A Touching Letter from my Mentor
1 month ago
Saturday, February 25, 2012
"to stop and wonder at the awesome beauty of creation....God I thank thee"
Some of the most notable things here in Sydney compared to the Philippines are:
a. right-hand driving (always keep left on the road)
b. they have "roundabout" concept in what we usually call rotonda
c. internet connection are charged by data limit not speed (personally I like Philippines' billing process as it allows us to connect to the internet 24/7 with just the same price unlike here :$)
d. most payments like apartment rentals and salary are on a per week basis (so mabilis ikot pera hehe)
e. furnitures are usually delivered unassembled (and you'll be the one to assemble it!)
Before I bid farewell to Sydney for a month... I'd like to share God's blessing to us by giving us a home. We were approved to rent our apartment about 2+ weeks before we flew to Sydney. It is a 20-min bus ride to Parramatta CBD which can probably be compared to Ortigas in the Philippines... Parramatta has big buildings and establishments but still not as "city" as Sydney CBD which can be Makati for us Filipinos.
Our apartment is on a 3rd floor of a road junction so it's pretty much near to commute to the city. It has two bedrooms with 1 full bath and it is modernly styled(which is my cup of tea). We have a balcony where we can save tons of dollars because I can hang our clothes there instead of using the dryer=). We also have one secure car parking and storage area on the basement of the complex.
On our first day of moving I only got to purchase two black high chairs so that's pretty much the only seats we have in the house. A few days later we got the dining set (yipee! for me because I'm starting to have backaches as my only other option previously was to lie on the floor).
A day after moving, we received the appliances thanks to my parents(just the major ones), relatives and church mates from Christian Filipino Fellowship.
We could pretty much live with just airbeds and no living area but we also have to prepare for Yonky and my parent's coming over with me end of March so we also had to purchase a little more furnitures like sofabed and beds which thankfully got delivered to us just Thursday this week and Dada was able to assemble everything before I left(right on queue! I'm so happy).
sofabed now ready for guests =)
BEWARE: looks can be deceiving(we still don't have a mattress as ortho mattresses here are expensive... that's just the airbed on top of the bedframe hehehe)... it was a first for me to shop for furnitures only to find out prior to paying that we have to get all the parts ourselves in a warehouse! And what more...we have to assemble everything ourselves... (so lesson learned, don't buy anything with a lot of shelves and screws!). Good thing Dada was here as we need muscles to accomplish the job.
We're now ready for relatives to visit!!! Yonky the house is ready for you my baby!
We still don't have TV and TV stand so in the meantime, the computer/study table is in the living room.
Some items in lower priority and wish list:
1. printer
2. TV
3. desktop PC (touchscreen)
Some items like bedsheets, plates, frying pan, utensils, etc. we brought to Aussie straight from the Philippines(and frankly it's really way 5 times cheaper and more beautiful) so we were charged with over baggage fees(buti konti lang:)).
The rest of the items especially the big ones seen here were bought from these stores:
Appliances from the good guys
Dining and chairs from harvey norman
Sofa, Bed frame and study table from ikea.
OFFERING BACK ALL THE BLESSINGS to GOD!
Monday, February 20, 2012
The first text we received upon touchdown to Sydney's airport via PAL's PR209 was "Welcome to Sydney" from our cousins here =).
My first impression was it is a lot like in the US....streets are almost empty of pedestrians and almost everybody are disciplined drivers. Streets and residential areas are neat and clean.
The Move
In our family (even at my previous job)... I was always "the planner". So I did my part well and outlined everything we need to do and accomplish before we move here in Australia and how to survive on our first few weeks. Even went as far as printing train route maps and studying directions to the necessary places like bus, train, market, school, clinic and of course church.
So far so good. My mom thought my husband and I were doing nothing here and acting like honeymooners(probably because of our pictures in fb) but on the contrary we were so busy on our first week. The only reason I felt relaxed now is because my husband just started his first job here in Aussie today... (night shift AUD$22/hr they said) and I thank God at least for now, I don't have to worry about how we're going to pay the rent =p.
I have to thank Zherwin who reminded me that he's waiting for this post hehe. Writing has always been my outlet and what better time to write than now when God has always confirmed and answered our prayers... one prayer at a time.
We got a checklist from immi.gov.au on the urgent items that we need to take care of as soon as we arrive. Three of the seven items, we haven't completed yet(Enroll to free English Classes, Enroll Child to School, and Get a Driver's License) and one, the Centrelink, is put on hold until Yonky is here. As per Centrelink, our son is the key to some of the support we can get from the government so we need to update our records after I get my son from the Philippines.
Here's the seven items:
1. Get a Tax File Number
2. Enroll Medicare
3. Open Bank Account
4. Register to Centrelink
5. Register for English Classes
6. Enrol Children to School (it is against the law here when children 6 years old and above are not sent by parents to school)
7. Get a Driver's License
Items look easy to do but because we're new here and we don't have a car yet, plus our apartment is almost empty, there's quite a challenge getting things done. Our first week had been toxic as seen by our schedule below...
(most taken from my fb album):
1st day at Sydney - apartment contract signing, appliances shopping
2nd day - apply TFN online. plastic/bathroom/kitchen wares shopping, church, city(Circular Quay)
3rd day - Centrelink, Medicare, Bank, Grocery
4th day - dining shopping, moved-in the apt, clean house, 1st Bible study
5th day - check neighborhood, walk, bus, trains
6th day - go to Hyundai for test drive and canvass car
7th day - go to IKEA(big big furniture shop)
8th day - Ryan went to Honda/Toyota to look at some cars (we're supposed to received delivery of the furnitures as well but we didn't)
9th day - apply for jobs, church
10th day - Ryan already started job
I had backache on my lower back which started on our 2nd day to fourth day of moving in our apartment because of carrying/lifting stuffs and walking a lot. We barely had time to rest except this weekend because the furniture delivery of the furnitures from IKEA was unfortunately delayed. I was hoping I could get the apartment setup before I leave my husband here so that when Yonky and I arrive, everything is already comfortable for all of us.
The Apartment
(I'll just probably post a picture in fb once the furnitures are in... so far we're still sleeping in airbeds and only have dining table(it is cute though=)) and we have the basics like fridge, washing machine, stove, microwave, rice-cooker and juicers).
On our first day in Sydney, we had to take care of legalizing our right to stay at the apartment and oh boy we had to sign a lot of papers and received 15 keys and 2 remote controls from the agent. Plus, the gas and electricity wasn't in our name yet so we only moved in Tuesday. God has brought to us in this ordeal, our cousins Kuya Bobby, Ate Diane, Ate Maila and Kuya Jes. We stayed at Kuya Bobby/Diane's house for 3 days and only went to the apartment when at least the fridge was delivered so we can cook our own food.
This apartment in itself is a blessing... (super expensive @ around AUD$380pw rate yes but) super accessible to all the things that I think are essential... market, bus stop, clinic, day care and of course restaurants. At that rate in a more western side, we can already have a full 3BR house. But since we don't have a car yet, access to shops are important to me as a mom. I don't have to worry that we'll go hungry here because across the street we have bakery and convenience store with fresh fruits and some veggies(if I ran out of ingredients), a chinese restaurant(Chinese cuisine is my favorite of all ;0), 10-minute walk to the market/pharmacy/7-11/gas station, 20mins to Parramatta station(walking time included) which can lead us to practically anywhere including Sydney Central Business District(CBD), 20min-walk to a Christian church, and on the ground floor of our unit, we have Dominos Pizza:)
At least I will not be scared walking here in our area because it is a busy junction unlike in single-standing house(which they call villa) in residential areas where the only mode of transportation is by car. We got rice-cooker, sack of rice and canned foods from Ate Maila/Kuya Jes and microwave, some bowls and ready-to-eat food from Kuya Bobby/Diane to help us on our first few days. After we tried the bus and went to the market on our own, we were able to buy some of our supplies. Our two set of cousins have been alternately driving us to and fro to anywhere we want to go even making helpful suggestions on what we need to have so we were able to adjust pretty well.
Plus thanks to the church CFF (Christian Filipino Fellowship), we already have support group and they're so welcoming and loving. They gave us airbeds, some sheets, glasswares, juicers, etc. One thing I know God is moving is because of some funny moments we had this week. My husband and I thought we bought mugs from BigW when I was craving for tea but after checking the receipt, we found out that we didn't bought one and on that same day and Bible study session, Jane from the church gave us exactly mugs + saucers! And just this saturday, when we went to K-Mart to buy some affordable stuffs for the house and forgot to buy glass because we only have plastic cups, somebody from the church gave us a set. How cool?! It is like God is saying... "do you need something, here it is" in a snap!
A lot of people asked why we wanted to move right away when we could have save a lot of money if we just stayed with our relatives for at least 3 more months until our jobs are stable enough. Not that I wanted to brag that we can pay the rent or anything...it's not even that... my reason is we couldn't adjust and get in our own Sydney rhythm right away if we'll tip-toe in our relatives' schedule. Not that they're not accommodating or anything, in fact they're so loving(even bringing us foods to heat so we don't have to cook if we're tired)... it is just that I wanted my son to be comfortable to move, to play, to shout... and we'll be comfortable to cook, to clean, to arrange stuffs on our own if we have our own place. It's the privacy that we want and the commitment we made in moving here in Aussie that we'll stand on our own two feet. It is in fact a lot of pressure and responsibility as everyday without work for both my husband and me means our savings are slowly dwindling.
God made a promise...and it is something I hold on to
Weather
As luck would have it, their summer is pretty cold for me. According to Kuya Jes, it is the coldest summer recorded so far. When he arrived summer of last year, he said weather was scorching. It mostly always rain in the afternoon even having thunderstorms but another blessing that we received was the fact that it didn't rain for the times that we went commuting to the city on our own with no umbrellas and all to protect us.
Transportation
Their transportation is pretty neat, I like it. Buses are cold and smells nice...and most of the trains are clean and new and has 3 layers. It's very easy not to get lost riding in their trains as there are screens narrating the stops that the coming train has.
There are a lot of waiting involved in public transportation and one would feel time is wasted but so far for us we can live with just commuting for now until we can get stable jobs and driver's license. We are allowed to drive here for 3 months using our Philippine license and this 2nd week we're trying to study their road rules before we apply for license because there's exam and practical driving tests when getting one and they can confiscate our license if we fail the tests plus the computer exam and practical exam aren't free so we want to come prepared. Most of the rules are the same with the US except that AUS is right-hand drive and they have roundabout concept which is challenging. According to some people we talked to, it is easier for new drivers to learn driving here than for old ones already driving in the Philippines because we have to unlearn some bad practices/habits.
Our cousins suggested we take even just 2hours of lessons with some Filipino instructors (AUD$45-$50/hr). Hopefully my husband and I can already share in that amount to not spend a lot.
What's Next?
Hopefully, with God's help... this week which is my final week before I return and pick up Yonky in the Philippines, we can at least visit RTA which is their version of LTO, scout some preschools/daycares, visit GP(family doctor) to let him/her be briefed about our medical history especially my son's atopic dermatitis... And if dada isn't so tired from his first day... to assemble furnitures. I also plan to buy desktop computer and printer just in case I find a work-from-home job but that's after Yonky has settled in here.
I just feel so blessed. I know some families weren't as fortunate as us... we worry about paying the rent and the bills like them but some when they first got here worry even if it is legal for them to work and where they will live... some even spent days doing nothing and waiting for someone to drive them because they don't have the means to accomplish anything... at least in our case, we are accomplishing one item at a time and we're just a phone call away from my mom who practically can resolve anything.
Very very special thanks to our cousins Kuya Bobby/Ate Diane for helping with the apartment and accompanying us and bargaining for us when we're buying appliances and furnitures and for linking us to the church and Kuya Jes/Ate Maila for the buffet treat, helping us bargain for the car that we liked and for finding Ryan his first job. May God continue to bless your good hearts and protect your family.
Please continue to pray for our safety and protection and that my husband will not get sick as he'll be all alone here for a month...and that we'll be witnessed on how God will move and grow the church here.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
My first impression was it is a lot like in the US....streets are almost empty of pedestrians and almost everybody are disciplined drivers. Streets and residential areas are neat and clean.
The Move
In our family (even at my previous job)... I was always "the planner". So I did my part well and outlined everything we need to do and accomplish before we move here in Australia and how to survive on our first few weeks. Even went as far as printing train route maps and studying directions to the necessary places like bus, train, market, school, clinic and of course church.
So far so good. My mom thought my husband and I were doing nothing here and acting like honeymooners(probably because of our pictures in fb) but on the contrary we were so busy on our first week. The only reason I felt relaxed now is because my husband just started his first job here in Aussie today... (night shift AUD$22/hr they said) and I thank God at least for now, I don't have to worry about how we're going to pay the rent =p.
I have to thank Zherwin who reminded me that he's waiting for this post hehe. Writing has always been my outlet and what better time to write than now when God has always confirmed and answered our prayers... one prayer at a time.
We got a checklist from immi.gov.au on the urgent items that we need to take care of as soon as we arrive. Three of the seven items, we haven't completed yet(Enroll to free English Classes, Enroll Child to School, and Get a Driver's License) and one, the Centrelink, is put on hold until Yonky is here. As per Centrelink, our son is the key to some of the support we can get from the government so we need to update our records after I get my son from the Philippines.
Here's the seven items:
1. Get a Tax File Number
2. Enroll Medicare
3. Open Bank Account
4. Register to Centrelink
5. Register for English Classes
6. Enrol Children to School (it is against the law here when children 6 years old and above are not sent by parents to school)
7. Get a Driver's License
Items look easy to do but because we're new here and we don't have a car yet, plus our apartment is almost empty, there's quite a challenge getting things done. Our first week had been toxic as seen by our schedule below...
(most taken from my fb album):
1st day at Sydney - apartment contract signing, appliances shopping
2nd day - apply TFN online. plastic/bathroom/kitchen wares shopping, church, city(Circular Quay)
3rd day - Centrelink, Medicare, Bank, Grocery
4th day - dining shopping, moved-in the apt, clean house, 1st Bible study
5th day - check neighborhood, walk, bus, trains
6th day - go to Hyundai for test drive and canvass car
7th day - go to IKEA(big big furniture shop)
8th day - Ryan went to Honda/Toyota to look at some cars (we're supposed to received delivery of the furnitures as well but we didn't)
9th day - apply for jobs, church
10th day - Ryan already started job
I had backache on my lower back which started on our 2nd day to fourth day of moving in our apartment because of carrying/lifting stuffs and walking a lot. We barely had time to rest except this weekend because the furniture delivery of the furnitures from IKEA was unfortunately delayed. I was hoping I could get the apartment setup before I leave my husband here so that when Yonky and I arrive, everything is already comfortable for all of us.
The Apartment
(I'll just probably post a picture in fb once the furnitures are in... so far we're still sleeping in airbeds and only have dining table(it is cute though=)) and we have the basics like fridge, washing machine, stove, microwave, rice-cooker and juicers).
On our first day in Sydney, we had to take care of legalizing our right to stay at the apartment and oh boy we had to sign a lot of papers and received 15 keys and 2 remote controls from the agent. Plus, the gas and electricity wasn't in our name yet so we only moved in Tuesday. God has brought to us in this ordeal, our cousins Kuya Bobby, Ate Diane, Ate Maila and Kuya Jes. We stayed at Kuya Bobby/Diane's house for 3 days and only went to the apartment when at least the fridge was delivered so we can cook our own food.
This apartment in itself is a blessing... (super expensive @ around AUD$380pw rate yes but) super accessible to all the things that I think are essential... market, bus stop, clinic, day care and of course restaurants. At that rate in a more western side, we can already have a full 3BR house. But since we don't have a car yet, access to shops are important to me as a mom. I don't have to worry that we'll go hungry here because across the street we have bakery and convenience store with fresh fruits and some veggies(if I ran out of ingredients), a chinese restaurant(Chinese cuisine is my favorite of all ;0), 10-minute walk to the market/pharmacy/7-11/gas station, 20mins to Parramatta station(walking time included) which can lead us to practically anywhere including Sydney Central Business District(CBD), 20min-walk to a Christian church, and on the ground floor of our unit, we have Dominos Pizza:)
At least I will not be scared walking here in our area because it is a busy junction unlike in single-standing house(which they call villa) in residential areas where the only mode of transportation is by car. We got rice-cooker, sack of rice and canned foods from Ate Maila/Kuya Jes and microwave, some bowls and ready-to-eat food from Kuya Bobby/Diane to help us on our first few days. After we tried the bus and went to the market on our own, we were able to buy some of our supplies. Our two set of cousins have been alternately driving us to and fro to anywhere we want to go even making helpful suggestions on what we need to have so we were able to adjust pretty well.
Plus thanks to the church CFF (Christian Filipino Fellowship), we already have support group and they're so welcoming and loving. They gave us airbeds, some sheets, glasswares, juicers, etc. One thing I know God is moving is because of some funny moments we had this week. My husband and I thought we bought mugs from BigW when I was craving for tea but after checking the receipt, we found out that we didn't bought one and on that same day and Bible study session, Jane from the church gave us exactly mugs + saucers! And just this saturday, when we went to K-Mart to buy some affordable stuffs for the house and forgot to buy glass because we only have plastic cups, somebody from the church gave us a set. How cool?! It is like God is saying... "do you need something, here it is" in a snap!
A lot of people asked why we wanted to move right away when we could have save a lot of money if we just stayed with our relatives for at least 3 more months until our jobs are stable enough. Not that I wanted to brag that we can pay the rent or anything...it's not even that... my reason is we couldn't adjust and get in our own Sydney rhythm right away if we'll tip-toe in our relatives' schedule. Not that they're not accommodating or anything, in fact they're so loving(even bringing us foods to heat so we don't have to cook if we're tired)... it is just that I wanted my son to be comfortable to move, to play, to shout... and we'll be comfortable to cook, to clean, to arrange stuffs on our own if we have our own place. It's the privacy that we want and the commitment we made in moving here in Aussie that we'll stand on our own two feet. It is in fact a lot of pressure and responsibility as everyday without work for both my husband and me means our savings are slowly dwindling.
God made a promise...and it is something I hold on to
"31 For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath." - Deut 4:31
"8 Taste and see that the LORD is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
9 Fear the LORD, you his godly people,
for those who fear him will have all they need.
10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing." - Psalm 34:8-10
Weather
As luck would have it, their summer is pretty cold for me. According to Kuya Jes, it is the coldest summer recorded so far. When he arrived summer of last year, he said weather was scorching. It mostly always rain in the afternoon even having thunderstorms but another blessing that we received was the fact that it didn't rain for the times that we went commuting to the city on our own with no umbrellas and all to protect us.
Transportation
Their transportation is pretty neat, I like it. Buses are cold and smells nice...and most of the trains are clean and new and has 3 layers. It's very easy not to get lost riding in their trains as there are screens narrating the stops that the coming train has.
There are a lot of waiting involved in public transportation and one would feel time is wasted but so far for us we can live with just commuting for now until we can get stable jobs and driver's license. We are allowed to drive here for 3 months using our Philippine license and this 2nd week we're trying to study their road rules before we apply for license because there's exam and practical driving tests when getting one and they can confiscate our license if we fail the tests plus the computer exam and practical exam aren't free so we want to come prepared. Most of the rules are the same with the US except that AUS is right-hand drive and they have roundabout concept which is challenging. According to some people we talked to, it is easier for new drivers to learn driving here than for old ones already driving in the Philippines because we have to unlearn some bad practices/habits.
Our cousins suggested we take even just 2hours of lessons with some Filipino instructors (AUD$45-$50/hr). Hopefully my husband and I can already share in that amount to not spend a lot.
What's Next?
Hopefully, with God's help... this week which is my final week before I return and pick up Yonky in the Philippines, we can at least visit RTA which is their version of LTO, scout some preschools/daycares, visit GP(family doctor) to let him/her be briefed about our medical history especially my son's atopic dermatitis... And if dada isn't so tired from his first day... to assemble furnitures. I also plan to buy desktop computer and printer just in case I find a work-from-home job but that's after Yonky has settled in here.
I just feel so blessed. I know some families weren't as fortunate as us... we worry about paying the rent and the bills like them but some when they first got here worry even if it is legal for them to work and where they will live... some even spent days doing nothing and waiting for someone to drive them because they don't have the means to accomplish anything... at least in our case, we are accomplishing one item at a time and we're just a phone call away from my mom who practically can resolve anything.
Very very special thanks to our cousins Kuya Bobby/Ate Diane for helping with the apartment and accompanying us and bargaining for us when we're buying appliances and furnitures and for linking us to the church and Kuya Jes/Ate Maila for the buffet treat, helping us bargain for the car that we liked and for finding Ryan his first job. May God continue to bless your good hearts and protect your family.
Please continue to pray for our safety and protection and that my husband will not get sick as he'll be all alone here for a month...and that we'll be witnessed on how God will move and grow the church here.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
:_(
These are the things I needed the most... the encouragement, support and prayers from my parents and family.
Letter from my Papa...
These are the things I needed the most... the encouragement, support and prayers from my parents and family.
Letter from my Papa...
EVERDEAREST ANAK,
I'll not be able to go with you @ the airport on Friday ha? I guess i'm not that courageous to see my child go in the foreign land. I'll just give a piece of advise which you can read and get some worthwhile things from it. As you travel and migrate in that faraway place for more greener pasture, Always remember that God Loves you since from the beginning and still loves you to the end. Bear in mind that we also love you more than our life because you are the fruit of our flesh and blood.
Don't just look at the circumstances but look above and beyond. May our great master mold you firmly with integrity and dignity and continue to bless you, Kaan and Yonky anywhere you should go or anyplace you should stay.
Look at the flowers in the field, the butterflies in the garden, the birds in the sky, If God cared enough to perfect each features and character of these creations of His, surely and gracefully, He also cares for all of us (Matthew 6:26,30)
So anak ko, Let us be Children in Faith, in Love, and in Happiness. Let's be adult in our experience, in compassion, and Wisdom facing life with Courage, Patience and Faithfulness. Do not forget that the resources of Heaven are equal and congruent to any problem you ever have to encounter. Sometimes God will test us, Just praise Him and think always positive, encouraging, uplifting thoughts, while the negative will soon disappear. Every disappointments in life can be a stepping stone to greater things (1Peter 1:7) May God's everlasting promises be upon you, Yonky and Ryan.
May Everything that you've ever wanted, dreamed of, or hoped for will be attained with the help of our God Almighty. May the Holy Spirit of God remain on you, sustain you, teach you, guide you, and assure you that you are not alone in that place. Amen and Amen
We Love you and will be missing you always.
PAPA AND MA
***
Thank you papa and mama and thank you God. God, please protect my loved ones and bring comfort, love and joy to all of us despite the pressures, the challenges and the bleakness and mystery everyday life brings. AMEN
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
As I always say... I don't like goodbyes...
I would have wanted to say a lot of things... especially to my mentees... I wanted to apologize for the times I snapped or made crude remarks... or approached them the wrong way. I am not really a people-person and oftentimes I just wanted things done they way I envisioned things done but I knew it's not an excuse to be rude to people... I know I have a lot to improve in this area and I've been praying about this for the longest time.
In the end... I've come up with this letter of thanks to the people that had been part of my 5 year corporate journey... what else can you say but thank you right?! from the bottom of my heart... a BIG BIG BIG THANKS to all my colleagues.
Wishing Navitaire all the success and growth that it deserves!
| 
|
I would have wanted to say a lot of things... especially to my mentees... I wanted to apologize for the times I snapped or made crude remarks... or approached them the wrong way. I am not really a people-person and oftentimes I just wanted things done they way I envisioned things done but I knew it's not an excuse to be rude to people... I know I have a lot to improve in this area and I've been praying about this for the longest time.
In the end... I've come up with this letter of thanks to the people that had been part of my 5 year corporate journey... what else can you say but thank you right?! from the bottom of my heart... a BIG BIG BIG THANKS to all my colleagues.
*****
“1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens” Ecclesiastes 3:1
and a season for every activity under the heavens” Ecclesiastes 3:1
As for me, this is my time to pursue a blessing and a dream…
I know there can be thousands of reasons to stay and thousands of reason to move on but it gave me peace and assurance that I got confirmation of my decision from our Lord God. It is a tough and huge decision to make… after all, Navitaire is indeed an awesome place to work and the people are just the best! Plus I love the dynamics in the CM world.
To my CM babies – you can do it, hope you will all learn to enjoy lunch breaks hehe. Practice grace under pressure AjaJ There will be some rough times, downtimes and hell days but keep the fire burning! Tech Rod and Organize Zherwin – I’ve already told you what I had to say for the team…Kudos to you both, you guys are the best! Your dedication to this team and overtimes just to deliver and resolve issues are just over the roof. Alagaan niyo mabuti reputation ng CM ha and sina dependable Marvin and expressive Jhobz! J Marvin and Jhobz, it was short but you both are great additions, the team needs your skills and you’ll give the necessary shake for the better…
To Joie – my first ever apprentice in Navi, sorry your first initiation had to be me but I sure hope you learned a lot. I’m not the perfect lead but you’re such a good, jolly and understanding friend…alaga niyo ‘ko ni jeffJ Thank you. To Je – my first ever teammate and navi confidante, keep writing, you’re soo good! To my PRA(cherrie, me-anne, chod, kriska, zel, mommy cric, jeff, joie, je) and SS family – thank you for the chats, advices, lunch outs, food trips, tsismis, pictorials and bonding times… I’ll miss all of you. Thank you for sharing me your lives, talents and dreams.
To the best US counterparts and teachers in Navi – Z, Travis, Chris, Eric – I all look up to you. I so admire your skills and way of communicating to us (BOW)
To all the teams that we support – thank you for giving me work. Your issues made my stay in Navitaire fun and exciting(super stressful but fulfilling ;)). Please start helping CM by providing complete details in the issue and kindly also ask nicely if you have requests:P
To the very accommodating developers (like boss Emil, Aia, JV, Kesh and many many more) that always assist and give quality inputs to our investigation… A BIG THANK YOU!
To all the bosses that I had the pleasure to work with and my mentors – you each have different skills, oftentimes I had difficult time adjusting from org changes but thank you so much for all the guidance and the patience… I admit I’m a tough nut to crack but I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities and challenges and most especially for your listening ears and understanding. I do understand why you had to do what you had to do…
I’ll definitely miss the trainings, discussions, laughs, meetings, birthday months, treats.. and everything about Navitaire… (yup even the disagreements and unlimited issues hehehe.. at the end of the day, I’ll treasure the lessons I got from each of them)… still I look forward to where God will lead me. Wish me luck!
Wishing Navitaire all the success and growth that it deserves!
Till our paths cross again…
GOD BLESSJJJ
Please keep in touch
over and out,
Honeylou May de Guia-Cabauatan
"11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his holy people,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. – Psalm 34:8-10
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his holy people,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. – Psalm 34:8-10
PS: sorry it was long, I got carried away J
*****
On our Aussie journey... please pray for safe travel, health, wisdom and protection for our entire family... and spiritual growth, maturity and total dependence on God's leading.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Apple's wedding to Salah last December 21, 2011 was the first beach wedding I attended as a guest.
Apple, known to us as Futsa is Gretel's younger sister and very close to my family like a sister. She had been working and living in UAE, where she met Salah, for a few years before she decided to tie the knot with him. Now, Futsa decided to be a full time homemaker based in Qatar.
This is their third wedding ceremony after having one in an Embassy in UAE(or probably Qatar) and another one in Egypt - Salah's home country. But it is their first Christian wedding ceremony. The bride's family are Christians so Tita Nita, the mom, is very adamant that a Christian wedding be held for her daughter as well... even going as far as planning the entire wedding herself :)
I was again acting in a supporting role for my son for this wedding because he was the Bible bearer.
The Venue
The ceremony was held on the shore of Canyon Cove at dusk in a nice calm ocean with drizzles before and after the event. The reception was supposed to be on the poolside but when it rained after the ceremony, we had to move to one of the pavilions. Canyon Cove is owned by the bride's relative so as a gift to the newly-weds... they gave a surprise fireworks and float paper-lanterns to the sky after the program.
What's unique in the wedding was they didn't use table numbers in the reception's table arrangements. Instead, as a nice twist... the table identifications have been all the places and milestones in Apple and Salah's relationship...And while the host was calling each table for picture taking with the couple, she's narrating the love story of the newlyweds..how romantic =).
During the festivities, Yonky enjoyed the photobooth provided by Prolens. He had 8 sessions there most of it was alone because according to Yaya Juvy, Yonky lined up on his own hehehe (mana sa lola and mommy... mahilig sa pictures). Photos soon!
Family Bonding
Since this was an out of town wedding, most guests decided to spend the night and checked-in so the day after was family bonding for most of us.
Canyon Cove's beach was sooo good(better than the last time I remembered it) and the pool was even better! Their pool has three levels of depth. Yonky enjoyed wading and jumping on the 1st level(kiddie) pool so much he slipped and gulped some water... Despite throwing up due to excessive coughing, afterwards he acted as if nothing happened like the big boy that he already is... he just laughed and continued to play and swim again.
I was planning for an out of town trip ever since our visa got approved but never got around to finalizing anything despite the good deals at metrodeal Php5500 for a 3D/2N in Boracay or Php16000 in Shanghai, HK or Singapore. After stressing out too much, I just then and there decided I would prefer a delayed gratification this time around. I also admitted I couldn't do everything so I'll just let the wind take me for a change. No use rushing anything and was glad we got to spend 2 days out of town for Apple's Wedding and visiting Papa's relatives in Bauan for free! Too bad Dada wasn't able to join us because of work but nevertheless... my parents, Yonky and I had a wonderful time together. I was even able to activate Papa's talking GPS on his Nokia cellphone while on the road which he enjoyed very much =).
And also during this particular vacation, I got to practice Yonky to do his jumping shots hehehe... (oh sooooooo cute!!!!).. so our trip had been worth it.
Thanks Apple and Salah for a wonderful wedding and a wonderful time with you guys. God bless on your new life in Qatar and hope you'll continue your plans in migrating to Australia!
Apple, known to us as Futsa is Gretel's younger sister and very close to my family like a sister. She had been working and living in UAE, where she met Salah, for a few years before she decided to tie the knot with him. Now, Futsa decided to be a full time homemaker based in Qatar.
This is their third wedding ceremony after having one in an Embassy in UAE(or probably Qatar) and another one in Egypt - Salah's home country. But it is their first Christian wedding ceremony. The bride's family are Christians so Tita Nita, the mom, is very adamant that a Christian wedding be held for her daughter as well... even going as far as planning the entire wedding herself :)
Canyon Cove
Nasugbu, Batangas
I was again acting in a supporting role for my son for this wedding because he was the Bible bearer.
The Venue
The ceremony was held on the shore of Canyon Cove at dusk in a nice calm ocean with drizzles before and after the event. The reception was supposed to be on the poolside but when it rained after the ceremony, we had to move to one of the pavilions. Canyon Cove is owned by the bride's relative so as a gift to the newly-weds... they gave a surprise fireworks and float paper-lanterns to the sky after the program.
What's unique in the wedding was they didn't use table numbers in the reception's table arrangements. Instead, as a nice twist... the table identifications have been all the places and milestones in Apple and Salah's relationship...And while the host was calling each table for picture taking with the couple, she's narrating the love story of the newlyweds..how romantic =).
During the festivities, Yonky enjoyed the photobooth provided by Prolens. He had 8 sessions there most of it was alone because according to Yaya Juvy, Yonky lined up on his own hehehe (mana sa lola and mommy... mahilig sa pictures). Photos soon!
Family Bonding
Since this was an out of town wedding, most guests decided to spend the night and checked-in so the day after was family bonding for most of us.
Canyon Cove's beach was sooo good(better than the last time I remembered it) and the pool was even better! Their pool has three levels of depth. Yonky enjoyed wading and jumping on the 1st level(kiddie) pool so much he slipped and gulped some water... Despite throwing up due to excessive coughing, afterwards he acted as if nothing happened like the big boy that he already is... he just laughed and continued to play and swim again.
I was planning for an out of town trip ever since our visa got approved but never got around to finalizing anything despite the good deals at metrodeal Php5500 for a 3D/2N in Boracay or Php16000 in Shanghai, HK or Singapore. After stressing out too much, I just then and there decided I would prefer a delayed gratification this time around. I also admitted I couldn't do everything so I'll just let the wind take me for a change. No use rushing anything and was glad we got to spend 2 days out of town for Apple's Wedding and visiting Papa's relatives in Bauan for free! Too bad Dada wasn't able to join us because of work but nevertheless... my parents, Yonky and I had a wonderful time together. I was even able to activate Papa's talking GPS on his Nokia cellphone while on the road which he enjoyed very much =).
And also during this particular vacation, I got to practice Yonky to do his jumping shots hehehe... (oh sooooooo cute!!!!).. so our trip had been worth it.
Thanks Apple and Salah for a wonderful wedding and a wonderful time with you guys. God bless on your new life in Qatar and hope you'll continue your plans in migrating to Australia!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
I couldn't help but cry when I read this one day I was soo tired from work. It's only barely a week now and I do understand why my teammates would want to take VLs at this time... I anticipate some very rough days ahead of them while they adjust to my absence... They had become so dependent on my guidance and decisions.. I do really feel for them..
here's the letter I got from my boss in Salt Lake... my professional and personal mentor
here's the letter I got from my boss in Salt Lake... my professional and personal mentor
Mei –
You are an Angel!
Thank you for your kind comments. I REALLY hope that something works out for you in the SYD office. If I can be of any help in that area, please let me know. I would be glad to put forth the highest recommendation possible for you. I think you have the best balance & experience in so many areas (functional, technical, social, etc…) on our team. You really are irreplaceable.
A good analogy of how I feel is: If you take a cup of water & put your finger in it then pull your finger out, the water instantly backfills the gap, but your leaving CM will be a very noticeable gap, that will always have a void.
I’m very happy for you & your family & for the new adventure that awaits you. From the bottom of MY heart, I sincerely wish you & your family all the success, joy and happiness in the world. You deserve it Mei & I hope you’ll always know that you’ve really been an outstanding employee & friend. You should be proud of all you accomplished during your time at Navitaire and the positive impact you had on our company. I will greatly miss you Mei – and … the scriptures you put at the end of your e-mails!! J
I hope you’ll keep in touch and if by chance you do end up working for SUS DBA’s that you’ll continue to help CM out! J
YOU’RE THE BEST!
-Z
I'd like to save this and post it because I know I'll need this inspiration one way or the other when I do face the new challenges ahead of me...
My only armor is my faith and my action is prayer...and I kept praying and praying and praying...
May I honor God in my decisions and actions all the days of my life.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
I guess you can't blame me when I go gaga every time my son poses like that. He's just so adorable don't you agree? Perfectionist too! At such a young age of three he no longer can't accept defeat... my my it's very tough to be parents but as I always say.. I wouldn't trade my life for anything else... and all because my darling Yonky just keeps my day oh so bright.
Right now he is already an expert "bolero"... always saying "mommy you're soo beautiful".. or "mommy you're so sexy" which of course I know isn't true but nevertheless the words... because it came from him give me so much joy (I know ang babaw ko hehe). You can't also just say no to him now... he would demand an explanation so there are times that I would suddenly stop and say "are you really just 3 years old?!... sounds a lot older to me".. and if I may quote an old TV show I used to watch "Kids indeed say the darnest things".
His love for books and new information is becoming more and more apparent also as he constantly request for me to read him books... which unfortunately sometimes I wasn't able to grant because I'm doing some preparation for our move which would make me feel guilty but what can I do, I'm not a superwoman... but when I explained to him why I can not, he is always so forgiving by saying "it's okay mommy.. tomorrow na lang?.. i love you"... which again would make me stop and thank God that my heart's longings can now be pampered by just having my son around.
For his first school Christmas celebration last December 2011... I was once again a proud mommy because Yonky was such a good performer. He shines on stage... so very unlike me. He has no fear performing on stage and of the crowd and he's even the one requesting for replay of the songs that he's going to perform at school when we're in the house and loved to practice all the time which he enjoyed so much like he's just playing.
When his school launched their online system for parents where we can watch our children's activities real-time at school... I was amazed to watch that Yonky was really the only one paying attention to what the teacher was saying unlike his classmates who were just running around the classroom.
This Christmas season was also the first time Yonky was able to participate in the children's games on his own.. enjoying doing so as well. In fact, we even brought him to Jollibee's Christmas party and he was still able to participate on the games with different kids who were strangers to him:) Dada was so proud of him and said he truly shined.
I was very thankful to God... Yonky was able to experience different Christmas celebrations this year. I'm getting sentimental on our move and very touch that Yonky had such a fantastic time bonding with his cousins, family and friends this Christmas.
Thank you Papa Jesus! Please continue to guide and protect him all the days of his life. AMEN
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