On times of crisis

Everyone heeds and trying to keep composure as the verdict will come out in just a matter of days. News circulating around says that 10% of the current workforce will be cut-off from both direct and indirect labor. And that would mean adding 1000 more jobless people in this sadly to say rapidly depleting world.

With the advantage of seeing everyone working at their best efforts, it still fretting going to work and later found out that you'll never come back the next day right. I actually don't believe that the weakest link are mostly expected to be sent off. What about those people who pledge their loyalty and service to the company, will it just end up in vain and wait till the company goes into bankruptcy? as such, no one is indispensable, recession is at the threshold and shortly after will be opened.

Even me, I'm starting to prepare myself and deal issues related to this. But what I'm more concerned about are the OFW's who just came here. When they left home, everyone is hoping for a better future for their family. Most of them has payed large amount of processing fees, which was either taken from loan sharks or worse sold or used their hard earned possession as collateral. What about those? what will happen next?

It's really sad that in a situation like this, the ones affected most are the "little people". Last Friday night as I've waited my bus and work shift Filipinos pass me by, I don't know why I can't help not to stare on their eyes and feel sorry at the same time. I'm not sure what I'm thinking exactly, but I guess if there's only enough good job back home, maybe the pain won't be this much.

On the side, I will always be forever grateful to God for bringing me to Taiwan. I'm sure lots of expats will agree. For me, He has given the best years experience of my life and career. More than I could ever dreamed or imagined and amidst the situation, I believe His preparing the best things for everyone. Just like the bible says, when a door closes, He will open another window, and that window is from ceiling to floor.

On budget campaign

2 months ago, a former colleague of mine e-mailed me about their company's imposing force leave due to economic downturn. She inquired further of how are we doing so far, which I replied back as still stable. Our respective companies are basically the top competitors in this field and having said that, we're not into spying each other OK, but rather checking out latest updates in our lives.

But in just a matter of time, this global economic crisis has also started it's blow in our company. Effective last week, we're enforce of 1 day-off every week. Now it's 1 day, maybe 2 next month or 3, who knows...as economist predicts that this crisis will last until quarter 2 of next year. A total big loss for sure, but looking at the bright side, there's definitely a purpose and something that can be learned out of it.

So for my case, I started real budgeting and watch out my expenses. Actually, this statement is a big deal especially for a shopaholic like me ( I may misspelled it) and would like to believe that I'm succeeding to date. Anyway, everything is a work in process right. So, I'll do it one step at a time.

Say for example, today I went to Watson's to buy my toiletries. And in that area, several shopping stores are found which I usually go thru just like today. With the season changing and winter coming in, it's a norm to check the newest fad and those for sale summer clothes I've been eyeing. Oh my, the gorgeous dress is already 50% off, so I hurriedly fit it and was convince does looks good. But deep inside says it isn't practical and so I left without regrets after returning the dress on its rack. Yeah, no regrets because for sure it's much cheaper next month...ha ha

Another way to may I say budget campaign is to lessen eating outside. Just like today's stride is usually accomplish with me eating my favourite beef noodles. Well, apart from the toiletries, I also bought chocolote cookies for my craving, it's no yet dinner anyway. Hmm, wise buy I guess as I could also eat it during my snacks, yummy with milk.

Productive weekend

This weekend seems productive I think and maybe you might ask why.

Well, yesterday morning I was able to go to the wet market which I was planning for more than a month. Before with my housemates, we normally go there every payday, but since I started leaving alone, I became used to buy in the grocery. Of course groceries has higher prizes than the traditional ones, so I was really happy that I could save plus it's fresher I supposed.

What amazes me here in Taiwan is that in their wet markets, you could also do shopping at the same time. Yeah, it's a one time shop which has stores for clothes, bags, shoes and anything you'll want in much affordable prizes. How I wish I bought my camera with me for your visualization. Anyways, I'll try to do it next time. And since I'm on budget, I settled my eyes in looking and left after getting my needs. A record breaker of spending only an hour of buying.

My mother is really a good cook and I love to cook when I had time. The problem is, I didn't inherit her skills. So far, I only know 5 recipes which I alternately cook, and maybe it's only me who'll aprub the taste. Well, as long as it's edible right, ha ha...So I cooked nilagang baboy just enough for the whole days consumption.

And then in the afternoon, I was able to sweep and mop the floor. Finally, I could removed those accumulated dust. Can't remember when was the last time I mopped. And with just me, surely one afternoon isn't enough to clean everything. But at least, I did my best, so should be OK. One more thing, what about the laundry? well, skip this week and do it next week. Whew so tiring! can somebody send me a maid please!

I spent this morning till noon in the church and after checking progress of our activities for Christmas, I went home afterwards. So, I cooked broccoli with shrimp sufficient till dinner and then took a quick nap.

After waking-up, I could still feel my stomach full and so, I decided to jog in the university which is just in front of my apartment. Again, I forgot to bring the camera with me. I was downstairs when I realized it and so lazy to go back. I guess, my thoughts are also still flying at the time. Anyway, I was able to have 4 loops this time, twice as I had 2 weeks ago and I hope I'll improve next time. I missed jogging with sweats dripping my face and back and with the winter coming, I bet it'll be a lot of effort doing so.

The night is still young, much so in saying I'm not yet finish doing my chores. I ate my dinner and took break by watching television just enough to do the next task. So, while watching Dwayne Johnson's movie "The game plan", I was ironing clothes for this workweek. Well, it's the last one to finish and had a good time while watching it. And before I closed this post, I was reminded of Peyton's question to Joe which you'll know the answer if you've watched the movie. But the question is actually applicable to all, and made me also to ponder. So, what about you, " What is the best thing that ever happened to you?"

Remembering you dad on this day

Today is the last day of the month and by tomorrow, majority of the population will be celebrating "All Souls/Saints Day". A day specifically dedicated to commemorate our departed loved ones. But in Taiwan, it'll just be another ordinary weekend, as they celebrate such occasion on April which is known as Laudzong jie (Tomb Sweeping Day).

Such event will definitely make all cemeteries a very busy spot in the Philippines. The bustle should have started as early as last week and today, will surely be at it's peak. Good that my family has payed their visit last week except to that one special person we haven't been with for 6 years by this December. My father's grave...

He died of heart attack last December 22, 2002 in our province and we weren't on his side at the time. Normally my father went to Samar during Christmas to be with his relatives and be back before New Year to celebrate the coming year with us. I admired my father for such dedication to his clan. Breaking long distance to cover the gap was his expertise and much by getting along with people very well. I guess the reason why most of our relatives and former neighbours are very close to him. I still remember him asking me to prepare coffee during afternoon chats with his pals , oh his favourite drink apart from beer... :)

As a father, he was indeed strict and strong. There come a time that we grew-up far because of his discipline style, and despite the odds we didn't go into rebellion. Thinking out loud now, it's because we knew that at the back of everything, he is still a loving and a responsible father. We also thank God for giving us a wonderful mother as her love and comfort united our family to stand.

My eldest sister is his favourite, nevertheless I knew he cherish us no less. Mind you, I was his kikay daughter...haha...When I had late evening classes in college, they used to pick-up me up from school and when I'm already working, he drove me to the next station in order to save time and money. My salary then was just enough for basic needs. Then in the evening, they will pick me up. Such caring from both of my parents already made me a princess!

As soon as we can, the family headed to the province where my father's lays remained. Know what, it was also my first visit. He used to tell me before how beautiful it was and I totally agree, only that it's too late for him to hear. I haven't go back there since then, but it doesn't mean that I have forgotten him. His memories will always be with me wherever I'll go,not only this day but everyday. As simple as going to worl already reminisce me of my father and I'm sure his definitely proud of me, his kikay...

Breakthrough

God's favor is really awesome...I've posted last time about my added work tasks. Know what, after a week, re-assignment took place in our team and now, I'll just be focusing on my original accounts. God is so good, He's so so good.

This is what happened. We had account focus team which normally meets weekly. And so, part of the discussion was the progress of development projects phase-in to production. All of a sudden, the team champion asked me to provide my accounts activity list. Never really knew what happened after sending the mail to him, but that's how re-assignment trigger I believe. Mind you that his from another group. Then that's it, I'm back to my old routine.

I'm really so grateful with this set-up. I shall be able to focus now more plus it also allowed me not to stress out much. What really matter's most is to make use of this life worthwhile. Yeah, after the last experience, I become more cautious and yet I feel the symptoms time to time, I'm not frantic anymore, I'm already aware.

There are times when it's a real struggle, when I feel almost ready to give up. Nights and days crying out to God just to ease the pain. And His indeed faithful, day's that I called, " I'm living because of God's mercy and grace". A journey of spiritual growth I guess and God's answer to my long time prayer. Truly, it's only in our darkest time where will learn to surrender and said I can't do it anymore, please take control.

Have a nice weekend to all... :)

In working again

It's nearly 3 weeks after I came back and it appears to have that same smell of an old demanding career. Maybe more this time. Why? because apart from my original accounts, they added 3 more, plus 2 new released process by development team. WHAAAAA!!!! WHAAAAA!!! HELP!!! as if they don't know, my 3 months off was not for pleasure.

I had raised this concern to my leader and she said, it has been arranged. Meaning I don't have a choice but to follow. I see it thou as payback time and as much as I wanted to complain for the unfairness, I believe in due time everything will turn around. So for the meantime, I'll be still, keep my peace and have a positive attitude, because God is faithful and just, His promises will never fail.

I posted last time that I'm staying at the dormitory, but actually it didn't last as I transferred back to my old apartment after 3 days. Moving-out is not that easy, so I was having problem who can help me. But guess what, there's always helping hands when I need it at the time. At the same time, my landlord was so good having me back and so nice for re-installing the conveniences I had before. What a Blessing!!!

And so I'm back to what I'm used to everyday, only this time I don't have a housemate. So maybe spending extra time at work would be beneficial for exercise...talking and smiling...hehe...but need to watch the time not to miss my bus otherwise, it seems years of waiting...haha...imagine for another 45minutes. Got to go for now folks!

Back for a fresh new start

After a very long break, I'm finally back to Taiwan last Saturday. Supposedly, it should be the 1st week of the month, but something came-up which caused the delay. Since I gave-up my apartment, I had no choice than to stay in the dormitory which is actually the shelter of the many Filipinos working here. Although I knew the place and came for some personal matter, it will be my first to leave in the dormitory. So definitely I need to adapt and adjust.

My room is at the 3rd floor which I'll be sharing with a local who wasn't around when I came. Thought it was a good timing to roam around, scrutinize and get familiar with. After bringing and settling my stuff inside, it was the comfort room that I checked first. There were separate partitions for washing, bathing and toilets. The compound also has a net cafe shop, a convenient store, food house and a beauty salon. So, apart from the awful toilets, the place indeed caters to one's home temporarily.

My roommate arrived the next day and luckily she knows how to speak English...he he. We're from the same company and has been in the dormitory for 20 years. Yeah, read it right. So, does it mean our company is a nice and fair employer? well, I would settle for yes considering they had been so nice for allowing to have a lenghty break. It's like that I give birth...ha ha.

I went back to work Monday morning. And though I'm missing home, it made my heart warm to receive calls and welcome back mails for a beckoning start. Glad as well to have my work gadgets back and catch up the latest work happenings et al. Know what, things do happen the least we expect them. Imagine, I had no income when I was on leave, but hey the company gave profit sharing and other bonuses. Wowowow....it's almost I was payed all this time. Wow, what a blessing right :-)