Struggles and Work

How is work coming on for you? And the rest? Times like this financial crisis, one can never really tell what will happen tomorrow. At work, we have been assured that we are the best house in the worst street but still that does not give us a whole assurance or income protection. Every week my colleagues and I ask our leader to give us some sort of update on what’s going on. He does not always give us an answer, just because there is no certainty in this world now. What more, the tourism industry everywhere is just in a slump. That does not mean that people are not traveling, coz they are. They are just traveling wisely now. I know especially, that big families are delaying vacation plans, but some young professionals still go off to spend hard earned money. Our manager’s told us, the best way to keep our jobs is to spend money wisely, and not just save. Apparently spending allows others to keep their jobs, which in turn lets us keep ours. That’s why the government injects so much of these interest rate cuts, etc!

Where you at?

After all the hullaballoo of the holiday season, where you at?

I find myself going back to normalcy of life. At least for the next 11 months again until next Christmas season. As we grow older, we try to find the real meaning of Christmas, and starting a new year. As a child, Christmas meant gifts, holidays, no classes. But now, we make our own meaning ourselves. We can take a long holiday from work over the holidays, but what does that actually mean? Does it mean spending time with family? We can buy our own presents, things we actually like. But does that make us a better person?

I am just really praying for a better year ahead. Christmas was not spent with relatives, but I was with my immediate family (hubby). It was a time spent away from the usual work environment but only for a few days. I am thinking, the first day of the new year allows us to hope for happier and better days ahead.

Wishing everyone a Happy 2009!

That time again

It's that time of the year again when we are hopeful and have faith in ourselves that next year will be better. Better for us, in terms of our lifestyle, our habits, our career, our love life, our family life, personal life, etc.

It's the season of hope, and I am thankful for it. That each year, we have to chance to feel that it is never too late to give it another go. In whatever that is that needs improvement. Really, don't you just love Christmas and all the mixed feelings it can bring?

Well, for me particularly, I am happy about all that and more, so many blessings 2008 has brought. But then again, I am just wishing I was in Manila especially during this festive season.

Oh well I can only hope, that next year I am home to celebrate. :)

Countdowns

As much as I love lists. I love countdowns. For this means that one is looking forward to something. Something big, Something small; it doesn't matter. The best countdowns for me at the moment are:

Counting down to..

Christmas!

Hubby coming home!

Planning a baby!

Planning our second wedding!

Planning to come home to Manila!

Planning a long holiday!

Okay, I shouldn't get too excited. But I suppose that's the whole point of countdowns. To get excited!

Something about Jazz

For the longest time, I have been fascinated with Jazz Music. The earliest memory of me appreciating this type of music was probably when I was around about 10 years old. It was the summer of '88 and I was studying Ballet at the Cultural Centre of the Philippines, along Roxas Boulevard. For our Ballet recital's general dress rehearsal, everyone was inside the auditorium waiting for our turn to perform. One of the performances by the older dancers, had a very jazzy music to it. I don't recall how it went, but I remember the music. Since then I just learnt to appreciate it.

While studying at a University in Ortigas, there was this coffee shop that played Jazzy Blues music inside the store/cafe. I loved loved visiting that nook. Reading my case studies and class books inside this coffee shop gave me a sense of calm. I could hear the notes just glide on. As if the entire song is played in a suave, smooth breath.

Today I did a bit of Christmas decor shopping on my lunch break. I chanced upon this Jazzy Christmas CD (which I am listening to right now!). It's not a CD screaming a popular artist's name in the cover. Just plain, sweet Jazzy Christmas music. Traditional songs such as Deck the Halls, First Noel, O Holy Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, I love it! I love it! And so I remember my long love affair with this type of music. Especially at Christmas. Sweet :)

I've always imagined playing smooth Jazz in a dimly lit pad/apartment on a cool spring night, snuggling in bed with my man, and just sharing a good conversation topped with a bottle of bubbly or red wine. Perfect!! Oh romantic me. Haha!

Christmas Wish

I know the past years I may have wanted some material thing/presents for Christmas.

This time I just want honest to goodness Peace. Within me, my immediate family, my circle of families, and the rest of the earth :)

If only we could all wish hard enough for the last one, maybe it will come true.

I may still probably want a vacation, but I would definitely skip that just to have my first Christmas wish.

Countdown to less than a month to go before Christmas. Before we get all too busy with the festive season of eating, drinking, shopping and merrymaking, let's take time to reflect on the true meaning of gift giving and the real reason for the this holiday's celebration.

Chasing a Dream

How often do we run after a dream? Should we go after each and every one, or choose the ones that really matter?

We can only do so much, and so it can be very draining if we did push too hard sometimes. Wouldn't it be nice if we knew how we are meant to live our life in such a way that will lead us to a happy balanced lifestyle.