New Day.

"Welcome." This is the word that greeted me when I arrived at the reception lobby. May, the receptionist knew my name at once and offered a friendly handshake.

I was ushered to a small room while waiting for someone to assist me. Later, May called me to have a quick tour of the office. There's the operation department at one corner, management on the other side, and of course the pantry. I gotta say, it has a well-stuffed fridge. On one corner of the pantry has two desktops used by employees to browse the net while on lunch break. Hmm, pretty much standard right?

Then I met my trainer, Keith. I was relieved and thankful to hear him speak English so fluently. No offense meant but I completely forgot where I was haha. Anyways, the training then went on. Information overload as usual.

Then came boredom. Urgh! it's what I hate when learning theories. Keith gave me a break to read on my notes. And it sucks that I feel very sleepy reading. So I am writing this blog instead to wake myself up. I feel like my eyes are gonna shut any time soon. Hay, got an hour more to spare.

Step up.

This is the official "weekend" feel. On Monday I will start my work as Conference Administrator. Whew! I've never felt this weird in my previous jobs. I don't know why for some reason, I'm feeling nervous. It's like flying in thin air. Maybe I'm just ecstatic about the whole idea. Hay, I'm still on high :)

Anyway, I hope I'd be able to fulfill my duties and grow professionally. I'm so much looking forward to it because I feel like this is the job I've been dreaming of. I just can't thank God enough. Love you the most!

Grateful.

One word to describe me right now, grateful. I cannot express how thankful I am for God's unconditional shower of love to me. This year started out perfectly. And I credit all of it to Him. Thank you, Lord.

There are a lot of reasons to be grateful. First, I started the year right by spending time with my new family re: in-laws. It was a very fulfilling experience. I couldn't ask for more. Second, I entered Singapore again with my new name. And lastly, I nailed a job here which I'm also excited, I'll be starting on Monday. This is something to be grateful about because in spite of the circulating rumors that Singapore is cutting down foreign-hiring, I am still lucky to beat that publicity.

And for this day, I thank Thee for we are celebrating our 3rd wedding monthsary. Big or small things that happen in our lives are worth being grateful for. What about you?

Early.

I'm starting to wake up early again to prep myself for work next week. Ironic but for some reason there's a part of me that's taken aback from working. It's like my past work experience starts to haunt me again. Sigh, I hope I could get over it completely so I can start with the new one with a clean slate.

I hope things will be alright this time...

Vote.

I was watching earlier on cable the Philippines' Vice-Presidential debate. It's fascinating to watch aspiring candidates lay their cards to the public.

Election is just over a month away. And I gotta say, I'm guilty for not exercising my right as a voter. I have not registered for this coming election and somehow I have never tried to vote since I was on my legal age. It's unintentional though. It just so happens that I'm away. But having watched the debate, it kicks right to me not being a part of my country's aim for change. I feel that no matter how much I would like to commend about these candidates, there's no help on my end. It'll just be like a sounding gong that disappears eventually. Hay, I regret not registering. I wish I could be a part of that change. Guess I'll just have to vote in prayer.

For those who are registered, I beg you to vote very wisely for the sake of our country. Let's save it.

Pissed.

Morning rainy Saturday!

I woke up early today dressed out to process my work permit. Thanks God I was able to sort out the problem on my change of name. Now I can say all is well on my upcoming work. Oops, not quite. I remember the company is conducting a character reference check on me from my previous works. Hmm, I never thought someone would really care. Well, I've got nothing to hide anyway so they're free to check :)

Hmm, it's raining today but I don't mind even if I get soaked.What pissed me off was a very senseless comment from nobody asking me sarcastically if had I already started work, because I got out so early. What a jerk! Hay...seriously, ask me that on a Saturday morning?

Needles.

I just got back from my medical examination. The feel of needle injected on me is really tough to handle. I always look away when I undergo such lab tests. Hay, too old to act like a kid :)

Anyway, one lady (x-ray) assistant asked when I last had menstrual period. I told her last month. Then she said I could be pregnant. Hmm, I told her that I am feeling the symptoms that any time soon, my period will come. She insisted that I may be. Well, I insisted back that I am well aware of it and that there is no chance I'd be pregnant. Urgh! Pissed.

Happy II

I nailed the job. Yahoo!

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declared the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Thank you LORD.

Sensationalism.

Definition:

• sensualism: (philosophy) the ethical doctrine that feeling is the only criterion for what is good
• empiricism: (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge derives from experience

source: here

I woke up this morning with disappointment upon reading the local news in Yahoo referring to a murder of a Filipina, whom was found dead in front of her unit. The policemen went to the site and tried to get some information on possible witnesses. Some spoke but the information were likely unhelpful. The thing that pissed me of though was this line "A notice on the property states that action will be taken against sex workers who used the premises as a brothel." - this is completely a foul remark. There was no basis whatsoever that this is a probable cause of the murder. Read whole story here.

I am saddened that Filipinos especially the women, are often (if not generally) associated with the phrase "sexual workers." Sigh, we always get this kind of remark everywhere. Poor lady, she'd been murdered yet her dignity is put-down. Who would know if she's just a victim over a personal family fight, a mere suicide, or an accident? May justice be fairly served.

Media, being the channel, should learn to weigh information. It shouldn't only be based on the interest of the public (unproven) or just so that the broadsheet makes it to the market. I am from the media, I love the passion to serve as the watchdog. But being the watchdog that you are, means reporting only what is right and not sensationalize. It's tough to identify now which information is completely true. Haay, I'm just too disappointed.

Income.

Having been a full-time wife for 2 months now spared me a lot of time. A time for myself to indulge with one of my favorite enthusiasts, books.

When I was back in the Philippines in January, right after Archie came back to Singapore, I opted to do something while he's gone and while waiting for my papers to be processed. At first I thought I should go to a driving school or cooking class. But I guess it's true when they say that whenever it is planned, it never happens. I got caught up with a lot of family gatherings here and there. Hence, driving school nor cooking class never materialized.

Instead, during those trips, I brought with me the books of Francisco Colayco. Thanks to my friend Richard for the influence on this. Supposedly, Rich is gonna lend me his books. But because it is always at borrower's end, didn't had the chance. So I took the opportunity while I was back home to drop by a bookstore and bought it for myself.

"Wealth Within Your Reach" and "Make Your Money" were the two books that I had read. Why not a Nicholas Sparks? Well, I thought these books will help me more in dealing with my future more than drown myself with tears from one tragic love story.

Anyways, I am truly blessed to have read it. It gave me a better perspective of my financial expenses. The goal of the book is actually concentrated to overseas workers who may be earning triple but lacks knowledge on how to handle his/her finances.

These books aim to convey the message to everyone that the key to achieving a financially successful life is possible to everyone who are committed to become one. It also gives insights and helpful examples of people who had failed and succeeded. Money they say is the root of all evil. I agree! But having the right knowledge and rational disposition on finances, money may not be that evil.

Things I've learned from the books:

• SALARY - SAVINGS = EXPENSES (it is imperative to stick to this formula every pay day)
• Save 10% of your salary for 6mos (in case you lose your job, you've got a money to spare)
• Active Income (the current and only source of income re: salary, business)
• Passive Income (the income from investments)
• DON'T use active income to buy for wants (in the even you lose your job, no more source of income)
• AIM for passive income (the moment you get tired of working, you have the income from your investments to sustain your life expenses)

The list can go on and on. The book wants us to save for our future. The moment we hit our retirement age, we can enjoy freely our lives through passive income.

The earlier we start to earn, the better income. I hope you guys can find time to read the books. It's worth it!

Random.

• I'd been sick since last night. Urgh, I never thought my tract infection would get this complicated. The pain is excruciating :( when I pee. Huhu. I blame the guava for this! I dipped in salt which I believe is the major culprit. This is so traumatic for me. I feel scared when I pee because the pain keeps coming back. I'll see a doctor in a while.

• I was out early today to get down to the office to sign some papers. Phase I is done, we're up to Phase II. Hope everything goes well so I can finally be happy.
  

• On my way home, I was kinda disturbed looking at this kid trying to burst the balloon-shaped character. She was itching to burst it. And I'm like some stupid audience waiting for the pop to happen. Haha!
  

Happy.

Someone just made my day so happy today. THANK YOU, LORD. I will keep this feeling as long as I can...

Change.

“There is nothing permanent in this world but change.” Change can either be good or bad in one’s life.

Each journey we go through in life will always be an example of change. From being born to growing up, to living independently, and starting a new family, change is one of the main ingredients. When a person starts to have a family of his/her own, life will tremendously change.

In entering a marriage alone, two families will become one. And one of the challenges in the process would be the act of acceptance - of the family members of the spouse. Can we measure love through acceptance?

I know a friend who is now having a difficult time fighting against change and acceptance. When your boyfriend or girlfriend used to be nice to your family, is there a guarantee that this will remain when you’re married?

I feel for my friend. She’s torn between her family and husband. Her husband is cold to her family. He has changed unexpectedly towards them.

I guess there are people in this world who are not completely true to themselves or to others until the real time comes.

Wait.

When you're stuck doing nothing, everyday feels like Friday. It's been weeks that I've been like this - staring at nowhere and waiting for my phone to ring. I guess one of the toughest thing to do is wait. Prolly, we're even unsure if there is really something out there that's gonna come our way to reward the waiting. It just sucks, big-time!

No matter how much power we think we have, if it is not the will of God, can't do anything but just wait. Really wait, patiently that is. Hay, in His time...