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 :-)

New Finds

IBC Bookstore has a new branch along Sihanouk Blvd. Yehey! I don't need to go to Monivong anymore to shop for office supplies. Sometimes I just go there to window shop -- checking out what they have so that in case I need one, I already know where to buy it. 

Look what I found....

 

I wasn't planning to buy anything but I just luuuuuv the designs plus it's not something bulky so in case we move places I can bring it with me :-) 

Sweet Tooth

Even if there is a lot (like 5-6 of them in one street) of coffee shops here in Phnom Penh, I haven't found one that serves the kind of cake I like -- rich chocholate, moist cake. Until Secret Recipe opened I think some time in Sept-Oct. 

My friend from SG who went to visit me early this year observed that it's because local coffee shops use cake flour. Well, I am not into baking so I'll stop here... haha....

So even if Secret Recipe is quite far from my place, I really frequent the resto just because of their cakes. I already ate almost each kind except for the usual flavors -- black forest, tiramisu. Talk of calories and fat gained! 

Here's one of my favorites -- chocolate moist cake!

TOUS les JOURS

I don't know how to pronounce the name of this newly opened bakery here in Phnom Penh. I just call it "toos-les-dyoo-rs" hahahaha...

 

(they officially had their grand opening today)

They have good bread selections -- a lot of variety and one can buy in bulk.

 

So we ordered the following: fruit bread, ham croissant, 2 capuccino coffee and chocolate cupcake. Bread is really good. You know that it's freshly baked. 

 

 

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 :-)