Tuesday, March 31, 2009
End of Month # 1
OK, this has been a month of adjustments for me. As some might know, I have a new job that involves 2 roles- one in Operations and one in Training. I must say, now that I have been immersed in both, that I enjoy the Training role more. Maybe it's too soon to tell. Maybe it's the transition period. I don't know. Well, you can't have it all I suppose. And this IS good experience for me. I wish I had the ladies around though. It would be good to vent or even just talk over some things with them. Those conversations were always therapeutic. I haven't had access to the Net for a week or so which is why I feel kind of disconnected. I really have to do something about that. Anyway, fingers crossed guys that month 2 goes well.
From Affie
I have been told often enugh that I am all about "ME" at times so I decided to take the blogthings quiz on Affie's blog. Here are my results:
Ha! See!
You Are Occasionally a Narcissist |
 While you have healthy self esteem, you're really not that full of yourself. Compared to most people, you're quite humble! Though occasionally, you can't help and reflect on how great you are. There's nothing wrong with being proud of yourself - as long as you don't let it go to your head! |
Ha! See!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
After Training
I just gave my first, full training session...and I think it was a success! A big THANK YOU to Meg, Anya, Avril, and Liv for helping me out. It would not have happened without your help, Ladies.
It was scary and exciting both at the same time. I had been waiting for a chance to prove that I am not all air for the longest time, and here it was. The feeling was indescribable. As the days progressed, I found myself looking with wonder at these people who were looking back at me with 100% trust and positive expectation. The participants were lively, humorous, participative, and energetic. They asked good questions, listened attentively, were always on time, and expressed regret at the end of the session that the whole thing had come to a close. Feedback forms have been nothing but positive. I am truly overwhelmed. I mentioned to Livi today how this could all be not too good for my narcissism rehabilitation, but honestly, I am looking at it with awe and appreciation and I am holding the whole thing with care and taking none of it for granted. So, I think the vanity in me is safely, and will be safely, contained.
For the first time in a long time, I feel satisfied and fulfilled. I feel that I ended three tiring but full and productive days, with work done that mattered to people other than myself. When Meg said, "You are the culture they will be borne into", I trembled with fear. Now, I am thinking, that might not be so bad after all.
It was scary and exciting both at the same time. I had been waiting for a chance to prove that I am not all air for the longest time, and here it was. The feeling was indescribable. As the days progressed, I found myself looking with wonder at these people who were looking back at me with 100% trust and positive expectation. The participants were lively, humorous, participative, and energetic. They asked good questions, listened attentively, were always on time, and expressed regret at the end of the session that the whole thing had come to a close. Feedback forms have been nothing but positive. I am truly overwhelmed. I mentioned to Livi today how this could all be not too good for my narcissism rehabilitation, but honestly, I am looking at it with awe and appreciation and I am holding the whole thing with care and taking none of it for granted. So, I think the vanity in me is safely, and will be safely, contained.
For the first time in a long time, I feel satisfied and fulfilled. I feel that I ended three tiring but full and productive days, with work done that mattered to people other than myself. When Meg said, "You are the culture they will be borne into", I trembled with fear. Now, I am thinking, that might not be so bad after all.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Say It Isn't So
My best friend has been going through a lot of upheaval lately. needless to say, she's been feeling very depressed. She mentioned that this is turning out to be a really bad year for her. As a form of comfort, I told her that, according to Chinese horoscopes, this is going to be a tough year for everybody. Then I realized that everybody could include me. That stopped me in my tracks. Looking back, I could say that the year did not start out so well. Inf act, from an outsiders point of view, it started out pretty badly. But so far, things are getting back on track. So I am hoping this continues. According to The Secret, the more you think about negativity, the more you attract it. I am doing my best not to be negative. Even if my horoscope has a lot of scary predictions. So there. Be with me in being positive people!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Advice and Sunscreen
I have been looking for a copy of this 'poem' since the beginning of february, during my last crossroads of sorts. I actually heard this way back in high school ( I think) but it didn't make as much sense to me then as it does now. I think, once you've gone over it, you will understand why. Anyway, here it is. i am so happy I have a copy of it now. Thanks Ren!
WEAR SUNSCREEN
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth.
Oh, never mind.
You will not understand the power
and beauty of your youth until they've faded.
But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of
yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much
possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.
You are not as fat as you imagine.---> oh yes.
Don't worry about the future.
Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as
trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum.
The real troubles in your life are apt to be things
that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that
blindside you at 4 pm on some idle Tuesday.---> or a Friday, in my case.
Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts.
Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.---> trying.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy.
Sometimes you're ahead,
sometimes you're behind.
The race is long and, in the end,
it's only with yourself.
Remember compliments you receive.
Forget the insults.
If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters.
Throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know
what you want to do with your life.
The most interesting people I know didn't know at
22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some
of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.---> ok, I feel better now. Maybe directionless isn't so bad after all.
Get plenty of calcium.
Be kind to your knees.
You'll miss them when they're gone.
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't.
Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't.
Maybe you'll divorce at 40,
maybe you'll dance the funky
chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary.
Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself
too much, or berate yourself either.
Your choices are half chance.---> so true! pray for signs. They help. Seriously.
So are everybody else's.
Enjoy your body.
Use it every way you can.
Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it.---> uhm...
It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Dance,
even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.
Read the directions,
even if you don't follow them.
Do not read beauty magazines.
They will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents.
You never know when they'll be gone for good.---> this is easier when you become a parent yourself, in my opinion.
Be nice to your siblings.
They're your best link to your past and the people
most likely to stick with you in the future.---> yup
Understand that friends come and go,
but with a precious few you should hold on.---> definitely
Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle,
because the older you get, the more you need the
people who knew you when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it
makes you hard. Live in Northern California
once, but leave before it makes you soft.---> Europe baby.
Travel.---> YES!
Accept certain inalienable truths:
Prices will rise.
Politicians will philander.
You, too, will get old.
And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you
were young, prices were reasonable, politicians
were noble, and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don't expect anyone else to support you.---> I've always tried to live by this. TOUGH.
Maybe you have a trust fund.
Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse.
But you never know when either one might run out.
Don't mess too much with your hair or by the
time you're 40 it will look 85.---> HAHAHAHAHAHA!!
Be careful whose advice you buy,
but be patient with those who supply it.
Advice is a form of nostalgia.
Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal,
wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts
and recycling it for more than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen.
I love how the lines really speak to me now. I really think I am getting older. But I am also beginning to think that this might not be so bad or scary.
WEAR SUNSCREEN
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth.
Oh, never mind.
You will not understand the power
and beauty of your youth until they've faded.
But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of
yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much
possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.
You are not as fat as you imagine.---> oh yes.
Don't worry about the future.
Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as
trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum.
The real troubles in your life are apt to be things
that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that
blindside you at 4 pm on some idle Tuesday.---> or a Friday, in my case.
Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts.
Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.---> trying.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy.
Sometimes you're ahead,
sometimes you're behind.
The race is long and, in the end,
it's only with yourself.
Remember compliments you receive.
Forget the insults.
If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters.
Throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know
what you want to do with your life.
The most interesting people I know didn't know at
22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some
of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.---> ok, I feel better now. Maybe directionless isn't so bad after all.
Get plenty of calcium.
Be kind to your knees.
You'll miss them when they're gone.
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't.
Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't.
Maybe you'll divorce at 40,
maybe you'll dance the funky
chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary.
Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself
too much, or berate yourself either.
Your choices are half chance.---> so true! pray for signs. They help. Seriously.
So are everybody else's.
Enjoy your body.
Use it every way you can.
Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it.---> uhm...
It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Dance,
even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.
Read the directions,
even if you don't follow them.
Do not read beauty magazines.
They will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents.
You never know when they'll be gone for good.---> this is easier when you become a parent yourself, in my opinion.
Be nice to your siblings.
They're your best link to your past and the people
most likely to stick with you in the future.---> yup
Understand that friends come and go,
but with a precious few you should hold on.---> definitely
Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle,
because the older you get, the more you need the
people who knew you when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it
makes you hard. Live in Northern California
once, but leave before it makes you soft.---> Europe baby.
Travel.---> YES!
Accept certain inalienable truths:
Prices will rise.
Politicians will philander.
You, too, will get old.
And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you
were young, prices were reasonable, politicians
were noble, and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don't expect anyone else to support you.---> I've always tried to live by this. TOUGH.
Maybe you have a trust fund.
Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse.
But you never know when either one might run out.
Don't mess too much with your hair or by the
time you're 40 it will look 85.---> HAHAHAHAHAHA!!
Be careful whose advice you buy,
but be patient with those who supply it.
Advice is a form of nostalgia.
Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal,
wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts
and recycling it for more than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen.
I love how the lines really speak to me now. I really think I am getting older. But I am also beginning to think that this might not be so bad or scary.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
New Recipes
It's been ages since I posted about recipes although I haven't stopped in my quest to collect a cookbook full of easy, yummy, kid-friendly recipes. I decided to do a little research at the end of my working day and I came upon two promising dishes. Here they are.
FABULOUS FRIED RICE
Ingredients
* 2 tbsp. (30 mL) vegetable oil
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, crushed
* 2 cups (500 mL) diced raw or cooked vegetables (see suggestions, below)
* 2 cups (500 mL) diced cooked meat or fish (or vegetarian meat substitute)
* 3 cups (750 mL) cold leftover cooked rice
* 2 tbsp. (30 mL) soy sauce
* 1 tsp. (5 mL) sesame oil
* 4 green onions, sliced
* Fried rice veggie ideas:
* Sliced, diced or shredded, raw or cooked celery, green or red pepper, mushrooms, carrots, bean sprouts, broccoli, zucchini, green beans, peas or snow peas, cabbage (regular or Chinese)
Cooking Instructions
1. In a wok or a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp. (15 mL) of the oil over high heat. Add egg and cook, stirring, until egg is scrambled. Remove scrambled egg to a plate.
2. Pour the remaining oil into the wok. When it is very hot, add chopped onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 or 3 minutes or just until onion is softened. Add raw vegetables first, followed by cooked vegetables (the first ones into the pan should be the veggies that take longest to cook, like raw carrots). Already-cooked veggies should be added last. Now add cooked meat, stirring to mix well and heat through.
3. Finally, add rice, stirring constantly to break up the lumps of rice, mix it with the other ingredients and heat thoroughly. Add soy sauce and sesame oil and cook, stirring and tossing, for 2 or 3 minutes. Stir in scrambled eggs and green onions and stir-fry for one more minute. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
BAKED BREADED TILAPIA FILLETS
Ingredients
* 1 cup (250 mL) bread crumbs
* 1 tbsp. (15 mL) grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tsp. (5 mL) oregano or Italian seasoning
* 1/2 tsp. (2 mL) salt
* 1/4 tsp. (1 mL) black pepper
* 2-3 tbsp. (30-45 mL) vegetable oil
* 1-1/2 lbs. (750 g) tilapia fillets (or other white fish fillets, such as sole, cod or haddock)
Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375° F (190° C). Lightly oil a baking sheet.
2. In a plastic or paper bag combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano (or Italian seasoning), salt and pepper. Hold the top of the bag shut and shake to mix everything together.
3. Pour vegetable oil into a small bowl. Working with one fillet at a time, brush both sides with a little of the oil, then drop into the bag with the bread crumb mixture and shake to coat well. Remove from bag and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining fillets.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, turn fillets over and continue to bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the fish flakes when you poke into it with a fork.
The reasons I picked these two dishes is because they require the least amount of canned ingredients but are still easy to prepare, they are filling, and my hubby and kids love both rice and tilapia. It was really easy to decide to try these out. I am looking forward to making them over the weekend. I hope the family likes them!
FABULOUS FRIED RICE
Ingredients
* 2 tbsp. (30 mL) vegetable oil
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, crushed
* 2 cups (500 mL) diced raw or cooked vegetables (see suggestions, below)
* 2 cups (500 mL) diced cooked meat or fish (or vegetarian meat substitute)
* 3 cups (750 mL) cold leftover cooked rice
* 2 tbsp. (30 mL) soy sauce
* 1 tsp. (5 mL) sesame oil
* 4 green onions, sliced
* Fried rice veggie ideas:
* Sliced, diced or shredded, raw or cooked celery, green or red pepper, mushrooms, carrots, bean sprouts, broccoli, zucchini, green beans, peas or snow peas, cabbage (regular or Chinese)
Cooking Instructions
1. In a wok or a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp. (15 mL) of the oil over high heat. Add egg and cook, stirring, until egg is scrambled. Remove scrambled egg to a plate.
2. Pour the remaining oil into the wok. When it is very hot, add chopped onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 or 3 minutes or just until onion is softened. Add raw vegetables first, followed by cooked vegetables (the first ones into the pan should be the veggies that take longest to cook, like raw carrots). Already-cooked veggies should be added last. Now add cooked meat, stirring to mix well and heat through.
3. Finally, add rice, stirring constantly to break up the lumps of rice, mix it with the other ingredients and heat thoroughly. Add soy sauce and sesame oil and cook, stirring and tossing, for 2 or 3 minutes. Stir in scrambled eggs and green onions and stir-fry for one more minute. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
BAKED BREADED TILAPIA FILLETS
Ingredients
* 1 cup (250 mL) bread crumbs
* 1 tbsp. (15 mL) grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tsp. (5 mL) oregano or Italian seasoning
* 1/2 tsp. (2 mL) salt
* 1/4 tsp. (1 mL) black pepper
* 2-3 tbsp. (30-45 mL) vegetable oil
* 1-1/2 lbs. (750 g) tilapia fillets (or other white fish fillets, such as sole, cod or haddock)
Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375° F (190° C). Lightly oil a baking sheet.
2. In a plastic or paper bag combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano (or Italian seasoning), salt and pepper. Hold the top of the bag shut and shake to mix everything together.
3. Pour vegetable oil into a small bowl. Working with one fillet at a time, brush both sides with a little of the oil, then drop into the bag with the bread crumb mixture and shake to coat well. Remove from bag and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining fillets.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, turn fillets over and continue to bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the fish flakes when you poke into it with a fork.
The reasons I picked these two dishes is because they require the least amount of canned ingredients but are still easy to prepare, they are filling, and my hubby and kids love both rice and tilapia. It was really easy to decide to try these out. I am looking forward to making them over the weekend. I hope the family likes them!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Expectations
A friend of mine told me some time ago that my expectations are too high. He told me that it was impossible to live up to them, and anyone who tried ended up feeling like crap after because they would surely fall short. This friend told me this more than 10 years ago now and since then I have been on this continuous quest to make my expectations reachable. Of late though, I've been wondering if they are getting too low and if it is worth it to even have expectations when they are close to scraping the bottom of a moss-covered sea bed.
I don't really think it is too much to ask to expect a certain sense of loyalty and priority from people you consider your friends, even those not of the closest degree. Oh well, I guess it is too much to ask from some.
Obviously, I am annoyed.
I don't really think it is too much to ask to expect a certain sense of loyalty and priority from people you consider your friends, even those not of the closest degree. Oh well, I guess it is too much to ask from some.
Obviously, I am annoyed.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Traveling Feet
My sister-in-law finally left for New Zealand just this past Saturday. I can say it was an emotional couple of days for my in-laws. I will miss her, for sure, but there was one feeling and thought that kept surfacing as we were waiting for her to board- I miss traveling. I miss packing, lining up to check-in, riding the plane, looking out the window at the receding shores of the Philippine Islands, preparing to get off and step on foreign soil. I miss the sights, smells, sounds, and feeling of visiting another country. I want to do it all again. I want to bring the hubby and my two kids and I want to see the wonder and excitement on their faces when they experience it all for the first time.
My traveling feet are itching again. What do I do?
My traveling feet are itching again. What do I do?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
New Beginnings
So, the past few days have been super hectic for me. I thought I would be free for a longer period but I was wrong. Happily, I have found new, interesting employment a stone's throw away from my previous work place. I didn't stray too far. But this wasn't intentional. If I were a superstitious person, I would say that the little city where I've been working for the past 4 years now is actually a lucky one for me opportunity-wise. Isn't it great? I do miss me free time, especially since I was able to do so much with my kids. But I think the turn of events is beneficial to all. I am keeping all fingers and toes crossed that this will be exactly that.
The new job is a challenge. It is actually a combination of what I've been doing for the past 3 or so years plus more. I am excited and afraid at the same time. All my old insecurities and defenses are fighting to break free from the tight reign I have over them. But, as I told Livi last week, I am determined to start this new chapter in a positive way, thinking and feeling positive. She said my career from now on will be exactly how I make it. A scary and exhilarating thought at the same time. New people, new tasks, no impressions, no judgments, no prejudices, but a lot of expectation. I am looking forward to this next year's journey.
Another thing that pleases me immensely is that I will still be able to meet with the Ladies frequently. It won't be the same, granted, but it will be closer than if I were working in Makati. I think these meetings will help keep me grounded and will help me remember that I CAN do whatever I need to do. I didn't realize how much strength I took from these women until they weren't around anymore. Plus, nobody likes food as much in my new work place which is super sad for me.
So, wish me luck all! I want to make this next year, at least, a great one!
The new job is a challenge. It is actually a combination of what I've been doing for the past 3 or so years plus more. I am excited and afraid at the same time. All my old insecurities and defenses are fighting to break free from the tight reign I have over them. But, as I told Livi last week, I am determined to start this new chapter in a positive way, thinking and feeling positive. She said my career from now on will be exactly how I make it. A scary and exhilarating thought at the same time. New people, new tasks, no impressions, no judgments, no prejudices, but a lot of expectation. I am looking forward to this next year's journey.
Another thing that pleases me immensely is that I will still be able to meet with the Ladies frequently. It won't be the same, granted, but it will be closer than if I were working in Makati. I think these meetings will help keep me grounded and will help me remember that I CAN do whatever I need to do. I didn't realize how much strength I took from these women until they weren't around anymore. Plus, nobody likes food as much in my new work place which is super sad for me.
So, wish me luck all! I want to make this next year, at least, a great one!
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