Sunday, March 29, 2009

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.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

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.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

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! ="(

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

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.

Monday, March 16, 2009

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...

Friday, March 6, 2009

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.

About Me

My photo
Bermuda
I got a new laptop as a Christmas gift so I thought about sharing my thoughts over the net. I must say I have been wanting to do this for sometime... this free resource just made me want to do this more! =) I am an overseas worker whose home is on the other side of the planet. I have not gone home since I arrived here. Hopefully by the end of this year, I will get to share with you my first homecoming experience. I hope you enjoy reading... and I could not go without saying, THANKS for dropping by. :)

Am I excited or what?


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