I wish I could say that 2015 was one of my best years... sadly, it is not. The start of the year till today, as I am writing this blog, a lot of issues and problems keep on arising. And most of the time, they are affecting my whole persona.

Still, the good things always outweighs the bad things that could ever happen in one's life. And that's what keeps me from feeling and thinking negative everyday. As much as I could, I try to radiate only good vibes, because I know that some people suffer worse than me.

And so I decided to create a "Gratitude List".  These are the things I am thankful for despite having unpleasant events this year. Here it goes:

1. Healthy Family. Well, we all had coughs and colds some time in the year but nobody got a fretting disease or got critical because of accidents or sickness. If there's one thing I never forget whenever I say prayer, it would be to protect us from illness and accidents and keep us healthy and strong - mind and body. So, I thank the Lord for this year's health and wellness.

2. New Experiences. Unfortunately, I was not able to travel to new places this year. Since my son is already studying, we didn't have enough time to pursue a long vacation. But during summer time, we went to Acuatico and spent 3 days in the resort just relaxing and enjoying the time off from work. My son was so happy being able to swim for 3 days in a row and I am glad that he's not afraid of the beach anymore. Another thing, we had the chance to stay at Nobu Hotel in City of Dreams (you can read about it in my blog here) and Manila Hotel which are both 5 star hotels here in Manila. The best thing about it I would say, is being able to experience it with the whole family. Happy times indeed!

3. Financial Growth. For this year, we were able to acquire a new property. Its a real estate and we're happy about it. We paid in cash so our bank account obviously declined but I still consider it as a financial growth since we were able to take the risk of buying a land property. Next project would be... our dream house! Thank God for all His graces!

4. Meeting the Basic Needs. If you live in a decent house, eat three times a day, got yourselves covered with tidy clothes, have a modest job that provides for you and of course, if you have people who loves you unconditionally... these are more than enough reasons to be grateful. Some have none of these. That's why I never complain not being able to afford the latest gadget or dining out in the fanciest restaurant, because I always keep in mind the less fortunate. And I always thank God that he blessed me more than what I actually need and deserve.

5. New Friends. I thank God for new friends and old friends who never forget me. They still always keep in touch. New friends have new stories to share and I enjoy listening to them. I love to discover people's life and always in awe about their stories. That's how much I love life :)

6. Family. This family of mine is my biggest blessing!!! Thank you Lord for keeping us together, through the good and bad.




Gratitude List allows us to realize that there are lot of things to be grateful for in spite all the unpleasant conditions we came upon. So never fail to put a smile in your face and to your friends' face or even to a stranger's face, and hope that 2016 will be a better and lovelier year.

Cheers! Stay positive and pass it on!!!

Sa aking mga kababayang Pilipino, malapit na po ang halalan! Ilang buwan na lamang ang ating bibilangin at muli na naman tayong bibigyan ng pagkakataon upang makapamili ng mga mamumuno sa ating bansa. Huwag sana nating sayangin ang pagkakataong ito dahil ito ay karapatan natin bilang isang mamamayang Pilipino.

A lot of things happened to me in 2012. It was a very challenging year for me I must say. With all the changes that occurred in my life, some made me happy, some made me cry, some made me mad, all of it, I am grateful. I've learned a lot from 2012. So even if there are many not so good times, I am still thankful for the memories and the learning it brought me.

Now 2013 is a new year with a whole new perspective for life. I was able to cope with 2012 and so I know whatever will happen in 2013, I will face it with more enthusiasm knowing that everything is under my control if only I let myself take over and not the circumstances.

This 2013 I will give out the best that I can. I will not let fear interfere! Its time to take risks, challenge myself, do more than what requires of me, discover more things and discover the best I can be of myself. Its new year and I believe this calls for a new me. 2013 is the year for making things happen!

Let's all start the year right, stay positive and pass it on! Discover the new you, a better you in 2013! Let's do this!

Believe in yourself!

Get back in shape!

Save more!

Enjoy life!

Learn something new!

Travel

Take risks!

More family time!

And for the last piece of advice... make sure you do this every single moment of opportunity you can...

Always be a blessing to others. That way, you could always say your year has been done right.

“This life is what you make it. Not matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And baby, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up because if you give up, you'll never find your soul mate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about.”




Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

Dahil medyo nammiss ko na ang Amerika, naisipan kong i-post muli ang isang artikulong ginawa ko habang naho-homesick ako noon. At para maiba naman dahil nagno-nosebleed din ako paminsan minsan sa mga Ingles kong blog, naisipan kong magpahinga muna sa wikang banyaga at gamitin ang wikang Tagalog. Sana magustuhan nyo ang mga mumunting obserbasyon sa maliit na panahon ng aking paglalagi sa Amerika.

buhay amerika vs buhay pinas:


1. maluwag ang daan. parang wlang eskinita dito. parang laging nlex ang daanan kahit ordinaryong kalsada lang. maayos lahat ng traffic lights, hindi naggigitgitan ang mga sasakyan, walang msyadong traffic ( maliban kung weekends), malinis ang daan walang basura halos at wla ring kanal na amoy imburnal. hindi din gamitin ang train nila dito dahil lahat halos may sasakyan. bigla ko tuloy naaalala ang mga kalunos lunos pero nakakatawang experience ko sa mrt.

California

2. disiplinado ang mga tao sa daan. pag may tmtawid bawal tutukan at dapat talagang huminto ang mga sasakyan. ang mga sasakyan hindi pedeng sumakop ng 2 lanes. may pangalan ang bawat street kaya din madaling malaman ang mga daan. kaya lang bawal huminto basta basta sa gilid ng daan. di kagaya sa pinas parang kahit saan pwedeng pwedeng mag-park. kaya kahit naliligaw ka na sa US diretso lang ng drive.

3. hindi ko alam kung tamad lang ba sila sa bahay o mahilig talaga cla mgimbento. napakdaming bagay na napakadaling gawin ng kamay pero ginagawan pa din nila ng imbensyon para hndi na kailangan pang gamitin ang kamay. halimbawa, de kuryenteng peeler ng patatas, cucumber etc. may pambukas din kami ng delata na de kuryente. nammiss tuloy namin yung pambukas ng delata na manual. panu na pag mgbabaon kmi ng delata sa pamamasyal? wla kaming can openner kasi nga de kuryente yung nasa bahay hindi pedeng baunin. demanding?!

4. mahal ang bigas! OMG! sa isang pinoy OFW (ofw talaga?!) hindi ito makatarungan. $17 para sa 20lbs ng bigas. kaya cguro ndi sila mahilig sa rice. hindi ko maintindihan ang mga amerikano kung pano naging substitute ng bigas ang mashed potato at bread sa kanila. nakakalungkot naman kumain ng tinapay at sinigang di ba.

5. ilang beses na ko nakatanggap ng compliments sa kulay ko. pero sa pinas nilalait nila ko. parang araw araw daw ako ngbbeach. buti naman dito ngustuhan nila kulay ko. kung hindi eh san pa ko lulugar.

6.  andaming pagkain n less fat, less sugar, less than 200 calories, less na lahat parang halos wala ka ng nakain. pero ang tataba pa din at ang lalaki pa din ng tao dito. baka dito ng aapply ang sabi nila na "less is more".

7. madali lang para sa kanila makabili ng mga bagay bagay na napakahirap bilhin sa atin. halimbawa, TV. makakabili sila sa isang buwang sweldo nila ng de-kalibre at makabagong teknolohiyang telebisyon at may matitira pa din sa sweldo nila, samantalang sa atin, 2 taon mo huhulugan sa credit card ang ganoong klaseng TV.

8. sa amerika napakalayo ng mga bahay. hindi uso ang tsismisan tuloy sa kapitbahay. nakakalungkot di ba? na-miss ko tuloy ang kapitbahay naming walang humpay sa pakikipagtsismisan sa umaga habang nagwawalis ng bakuran. kahit di na ko manood ng tv o makinig ng radyo, mas madami pa syang alam na impormasyon tungkol sa mga artista at sa mga tao sa barangay namin.

9. SNOW! umuulan ng nyebe!!! para sa isang taong namumuhay sa init ng araw 365 days a year, ang makaranas ng pag-ulang ng yelo ay tunay na pruweba na talagang nakatapak na ako sa lupang banyaga! isa din ito sa pinakahihintay kong pagkakataon para makapasuot ng "boots". oh yes, boots! pangarap kong magsuot ng boots pero di ko magawa sa pinas, napakainit ng panahon at kahit nakatsinelas ka ay nakapakainit pa din. hindi ko maintindihan ang ibang kabataan sa pinas pano nila natitiis magsuot ng boots sa gitna ng sikat ng araw. baka may aircon sa loob ang boots nila o baka lamigin talaga ang paa nila. ewan.

isnow!

pacman vs clottey fight in TexasT

10. ang tanging bagay na na-miss ko sa Amerika -- mag-shopping. mura ang bilihin. ang mga "branded clothes" ika nga ay halos "bagsak-presyo". marahil ay nasanay ako sa kakarampot na sweldo sa Pilipinas kung kaya't pagdating sa ibang bansa talaga naman "shopping galore" tayo, sa Amerika, ang sweldong pinaghirapan mo ay marami ng mabibili. ang bawat sentimo ng dolyar ay may saysay. sa pinas, ang tawag natin sa singko, singkong duling. at kapag nakakuha tayo nito, kalimitan inihuhulog na lamang natin sa mga lata ng red cross. nakakalungkot isipin.

marami pang ibang gusto kong ilahad pero sa susunod n lang. masaya ang buhay sa amerika. pero yun ay kung ndi mo naranasan mabuhay sa pinas. 

Again, I am so busy at work I have no time to blog. I really miss posting on my site and seeing lot of traffic on my webpage. So I thought I need something worth reading to post and something that would really entice my readers' minds. :)

Last week, I have just done one life-changing decision. I have just passed my resignation letter. Though it is truly a heartbreak to leave the company I have worked for 8years in my life, I know that God is up to something good that's why He gave me a new opportunity to be accepted in another company.

When we decide to leave the company we are working for, it must be because we have found a better workplace. Be it a better pay, better working environment, better work schedules, etc. But can these "better" things compete with the world's best countries to work for? Surprisingly, America is not on the list. Aaaww, does that mean no more "American Dream" for us Filipinos? I have nothing against USA but the facts says it all, USA may not be the only country that can be branded "the land of milk and honey" nowadays. Read on and see for yourself what we are actually missing. :) (the blue lines are my comments)


The 10 Best Countries to Work In

Source: Yahoo! She


2. BULGARIA: Bulgarians are given up to 410 days of paid maternity leave at 90 percent of the mother's salary, 45 days of which must be taken prior to the birth of the child. Parents are also eligible for a second year of paid parental leave at a minimum salary. Even better, both the father and the grandparents can take the second year of maternity leave in place of the mother, if necessary.


3. BRAZIL: Brazil is most notable for offering workers the most paid vacation days per year in the world. Full-time workers can earn a whopping 41 paid days off - 30 of those days are mandated for leisure time at the worker's convenience, and the other 11 are considered paid federal holidays.



4. FRANCE: According to the OECD, French people work nearly 200 hours less each year than other countries in the organization. France is also a world leader when it comes to the number of paid vacation days: 40 in total, 30 of which are mandated and 10 of which are public holiday.



5. FINLAND: Like Brazil and France, Finland is one of the world leaders in offering paid vacation days - up to 40 days a year, including 30 of which are mandated, and 10 more as public holiday. Additionally, only .04 percent of Finnish workers work more than 50 hours a week on average, an important indicator for a healthy work/life balance.



6. NETHERLANDS: Workers clock only 1,378 hours per year, or 27.6 hours per week. Like Germany, however, the Netherlands maintains a healthy GDP and high standard of living in spite of fewer hours on the job. On top of that, they are given 28 paid vacation days per year, and 16 weeks of paid maternity leave at 100 percent of their salaries. As if that weren't enough, Dutch workers are also offered tax breaks on an additional 26 weeks of unpaid maternity leave if required.



7. NORWAY: A parent is given as much as 47 weeks at 100 percent salary, or 57 weeks at 80 percent salary. Nine weeks are reserved for the mother, 12 weeks (the "daddy's quota") are reserved for the father, and the parents can share the rest. Norwegian workers are also given a healthy 35 days of paid vacation per year.



8. DENMARK: Denmark was ranked No. 1 in the world for providing the best work/life balance by the OECD. It has a number of factors working for it: a full 52 weeks of paid maternity leave, 34 total days of paid vacation, and only .04 percent of workers are on the job more than 50 hours per week. Additionally, the OECD calculated that as many as 16.31 hours per day are dedicated to personal care among Danish workers.
 

9. LITHUANIA: It is the only nation tied with Brazil in offering the most total paid vacation days in the world at 41 ("only" 28 are mandated, but 13 are public holiday). Lithuania also offers a generous maternity leave: one year of leave at 100 percent salary, or if parents opt to take two years off, the first year is set at 70 percent salary and at 40 percent in the second year.



10. SWEDEN:  As many as 480 days, or 16 months, of paid parental leave is offered to workers, 60 days of which are reserved for the father. Furthermore, those 480 days can be spent however the parents see fit over the first eight years of their child's life. Sweden also offers a generous 36 days of paid vacation every year, and ranks firmly in the top 10 countries in the OECD with the best work/life balance.

For the record, Sweden is my best bet to work in. :) How I wish I could have that 16month paid parental leave :(



WOW. Working in these countries may just be the work-life balance everybody's dreaming of. Apparently, 9 of these countries are situated in Europe. Oh yes, not in America. Reading this article actually got me into thinking, would it be best to migrate in these places? Who knows, one day I might just give in. But for now, I am such a patriotic as everybody knows. For me, still, "Its more fun in the Philippines!" I love you, motherland!

A lot of ideas has been said about happiness. But I think the truest of them all is that "Happiness is a Choice." Do you agree? For me, its a solid YES. While it is a fact of life that bad things can  and do happen even to good people, most of the time due to misfortunes they have no control of,  we must always remember that there's always someone who would want to be where we are right now. Think of the people who have heavier burdens than you do. And then be thankful you are not on their shoes. Do you feel a little lighter? A little happier now?

For a happier mindset, I have some tips to share. When you are feeling blue, I hope these things would somehow give a you a boost of some bliss:

1. Discipline your thoughts. Always think positively. Pass on positive energy. When you feel down, think happy thoughts instead of focusing on the annoying circumstance you are into. After all, it will not stay that way forever. So focus on the things that would make you feel bright and light and soon enough you'll have a solution to the problem you are facing without even you knowing it.

2. Do good, feel good. When was the last time you actually helped out others? Doing good not only makes you feel good about yourself but also makes other people think good about you. Nothing is more joyous than being able to help people in need.

3. Release that energy. Do some physical activities that would require you to sweat. Do you know that exercise lets our body produce endorphins? Endorphins also called "happy cells",  has been explained by wikipedia as cells "produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in vertebrates during exercise, excitement, pain, consumption of spicy food, love and orgasm, and they resemble the opiates in their abilities to produce analgesia and a feeling of well-being." So go ahead and move that body!

4. Get out of that comfort zone. Do something that you've always wanted to do but had always been delaying to do because of too much excuses you've been reasoning out but the truth is you're just too lazy to make it happen. Why? Because you don't want to get out of your comfort zone and face that challenge. Why not start by devoting a day or two in a month to do something you've never done before. You will be amazed at what you can discover about yourself.

5. If you can't adjust the wind, adjust your sails. As I have said, not all the time you can get your luck. Unfortunate things may happen but there will always be ways to change how things can go around you. The external factors that affects our life are just little compared to what we can actually do to get out of that detour. You completely have the power to make changes in your life and make things really happen.

6. Be thankful. Count your blessings and thank the Lord for it everyday. Enough said.

I can enumerate hundreds of ways to improve our perspective about happiness but at the end of the day, the only way to make one happy depends on ourselves. How we think, how we act, how we feel is our free choice. So if you want to be happy , think, act, and feel happy. Aren't you glad you have that choice?

A lot of ideas has been said about happiness. But I think the truest of them all is that "Happiness is a Choice." Do you agree? For me, its a solid YES. While it is a fact of life that bad things can  and do happen even to good people, most of the time due to misfortunes they have no control of,  we must always remember that there's always someone who would want to be where we are right now. Think of the people who have heavier burdens than you do. And then be thankful you are not on their shoes. Do you feel a little lighter? A little happier now?

For a happier mindset, I have some tips to share. When you are feeling blue, I hope these things would somehow give a you a boost of some bliss:

1. Discipline your thoughts. Always think positively. Pass on positive energy. When you feel down, think happy thoughts instead of focusing on the annoying circumstance you are into. After all, it will not stay that way forever. So focus on the things that would make you feel bright and light and soon enough you'll have a solution to the problem you are facing without even you knowing it.

2. Do good, feel good. When was the last time you actually helped out others? Doing good not only makes you feel good about yourself but also makes other people think good about you. Nothing is more joyous than being able to help people in need.

3. Release that energy. Do some physical activities that would require you to sweat. Do you know that exercise lets our body produce endorphins? Endorphins also called "happy cells",  has been explained by wikipedia as cells "produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in vertebrates during exercise, excitement, pain, consumption of spicy food, love and orgasm, and they resemble the opiates in their abilities to produce analgesia and a feeling of well-being." So go ahead and move that body!

4. Get out of that comfort zone. Do something that you've always wanted to do but had always been delaying to do because of too much excuses you've been reasoning out but the truth is you're just too lazy to make it happen. Why? Because you don't want to get out of your comfort zone and face that challenge. Why not start by devoting a day or two in a month to do something you've never done before. You will be amazed at what you can discover about yourself.

5. If you can't adjust the wind, adjust your sails. As I have said, not all the time you can get your luck. Unfortunate things may happen but there will always be ways to change how things can go around you. The external factors that affects our life are just little compared to what we can actually do to get out of that detour. You completely have the power to make changes in your life and make things really happen.

6. Be thankful. Count your blessings and thank the Lord for it everyday. Enough said.

I can enumerate hundreds of ways to improve our perspective about happiness but at the end of the day, the only way to make one happy depends on ourselves. How we think, how we act, how we feel is our free choice. So if you want to be happy , think, act, and feel happy. Aren't you glad you have that choice?

A lot of ideas has been said about happiness. But I think the truest of them all is that "Happiness is a Choice." Do you agree? For me, its a solid YES. While it is a fact of life that bad things can  and do happen even to good people, most of the time due to misfortunes they have no control of,  we must always remember that there's always someone who would want to be where we are right now. Think of the people who have heavier burdens than you do. And then be thankful you are not on their shoes. Do you feel a little lighter? A little happier now?

For a happier mindset, I have some tips to share. When you are feeling blue, I hope these things would somehow give a you a boost of some bliss:

1. Discipline your thoughts. Always think positively. Pass on positive energy. When you feel down, think happy thoughts instead of focusing on the annoying circumstance you are into. After all, it will not stay that way forever. So focus on the things that would make you feel bright and light and soon enough you'll have a solution to the problem you are facing without even you knowing it.

2. Do good, feel good. When was the last time you actually helped out others? Doing good not only makes you feel good about yourself but also makes other people think good about you. Nothing is more joyous than being able to help people in need.

3. Release that energy. Do some physical activities that would require you to sweat. Do you know that exercise lets our body produce endorphins? Endorphins also called "happy cells",  has been explained by wikipedia as cells "produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in vertebrates during exercise, excitement, pain, consumption of spicy food, love and orgasm, and they resemble the opiates in their abilities to produce analgesia and a feeling of well-being." So go ahead and move that body!

4. Get out of that comfort zone. Do something that you've always wanted to do but had always been delaying to do because of too much excuses you've been reasoning out but the truth is you're just too lazy to make it happen. Why? Because you don't want to get out of your comfort zone and face that challenge. Why not start by devoting a day or two in a month to do something you've never done before. You will be amazed at what you can discover about yourself.

5. If you can't adjust the wind, adjust your sails. As I have said, not all the time you can get your luck. Unfortunate things may happen but there will always be ways to change how things can go around you. The external factors that affects our life are just little compared to what we can actually do to get out of that detour. You completely have the power to make changes in your life and make things really happen.

6. Be thankful. Count your blessings and thank the Lord for it everyday. Enough said.

I can enumerate hundreds of ways to improve our perspective about happiness but at the end of the day, the only way to make one happy depends on ourselves. How we think, how we act, how we feel is our free choice. So if you want to be happy , think, act, and feel happy. Aren't you glad you have that choice?

“Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love – for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment is it perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you from misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.”

For the moms out there, do you remember those times when you were still that oh-so-sexy-single-lady? When your waistline was still 24 and the only thing you worry about is what pair of shoes would compliment your newly bought dress?

As for me, I remember those times vividly. Yes, I admit I miss that state where I have all the time for myself and all the money for myself too :). That free-spirited young girl who wants to discover the world and live a life with nothing but pure fun and adventures, lacking responsibility to anyone but ourselves. But everything changed the moment I saw that little bean inside my womb with a heart beat.

Being a mother has changed me in so many ways I can't actually enumerate in one sitting. And those changes made me a person better than all that I had been in the past. Let me point out how motherhood changed my perspective at that very moment the 2 lines on my frog test appeared.

1. I became more health conscious. There is no room for sickness when you are a mother. You've got to have all the energy you can have because the demands of being a new mother is so high sometimes 24hours is just not enough to do everything. When I became a mother I started taking my vitamins, eat healthy foods, do some walking (arrgghh please I never really like exercise hehehe), and take as much sleep as I can. This is all for my baby who needs me to take care of him and I can only do that if I am healthy and have enough strength.

2. Everyday is new day of positive perspective. Morning become more and more beautiful seeing my son and husband beside. It just makes you look forward for the whole day with a more positive energy and good vibes, with the certainty that everything will be ok.

3. It makes you a rediscover yourself. Being a mum gave me more confidence that I can do more than what I've ever accomplished before. It thrives in me the need to become the best version of myself for my son and family. I have discovered that I can be a better in my career, that I can be a better wife, be better in cooking, etc. but most of all, I became a better person.

4. It made me more appreciative. Whatever I have, be it little or big, I always, always thank the Lord for it wholeheartedly. Instead of asking for more, I just give thanks to God and whatever I want more in life I am the one responsible to achieve it. God will help but that doensn't mean I give Him all the works. Being a mother makes you realize what are really your necessities in life. And all the other perks that we have, I began to appreciate it more.

 There are just so many things I've learned through motherhood. And I know this is just the start. Everyday is a learning process for me. And I'm just thankful to have the privilege of being called "Mommy". :)