Random thoughts

Things have been going well these past few days.

My only worry now is the results of my dad's test results from the lab (background: my dad had his annual check-up and they found out that he has Diabetes Type II. The nurse said that I should not worry because this type of Diabetes can still be cured. My dad just needs to move around a bit more and exercise.

He was given some meds for a month and then they will see how it goes. He is scheduled to do another test by the end of October so I am keeping my fingers crossed that things will be a-ok.

Most definitely a daddy's girl

xxx

I am beginning to read books again. Not the hard copy but more on my Kindle. Since I have a few minutes in my hands, I read through my Kindle while waiting for the bus or waiting for friends (which by the way is very rare as I always come late in meetings!!!).

It has been a good way for me to catch up with my books! I didn't think I will get the hang of it but I did so here's to more reading till forever!

photo courtesy of Wikipedia

xxx

R is still on a crappy shift. We had worst days and sometimes I think this is why he asks for a break. A complete break from all of this. I tend to agree with him on some days but at times, I put my financial guru hat on and I keep asking myself if we will survive should we decide to take the plunge.

Will we?

A question that haunts me more now then ever before. I have already set a date but I think I am (again) leaning to change it... R says he understands but I can sense the sadness in either his voice or see it in his eyes. It breaks my heart but I have to think about the future.

However, when I look at the people who have decided to set their feet on one place... they seem happy and satisfied with what they have... I sometimes wonder if that will work for us too... after being exposed to a place where everything you want is just within your reach (if you have either a credit card or funds)... will we make it -- this is the question that I always have in my head.

Buying what you don't need

I am guilty.

I have bought a few things in the grocery or in the boutiques only to be kept to one side. Sometimes, I remember to use them but other times, like food, either R would eat it because it is close to being expired or he would throw them :(

Most of the time, I always have this idea in my head and will get excited about it... then boom... I will get lazy to do it or R will say that he wants to eat out.

Looking at this article published by MSN about the 10 things people buy but never use. I think most of them, I have stored, thrown or ended.

Canned goods is also the Top 1 for me. I keep buying them and then I ended up shelving them either to the back end being replaced with another set of canned goods! I only remember them when I suddenly have the urge to do the recipe again... which at times, is close to the expiry date of the canned good! :-S

Photo from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canning

Mobile apps is Top 2. The good thing about me is they are all free. This is also the reason why I hesitate when I buy apps. I always ask myself if it will be something that I need or just want. Wants are most of the time, spur of the moment decisions which at times, you regret. I try to wait for a few weeks or months just to be sure I need it. Though if it's on sale, that's another matter! :p

Top 3 is ... books and magazines!!!! I am not sure if book nerds have this issue as well but I usually hoard... both!!! I always have a reading list but usually does not end up following it so to be honest, I am happy that the Kindle and Zinio were released and so are the other reading apps... at least I can hide my overflowing collection from R (though unfortunately, the bills don't lie!).

photo from http://www.teleread.com
 

For now, as much as I can, I try and see if I really, really need it. I stop myself from buying, if I know I am not going to do anything about it. As for my books, good thing torrents are available and of course, thanks to friends too!!!

Smile

I saw this online article about Calidad Humana which was started our by Chilean ambassador to Manila Roberto Mayorga and his wife Paulina.

They have been inspired by our smiles, the Filipino smile and have decided to use this element or characteristic of ours to promote our country and our people.

Smile! 

(video grabbed from youtube, Smiles for the World AVP)

This does mean a lot. 

Weird as it may sound but we, Filipinos, do know how to make the most of what we have. OFWs here in Dubai will always have a sad story to tell about how they got here but still they do not lose hope that there is still something in store for them... for their future and their families. 

No need to dwell on the past 

This is usually what Filipinos would say. Since Dubai is a melting pot of different nationalities, a lot of them are amazed with how the Filipinos cope with almost everything - from their core family up to their extended families and sometimes, make-up families (like friends, friends of friends, etc).

I guess, it is because we always have the "never give up" attitude. Always knowing deep in our hearts that all of the hardships will bring fruit... we just don't know it yet.

So for you, my reader(s), SMILE... :)

To read more about Calidad Humana (click on this link).

*source: Rappler.com

Cooking

is something that can never be associated with me... at all!

When I was a kid, my mom will always encourage me to cook or spend time with her in the kitchen and learn the basics (like cooking a sunny side egg!).

I always decline.

Of course, I do want to spend time with my mom so in turn, I devote my nights with her - chatting about her work, her friends and more.

If she is very insistent that I participate in the kitchen (according to her, being a girl, I or we, including my youngest sister, need to know how to use the kitchen because when we get married, we should be experts in this part of the house), I will help in preparing the dish, like chopping the garlic or onions, peel whatever needs to be peeled, chop whatever needs to be chopped.

Fast forward, living here in Dubai with R made me realise that I should have listened to my mom.

Being a newbie in this country about 10 years ago, we only have enough, i.e. we need to stay home more because we were not earning enough for us to go to dates and eat out - all the time.

It was a bit difficult I have to say. I had to really make an effort on learning the basics. At times, I can see some of my girl friends roll their eyes at me because I can't cook. They had this impression in their minds that I am a rich girl trying to be independent.

I am  not.

I did not come from a wealthy family. We are part of the middle class family who can afford to have help once in a while. When we don't have help, my mom always made sure there is food on the table or  prepared dishes stored in the fridge for us to re-heat (I know, I'm lucky!).

I was determined to learn more about cooking (oh by the way, I can bake! However who wants to eat cake or cookies for dinner right?). Good thing now, Google has been very friendly and I was able to search for recipes online.

My version of my grandmother's Kiampung (without the nuts)

I started on the easy stuff and voila, I was successful! I had my ups and downs to be honest. There were times when I had a lot of failures when it comes to whipping up a dish, I tend to stop (so that I can shrug off the bad luck! :P).

Cordon Bleu covered with Oatmeal (recipe grabbed from my friend, Caren) 

Being a wife to a very supportive husband, I always want to make sure that I experiment and re-create dishes. Some are still what we are used to (it's because R can only take about 2-3 experiment dishes at a time) like the sinigang or adobo however at times, I try to do some of it with a twist!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta (recipe from my cousin, Sheryll) 

Usually, inspiration to cook comes from various ways like recipes I see online and fortunately for us, we have Food Network on cable!!

We have been following Ina and Guy on their shows!!!

I hope that you get inspired too! :) The only problem that I have is being familiar with some of the ingredients and for the first time, I got acquainted with the spices available here in Dubai. I had a close encounter with the dill, parsley, fennel seeds and more. I still need to learn more but at least I have made the first step! :) 

Now, I really hope my love affair with cooking this does not catch up with my waist! :(

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.

 

Compliments... Praises...

I was doing my usual blog reading when I saw Carla's blogpost about Praise and Fidelity, the post was actually about married couples and how to accept praises or compliments from your partner.

R and I have been together for a few years now. We had our ups and downs but most importantly, we are still together.

In this time and age, a lot of factors can cause a strain in one's marriage - technology, temptation and more. If you don't have God as a center in your relationship, all of these can kill it.

In the blog, Carla talked about receiving compliments from your partner. I am privileged that my husband is not madamot when it comes to giving compliments. He loves giving one - a lot to be honest!

He compliments me when I cook dinner, arrange something in our room and more. This is also the reason why I want surprising him - cause he appreciates!

This was the surprise I did for him on his last Birthday :) Super happy thoughts here!

I, for one, is not into giving compliments cause I show it when I appreciate a gesture. I think I still have to learn how to put my actions to words though I think in which form do you feel most comfortable - it's okay just as long as you let your partner know that you appreciate what he does for the relationship.

I know also that when I am soooo tired from work, I tend neglect giving out my gestures... and would snap most of the time -- at him  :(

It's not good and for married couples reading this blog, DO NOT neglect your husbands... always remember that the time you step out of the office, is also the time that your responsibilities should stay there and focus on what your role is in the house - a wife and mom (if you have kids).

Again, thanks for sharing that post Carla and may God bless you and your family! :)