Ang Paglalakbay- Part 1

Kagabi pa ako nasa Airport.  Mahigit isang araw na.  Maaga akong nagpunta kahapon sa airport dahil walang maghahatid sa akin.  Ganyan ang buhay sa abroad.  May pasok ang mga tao, o di kaya nagpapahinga para sa pasok kinabukasan.  Mahirap na na humingi ng ganitong pabor.  Importante ang pahinga sa amin. Alam na alam ko yan.  Ako pa!

Alas-5 pa lang eh yumakag na ako.  Iniisip ko kasi baka sumobra ang bagahe ko.  Para kung sakali eh mai--uuwi ko pa sa bahay kung sakali.  Salamat naman sa Diyos at maayos ang lahat.  Maayos na maayos.  Pagpasok ko pa lang sa pagche-checkin-nan eh sabi nung isang kabayan, naku, nahuli na daw ako sa "early check-in"  tapos maaga pa daw ako sa regular na pagchecheck in. Naku naman.  Ibig sabihin may mga isang oras pa ako ng paghihintay.

Matapos ang paghihintay nakapag check in na din.  Tama lang ang bigat ng bagahe. Di naman sumobra.  Kaya ayun diretso na kami sa hintayan para makapaglayag.

Aba, ang galing naman talaga, delayed daw ang aming eroplano.  Ano ba! 

Napansin ko pa sa byahe namin, bilang lang kaming mga noypi!  oo, sa laki nung eroplano lahat ng andun eh anap. waaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.  Magsastop over kasi sa bansa nila ng 1 oras.  Naisip ko tuloy at nagbiruan pa kami ng mga kasama ko na naku, sabit lang yata tayong mga noypi dito eh!

Wala kaming magagawa, uwing uwi na kami.  Ayun, byahe na.  Para kaming dumaan sa rough road patungo sa kanilang bansa! Totoo!  Sabi pa nga nung piloto, kapag lumapag na tayo, kumapit kayo dahil talagang malubak, normal lang yun.

Ako naman, kesyo antok na antok na nga, eh Natulog halos buong byahe patungo mumbai.  Aba! Bigla na lang akong nagising. Bumagsak ba tayo?  At bakit ganun parang ang baho sa labas ng eroplano eh pumapasok sa loob.  Nasususka ako. Sobra.

Buti na lang bumaba na sila.

(Part one of three).

Christmas Day 2009

I am in the airport now.  It's already 6pm in Dubai.  I was supposed to check in early so if there are problems I could ran back home.  Alas, when I approached the counter, it already closed it's early check in. haay!

I am excited to go home.  I did not see Andy open her gifts today.  They went to the beach early and by the time they returned home she was way too cranky.

So much for being excited what her reaction will be.  I hope I can get the same reaction when she opens her gifts from me.

I am excited.

I love you Andy!  Mommy is coming home.

xoxo,

Mommy

Pauwi na talaga

Sa totoo lang hindi ko alam kung excited ako o kung ano pa ba.  Malapit na talaga akong umuwi. Yung mga nakaraang buwan na pakiramdam ko ay di matatapos sa paghihintay para lang makita uli ang aking munting anghel ay malapit nang matapos. Sa wakas.

Ang pagtitiis ng isang inang sobrang nangungulila sa kanyang unica ay mapapawi na.  Yung mga luha na madalas tumulo sa aking mga mata ay mapapalitan ng saya sa tuwing iniisip kong ilang araw na lang at mayayakap ko na at mahahalikan ang batang sa tuwing tumatawag ako ay sisigaw ng "mommy, mommy!"

Sabi nila mas mahirap daw ang umalis kapag nakauwi ka ng unang beses. Pero kahit pa. Walang makakapalit sa panahong pwede ko uling makasama ang aking pinakamamahal na anak.

Ilang tulog na lang anak.

Mahal na mahal ka,

Mommy

Christmas Gift, Barbie, Play Doh

I already got her something for Christmas.  I was so excited thinking that she's gonna like it!  I was excited. Too excited.  I called her, well, had a yahoo chat with her.  I let her see what I got her.

A couple of shirts, skirt, set of underwear, and of course play dough.  I was excited.  Apparently she had something else on mind.  When asked what she wanted, she excitedly answered, "Barbie!" 

I am so dead.  I thought that I did not want to get her that thinking that she was way too young to appreciate Barbie dolls.

I was so mistaken.  Today she and her aunt love went out to eat at Jollibee.  Going to the place, she saw a Christmas tree with Barbie dolls below it.  She quickly exclaimed, "Tita Ab, Barbie oh!"  My sis was so touched, she bought Andy that toy doll.  It wasn't the real barbie but for Andie it was more than enough.

Merry Christmas Andie!

Phone pal

Kanina tinawagan ko siya.  Akala ko di nanaman ako kakausapin.

Ilang beses na kasi akong di pinapansin sa tuwing tatawag ako

Minsan, "Ma, pakausap naman kay Andy", maririnig ko, with all her feelings. "A-yaw ko".

Hurt ako. Sobra.

Kanina, di sila nag online.  Tinawagan ko na lang.  

Hello? Nanay (yaya), Si Monique to, Pakausap kay Andy. 

"Andy, is mama there?"

Wala pa.

"Si Tita Lab?"

Wala.

Nagsumbong, Mommy, si Nanay 'di marunong mag-cartoons.

I had to figure it out.  Is she referring to the Computer of the dvd?

I told her, "okay, teach her anak!"

Mama, malakas ulan dito.

Wow!  May Phone pal na ako.

I love you... spaghetti!

My baby loves this so much.  She asked my Mama to buy her one as pasalubong.  Mama forgot and had to go back out to buy one.  When she came back, Andy was so happy.  She even said I love you... to the Spaghetti!

Mommy, naloka!

Photo credits:  wowdavao.com

Only you / Hawak Kamay

Kanina tinawagan ko si Andy.  Nagising ako ng 3:30 para makausap siya ng 7:30 ng umaga sa Pilipinas.  Ever since kasi, morning moods ng anak ko ay superb! Promise. Seems na gustong gusto niya ang umaga. Parang ang ganda ng lahat ng umaga para sa kanya.

Okay lang sana magsing ng 7:30AM.  Ok na ok in fact. Kaya lang kung meron kayong apat na oras na time difference, parang mag iiba ang usapan.Ang tagal ko ng di nagigising ng ganito kaaga para makipag usap sa kanila sa bahay eh. Kasi pakiramdam ko mula nung nakalipat kami ng bahay eh di na ganun ka-atat tumawag.

Marahil sanay na din ako sa set up namin ngayon. Ika nga, resigned to the fact na andito ako ngayon at andun sila.  Bibilangin ko ang ilang taon pa bago ako tuluyang makauwi ng lupang sinilangan.

Masyado na OA.

Natuwa ako, kinantahan kasi niya ako ng 2 kanta.  At 2 years old and 3 months eh not bad na nakakanta na niya ang Only you, mga 2 linya.  At Hawak Kamay.  Minsan kailangan pang i-coach.  Pero di na yun masama.

Ang saya ko.  Sana paglaki niya talagang sasabihan niya ako ng Only You.

Tantrum, terrible two

A lot of people mentioned that children/ toddler who's turned two is the most difficult time.  I may have escaped the terrible two but I sure do not like it.

I hate it that I am not able to hold you when you have your bout of tantrum, sweetheart.  I hate it whenever your tita love would send me a message that you've again thrown into fits over the smallest of details.

How I would love to be there in order to comfort you and make you feel that everything will be alright.  Yes, it may be different if and when I am there, but still I would really wish and pray that you and I would be together soon.

A few more weeks before I finally come home for my annual vacation sweetheart.  I'll be your mom in the truest sense.  Oh how I miss being that!

Amazed

Dear Andy,

It seems like yesterday when I was carrying you inside me and eagerly anticipating the day/ moment that you'd really (actually) come out of hotel mom.

It seem like yesterday when I first went to the pharmacy and bought the pregnancy test kit in order to determine that I was indeed pregnant.

It seem like yesterday when I had to rush to the my obstetrician to check why my tummy was contracting at such an early time, when it was not supposed to.  And had to remind myself that I was already pregnant and I had to slow down on how I move about.  And how I would carry myself around the office.

It so seem like yesterday when I would fret at what the gender of my baby would be.  Secretly hoping I was carrying a boy and then realized that it is not important (anymore) and that the most important thing was that you and I were in perfect health awaiting the most exciting day of our lives.

It so seem like yesterday when I'd hear people ask me if I was really pregnant.  If I had not just swallowed a ball or watermelon because I did not really got too fat.  That I was so much in control of the food I eat thinking I had to control my weight gain.  Praying to God that when I do that I would not have a hard time in labor.

It so seem like yesterday when I asked the nurse about me being in labor and asking Jay to help me get a taxi because I still had to go home so I'd get our things and eat some before I admit myself to the hospital.

Now, more than two years after I had you I am so amazed at how you have grown.  How you can talk and throw questions at me.

I will not stop at this amazement.  I may be so far away from you but I know one day I will be spending more time with you and marvel at the most precious gift that was given me.

I love you so much Andrea!

xoxo,

Mommy

Importanteng Sasabihin

As all of us are already working in different parts of the world, when I lie down, my brother goes online on his end.  Yes, being in the call center industry for more than two years now, he has adopted the time zone in which they serve.

He's in Cebu.  My younger brother.  He told me that Andy wanted to talk to me. 

conversation:  "Tito Pol, usap kami ni mommy.  May sabihin ako kay mommy."

So the moment I got the chance to call Andy in Davao, I asked her what she wanted to say to mommy. Well, being the kid in the house, "spongebob chair"

That was the most message she wanted to tell her mother.  I was actually looking forward to it.  I think I was not let down.  I am happy.  Maybe because she knows that I am here to provide for her.

~~mommy satisfaction level: 5~~

Do not use Doctors to scare kids

Andy has cough. (again, sigh).  It probably was brought about by the bad weather in Davao.

Conversation:

Andy:  Ma, Punta tayo sa doctor ha? (shows thumbs up sign)

Mama:  Oo, mamaya.  Kanino mo gusto, kay Dr Jack (her pediatrician) or Dr. Nalupa (our family Physician)?

Andy:  Hmmm... Dr. Nalpa (she says things in short cut).

It's so unfair for doctors to bear the brunt of not wanting to be seen by kids just because parents use them to scare or make the kids follow them.  So pinoy, "sige, pag di mo ginawa yan, dadalhin kita sa doctor!"

And it gives the doctors a very negative light to children, which by the way, they bring it on when they are adults.

Inquiry no. 1

This is my Uncle Jun.  He's Mama's younger brother.  He's so looks like my own Lolo,  He was his junior (hence Jun!).  Andy is his first Apo by his eldest pamanking, that's me.

I remember Andy was so terrified by him and his motorcycle.  Now, look at them...

COnversation goes:

ANdy: Papa Jun, wala ka buhok? (sabay himas sa head ni uncle jun)

Papa Jun:  Meron...

Andy:  (Giggles) Meron?

Andy's Gag

Mama inis na sa kulit at kamaldita ng apo:

Mama: Ang kulit mo Andy, ipapabagahe na kita sa Mommy mo sa Dubai!

Andy: Ayoko sa Dubai! (with all the emotions) ... Kay Choi2x lang ako (referring to my cousin who lives next door).

Mama naloka sa kakatawa.

Tingnan mo nga kung gaano siya kasaya

As promised.  She got the clothes.

It fits her.  Look how happy she is.

I will

Today is the beginning of my second year.  I have finished 1 leg of this 3-leg course.  I am to complete a 3-yr contract.  I am done with one.

Today I am going to be stronger.  I decide to become better than the past year.

I am better when I work wounded.  I know.  I have done this before.

Wounded not of some freakish accident.

But wounded still because of the hurt of being to far away from my precious angel.

I want to be better for me.

I want to be better for her.

I know that I can do it.

I know that I am going to do it.

I will be happy.

I will myself to be.

Fever

Photo Credits: Here


Everytime I get a text message from home via my roaming number, it's always, I am excited because someone has remembered me. Or, I am nervous because it might be bad news from home.

Being a mom-away-from-home really is difficult task. Technology has, they say, made things easier. I am just a text/phone call/ ym/ email away from them.

I made sure that they have a working PC at home before I left.

Today while exchanging texts with my mama, I was waiting for her to text me that she bought me that shoes that I wanted her to send me here (yeah, I am still for the shoes back home). She sent me message saying, Andy may be sick. They went to the beach yesterday, and I think she either got too much sun or too much water. haaay! She has colds. It may lead to cough.

I panicked. Sent mama some money to buy medicine. I hope Andy will get well pretty soon. :(

Mommy got something for the baby!

I promised Andy that I will get her something. So nung napadpad ako minsan sa Burjuman while waiting for Kuya Butch to attend our Iftar Party, oi, mukhang kaya naman pala ng extra ko pang dirhamo ang mumunting pasalubong para sa aking munting iha.

Tamang tama, pauwi si Hope sa susunod na lingo, pwedeng bitbitin ang aking pasalubong. yey! hmmm...

Off si mommy to Burjuman mall. Kaya lang naalala niya na may Max store on the opposite street, so unahin na lang kaya yun. Baka mas mura at mas maganda ang mga naka display. :)

Di ako nagsisi. Paikot ikot si mommy sa loob ng Max. Hanggang maispatan niya ito:

Ngayon, ano kaya ang ipapares?! hmmm. Mukhang maganda tingnan ang blouse na cutie.

Hala, hanap na muli si mommy ng best buy syempre. Ako pa!

Ito ang nakita.
At ito pa!



Malamang kailangan din niya ng sapatos... dun na lang sa Davao, makakapili pa siya! hahaha!

Syempre, knowing na siya'y isang girlaloo, padadalhan ko rin ng tali sa buhok!

Excited akong makita ang reaction ng bulinggit sa padala ni mommy. :D Abangan!

Counting

I am sure you already know that I am your mommy.
You just do not comprehend yet
As I am so far away from you.

When I hear your voice cry out loud for me
Saying Mommy mommy!
I wonder if indeed that will still be your reaction
when the time comes that I can come home for vacation.


For I remember when I went home for a few weeks
And you came to fetch me from the airport
I was s glad to finally see and hold you
But my knees grew weak when you stepped back
the moment I was infront of you.

I wish to God I can always be there for you
But things are not that simple
as I want it to always be.

Time will only tell
What might be when you grow up.
Knowing that I have missed some years
in pursuit of our greater good.

Picture Perfect Sunday!

Renovations under way

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Kanina lang

She has grown. Nag usap kami kanina. Parang kailan lang na iniisip ko pano kaya pag lumaki na siya? Pano kaya siya magsasalita? Ano kaya ang mga sasabihin niya?

In less than two years nagsimula na siyang magsalita. Ngayong 25 months na siya, naku, matatas na. Kanina ang sabi niya:

Send Cat Mommy...

Buy books Andy Mommy. Bilhan ko daw siya ng libro. Nasira na kasi niya yung mga picture books niya. Promise yun, bibili kami pagbalik ko sa Davao, yung tipong siya mismo ang pipili.

Buy 'yardigans Mommy- Aba, hindi naintindihan ni mommy yun. Yun pala, Nanonood siya ng Backyardigans. Isang palabas na puno ng aral. Binigyan kasi siya ng GF ng kapatid ko, nasira na daw eh. Kaya dapat bumili na ng bago.

Namention ko rin na I saw some things na gusto niya, nung binanggit ko, ang sagot sa akin: Yehey yehey! (Naku nakakaintindi na yata ang anak ko ng terms na pasalubong, bili, pabili).

Haaay. Nakakatuwang ewan na ang bulinggit ko!

When a look and silence rips

I received a much awaited post last week. I thought it has been lost in the sea of posts across the Indian Ocean, pero I got it! Philpost and snail mail still works.

I was prepared to cry. Honest. I knew I would. And I did. Several times during the almost 60 minutes of 3-day birthday visit of my brother Paul to Davao.

What broke me was when Andy was asked if she loved her mom, she looked back blankly at the camera, at my brother. And then they teased her about it. Okay she's just a baby, and she doesn't understand it too (yet). I was like punched in the stomach. I cried. I cannot imagine having to ask my daughter who she loves more, me or her lola, and I am too afraid to hear her answer. Right now I know her answer.

So again, I come to the point of the importance of this stay so many miles away from my little angel.

When you get to talk to certain people and offer you something that you want so badly-- like a job that's good for your career, it breaks you more! I have so many apprehensions as well. I know when the time comes that I need to come home, like last year, I need to make another decision. The crossroad has to be crossed once more. Until then, I have two more years to complete the decision I made a year ago.

J-o-l-l-i-b- double E!

I miss Jollibee. I miss the soggy french fries, the yumburger, chickenjoy and practically everything about Jollibee.

I grew up spelling J-o-l-l-i- double E in their commercials. It was fun. I vividly remember Jollibee swimming in the ocean and meeting his friends there. I had those Jollibee collectibles kept inside the "aparador", mugs, glass, toothbrush, plates, name it. We had those.

Jollibee opened it's first store in Davao maybe in the early 1990's. Before that, it was my lola who frequently went to Manila who'd bring us those pasalubongs. From Jollibee items to dunkin donuts, yes, even dunkin took so long to start its business in the province.

Ask any filipino kid back in Pinas and he/she can relate to Jollibee. Even if you have not eaten or gone to Jollibee you probably would know the smilling big bee in yellow and red outside it's stores as if calling you to try the Filipino food.

When I go back home for vacation, I would really stop by and have lunch or meryenda there. I'll post pictures here for proof. ;)

Thank God for the blessings

I have this very funny (i think) trait, I talk to myself. Sometimes I hear myself making different stories as if I were somewhere else. Maybe I can attribute that to my being a Pisces. They say that Pisces are dreamers. Maybe.

As I was walking towards the grocery just a few hours ago, I heard myself utter a prayer. It was actually the nth time that I did that. Often during my walks home and when I am alone during those walks I'd talk to God. Prayers is just one, sometimes I'd hum a tune or sing for Him.

As always the prayer was for my loved ones back home. My mother, my baby, my brother and sister.

I realized that even though I am too far and in such a different culture/ society I can always find more things to be thankful for. Yes, unlike those families who are complete and together, I thank God that inspite of being a single mom my family showed me more love than I could imagine.

That beyond the poverty that so many people are experiencing, I have a job and able to sustain my family back home. And in the midst of hatred, I have people around me who genuinely treasure the friendship that we have.

Message in a bottle (part 4)

Dear Andy,

Hi there sweetheart. Oh you've grown so much the past year that I have been away. I remember when I left you, you can barely call me mommy. Now, you've been so talkative especially when I call you.

Please anak as I nearly finish my first year here, I would like for you to understand, not just by your brain but in your heart how I have come to the decision to grab this opportunity. I know I can never turn back time. The moment that I have decided, yes, I will go abroad there was no turning back.

I was once asked if the pay was worth it, please remember this Andy, it will never be. There won't be any monetary equivalent to being beside you as you grow.

The next two years I know will also be hard for me, as our separation won't ever be easy. I pray that when this contract/ experience end there will be something good for me back home.

Always remember that I love you and I will always pray that you grow up to be brave and patient and kind and loving.

There will be so many things that I will want to tell you... I will, in time.

I love you so much anak.

love,

mommy

Knowing

I was amazed how she has learned the skill of talking. Andie has just turned two and yet she can almost talk straight. The way she speaks to me when I ask her certain questions make me so proud of my daughter.

She's very intelligent and learns fast. I just hope she grows up to be a very very good girl.

Happy birthday little girl!

Happy.

Paalam Cory Aquino (1933-2009)

Corazon Cojuangco Aquino. Cory Aquino, President, democracy icon.

When Andrea understands things, I will make sure she will come to know and learn of the life of this great woman in our history.

I may not have experienced how it was to live in the martial law era but I know how to live in freedom.

There is a great responsibility with this type of freedom. It is each Filipinos' duty to make sure to guard this well.

Thank you for helping us get that freedom from oppression Madam President.

You will always be remembered.

Tears

Every weekend when I get to get online I look forward to hearing and seeing, if possible the little girl I left behind. Today I was lucky to catch her on such a happy mood.

Cousin Eli (aunt to Andee) gladly went online for me to have the baby talk to her mom.

Hearing and seeing her so excited to see me actually tore my heart. It's such sweet torture to see tears brimming on her eyes (not yet wiped) and asked her why the tears... my cousin said that because "mommy's line went dead, that's why". How can a mother bear such an innocent child's plea for her mommy to see her?

It broke my heart and whatever stance I have of vowing for a better future for her. A future without her with me is much bleaker than this.

Wordless today

E-Mail from your Po-to

Andy,

I have mentioned that my brother, your tito Pol (or Po-to for you) went home. This is what he has to say for you Andy. ;) I hope you get to read this when you're older.

Mom

Haberdee Andee!

Dear Andy,

Happy Birthday! I hope you had a very happy one. I heard you were so happy with the small party that they did for you and your Sunday school classmates. I am so glad that you enjoyed it.

I am also happy that you visited your great grandma. Not because of what other people may think that I want to show to your father how selfishly he took away something I felt so precious for you, rather because I know one day you will really ask me who your "other side" of the coin is.

I hope that when that time comes you will see what I thought I have seen as good for you and for us.

I know it'll be 2 more birthdays which I will miss but I will take that as part of what I have decided a year back. It was truly one of the hardest that I had to do in my entire life. I may, at one point regret it but I never the fact that I have you in my life.

I miss you so much. I miss hugging you and kissing you on your birthday. I hope Tito Paul being there will make things a bit better.

I am going to see you soon sweetheart. I promise.

Love,

Mommy

Thursdays are word updates

Thursdays shall be new words day for this blog. Or at least until Andee really gets into talking.
I was able to chat with my Mama this afternoon here in Dubai, she told me some phrases that my little princess is speaking:

1. Ma, malapit na ang birthday ko. => referring to her 2nd birthday come Monday, 27-july

2. Ma punta ako kay tita patch.

She's only gonna be 2 this monday. *wink wink*

Made mommy so proud!

Picture Perfect!

Now she's learning how to drive.

Happy birthday tita patch!

Andee @ 1 year 11 months and 3 weeks old.

My princess

Andrea Felice at almost 2 years old.

Change

Many resist change. Many of us even hate change. But fact is, we have to get used to change. Everything changes. Once in a while we ought to seek change in fact.

I heard/ read that something that is stagnant causes (it) to stink. I am not saying that we have to change everything and anything... But change is actually good.

It makes us grow and it makes us appreciate things more. Moving here in Dubai was a big change for me. Being a mom even was a huge change. Responsibilites and Parenthood both were great changes in my life. Well, it was something that I had to face head on.

Needed

My Person

I am not sure how to begin telling our story.
Knowing you half of my life should mean something.

It isn't always that we meet somebody who we get along with
And be very very at home with.

I was fortunate to have grown up
knowing that besides my family I have another person
I can go to. Run to.

I am very fortunate that I among all the friends you've crossed path
I am one of the many you considered close as well.

On the crossroads that I/we are faced
I hope that one day and soon after this things are over
We'll be able to say that it was something that this friendship needed.

As Yang would say,
You are my person.

New Words New Words!

She is beginning to be a handful now. She runs around, talks non stop, and even asks for things to be done for her.

On occasions that I do hear her scream or ask for something I enjoy myself immensely.

"Padala Cat" Referring to an Emoticat i send her through Yahoo Messenger.

"Usap Mommy" - She doesn't want to put down the YM call even if Mama wants to turn the PC off.

"Watos please" - Water

"I love you Mommy" - need I say more?

"I miss you Mommy" - Mom's heart already breaking.

"Ingat!"

Beat that! She isn't Two years old yet. hehe

Sorry

Andy,

Sorry if I was not able to speak with you this weekend. I know I was very very excited to see you and hear you. When your mama-lola said that you were asking for me when she and I chat, my heart broke. Darn this internet connection. Doube darn PLDT!

I hope I can speak to you next weekend. Your birthday is coming up very soon. I don't know if it is a good idea to spend for a party. I hope you will understand. Soon anak I know you will. Be patient with me. Please wait for me until I get to finish this contract and I can go back home. I don't know if it will be the best option we have but I know it is so hard to keep up with the distance and not being able to spend more time with you.

I hope one day you will understand why I had to do this, leave you and work away from you.

I love you so much!

Love,

Mommy

Rainbow

I wish that one day I will be able to let you see a rainbow on the horizon and tell you not to point at it because it'll cut your finger. That was what all of them told me. Or if you have accidentally pointed at one, you should bite your finger.

Funny huh?

Or maybe the two of us would walk towards the rainbow and see if the pot of gold which everyone is talking about is real.

But the pot of gold maybe tough to find. My pot of gold is already with me. The chance to spend my day and discover things with you will be more than that pot of gold.

Daughter

What have I done
to deserve someone as sweet as you

You're God's precious gift
when everything in my world seem to fall apart

Your angelic face
such a blessing of grace.

The tiny hand holding mine
Cannot be mistaken you truly are mine.

Until when, I ask myself.

I did not do a thing
to deserve such a splendid gift.

you're an angel handed to me.
in bundles of joy that still amazes me.

Weekend once more

It's weekend once more... Sounds like yesterday once more huh?

It has been quite a week here in Dubai. The temperature has been steadily rising. The driver told me that the temperature at 2pm was about 47C. I was like "what?". Good thing I did not go out. Our "very very very very much loved secretary" was out so I had to sit at the reception area. It was okay. Thank goodness for remote desktop connection. I was still able to go through my whole workday without too much of a backlog.

It was just very very bad with the new software that I am using. :( It's too bad that the person who actually thought of buying this should be shot, or better yet let them use it so they can see what I mean.

Tomorrow I will be going to church. And hopefully be able to chat with my li'l girl before going hitting the sack for another Friday.

I also hope that we will get our salary come Saturday. It was not credited until today. :(

Weekend, rest.

Adee's Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celeb - Collage - Morph

Fifty - Fifty

Last Sunday, a very very good friend sent me a Yahoo Message. We haven't really been in touch too much lately. She and her husband have moved to Australia after their wedding.

Anyway, the conversation began on she trying to tell me that my daughter's look is so evenly split between mine and the father's. I was like almost off my chair laughing. I could not really believe it. I am still convinced that Adee takes her looks from the other side of the fence.

See, the moment I laid my eyes on her, I am resigned to the fact that my genes aren't that superior-- physically that is. Her nose, her neck, her teeth, her foot, almost everything! I think the only thing she got from me is my brain and the most private part! lol!

Having given an outsider's view that Adee has 50-50 looks! I am happy. Weee!

Usap mommy

Two words that rings music to my ears. "usap mommy" literally translates to "talk (to) mommy". Getting to talk to them during weekends makes the stay here in dubai bearable. It makes me see that the stay here has a point. It has a purpose. Although a lot has been running through my mind about being too far away from my family, it doesn't change the fact that the need to stay here and finish what has been agreed at least is a must. For now i can sleep well knowing that andy knows that her mom is just here working for her and our future.

Reason

The reason why I am here.
Pretty isn't she?

Energetic at 1 year and 10 months

Andrea Felice @ 1 yr and 10 months

Looking outside the window

Testing my Spidey ability

Can you do this?

Missing Andee is my favorite pastime. Whenever weekend comes (Friday and Saturday) here in the Middle East I patiently and eagerly await them go online. Not yet having my own laptop at this time makes it a tad difficult. I have to either wait in line for those who have and try to borrow it if they are done with their own "chat" time.

Whenever I can, I ask pictures of her so as not to get lost in her growth.
I wonder what she can do again next month. Oh, by the way, she can coherently talk now!