Wednesday, December 08, 2010

A Thought

What makes one happy?

A career?

Family?

Money?

I have been pondering about my life a lot lately. We've been married six years and no kids. It makes me sad sometimes. Where do we go from here? Is the question I ask myself. It seems like raising children is the sole purpose of being born. Isn't that one of God's commands? So what happens to the people who can't have children? I know there is more to life than just raising kids. But sometimes, I can't help but wonder...

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Best of Both Worlds

Last night, I went to bed confused. I need to make a decision on my career. Early this year, I left my accounting job and decided to do one job, that is in the dietary department at the local hospital. I was miserable being an accountant. Not because of the work load, but because of the people I work with. I was happy working at the kitchen. Because the schedule is flexible and the people are fun! Most of all... food is abundant! We decided that the extra income wasn't really necessary. Plus I get to spend more time at home to do whatever we want. Or so I thought...

Now, five months later, I'm working almost everyday and struggling with our budget. It's been tough. I've been praying for a full time job. Then a couple of weeks ago, I got an email my from previous employer, offering me a new position in the company. This week, a posting at the hospital for a Finance Coordinator at the Business Office is available. Yes, my prayer has been answered! I should be jumping for joy, right? But no, I'm confused.

My heart tells me to go for the hospital position. But morals is telling me to go back to my previous employer and continue working at the kitchen at the same time. I'm thinking of doing the latter. I have obligations to my spouse. I need to spend time with him and we need to do things together. Working two part-time jobs will let me do that. Income will be about the same... and the flexibility will be nice. I'll just sacrifice my sanity and try to put up with dim wits.

Enjoy the best of both worlds! Just like Hannah!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Make-Over

It was my birthday a couple days ago. Came home from work that evening and a beautiful cake was waiting for me on the kitchen counter. How sweet...

Yesterday, I decided to get a haircut. I'm bored with my look, work, routine and life in general. Since the only thing I can do something with is my looks, I headed to the salon for some make-over. My hairstylist was Amanda and she likes to talk. Worse, she talks with her hands! She kept me awake because I was worried she might poke my eyeballs out! She's nice and very helpful, but I'm not too fond of the result. I don't know why people here just don't get what layered look is all about! Even if I brought a picture! It's times like these when I wish I was back home...

Nothing much is happening over here. It's summer and we are enjoying the sun. We went to a couple camping trips so far and it was fun! During the day we hiked and biked and explored nature. At night, Rick builds a campfire, grill some steaks or brats for supper, while I sit and read my book. Very relaxing... After supper we sit around the campfire share stories while waiting for my s'mores to be done. Yum!

Camping is not all fun though, I hated it when spiders crawl on my legs, or when bugs refuse to leave me alone and just keeps buzzing in my ear! I even slapped myself hard a few times because of those bugs. Ouch! One time, there was a raccoon on our picnic table! It was fun watching it walk around looking for food. Then the neighbor came over to warn us about a bear lurking around too...

I am looking forward to doing some more camping, the s'mores trumps the insects, the raccoon and the bear in the woods! It is nice to be able to explore nature and enjoy a couple days away from technology and play scrabble for entertainment. Rick and I were able to spend quality time together. Literally. And I like that. But for now, I have to work and save up for more trips.

Oh, if you didn't notice, my blog has a new look! I like it and I hope do as well!

Monday, May 31, 2010

It's a Holiday!

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!

It is a holiday today. A day to remember the fallen soldiers. I am not into the holidays here. Not because I don't like it here, but because I don't know the history. Besides, I rarely get the time off. So it does not benefit me that much.

But today, I get the day off. A day of chores and relaxation. Maybe a little biking if the weather continues to be nice. I have been busy lately trying to help my parents figure out the documents they need for their immigration. They have so many questions about the process and I don't know the answer to all of them! Hopefully they're done before the end of the year. I would hate for them to come over during winter. It would be such a shock to their system! Summer would be perfect as they would slowly ease in to the cold winter months. Plus, fall is a really beautiful season, I'm sure they'd enjoy that! Something pleasant to look forward to before the long dreary months of winter kicks in. I'm excited for my parents.

I'm thinking though, that this move will be hard on Rick. Our dialect, food and the culture is different. I never really thought about that, but now that it's coming... I am beginning to worry. He gets along with them fine. But, that was short term. Just a visit. Now, my parents are coming to stay! I'm sure we will be alright. Besides, we can always use the camper if it gets too crowded in here. Wish us luck!

I'll really try my best to speak English at all times. (cross my fingers)


Saturday, March 27, 2010

Road Trip - Day 4

San Francisco Peaks

I did not realize there will be a day 4 on our road trip. But, there was. A four hour drive to our final destination proved to be scenic again. The mountains was not as high as Colorado, but it was still beautiful. Still scary, but not as bad.

So this morning, we head back to the canyon as planned. Took a couple of bus rides, which was free, and explored the different sites of the canyon once again. It was a beautiful day. Breezy, cool and the sun was out. Not a lot of people at the park that morning, I guess we were too early for the big crowd, which was good! We left the park at around noon because I was getting hungry. I get crabby when not fed and Rick knows that, so we skipped the third bus and head out. There was a long line of cars by the entrance then. Lucky us! We beat the crowd.

Our final destination - Scottsdale, AZ. We arrived this afternoon and was blown away by the very nice accommodation. Room is a suite. It has a nice kitchenette, dining table, full size couch in the living room area, TV speakers are surround sound, big shower and a hot tub! Plus, get this... a king size Tempurpedic bed! Never had I stayed in such a lovely room. Clean, very spacious and comfortable! The grounds are nicely kept too. Flowers and grass everywhere. The place is called Orange Tree Golf Resort, a timeshare we found on Ebay. Very nice indeed!

We plan to check out campgrounds while down here. We might be heading this way next winter. Rick coudn't handle the cold anymore. Hopefully we will a decent place.

Well, I'm going to try out our bed now! Sweet dreams...

Friday, March 26, 2010

Road Trip - Day 3


We battled the forces of nature today. Wind, rain, sleet and then snow.

We were expecting the drive to be seven hours. But it turned out to be nine. The roads were still winding and high, but not as bad as the Colorado Rockies. We left the hotel early as we were planning to stop at a couple of places. Breakfast at the hotel was a little disappointing. But, oh well, it was free. I felt lucky with our hotel selections, nice clean rooms, plush beds and most of all cheap! We never went over our budget yet. Hope it stays that way.

Our first stop was the Arches National Park, it was already raining and some sleet when we got there. Not bad, we just put on our winter jackets and we should be fine. Or so we thought. Our car crawled on the steep drive towards the arches. Not even a mile of driving, the rain turned to snow. Heavier snowfall and visibility was down to zero! We turned around and head back down. Disappointed but with a promise to return on our way back. Weather permitting.

After we left the park, the weather didn't get any better. Snow was on the road. Visibility was down to a quarter of a mile. So Rick had to drive slower. He was getting cramps on his hands from holding on to the steering wheel, because the wind was getting stronger. I felt bad because I couldn't help him. He refused to let me drive in such bad road condition. The weather got better eventually. We were gonna stop at the Monument Valley but decided against it. It was getting late and besides, it was still raining. The weather in the mountains is very unpredictable.

So we kept going until we arrived at the Grand Canyon. It was really grand! Awesome and unique view. Rick explained to me that it was formed by the Colorado River and millions of years of erosion. It was a monumental proof of how old the earth is. Amazing. Nothing like this in the Philippines! I guess islands are not as old... must have been formed from volcanic eruptions. It was really windy so I was terrified to even hold on to the railing for some pictures. Managed to force a smile just for the sake of some keepsake. The wind calmed down towards sunset and we managed to have quite a few pictures that was worthwhile.

Well, I'm going to get some sleep now. We had a Mexican dinner and it was delicioso! We're heading back to the canyon tomorrow and take the bus rides. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

Experienced nature's beauty at its finest today. God is great!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Road Trip - Day Two




I survived the Rockie's drive.

Woke up this morning excited to see the long awaited Colorado mountains. Lo and behold! They were MOUNTAINS! The roads were carved along the valley of the Rockies. High and winding all the way up and down. I am scared of heights, you see. So I found the drive very stressful. My hands were clammy and hanging on to whatever the entire time. I finally got used to it towards the end. Was able to finish my lunch - a six inch sub. Took me almost 3 hours to eat the entire thing! Was too scared it might come right back up!

Rick said he was disappointed in me. He thought I would surely enjoy going through the mountains. I did enjoy it. I was amazed by all it's glory and splendor. But the height and what seems like forever steep roads, freaked me out. Never in my entire life had I experienced such a ride. It was both awesome and scary. I'm sure I'll be able to enjoy it more on our way back. Now that I know what to expect.

Well, off to bed now. Tomorrow would be the Grand Canyon. Hopefully it wont be as stressful.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Road Trip to Arizona - Day 1

Our long awaited trip finally happened today. We left around eight for our 3-day road trip to Arizona. Car is packed to the brim! We have to pack two weeks worth of clothing. No choice because I don't want to do any laundry while on the road. Brought a bunch of munchies too to entertain ourselves because we will be on the road for 10 hours everyday for the next 3 days! I know... it would have been quicker if we flew... but then, we wont see much! This way, we get to see the Rockies and most of all... the Grand Canyon!

Well, we survived the first day. Saw a lot of wind mill today and I fell in love with it. Seeing them all lined up, turning and producing power at the same time, amazed me somehow. Took a bunch of pictures of it. Crazy! The view was mostly of cornfields. So nothing exciting. But Rick said tomorrow's drive will be more scenic! I'm excited! We'll be going through the Rocky Mountain High of Colorado tomorrow. Plus, it won't be a very long drive like today!

We are relaxing now in our comfy hotel room. We just got done with supper, so now, we are getting ready for bed. I sort of promised myself to write an entry for this trip as much as I can. To somehow remind me of the entire experience.

Will be posting pictures soon..