My Gratitude List (21/08/2015)

Waking up beside my two most important people in the world and realizing how lucky I am to have them in my life.

They are all I've got and I'll do everything I can to keep the family stronger and together.

Not any thorns and most definitely not any pretty face can ruin what we have right now.

My Gratitude List (15/08/2015)

I am thankful for the cup noodles and bread my husband prepared for me before going to work.

My Gratitude List (13/08/2015)

I am thankful for alone time with Chris. We went out to try a new resto, a newly opened Asian Inasal in Hamdan which was recommended by Elizabeth.  The place was ok and the food was great especially the inasal and spaghetti.  The best time of the day is the bus ride going to Carrefour.  We normally do this back in the Philippines. Traveling from QC to Laguna.  I'm a little bit nostalgic at that.

I am thankful for our Little Girl's funny moments. Chris said the kid told him that when she grow up, she will drive her Daddy and me. I'll sit in the front and Daddy will sit at the back together with Lolo Fanny and Wowa. Now, this made me happy because I thought for the first time she finally choses me over her Daddy. But then she explained that she wants her Daddy to be comfortable so she wants him in the back. This made me laugh so hard. Some things never change.

I am thankful for this loofa being available in Carrefour.

I have been looking for this for over a month now. This is definitely the highlight of our grocery shopping. I quickly took a bath when I arrived home.

Thankful for "love love time" with Chris and Kenzi. It's our new term for just being silly together and giving lots of kisses and hugs.

Random Thoughts

Ever had that moment with your other half where you just spontaneously laugh at about anything?

Every small talk, make face or even a snide remark will make the two of you burst into laughter?!

And then while on the bus to work, the memory makes you laugh and it is freaking insane!!!

And even if you are having a shitty day in the office you would steal a few minutes to come back to that moment to make you feel better?!

I did....I still do...and I'd like to have more of those.

A Day in the Life of a Working Mom

Working in Abu Dhabi has been challenging for me.  For one, the working hours here is longer than that in the Philippines.  Our timing is from 8am - 5pm Sundays to Wednesdays and 8am-2pm on Thursdays that leaves us with one full day off every Friday.  It took me awhile to adapt to these changes, it was exasperating not to mention the line of business I am currently working in.

It was a challenge juggling work and mom duties especially when Kenzi started schooling.  I find it hard to tutor her in the evening since we can start around 8pm to 9pm where the kid is already tired from the days learning and play.  She goes to bed before 10pm and sometimes I have to stay up late preparing her homework or things to bring for tomorrow's class.  Thinking how little time I spend with her makes me sad.

At first, I thought I was doing an okay job spending time with her.  I make a point to bring her to malls or parks every other Thursday with just her, me and her Dad.  After attending service every Friday morning, I make sure that she is always by my side.  But a comment from her last night, made me think otherwise.

Before going to sleep I asked her if I am good to her.  The kid thinks for awhile and sheepishly said "No."  I asked her why and she said, "Sometimes you don't listen to me." I was astounded by her answer since I know her, she is the type of kid who doesn't want to  hurt anyone's feelings let alone her parents.  I can see from the look on her face she was contemplating whether to tell me or not.

The realization hit me hard.  I was trying so hard to be there physically when the Little Girl only needs my few minutes to listen to her.  She doesn't complain about me being gone away most of the time, she doesn't complain when I can't always be there to give her a bath, cut her nails or sit by her side, she just wants me to actually "LISTEN".

I am disappointed and ashamed of myself but I'm glad she told me.  I can never be a perfect mom but I can be better.  If again the day comes that I feel too tired, too upset about something or too engrossed with my "me time" that I cannot spare her my attention i'll come back to that night and remind my self that it is you, Kenzi matters most to me.