Excited to be Home

Oh yeah, it's that time of the year when it's a MUST for us to be home with our families. If you think about it, there is actually a lot of good places to go to to celebrate this season without work interruption. My husband is officially on leave while my company is on shutdown (no operations, no work).  But as I repeatedly say, our parents are already old and my nieces and nephews are growing up so fast. I don't want to look back to this day in the future and say "I should have spent more time with them".

Enough of the drama!  

So, I"m making a list of my to-do's prior to going home.  Here are my priority activities and need to make sure I have evrything with me:

1. Do bank transactions. You know how crude our banking system -- everything has to be printed & filed in your branch of account, even as simple as updating your address. 

2. Visit an OB and a specialist -- hopefully 2014 will be "the" year

3. Go to a dermatologist -- the last time I had my facial here, it left me a big scar in the middle of my forehead. So NEVER EVER will I try it again here

4. Meet up with special friends --  I said special because during this time of the year, parties, get togethers are left and right. So let's see who will allocate time for me :-) Ergo,I need to buy gifts for these special people. 

7 days to go....tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock....

Postcard

I was already working when we  had our first landline installed. Not because we can't afford it but simply because the technology in communication was not yet advanced that time (cellphone was not even a known word) and sad to say, private companies and the government were not investing on it as well. So only a few houses in our street will have one. If you need to make a call, go to your nearest pay phone booth. Oh yeah, I remember back in college when I had to drop several 25cent coins just to make sure I don't get cut as I was asking a classmate of a lesson I missed. She was even laughing because she can hear tricycles in the background. 

When it's summer time, the only way I get connected with friends is by writing letters. I have 3-4 classmates I write to regularly. We exchange letters almost every two weeks (because ordinary mail takes around 7 days). And take note, these are handwritten letters that are 3-7 pages (back to back yellow pad). 

Fast forward the time.....just last week, I received a postcard and saw it in our doorstep. From afar, I can see the postcard and I initially thought the apartment was giving away free postcards. But I noticed the airmail stamp and suddenly I felt excited that someone actually sent me a real postcard. The feeling reminded me so much of what I shared earlier --- writing long letters, going to the post office to drop it off then waiting for the mailman to arrive after a week or so. In this day and age, I am not sure if there are still people sending handwritten letters/postcards. 

For someone who used to write, send and receive handwritten letters/postcard, this postcard is very very much appreciated. appreciated.  

Another topic about Rain

I grew up in the city and strong rains never really bothered me at all.

I remember my father, sister and I would usually walk, literally walk, amidst the flood in my neighboring hometown. Little did I know that that activity will soon come in handy. Yes, when I learned how to drive and it's traffic in the main road, I usually take the inner streets. Back then flood water wasn't that "dirty." I mean I can still see the road and I remember kids playing outside, under the rain.

When I started working, I still enjoy it when it's raining. In fact that is the time I would usually invite friends for a lunch out or go to a nearby mall (which was Greenbelt). I just love walking in the rain -- no sweat, no sunburns! Just the cool air touching my skin. 

But now....na-ah! Just the sight of flood water makes me think of all the possible diseases I can acquire. Going outside the building scares me of the worse traffic scenarios. Lastly, the accidents -- falling branches of trees, falling billboards. 

Oh how I miss how life was simple and 'cleaner' then....

Baguio (Late Post)

The last time I was here was year 2004 with my friends in MBA school. The last time I was with my family was way back college graduation. Now, it's more fun as we have kiddos, my pamangkins, with  us.

<backtrack>

When I went home last April, my sister told me their family is going to Baguio early May and since the vacation house can accommodate more people she floated the idea of us (me & my parents) joining them. It was a no for me as my return flight is scheduled that same weekend and SG airlines flight for the following week was already full. But persistence is the key. I don't know how my sister did it but an hour after, she told me that she was able to rebook my flight. I even thought it was a joke because I've been calling for days but it only took her like 5 min. My doubts were confirmed when I received a confirmation email of my new sched.

So, the next question -- how to get there.   Do we bring our own car,  ride with my sister or just take the public transpo?  Both my parents are discouraged by their doctors to take long road trips (in the Philippines). Driving on our roads is like driving on the moon. For someone who has heart problems, that is not advisable. My parents and I decided to take the bus....yes, Victory Liner at its best. They have a "1st class bus" that has wifi, tablet (which you can borrow in case you don't have one) and reclining seats!!!!

Yeah, that's me enjoying their 1st class service. We got the 1st row seats so there was really a lot of leg room. Not to mention, they offer snacks (junkie, cupcake & bottled water)

It only took us 4 hours as it was an express ride. No need to stop-over as they also have toilet inside the bus. I think we it was a good decision as it was totally hassle-free. You just sleep and when you wake up, you're already in Baguio!

We went to the usual places and my my my....it really has changed a lot. Like in Mines View Park, I was surprised with so many market stalls. I can still remember it was only along the road where people would sell their stuff.

Anyway, my new escapades in this trip include the following:

Strawberry shortcake from Vizco's which is really worth a try. Calamansi cake from a Mongolian (buffet) restaurant.

They say Baguio is not complete without stopping by Choco-Latte de Batirol.

 It is a hot, thick bittersweet blend with a distinctive texture

I don't have pictures inside SM Baguio but that's another new to me. Well, I really hope we can go back there again this time with my hubby. Let's see...what about spending Xmas there.....

Updates

My sis told me to update my blog so here it goes...

I was not able to update my blog, and I just can't find the time to do it, when we went to the PHL Compared to Phnom Penh, Manila is not yet wired. There are still few establishments that offer free wifi. Even in Starbucks, you need to buy a prepaid card to be able to connect. That said, I seldom bring with me gadgets when i step out of the house. When I am home, I am multi tasking with work and time with family. 

A week before my departure, unfortunately the hard drive of my laptop crashed! I wasn't prepared for it so the last back up was some time in April of 2012. One year of files were gone, just like that. I was in a week of denial, hoping that our IT folks can still recover my files. Two weeks before my deadline for a BIG project under my NEW boss awakened me from that denial. Two months worth of research I have to do it in two weeks but this time it should include my analysis and recommendations. I was literally in a Do Not Disturb mode. To make it short, I was successful in my deliverable. If the content makes sense, let's see next week when the legal team gives their feedback. 

It was just really last week when I felt I was back to normal. My boss was on leave the entire week so it allowed me to catch up with work -- respond to backlog emails and recover lost files. Oh, and I also got sick the past two weeks. Although it was just dry cough but still, it made me feel weak. Add that to the work pressure. But what is life without these adventures. Sometimes we need it to add spice to our lives! 

Great Memories

...I have from our last vacation in the Philippines. It was a good timing that it's a long weekend here in Cambodia so even if my husband's stay was short, I am glad he really had time to spend with his parents. Not like me, who was still doing work from home on weekdays EXCEPT during my birthday.

Our first stop was at Davao City, hometown of hubby. It was a simple dinner celebration with my parents-in law and family of one of my brothers-in law. We ate at Cafe Ronaldo's which surprisingly has good food.  Especially their roasted chicken which is what I ordered. I heard it's owned by a famous chef but I guess not that famous as I forgot the name hahaha...

Next stop was in Manila this time with my parents and my sis' family. It was a 2-day event I suppose. We checked in at F1 hotel at Bonifacio Global City. I personally chose that hotel as I wanted it near the shopping area :-) It was seither that or Seda Hotel. I read that Seda has an ongoing construction inside so I don't want to be bothered in the middle of my sleep. That night, we ate at Cue Modern Barbecue. The food was sooooo good but at the same time life threatening. Talk of baby back ribs, lamb belly, beef belly, bone-in babrbecue chicken and more...I think if I count the calories I ate, that will be like 10,000 calories!!! I was actually worried of my parents and asked them if they brought their meds.  The following day we had lunch at PF Chang still, to celebrate my birthday.

Ohhh so good memories.... I just got back almost 2 weeks ago. I have really been very busy with work and not because of the work load but something happened. That deserves a separate entry. For now, I'll just reminisce everything that happened during my vacay.

April is My month

Yes, April is my month be uase I get to celebrate my birthday...yehey!!!! A year older, a year wiser as they say. Since I will be celebrating it in the Philippines, I'm being asked to make my wish list. I only have two things in mind and I am specific to the brand/s because they are tried and tested. Yes, I subject my clothes/things to various tests and I really observe them hahahaha...

I already have one but I need a THICKER mat this time...and yes, it has to come with either a strap or a bag. I only need one so if you plan to give me, please let me know in advance hehe...

I only have 1 pair of socks remaining. Imagine that?!?!? Well I have a few which if I use doing speed running, My foot ends up half-naked

Yes, I need these as well. I discovered lately that I don't have white and colorful tank tops. I only have 3 and they are all black.

Cons of Work From Home (WFH)

The last time I posted the pros of a WFH arrangement. So this time let me share what I think are the disadvantages. I can only think of 3 things:

1) Social Network - in the professional environment will be limited. You won't be able to attend company parties, events. You're not part of the day-to-day pantry chit-chats (hopefully you are not the topic). And usually during big events, that's the time you can get to talk to other co-workers maybe on a more personal level thus building relationships.

2) Visibility - to top management is a challenge. So when they talk of promotions or other career opportunities, top of mind are people that they see everyday. Because they get to literally see the challenges and hard work that an office person goes through. Like being able to present in front of management, staying late at work to meet deadlines, if person is not in his/her desk you can assume that s/he is in a meeting therefore 'busy', harassment look in their faces when piled with a lot of work and when they are able to get through then it creates a very good impression. As opposed to WFH,  what they see is only the output - -finished product. The key here is to have a very good relationship with your manager who can really represent you and talk about how you;ve done all of these things.

3) Airconditioning - hahaha. I live in Cambodia so this time of the year it's really not cool to WFH. Electricity bills will go high for sure.

WFH is not simple as you think. One has to ask the question, what type of work environment would I thrive in?

Yellow Lights

I just  don't like it or any dark lighting! I really can't stay long when I go to bars. I also don't appreciate restos with yellow lights to create ambience. There's only one place where I would appreciate having one --- in spas. For some reason, yellow lights make me fall asleep. Suddenly my energy gets absorbed by these lights and all I want to do is sleep sleep and sleep. That's very difficult for me especially when I am out with friends in restos. Sometime they ask me why I am silent and they find it amazing everytime I say it has something to do with the lights. Sad to say most of the restos here in Phnom Penh (and even street lights) are in yellow. 

So, all the lights in the house I had it changed to white lights except for this one that you see in this blog. Sometimes you need it if all you want to do is rest, listen to calm music and eventually fall asleep....LOL

Fitness

After 3 months of no exercise, I'm back! This pool is 25 meters, I think. So let's see if I can make it to the end or how many laps I can make....ulk, good luck to me!

Pregnancy Update

The last weeks of 2012 was full of mixed emotions. It was that time of the year when people are celebrating, having reunions with family, get togethers left and right. In my case, I decided to hibernate. Yes, I spent my vacation with families in Manila and Davao and did not do my usual meet-up with friends. I just didn't feel comfortable given my situation. 

My preganancy didn't progress. As soon as I arrived in Manila last Dec 22, I had an ultrasound. The result wasn't promising. My OB gave it the benefit of the doubt for a week. So from that time on, I already knew that it would end in misacarriage. So come Dec 29 when we headed to the hospital, I was ready to be admitted. True enough, the u/s didn't show any. I had an anembryonic pregnancy. My husband and I were talking about it ever since Dec 22 so we were physically, mentally and emotionally prepared this time. however the moment I entered the delivery room and changed my clothes, tears still rolled down my cheeks. A part of me is saying that finally my sufferings  will end (I was in bed rest for 2 months, I travelled in wheelchair...in short, physically I felt so useless, so helpless the past 2 months). At the same time it hurts to know that after all these sacrifices it would end up like this.  But in general, we are Ok. It helped a lot that I was surrounded by family -- the kind of emotional and moral support that I needed. If this happened in Cambodia, I don't know how I would be feeling.

The positive thing that came out of this is I am on maternity leave. Perfect timing to spend the remaining days of my vacation shopping, going to the derma, having my hair colored and most importantly playing with my nieces and nephew.  

I'm  back in Cambodia since last week and is busy fixing the house (literally and figuratively).

2 more nights

....and we're off to Manila!!!! Yipeee!!!!

Despite early bookings we made last Sept., there was an 80% chance of not going home.  Mid last week the plan was to rebook our tickets and it was only last Tuesday of this week that we finally made a decision to go with the original plan.

My pregnancy is the sole reason why our schedules almost got mixed up. I am experiencing a high risk pregnancy. I was diagnosed for the past 4 weeks experiencing threatened miscarriage as I've been continuously spotting. Plus my ultrasound results doesn't coincide with my LMP. The last 11 days showed a big big improvement as it suddenly stopped. It was one hell of a crazy month and I know I'm not yet in the safe zone.

One thing I learned from this experience is to live one day at a time. Worrying, speculating, thinking of what it could be are all useless mind activities. It's just stressful!!!!!!

So, as of this time I am just excited that we are going home soon. We are actually flying out Friday night but our connecting flight to Manila is still the following day. That gives me time to rest which is good given my condition. I hope nothing goes wrong and that it will be a an extra merry christmas for us :-)

Benefits of WFH

I am very grateful that the company I am working for allowed me to work remotely 100%. When I accepted this role, it was virtual in the 1st place. Since we have an office in the PHL I physically report to work 2-3x a week dependng on my schedule. If I have several calls, especially if I need to use a virtual room to share presentations, then I would usually take it in the office. Network connections are not 100% reliable at home. 

When the opportunity came that my husband got an offer to work here, me being able to work from Cambodia is a major consideration. So now after 14 months, let me share with you the advantages of this set-up:

1. no need to wake up very early in the morning just to prepare breakfast,  cook lunch (which you take to work) & prepare for work (yes, choosing clothes and putting on make-up takes up so much time)

2. you work in your PJs ...or whatever clothing you want, as comfortable as can be

3. multi task with household chores

4. if you feel you need to take some break, you can just lay down in the sofa and check on what's brewing on TV

5.  if you don't feel like responding to an irritating client, I can just click "away" status in chat...yeah, they won't be able to ask anyone to validate if I am around

6. you save on gas, parking fees :-)

Next time I will blog about the challenges I face. Of course it can't be a perfect world out there...so whatch out for it before you make your decision :-)

Pregnancy

Last year I had my 1st pregnancy yet lost our baby. It was a very painful experience and such a roller coaster ride. We were just so high about the thought of having our baby then the next thing we knew, I had to do a DnC. Not to mention the medical bills I had to pay, which was just the same as giving birth, yet nothing came out of me. It also had a big impact to my work which adds to the trauma. Time heals all wounds but the trauma, I guess will always be there. 

Last week Thursday, I did a urine pg test and it turned out positive. I was teary-eyed knowing that God is giving me another chance. Later on, the trauma started to dawn on me. What if this is the same as last year? 

Faith in God and being positive -- that's what friends and family tell me. Easier said than done but we really want to have a baby so despite all the difficulties I am going through now -- physically, mentally and emotionally -- I am going to fight and do everything just to have this baby. 

Wish List

For people who are asking me what I want this Christmas....here's a list for you, not in any particular order and....I don't mind receiving as many of these LOL :-)  I just have to say it because you might be worried if someone else has bought one.

I know it's the thought that counts but mind you, I do not have a permanent place so as much as possible I only bring with me (back to Cambodia) things that I will use.

1.  shoe lace string holder - it's diffidult when you are in the middle of your exercise then suddenly you have to stop just to tie laces. So having this is really a big relief.  Available in your favorite sports store.

2. bills organizer - available in Beabi. I love sorting out a lot of stuff so thisis really very useful.

3. headbands....and i like slim, colorful ones so that I can use with any clothes

4. storage for my make up - I have none right now and my make up stuff are just on top of my bathroom counter. Availale in Muji :-) 

Unusual Holiday

As mentioned in my previous entry, I do WFH. Still, I follow Philippine holidays and today & tom are no work days for me. But how come I'm still responding to some emails?!?!? (loser LOL)

It's actually difficult for me & my husband having different set of holidays. We can't go on vacation. Either one of us will need to file a leave & most of the time it has to be me so that hubby can use his during Christmas time. Yeep, it's not celebrated here therefore not a public holiday. 

So times like this, I take the opportunity to do errands and spend more time doing things I like. Today, aside from answering emails (to clarify, i dont like it but I have a deadline), I spent 2 hours in the gym (wahoo!!!), went to market, had a foot & hand massage and finally I was able to clean the house! The last thing I said has it's own story which I cannot write in my blog. So, just PM me if you wanna know ;-)

Have a Blessed Day, everyone especially to my kababayans visiting their departed loved ones. 

Christmas is in the air...

In less than 2 months, I am home!!!!! .....

Yes, we are spending Christmas in the Philippines. Where else?!?!? I can't wait to see our families again and really spend time with them. I also want to see my close friends. Although I get to chat almost daily and I get to go home more than once in a year, it's different being with them physically. 

So, today after my husband's swimming workout at Himawari Hotel, we decided to go to a nearby shop (I don't want to say the name because ......) to buy our christmas gifts! Ho ho ho....santa from Cambodia!

In the mean time, here's my hubby setting up our Christmas tree. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....

Cravings

Food here in Cambodia is one of the country's 'best asset'. Restaurant food is a no no which means, everything is cooked as you order using only real & fresh ingredients. NO PRESERVATIVES. However, I still have my cravings. I've searched everywhere here but I just can't seem to find them. When I go home to Manila this December, I will make sure I eat these...

I am not sure though where to get this by the time I am up :-) (like 10:30am....)

Costa Brava's caramel cake. A friend, Raquel Flor, introduced me to this cake during her birthday years ago. The best caramel cake in the entire world!!!!!

heavenly! need I say more? 

A New Beginning

There are just so many things happening to me, many thoughts in my mind which I am just excited to share and write about. That is why I created this blog.

I was actually having 2nd thoughts if I will just continue with my old blog (last entry was year 2010) or create a new one. So, I kept on procrastinating this 'to-do' for almost a year. Thinking that I have to customize it again -- choose fonts colors, do some programming to change tags/labels/layout. My usual excuse to myself is that I don't have the time. But like all other activities, you just need to find time.

So welcome back to me in the blogging world. I hope my (conversational) writing skills will improve. I also hope I could update this more often :-)