Where Did Time Go?

I cannot believe it that time literally flies so fast! We have reached a few milestones this month of October. For one, this is our second year anniversary of being former OFWs in Dubai. Can you believe that? It feels like it was just yesterday but we have already survived the smog, the "extrajudicial" killings and more here in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, I also have a personal milestone for me as I have officially completed three months in my online work as a web writer. I have to be honest that I am still at that point where I am relearning the ropes of writing. I know what they say, "once a writer, always a writer" - right? However, I don't think that is the case for me.

It is a good thing that my editors are patient with me with every revision that they need to do with my article.

Right after my shift, my editor and I had a chat and she mentioned that my writing has improved! Finally, all the hard work has paid off. However, not all of it was good news because she also mentioned that based on her edits, my common mistakes are still the same.

I am mindful about it but as I have told her, when you keep on reading your work, you think that everything is right even when some of it is wrong (makes sense?). I am challenging myself to be careful but also be mindful of the deadline. Yes, she has highlighted "time" to be me as well because I have been submitting my work late!

Reading this blog post right now, I think there is a shift on my tone and with how this blog is written. Hopefully, this new "writing" will bring in more viewers for me.

See you soon, okay?
 

Readings

As I have posted last time, I have been missing out a few things on my online life and that includes reading articles about writing and how-tos (like improve your presence online, gripping stories and more).

I have been a follow of Poynter online. This website is a place where journalists and students can get useful resource materials about Journalism. They also have a sister website, NewsU that allows you to take a crash course about Journalism and they also have special courses from various resource person to discuss more about the subject and I guess give their first hand experience.

Hopefully I can now join more classes

With the lappy, still besting its previous performance, I am now able to read articles published in Poynter. Sweet. I know.

Not related to Poynter but just addressed to my lappy, I want to do jumping jacks and somersaults right now because of the way it's performing. I initially thought I had to replace it or just let it dust in the corner... I am wrong.

So, as I have said more of me (especially late posts!) online... Okay, I have to breath :p


N.B. image courtesy of http://ftvlive.squarespace.com/?offset=1416312354310 

How to motivate yourself

This is what I always ask myself.

When I was still working, I would always tell myself that I will read later or write later which would mean nothing will be accomplished.

Now that I have a lot of this free time in my hands, I still ask the same question - how do I motivate myself?

to go back reading?

I see a lot of articles, news features or books that I really want to start reading but for some reason, I always get held up by other things -- the best word to sum this all up --- distraction.

Yes, I get distracted or get lured easily to either browse on new website finds or I get stuck with sorting out my emails (yes, six months of being idle and I still have tons of emails to read and delete).

It was only last week when I started reading an ebook. It was good. The words seem to surround me with happiness that I cannot explain. However, after my initial read, I have not gone back :-(

to start writing my book?

It was just recently when I had a chance to reconnect with my friend, Rob . After our usual Hi and Hellos, he asked me what's keeping me busy (to be quite honest, this is the reason I do not want to meet up because I do not have anything else to tell them except for the fact that I have been busy being a dog mother to my puppies).

Dead air... and lots of dead air... Rob asked me if I was still there so I took a deep breath and told him what I was doing. I can sense his disappointment and I kind of felt it too.

Back when we were still working on the same company, we have talked about what I really wanted to do and I told him that I want to write a book. I have always set myself as a novelist even when I was still a kid. He asked me what's stopping me from realizing this dream and I pointed out the pile of paperwork at my desk.

Now that I have all the time in my hands, he again urged me to write. Rob said the time is now or else I will never be able to do it anymore.

I know that he is right but I am not sure what is keeping me from doing it.

Is it the weather?
Is it the distractions?
Is it the slowness of my laptop?
Is it me just being lazy?

I, too, cannot figure it out or I just won't admit it.

Can't seem to fit

You may or may not be aware but I have been trying to work online for the past few months. I actually did have a successful stint over the holiday period which was perfect timing because I was still at that stage where my body was craving for work (I think this happens post-resignation).

I was always on my blog (like what I am now) and at the same time, busied myself looking for work after posting.

Because I was slouched to our bed most of the time while I finished my article writing assignment, R decided it has got to stop and said, we need to buy a table.

We searched for desk tables online and offline for a perfect match to what I need at the same time, with what little space we have.

Since I am a proud member of SnR store (seperate blog - I promise!), we were able to also scout the tables that they have.

It was love at first sight.

 

My table from S&R (photo grabbed from madeinchina.com)

The set up was working at first with the table in our bedroom. Unfortunately, I still need a chair which we are still sourcing (I am looking for a chair that is foldable and with holes on the ass side so that my butt won't get sweaty!). The other thing also is I want to have a permanent location for my working table.

I want to have a permanent space for it somewhere around the living room.

This is something that I need to discuss with R.

What is happening right now? I squat at our living room and dining area alternately.  Yeah... not an ideal set up which is why, my attention gets diverted.

When in the living room, I get distracted by the TV and when I'm in our dining area, I get distracted with the food or I feel like I'm hungry! hahahaha!

Writing about it now makes me realise that we need to discuss about this a.s.a.p!

We have gone crazy at Krazy Garlik!

Since R & I have been back home, we now have these one-time family dinners with (of course) the entire family - almost (background: bro and his family are not here in the Philippines and have migrated to Canada).

I was searching for a place that R & I have not tried before that is unique to our palate and at the same time, a bit easy on the budget.

Yes, we are not OFWs anymore so we are a bit conscious on how we spend our money.

Since I am a coupon and deal freak when we were still in Dubai, I have tried scoring for good deals in the Philippines as well. I came to know about ClicktheCity and have downloaded their app to secure some good deals (I will have a seperate blog post about this wonderful app).

After downloading the app, I have browsed through it and ta-da, I have found the Krazy Garlik :) Initially, I thought okay maybe this restaurant serves most of their dishes with garlic (but this ingredient is a staple in almost all the dishes, right)?

Half expecting for the dishes to be garlicky, we all went and head to the restaurant.

First off, I like the ambiance. It has a very cheerful surrounding with the yellow hues all over the restaurant. There were not a lot of people that time (being a workday) so we were immediately seated. The staff were all smiles and attentive to what their customers need. Our server also gave us suggestions since we were kind of a medium-sized group (a total of 5 persons).

We ordered the Garlicky Crispy Pata (yes! pork!), Korean Style Sesame Beef for mom, their famous 40 Cloves Chicken and the Tofu and Baby Eggplant.

I am assuming that the dishes where made on order because it did take awhile before the food came which was okay because my mom was busy watching the finale of My Destiny (I resisted taking a photo because she will get very mad about it!)

(grabbed from my sister's instagram account)

Over all, the price was reasonable as they do have enough portions. The two men (dad and R) were so full (double thumbs up!). 

I would recommend you to try this again or if you did then come back and have some more! :) 

*The Krazy Garlik outlet that we have tried is at Greenhills Promenade, San Juan City 

And so here we are...

It has been two weeks since we have moved back here.... yep, in the Philippines.

We were welcomed by traffic, endless sweat and nonstop rain! Hahaha but overall, it was a fun welcome most especially since I get to see my family (mom, dad and sissy).

Until this moment, I do not have any strange feeling about the decision that we have made. Friends have said (or actually analyzed) that it is probably because I still feel that this is a vacation.

I think so too...

I don't feel any fear to be quite honest. I am not sure why but it's like my doubts about how the financial aspect will turn out seems to be a distant issue now. It felt like the Almighty has given me the peace of mind regarding this decision.

I am still in touch with my friends and colleagues at work back in Dubai but have not touched base with my friends here in Manila. Not that I do not want to see them (of course, I do!). It is just that I want to savor this moment with R. I feel that finally, we are building our own home and not just a temporary one.

We get to decide where to put what. To let you in a secret (sort of), I think we still try to put everything in our room! I guess it is because in Dubai, we only have a room for ourselves (except for kitchen items, of course). Slowly, we now make use of the other areas in the house!

Our house is slowly becoming a home... though we still have a lot of stuff coming in the next few months (5 boxes!!)

I just have to say, it is hard to pack everything up and close a decade of your life in another country.... because you do not only temporarily close it but you have to familiarise yourself with what is in front of you, what is in store for you in the place you are in.

Slowly, we will get there but for now, I enjoy the peace (though at times, the bickering!!) our home brings :)

The Beach

R and I had the chance to wake up early and head to the beach!!!

Yes! It has been in the plan for weeks months now but it never happens. I guess this time schedule permits for us to visit the beach and it was A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!

There were a lot of people in the beach... I think it is because the weather was just right. We arrived at about 10am and managed to secure a nice spot. Since we were in a rush to head to the beach, we were not able to have breakfast so we ate there before joining the other beach goers.

The water was uberly cold!!! You just need to take the plunge because eventually you get used to the water's temperature. R and I watched people's reactions when they take a step to the water and it was hilarious!

The whole experience was calming and fun.

R and I usually go out to be in the malls so this was another welcoming adventure. We do go to the beach but this happens once a year? Hahaha! So when he told me that we will be back next week! I am sooooo thrilled!!!

I hope to be reunited with the waters soon :) 

It made me think if we will be going back to the Philippines, most of the beaches are in the outskirts. You need to travel for about 1-2 hours before reaching the beach gem! Here in Dubai, it can take about 30-45 minutes to reach the beach or like what we did, we took the bus and it took us about 45 minutes (including the waiting time) only. 

Now, I am back to my thinking cap about 'the' options :)... I know you will not understand my readers (if I have any) or maybe you do... just cannot reveal it yet.

Bucket List

Do you have any? I don't :(

I wonder what does that make me? I do not have any desire to travel and now, I don't have a bucket list!!

Does this mean that I am satisfied with where I am now or I have already achieved most of my goals? Seriously?! at 16 years old (LOL!)

Hmmm... (long pause)

More long pause ...

Maybe I should really write a list...

Risk Taker

Awhile ago, I was watching Tim Turner's video (who is called the Maverick Man) at CNN. The clip below was not what I have watched but I just wanted you to have an idea of who he is.

(from youtube)

He seems to have a vision and he works on getting that goal. 

A risk taker and definitely a go-getter! Imagine, the first time he heard that Jane Fonda signed the divorce papers of her then husband, he immediately gave her a call and asked her for a date! 

While watching this documentary about him, I asked myself if I at least have a bit of his vision. Looking back, I think I only have 1% of his risk taking attitude and that is when I followed my heart to be with the man of my dreams (my husband!). 

Hmmm... or maybe add 4% more on that because I decided to start a business opportunity (can't really tell it right now... or never at all! bwahahaha!). 

Okay, kidding aside, I asked myself when I was watching his documentary if I did have a vision of what my life will be (now, it's our life since we're married). 

... silence... 

I guess I have been following the current of the river called Life, the day to day events as they come our way. In other words, things have been easy. There may be a bit of rocky areas but still there was more smooth sailing days. 

R, I think, sees this which is why he does not burst my good bubble by pushing through with "the plan" but I know it is of our best interest to go for the plunge... which should be soon! 

Am I a risk taker? No but I think I am married to a visionary and like a river, he leads to smooth sailing days... always :) 

Best and Worst Cities to Live 2013

(link and story can be found here) 

I was browsing through my emails and saw the link about the Best and Worst Cities to Live for 2013.  What I have noticed is most of them are places in Canada and Australia. 

Initially, hooray because my brother is living on the city that holds the 3rd spot (Vancouver, Canada). My brother and his entire family landed in Canada a couple of months ago. They are still on the "adjusting period" and I am glad that they are able to connect with some relatives and friends way back in high school (God really has His ways doesn't he?). 

I just noticed that there was no explanation on what were the criteria for recognising them as the best and worst cities to live in. 

Looking at the worst cities, it seems the criteria was based on the current situations the cities have right now. 

Now, I wonder when will the cities of the Philippines take one of the Top 10 spot? =) 

Be Careful

Times are really getting tough these days. 

Not only in third world countries but also in other countries as well. Dubai has now been home to more than a hundred thousand expats who have moved out of their countries to provide a better life for their family. 

Everyday, adjacent to our office, you can see a lot of people lined up either to submit for their CVs... some wait for the good news under the heat of the sun,if they are shortlisted. 

In the Philippines, news reports say that the percentage of people who are out of employment are increasing resulting to my fellow kababayans violating the policies implemented by the government - like going to countries that are high risk, security wise or paying off illegal recruiters for them to be brought to other countries wherein they can earn and send money to their families. 

Now, if you don't have money to spare or connections, you end up going after retirees or tourists. A friend of mine who has stayed in Malaysia for close to a year now, experienced his first robbery on broad daylight. 

Bev, a British expat has been in Malaysia for sometime now and is considering retiring there for good. The incident occurred on 14 August 2013. This is his encounter:- 

Subject: An Incident in Ara Damansara

H 

i Rachiel

 

I 

thought you might be interested

 

in the following

  which I sent to my local Residence Association to day 

:-

 

I wish to share with you an incident that occurred to me this afternoon, the 14th August, in PJU1A / 20b.

I am a retired UK expat who has been living in Ara Damansara for the past 3½ years.
Recently I have taken up cycling to combat the onset of those unwanted additional kilos and to build up my fitness. 

So this afternoon at around 2.30, for the first time, instead of driving down to the shops I decided to ride my bike.

I took a rucksack to carry the chain I would use to attach my bike to a suitable anchor and unusually I placed my wallet (containing cash, atm and credit cards), phone and house keys in the rucksack. I say unusually because my normal modus operandi would be to place my wallet and phone in separate pockets of my cargo pants and the keys in a side pocket. Today, however, I was not wearing cargo pants so they all went in the rucksack.

I slowly cycled down to the shops and found a suitable signpost pole located on the corner of Jalan PJU1A/20b and 20c to use as an anchor for the bike. A location that is in full view of all people in the vicinity. I leaned the bike against the pole, took off my rucksack, removed the chain and placed the rucksack on the ground directly beside my feet. I proceeded to chain the bike to the pole and had only been there for a matter of one or two minutes when I became aware of a slight draught at my ankles. I looked down to see that my rucksack had disappeared. I looked up and saw a man with my rucksack running towards Jalan PJU1A/1 where his accomplice was waiting on a motorbike so that they could make their get away. I gave chase to the thief but I never had a chance to catch him as he had at least a 15 meter start on me.

This snatch was made in mid afternoon in broad daylight, with many people present who witnessed the incident and the rucksack was taken from right at my feet. A very audacious act, by people who obviously consider that the reward is worth the risk as there is little chance of getting caught. 

I have been an expat for more years than I care to admit and have worked in many countries both in the Middle East and South East Asia. I have, with out doubt, enjoyed my time in Malaysia, which I believe is a very fortunate country endowed with friendly citizens, natural resources, dramatic scenery and for me a great climate so it is with sadness that my positive feeling for this country has been tainted by my experience to day.

I hope the above will help to make people aware of the dangers that lurk at all times and in some small way avert an incident similar to mine. 

Best Regards

Good thing is he was not hurt. I feel sad whenever I hear these types of stories wherein people think it is alright... We know there is a purpose for doing this - to put food on the table for your family (I sure hope this was the reason) but there are other ways to earn money - not by stealing things.

True, immediately, Bev was able to replace all the material things but the trauma of having to look over your shoulder again and again, making sure that you are secure with your stuff is tiring, most especially if you have to do it every time you leave the house.

This happened in Malaysia but this is a usual scene in our country and I feel sad about it. I know the government says they are trying to come up with more jobs, I hope that they are true to their word however whilst these are still rampant in the country that you live in, make sure that you be extra careful when going out and even when you are at home.

Be Safe. Always.

 

Life in the Blogging World

I usually go through my blog every week (when I say "go through", I check who my audiences are, where do I get link back, my top posts, etc).

What I do notice whenever I check my blog is that I never have any comments in. From the time I have started this blog, I only have two comments - one from a friend and the other one from me (because I answered her query).

I am not sure if this is because most of my posts are personal and not a lot are into reading what I have to say or it could be because there is not a lot of substance?

Years back, blogging was all about personal things. Most of my friends saw this as a venue where they can vent out, tell a story about their relationships and more. After reading the posts, we would comment endlessly about it until we forgot what the topic was really all about. I wasn't sure if this was because we were all just starting out and everyone needed all the support you can have. Fresh out of college, the real world is sometimes not kind to newbies.

The blogging world was a friend - a network of friends for that matter. It can be someone you know or someone you just met through a friend or a total stranger.

I guess this platform was left behind due to a more advanced way of socialising - Facebook and Twitter.

from www.topnews.ae

It has kind of put blogging behind, same as what I did. I got myself busy with Facebook and Twitter too. It must be the hype but still it led me back to blogging.

from http://technorati.com/social-media/article/twitter-fakes-tweets-to-promote-twitter/

After coming back, I noticed that blogging has transformed itself. From being personal, it became commercial. It has become an avenue for PR practitioners to use blogging in promoting their show, restaurants, etc.

Blogging has become the new "word of mouth" 

Instead of talking about it, they blog it with pictures as testimony to prove what they say. Again, bloggers decided also to group themselves - mommies together, blogging fashionistas and more.

Still, I am waiting for posts that have emotion on them. Sharing a piece of their life that is not due to a product or a restaurant experience but more of about them - what was their day like, what influenced them to write about it today.

I hope I see some of you behind your mask.

=)

Writing in the Past

If you have been my follower for the longest time... I keep telling people that I want to write. Be it on this blog or to write a novel or a short article, basta I need to write.

While browsing through our old external hard drive (yes old... it's WD book version of the external hard drive... the one that needs to powered on before you can get any files unlike the ones now where its portable), I found this baby

photo courtesy of http://www.pencomputing.com/palm/Pen47/dana.html

I always wanted to buy one of these before because I have this feeling that I will be able to write more and focus... The idea is to buy this and start writing my novel! 

This was kind of something I'd really, really want before. I thought if I had this, there will be no distractions whenever I want to write... well, to be honest, this was like my reasoning as to why I bought the Kindle but I still was not able to read as much as I would want to... so you know... (embarrassed)... let's forget I said that.

Seeing this device made me realise that my dream did not die... it was just in hiatus or hibernating... I am planning to write a novel soon...oh please, don't ask me when soon is... :-( but seeing this made me realise that I should really start working on my dream. 

I just think I keep making excuses on what I should be doing (super!).

Hopefully, with all these things popping up, I get to work on my dream. 

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! :)