visiting over in July.
Other than that, nothing of significance is happening to me yet here in Singapore. Will have to force Husby and me to go out this weekend and enjoy what the country has to offer.
This is a lame entry. But got to work now so I can leave early today.
Last Friday, went to KL (my 2nd for this month alone) on a daytrip and had to take the 945pm flight. My headache was so bad because I was sleepy and can't take a nap. I totally missed the Pinoy Mafia celebration in Vivo City last Saturday to rest and forgot my phone charger so wasn't even able to text that I can't make it :(
Anyway, small improvements in the home front. Paintings are already up on the walls, the living room already feels home-y and cozy versus the showroom feel in the last weeks, Husby finally conquered the kitchen and already able to cook sinigang (with lemons!), halabos na hipon, chicken & pork adobo and we even had steak last night. We also discovered good food at a nearby village bar.
Looking forward to family visiting over in July.
Other than that, nothing of significance is happening to me yet here in Singapore. Will have to force Husby and me to go out this weekend and enjoy what the country has to offer.
This is a lame entry. But got to work now so I can leave early today.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Squeeze the Lemons!
I'm already starting to shake off some of my sad thoughts and I guess slowly accepting reality that I am now here in Singapore, the land of the Merlion.
Since my blog theme is about seeing the good in this move, am trying to list good things which happened to me on my first week here :
1.) On board my SQ flight from Manila, I was served pork liempo with vinegar. It was divine for an airplane food.
2.) There was no immigration glitch nor excess baggage problems with my 2 huge suitcases.
3.) The serviced apartment in Grand Copthorne is heavenly. It opened up only last May and all the stuff are brand new. In fact, I'm the first occupant in the newly renovated room. It has hidden cabinets for kitchen, ref and washing area. Guest Manager who was thrilled with all my gushing sent over a basket of goodies for me to munch on through the night. There's even a lovely patio overlooking the hotel's tennis courts in the 5th floor.
And guess what this month's buffet theme in the hotel restaurant is? Filipino!!! Lechon, relleno, sinigang, kare kare here I come!!!
4.) Despite the space shortage in our regional office, I was assigned an office room complete with office supplies unimaginable. I even already have my new calling card!
5.) I was able to fill in my lonely nights last week with the company of Pinoy officemates. Three of us went and watched Sex and the City and I cried again (cause I already saw this in Manila) at the scene where Carrie threw the bouquet at Mr Big :) The following day, I bought the movie soundtrack and every Singapore dollar spent was well worth it.
6.) Had my much deserved foot spa and pedicure at a nearby mall (Great World City). The bill made me dizzy but the whole pampering made my day anyway.
7.) Been calling my Mom every night to check on her to see if she's still on her crying mode. Little by little I think she's feeling less melancholic like me.
8.) Husby got in on an earlier flight so instead of agonizing another week, he's here with me and everything seems to be fine now. He is my McDreamy. Seriously.
9.) Shipments from Manila all got released from Singapore Customs without a hitch and will be delivered tomorrow in our new flat at The Estiva. We visited this morning for the key turnover and landlord was gracious enough to even provide spare bulbs (plus of course a washer/dryer and a ref that is taller than me!)
I will not round this list to 10 and will leave this at 9 for now so that I'll be forced to think of more to make a better lemonade...
Since my blog theme is about seeing the good in this move, am trying to list good things which happened to me on my first week here :
1.) On board my SQ flight from Manila, I was served pork liempo with vinegar. It was divine for an airplane food.
2.) There was no immigration glitch nor excess baggage problems with my 2 huge suitcases.
3.) The serviced apartment in Grand Copthorne is heavenly. It opened up only last May and all the stuff are brand new. In fact, I'm the first occupant in the newly renovated room. It has hidden cabinets for kitchen, ref and washing area. Guest Manager who was thrilled with all my gushing sent over a basket of goodies for me to munch on through the night. There's even a lovely patio overlooking the hotel's tennis courts in the 5th floor.
And guess what this month's buffet theme in the hotel restaurant is? Filipino!!! Lechon, relleno, sinigang, kare kare here I come!!!
4.) Despite the space shortage in our regional office, I was assigned an office room complete with office supplies unimaginable. I even already have my new calling card!
5.) I was able to fill in my lonely nights last week with the company of Pinoy officemates. Three of us went and watched Sex and the City and I cried again (cause I already saw this in Manila) at the scene where Carrie threw the bouquet at Mr Big :) The following day, I bought the movie soundtrack and every Singapore dollar spent was well worth it.
6.) Had my much deserved foot spa and pedicure at a nearby mall (Great World City). The bill made me dizzy but the whole pampering made my day anyway.
7.) Been calling my Mom every night to check on her to see if she's still on her crying mode. Little by little I think she's feeling less melancholic like me.
8.) Husby got in on an earlier flight so instead of agonizing another week, he's here with me and everything seems to be fine now. He is my McDreamy. Seriously.
9.) Shipments from Manila all got released from Singapore Customs without a hitch and will be delivered tomorrow in our new flat at The Estiva. We visited this morning for the key turnover and landlord was gracious enough to even provide spare bulbs (plus of course a washer/dryer and a ref that is taller than me!)
I will not round this list to 10 and will leave this at 9 for now so that I'll be forced to think of more to make a better lemonade...
Sunday, June 8, 2008
There's Nothing Good in Family Goodbyes :(
Leaving Manila on a one way ticket was tougher than I thought. I was depressed. No, I was devastated.
D-day happened June 3 and a deep suffocation just enveloped me. My brain is telling me I’m just 3 hours away – not that inaccesible unlike my other sister who's in the US. But really, Singapore is too far if I suddenly feel like having lunch in QC or sponsoring a family bowling tournament. This move to Singapore is supposed to be one of my most exciting life moves but my heart will achingly miss my family and being with them physically. I need to not just talk to them but to be with them. I’ll miss Mom’s “cooking” and my Dad’s monologues. I’ll miss Kai as she grows up. I’ll miss BA as she struggles with her odd job. I’m sure I’ll be seeing them soon but I miss them anyway. It really sucks missing people you love.
The past two weeks before D-Day were spent eating out and playing bowling. On those occasions, it was like having a giant mousse around the room but everyone pretending it wasn’t there. We were all denying to ourselves the sad fact that Husby and I won’t be joining these gatherings for a couple of years or so. We had our last lunch together before I left in our desperate attempt to fool ourselves everything’s normal. Mommy was tearing up and I just had to leave right away. It broke my heart.
I will be okay soon I know. But I just need to let this off my chest now so I can move on and begin my new life here.
Song on my mind : Auld Lang Syne from SATC Soundtrack
D-day happened June 3 and a deep suffocation just enveloped me. My brain is telling me I’m just 3 hours away – not that inaccesible unlike my other sister who's in the US. But really, Singapore is too far if I suddenly feel like having lunch in QC or sponsoring a family bowling tournament. This move to Singapore is supposed to be one of my most exciting life moves but my heart will achingly miss my family and being with them physically. I need to not just talk to them but to be with them. I’ll miss Mom’s “cooking” and my Dad’s monologues. I’ll miss Kai as she grows up. I’ll miss BA as she struggles with her odd job. I’m sure I’ll be seeing them soon but I miss them anyway. It really sucks missing people you love.
The past two weeks before D-Day were spent eating out and playing bowling. On those occasions, it was like having a giant mousse around the room but everyone pretending it wasn’t there. We were all denying to ourselves the sad fact that Husby and I won’t be joining these gatherings for a couple of years or so. We had our last lunch together before I left in our desperate attempt to fool ourselves everything’s normal. Mommy was tearing up and I just had to leave right away. It broke my heart.
I will be okay soon I know. But I just need to let this off my chest now so I can move on and begin my new life here.
Song on my mind : Auld Lang Syne from SATC Soundtrack
Monday, May 26, 2008
Two Weeks-Lah
Highlights of Last Two Weeks :
1.) Found our Singapore flat. Finally. A three bedroom penthouse with three patios.
2.) Took the in-laws around Singapore. Glad they're genuinely happy about our move.
3.) Promotion announcement hasn't come out yet. True to our consensus-building office, it has to be aligned with everyone in the planet first. Will no longer bother following up. I have the promotion and that's what matters.
4.) Sat in very grueling & mentally draining first round strategy presentations for one week - ranging from face cream to shower gel to tampons to digestive health tablets! Truly appreciate the opportunity to sit in these meetings but it really takes a toll on my brain cells (which I think is decreasing talaga as I age!)
5.) Goddess Boss, once again, inspired me and made me realize why I need to take this job. Did her welcome and wrap up sheets which I truly don't mind doing. It's such a small thing I can do to help her in exchange for all the learning opportunities she's opening for me.
The hurly-burly of the move is slowly closing in. Movers are coming to assess the furnitures and appliances we're shipping and if all is set, it's sayonara Manila next Tuesday. Someone was keen on buying my RAV4 today and I can't help but feel sentimental. It is my first SUV and I really enjoyed driving it -- it's such a girly car. Will have to let it go already tomorrow as I don't have much time to look for more buyers.
Sometimes whirlwind is much better. I've delayed this move long enough. It's time to face the music.
1.) Found our Singapore flat. Finally. A three bedroom penthouse with three patios.
2.) Took the in-laws around Singapore. Glad they're genuinely happy about our move.
3.) Promotion announcement hasn't come out yet. True to our consensus-building office, it has to be aligned with everyone in the planet first. Will no longer bother following up. I have the promotion and that's what matters.
4.) Sat in very grueling & mentally draining first round strategy presentations for one week - ranging from face cream to shower gel to tampons to digestive health tablets! Truly appreciate the opportunity to sit in these meetings but it really takes a toll on my brain cells (which I think is decreasing talaga as I age!)
5.) Goddess Boss, once again, inspired me and made me realize why I need to take this job. Did her welcome and wrap up sheets which I truly don't mind doing. It's such a small thing I can do to help her in exchange for all the learning opportunities she's opening for me.
The hurly-burly of the move is slowly closing in. Movers are coming to assess the furnitures and appliances we're shipping and if all is set, it's sayonara Manila next Tuesday. Someone was keen on buying my RAV4 today and I can't help but feel sentimental. It is my first SUV and I really enjoyed driving it -- it's such a girly car. Will have to let it go already tomorrow as I don't have much time to look for more buyers.
Sometimes whirlwind is much better. I've delayed this move long enough. It's time to face the music.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Surviving But Not Progressing-lah
Surviving my first week so far. Saw another flat we loved on the first day of search -- comes with a zen fountain, a huge patio and entertainment system. And we lost it again to another bidder on our way back to the hotel for an additional S$500 a month. One thing I'm learning about this country is that money really talks - hindi uso ang palabra de honor dito! So off we go again to search but the trouble with this is that we've seen enough flats to know which ones suck and which ones are a steal. And we will no longer settle for usual, boxy flats. Sigh.
News of promotion got a bit delayed. Will come out next week instead of this week. The god of the gods have issues with the title. It's been made clear to me it's not the promotion he is questioning, in fact, his suggested title implies I head the entire Asia Pacific function. Which scared the bejeezus out of me and my boss! It's just too soon for me. Anyway, the god of the gods prevailed and my title now sounds so broad it scares me. The other god even insinuates reporting lines to me of the country-based folks. Kill me now!
I also lost an important family "heirloom" last Wednesday. It was handed down by my Grandma to my Mom and supposedly I will have to pass it on to my daughter. But I lost it. So unceremoniously. I can't even trace where I might have dropped it. Maybe it was designed that way so that I will have an easier time letting go. Still it pains me to have lost it. I'm just consoled by the thought that whoever picks it might have better use of it than me :(
Instead of viewing houses today, I'm being called to the office. Husby will do the viewing alone which thankfully he agreed to. For a control freak like me, I feel I'm being tested. I'm still not crazy so I guess I'm still passing the test.
Song on my head right now : Avenue Q's "For Now"
News of promotion got a bit delayed. Will come out next week instead of this week. The god of the gods have issues with the title. It's been made clear to me it's not the promotion he is questioning, in fact, his suggested title implies I head the entire Asia Pacific function. Which scared the bejeezus out of me and my boss! It's just too soon for me. Anyway, the god of the gods prevailed and my title now sounds so broad it scares me. The other god even insinuates reporting lines to me of the country-based folks. Kill me now!
I also lost an important family "heirloom" last Wednesday. It was handed down by my Grandma to my Mom and supposedly I will have to pass it on to my daughter. But I lost it. So unceremoniously. I can't even trace where I might have dropped it. Maybe it was designed that way so that I will have an easier time letting go. Still it pains me to have lost it. I'm just consoled by the thought that whoever picks it might have better use of it than me :(
Instead of viewing houses today, I'm being called to the office. Husby will do the viewing alone which thankfully he agreed to. For a control freak like me, I feel I'm being tested. I'm still not crazy so I guess I'm still passing the test.
Song on my head right now : Avenue Q's "For Now"
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Dreading the Next Two Weeks
Will be spending the next two weeks in Singapore again starting tomorrow -- one week for house hunting, the other week for series of meetings. And I'm dreading both.
We will do the tiring task of finding a place to live in in the next 3 years all over again because the previous flat owner didn't honor his word. And this time there is so much pressure because 1.) we're already set to move in June 1 and 2.) we've decided to bring ALL our stuff to have our current place rented out to earn money. So we will have to make sure our sofa, daybed, beds, dining set, everything fits smugly. There is no leaving Singapore until we find a flat. The next time we fly back on June 1, all should already be in place. TOUGH!!!
At work, news of my promotion will come out next week. I know there will be a few eyebrows raised and some will plot to make things even tougher for me. Sigh. And that's why I dread to show up in that week-long meeting as people will have expectations which is such a shame considering that they've been in those high positions long enough and have not even shown brilliance. They've not shown good examples for me to follow so I feel really on my own entering this really snooty "directorial" and "regional" world. Geez, that's really why they call it WORK, it's no fun at all. Imagine, I'm getting promoted and expatriated to a first world and I'm loathing it. Duh ...
We will do the tiring task of finding a place to live in in the next 3 years all over again because the previous flat owner didn't honor his word. And this time there is so much pressure because 1.) we're already set to move in June 1 and 2.) we've decided to bring ALL our stuff to have our current place rented out to earn money. So we will have to make sure our sofa, daybed, beds, dining set, everything fits smugly. There is no leaving Singapore until we find a flat. The next time we fly back on June 1, all should already be in place. TOUGH!!!
At work, news of my promotion will come out next week. I know there will be a few eyebrows raised and some will plot to make things even tougher for me. Sigh. And that's why I dread to show up in that week-long meeting as people will have expectations which is such a shame considering that they've been in those high positions long enough and have not even shown brilliance. They've not shown good examples for me to follow so I feel really on my own entering this really snooty "directorial" and "regional" world. Geez, that's really why they call it WORK, it's no fun at all. Imagine, I'm getting promoted and expatriated to a first world and I'm loathing it. Duh ...
On the family front though, everything is great. Once again, Husby and I managed to please both our families in one weekend. Saturday was spent treating my peeps to bowling and dinner while Sunday was spent having lunch with his. I gave my Mom an I-pod and loaded it with her favorite songs of yesteryears which I surprisingly all found in Limewire. She loved it! The real gift she said was not the I-pod but the time her career-driven, time-starved daughter took to search and load the songs. Sniff, sniff ...
The next few weeks will be tough I know. I will hang on and pray I make it through safely:)
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The best is yet to come. Believe it.
That's how my horoscope went on the newspaper I was reading on my way to Ho Chi Minh. Spent the weekend there to prepare for the Council of Gods meeting. It was exhausting but well worth the effort.
I presented to the Council -- a feat that is not given to many. It wasn't a threatening presentation, just an overview of Vietnam and the details of the immersion but it did pass my personal standards. I was happy with what I was able to accomplish. I was also told by the gods that I did an excellent job considering I was the youngest and the lowest of ranks inside that meeting - the proverbial "tawilis" in the corporate pond.
I also felt a genuine energy with the Vietnam team who helped me a lot with the legwork. I gave them the airtime they also wanted in exchange. There was also a silent understanding that I was the one who worked on the strategy deck presented by one of my many bosses and I'm content with that because the people that mattered knew it came from me.
My goddess boss also took time out to SMS me that I can sit in on those high level global discussions if I wanted to. A sure sign she's pleased with me.
Maybe my Singapore stint is really off to a good start, career wise.
Indeed the best is yet to come. And I believe it.
I presented to the Council -- a feat that is not given to many. It wasn't a threatening presentation, just an overview of Vietnam and the details of the immersion but it did pass my personal standards. I was happy with what I was able to accomplish. I was also told by the gods that I did an excellent job considering I was the youngest and the lowest of ranks inside that meeting - the proverbial "tawilis" in the corporate pond.
I also felt a genuine energy with the Vietnam team who helped me a lot with the legwork. I gave them the airtime they also wanted in exchange. There was also a silent understanding that I was the one who worked on the strategy deck presented by one of my many bosses and I'm content with that because the people that mattered knew it came from me.
My goddess boss also took time out to SMS me that I can sit in on those high level global discussions if I wanted to. A sure sign she's pleased with me.
Maybe my Singapore stint is really off to a good start, career wise.
Indeed the best is yet to come. And I believe it.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Happy Thoughts
Been feeling down lately and need to pull myself up.
Need to force myself to think happy thoughts or I'll go crazy.
So today, I'm grateful for :
1.) The summer rain. And the sound it makes as I type this blog. And the much needed cool it brings to this terribly humid place called Manila.
2.) The smell of home-cooked tocino my husband lovingly prepared tonight. And all the other meals he cooks for us. For the last five years. I feel so loved.
3.) The wisdom I find inside a book I read today. And the time I found to read a book finally from ignoring my laptop and not reading my work emails.
4.) Seeing my husband having a good time with his "guilty pleasures". Thank goodness he knows himself and what he wants. His strength rubs off on me.
5.) For the email I received from my childhood best friend telling me about her newborn baby. It reminded me of what's truly important.
I do have a lot more to be grateful for (including my shopping spree high today!). This is so liberating. Will have to do this more often.
Need to force myself to think happy thoughts or I'll go crazy.
So today, I'm grateful for :
1.) The summer rain. And the sound it makes as I type this blog. And the much needed cool it brings to this terribly humid place called Manila.
2.) The smell of home-cooked tocino my husband lovingly prepared tonight. And all the other meals he cooks for us. For the last five years. I feel so loved.
3.) The wisdom I find inside a book I read today. And the time I found to read a book finally from ignoring my laptop and not reading my work emails.
4.) Seeing my husband having a good time with his "guilty pleasures". Thank goodness he knows himself and what he wants. His strength rubs off on me.
5.) For the email I received from my childhood best friend telling me about her newborn baby. It reminded me of what's truly important.
I do have a lot more to be grateful for (including my shopping spree high today!). This is so liberating. Will have to do this more often.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Sick-lah
I am one sicky wicky piggie today. My nose allergy acted up again together with some pent-up cold because of shitty Manila weather lately (rainy-sunny, hot-cold). I feel really ugly when this happens. My nose is all red and stuffed, my eyebags puff out and my head weighs a ton.
But I figured this is my body's way of getting back at me. (Side kwento, I remember an ex-officemate who is feeling "arrived" and he responded to me in hard accent with " I will get back AT you" - instead of "I will get back TO you" the one time I asked him about some car-related document question. And of course I almost choked from laughing inside hehe). So anyway what I'm trying to say is that my sniffles is my body's way of reflecting my sad state of emotional health lately.
Aside from my body, I've also not been taking good care of my career and my relationships. Yup, how can I suck in all things important to me? The answer escapes me. I feel my life is in disarray. And this is bad for such a drama queen like me.
The sad fact is, because I am such a rational, analytical person, I know what needs to be done. But I just couldn't begin doing things I know will be good for me. And most of my rantings are probably unfounded.
I need a really good pause. I need focus.
But I figured this is my body's way of getting back at me. (Side kwento, I remember an ex-officemate who is feeling "arrived" and he responded to me in hard accent with " I will get back AT you" - instead of "I will get back TO you" the one time I asked him about some car-related document question. And of course I almost choked from laughing inside hehe). So anyway what I'm trying to say is that my sniffles is my body's way of reflecting my sad state of emotional health lately.
Aside from my body, I've also not been taking good care of my career and my relationships. Yup, how can I suck in all things important to me? The answer escapes me. I feel my life is in disarray. And this is bad for such a drama queen like me.
The sad fact is, because I am such a rational, analytical person, I know what needs to be done. But I just couldn't begin doing things I know will be good for me. And most of my rantings are probably unfounded.
I need a really good pause. I need focus.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
No Progress-lah
For someone going to spend the next three years in a foreign country starting June, I am way too far in terms of preparation. Well for starters, I already renewed my passport which means they can already stamp my EP the next time I go to Singapore but due to paper shortage, I won't get my passport until last day of April. And looking at my May calendar, I'm not too optimistic I'll find time to pack my stuff. I also was able to finally open a checking account to better manage my local currency salary but still need to enroll in that online thingie. I have not also made progress in terms of emotional preparation although I did make a major step yesterday by going to a dermatologist for a strict skin care regimen because this thing is something I can no longer afford in Singapore. Hmm, not sure if that counts at all as preparation!
I can no longer delay the move but I'm not lifting a finger. It's too late for a denial now. I am so lost.
I can no longer delay the move but I'm not lifting a finger. It's too late for a denial now. I am so lost.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Separation Anxiety-lah
The long weekend was one of those rare moments when Husby travelled and I was left at home. Thankfully, have found bliss in my new hobby --- scrapbooking!!! Well not the real deal yet, it's more like sorting our pics and putting in fancy embellishments and texts on each page. Especially now that I've been having some memory gaps, it pays to invest time in documenting our travels. As said before, when you're memory is gone, all you have left are pictures heheh.
Anyway, thankfully too my younger sister works near so invited her over to spend the weekend and to bum around. She had a blast watching old movie reruns while I had the OC attack and organized and filed all our music CDs and DVDs -- with classifications to boot :) Next project will be to organize and group together our book collection which is indeed very ambitious so I don't dare start something I know I might not get to finish :)
And of course I have the longest introduction ...
Why separation anxiety? Well, last Sunday, sis and I had lunch with the folks in QC and Mom prepared two of my favorite dishes. She cooked it herself and the eggplant was a bit salty while the sinigang was a bit bland. But man, it tasted heavenly to me:) It's been a while since Mom last cooked, she actually prefers to "mando" in her kitchen (may pinagmanahan ako!~). Her point is that the usual Sunday lunches are not the same what with three of her daughters away from home, and the pinakamagana kumain (moi!) already has a good cook for a husband.
And so she cooked again for me last Sunday. Because I requested and she gamely obliged my plea for homecooked meal after two days of fastfood take out. And yesterday, the separation anxiety bit me.
Yup, found myself crying over the thought I can't just go to QC to taste my Mom's cooking when I'm already based in Singapore :( Or to listen to my Dad's endless senseless rantings..or to just lie on my old bed.. or play with Massey ... or pull silly jokes on my sister...
I'll miss it and I hope I don't self destruct in Singapore. These are the very things that keep me sane and keeps me grounded on who the real me is... now if I can only make a scrapbook of these thoughts to take with me to Singapore ...
Anyway, thankfully too my younger sister works near so invited her over to spend the weekend and to bum around. She had a blast watching old movie reruns while I had the OC attack and organized and filed all our music CDs and DVDs -- with classifications to boot :) Next project will be to organize and group together our book collection which is indeed very ambitious so I don't dare start something I know I might not get to finish :)
And of course I have the longest introduction ...
Why separation anxiety? Well, last Sunday, sis and I had lunch with the folks in QC and Mom prepared two of my favorite dishes. She cooked it herself and the eggplant was a bit salty while the sinigang was a bit bland. But man, it tasted heavenly to me:) It's been a while since Mom last cooked, she actually prefers to "mando" in her kitchen (may pinagmanahan ako!~). Her point is that the usual Sunday lunches are not the same what with three of her daughters away from home, and the pinakamagana kumain (moi!) already has a good cook for a husband.
And so she cooked again for me last Sunday. Because I requested and she gamely obliged my plea for homecooked meal after two days of fastfood take out. And yesterday, the separation anxiety bit me.
Yup, found myself crying over the thought I can't just go to QC to taste my Mom's cooking when I'm already based in Singapore :( Or to listen to my Dad's endless senseless rantings..or to just lie on my old bed.. or play with Massey ... or pull silly jokes on my sister...
I'll miss it and I hope I don't self destruct in Singapore. These are the very things that keep me sane and keeps me grounded on who the real me is... now if I can only make a scrapbook of these thoughts to take with me to Singapore ...
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Gone too soon-lah
the flat i was raving about is gone.
nope it wasn't demolished or swallowed underground. although i am secretly wishing this happened instead though.
those f*cking owners accepted a higher bid without even giving us a chance to counter offer. they gave us a verbal acceptance and apparently it doesn't hold much water for those stupid farts. i am terribly upset because that means we have to go look again and believe me flat-hunting wasn't something we enjoyed doing!
the situation though was offset by a conversation i had this morning with our hr folk. turns out, since i am due for promotion, i am entitled to a MUCH bigger housing allowance ergo more condo choices for us. and a MUCH higher transpo allowance which means accessibility shouldn't be a consideration. as you know, public commute is a way of life here -- mode of transport is BMW which stands for Bus, MRT & Walking!!!
and given that the loss of the flat wasn't our fault, we are entitled to another round of look-see, charged to company of course :)
i know i shouldn't be investing emotionally in the flat selection but i can't help it. it will be our house for the next three years even though we'll just be renting it. in fact if we're shrewd, we can pocket half of the allowance and settle for a tiny dingy place. hmm, not a bad idea ...
nope it wasn't demolished or swallowed underground. although i am secretly wishing this happened instead though.
those f*cking owners accepted a higher bid without even giving us a chance to counter offer. they gave us a verbal acceptance and apparently it doesn't hold much water for those stupid farts. i am terribly upset because that means we have to go look again and believe me flat-hunting wasn't something we enjoyed doing!
the situation though was offset by a conversation i had this morning with our hr folk. turns out, since i am due for promotion, i am entitled to a MUCH bigger housing allowance ergo more condo choices for us. and a MUCH higher transpo allowance which means accessibility shouldn't be a consideration. as you know, public commute is a way of life here -- mode of transport is BMW which stands for Bus, MRT & Walking!!!
and given that the loss of the flat wasn't our fault, we are entitled to another round of look-see, charged to company of course :)
i know i shouldn't be investing emotionally in the flat selection but i can't help it. it will be our house for the next three years even though we'll just be renting it. in fact if we're shrewd, we can pocket half of the allowance and settle for a tiny dingy place. hmm, not a bad idea ...
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Look-See Lah
our singapore adventure began this week...
husband and i spent the week on a look-see trip i.e. finding a flat.
guess what? we found one Day 1 of our search. we were efficient. and we knew what we wanted.
before that, the look see began with a singapore tour. valerie, our guide, was friendly and took us first to east coast for coffee, then little arab for jalan-jalan (walk-walk!), to little india for mustafa window shopping, holland village for parissilk appliance window shopping and to other not so touristy places in singapore -- you know, the kinds of places you need to know once you start living in the country a.k.a. stuff I didn't read in my "Living in Singapore" book! the tour started 9:30am and ended at 4:30, it was amazing (husby's pronounciation : a-mai-zing) how big Singapore can be!
day 1 of house search with daniel kang, our uber-groovy realtor, went really well. as i said, we found the flat we loved right away. it's called the cassandra at pasir panjang. not the grooviest name but definitely better than living in bukit batok :) the flat is ultra-zen with gorgeous dark wood finishings. flat already comes with everything we need to move in tomorrow - couch, dining set, kitchen stuff, 5 split aircons and owner is even willing to throw in a flat TV! oh and it comes with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (with a bathtub!) and a really lovely study/nook area. plus the customary "bomb shelter room" which doubles as storage room. what's also good is that it's not a high density condo, it only has 20 units which means only 20 neighbors to deal with. it's also a bus ride away from Vivo City - the biggest mall in SG :)
after that, we did nothing but eat. hey, it's an all-expenses paid trip for two so might as well enjoy. nothing ridiculously expensive though, mostly friday-dates type of restos. top of the list : din-tai-fung with their addictive dumplings and noodles, thai bistro with their to-die-for curry softshell crab, lulu with the "flaming" prawn skewers and of course nibbling on kaya toast (ala Singaporean pandecoco!)
also lazed around at kinokuniya which drove husby crazy with its ultra wide variety of books and did the customary lucky plaza visit. yup, we did not pass up the chance to taste the pinoy dishes in kabayan pinoy restaurant and their delicious sapin-sapin. beside it was a pinoy grocery complete with Yes magazine, chocnut, lorins patis, knorr seasoning, lala fish cracker and mang tomas lechon sauce - all of my guilty pleasures!!!
if the look-see is an indication of the life we're going to have in singapore, then i think we'll do great here. fingers crossed.
husband and i spent the week on a look-see trip i.e. finding a flat.
guess what? we found one Day 1 of our search. we were efficient. and we knew what we wanted.
before that, the look see began with a singapore tour. valerie, our guide, was friendly and took us first to east coast for coffee, then little arab for jalan-jalan (walk-walk!), to little india for mustafa window shopping, holland village for parissilk appliance window shopping and to other not so touristy places in singapore -- you know, the kinds of places you need to know once you start living in the country a.k.a. stuff I didn't read in my "Living in Singapore" book! the tour started 9:30am and ended at 4:30, it was amazing (husby's pronounciation : a-mai-zing) how big Singapore can be!
day 1 of house search with daniel kang, our uber-groovy realtor, went really well. as i said, we found the flat we loved right away. it's called the cassandra at pasir panjang. not the grooviest name but definitely better than living in bukit batok :) the flat is ultra-zen with gorgeous dark wood finishings. flat already comes with everything we need to move in tomorrow - couch, dining set, kitchen stuff, 5 split aircons and owner is even willing to throw in a flat TV! oh and it comes with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (with a bathtub!) and a really lovely study/nook area. plus the customary "bomb shelter room" which doubles as storage room. what's also good is that it's not a high density condo, it only has 20 units which means only 20 neighbors to deal with. it's also a bus ride away from Vivo City - the biggest mall in SG :)
after that, we did nothing but eat. hey, it's an all-expenses paid trip for two so might as well enjoy. nothing ridiculously expensive though, mostly friday-dates type of restos. top of the list : din-tai-fung with their addictive dumplings and noodles, thai bistro with their to-die-for curry softshell crab, lulu with the "flaming" prawn skewers and of course nibbling on kaya toast (ala Singaporean pandecoco!)
also lazed around at kinokuniya which drove husby crazy with its ultra wide variety of books and did the customary lucky plaza visit. yup, we did not pass up the chance to taste the pinoy dishes in kabayan pinoy restaurant and their delicious sapin-sapin. beside it was a pinoy grocery complete with Yes magazine, chocnut, lorins patis, knorr seasoning, lala fish cracker and mang tomas lechon sauce - all of my guilty pleasures!!!
if the look-see is an indication of the life we're going to have in singapore, then i think we'll do great here. fingers crossed.
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