THIS and THAT

I have to make something productive from my “4 days off – 1 day duty – 4 days off again” schedule.  I am thankful for having this off duties as a preparation for my sabbatical leave but I can’t go shopping everyday or else I won’t be having any pocket money.  I have spent my off duties thinking about things that have been happening recently.  

First, UAE just celebrated its 43^rd National Day.  I was in awe seeing how people in UAE pay tribute to their country.  I saw all stores putting up UAE flag, t-shirts, caps and others in their display.  Even the hospital I worked at, built a giant LED screen which flaunted moving images of UAE flag and fireworks.  I could see Ferrari sports cars painted with UAE flag.  Too bad, I wasn’t able to take pictures.  But I bought some souvenirs for my “inaanak” and a pink camel for Mikka. 

Secondly, I was in shocked to learn that an American teacher was brutally stabbed to death in the bathroom of one of the malls here in Abu Dhabi. When I first came to this place, I was also hesitant to go out alone because of the experienced I had while working in Saudi.  But UAE is very different.  I consider this place as one of the safest.  I can walk in the street at night and wear mini skirt, sleeve less clothes and short pants without worrying.  But this news gave me goose bumps because the suspect killed the American teacher without any clear reason.  I just think that this random incident can happen anywhere not just in UAE. Only God knows our fate.

Lastly, I am going home soon! And I am so excited! Though it is a short vacation, I am going to make everyday counts.  I already put the activities on my printed ESS schedule but unfortunately I lost it in NICU. However, my parcel didn’t arrive yet and it will be delayed because of the storm but I am hoping we will arrive together.  Most of my pasalubongs are there.  Anyway, I already packed my things but I still have a lot to stack. 

The Christmas tree and decors are courtesy of my artistic flatmates :)

 To my family and friends, stay safe.  The Christmas gift I am now praying to God is to spare our country from another calamity.  See you soon Pinas…

Let It Be...

With the latest changes in my work life, I realized life is not constant.  There will always be changes not just in work but in all aspect of life itself.  For the past 9 months, I have already been comfortable with my lifestyle here in Abu Dhabi but there will always be people and circumstances that will deviate it.  I really hope my husband will come soon, so I can also pursue my plans with God’s help.

Maybe getting older makes me prioritize God and my family.  My work life consists 10%, my social life 10% and my “alone time” also 10%.  Having completed half of my existence in this universe, I just want to enjoy the remaining half. 

So I want to be positive and embrace these changes. At least after 3pm, I still have time to go window shopping with friends. Or after 11pm, my colleagues and I have time to eat out at a 24-hour restaurant or have fun at “ladies nights” bar enjoying free drinks.  Or after 7am, I still have a lot of time to chat with my family and sleep until going back to work at 11pm.

Life is a cycle of opportunities, so I don’t have time to worry.  Let it be and have fun :)

WORKING AWAY FROM HOME

It has been 6 months since I started working in Abu Dhabi. I miss home, my family and everything about Bacolod.  Many Filipinos desire to work abroad to earn much money but with big earnings come homesickness and loneliness.  I have been spending my free time shopping, eating out, watching movies and lying in my bed.   Yes, I have a lot of free time than working as a housewife but it is useless spending it alone.

 I don’t buy much for myself, rather I enjoy buying something for my family even just the thought of buying for other people fill my homesickness.  I have bought a lot of clothes for my daughter because I miss her so much.  I don’t mind spending money on birthday and Christmas gifts thou I may send it to them later. I guess working away from home makes me a shopaholic during my day off.

 I got to eat good food but every time I’m eating I would like it better to share with my hubby and daughter.  I realize the taste of food is more delicious while having it with the one you love.  I remembered the time when my hubby and I spent our weekends eating siomai, shawarma, dalumbalay burger, ramyun and so on, those were delicious.  I have been eating a lot of steak, pizzas, burgers, pastas and so on but it all tastes the same, nothing special.  I still enjoyed eating ice cream with my daughter in 7-11 rather eating Ben and Jerry’s, Haagen Daz, London Diary, Cold Stone and other.  I guess working away from home makes my taste buds bland.

Despite my homesickness, I thank God for giving me this opportunity to work in Abu Dhabi.  I never thought I would be working here since I encountered problems processing my license.  In due time, I believe He will let my family be here.   I am very eager to share wonderful memories with my family.  I guess working away from home will be exciting and fulfilling.

Hello 2014

2014 is going to be a happy year.  I don't like making new year's resolution because i won't keep it anyway.  But this year I am determined to do something relevant to myself. I haven't written any blogs since March 2013 because I was so busy with my job and family life. So, this year, I want to write more.  I also want to do other activities that I enjoy such as reading a book, making my daughter's photo album and teaching her how to play the piano. Secondly, I want to get rid of my beer belly. So far, I am in the heaviest weight I have since I was pregnant. It made me uncomfortable most of the time so I want to lose gradually by exercising, getting rid of soft drinks and eating a balance diet. And lastly, I want to spend more quality time with hubby and daughter outside our home. I think it is a good way to bond and relieve my stress from work and home. I hope my 2014 will be a fruitful year *_* Crossing my fingers *_*