Woven

There were multiple possibilities of how our story could have gone.
Yet here we are,
We choose with what we know;
We create with what we have;
We forge on and dream with eyes open;
We cleave unto each other and learn to grow together;
We try to compromise amidst incidental disharmony;
We mess up and lose because life isn't always about winning.

There are multiple possibilities of how our story will fare.
By now, our beings and truths have been woven into one.
After many years, here we are, we are one.
What a comfort to know all these -
So on we'll go with this journey, and we'll keep going.

Happy 12th anniversary! ♥️

Hello, old hobby

Guess what I rediscovered lately? Like what I mentioned previously, finding a hobby during this quarantine can be a sanity-saver. So I took the opportunity and asked my husband to fix the bicycles that were just lying around at home. They're not mine - they were my dad's and nephew's and were left unused for sometime. Once they were fixed, off we go.

I cycled leisurely with friends before. We loved going through paved roads surrounded by green fields and few houses - our town has a lot of them. Sometimes, we'd visit old acquaintances on the way. We laughed at steep roads that we could not climb easily. We'd take a rest near the green fields when we're too tired. Good old days.

During the first week that my husband and I started cycling, we tried as much to get up early and ride. Cycling is a great exercise! But now that the rainy days are more frequent, we ride the bike less often (safety first). Hopefully, we can hit the road this week when we're not busy and the streets aren't wet. Here are some of the photos I took while out cycling:

Summer rice fields

Our feet on dry grounds

Morning sun

That's all for now. Take care wherever you are.☺

Stay home, stay well

What day is it?!

What day is it again?! It's easy to lose track of days during this global pandemic, but we are not alone in this situation. If we're talking about numbers, more than a third of the world's population is under some form of restrictions.

We are on the sixth week of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) here in the Philippines; the ECQ which was first set to end on April 30 was extended until May 15. My husband and I were on a flight from Saudi Arabia a few days before the restrictions were imposed. We were quite thinking about our plan to fly home but we push through anyway amid the possibilities of flight cancellations and cities around the world announcing lockdown. Our families did not know that we were going home because (1) we wanted to surprise them, and (2) we wanted to minimize their risks of contracting the virus by not welcoming us in the international airport. Only my brother-in-law knew that we were coming and he came to pick us up at the airport.

The past month was full of uncertainties with a few new rules being implemented each week. A quarantine pass was issued for each household; the quarantine pass holder is the only one allowed to go out to buy supplies and run essential errands. Some local government units have been generous in distributing goods to the residents more than others. I am grateful that we have enough food on our tables and a roof over our heads since the ECQ was implemented; our comfortable situation makes me think about the marginalized population. It's a good thing that there are many ways where we can help - when you turn on the TV or check social media, you'll see calls for donations. If helping locally is your preference, I believe it's easy to coordinate with the authority as I have seen from friends who organized donation drives and relief operations.

If you have limited resources and just have enough to get by, then it is best to follow the rules, try as much to be healthy, and avoid catching the virus. It is hard to get sick during this pandemic. I hope we'll come out of this - stronger and more conscious and careful about our hygiene. Here is a simple reminder I made about doing our part during these days. Stay healthy, and stay at home if you have nothing important to do outside. God bless you - cheer up!

Do your share. Stay home, stay well.

Just because you don't see the struggle --

Family and friends would naturally ask if I was pregnant already after tying the knot. You could tell that they're only excited for us. Looking back, I would probably ask the same to friends who wed because having a child after getting married is the norm. After a few years into our marriage, people would still ask from time to time if we are already expecting a baby but some seemed to have grown tired of asking. I'm thankful that our family do not give the impression that they're pressuring us to have a child already, but also saddened that we cannot give them that joy as of the moment.

It was easy to handle the 'baby' questions from people who simply want to know and those who ask to make small talk. I would usually answer it with a smile saying "It will come." To tell you honestly, those words has also been a comfort to me and my husband whenever I wonder and feel frustrated in our journey. But how do we handle and feel about people's remarks that are careless and tend to be hurtful?

We have heard a couple of such remarks; there was one that stood out and it happened quite recently. We made a quick stop by our godparents' house last time we were back in the Philippines. Naturally, they asked if we're already having a baby. Then one of them spoke to us nonchalantly, "It seems that you're both infertile." I was stirred up for a second after hearing those words. Thank God I wasn't vulnerable and had a happy state of mind at that time thus I was able to give a straight response. I told them gladly that it may not have been the right time yet and God's will be done. They seemed to have agreed but oblivious to how the remark made us feel. Some people are straightforward and speak their thoughts casually and I'd like to think that they're just one of those people.

Some people may not realize that dealing with infertility is a struggle. It is heartbreaking, especially for us who feel ready and willing to raise a child/children of our own. It gets easier with a supportive  and understanding partner. After all, it's our journey together - the joy, pain, and heartbreaks are all part of it. I just wish that people will be more conscious about what they ask and say to couples who they expect to be bearing children already (or to everyone in general actually). People may not recognize the pain; just because you don't see them struggle doesn't mean they don't. I believe that we can choose to be more compassionate towards others because we don't always see the agony behind the smiles.

Let this message be a beautiful reminder to all of us. Cheers!☺️

 

Happy birthday Daddy!

 

 

 

Moving out and in to a new flat

The newly introduced expat levy and the upcoming value-added tax of certain goods and services in Saudi Arabia finally pushed us to look for a cheaper housing unit. Well, we did not plan to move out of our former flat until we encountered a recurring plumbing problem that the owner didn't deal with quickly.

In a span of a week, we looked for a cheaper flat that is close to Michael's office. Fortunately, we found one that is old but a lot more affordable. We moved in to the new flat after a few days of cleaning and packing our things. It seems that housing units are getting more affordable since more and more families of expatriates opt to go back to their home country resulting in more vacant flats and villas. I guess that plumbing problem in our previous flat had been a good thing somehow.

While packing and organizing for the move out, I realized that we own a lot of stuff already - clothes, shoes, and some random things. It has been a reality check to keep us from buying anything that we do not actually need, not that we splurge when shopping but tempting promos and sales are always around the corner. So far, we're doing good and just buying basic necessities.

Few weeks have passed since we moved and we don't have problems in the flat so far. There are still some fixings to do but it feels homey already. Let's see how long we will be staying here (in this flat and in KSA) as prices go up next year. Still hoping for the best.☺

Purchasing from iHerb

I was having bad breakouts when I decided that I should improve my skincare routine, therefore investing in good skincare products. I guess my breakout was caused by the treatment that was prescribed by my gynecologist; maybe my body was adjusting to the drugs at that time because my face was just doing fine before the treatment. Anyway, I was looking for affordable products with good reviews which do not contain harmful chemicals. Then I read about iHerb through this blog. It pretty much answered some questions I have about ordering from iHerb and having delivered the products to Riyadh.

I read about the reviews and the product information before deciding to finally purchase. I ordered the items below for an affordable price (inclusive of the shipping fee.) I chose DHL express since it seemed more convenient than the other options.

When the package was on the shipping process, DHL sent an email about the required documents such as the filled out form from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), copy of identification, copy of prescription (if any), and copy of invoice. DHL sent a code to download the form below.

Take a walk

My husband and I had visited the hospital several times this past few months. I underwent some examinations and I'm taking treatment for three months now. Maybe I'll write about those experiences on a separate post. Aside from the treatment that I was given, the doctor also told me that it's pertinent that I lose some weight.

I haven't thought of losing weight particularly since the time I felt comfortable with my body. Yes, I'm not in my fittest self, but I'm not having problems with the extra pounds that I have. So, when the doctor told me to shed some weight, I was a little clueless where to start. We began with making healthier food choices. My husband is motivated to lose weight too and I think that it has made all the difference.

I tried aerobics for more than a month. I found some good resources and followed the exercises for twenty minutes five days a week. It was tiring but I enjoyed it for a time. It worked for a while but the routine became less motivating. Then I thought of walking instead.

See you soon

Few more weeks and the second term in our school will end. Some of the kids will be leaving next week to spend Easter in their home country. And it means that we have to do their assessments before they leave.

Anyway, my husband and I also planned to spend the holy week in the Philippines. It has been years since my husband missed Semana Santa and the traditions that go with it. But, there was a problem when he filed our vacation leave so we'll have to go to the Philippines at a later time. Still, that's alright! That means we'll be going there when the schools are on break. And, it's summer - best time to go to the beach!

We are already talking about the things that we want to do while in the Philippines, aside from eating at different places. Haha! I just don't want to laze around when we are at home, so better list down sensible things to do with the family. We are going to travel to somewhere with our families, but I don't want to put in a lot of money for our travels. So, we must budget too and mind our savings.

Hi, winter.

Winter has come here in KSA. Although it's always sunny, the wind feels really cold even at noontime. People started wearing winter apparels; thick clothes and body warmers were all in shops' display.

The kids in our school are spending the holidays in their home country, some will go somewhere else. Sadly, we won't have any days off from work even if all the kids will be on holiday. We are still asking if we can have a free day on the 24th. Well, that's the downside of working in a Muslim country especially when you're a Christian, we cannot have Christmas holidays. Still, I'm grateful that things are working smoothly in our school.

This Christmas is the second time that Michael and I will be celebrating it as husband and wife. It's unimaginable how time flies swiftly. This will the first time that I will be spending Christmas outside the Philippines. We miss the events and celebrations this holiday season - reunion, parties, misa de gallo, presents, Christmas carols, nativity play, and Filipino foods! Anyway, we are also preparing foods for relatives who will visit us on Christmas day here. It won't be as festive and happy as what we have back home, but it will still be fun.

I am grateful for all 2015 had been. 2015 has brought a lot of new adventures and experiences and I am quite ready for the next year. Have a happy holidays! :)

Photo taken outside the Rimal Center

Of doing something right

I'm having a great time in the school so far. Aside from keeping me busy with something productive, I'm having fun getting to know the kids, reviewing Spanish language (for one kid in my class), and preparing lessons! It was so nice when most of the teaching resources that you need are just an inch away.

Michael and I are also doing fine with almost everything, from household chores, to simple and big decisions making. I want us to enjoy this time together, while being far from families and friends, and while working and saving for future plans. We always think about when we'll be going home, what to do, because we definitely miss even the little things in the Philippines. Maybe that's the thing with living and working in another country, we live and count the months left dreaming of home. But, missing home doesn't keep us from having fun, happiness can be cheaper than what you imagine it to be.

Finally, I was overwhelmed seeing happy updates from friends in the Antioch community these past few days. They held a sports festival and I guessed that they really had a great time together amidst few conflicts. I remember when we had our first sports festival, there was really the spirit of competition but at the end of the day, everyone went home tired but happy. I am actually overwhelmed that these activities we started years ago were being held regularly, like the fun runs. I was taking my P.E. running class  when I joined fun runs in the university because they were required. I suggested to the community that we could plan a fun run. The first time we organized a fun run in our town with the Antioch community, it was a hit! I'm proud that we still do it on a regular basis. With all the things that I shared with Antioch, I realized that the times I spent on and with the formation are all worthwhile. I can say that I must have done something right with what God has blessed me. Oh, grateful.☺

I'm sharing another good song here, enjoy! 

Read, cook, eat

I love eating. I like trying out new and familiar dishes with my husband. Sometimes, I would prepare food for meals back in PH. Most of the time, I was the one assigned to prepare the ingredients for certain dishes - preparations such as chopping, mincing and washing the vegetables and meat to be used. My mom or brother do the cooking most of the time.

I haven't thought that cooking dishes on a daily basis would be such a challenge. Thinking of meals to prepare is a lot harder since I have a limited knowledge on food preparation. Oh, I remember a requisite course about food nutrition I took in the university and I had the same role in our group works, which is measuring the ingredients needed. I never led our group in following cooking and/or baking steps. Thus, preparing meals can be a tough task of a housewife. Who else thinks that being a housewife is underrated?

Anyway, I have tried cooking some dishes for two weeks that I've been here. I would look at what's available in the fridge and what I can prepare with it. Sometimes, we go to the grocery to buy what we need for something that I'd like to try to prepare and eat. The internet (oh, yes) is such a big help in food preparation. Thanks to all the recipes that are budget-friendly and easy to understand. Haha. I can just search keywords and voila - I can scan and choose the recipe that fits.

I'm sharing the photos of some foods that I prepared. Most often than not, the dishes turned out good.

Fish fillet

Home

May had some good things coming that were worth talking about but sadly, I was not able to share it here. Since I have some free time (A LOT) for now, I am glad to get back in writing here!

Last month, I was preparing some documents that I will be using for my travel to Saudi Arabia. I got some documents that needed to be authenticated, I underwent a medical check-up and processed visa stamping before we finally purchased a one-way ticket to the KSA. Aside from these, I was trying to make the most of my time with my family, friends and churchmates. 

I only told a few friends that I will be leaving soon and some kept on asking until when will I be staying in KSA. And when I finally told our school head that I might be leaving probably on the first week of June, she told me to apply for resignation so I would be cleared quickly. I had my clearance signed and resignation letter filed.

Of learning and playing

On the night of our wedding, my then-boyfriend-now-husband gave me a new instrument - a ukulele! I never thought that he'd be able to pull a surprise as such since during our wedding preparation, we're almost always together. Great job! I was sorry that I got no material gift for him that night - but hey, the blessings we had that day were overwhelming and unexpected!

Anyway, I am very glad that I have yet another instrument to know! Well, maybe when I get some free time and the urge to learn, I'll get to know the ukulele. I already scanned the chords for it and it looks easier than the guitar. I haven't fully studied the comparison between guitar and ukulele, and I hope I won't get confused! I hope I'll have the time.

Learning to play instruments has always been a fond experience for me. Back when I was in elementary, I joined the Drum and Lyre club.  I remember how good it felt learning to play Twinkle, twinkle little star on my own. I attended afternoon practices with our strict teachers, Kakang Pilo and Kuya Boy. They gave us song pieces to practice at home and in school. When I was in 6th grade, I was assigned for some time to signal and lead the other players when and what to play. It was a happy experience. I was sad when I found out that my lyre was lost. Someone stole it.

I also remember having a harmonica toy (green and white in color, I guess) when I was young. I would blow it as hard as I could while trying to make up a happy birthday tune. It was one of our favorite toys and I don't know what happened to it.

Finally, back in high school, we were taught three basic chords in guitar and piano. With the powerful combination of D, G, and A, we could already play different songs. Well as for me, I learned Leaving on a jetplane in guitar, and As the deer in piano. And when I graduated from high school, my grandfather bought me a guitar in Cebu as his graduation present. It was with that guitar I learned to play! I struggled with fretting notes, basic strumming, and plucking (which I haven't really learned well.) I would look at our old song hits magazines to find songs. My favorite songs to play were Gary Jules' version of Mad World, Marty Casey's Trees, Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here, Coldplay's The Scientist and Yellow, and of course, The Cranberries' Linger.

My first ever guitar

I tried playing the piano, too. I would spend good number of hours trying to learn a song or two. I think playing the piano was harder. I actually recorded two songs and uploaded them. They were messy records, to be honest, plus I don't have such great voice. One was Cat Power's I Found A Reason, and the other was Bright Eyes' First Day of My Life. Whenever I listen to those records, it's fulfilling to know that I learned them with hard work and patience.

A good friend also gave me a harmonica but I never get to learn it. So now, with our new ukulele, I've been thinking of what to play first since my original choice, that is, Crystal Fighter's At Home seems difficult yet lovely! 

Looking at all these musical instruments in our room, I can't help but smile, and realize that music is a big part of my life and it makes me feel alive. And, it feeds my soul. Ah, grateful! I think we can make a room for a drum set next time! Haha

Ordinary days

I am somehow thankful for days that do not have something grand happening in it. Not so sad and not so happy, just typical.

When he (Michael) left again for abroad, I think my mind has been trying to adapt again to this long distance kind of relationship. Since my mind is already familiar to these kind of experiences, I'm still doing fine. And my schedule was back to teaching on weekdays, prayer meeting on Saturdays, and maybe going out somewhere on some weekends. Nothing so great happening. And it's OK.

Busy and happy!

There were days that I'd really like to update this but because I need more sleep or I need to do something else, writing here gets out of hand.

Anyway, it's already December! Few more days and it's our big day! So many things to do, so little time. I hope everything gets done well.

I feel grateful for everything that I accomplished during the days I wasn't writing. I feel most grateful for Michael - for all he is, for my family who gives the support that they can give especially during our wedding preparation, for friends who show how happy and excited they are. Really, nothing is impossible when you have faith in the One who makes all things possible. Thank you Lord :)

I'm posting a photo from our prenuptial pictorial by Red Label Studio. Hopefully, I can find more time to write pretty things about our wedding here. :)

Pure joy with my life partner

Under Pressure

I want more days off from work! It's like there'd be no more days after August because of its almost full weekend schedule.

Anyway, we only had two days with classes this week because of National Heroes Day (holiday), and two suspension of classes due to heavy rain warnings. This week had been easy teaching-wise, but I was stressed because of some re-construction and revisions I'm doing in my classroom. I hope that the monitoring team will reschedule their visit in our district. I NEED MORE TIME TO PREPARE MY CLASSROOM!

This week, I was able to get in touch with a former kid in my class. He sent me voice notes and video recording to say hi. It's such a sweet gesture, and it made a teacher like me grateful for what I'm doing.

I'm still praying that I will have more time to prepare my classroom for my kids.

Before I end this entry, I'll be including another song. I recalled this old favorite song (not so old actually) today and felt that I missed listening to this. I found out about this song when there was a music tour in our dormitory during my college days. There was a duo who played this song and I like their version very much. Sadly, I couldn't find them so I'm sharing this one instead, which is as great as the Don Henley original. Listen, please :)

What day is it?

Basic Training Couse, Kinder Demofest, Educational Film Viewing, Sports Fest - Cluster Meet, Mind Education Specialist Training - these had taken up my August aside from my morning and afternoon classes. I couldn't help but feel tired and somehow, accomplished.

September is coming and soon, people will start posting a line from a Greenday song (because it's that time of the year again.) I just hope that the coming month will be better and less tiring. But with the scheduled visit of the division supervisor of Kindergarten program, I have to work hard to make my classroom more child-friendly. I have yet to make a lot of changes and that means, I need more resources and time to make my plans work out.

I'm glad that the internet has been helpful when in comes to looking for ideas and designs for a better classroom, especially for a teacher like me, who loves DIY things.

It's still August but I'm excited already because someone dearest to me will be coming home soon, soon, soon. Maybe, two more months! How quick can it be?! I can't imagine how busy October-January will be. Well, I gotta learn how to manage time more wisely.

Anyway, Vienna Teng came to Manila, Philippines and I wasn't able to watch her live. But, I heard her sing live through live audio streaming! She's so kind to share her music even to those who don't have enough time and resources to listen in her gigs. If you don't know her yet, you better check her out for some soulful music experience (look for Eric's song in YouTube, the live performance, I suggest.) I'm sharing this song of hers for some confidence-boosting music. :)

Pretty sad poems

I stumbled upon my old journal which I wrote on from June 2008 to July 2009. It's a journal full of doodles, songs, poems, lines, topic outlines, and excerpts from books I read. It's also where I kept some tickets of concerts and films that I went to (yes, I like keeping souvenirs for memories' sake before.) When I was keeping that journal, I realized that I wanted to write a book of poems and have it published. That dream still lives. 

One of the sad poems that I wrote on that journal is one of my favorite. I am sharing it here because I thought it's one of those beautiful things I have written. Or, maybe not. Haha. I, sharing this, is just one step to being less selfish. Some friends knew that I don't share or talk about to everyone the things that I like. I thought that if many people would like them too, the beauty of those things would be corrupted. Anyway, here's the poem that I wrote, dated April 30 - May 1, 2009. Cheers to life! ♡

It has been a while

I've been wanting to write something here these past few weeks but since I'm still adjusting to my new work plus I've had weekend activities to attend to, I didn't have much time.

I had this vow to write at least two things here every month and I have yet to break that vow. Maybe later, or tomorrow, or before June ends I will be updating this blog with great things (I hope.)

Now, I'm sharing this pretty cover of a song I love and I'll be back sooooon. Have a happy day! :)