Puzzle Fanatics 2

Finally, the 1000-piece puzzle is finished! Way ahead from the target we have set. But six puzzle pieces are missing :-(

Life in the Midst of Financial Crisis 2

One of the solutions to cut the family expenses is to transfer our son, Jarrel, in a public elementary school. We have saved P24K in tuition fee; P3,600 in books and P2K in uniforms. Yesterday was his first day in his new school, my husband and I dropped him off. In an hour of staying in the school, we observed its needs and the adjustments that our son needs to cope-up.

Jarrel belongs to Grade I. The class is composed of 50 students. The desk which can accommodate two students is being shared by three. There is only one electric fan, not enough to provide proper ventilation to all students. This situation is far different from 1980's elementary school where I was in. Our class was not crowded, there were only 30 students per classroom. Now, my son needs to adjust with the environment of big crowd and crowded classroom.

I have watched documentaries that enumerated public schools' needs several times. And seeing those in reality moved me to think and ask (once again) what can I do to help. I told my husband to ask if the teacher will allow us to bring a chair for our son. I would also want to talk with my fellow parents if we can contribute/share to buy electric fans. I know our little ways will reduce the burdens that the school are facing. This is an opportunity to show our concern and camaraderie. I just hope people in our government will prioritize the improvement of the educational system in our country.

Puzzle Fanatics

This is a 300-piece glow in the dark Eiffel Tower puzzle

My husband and I got hooked in doing puzzles. We're done with 300 and 500-piece puzzles, and now we are doing a 1000-piece Ravensburger puzzle which I bought three years ago. We started it last month. Everytime I arrived at home from the office, I spend sometime to put 10 puzzle pieces before I go to bed. The activity helps to relieve my stress. Whenever I put the right piece on its place, gives me a sense of satisfaction and happiness. It is not yet done, but we are looking forward to finish it before June ends.

The 1000-piece puzzle we are working on and

targeting to finish before end of June

Put it in a poem...

I wrote this poem four years ago...

Just A Friend

We can talk about anything,
So free to share each other's thought,
No single hesitation in each conversation,
Yet we are just friends.

We open each day with the sweet sound of
"Hi" and "How are you?"
Exchanging texts that expresses
endearment and care,
Yet we are just friends.

We never say we don't have time for each other,
We never failed to listen on each other's burden,
We never get tired to understand and forgive,
And yet we are just friends.

No trials, no fight can build a wall between us,
No dream, no ambition can keep us apart,
Not even the distance can make us forget,
Yet we are just friends.

Life in the Midst of Financial Crisis

I received my merit increase yesterday. I was very disappointed because my expectation was not met. This was the second disappointment I have experienced since I got promoted as Assistant Manager. I was very quiet because I was trying to hold my tears. I was expecting that the management will align my salary. When I got promoted last year, they just gave me a 3-digit increase. The management said the increase was pretty low because of the financial crisis. It was quite easy to understand though.

Officers meeting was held few months ago. The management reported a very big revenue (three times the target). That made me think that we will have a good increase this year. But what I hoped for was totally the reciprocal of what I have received. When I saw my payslip yesterday, I suddenly felt pain in my chest, seems a heavy stone was placed inside it. When I arrived at home, I told the news to my husband. Both of us asked, "Now what?". We have two kids that are not yet enrolled for school year 2010-2011. My eldest child has special needs, she'll be enrolling in a special school.

I told my husband, "I don't know, but God knows what to do. I'll ask Him. Ask Him too." I prayed for strength and wisdom before I slept last night.

When I woke up this morning, God has a though for me. He reminded me of the spiel I said last week while leading the praise and worship in our church's morning worship service. The line was "What will you say if God told you that you will eat salted fish (tuyo) at lunch?". I say, "Shout Amen, thank you Lord!, because that is a blessing. Whether it is small or big always give thanks to the Lord." This moved me to repent and asked God's forgiveness. I prayed, "Thank you Lord because this is Your will. Please help me to see Your purpose, whatever it is I will follow."

The Past

There is one thing I can't let go... it's the memory of the person I once loved. I guess until now he still occupies a space in my heart. I can still feel the pain whenever I see his pictures, the memory just keeps on coming back. I can't help but cry and pray, "Lord, please help me let go of the past..."

When my mind speaks, it encourages...

Prayer

When your life is gloomy
And there are so much worry,
Don’t let yourself go weary
Kneel and ask God’s mercy.

When nobody seems to care
When the shadow of death stares,
Don’t let your faith be tear
Kneel and ask God’s strength.

Prayer is a weapon
That can ease up any tension,
So my friend even a few seconds
Kneel and feel God’s passion.

This poem was written on April 10, 1998 at Getshemani Prayer Mountain.