that's how i feel as i look at my planner for tomorrow until before i leave on the 26th...
tonight, we will have our bibles study at greens...
tomorrow, dec 17, dinner at chalet, one of david's fave rest along jumeirah...
thursday night, dec 18, 180 christmas party back-to-back with CnC shoebox stuffing night at kitty's...
friday, dec 19, morning at church, then labor camp distribution of shoebox, and then desert camping until sat morning!
saturday night, dec 20, room inspection of our boys and ladies' accommodation for the 'best room' awards!
sunday night, dec 21, bibles study with CnC, back-to-back with adventureland's annual staff party!
monday night, dec 22, special date night...
tuesday night, dec 23, christmas get-together with church mates...
wednesday night, dec 24, evening worship service...
thursday afternoon, dec 25, bonfire at jebel ali beach and send off david to the airport...
friday morning, dec 26, off to airport... YAHOO!!!
12.16.2008
Gift Wrapping
if you are like me, then as of now, you must have done your christmas shopping, or at least you already have a list of presents to buy...i do not like to rush, and i do not like to fall prey to last-minute shopping, so as early as first week of december, i am already on the lookout for potential gifts ;)
i've always loved the gift-hunting process. it makes me think about my friends more than usual. i try to know what the person wants or needs thru house visits, casual conversation or direct questioning! oh yeah, i do that, right mano?
gift giving is so tricky. we always say, "it's the thought that counts", but does it? there are times when we receive gifts, and we'd think that he/she shouldn't have. literally. and many times, when we give, we assess it based on how the person will react. not everyone will appreciate gifts. others are openly blunt about their thoughts (balloons thoughts would be more preferred at these times...). but there are others who are realy good recipients-- they have the ability of making you feel right about your choice of gift. many times, you need that assurance as a giver.
i believe, whatever gift we receive, the mere fact that we received one, we should be thankful. the mere fact that the other person picked it up, wrapped it up and gave it to me meant that i was thought of, even if it is the same gift as the rest.
same goes that whatever gift we give, as long as we do not expect anything in return, and it is from the bottom of the heart, it will be well received.
do you recycle gifts? tricky topic eh? sometimes i do... but that is after years of not finding use for it.
so, here i am, for one week now, thinking, and wrapping and thinking and wrapping... and enjoying it!!! and it is a challenge how to compromise budget, quality and meaning into that package!
i've always loved the gift-hunting process. it makes me think about my friends more than usual. i try to know what the person wants or needs thru house visits, casual conversation or direct questioning! oh yeah, i do that, right mano?
gift giving is so tricky. we always say, "it's the thought that counts", but does it? there are times when we receive gifts, and we'd think that he/she shouldn't have. literally. and many times, when we give, we assess it based on how the person will react. not everyone will appreciate gifts. others are openly blunt about their thoughts (balloons thoughts would be more preferred at these times...). but there are others who are realy good recipients-- they have the ability of making you feel right about your choice of gift. many times, you need that assurance as a giver.
i believe, whatever gift we receive, the mere fact that we received one, we should be thankful. the mere fact that the other person picked it up, wrapped it up and gave it to me meant that i was thought of, even if it is the same gift as the rest.
same goes that whatever gift we give, as long as we do not expect anything in return, and it is from the bottom of the heart, it will be well received.
do you recycle gifts? tricky topic eh? sometimes i do... but that is after years of not finding use for it.
so, here i am, for one week now, thinking, and wrapping and thinking and wrapping... and enjoying it!!! and it is a challenge how to compromise budget, quality and meaning into that package!
12.11.2008
It's Hazy Again
oh, glad i got a glimpse of the clear skies the past days... because today, it's back to hazy skies!
just like many things... back to normal!
just like many things... back to normal!
12.10.2008
Airports I've Landed On
there are those who look at airports as just airports, just a passageway from one place to another... but i look at airport as a microcosm of community. gone are the days when airports are just "stopovers"... it now has a life of its own, bustling with many people from different countries passing by the airport for different purposes, and some can be really life-changing!
my first international flight was to HK in 1998, so we landed at hongkong international airport. it was so huge for a first timer, and i thought, airports can be sooooo intimidating. your first time will always be memorable ;)
Now, let me trace back all the airports i've been to:
- Changi airport, Singapore
- Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, going to singapore
- Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, going to Jakarta, Indonesia
- Dubai International Airport which felt like second home-airport to me, following our NAIA
- Carthage International Airport, Tunis, Tunisia
- Doha International Airport, Qatar
- Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca, Morocco
- Frankfurt Airport, Germany
- Amsterdam Airport Schipol, Netherlands
- Suvarnhabumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand
- JFK International Airport, New York, US
- Port Columbus International Airport, Ohio, US
- Detroit Internationa Airport, US
- O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, US
- Orlando International Airport, Florida, US
- Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport, US
- MSP International Airport, Minnesota, US
Not all landings have registed in my very capable memory, nor in my handy digicams. But there are some details that are etched in my mind, either because it is so nice, or so infamously terrible!
1. I was unpleasantly suprised at the JFK airport. very chaotic! Line was so loong at immigration, of course, I missed my flight to Cincinnati! And there was a typhoon that evening so all flights were cancelled for the next day! Good thing, I have Malou, Lex and Gabby (churchmates) in NY and they adopted me for that evening and even chauffered me to the airport the next day! ;)
2. I liked the 'econolighting' of the Frankfurt airport. LCD lights were beamed unto steel ceilings so the lights are effectively scattered even with just few lights on. talk about efficiency eh? Yes, I noticed that because I stayed there for 6 hours! what to do yani!
3. I liked the serenity and calmness of Cincinnati and Columbus Aiport. And here is where all the really 'white people' are in! Most of them sport simple running shoes and simple clothes.
4. I like the customer-friendly signs at HK, Dubai at Changi airports. And it's ok for me to have a stopover there for more than 3 hours coz there is just so much to do... and see... and buy! I am also amused by the fashion parade in these places.
5. I do not like the $3 per cart in most US airports... and we hated NAIA when they started charging?
6. I liked the view from the top when landing at Amsterdam Airport-- super picturesque! Plains draped with nicely lined and uniformly colored crops.
7. I liked the view from the top going to MSP because it is the first time i saw a place all covered with snow! ;)
8. Mohammed V really reminds me so much of NAIA! and hey, that was were i had been infamously left by the plane... uh huh! and that was because i do not speak arabic nor french, huhu!
9. Oh, I was so surprised i was intervied by a Filipino passport control officer at... Orlando Airport! Very welcoming!
10. I cannot forget how for all the entries and exits i did in US, i was always "the chosen" one ... SSS... that is, more disriminate screening. hmm, must be my passport?
11. I will not forget too how i kinda lost my composure at Detroit International Airport, when I realized I did not pass thru any immigration and I am already going out of US! I spoke with Immigration Officer asking for stamp, but he said not needed, and I spoke with KLM boarding officer, and I spoke with other people! Hmm, now i realized, when you go out of US, there is no immigration! Just give the white piece of paper to the airline guy when you are boarding the plane! plain and simple. saves manpower.
Did you know that when I was planning my recent trip to US, included in the factor were the stopovers ;) next time, i wanna have a stopover in London, France and Italy... hmmm
Despite all these landings into the differently-charaterized airports, the NAIA airport has its own enigma to me--- of course, that's where my home is! ;)
my first international flight was to HK in 1998, so we landed at hongkong international airport. it was so huge for a first timer, and i thought, airports can be sooooo intimidating. your first time will always be memorable ;)
Now, let me trace back all the airports i've been to:
- Changi airport, Singapore
- Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, going to singapore
- Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, going to Jakarta, Indonesia
- Dubai International Airport which felt like second home-airport to me, following our NAIA
- Carthage International Airport, Tunis, Tunisia
- Doha International Airport, Qatar
- Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca, Morocco
- Frankfurt Airport, Germany
- Amsterdam Airport Schipol, Netherlands
- Suvarnhabumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand
- JFK International Airport, New York, US
- Port Columbus International Airport, Ohio, US
- Detroit Internationa Airport, US
- O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, US
- Orlando International Airport, Florida, US
- Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport, US
- MSP International Airport, Minnesota, US
Not all landings have registed in my very capable memory, nor in my handy digicams. But there are some details that are etched in my mind, either because it is so nice, or so infamously terrible!
1. I was unpleasantly suprised at the JFK airport. very chaotic! Line was so loong at immigration, of course, I missed my flight to Cincinnati! And there was a typhoon that evening so all flights were cancelled for the next day! Good thing, I have Malou, Lex and Gabby (churchmates) in NY and they adopted me for that evening and even chauffered me to the airport the next day! ;)
2. I liked the 'econolighting' of the Frankfurt airport. LCD lights were beamed unto steel ceilings so the lights are effectively scattered even with just few lights on. talk about efficiency eh? Yes, I noticed that because I stayed there for 6 hours! what to do yani!
3. I liked the serenity and calmness of Cincinnati and Columbus Aiport. And here is where all the really 'white people' are in! Most of them sport simple running shoes and simple clothes.
4. I like the customer-friendly signs at HK, Dubai at Changi airports. And it's ok for me to have a stopover there for more than 3 hours coz there is just so much to do... and see... and buy! I am also amused by the fashion parade in these places.
5. I do not like the $3 per cart in most US airports... and we hated NAIA when they started charging?
6. I liked the view from the top when landing at Amsterdam Airport-- super picturesque! Plains draped with nicely lined and uniformly colored crops.
7. I liked the view from the top going to MSP because it is the first time i saw a place all covered with snow! ;)
8. Mohammed V really reminds me so much of NAIA! and hey, that was were i had been infamously left by the plane... uh huh! and that was because i do not speak arabic nor french, huhu!
9. Oh, I was so surprised i was intervied by a Filipino passport control officer at... Orlando Airport! Very welcoming!
10. I cannot forget how for all the entries and exits i did in US, i was always "the chosen" one ... SSS... that is, more disriminate screening. hmm, must be my passport?
11. I will not forget too how i kinda lost my composure at Detroit International Airport, when I realized I did not pass thru any immigration and I am already going out of US! I spoke with Immigration Officer asking for stamp, but he said not needed, and I spoke with KLM boarding officer, and I spoke with other people! Hmm, now i realized, when you go out of US, there is no immigration! Just give the white piece of paper to the airline guy when you are boarding the plane! plain and simple. saves manpower.
Did you know that when I was planning my recent trip to US, included in the factor were the stopovers ;) next time, i wanna have a stopover in London, France and Italy... hmmm
Despite all these landings into the differently-charaterized airports, the NAIA airport has its own enigma to me--- of course, that's where my home is! ;)
The Day I got my US Visa
for the longest time, i have always had it in my mind that i would like to go to US- the land flowing with milk & honey, the land where the pasture is greener....
when i started working in dubai, people have always prodded me to get my US visa from dubai because it is easier. but year after year, i've always found a reason to delay doing it... either it coincides with my trip to philippines, or my time in dubai does not permit, or many other reason i create to dilly-dally the process.
until this march 2008, with resolve, i told myself, "it's now or never". so i went online and started to go thru the tedious process of compiling documents to fill up the appointment form. my main reason then was for the convention that i will be attending on november. so i got a june appointment because i was thinking that july-sept, i would be in and out of morocco for our project. i got a june 29 appointment.
by first week of june, i was already nervous. what if i do not get it? what if they ask a lot of questions which i do not know how to answer? what if? what if???? david calmed me by saying "it is in God's hand. just be honest and give it your best shot." i felt comforted.
the day came that i had to line up as early as 6am outside the US consulate building in dubai. i lifted it all up to Him. many of the decisions does not come with a hard and fast rule anyways. so after all the security checks and document checks, i had come face-to-face with the consul. well, what i remember is that he is not as terrifying as how others perceive them to be. just poker-faced. part of the job i guess.
he just asked me the following questions after looking at my bank statements:
- what are you going to do in US
- how long have you been staying in the UAE?
- how long have you been staying in your company?
- what is your position and how much is your salary?
- have you been to another western/european country before?
that was it! and i got a piece of paper that says i got a visa! no need to look into our company profile, my list of suppliers to meet up with, and other documents i prepared "just in case"... at that point, i do not know yet what kind of visa, is it one time visa, 5-yr or 10 yr? but it doesn't matter, the important thing was, i got a visa! praise God!
and the best part was, when i got my passport4 days after, it was 10 year multiple entry, B1/B2!
so when did i first use it? august 15, when i visited david and his family in kentucky while he was there vacationing too! isn't it nice how God makes all these things to fall into the right place? amazing!
and yes, last november 14, i went to the convention which was my primary purpose of getting the visa....
you will never really know if you will get one or not. Mano got a mulitple entry even when she said that her husband is there working. one friend did not get it even if all the directions point to a her getting one...
so do not burden yourself with so much thinking with things that are out of your control. the only thing is... God knows ;)
when i started working in dubai, people have always prodded me to get my US visa from dubai because it is easier. but year after year, i've always found a reason to delay doing it... either it coincides with my trip to philippines, or my time in dubai does not permit, or many other reason i create to dilly-dally the process.
until this march 2008, with resolve, i told myself, "it's now or never". so i went online and started to go thru the tedious process of compiling documents to fill up the appointment form. my main reason then was for the convention that i will be attending on november. so i got a june appointment because i was thinking that july-sept, i would be in and out of morocco for our project. i got a june 29 appointment.
by first week of june, i was already nervous. what if i do not get it? what if they ask a lot of questions which i do not know how to answer? what if? what if???? david calmed me by saying "it is in God's hand. just be honest and give it your best shot." i felt comforted.
the day came that i had to line up as early as 6am outside the US consulate building in dubai. i lifted it all up to Him. many of the decisions does not come with a hard and fast rule anyways. so after all the security checks and document checks, i had come face-to-face with the consul. well, what i remember is that he is not as terrifying as how others perceive them to be. just poker-faced. part of the job i guess.
he just asked me the following questions after looking at my bank statements:
- what are you going to do in US
- how long have you been staying in the UAE?
- how long have you been staying in your company?
- what is your position and how much is your salary?
- have you been to another western/european country before?
that was it! and i got a piece of paper that says i got a visa! no need to look into our company profile, my list of suppliers to meet up with, and other documents i prepared "just in case"... at that point, i do not know yet what kind of visa, is it one time visa, 5-yr or 10 yr? but it doesn't matter, the important thing was, i got a visa! praise God!
and the best part was, when i got my passport4 days after, it was 10 year multiple entry, B1/B2!
so when did i first use it? august 15, when i visited david and his family in kentucky while he was there vacationing too! isn't it nice how God makes all these things to fall into the right place? amazing!
and yes, last november 14, i went to the convention which was my primary purpose of getting the visa....
you will never really know if you will get one or not. Mano got a mulitple entry even when she said that her husband is there working. one friend did not get it even if all the directions point to a her getting one...
so do not burden yourself with so much thinking with things that are out of your control. the only thing is... God knows ;)
Wishful Thinking
if i have it my way, here is how i want to spend my week...
i will only have 4 working days for my main career, that is monday to thursday. and then on friday, that is when i will do my fling careers such as being a receptionist, a fastfood attendant, a tour guide, a researcher, or any other that is not inline with my main line of work. this will keep me from boredom, burnt out, and will make me a well-rounded person. this will also give me the opportunity to live up my long-forgotten wishlist of things to do...
and then on saturdays, that will be my off day... meeting up with friends, lazy afternoons, doing charity works, etc.
and then sundays, that would be worship day...
now, i have to find a company that will allow me to work for only 4x a week... otherwise, this will just really be --> wishful thinking ;)
i will only have 4 working days for my main career, that is monday to thursday. and then on friday, that is when i will do my fling careers such as being a receptionist, a fastfood attendant, a tour guide, a researcher, or any other that is not inline with my main line of work. this will keep me from boredom, burnt out, and will make me a well-rounded person. this will also give me the opportunity to live up my long-forgotten wishlist of things to do...
and then on saturdays, that will be my off day... meeting up with friends, lazy afternoons, doing charity works, etc.
and then sundays, that would be worship day...
now, i have to find a company that will allow me to work for only 4x a week... otherwise, this will just really be --> wishful thinking ;)
12.09.2008
The Best Thing
i know he'll be embarrased... he is a very private person... but just once, i want the whole world to know who he is to me... ;)
he is the best thing that happend to me last 2007. for many years, i have been praying for someone i would like to share my thoughts with, my moments with, my passion with... and when i was not looking for it, bam! he fell into this niche in my world! thank you Lord for this wonderful gift!
david is first a crush, then a friend and now, the love of my life ;) at first i was hesitant to claim
something so serious as this, but after months, i know deep in my heart that he is someone so special to me.
he caught my eye the first time he attended the church. he was speaking at the podium, when mano nudged me and whispered "what if he is God's will for you?" i laughed silently... him? no way! he's way too up there.
then, we had our initial encounter in a youth activity. he was better looking up close... but the thing that most endeared me was his gentlemanly ways with everybody. i loved his voice, his calm persona and who can resist that cute smile?
i evaded activities wherein he would be there. why? firstly, i get tongue-tied, that's so not me! secondly, i do not like to have wrong motives, and i know God sees my heart. and thirdly, i do not like to take charge anymore of this aspect of my life. i've messed up a lot already when i manipulated things, and so i lift it up to Him fully! if it is His will, He will open the way...
and in His mysterious and lovely scheme of things, our paths crossed again. and this time, it was sweet, in His own time and mutual.
and so months after, here we are, enjoying each other's company, getting to know each other better and looking forward to more memories in the future...
months after, i am amazed that he is still the same sweet and loving guy that i met. he is still the same responsible, humble, Christ-centered servant... and he is still the same witty and funny guy that knows how to make me laugh!
i love the way he opens the car door for me. i love the way he says things so gently and kindly. i
love the way he listens and remembers things. i love the loving way he says his disagreements to my ideas. i love the way he 
really tries to learn tagalog. i love his very simple ways. i love his forgiving heart. i love it when he tickles me out of the blue. i love the way he holds my hand. i love the flowers he gives me. i love his spontaneous spirit.... i love how he loves me. i love how he loves his family. i love how he loves his youth group. i love it when we are in deep spiritual discussions. i love how he prays passionately.... and i loved the way he made me see tennis in a different light, haha!.... oh, these are just some of
the things i love about him... i always think i do not deserve him, so i'm just so grateful to God for every moment we are given to share together.
and i do not know what lies in the future. but one thing i know... if it is His will that it will be with david, i am sure that His blessing and love beckons... and it is just so wonderful to love someone you are in love with, and know that Christ is in the center of it all! priceless!
he is the best thing that happend to me last 2007. for many years, i have been praying for someone i would like to share my thoughts with, my moments with, my passion with... and when i was not looking for it, bam! he fell into this niche in my world! thank you Lord for this wonderful gift!
david is first a crush, then a friend and now, the love of my life ;) at first i was hesitant to claim
something so serious as this, but after months, i know deep in my heart that he is someone so special to me.he caught my eye the first time he attended the church. he was speaking at the podium, when mano nudged me and whispered "what if he is God's will for you?" i laughed silently... him? no way! he's way too up there.
then, we had our initial encounter in a youth activity. he was better looking up close... but the thing that most endeared me was his gentlemanly ways with everybody. i loved his voice, his calm persona and who can resist that cute smile?
i evaded activities wherein he would be there. why? firstly, i get tongue-tied, that's so not me! secondly, i do not like to have wrong motives, and i know God sees my heart. and thirdly, i do not like to take charge anymore of this aspect of my life. i've messed up a lot already when i manipulated things, and so i lift it up to Him fully! if it is His will, He will open the way...
and in His mysterious and lovely scheme of things, our paths crossed again. and this time, it was sweet, in His own time and mutual.and so months after, here we are, enjoying each other's company, getting to know each other better and looking forward to more memories in the future...
months after, i am amazed that he is still the same sweet and loving guy that i met. he is still the same responsible, humble, Christ-centered servant... and he is still the same witty and funny guy that knows how to make me laugh!
i love the way he opens the car door for me. i love the way he says things so gently and kindly. i
love the way he listens and remembers things. i love the loving way he says his disagreements to my ideas. i love the way he 
really tries to learn tagalog. i love his very simple ways. i love his forgiving heart. i love it when he tickles me out of the blue. i love the way he holds my hand. i love the flowers he gives me. i love his spontaneous spirit.... i love how he loves me. i love how he loves his family. i love how he loves his youth group. i love it when we are in deep spiritual discussions. i love how he prays passionately.... and i loved the way he made me see tennis in a different light, haha!.... oh, these are just some of
the things i love about him... i always think i do not deserve him, so i'm just so grateful to God for every moment we are given to share together.and i do not know what lies in the future. but one thing i know... if it is His will that it will be with david, i am sure that His blessing and love beckons... and it is just so wonderful to love someone you are in love with, and know that Christ is in the center of it all! priceless!
Christmas is around the corner...
we had a dubai-style thanksgiving last nov 23-24... it kicked-off the christmas season i guess...
then we had shoebox ministry to the labor camps last friday afternoon, and friday night, we were serenaced by the EBCI angels via the Christmas Cantata. it was so nice, and i almost got teary-eyed when they started to sing the familiar tunes that excites my heart...
and today, although it is the eid of the muslim, it felt like christmas too... with people so happy and enjoying family times... holiday for one week!
next few weeks, i will be seeing more of the holiday get-togethers with friends and brethren... we may be more low key this time, considering the global economic slowdown... however it is, i know that we will find ways to celebrate the season... why? because for me, Christmas is not just a season-- it is a special time of remembering our Saviour, whom God gave so freely for the redemption of our souls...
i just love it when christmas is just around the corner.... ;) thank you Lord!
then we had shoebox ministry to the labor camps last friday afternoon, and friday night, we were serenaced by the EBCI angels via the Christmas Cantata. it was so nice, and i almost got teary-eyed when they started to sing the familiar tunes that excites my heart...
then a couple from our church had this pre-christmas gathering at their lovely home in marina...
and then, yesterday, i had been gift wrapping for friends and officemates...
and today, although it is the eid of the muslim, it felt like christmas too... with people so happy and enjoying family times... holiday for one week!
next few weeks, i will be seeing more of the holiday get-togethers with friends and brethren... we may be more low key this time, considering the global economic slowdown... however it is, i know that we will find ways to celebrate the season... why? because for me, Christmas is not just a season-- it is a special time of remembering our Saviour, whom God gave so freely for the redemption of our souls...
i just love it when christmas is just around the corner.... ;) thank you Lord!
It Had to Rain
it has been raining in dubai and sharjah the past days... many would really loathe the idea. what with flooding, and traffic everywhere! the thunder and lighting were not as exciting too.. it actually made me nervous as i was not used to it anymore..
but then, it had to rain...
after the rain... for the first time, i can see Burj dubai (the tallest tower in dubai) from a road in sharjah! for the first time, i am seeing the dubai skyline! for the first time, i am seeing lots of very nice cottony clouds. for the first time, i am seeing blue skies!!!! for the first time, it does not feel so heavy outside...
yes, it had to rain... for us to see the beauty of many things that is covred by the grey thick clouds...
it may not be fun when it rains... but now, it's ok... it had to rain...
but then, it had to rain...
after the rain... for the first time, i can see Burj dubai (the tallest tower in dubai) from a road in sharjah! for the first time, i am seeing the dubai skyline! for the first time, i am seeing lots of very nice cottony clouds. for the first time, i am seeing blue skies!!!! for the first time, it does not feel so heavy outside...
yes, it had to rain... for us to see the beauty of many things that is covred by the grey thick clouds...
it may not be fun when it rains... but now, it's ok... it had to rain...
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