Corporate Mommy Diaries

Blog Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 10:04:00 +0000

As I try to revive my blog, I think that a makeover is also in order.

My blog makeover took a lot of effort as I am not exactly web design savvy. I’m not even familiar with html or css coding. Thanks to Google search for making it easy to find resource sites that made the big project possible. I’m not done yet but I would like to thank my resources so far:

www.icanbuildablog.com

www.blogguidebook.com

www.hernewleaf.com

www.mycoolrealm.com

I shall continue my blog makeover. Till next time!

Genting Highlands

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 12:50:00 +0000

When my sister and nephew visited me a few months back, we went on a road trip to Genting Highlands!

Genting Highlands is located within an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur. It is on the peak of Gunung Ulu Kali within the Titiwangsa Mountains by the border of Pahang and Selangor.

Genting Skyway

From Pudu Sentral station, we alighted from the bus at the impressive Genting Skyway Station at Gohtong Jaya. It is an exhilarating way to go up the hill while watching the scenic views and lush greenery. For people scared of heights it is not at all relaxing. But the sight really makes you forget about the ride. At the top of the hill, the weather’s cool, which is so in contrast to the weather in KL.

The outdoor theme park was closed when we went there. Only the indoor park was open so we decided to skip it. We've had enough excitement on Genting Skyway.

Chin Swee Cave Temple

Chin Swee Cave Temple is one of the most popular attractions in Genting Highlands. It used to be a cave temple which developed through the years. It is a Buddhist religious site showcasing impeccable Chinese architecture.

Strawberry Farm, Mushroom Farm, Happy Bee Farm

It’s surprisingly a small strawberry farm. But we nevertheless enjoyed picking strawberries. It’s like a maze how each farms are connected.

Overall, I love the cool weather up there. It's like a nice throwback to a simple, laid back environment with a twist of new and exciting family entertainment.

Legoland Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 03:39:00 +0000

For Kuya’s 8th birthday, we went to Legoland! It’s my promise to Kuya so he’d be excited about Malaysia.

It’s an enjoyable trip for the kids but so tiring for hubby and I. We went to Legoland via bus which took around 4 hours. It’s a long stretch of roads, trees, and more roads and trees. We left Kuala Lumpur at 7AM and reached Johor Bahru at 11AM. From the bus terminal in Johor, we took a bus that pass by major spots like Hello Kitty town.

We started our Legoland adventure at the Water Park.

One day is not enough to explore both Legoland Water Park and Theme Park. It's almost closing time when we got to the finish line and we were rushing through it.

Nevertheless, the birthday boy enjoyed. Perhaps we need to come back to explore Legoland theme park again.

Singapore Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 17:57:00 +0000

It’s been months since the hubby and I went to Singapore but only had time to write about it today.

This Singapore trip is for our wedding anniversary and we had a chance to travel with just the two of us. Like a second honeymoon of sorts.

It’s a DIY adventure trip as usual and I only researched and asked around to plan it. As we are spendthrifts, the plan is to enjoy without so much costs.

Marrison Hotel

What I like about the hotel is that it’s near an MRT station and has a really nice neighbourhood. But if you are looking for luxurious rooms, it is not what you’re looking for. The room where we stayed is too tiny but good enough to stay in at night.

Sentosa and Universal Studios

We went to Universal Studios via Vivo City monorail to Resorts World Sentosa. Hubby and I had so much fun at Universal. It felt like we were young again! The best rides that we enjoyed so much were Transformers and The Mummy.

Bugis Area

We walked around the hotel’s neighbourhood to explore and we were just awestruck by the cleanliness of the roads as well as the architecture of the buildings.

Around Marina Bay and Merlion Park

It’s just amazing how beautiful this city is. It is just unbelievable.

Orchard Road and on the way

If Bugis area was almost deserted, Orchard Road was packed. What's interesting here is that people actually line up to get into high-end boutiques like LV and Chanel.

Though it's a shopping district, we did not really buy anything except for Laduree macarons. :)

Their train system, modern and old architecture as well as their discipline and cleanliness are admirable. I wish my home land will someday achieve this level of progress.

Thoughts on Leadership

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 15:01:00 +0000

Leadership is definitely a big word that’s difficult to live up with. I’ve worked with and met different leaders with different styles. Nothing is ever the same and there’s no cookie cutter type of leadership. Honestly, I also don’t know if I’m a good one but anyhow I have gotten good feedback *wink*.

I just know that it’s not good leadership to grab people’s ideas and showcase them as your own. It’s not good leadership to blatantly lie to make yourself look good to the detriment of your direct reports. Nor make them feel bad by telling them someone complained about them when in fact there is none. It’s not good leadership to never be available to your staff if they need to find solutions. Nor to push all decisions to your people and watch them make mistakes.

I’m afraid we cannot call it leadership at all. It is frustrating and disappointing in so many levels. People like this are not leaders, they’re repulsive creatures trying to be the boss of others when they clearly do not have the skills. In effect they just demotivate people and suck the life out of others.

It’s a sad fact of life though. No one ever said that life is fair.

Melaka. Malacca. Malaysia Truly Asia.

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 08:46:00 +0000

Our first out-of-town trip in Malaysia as a family was in Melaka. It is a historical site near KL that deserves to be given attention. It shows a different aspect of Malaysia, its Portuguese influence, which shows Malaysia’s rich culture and history.

Our day trip was full pack with the historical sites Melaka has to offer. Here’s just a few of the places we went to:

Christ Church and Dutch Square Malacca

Located near Malacca’s Chinatown centre, it is one of the most popular sites in the area. It was swarming with tourists and locals alike. Right outside the church are colourful trishaws that you can pay to take you around the city.

Jonker Walk

This was where we had lunch. There’s a chicken rice restaurant located at the corner near the bridge which is a huge hit. The line is too long I don’t even understand why. Unfortunately we didn’t have a chance to try it as we were really just so hungry to wait in line for a long time and not to mention it was too hot that day. The street was full of people, we just decided to go anywhere not packed.

Jonker Street is the centre street of Chinatown. There are so many shops and restaurants in this street which is why people gather here. More than the shops, there are museums, temples, and mosques as well. A real display of the rich and colourful Malaysia.

A’Famosa

As they say, A’Fomosa used to sprawl across a hillside. Now what’s left of it, Porta de Santiago, is just a whitewashed gatehouse located downhill from St. Paul’s Church.

Malacca Proclamation of Independence Memorial

This is now a museum of the early history of the Malay Sultanate. The elegant Dutch colonial mansion used to be the social centre of British colonial Melaka.

Mini Malaysia & Mini Asean Cultural Village

This is one of my favourite sites in Melaka. It is a one of kind theme park that showcases 13 traditional houses that represent a state in Malaysia. Each of the houses create a picture of the how the local people back in the days lived. I read from amazingmelaka.com that artisans from each states were hired to make sure that they remain loyal to the authenticity of the craftsmanship.

Interestingly, we also got to try their own version of the toy top and it’s amazing that they apparently have several different kinds.

Melaka Maritime Museum

From the outside, the museum looks like a ship. In fact, it is a replica of a Portuguese ship that sank off the coast on its way to Portugal, Flor de la Mar. It’s said to have been carrying loot plundered from Malacca.

Melaka River Cruise

And THIS is my most favorite experience in Melaka. The boat which seats about 10 passengers took us cruising to see old warehouses (godowns), interesting mangrove stands, churches, and villages. It’s a lovely and relaxing way to see the historic city. To know more about the river cruise, visit their website, http://melakarivercruise.com.

It’s really interesting to be exposed to different cultures and different places. I just cannot help but compare it to how Manila is now. It’s such a shame that we are not doing a good job in taking care of our beautiful country. I really wish we can still do something about air pollution and our drainage system.

My Perfectly Imperfect Life

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 10:00:00 +0000

Working abroad gave the family a sense of independence that I did not realise we’re not used to. I came from a family where my mother was the only one who kept the house and took care of all 5 of us. My husband also grew up with his grand mom who raised him without a nanny. Now that we have our own family, since both of us are have our own careers, we’ve always had a house help.

When the family moved here in KL, we were forced to be on our own. We can’t afford to hire a helper here and our nanny does not have papers so we can’t bring her here as soon as possible. This is our biggest problem right now.

I’m too tired to do the chores on a daily basis. I’m already tired by the time I reach home while hubby is not just used to the daily grind. He can’t handle the kids and the chores at the same time. Apparently he doesn’t have enough patience to deal with the terrible 2 daughter. He also cannot organise our son’s home school schedule. I try to do as much chores as I could but my body just can’t take all the stress.

We’re slowly becoming a tired, unhappy couple. We try to fight it but from time to time, it really just kicks us a little harder in the face.

This really is one of the major challenges we have now as a family. I’m tired and I get irritated with what he’s doing or not doing. I’m sure he feels the same way too. To top it all off, I can’t complain. I played a major role in coming here and deciding for the family to drop what they’re doing there in Manila and live here with me. In short, this is all MY fault.

For now, there’s really nothing much I can do but convince myself that happiness is a choice. I choose to be happy so I just try to shrug things off. Most probably he's doing the same thing as I am.

I just hope for more patience and understanding and a family-first mindset for all of us. Apart from that, wait for the yaya’s paperwork to be done and finally ship her here.

In God’s name, I pray. Amen.

The Journey

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 13:27:00 +0000

My first month in KL just went by so fast as I have expected. Taking on a challenging recruiting assignment made it easier for me to take my mind off homesickness.

Due to the fact that we now have Skype, facetime, viber and other apps made me feel closer to home. I get to see and talk to my family everyday. We still get to chat about school, home work, my husband's work, and my baby's development. Although of course it is much better to feel their embrace and kisses, I get the second best thing.

Everyday I still wake up at 5AM to wake up my kiddo. I call him and we facetime every morning. In the afternoon, he texts me through viber to tell me he's home. When I reach the apartment, we face time while I have dinner to feel like they're with me.

When I got back to Manila to process my POEA registration/ OEC, I really, really felt so happy to finally be able to touch them, hug and kiss them after a month of not being with them.

It felt good that my daughter who's now 8 months old still recognizes me. It was the best feeling when she woke up and smiled at me when she saw me. She looked equally happy when I carried her in my arms. It was priceless. My son despite his cool facade was also excited to see me again.

For this same reason, returning to KL was much more difficult the second time.

But I am back. I am here again trying so hard everyday not to feel bad about leaving my family and not to miss them so much.

Everyday is a challenge... but I just count the days until they move here with me.

Thank God for Hubby

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 16:11:00 +0000

Being Alone in KL made me realize a lot of things that I probably did not notice much when I was in Manila. As they say, it is easier to see things from afar.

Here I really appreciate my husband more. I appreciate it that he looks after me and thinks about what's best for me (and the kids of course). Before my scheduled move to KL, he was the one looked for stuff that I might need. In the first week that he's here, he observed the area where I stayed, looked for short cuts to the grocery stores and malls, and even found the best way to walk to the office.

He's always been the sensible one. When he left to go home to the Philippines, he was giving me advice on a lot of things he observed in KL. Looking back it was really funny that he was telling me those stuff while I was crying.

It's really just now that I get to appreciate that he's more of a practical person than romantic.

I feel good and blessed being married to my best friend.

See You Next Month!

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Sun, 07 Jul 2013 22:07:00 +0000

Knowing that I will be back in a month's time, goodbyes were easier somehow. The only heartbreaking part was when baby did not want to let go of me. I was welling-up but trying so hard not to make the tears fall.

Not even reaching the airport yet, I was already looking forward to coming home to my kids again.

Another Good News

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 17:43:00 +0000

We've been very busy all around the place these past few days due to the big trip that's just around the corner.

Amidst all the chaos, one pleasant surprise that I got today is the dividend from my stock investment! It's really not that much, it's actually less than Php50.00 but it's good to know my investment is earning slowly but surely. The stocks have been down recently so it's the least of my expectations.

I will be writing more about COL financial and stock investment for starters in one of my next posts.

Emotional Struggles of an Expat Mom to-be

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 14:28:00 +0000

While others are happy for me, I still got responses like "...and you'll leave your kids behind?"... "That's something I can't do to my kids."

I don't feel the need to explain but with all those words I also sometimes get this nagging feeling to question my fitness as a mom. There are times when I ask myself if I'm really just selfish to be capable of leaving my kids while I work abroad. Am I an unfit mom? Am I thinking only of myself?

I always go back to my reasons why I'll work away from my family for a few months to comfort myself.

I love my family. That is out of the question. I love them all to bits from the moon and back.

I'm not running away from my true wealth and treasure, my family, to pursue more wordly possessions or money. It's not just about that. It's what we can afford to have for the kids. Of course, hubby and I would like to be able to provide the kids with better quality of life and better quality of education. I have a good salary here in Manila and my husband too. But with the inflation rate here, our expenses are just catching up with our monthly earnings. We would like to be able to send them to good schools without having to sacrifice our family's quality of life especially for the kids. We're not rich and my intention is not to make them spoiled brats. We just want to give them the best we can offer while instilling good values to them.

It's a sacrifice I felt I had to make for the family. I'm not generalizing but I'm thinking and I must be right that it is how other OFWs feel.

Anyhow my family will be moving with me by March or April. It's not as if I am abondoning them with their Father. When I got the offer, the first thing that came to mind was that by moving abroad, we're opening their eyes to broader perspective about the world and life in general by exposing them to different cultures, beliefs and ways of life.

I hope no one questions how much I love my kids. They mean the world to me. They inspire me to be a better person. They are the reason for my being. If I have to give my life for them, I won't think twice. That's how much I love them and no one has the right to question that.

Hello, July!

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 04:37:00 +0000

Time indeed flies when you're having fun. It only feels like I just came back from my maternity leave and I realize that it's the middle of the year already!

Having had a great half of the year, I'm looking forward to a better, fiercer second half of 2013!

I entrust everything to God. I thank Him for all the shower of love for me and my family.

I'm definitely expecting July-December to be the most wonderful and amazing part of the year.

A Memorable Despedida

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 14:31:00 +0000

Saying goodbye is never an easy thing... No, I'm not singing. It's truly how I feel.

I had my last day at work this Friday. It seemed not too long ago when I gave my boss my resignation letter. So it felt so surreal and almost unbelievable. I even felt special, like I will be missed somehow.

The night before, I had coffee with one of my best friends in the office after a very engaging and inspiring (almost kind of awkward way because I was resigning) Townhall with the company's Chief HR Officer. It's been a while since we had a long conversation after I moved to another team.

On my last day itself, I had lunch with my boss and a few of my teammates. It was a fun lunch where we shared previous interview horror stories and exchanged opinions on showbiz chismis. The team also gave me a goodluck cake before I left for Cybergate. To be very honest, it was something I did not expect having been with the team for just 3 months. Oh they also gave me lot of Accenture merchandise!😄

The next couple of hours from when I left the Gateway office gave me a very memorable experience as well. But in an entirely different way, which I will no longer discuss here. I just know it will forever be in my memory.

In the afternoon, I had coffee with one of my hiring managers where one of my recent hires joined too. I also met few of my friends who are formerly from tech like me.

The dinner was special having spent it with few of my closest friends at work. I appreciate it so much that they alloted a few hours for me despite that a couple of them had to travel from different locations. They are a lot of things to me - my friends, confidantes, sisters and even children. Needless to say, they mean a lot to me.

Like with the previous companies I worked for in the past, what made leaving difficult were the friendship and relationships I somehow managed to build. I will always treasure fond memories with my friends from Accenture.

Bags are Packed (nah!)

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 13:51:00 +0000

Am not done packing yet. It's not easy for me both physically and emotionally. I did not know where to start... And suddenly it's starting to sink in that I'm leaving my babies behind, which is so sad.

I started by choosing the shoes I will bring and then packing my toiletries. I would have wanted to bring more shoes but it's definitely not practical.

I'm sure shortlisting clothes would be twice as difficult.

World War Z at the Newport Cinemas

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 15:14:00 +0000

World War Z is yet another zombie movie. But I definitely enjoyed it. And that's coming from someone who doesn't particularly like gory, creepy zombies. I actually found it more exciting and interesting than Man of Steel which had dragging scenes especially at the beginning of the movie. Watching World War Z, my eyes were glued on the screen and I didn't have time to go to the rest room. It's a big movie with even bigger, really amazing scenes.

The story may be a prelude to I am Legend... LOL... if Brad Pitt did not find a way for people to camouflage from the undead. In this movie, it was really highlighted that Brad Pitt is the hero in the story. After all that happened to him, he came out unscathed and even found the solution that saved human kind!

All in all, it's a movie worth spending your time and money. Go ahead and watch it!

How to Have Your Document Authenticated by DFA

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 00:29:00 +0000

There are different types of documents that can be authenticated by DFA - birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, NBI clearance, etc.

The process for authentification of birth certificate and marriage certificate is just easy. You just have to follow these very simple steps:

1. Go to any DFA office. In my case I went to DFA satellite office in Megamall.

2. Fill-out the application form for authentication.

3. Once done, submit the form together with your NSO certified birth certificate and/or marriage certificate. The clerk will prepare the Official Receipt depending on when you would like to claim the red ribboned document - fast processing is Php200.00/ document while regular processing is P100.00/ document.

4. After this, pay at the payment counter near the passport processing section.

5. Once paid, go back to the authentication section for your receipt to be stamped on and for you to be informed of when you can claim your red ribboned document.

That's it. Just come back for the document as agreed with the clerk.

I will write a separate entry for DFA authentication of Diploma once I am done processing mine.

Canyon Cove Resort

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:18:00 +0000

To celebrate hubby's birthday this year, we went to Canyon Cove in Nasugbu, Batangas. A residential beach resort, it is a 4-5-hour drive from Manila. It was actually our first time to drive there since we only took the bus the last time. It's pretty much accessible. We only followed the iphone map app and we were able to arrive as planned. ;)

When we first went there, it wasn't too crowded with people yet. It was like we had the place on our own.

It was also more affordable back then. Well that was about 4 years ago and it's not like the price increase is too much. If my memory serves me right, day tour was only at Php500.00/person before. Now it costs Php 800.00/ person inclusive of Php 300.00 consumable for food and drinks. What's nicer before was that customers can just use the cabanas for free or at least for a lower price. Now you have to pay an additional Php1000.00 for it.

For the food, it is far better to eat in the indoor hotel restaurant than at the grill resto by the pool. The indoor resort resto serves Max's food, only more expensive. But compared to the food outside, there's a bit more value for money. The food by the pool were too expensive and not worth it at all.

What made me ultimately happy was seeing the kids enjoy the pool, the sea and the sand. Even the baby girl didn't want to leave when we took her into the water. She was excitedly kicking and playing. Looking at how overjoyed they were, everything else just melted away with the summer heat.

Canyon Cove Resort

Far East Road, Piloto Wawa

Nasugbu, Batangas

Philippines

Phone Number: +632.908.1111

What Kuya Did Last Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:08:00 +0000

My first-born isn't the athletic type. Like his dad, he prefers playing with his toys or computer games by himself. So when I heard him say he's interested in playing football, I readily enrolled him in a summer football camp. This was what kept him busy last summer.

He attended 10 sessions with 2 hours per session at The Turf, BGC, Taguig on Tuesdays and Thursdays of April and May.

He did not win any award on their last day but I hope this was one summer he'd never forget. I also hope he enjoyed this experience where he supposedly learned not only the technicalities of the game but sportsmanship and teamwork as well.

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:44:00 +0000

DSWD Travel Clearance

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:01:00 +0000

Since the kiddo will be travelling with his Ninong Erik to visit me abroad, I had to request for his travel clearance from DSWD.

Armed with complete documentary requirements, we went down to the regional office of DSWD in Legarda. See the complete address below:

389 San Rafael St. Cor. Legarda,

Sampaloc, Manila

Luck was on our side that day as there weren't a lot of people. As instructed by the social worker, we registered and waited to be called. We were also given a form which had to be filled out. After about 15 minutes of waiting time, it was our turn to submit the requirements, which are as follows:

1. Birth certificate of minor

2. Marriage certificate of parents

3. Affidavit of consent of parents

4. Valid ID of parents

5. Photocopy of passport of travelling companion

6. Minor's ID picture, 2 pcs.

The social worker asked a few questions especially about the travelling companion among other things.

After finding out I would be working abroad, she also asked for a copy of my employment contract. Good thing that I have it in my email. I just had it printed and voila! We're given the claim stub and was instructed to come back for the travel clearance on Monday.

When we returned, the place was actually more packed with requestors. We also waited longer which was ironic since we're just supposed to pick up the travel clearance. After maybe 30 minutes, I was told that I have to pay to the cashier downstairs. Great! When I got hold of the clearance I noticed it had a typo error which had to be pointed out. They have all the documents but they can't just verify the spelling before typing it down. Anyway after the spelling was corrected and countersigned, I finally got the clearance.

When it's your turn to get a travel clearance, make sure to bring all documents to avoid hassles. Also, make sure to check the travel clearance before leaving DSWD.

The Mind Museum

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:10:00 +0000

The Mind Museum is a sure fun way to bond with kids and make them interested in science if they're not yet.

The husband and the kid definitely enjoyed exploring the wonders of science at The Mind Museum! We had an all-day pass which allowed us to go around the museum without time limit.

Some of kiddo's favorites are the Shadow Box, static ball, tornado, Stan the t-rex and the two short science films among other things.

Atom Gallery

Life Gallery

Earth Gallery

Universe Gallery

Technology Gallery

Unfortunately, the Science Park was closed for renovation until end of June. We'll be back before our ticket expires in August.

Learning is fun! Go to The Mind Museum.

The Mind Museum
JY Campos Park, 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City
909 –MIND (6463)

inquiry@themindmuseum.org

Man of Steel at the Newport Cinemas

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 01:59:00 +0000

Given only a few days before I leave, I try to make the most of it by spending more time with my boys and baby girl.

Last Saturday started early. Husband and I went to watch "Man of Steel" at the Newport Cinemas, Newport Mall in Resorts World Manila. Newport Mall has fancy cinemas with recliners and unlimited supply of popcorn and soda to be personally delivered to you by their staff. It is definitely an awesomely relaxing experience. All you gotta do is sit back, relax and enjoy the movie.

This is our second time to watch there. First time was about three to four weeks ago when we saw Fast and Furious 6.

Going back to the movie, Man of Steel used a different approach on how Superman's story was told aside from the fact that it's a reboot. It is more dramatic and emo than all previous Superman movies. Clark's struggles to fit in, his journey to find himself and learn life lessons from his two dads were shown, which I appreciate too as a viewer. It showed how he became more human than alien except that he has super powers. I even enjoyed the exciting fight scenes and the effects especially on the part where Zod and his cohorts were trying to morph Earth into Krypton. Plus Henry Cavill as Superman is a hottie. LOL

We had a long Saturday which included our visit to The Mind Museum. And so the next entry is dedicated just for that.

New Beginnings

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 15:54:00 +0000

In the next few weeks, I shall start a new chapter in my life. It is a leap of faith as I travel thousands and thousands away from home to work as an expat. Something I never imagined I will ever do. It is, cliché as it may sound, an opportunity that just knocked on my door when I was least expecting it.

I actually feel a whole gamut of emotions in varying degrees now that I am about to embark on a new journey. I am doubtful yet hopeful, content yet anxious, scared yet confident, happy and blessed yet sad about leaving my family behind for a few months.

Despite all the fear and anxiety that I have, my gut still tells me it is a blessing for me and my family.

Having been presented with an opportunity such as this, I just pray for courage, strength, fortitude, patience and resilience to be able to endure a life away from my husband and kids and achieve a better quality of life through it all.

After Nine Months and Six More...

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Nice) — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:57:00 +0000

The past months can be summarized and described using a couple of words: blessed and bliss.

After giving birth to another cute little bundle of joy, everything is just more colorful and fun than it already is.

All I can do is be thankful for all the blessings God has given me.