Carmi Salas-Sarte

Doon Mag-Ingat Ka

2012-01-27T21:10:00.001+08:00

Huwag kang mag-alala

Nakaukit na sa isip ko

Nakatitig sa 'yong mata

Nasa langit na ba ako

Sayang din talaga

Pag kausap ka’y sarap sa tenga

Ngiti mong kay ganda

Siguradong mami-miss kita

Minsan lang nagsama

At bukas aalis ka na

Sayang sana ay nagtagal ka pa

Doon mag-ingat ka

Matulog maaga

Huwag masyadong magpupuyat

Inom gamot pag nilalagnat

Hinay-hinay lang sa kape

Lalung-lalo na sa tanghali

-Excerpts from Ingat Ka by Silent Sanctuary

First heard the song a few weeks after Aaron left for Saudi. For some weird reason my eyes moistened when I heard it. Most likely because I can relate to it.

We were together for about 3 months then he had to leave for a long term assignment. Since then, our relationship has been a series of time zone synchronizations, long distance phone calls, skype dates, gigabytes of instant messaging, facebook updates, frequent email exchanges and cramped weeks of catching up when he's home.

When he's not on assignment somewhere, we would still make the most of our time together in anticipation of another assignment that will bring us back to a virtual relationship again.

Now we're married and the situation is even more complicated because now, I travel too. There was a time he's at home & I'm out somewhere then he had to be deployed someplace else. He made sure to stopover to where I am for a day for us to have a chance to properly say our "goodbye, i love you and see you soon". We're just grateful for God's blessings that we never had to spend Christmas and New Year apart.

As I frequently say now a days, traveling, even if it is for work, is fun if you're not married. One can always find a way to explore the sites once you're already there. Of course, it's different if you travel with your partner. Traveling will always be fun then. Otherwise, there will be times that the pang of loneliness is difficult to resist and if you are not on your guard, you will begin to question yourself, "why on earth are you doing this?"

Today, I saw him post a mushy picture that just broke my resolve. And I found myself listening to this song for the nth time. I pray with all my heart that God will bring us into a situation where we can both excel in what we are good at and see each other everyday IN PERSON most of the time.

Until then, we will be 'miles apart but close at heart'.

Doon mag-ingat ka, Mahal. See you soon.

Please Return My Files :(

2012-01-14T13:34:00.001+08:00

Before leaving the office, my laptop prompted me not to do a force shutdown because it's installing Microsoft Software Updates. So I waited. Once it's done, I packed it up then went back to the hotel. When I got to the hotel, I turned on my laptop then it showed me the same prompts one sees when installing an operating system from scratch!!!

Then I thought, did I just swipe my hard drive clean???

Imagine the panic of losing all your files just like that. Regret flooded my thoughts.

- You should have created a restore file.
- You should have placed all the completed proposals on the server
- You should have backed up your files regularly
- YOU SHOULD HAVE CREATED A PARTITION!!!

In my mind, I began sorting which of my files has to be restored (non-negotiables) and which ones I can opt to lose (negotiables).

Non-Negotiables: Proposal Files, Admin Files, References, Work Tools, Records, Outlook PSTs.

Negotiables: not telling.Ü

When I think about it, my negotiables consume more hard disk space than my non-negotiables (talk about priority). I resolved to just try to recover my non-negotiables. My negotiables, be gone.

Called my "COMMS" friends for help. Although they have an idea how to recover my files, we don't have the tools and we don't want to risk losing the laptop's warranty.

So now, I'm waiting for Monday to come so I could bring my laptop to our IT guys. Lord, please give them wisdom to recover the files.

In response to this incident, I resolve to ensure that I do the following:

1. Create a disk partition. All system files on drive C. Everything else on the created partition.
2. Create a restore point at least monthly. Also, back up files at least monthly.

First things first though...I hope I get to recover my files.

What do you expect from other people?

2012-01-03T10:45:00.000+08:00

I just read this passage today:

Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! (Luke 6:31 MSG)

Consequently, I would think, what do I actually expect from other people? So I came up with the following list. Of course, there would probably be more but this is what I came up with when I though about it.

To not always depend on me.
To be trustworthy
To be there when I need them

Selfish, eh? But yes, that's it. Now this is the hard part: GRAB the initiative and do it for them! The to be there for when I need them is the toughest. My mind calculates and to think God's word says "Help and give without expecting a return." What happened to the SIMPLE rule of thumb? :)

But you know what? He also said in His word, "You'll never-I promise-regret it."

So let us "Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind." (Luke 6:35,36 MSG)

Your turn. What do you expect from other people.

The "Yes" Day

2011-07-31T08:00:00.007+08:00

2 years today, I gave the 'yes' that put an end to my singleness.

And the "Yes" was sealed by this ring. :)

Bottom it is.

2011-05-10T22:08:00.000+08:00

Recently read articles about Relationships and Money in The Simple Dollar that caught my attention. Excepts below.

From Inspiring Others to Financial Responsibility Without Being Preachy:

Wait for their “bottom,” then gently offer help. Although a low point can often be incredibly painful, it can also be an incredibly valuable learning experience for people. It is at that point that a person realizes, for the first time, that they’re following a path that doesn’t work. It’s at that time when they look around them and see who their true friends are, as they are the ones who are willing to help them at this low point. That’s when your help will really matter. That’s when a helping hand won’t cause resentment, but will be appreciated. That’s when it’ll build into something more than just a quick fix.

From What Is the "Bottom"?:

They have to bottom out for themselves. It’s an internal thing, where you finally accept that there’s something wrong in your life that needs to be fixed. Some people will reach that point much more easily than others.

Until then, any help you give someone on a downward trajectory will just prolong that downward trajectory. If you think a drug addict has bottomed out and you give them some help, but they haven’t bottomed out yet in their own mind, they’re very likely to use your help to further their downward spiral. The same thing happens for anyone on a downward spiral of any kind. If you help someone that hasn’t reached their bottom yet, your help will mostly just prolong their downward slide.

~0~0~0~0~0~

Of course, we always want the best for our loved ones. We will help as long as it is within our power. Even if it isn't, we will look for ways to make sure they are provided for. But helping others financially has always been a dilemma. It's difficult to determine if giving is actually helping or doing more harm than good.

For now, I guess this is the road I'm taking. I'm not sure if this is the right option but I'm willing to give it a shot. It breaks my heart to not help but if this will make you trust God more and make you grow into the person God wants you to be then so be it. As Ate Cherry puts it, Don't Play God in your loved one's lives.

Merry Christ and Happy New Year

2010-12-25T00:00:00.000+08:00

A Joyful Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to Everyone.

Aren’t you glad you married me? :)

2010-11-12T12:00:00.005+08:00

I love the story told about Pete Flaherty, mayor of Pittsburgh, and his wife, Nancy. They were standing on the sidewalk, surveying a city construction project, when one of the laborers at the site called out to them. "Nancy, remember me?" he asked. "We used to date in high school."

Later, Pete teased her. "Aren't you glad you married me? Just think, if you had married him, you would be the wife of a construction worker."

Nancy looked at him and said, "No, if I'd married him, he would be the mayor of Pittsburgh!"

<Haha! Don't you just love Nancy? :D>

- From Moments Together For Couples (March 8, 2010 Entry)

It's an automatic thing.

2010-11-10T08:00:00.003+08:00

Image via Wikipedia

Atche: Ate, any advice before I get married?
Ami: Che, it's an automatic thing. When you get there you just know what to do.
Atche: Talaga?
Ami: Yep.

I said that because that’s the same answer I got from an Ate (who’s now my marriage god parent) YEARS before I got married.

And I actually believed what I said. Now, thinking about it, I think I should have said more. When I got married, I don't automatically know how to cook, or be a homemaker, or be a wife, or be married person in a group of single women, et cetera, et cetera. It’s just that, now, I found the courage, or at least an additional reason, to finally learn things (either by asking others to teach me or by trial and error) because I have to so I’d fit into the new role I’m in.

I have to ask my mom to dictate to me how to cook certain dishes. I have this notebook where I wrote all the recipes I learned from mom or from someone else. Aaron frequently jokes about hiding the notebook to test if I’ve come to learn how to cook the dishes by heart. I normally threaten him to be prepared to eat a horrible meal if he does that. :D

I had to relearn how to do the laundry. The last time I did the laundry was way back in high school. Thank God, Aaron bought me an automatic washing machine. I just had to plug the tubes, put in the clothes, press buttons, and after a few minutes, presto: Clean Clothes. ;)

Chores are just one of the things I have to learn. Marriage has so many facets than an obsessive-compulsive person can actually handle. Of course, I don’t have to do them all at the same time. I just had to face them as they come. If I don’t know what to do, I ask questions or take risks. If I was able to handle it successfully, well and good. If not, I try my best to say sorry to those affected by the decision and count the experience as lesson learned. And you know what’s good about all this? I don’t have to do it alone. I have my God and my beloved, not just as companions but as partakers of this journey with me.

2 Years Since

2010-10-14T08:00:00.007+08:00

This is Us 2 Years ago. Payat pa kame nito :)

This is Us Now.

I’ll do it again, you know.
You. Me. Us. All of it.
If I’d live my life again,
I’d choose you still.
I love you.

-From Date Night

Thank you for staying with me the past two years.
Happy 2nd Anniversary.

Happy Birthday, Little Brother!

2010-10-10T08:00:00.002+08:00

I'm older than him by 11 years. So I've seen him since his infancy. Been mad at him because he wouldn't stop crying even if I've already given him everything. Found time to think during our daily bike ride every afternoon until he fell asleep on the sidecar. Rolled over with laughter for every new trick he learned who-knows-where. Bathed him before going to sunday school.

This is Maki and Me. I think he is two years old here.

It is much easier when he began schooling. He doesn't need much supervision to learn. He's the smartest of the siblings. We just need to push him to make his assignments or insist that he review his lessons before the tests, which he thinks is not necessary since he says he knows them all.

Difficult part is when went to college. We're not used to the idea of not seeing him everyday. He has become the source of laughter in the home, second to dad. We never got used to it.

Today, he's turned 18. A young man to everyone else but will always be a little brother to me.

I’m Coming with You!

2010-07-20T16:44:00.001+08:00

A wife said to her husband, "I'm so tired of our fighting. I can't take it anymore. I'm leaving the house!" And the husband said, "Me too! I can't take it anymore either. I don't want to stay in this house, too! I'm coming with you."

Bo Sanchez from his Book How to turn thoughts into things

Haha! Saya No! :)

Happy Birthday, Mayk

2010-07-02T08:00:00.002+08:00

Mico: That's how we call him when he was just a kid. Fastest running in school. So smart, he is a threat to all the institutionalized honor student for fear he will steal their crown.

This is Mayk and Me when I was four.

Mike: In Highschool. A consistently coping student but he always managed to pass the tests required to make him stay. Still, I'll forever envy him for having the chance to study at the school for the smartest kids in the country.

Mayk: In college. The fastest runner in the university. He's won competitions, so many, his medals are just scattered at home. A silent rebel, you will never know unless he tells you himself. Thank God he never left Mayk. He, again, met God and found the passion of his life. Oh, and he invited me to join him and experience things I would not have seen had I stayed in my little circle.

Now at 27, he continues on living a passionate life, with his wife. And I continue on being challenged on pursuing my own passion.

Happy Birthday, Kuya. :)

To My Beloved

2010-07-01T08:00:00.002+08:00

Got first acquainted with him middle 2008, I think. I cannot exactly remember. But I’m quite sure he remembers it (His memory is so sharp he’s memorized the product key of Windows AND Microsoft installers). Actually spoke with him in September. Was in an “official” relationship with him by November (the “world” knew about it by December). Was engaged to him by August. Married him December 2009. Fast huh?

He was never slow. He was the bravest man my mom has ever known. One of the most respectful men my dad has ever met. Has become a brother to my brothers (they all look alike, it was as if I was the “adopted” one). A provider to his family. A pillar to his siblings. A beloved kuya to his cousins. An example to be imitated according his aunts. “Mahal” to me.

To the man who changed my surname to what it is today: Happy Birthday.

Thank you for the wonderful six months.

2010-06-26T08:00:00.003+08:00

This is Us.

Happy Father’s Day, Papa

2010-06-20T08:00:00.004+08:00

This is me and him when I was four. I miss being his little girl.

Happy Father's Day, Papa. I love you. :)

Mommy Peewee's Birthday

2010-06-15T08:00:00.003+08:00

Spent our Monday with Mommy Peewee and Aaron’s siblings. Amazing to observe how Mommy Peewee was loved by those around her. Aaron wouldn’t miss her birthday for the world. Her “flock” went all the way from Batangas to be with her. And her long time friends celebrated the day with her…at the SPA.:)

Happy Birthday Teacher Joie

2010-06-14T08:00:00.011+08:00

The Voltes 5 (that’s how we call our group. I can’t remember why) have been together for more than 5 years. And I have not seen them for a long time. Thank God I was able to come and be with them this weekend. Missed all the non-stop stories. It’s good to know that I can always go back and not feel I’ve been left out.

Happy Birthday T'Joie :)

National Music Ministry 12-June-2010 Interfellowship

2010-06-13T08:00:00.004+08:00

Music Ministers of the National Council of Christian Community Churches meet thrice a year to: (1) encourage each other and pray for one another; (2) share ideas, songs and experiences in their ministries; and (3) learn from speakers with vast experiences in leading worship.

From Paper to Electronic Envelopes

2010-06-11T17:35:00.006+08:00

I've always been OC when it comes to budgeting. I had to make sure I have everything covered otherwise, we will not eat and my brothers will not go to school. Among the items in my list are Tithes, Bills (Electricity, Water, Cellphone Load, Phone and Internet, Rent, Tuition, Medicard), Food, Transportation, Allowances and Maintenance Expense. (Did you notice? No savings. I'm having hard time allocating money for savings then. Thank God, things have changed.)

I remember how I started, way back when internet banking is not yet accessible to me. I used a small notebook to keep track of all the money that comes out of my coin purse (I don't have a wallet. I find it complicated to use.) I also have a number of envelopes. And every payday, I put in money in those envelopes. Every envelop is labeled according to my budget categories. Money will only be taken out of these envelops when the schedule to spend the allocated money has come.

Nowadays, there's electronic banking. When payday comes, one just has to log on and pay bills online. Others have it on automatic deduction so they won't even have to think about it. Savings and the rest of the bills that are being paid on larger time intervals can be transferred and kept on separate accounts. All other expenses that are being spent on a day-to-day basis can be kept on the payroll account and can be withdrawn at will (provided what the ATM is online). If you want an audit of these bank transactions, you can always ask for a bank statement (of course it will not audit how much money you spent on buying soy sauce, but I think you know what I mean :P). To top that, did you know that one can open a bank account that comes with Life insurance? Yes, there is. :)

One might say, but I don't even have enough money to budget. True. I agree. I was in the same position then. Back in the time when I'm putting money in those envelopes, I always pray that God would multiply it because my salary is not enough, based on my computation. But month after month, I noticed, we were never in lack. Time came when we even have extra money to finally put into savings. :) As mentioned in the Word, "You have been faithful in a few things. I will put you in charge of many things." I believe that still holds today. So just keep on putting money into those envelopes and be the steward God wants you to be.

Charlie’s Bible Memorization Plan

2010-06-08T08:00:00.002+08:00

I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
- Psalm 119:11

One of the Goals I've set this year is to memorize scripture. I have not formed the details of it yet to make it more realistic. I've seen many Bible Memorization Plans but most of them I will not look twice because it is not very encouraging to the faint hearted. :) Thankfully, I found Charles Hayward's Bible Memorization Plan from Our Daily Bread. It is highly customizable (It's only now that I found out that there is such a word :P). These are the mechanics:

Choose at least one verse from each Old Testament Book (39 verses).
Choose at least one verse from each New Testament Narrative Book (6 verses).
Choose a verse or verses from each Chapter of the New Testament Epistles (121 verses)

That's a minimum of 166 verses. But I doubt if one will ever stop at just 166. The scripture is the Word of God. Once it speaks to you, I doubt if you will ever forget those spoken words. And I think I'll add another rule.

No cheating. Do not include verses you've already memorized.

So there. Care to join me in my quest? O God, please help me not procrastinate. ;)

Happy 52nd Birthday, Papa.

2010-06-02T08:00:00.006+08:00

I used to call him Papa. But one day, Maki came home from school and began calling him Dad. So there, Dad. :)

Anyway, we celebrated his birthday last Sunday. Been a long time since the last time we were in the same place...complete. But that day? Yep, we're all there.

Married couples in the family :)

Oh! We have to make sure that the baby is not out-of-place. Peace, Maki! :D

Happy Birthday Dad! Praying for more years to come, blessings, wisdom, health and wealth. I love you!

Building on What You've Been Given

2010-06-01T08:00:00.005+08:00

2 Peter 1:5-7: So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others.

The Magalawa Island

2010-05-28T08:00:00.011+08:00

Last weekend, May 22-23, 2010, my husband, I and our office friends went to Palauig, Zambales. It is a much-needed vacation for all of us. Magalawa Island is the perfect getaway to unplug ourselves from technology (save for our cameras! ;)), go back to Jurassic times, be one with nature, relax and not think about work (weh! :P) and other pressures for once. How did it go? I think the pictures will say it all. :)

Trivia
We had the chance to meet the owner of the beach front area of the Island, Mr. Reynaldo Armada. This down-to-earth man, known as Boy Armada to the locals, had been a Kagawad in Palauig for almost 12 years, assigned as Chairman of the Committee of Fisheries and Agriculture. He said they'll be doing some renovations on their rest rooms and shower rooms, and will add other Bamboo Huts for visitors who do not wish to camp. But other than that, they're keeping the Island's original beauty. He also said that the government will put in a mini-airport just behind his property, making it more accessible to many.

Island's Contact Info
Should you wish to go there, you may contact Ate Grace Armada (Manager of Magalawa Island) on the following numbers: 09398707413, 09995193383 and 09212773369.

You may also check out the following links for more information:

P.S. Pictures in this post c/o Aaron Sarte and Jon Lombredas.

Getting that Elusive 9: Speaking

2010-05-25T08:00:00.001+08:00

So how do IELTS Niners do it? Below are the links to the articles I've been reading from the British Council site that I think will be useful for our preparation for the speaking part. Hopefully this will all help us get that elusive nine for whatever reason we are trying to achieve them.

Most Important Speaking Skill - This article provides information on: (1) The areas assessed during a Speaking Exam; (2) Tips on Pronunciation; and (3) Possible band scores relative to pronunciation.
IELTS Interview Skills - This provides situational what-to-do videos. Sample videos are: (1) What do you do when you didn't catch the facilitator's question? And (2) What if the question seem like a yes-or-no question? I'm sure you'll find the information here, interesting :)

There. I hope that helps. If you have other suggestions or pointers to share, post them on the comments below so we can help one another get that elusive 9.Ü

Invest In You

2010-05-21T08:00:00.005+08:00

I've recently read an article that gives tips on what to do with a tax refund (not that employees have efficient tax refunds in the Philippines). I just might use Mary Hunt's suggestions when I get my mid-year bonus, 13th-month pay or whatever incentives I get from my good "deeds". Below are her suggestions:

Treat it like a paycheck.
Put it to your contingency or freedom account.
Fund your retirement.
Reduce your credit card debt.
Replace a failing furniture/appliance.
Get car maintenance.
Buy necessary sale items in bulk.
Invest in You

Invest in You? She even added:

What do you need: a trip to the dentist; a couple of hours with a good therapist; a day at the spa? If that renews your joy, it might be the best money you've ever spent.

I'm quite sure I'm not alone in my surprise. For breadwinners, spending money on some of these luxuries for ourselves were unnecessary and impractical. There are times we thought we need it, but we put it off because we thought we can spend the money on something more important. Most likely, the moment we get around doing it is when there's an absolute need for it or when we're at an emotional low that we tend to spend impulsively.

But you know what? It just dawned on me. It's okay to treat yourself. You need to take care of yourself. Rewarding yourself for all your hard work makes you more efficient and creative. Feeling good about yourself puts you in a better position to take on challenges.

Hmmm! I think I should go out and shop and get myself a cellophane. As Samantha Jones of Sex in the City put it, "Let's go spend some of my hard-earned, Hollywood money." You deserve it.