Confession

I have been a bad, really bad blogger.
And to not promise to keep posting going forward...
I am a bad, really bad blogger.

I have been a stranger to my own blog
I never realized it is just 55 days before my wedding
I have not been counting
I have been so busy with small things for the big day!

I have been a bad, really bad reader.
And to think I made a pact to read more this year.
Now it's just a few days before the next year starts.
Let me guess, I will make the same old pact again.

A lot more to confess. A lot more to share.
Too bad I had been keeping them to myself lately.

We moved! And will settle soon!

Last week, we moved from our old place to a new studio near the Botanical Gardens. This one is a little smaller than the old studio, apart from that there is no division between the bedroom and the living room. Nevertheless the surroundings is very nice... and the rent is lower! I must say the latter is the main reason for the move. We are still working on the layout of our small pad, and will soon post a few pictures once somehow settled, hopefully in a week's time.

We just had our internet reconnected this Friday. Been really busy with a lot of stuff, and if I must say, service here in Bermuda could be slow compared to busier cities. For instance, in Manila, most establishments would be open on Saturdays and even Sundays. Here, you're lucky to have them open for the whole Saturday, and almost impossible to be of service on Sundays. I am just glad I'm back online even after almost a week of fixing schedules with the local service providers.

Let me note a few things I like so far in this new place of ours:
(a) there is a horse nearby - it's the landlord's, and it's a breeze when I see them cleaning their horse and the barn, even more when they go out for a ride with their friends (who have horses too, I think) - kinda like those that we used to read in romance novels.
(b) the landlord's family looks so family - they would go out swimming (we live in a tribe road - meaning the road has easy access to the sea), eat breakfast at the porch, the father would go gardening with his young son, etc.
(c) the pad is near relaxing places - like the Botanical Gardens, and the sea

So far so good. We'll see what more awaits us here. For now, got to segregate stuff for storage - that's the pain of living in a studio.

Tall Ships and Chapters 4 to 10

Saturday was a blast! Enjoyed the Tall Ships 2009 festival. Too bad my sun dance did not have its effect for too long; it rained at around 430PM. Good thing we've visited at least three ships by then.

A lot of photographers in the area. I thank this one for volunteering to take our (Chad and I) only picture together.
That's me wondering if I would see traces of Johnny Depp in this ship. "Bounty" was used for the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and some other movies.
No trace of Jack Sparrow :( I enjoyed the walk anyway.

Sightseers stopped by the tents when it rained.

Chad and I decided to relax at the library where I continued reading the book I chose last week.










Of course, he's still with his newspaper until the library closed.
More updates about Sunday's events soon.

Meeting John

Thought yesterday (Saturday) would be the usual one. Get up lazily, prepare breakfast for Chad and myself, watch the morning news, kill time at home or go to town for some shopping (normally window shopping, that is!), go to church and walk back home. Well, yesterday was typical, until I get tired of walking along town, and Chad said we could use some "aircon" at the national library while resting our feet. So we did!

I grabbed a book, which I did not intend to finish anyway; it's 4:30PM and the library's almost closing. I looked back and there was Chad, comfortably sitting in an upholstered back chair, already starting to read the daily newspaper. I sat in a couch opposite him, and started reading... thinking, we should do this more often.

It was almost five when a few elders sitting at the readers' area started to pack, and an old folk suddenly talked to Chad, asking him a question and then more, about where he came from, what he's doing in the island, and did I say, more! They were chatting even when we were outside the library (and naturally, I was dragged into the conversation as well). There he was, John, proudly talking about his dancing talent, and how this made him travel to various parts of the world, including the Philippines, where he met one of his wives (yeah! one of two according to him). It was a fun talk that we had, from places and personalities in the Philippines to rental fees here in Bermuda. He could be forgetful once in a while, asking Chad if he is from Hong Kong or China, saying that the Chinese are the smartest people he ever knew. We separated agreeing that in case Chad and I drop by the library next time, we'll teach him with his laptop. He said he goes to the library everyday to learn to use the computer and the internet. And it's giving him headaches all the time. Hehehe... Mind you, I commend the man... he is 60++ years old and still very eager to learn! And I bet it's not easy to ride the bus from St. Georges to Hamilton, with a laptop in a bag at your back when you're that aged.

Yesterday was no ordinary day to me. I could use much and much inspiration. Who knows what more awaits me if I go to the library more often. Besides, I am only at page 15 of that book!

Today is Our Last Anniversary

June will be December
2 will have 24 more
7 years will go back to nil
And count from there to hopefully more years.

Harder it might be
Tears - more to flow maybe
But smiles and laughter I see
Everlasting lovers we pray to be.

Happy anniversary "honey me"!

photo taken by my friend Borj: One Bermuda Sunday

It's easy not to work hard.

Having been together for almost seven years now, Chad and I get to the point that it's at times easier to be indifferent of the other rather than ask, "what's wrong?". For instance, when I think I did nothing wrong, even though I feel that he's not okay with something (which I do not know what or... let's say I have a hint, but do not want to confirm it, just to avoid the argument), I'd rather be silent about it, and try to act as if everything's normal. A world of make believe could be better than to confront the truth.

Certainly, that's not what we were taught in the pre-marriage course. I still remember the facilitators highlighting COMMUNICATION as the most important ingredient of a lasting relationship. And I still remember them saying it's not gonna be easy... it's real work... it's hard work.

They say experience is the best teacher... Bingo! Now I am starting to get a bird's eye view of what hard work means. Who knows what more awaits us in the long journey we're about to take...
photo: Random bride and groom at Smith's Bay... taken by my friend Alveen

Another Prayer Answered

The dilemma was to decide between to options of minimal cost difference. But the prayer was answered in a different way. We found another studio apartment for a much lower cost, in a place nearer to town than our current home. The studio has partitions as well, and just enough for me and Chad. We will likely be moving in by the first of July. =D

Dilemma

We are in a dilemma... whether to move out of our current studio to a one bedroom house, which is of course larger and more homy, but farther to town. Cost differential is not material; but convenience is a factor, as our current place is near to a grocery store, a beach, and a church. Waaaa!!! I found it hard to sleep last night because of this!

Change is one thing, but there are risks associated with it. We barely know the lessor there. We do not hate it living here. The bus schedule there is much better. The area here is much lighted and feels safer at night. Laundry facilities there is private, while we share with the other tenants here. What a headache to consider all these and more!

We have not decided yet. Could be more sleepless nights.

Mother's Day

for all the mothers who put their child/children's needs over and above their own...
this is your day... enjoy!

haPpY MotHer'S daY!!!

special mention to my Mom of course! here she is with her "apo" (grandchild) ***wink***

Loving my surroundings

Enjoying the textures...
from cement...


to soil....

to sand.
Enjoying the sounds...
of traffic...
of animals...

and of waves.

Enjoying the colors...

Marriage Preparation (Part II)

Chad and I completed the second phase of the Marriage Preparation Course that we enrolled into. This time, it's a teaching session (with interview) with a priest. Realized there's much to learn and that however easy it is to hear/imagine the theories, it's always not effortless to put them into practice.

Here's to share some rules and tools for a Great Marriage:

1. Make your spouse a priority
2. Accept differences
3. Listen
   
4. Compliment daily
5. Work as a team
6. Mind your manners (this could be hard when you are already very comfortable with each other)
   
7. Watch less TV (now I am guilty!!!!)
8. Find time for fun
9. Do the little things (this is really effective for all relationships)
10. Think positive
11. Fight fair and look for the win-win situation
12. Forgive
13. God to bed at the same time
14. Develop mutual friends
15. Date
16. Pray together

Read #13.

Fr. Joe (the priest) asked me to read it twice, and I was mistaken... twice!!!
I wouldn't want you to ever miss that in your relationships the way that I did!

Monday was Clean-up Day!

Break from work? Vacation? Also mean general cleaning day for us!

Cleaning a studio means taking most things out first. And clean from one area to another.

The sad thing is we lost (and found) two friends. One near the flowers (maybe he thought those were real ones... poor lizard!) And the other from underneath the sofa.

Everything Blends!

I forgot to bring the vase of flowers home the last time I was in the office. Good thing my friend Alveen agreed to bring it here. I placed it in the dead area of the house together with the artificial ones I got last V day. I think they blend well enough.


But I didn't think I'd get another favor! Chad opened his bag and showed me this surprise! Perfect for summertime!

Chad and I: Are we compatible?

I took this test and I must say, the results were actually better than I expected. Probably because even at the early stage of our relationship, most people do not think we will make it through. I thought, why would this test be any different?

Big Five Compatibility Test Extroversion |||||||||||||| 60% |||||| 24% Friendliness |||||||||||| 50% |||||||||| 32% Orderliness |||||||||||||| 58% |||||||||||||||||||| 86% Emotional Stability |||||||||||| 48% |||||||||| 40% Openmindedness |||||||||| 34% |||||||||| 36% scale key - you |||||| them |||||| Your overall similarity is 69%. Your overall complementarity is 63%.

Take Free Big Five Compatibility Test

Vacation in an Island

Finally, I get to do this again... feel how to be a tourist in an island... not far from where I reside... here... in Bermuda.

Believe it or not, I have been looking forward for this. I have been here in the island for a year but have not visited all of its attractions. I would not want to leave without having to enjoy most if not all of them. I was taking my time... I still am, but guess time may not be very long as I initially expected. So better enjoy while I am a paid "tourist" here.

Our Office Smells!!!

I got a surprise last Monday. My manager said, there were flowers for me. I did not believe her; must be one of her funny jokes.

Then came the man with a big vase of flowers... he said it's for me! I was in shock! Good thing I managed to ask him who it's from. He just said, "This must be your lucky day!". Well, he must be right with that!

I had to call Chad to confirm! He said he didn't want to mess it all up by including his handwriting in the package (He does not write very good.). Sweet nevertheless!!!

My officemates kept asking what the flowers were for! I wish I knew! So I just told them Chad's reply, he must be making prepayments for possible faults he might do in the future! Giggles after that.

And the office smells! There are times during the day when the flowers would smell really good. I couldn't get enough, I wish I could take them home! But that would have to wait, as my officemates seem to enjoy my great surprise too! For this weekend, guess I'll have to settle with this picture taken thru my mobile phone.

A Meaningful Lent

Palm Sunday in the Philippines is much celebrated. Palm leaf making has even become an art. Various designs have come up over the years. Palm leaves are normally sold at the front of the church before the mass. Prices vary as the designs do. I missed home more when I saw these pictures in Flicker.

Palm Sunday here in Bermuda is celebrated too. Only, palm leaves are not sold but given by the church to church-goers. There is not much art as you would see in the picture below.

I found myself reflecting on those extravagant palm leaves. Is it necessary to show my artistic side when I bring one to church? How do I relate this with my life's choices, with my preferences, during Lent or otherwise? Do I realize simplicity as beauty or do I go into status symbols and the likes?

With this ever changing and demanding world that we have now, there's much to think about this Lenten season. May we all have a meaningful one.

Change is everywhere

1. Bermuda has changed.
Before leaving home this morning Chad said in a text message that I shall call a cab as the buses were not running still. Luckily for him, he was offered a ride to town by a local. I was hoping to get the same - a free ride - so I waited for awhile at the bus stop. A van stopped by and the good driver invited me in. Inside were two old ladies who appear to be "picked up" as well. So I got in and off we went.

The old ladies were talking about old Bermuda. How people in cars used to offer rides to those waiting at bus stops, if they are all going to the same area. They said, this rarely happens nowadays. And that they commend our good driver for showing that there are still people living up to the old Bermuda way.

And these ladies were right. Things changed here. Jorge, one of my officemates, was offered a ride by a local, too. Only, it cost him $6. All of them who were picked up were charged by their driver. And their trip was not continuous as the driver stopped by the hospital area to wait for more "hitchers".

2. Working hours have changed.
Since last week, my teammates leave the office no later than 7PM. With this week being our reporting week to the client, no later than 7PM is pretty early. Supervisor Scottie (who used to be the earliest comer and the latest goer) now arrives every morning almost exactly on time (10AM) and leaves right before we all do. When asked, he said, that's the new office culture. I'd love that if it's true!

3. The landlord has changed.
Summer is almost here. Last Sunday was a fine day for swimming and since Chad is not much into beach water, we could have enjoyed the pool here in our apartment. Only if it was clean for swimming. But the Landlord has not been cleaning it for sometime now. To add to the tall grasses, busted water pump and walkway lights. I have not seen him visit in a number of weeks; contrary to almost twice a week visits when he and his family first bought the apartments from our previous landlords.

3. I am changing.
I wish I could say I have changed. But I am still working on it.

Tonight, I turned the office lights off. Meaning, I was the last person to go out. Considering I was one of those who got there early, I am not doing very good in trying - trying to stop being very task-oriented. To the point of working like there's no tomorrow (or the next working day). I always want to get things done. To the point of forgetting what my real priorities are.

I realized a few months ago that my being very task-oriented does not always work for my benefit. And that's the reason I have to learn how and when to stop. To keep in mind my priorities... which are not necessarily my tasks.

I was asked by my manager if I am working tomorrow. I could not believe I heard me burst "it's Good Friday for God's sake!". I explained to her that it is my Lenten sacrifice - to not work while I want to. She thought I was being funny. Guess she does not know me enough.

See, I am changing.

----------------------
Good or bad, change is everywhere. How's it been there for you?

It's been a year... and this is the best I could come up with!

It has been one year that I have been far from home. One year since I started cooking for myself (and for my boyfriend Chad). Pity my talentless cooking skills, above is the best I can come up with last Sunday. I had it shared with Chad and Shiela, a friend who helped me a lot to get here in Bermuda.

Good thing my other friends who had a taste of the chicken wings said it was really good. I'd like to believe so since someone was not able to hold him/herself! (See that part without the skin?)

1 year and counting

I got this cake for myself, to share with my teammates and some officemates last April 1st - my first anniversary with the company I am working with here in Bermuda.

The treats started not with this cake though. Scottie, our team's supervisor, bought banana cake for the team to share. This was after I and my other teammate teased him to treat me for my anniv the following day. And yes, I am thankful, he gave in to that! Apparently, I was the first person they could remember to celebrate my anniv with treats. Only birthdays are usually celebrated this way in the office.

Some co-workers laughed at and criticize my gesture... others seemed to like the idea and were sincere in greeting me. I barely care about the negative reactions. I have enough reason to celebrate. Besides, everyone enjoyed the cake!

Last Wednesday was Lay-off Day

Yes, and luckily, I was spared! Thank God!

But there is no assurance whatsoever. It appears that this is how most companies work nowadays. You work today, but you don't know if you'll still do tomorrow. Applies to most contractual workers here in Bermuda.

I commend the company though for at least being courteous with the process of letting people know. The "chosen ones" were emailed to go to the office of the President. (Since the company I work with is a small one, and most of us are expats, it is not a big deal to be in that room - it normally happens when we have to sort working permit documentations, etc.) They enter that room, get the bad news, then leave. Subtle and silent, none of the other co-workers would have known that meeting was "it".

Only after all of the "chosen ones" were informed, that the other employees were made known through their senior managers. There, the styles differ. One manager emailed each of her staff and talked to them in her office to explain what just happened. My manager, set a team meeting and informed all of us of the news. At least we were spared of the agony of waiting to be emailed ('cause most likely we'll have a hint on what's "happening" since we're kinda paranoid these days). The team meeting worked for us since none in the team got laid off. Otherwise, I would not like it at all.

Until now, we do not know for sure all the names of those being "let go". Normally, the news comes from the person himself/herself. At least, he gets to decide when and how to let others know.

Another good thing for me is that the lay-off is not effective immediately. I hated it when I heard some companies escort their laid off employees on that same day he/she heard the news that that day is his/her last day (even last hour actually) in the office! I learned that the latter is "the law" for some countries. Nevertheless, I do not think it's humane especially not initially agreed upon (in the employment contract).

So much to thank for! So much, while they last!!! And there goes the rainbow.

Agree or Disagree? (A Quiz)

Last Wednesday in the premarriage course, Chad and I were asked to complete the quiz below. We thought we have already talked about most things in our relationship. And yet we still had some doubts whether the other answered the same (or not) in some of the questions.

For couples, I suggest you both take this quiz and share your answers with your partner. For singles who are looking for love, read on, and find out what you should be considering when you look for a partner.

There are no correct or wrong answers in this quiz. The idea is to realize what your values are, and if they are in line with your partner's, if you have one yet. Just write down whether you Agree (A) or Disagree (D) with the below statements.

1. I want to have a bank account under my own name, apart from me and my partner's joint account.
2. We will divide household chores equally.
3. My partner may have a regular night out.
4. It does not matter whether he/she makes more money since it's all ours anyway.
5. All our friends should be mutual friends.
6. It is okay to make friends of opposite gender.
7. Free time and space are important for me.
8. We should make specific time for each other's family.
9. We each have an equal say in when and how many times I/she concieve(s) a child.
10. When we get married, it's like marrying his/her family too.
11. It is not important that we attend religious services regularly.
12. It is okay for him/her to make a major purchase without consulting me.
13. Whoever pays for the wedding should have the final approval of all wedding plans.
14. The importance of my job is not measured by the amount of money I earn.

Happy Birthday Heather!

She's two! And she's changed a lot! =D















It's been almost a year that we're apart. I really miss my Heather Chuchu! ="(

Formula for Marriage

We are about 30 couples who attended the pre-marriage course last Wednesday. We were tasked to identify what we think are the three most important elements of marriage. The most number of votes were:

1. Trust

2. Respect

3. Communication

And the instructors said, these answers always come up from each group year after year.

Wedding Preparation

My boyfriend Chad and I enrolled ourselves in a marriage preparation course: A Marriage in the Lord - For a Lifelong Marriage. We would be attending a classroom session for four Wednesdays (should have been five; we enrolled late). I thought I'd share with you some insights from the course.

PEPP is the acronym to remember. These are what's important in marriage.

Primacy - While not married yet, I can say I might have been guilty of not putting my future marriage over any other relationship. It is taught (and I am certain it is just but right), that marriage is a primary relationship.

Empowerment - I have heard and I know a few couples who keep dating after being married for years. One of my soon-to-be Ninong (i.e. wedding sponsor) even celebrates monthsaries (as with anniversaries) with his wife. Some couples do stuff together: like sports, arts, etc.

Protection- Who else are expected to protect the marriage but the husband and the wife. Each of them may be faced with problems and pressures from various sources, including friends and family from both sides. It is said that for a marriage to succeed, it should remain the most important relationship in their lives.

Prayer - God's help is a must for building a good marriage. My mom always says that we should put God in the center of our relationship.

I am sure it is very easy to forget the above, especially when one is caught up with other tasks and responsibilities in his/her life. So while I can, I would repeat and repeat and repeat this to myself... and hope that I be reminded as I go along.

PEPP... PEPP... PEPP...

Tired... Yes! But Letting Go... NOOOO (please)!!!

The past weekdays have been really tiring for me. We started a new project at work and it entails a lot of attention to details that my head aches nightly. Just tonight, while I still want to work some more, I had to stop or I'd likely get sick.

I guess the start of the week has its effect on me... Last Monday, we had a team meeting at work. Our boss updated us on management's most recent plans. It was no surprise that the company is cost-cutting - after all, who isn't? It was no surprise that there will be no salary increases and that eventually, some employment contracts might not be renewed or that some people may be "let go". What strike me and my teammates is the timing of the possible "letting go" of people ---- no later than June this year! Guess, we all have to enjoy working for the company (or probably here in the island) while it lasts! Below is to share some events from my so-far-less-than-one-year-stay here in Bermuda.


First taste of Bermudian fast food.








Taken April 2008, view from my temporary accommodation. It was 7 PM; the sun's just about to set. (Tomorrow's the second DST I'd experience here.)






Back home, it was not often that I see animals like these along
the streets.








I'd like to feed more birds.







And view the island from a lighthouse.








Or join locals as they reunite with family and friends in the streets to watch parades during special occasions. Taken Bermuda Day, May 25, 2008.






And watch the Prime Minister dance his heart out! If he'd dare do it again.








Shop in this not-so-mall-looking shopping mall.







And ride the ferry back and forth.







More pictures on my next posts. Thanks for reminiscing with me.