What others are telling or asking us...

Are you trying out for another country? 

We are actually not. I may have blurted out a few times if we should go back to Dubai (especially when R gets his asthma attacks or when he is suffering from his allergies) however the decision to stay is really mutual.

So, what's the plan?

Actually, we don't know yet because we play it by ear. At the moment, we have contacted a few spaces that are for rent but it's either too step or it's already taken. I feel our progress is slow but I guess that is how it is especially since you are investing your hard-earned money. It is not something you can just say,"Nah I am pretty sure I can get that back".

So, what are you both doing?

I am trying to source some online stints while we search for our business. R on the other hand, busies himself by being my Mr. Handyman when I want things done in the house. That is another thing, I just realised that even if you stay in the house, you will definitely be busy... how? by arranging and re-arranging our stuff... or having to repair stuff in the house like plumbing, electrical, minor carpentry, etc. It is not the same in Dubai wherein you call the maintenance company of your building to make the necessary repairs.

I think I have covered the three basic questions we hear from time to time. I know our friends are not reading my blog but I am not sure if the questions came about because they are worried about us. At times, I am worried about us too. However, I choose to believe in my husband's fearless forecast of what business fits us... of course with prayers.

Why did I blogged about it? Because I also need a release from these questions. It, at times, causes me to panic but hopefully, the business opportunity will come very soon.

Writing Hoax?

For the longest time, I have been looking for possible ways to earn money via online writing stints.

I had some recommendations from friends on which online writing sites should I join (like oDesk and Elance) however from time to time, I have been receiving emails from promotional sites saying that I can earn BIG bucks by joining their website!!

Imagine that, BIG BUCKS! Who wouldn't want that right?

Of course, since I was already lured to this... I would immediately click on the site and would skim read what are their requirements.

On the initial page, they will have this page stating that there are no requirements needed to join their site just as long as you know how to write, they will take care of the rest. It encourages you to sign in and join the pool of writers!

The next page loads and there is the truth:-

Only for a minimal amount of .... $XXX.XX

This stuns me. There is a voice in my head to give it a try but I have been scammed before and it is hard when you try to spend hard earned money on someone or something that promises you with better earnings only to find out that you have been conned!

I just needed to let this out because I have again received this kind of scam message!! Grrr!!!

(photo courtesy of http://lessthanfat.blogspot.ae)

Breathe in.... Breathe out... (50x) 

I have just closed the site and I know I will eventually I will find another website or writing stint that will make me earn extra! :) 

Innovative Cities in the Asia Pacific

As I have mentioned before, twitter has been my go-to in terms of picking up news and stuff.

While browsing through my favorite social button, I chance upon this tweet from @EntrepreneurPH about the Top 10 Innovative Cities in the Asia Pacific.

Opening the link, I was hopeful that the Manila, Philippines was at least being considered. According to the article, the categories were:- 

• human talent -- check! we have that!
• knowledge creation -- hmmm... tough! 
• technology -- okay, we are I think a bit far behind on that one 
• society -- this is a bit of a concern at the moment most especially since we still have a lot of families that are under the poverty line 
• government -- never mind 

Overall, I think we are still far off to be considered as one of the innovative cities in the Asia Pacific though I still hope that it won't be long when we can be proud of ourselves for turning one of our cities to fit their criteria. 

I think Makati is slowly moving up the pace but we need to strive more. 

I am positive that the Philippines will be part of the "one of the" countries very soon. Just watch this space...

If you want to read more about the article and who were the top 10 cities, here's the link.  

Mabuhay! 

Positive me!

An Enlightenment

Note: Bear with what I will be blogging as this might not be a wee bit personal.... I just need to "kind of" let it out. 

It is common knowledge within our social circle about our desire to have a child. A few visits to the doctor and other alternative options were made to ensure that we are on the right track however every time the red letter day comes, I always end up disappointed and hurt.

I kept asking myself was I doing anything wrong? What was it in the book that I did not follow and the list of unknown whats and whys would cloud my head until I finally convince myself that I'm exhausted and another try won't hurt.

However, it did hurt.

I keep convincing myself that maybe it was not the right time yet. Maybe it's because we do not have a space that we can call our own and also with our upcoming plan (can't expose that yet but a few trusted friends know what it is), the baby plan might just change it all... then I'd say to myself that change is good and the whole debate (which only runs in my head) will continue until I get tired and decided to drain the debating voices in my head.

Then, I have chanced upon a reading on a Joyce Meyer plan that I have.... and it was about asking Why to God.

It was about asking why to God when in reality we should believe in Him, about his perfect timing.

The reading made me realise a lot of things and that my desire to have a child might not be what God has planned just yet. It did make me question if I am really ready to have another life depend on me. I know I am and I do want to but probably God does not see it yet.

Now, the feeling does not hurt that much anymore....seeing couples enjoying their own bundles of joy. It is wonderful to see and hear about it.

I pray that when the time comes (which is I hope is not that far) God sees me ready, I will be able to provide my child or children my undivided attention and shower them with love like what my parents have done to me and maybe more.

For now, I will (and I say this with an open and trying heart) enjoy seeing a mother's expressions when she carries another life in their womb.

Mark 9:24
Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief"