Lessons you learn from other people

It’s amazing how other people can cheer you up unexpectedly...

I was feeling the blues this morning (either because of a complicated situation or pre-partum depression) and I had to literally drag my feet going to the office. I was glad to see my dad and sister via webcam but the elated feeling instantly evaporated. Given that I’m already on my 7th month of pregnancy right now, some days just doesn’t feel good for me. A mixture of mental, emotional and physical stress has overwhelmed me for the past few days. Yet, I find no reason to give up knowing I badly need this job.

My good friend in the office isn’t around so I had to keep myself busy to distract myself from the negative mood I’m having for the day. During lunchtime, I opted to eat alone since I don’t feel like chatting with the others.

After I finished my meal, I was waiting at the pantry for my turn at the washing area and I noticed one of our janitorial personnel was having a conversation with one of my officemates. I overheard my lady officemate say " Rico, after 5 minutes marami ka na ulit huhugasan jan at lilinisin. Di ka ba napapagod?".

"Ma’am, alam mo dapat masaya ka palagi sa ginagawa mo kahit marami, konti, maliit o malaki. Ako nga masaya palagi kaya pogi at maraming biyaya!", Rico said.

Unconvinced, she said " Dami ko kaya problema!". Then Rico even added, "Pag puro problema iisipin mo ma’am, naku tatanda ka! Di naman mawawala problema pero kung naka-smile ka habang may problema eh di hindi mo proproblemahin and magmukhang matanda!"

It was a simple logic from a simple person who cheered me up with his words that day. It’s not that I feel more fortunate for having much compared to him, but the contentment and hope I saw in him was enough to inspire me. Thank you Lord. You always manage to make your presence felt especially when my spirits are down.

Sending our love to other parts of the world

Eve: Mommy, where’s Lolo?
Me: In Africa
Eve: Where’s Mamala, Papalo?
Me: In New Zealand
Eve: How bout Tita Judith, Kuya Ribo and Ate Kimmy?
Me: In Cebu
Eve: Where is Kuya Seth and Ate Babu?
Me: In Manila
Eve: Where’s Ninang Ben?
Me: In Africa, with Lolo
Eve: No! In Disneyland lang!

Everyday, my little girl always asks me the whereabouts of our loved ones. I never once hesitated to answer her because I want her to realize that our family may be in different places but still the love and care is always there.

I remembered when I was still a kid, I would feel sad everytime dad would leave for work. But then I’d feel giddy again knowing he’ll come home in time for dinner. Back then, I look forward to family gatherings or birthday celebrations because I know everyone, from my lolo and lola to my aunts and uncles plus cousins will be there to have a great time.

But now, times have changed. We have to be extra strong to accept the complexities that comes with an unstable economy (or should I say government?). Opportunities overseas became a window for our family members to financially sustain the needs of other loved ones. My dad, who I admire for his great dedication at work and impeccable skills in plantation management is now reaping the fruits of his labor. For 5 years, he ignored the big time offer to be a chief engineer in a British owned company in Africa because he didn’t want to be away from us. It wasn’t until the realization of economic crunch in the country that made him decide to accept the offer.

I am a working mom, who earns just enough and survives with the help of my parents and my husband’s relatives and yet planning our life in 5 years times seems vague for me. I credit it to the fact that I don’t feel secure in my own country to give what is due to its struggling citizens who incessantly pay their taxes rightfully.

I never loose hope, though. It’s a blessing everytime I wake up and feel God’s shower of graces upon us. I’m grateful that my daughter understands why some of our families are worlds apart. I’m thankful that each day brings new hope for us. I’m praying to God for wisdom so my husband and I may lead our kids to where and what God wants them to be. I’m praying for our country as well, and wisdom for its leaders to serve rightfully.

*This post is dedicated to our loved ones from all over the world. Sending our kisses and prayers to Dad, Brenda, Mama, Papa, Tito Noel, Tita Lily, Lynell, Lyzel and Azreal. Also to Tita Judith, Tito Koko, Ribo, Kim, Tito Nikko, Mommy Merz and Daddy Pitt.

Mommy wants Eve's DS lite

The original title of this post is actually ‘Eve and her DS Lite’ but a realization suddenly struck me. So read on so you’ll get the rationale behind the selfish title above.

Our relative from the US sent Eve a Nintendo DS Lite just a few weeks ago. Her dad, being a video game geek, loaded the console with a number of cool games. Eve quickly got her way thru using the DS since she loves tinkering with the stylus that comes with it. She particularly likes the game Sally Salon and Cooking Mama. It’s entertaining to watch her solve the challenges without getting frustrated. One try didn’t stop her to reach a higher game level. I also appreciate when she asks for either me or her dad for help everytime she gets confused with instructions.

Although she has her DS to play with, her painting, coloring and block-building activities aren’t forgotten and is still part of her daily play routine.

I got to experience DS during my lax time after office and surely, it’s addicting. I remembered when I was still in highschool, I got hooked with playing computer games in the weekends. The likes of Counterstrike, Ragnarok, Sims, and Battle of Realms were the games that I’ve taken interest in. I used to play from sun up to sun down with my meals being taken on the couch beside the computer.

This time feels different. I don’t have the luxury to waste time for computer games when I should rather spend it actually playing cuddle cadoodle with Eve and her dad. I shake off the feeling of self-pity everytime I feel deprived of the things I could get if only I’m single. Being a young mom, I also struggle with thoughts of wanting to experience what it could be like if I only spend for myself.

But seeing my little doll is enough for me not to regret anything that happened in my life. Her bright eyes and infectious smile is God’s answer to my senseless doubts and fears. With Eve, I don’t need a cheat code just to get her to laugh. I don’t need to level up just to gain her affection, hugs and kisses. The high feeling you get when you finish a video game is incomparable with the contentment in your heart just by knowing you’ve spent quality and quantity time with the person that matters most in your life.

have a heart for mother earth

I was heartbroken this morning.....

I'm not a hardcore environmentalists but I'm practicing simple green living in my daily routine hoping I could be of help in saving mother earth. The moment I turned on my PC, news of rescue efforts at the gulf of mexico immediately caught my attention. Birds were emerged in oil, dolphins and sharks are seen dead at the shore...

Gulf oil spill: Wildlife rescue effort is a challenge in the gulf - latimes.com

I can't help but pray for these poor animals. I fear for the next negative impact if the oil spill crisis wouldn't be resolved.

Rain on me...

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Originally uploaded by eve.dominique

As Eve enthusiastically sings "If all the raindrops are lemon drops and gum drops, oh what a rain that would be. Standin' outside with my mouth open wide, ah ah ah ah ah ah ah!, I can't help but feel cheerful. The rainy season is here. Thank God the dry spell had already ended.
(photo shows Eve when she was about 2 while enjoying a rainy afternoon)