A Merry Christmas!

Today is the 25th of December 2015, 4:08 PM Philippine Standard Time.

I am in the office.

Yes, I am working on a legal holiday! Double pay it is. A sacrifice I have to make because I signed the contract for this more than 7 years ago. It couldn't be as lonely as it should be until I heard the voice of my little girl early this midnight, sniffing and about to cry. So I have to hang up the phone before we could both be crying our heart out.

I just asked my husband to take some photos and send it to me via messenger. With tears still flowing down continuously on both cheeks, I ran my fingers over her pictures. I terribly miss her. It's Christmas and I am not beside here.  And I thought, 2 more days and I am home. I can give her a hug. Kiss her.

My strong desire to become a stay at home wife enveloped me and prayed hard for it as I drift to sleep at 2:30 AM.

I woke up with a knock on the front door. My little sister came to visit me earlier today, coming from her night shift schedule at the hospital where she worked. I was filled with joy seeing her. Finally, an immediate family. We talked a lot on everything. Catch up. Chat over breakfast before we headed to the mall for some last minute Christmas gifts.

For quiet a few hours, I forgot about my longing to come straight to the province to see my little girl. It is such a relief to bond with a sister.

We all have so many wishes and hopes in our hearts. Different to each individual. Because we are unique. And to each his own.

Some times, I feel like I am about to give up my present job. And I have so many reasons to. The work place is so far from the province with almost 7 hours one way trip. I have to ride 5 times - tricycle/jeep, then bus, then MRT, then city bus, and then jeep again before I could go to my place of work. EDSA traffic is horrible. It is exhausting that there are a lot of times, when all I wanted is to have at least a day for myself alone, catching up my much needed sleep.

But everything over weighs my desire to provide a good future for my little girl. I know. If I stop at this early stage, then, some day, I will go back to those times when I can no longer undone the decisions I made and had already lost my opportunity to change our current life style to a financially free life.  We as a family is just starting out.

And that I should be more grateful that I still have a job that provides food on our table.

I pray for His guidance and the strength to keep us going. I know He will bless us. Everyone of us.

Merry Christmas! :)

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Date wrong? Nope, you have read it right. This post has been sitting in my drafts for over a year already. But already thought of forgetting it altogether.

Nonetheless, I'd like to post it. This year's Christmas is way different from my crying moments last year. I am with her. My precious little girl. She's with us as well as my in-laws.

We have a little 2 nights staycation in the city to celebrate the Christmas. And all because I have work yesterday - 25th.   I guess this is the commitment I have made when I signed the contract 8 years ago. Few days before Christmas, I was asked by a colleague - Am I ready to retire in 2 years time?

My answer, truthfully, I still do not know. But, we are still building our future. And we are no nearer halfway to the construction. So maybe in a year or 2, I can't definitely say it yet.

One thing is for sure, I am happy and truly thankful for giving me the opportunity to spend my Christmas with her. Such a blessings being with family on Christmas eve.

Happy Holidays! :)

2015 Reflections

Today is my last working day for the 2015. Finally, I am going home in a few hours.

Looking back for the whole of my work days for 2015, I am truly grateful. I am thankful I still have this job that provides everything for my little family and extended family. It has been a non-noticeable working days of 2015as the time flies so fast. I still vividly remember coming to work on January this year, hopeful that all my financial plans for this year will eventually be cross out from the list. But again, there are few of them which I need to carry over for the coming year - 2016. I will talk about those financial plans that materialize and some that did not on a separate year end blog.

This year was a little difficult financially than 2014 with our little family living on a single income. Yet, it teaches me so many lessons and I promise myself to strive learning more of the investment basics. I haven't gone that far from the starting line. Though I am proud to say that at least I am now a bit advance from the gun point. Our/My investments is on a steady manner. We/I did adjust to frugal living to sustain our/my little savings. The so called delayed gratification application.

Little business? This is currently the most challenging portion of my life this year. I am currently on the road to balancing life, work, and side lines. Learning the ins and outs of a business. Testing my limits. And learning what I can really give in the entrepreneurship world. The rice business in the province is being manage by my father so I do not exactly know how it runs. But with the online shop, I am the operator/owner/one-woman team. While I am dealing with so many things, from bogus buyers, online scammers, possible posers, courier's delays, supplier issues, legitimacy issues, slow Internet connections, buyer's expectations, and so many other distractions, the almost 2 months in operations have thought me a lot of how to be a businesswoman in the real sense. It is all hard work. And a great deal of patience. I just drafted new house rules from what I have learned to be able to improve my online service and manage the customer's expectations. After all, every successful and failed transactions I have noted one or two things I acquired from it. Innovations. Future forward thinking. Visions. I still have so much to learn.

Friendship goals-wise? I have parted with the so-called 'friends'. I come to understand that maybe, I will come to know some people, learn from them, and then they will eventually go away. I am being careful now to those I share my inner me. It's a lesson I learned the difficult way too. Some people pretend to be in good terms to me. Even gave a generous smile when we meet. But talks about me in social media with their rants. I know, I am not perfect. I also make mistakes. However, what I show to my 'friends' is the real sincere me. Maybe, a lot of times misinterpreted. But this is just me. So there, I am now making sure to stay away from the bullies. And to be very discerning to people's motives. Better than having another heartache.

Relationships? Thank God for uniting my immediate family again. I am thankful that all past differences has been resolved. I know, we will still meet a lot of bumps but I am positive that we become stronger than ever. I prayed so hard for an intact family after I exhausted all my humanly means to communicate with each and everyone and still so distant from unification. It is Him alone can make things turn around and possible when nothing else is left. I just witness His miracle happened to the family. God really answers prayers in His perfect timing.

Signing off for this year.

Enjoy the holidays! :)

God bless us all!

Filled With Gratitude

I am thankful for every seconds of my life. The joy I have for every moment captured of my presence to be just around those I love.

My precious little girl is growing so fast that I wish I am always by her side. Playing. Tickling her. Laughing with her. Watching her favorite cartoon "Home" movie. Walking. Running. Watering the plants. Hiding. Reading her favorite book about princesses. Watching her favorite 2D "Cinderella" movie. Cuddling with her before we sleep. Eating ice cream together. And her favorite porridge (Lugaw). I just love everything about her.

But mama has to work. For her. For our little family. And I guess, at her age, she understand a bit about it. Because when I asked her why mama needs to work, she would reply "Milk" or "Gatas" then followed by "Pa-pers" (diaper - mas sanay siya sa pampers na tawag...hahaha), and then "Pubig" (Tubig - mineral water). Like I often mentioned in my previous posts, every time I have to go back to the city, my heart aches a million times. And I just wish that I do not need to go. I wish that things are different. I have so many things circling my head from the time I step up to the car, close the door, and when the car start moving. I thought, I'll get used to it. Yet, nay.

 
Most of the times, I feel like I am about to give up my present job. And I have so many reasons to. The work place is far for almost 7 hours one way trip. I have to ride 5 times - tricycle/car, then bus, then MRT, then city bus, and then jeep again. EDSA traffic is horrible. It is exhausting that there are a lot of times, when all I wanted is to lie down and catch up on my much needed sleep/rest.

Today is the 25th of December 2015, 4:08 PM Philippine Standard Time.

I am on coffee break.

Yes, I am working on a legal holiday! Double pay it is. A sacrifice I have to make because I signed the contract more than 7 years ago. It couldn't be as lonely as it should be until I heard the sweet voice of my little girl after midnight, sniffing and about to cry. So I have to hang up before we could both be crying our heart out.

I just asked my husband to take some photos and send it to me via messenger. With tears flowing down continuously on both cheeks, I ran my fingers over her pictures. I terribly miss her. It's Christmas and I am not beside her.  And I thought, 2 more days and I am home. I can give her a hug. Kiss her.

My strong desire to become a stay at home wife enveloped me and prayed hard for it as I drift to sleep at 2:30 AM.

I woke up with a knock on the front door. My little sister came to visit me, coming from her night shift schedule at the hospital where she worked. I was filled with joy seeing her. Finally, an immediate family. We catch up on everything. Chat over breakfast before we headed to the closest mall for some last minute Christmas gifts.

For quiet a few hours, I forgot about my longing to go home straight and see my little girl. It is such a relief to bond with a sister.


We all have so many wishes and hopes in our hearts. Different to each individual. Unique we are. And to each his own.

I know in my heart, He has better plans for us. A better plan than I could master. I have faith for that. All I need to do is make every moment and action in accordance to His will. And for this I am thankful. I am grateful that I have something to look forward to.

Thank you Lord for everything!

Just sharing. Merry Christmas :)

My December Thoughts

Do you easily gets upset when in the crowd?

Do you hate the traffic?

Do you prefer to be at home on rest days?

Okey, it is actually pertaining to myself. My answer to all 3 is a definite yes. To be honest, doing grocery after payday is the most 'painful' duty for me. Because of the crowd. But because some of my free days fall on these days, I do not have other options than to bear the long queues at the grocery shop.

How about this holiday blues? I am sure, you are all aware that every shopping place around the city is jam packed with people doing their own shopping list. And even if you just stand still in the middle, you will find yourself somewhere at the edge in no time because people will either unintentionally push you there or you go with the tide of people.

December is the busiest month for all these shopping malls, bazaar, and flee markets. This is mainly because most employees will be receiving their bonus.

If you are like me who have not found the time to shop for Christmas gift yet, why not share your talent in cooking or baking? Why not help preparing the noche buena instead? Gift is after all not just something wrapped in a fancy paper. But of us just being here. There.

Visit your loved one in your hometown. Your parents who have been wanting to see you but you are too busy working your way to the corporate world. Visit a friend you have lost touch. Catch up with a family abroad.

Offer food to a beggar you come across the street. Find time to share your blessings to an orphanage. These kids deserves more in life and you can make a difference.

Shop online. Though you have to be patient with the couriers. They are too busy as well. But at least you are only waiting for the item to arrive at your doorstep. Spell convenience.

Or you can just visit and shop at the market. Those street vendors who are trying to earn a decent living and trying to make a good sales for their Christmas. You help them in a form that is both fulfilling and rewarding. 

Stay calm these days. Bring out more of your patience. And enjoy the joy this season brings. Count your blessings. And be a blessing.

Just sharing. :)

On Christmas Bonus and 13th Month Pay

Have you thought about what are you going to do with your extra money? If not yet, here are few list I could recommend.

1) Pay your debt. First and foremost, before showing off a new gadget to your friends/office mates, pay your outstanding debts. It is a step for lessening your burden when the new year comes. At least, allot an amount so that you can decrease your debt to someone, to your credit card, to your bank loan. Trust me, this is rewarding.

2) Open another account for your emergency fund if you still do not have one. A 500 peso as a start up for your emergency fund will make a difference. The thought that you started something towards financial awareness is already something to be proud of. And then continually automate it for the following months. By the year 2016 ends, you will be richer by 6500 pesos.

3) Invest. 1000 pesos is all you need to start with your investment. Yes. Check out the opportunities offered around you for investment in mutual funds and unit investment trust fund. BDO EIP offers an investment starting at 1000 pesos only. Shop around, compare, and learn all these investments vehicles. Do not be hesitant asking around. If you don't ask, the answer will always be a 'NO'. Stay away from get-rich schemes or any investment 'kuno' promising too good to be true returns in a very short span of time. Remember, that is your own hard earned money. Do not just give it away.

4) Tithe. Allot a portion to your church. Remember, everything you have comes from Him. This is all His. Give thanks. So you will endure another new year of abundance and prosperity.

5) Buy something for yourself. Yes, do not forget yourself. So won't feel neglected. Either by treating yourself for a fine dinner or the dress you have always wanted, this is for you. After all, you worked hard for it the whole year round.

6) Shop with a list on your hand. List all the people you wanted to give a Christmas gift this season. Allot a certain amount for each person or you can buy a general item for everyone such a coin purse and insert a bill or coins on it. Or maybe a printed t-shirt. Or a mug. Make sure that when you shop, you strictly follow your list. No more. Or else, you will end up swiping the plastic card again. You should also note that the item you bought for them will be usable for them. Remember that, it is the thought that counts.

Remind ourselves that the true meaning of Christmas are not just the fancy things around us or the sumptuous meals on our table, but of the birth of Jesus. Our Redeemer.

Share more love and pray.

Have a blessed Yuletide Season. :)

Life's Update 11/26/2015

Alright, it has been days since I wrote something for this blog. To be honest, I am trying to learn how to write effectively. I know, I suck a lot on writing, no matter how I love expressing my thoughts, still the words just don't go out naturally. Smoothly.

I admire those who writes well. I basically love reading. And one thing or another, I take note of how writers used a word or two, even how they construct sentences for easy comprehension.

It's a continuous learning process, I guess, until I get the hang of it. For the meantime, let me just share how things are going on right now for me. (Ahahaha, about myself pala)

So far, I am busy studying how to write well, managing my online shop (I'll blog how I started and how it is going in the future), tracking my status on personal finance, studying how to be better in our finances as a family, experimenting on how to get by living on a single income and drafting our financial goals for 2016. These are of course, aside from me being a mom, a daughter, a wife, a sibling, a friend and so many other hats I have to wear.

The one that gets most of my time at the apartment is managing the online shop. But that is way good and better because I am enjoying every inch of it. Knowing how introvert I am and I am meeting people beyond my networks of friends is another me out of my comfort zone. Honestly, online shop is a hard work too. But like I said, I'll blog about it in the future.

It's been 5 months since my husband is out of work, and literally, we are so much on a very tight budget. Our savings/investments continuous to increase but on a slow pace. I think we are still doing good despite the fact that we are moving like a turtle. Now I understand that this is one phase of a married life we have to face strong. Everything just needs to be communicated.

And yes, November is about to end, and I can literally feel the cool breeze at night when I get out of the office, walking my way to our apartment, yet I haven't wrapped any Christmas presents for my family and friends. Truth be told that I do not have enough budget set aside for the gifts. So, I am considering of giving only to my immediate family and closest friends. And maybe, to hold another children Christmas Party in the province. Just like the one last year as a form of giving back to the society.

We are all blessed in one way or another and I am thankful for everything that we are going through right now. I have a full time job. I have an online shop. I have a roof above me. I have clothes to wear. I have food on my table. I have family backing me up. I have my husband. I have my little girl. And so many more to be thankful about.Things are a bit rough but I know He is preparing something better for us in the future. It teaches me lessons in my personal life and my married life. I just have to be patient dealing with things right now. Someday, I am going to read again this entry and wonder what brought me to write this things. (Totally unrelated to any finance entry). I can do this.

Anyway, happy Thursday payday! God Bless. :)

On Christmas Shopping and Gifts

Last year, it was only October and I was already in Divisoria shopping for the Christmas gifts for family and friends. That is because I actually do not want any impromptu purchases and also to avoid the heavy crowds mall goers as the holiday season nears. In addition to that was, I wanted to have the luxury of time to find those items that are not just cheap but of good quality. If I am in hurry and hustled with the crowd, there is a tendency for me to be impulsive in buying.

However, for this year, October is about to end in 3 more days and I haven't have the schedule yet listed in my calendar when to visit the place. Truth is, there are so many choices in Divisoria. I just have to pick what I know is of good value to my money as well as what will suit the gift receiver.

My gift lists is ready. I will have to buy the 'ampao' for those who will receive monetary amount from me. In the past years, I am against giving money as Christmas presents but because I have been a little busy lately, I may no longer be able to find what will suit those inaanaks. Especially, hindi ko na rin sila lagi nakakasama and once in a while ko na lang sila makita, kaya hindi ko na rin alam kung anong ibibigay sa kanila. Maybe, my next relationship goals is connect with them again as regular as possible. Aja!

So, aside from the ampao, the other side of my lists, ito yung kailangan ko talaga paghanapan. And going to the Divisoria one of these days is an option I am thinking. Or kahit na yung pinakamalapit na mall na lang. Whichever will give me a little convenience of time.

Or I can always shop online. Shopping online seems to be another way of avoiding the crowd, the exhaustive traffic jam in the metro, and a cheaper way of buying items since I will no longer require a fare and merienda along the way.

There are so many shopping sites available for us. We just have to pick the one we trust with their brands as well as the credibility. Beware of  those scammers who promised one thing and left you hanging with your hard earned money gone with them. Always look for the best deal and always remember the value of your money.

And because I just recently set up these online shop, huwag na malungkot ang mga inaanak ko, hehehe. Well some can expect ready to wear items from me. 

It is always best to prepare the lists of your receivers earlier as possible as well as your intended gift for that person. Do the shopping earlier if the fund is available. Bring the list with you always so you will not be tempted to go over board in spending. If the fund is not fully available pa naman, you can always buy those na kaya na ng budget. By doing so, you can have ample time to wrap your gifts. I am not good at gift wrapping, but I find it so fulfilling to just wrap the item with the thought of that person opening the presents in my head.

If the fund is really not enough, gift giving naman can be in turns of helping a hand. Just be there. Spend time. Communicate. Put away your smart phone and just catch up. Or visit a charity institution. It is a meaningful way of spending the birth of Jesus. 

Just sharing. God Bless. :)

Photo Credit: dreamatico.com