Farewell Party!

My boss gave this invitation last week. She's inviting our department in her house on July 6 at 7:00pm for a small summer festival celebration and at the same time a farewell party for me.

URL: http://able2know.org/topic/47979-1

I was very touched and overwhelmed when I read this!

To my Rica Aiport Hotel family, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation. It has been a great pleasure working with you all.

I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks.
- William Shakespeare

Summer Fun

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, and the birds are singing.

Bore strand (beach)

Fun time is here again!!! After being trapped with indoor activities for months, now it's the time to break free and bask in the warm sunshine.

We ended the day by grilling outside our house together with some friends.

There's no ignoring summer time! Summer is definitely a strong and commanding season, where it leaves many traces of its presence.

7:00 in the evening (19:00) We're still enjoying the sun outside.

Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts! :)

Celebrating The Longest Day in Norway

St. Hans Aften is the ultimate summer feast in Norway. On the evening of June 23, Norwegians light bonfires, pick flowers to put under their pillows, and celebrate summer and light. It is also known as the celebration of St. John the Baptist (Johannas in Norwegian) in other countries.

This year, even though it's raining, Norwegians still celebrated the St. Hans. There are many superstitions connected with Eve of St. John. For instance, the bonfire was believed to give protection from evil spirits and to keep witches away. Another superstition was that herbs and plants had magic powers on this night. Also, if a girl on this day picked 7 different kinds of flowers and put them under her pillow, she would dream about her future husband that night.

Family and friends gathered together and bring their own pølse (sausage) and pork for grilling.

The picture above was taken with my mobile phone around 23:00. The sun doesn't set yet. Happy St. Hans, St. John's Eve or Mid Summer everyone! :)

Scandic's AVP - We are not a hotel!

Two weeks ago, I started my trainings/seminars at Scandic Forus Hotel (1st of June). This is the AVP (Audio-Visual Presentation) of the new hotel I'll be working with. 'Love it! Plus the BGM (BackGround Music) used was my all time fave song by Keane "Everybody's Changing." I have had the best day ever. The hotel will open on 27th of July. My new boss and co-workers are AWESOME! :) We're all NEW... we're all in the same boat! Everyone was warm & welcoming.

We all received a ROSE as a welcoming present before we went inside the conference room at Hall Toll, Stavanger. Then before we left, our big boss announced to everybody that June 2, 3 and 10 (holidays in Norway), we all get paid even if we just stay home. AMAZING!!! :)

After the orientation/meeting, each of us got a Scandic backpack, umbrella and t-shirt. I haven't even started working yet! hehehe

New job, new boss, new team... I'm already excited and really looking forward to start working! :)

Getting a JOB as a Foreigner in Norway

I came here on my big old high horse (remember?!) and fell flat. It's HARD to start from square one in Norway, and I've had to realize that. I didn't have a degree when I came here, so starting all over in school is hard, too, but at the end of the day is the shiny carrot: A job! Getting a job in Norway is NOT easy. It may hurt some feelings, but it's the truth.

Being a foreigner in Norway, I can tell you a thing or two about TRYING to land a job over here... It AIN'T EASY. Well, even if you will learn Norwegian language, STILL it will not be easy to find a job. The priority is always for people who got education in a certain field. Now, this is my experience and the experience of all of my expat friends over here. There are of course those with some wonderful education in a specialized field who will tell you that getting a job over here is EASY, maybe for THEM it was! But for the rest of us... not so much. When I arrived here, having a Bachelor degree, I thought it would be a BREEEZE landing a job. That is what my husband told me. Why wouldn't someone want me?

In other countries specially in the Philippines, most employers think that if you have a degree with a good background, you can be TAUGHT to do anything. Oh you have a BA in Communication? sure you can work on TV, teach, etc. BUT not so much here. In Norway, MOST people work with their degrees, not so much flip flopping as in the U.S. or any other countries. So as you can imagine there wasn't (still isn't) a huge demand for those qualifications in my area. For the first few months I lived here, I scoffed at some of the jobs my husband suggested. PLEASE...I am not going to do THAT or THAT or THAT. Well after a few months of NADA!!! Some of those jobs were looking PRETTY darn good. Too bad those jobs I thought I had been too good for didn't want me either. The easiest job I noticed was to offer cleaning services in every houses, office, etc. (it's better if you can drive to move around) or newspaper girl. I ended up offering a cleaning service. Since I can use my International driver's license for one year in Norway, I drove around the area and put some ads on the stores/malls. I had ZERO knowledge on Norwegian language that time, so I offer the business idea to my new found friend who's also a Filipino but she's been staying here for 5 years (can speak Norwegian). In the beginning it was okey... just to be able to contribute. We were earning better, clients keep on calling us... I enjoyed it because it's tax free and we had a flexible schedule. When I started being really serious on this kind of business... I've got a chance to have a part-time job in a hotel (housekeeping department). The salary was far better... even better than a salary of a doctor working in the Philippines (sad reality!!! don't get me wrong). I was quite lucky to get the job since I don't have any background in hotel plus I can't speak fluent Norwegian langauge. So, we just maintain our clients in our cleaning services (additional income).

I think I could get the job if I could only get my foot in the door. But again... it was not easy!!! I was just praying before that hopefully I can get at least 50% fast jobb (permanent job). Just getting an interview proved almost IMPOSSIBLE. Then finally I saw an ad on the internet offering a 100% permanent job in a new hotel, (with many applicants and I'm not yet fluent on Norwegian language,) I GOT LUCKY! I passed the initial interview and the panel interview. I just signed the contract last month. Then, an amazing thing happened, when I gave my resignation letter to my previous job, they don't want me to go, they said they're willing to offer me a 100% permanent job too and with an increase on my salary. I was confused and I cried infront of the manager... I was overwhelmed!!! She told me to think about the offer. I asked for signs and really pray hard. My heart says grab the new opportunity (new hotel). I feel like I'll have a better future on my new job because they offered me a different position, not just in housekeeping department. What I mean is they know I have a potential and they are willing to give me a chance. So I quit on my previous job. I just hope that I made the right decision.

Many Filipinos who's been in Norway for many years now told me that I'm very lucky to get a permanent job in just one year. (I REALLY feel VERY lucky!) PLUS I'm also working on a new project in line with my passion. I love meeting new people and sharing my knowledge of writing to the refugees. I feel that this opportunity has come at an ideal time in my career as I have been looking for ways to integrate the various strands of my work and market myself as a product. I feel really blessed because everything fall into place. But everything's possible if we have a lot of patience... hard work... an open mind... and FAITH in God!

GOODLUCK!!! :)

A Letter to my Dear Mother-in-Law

Anne Lisbeth is a one in a million Mother-in-Law (sorry you’ll not find any naughty Mother-In-Law jokes here). She lives in Tromsø (North of Norway) where my husband grew up but she visits us often as she can, enjoying the perfect beaches in sunny Stavanger (South of Norway). When I first met her, I don't know how to call her. Since my son used to call her Bestemor (grandmother), sometimes I also call her that way. But after a year, when she visited us again, I'm starting to feel at ease on calling her Svigermor (mother-in-law). It's her birthday today! :)

Dear Svigermor,

On such an important day I haven't forgotten you and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your hospitality, for the good treatment I have received from your family, for all the conversations we have had. I would also like to congratulate you for the marvelous way in which you have brought your son up, something rarely seen nowadays and I sincerely wish you happiness today and forever.

Please know that there is not a day that goes by without you on my mind. I love and respect you as a woman, a mother, a fellow human being, etc. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for opening your own heart to me. You have an incredible mind and soul which you've so generously shared with me. I am honored and awed... a daughter-in-law, you welcomed into your heart.

Thank you for sharing me your secret recipe on your amazing cream cake, and other very important and delicious cakes. My own mother’s not an avid baker but I love it; there’s something amazing about losing yourself in cake mix, the smell of chocolate cake wafting through the house before feasting on your own creation afterwards… And then feasting a little more..then a little more before realizing you really have lost yourself in cake mix- although ‘losing’ is clearly not the operative word when you get on the scales. Maybe it’s best I don’t have more time to bake.

Thank you for fixing and sorting out things for me. This includes everything from socks to my son's clothes. I’m a bit of disorganized if I’m honest, and on your recent visit, you organized everything for me... now it's easier to find things.

Thank you for Geir. Meeting my husband Geir changes my life. He’s one of the good guys and I know that’s greatly thanks to you and Svigerfar. Geir is a loving, patient and oh so supportive husband and father. Oh yes and he’s also very VERY gorgeous. Thank you Svigermor indeed. Good genes and well brought up. What’s not to love?

Thank you for teaching me to be a better mother, your subtle advice on food (homemade rusks anyone?) to not sweating the small stuff, (I’m a pathological worrier) but you're always brimming with great advice. Seeing your unconditional love for Zander is amazing.

Thank you for always making me feel at home. That it doesn’t matter how far you are from your family, you can still be very close. You always make it a point to call us from time to time.

Thank you for you kindness and support. For being there whenever we need you... for always making me feel like one of the family.

Thank you for taking good care of Zander while Geir and I had a vacation in Italy. That vacation meant a lot for both of us. It helped our marriage grew stronger.

I want you to know that you've made such a difference in my life with your warmth and kindness. You have taken me into your house, into your arms, and into your life with a smile and total acceptance.

Thank you for your friendship and all the times when you've listened and understood.

Thank you for loving me as if I were your own.

Please know how much I love you and how much you really mean to me.

Gratulerer med dagen Svigermor! På bursdagen din, jeg ønsker deg alt godt, men det meste jeg ønsker deg helse, kjærlighet og lykke. Jeg vil alltid være takknemlige for at du åpnet ditt hjerte og la meg i, så en ny familie for meg kunne begynne. Stor klem!

Your Daughter-in-Law,
Shelley

Vatican City - The Holy See Slideshow

Vatican City - The Holy See Slideshow: "TripAdvisor™ TripWow ★ Vatican City - The Holy See Slideshow ★ to Vatican City. Stunning free travel slideshows on TripAdvisor"

A Letter to My Mother on her 60th Birthday

Today is my mom's birthday. Anyone who reads my blog knows what an amazing person my mother really is. Since I gave birth, she has literally put her life on hold to help me and take care of my baby. I have spent the past couple of weeks trying to come up with something to do for her on her 60th birthday to thank her for all she has done and show her how much I love her. What I ended up doing was really quite simple. Since I can't go back home to celebrate this special day with her, I called the Red Ribbon, her favorite bakeshop in the Philippines and I ordered 2 designed cakes for her. Then I sent her a package, simple gifts that she will appreciate and I told my brother to buy her a bouquet of flowers and "lechon" (suckling roasted pig), it's the national dish in our country. Then I coordinated with my dad to make a special surprise birthday party for her. But what I really wanted to do was to thank her personally. None of those things really do that. So I decided to go "old school" and sit down and write her out a letter. I think it gets my point across better than anything I could have spent money on. I thought you all might enjoy reading it:

Dear Mom,

I have been trying to think of a way to say "thank you" that can somehow convey how I truly feel about you virtually putting your life on hold for me. The words don't do it justice. I could tell you how much I love you and what an amazing mother you are to me, but that seems like it has been said before. I could try and explain what it means to me to have a mother who is my best friend and confidant in life but it feels like a bad Hallmark card. The words feel too empty because it is not through words that you show me love and teach me how to be a better person. It is through your actions. The way that you love me and my son makes us better people by the mere fact that we get to be around you to experience it.

Maybe it is because I am fully immersed in this parenthood thing, or maybe it is because I cannot tell you how much I miss you on your birthday. If it would have been possible I would have come flying to celebrate this special day with you. For some reason I find myself at a point where I look back on ALL of that actions and decisions you have made over the course of being my mother and I marvel at how you have done it all with such grace and dignity. You would say that you have made mistakes. And you have. We all have and we all will. In fact it is through THOSE times that have shown the true grace and dignity of who you are. You make it all seem so easy. And perhaps before I was trying to trudge through it myself, I thought it WAS easy. But being a parent isn't easy, and doing right by your children is a life-long, full time job. And here I am, I need you now as my mother perhaps more than ever. And you are still here. Still parenting me, and stepping up to help parent my own son.

Now I am a mother, and I now know exactly how you felt. I understand the exhaustion, the worries, sacrifices and I understand something else that I never did before, the love that a mother has for her children is the most powerful, protective, caring, emotional, sacrificing love that will ever exist on this earth.

In a lifetime I will never find another, who will love me as unconditionally as you have. I am truly blessed to not only have you as my mother but a soulmate. One who can see through my smile to know I am hurting. Who will do just about anything to see me happy, even if it means keeping silent whilst performing little deeds in the background. One whose fervent prayers have kept me safe from harm or sickness. I have so much to learn from you. I am always in awe when I witness your generosity, and your kindness to those in need.

"Thank you" will never be sufficient. What I hope WILL be is the promise that I am taking in all that you are and all that you do, and I am tucking it away inside of me to pull on when I need it. If I can be HALF the mother to my own son that you have been to me, and if when he reach adulthood he can feel HALF the love and acceptance and guidance that I have, then and only then will I feel as though I have "thanked you" properly. I cannot tell you how lucky we are to have you in our lives. Zander, Geir and I are all going to be better people because of you. You mean more to us than I could ever tell you. We all love you with all of our hearts and souls and wish you the best birthday in the world! Happy 60th Birthday Mommy!

Your daughter,
Shelley

My Long Vacation -- 21 Days Has Started!

I am starting my long vacation tomorrow. It’s very hard to explain what it entails. My mother-in-law will be visiting us on Wednesday and she will be staying with us for 3 weeks. I'm looking forward to seeing her again. When she's around, everything becomes easy because she's like my mom. Then friends will also visit us from Bergen. It will still be a busy vacation for me! :)

Then for some few days, I want to get away & go someplace peaceful, and where I'd feel free and just relax. relax. relax. I'm so thankful to my mother-in-law because she offered to take good care of our son while my husband and I will go on a short trip.

A vacation! That’s what I badly need right now. I need some time off to unwind and just rest my mind. My mind needs to be devoid of all negative thoughts. I have never realized how chaotic my life was in so many aspects since I moved in Norway and I don’t want the day to come when I’ll just suffer from a breakdown because I couldn’t handle everything anymore.

That’s why I need a vacation. I need to hie off to a place where I can just let my hair down and worry about nothing. A long vacation is not just an extended period of time when your body is away from home. It’s a state of mind, a psychological shift, a way of letting go.

You live, but so much better than before.

Under a cloudy sky sometimes the world looks gray...

Depression is not sobbing and crying and giving vent, it is plain and simple reduction of feeling... People who keep stiff upper lips find that it's damn hard to smile. -Judith Guest

You cry... you feel sad... you get "help"... but it is still there... only now you hide it... you want everyone to believe it is okey... but its not, I'm not okey- its a roller coaster of emotions, you slowly start to feel better and then all of a sudden you crash again... then it starts all over.

Depression to me is like a deep dark pit that once you have reached bottom there is no escape.
At first you began to feel yourself sliding into the shadows and then complete isolation from life. Things begin to lose their color. yellows of the sunshine, and blues of the sky fade to a grey and bleak shadow that seems to overwhelm me. I can no longer see or hear things that are pleasing to me anymore. Dark thoughts of fear and failure dwell within my mind almost constantly. I feel numb to the world and people around me. I want to be left alone because it takes so much work to hide the true pain and sadness I am feeling. The guilt for not being able to handle simple conversations. It is so hard and exhausting to pretend with people that I am okey when in fact I have spiraled downward into what I call THE PIT. It is deep, dark, lonely and inescapable for me sometimes.

Life is sometimes bad. I feel like it's just a bunch of aches and pains. When ever there is some good thing happens, it's inevitable that it is going to end. I've resolved myself. I'm not going to
expect anything but the worst because it's inevitable. Why be caught by surprise by something you know isn't going to last. Don't be a fool, even if it does get better always know it will come to an end.

I don't want any more vicissitudes, I don't want any more of this try, try again stuff. I just want out. I've had it. I am so tired. I just want my OLD life back!

Nerve-wracking interview experience!!!

“Worry pretends to be necessary but serves no useful purpose.” ~Eckhart Tolle

I just had my second interview! That was so nerve-wracking! I've had like six job interviews in my life, and I've always gotten the job. I've never been this nervous. It was actually a group interview... And there is nothing more stressful than going for an interview for the 2nd time (specially if they want me to speak Norwegian... which is next to impossible... lol PLUS they were five people conducting the interview in Norsk but even worse when you have to interview in front of your competitors who were very fluent in speaking Norwegian) kakalurkey talaga!!! But it is essential that you make the best impression you can in this limited time so I told them the truth that I can only speak/understand little Norwegian... good thing they allowed me to speak in English.

The initial interview was very easy for me since the interviewer used 'English language'. It lasted for 45 minutes... and I didn't even notice the time... (bakit kase kailangan ko pang magNorsk sa 2nd interview... lol)

I left the interview convinced that I hadn't done well enough (because of not using the Norwegian language), but I'm still hoping I'd shown them what they wanted... I'm crossing my fingers! :D

My little Ninja! :)

Last Thursday Zander's barnehage (kindergarten) hosted a carnival day. It's a lovely tradition where the kids and the teachers all get to dress up in different costumes and they have a fun day full of games and lots of treats. :)

Zander wants to wear a 'Fireman Sam' outfit or something that looks like 'Handy Manny'. My husband and I went to a Leke butikk (toy store) beside IKEA and of course fireman and police costumes were sold out... so we decided to buy him a ninja outfit. My 3 year old son tried it on his ninja costume, showing everyone in the family and his friends at school. The excitement and joy on his face made this worth every penny. The sword added to the overall effect of the costume. It was so realistic, that his friends at school didn't recognize him right away. All of the other kids were also dressed up... Zander was very fascinated!

When my hubby picked him up in the afternoon, he was still wearing his ninja costume and he told us that he had eaten pølse (sausage), boller and pizza in barnehage.

Social media and blogging connects different people.

Blogging is using a new medium for what it is good for - connecting and interacting. ~George Siemens

Few months ago, I was taking some time off from working and decided to go read some really cool blogs. As I stumbled upon her blog, her story was so compelling, mynewlifeinnorway. She always has some really great articles that are helpful to any blogger. She wrote a post and I commented on it. I didn't know that she also checked my blog. She left some comments... I answered back... and then something amazing happened... we really have started to chat each other. She friended me and sent me a message on Facebook.

This whole episode showed me how social media and blogging connects different people. But on my case, I was very shocked when I found out that she's also a Filipino. We have created a closer connection. I consider her my friend. I just absolutely love making friends with cool peeps like her! I hope to meet her one day.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-7 A Time for Everything!

Everything Really Does Happen for a Reason

"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."
— Marilyn Monroe

Can it really be true that everything happens for a reason? As amazing as it sounds, it is. There is significance in every event of our lives, from the most joyful and empowering to the inexplicable or seemingly unjust. Amazing as it sounds, it is true. It's taken me a long time, but I now see that even in the worst situation-and I've had my share-there are wonderful gifts, hidden opportunities, or life-enhancing lessons. And we couldn't have gotten them any other way. If someone as hardheaded as I am can come to understand this, anyone can.

Of course, sometimes it's easy for us to believe that everything happens for a reason. We see it in little ways, like when our plans for an evening out fall through at the last minute, and we discover that everything we really want is at home that night anyway.

Last year, I was at a point where I needed to make a major life decision. I was planning to go back to the Philippines and just stay there and go back to what I used to do. January this year, I attended a bible study together with my 'kababayans' (fellow Filipinos). They prayed for me and told me to have a vacation. Speaking of vacation, the plan was, we were supposed to have a 3 months vacation in the Philippines this February. But since something came up plus I still don't have my visa yet, and I haven't talked to my boss regarding my vacation, I've decided to stay in Norway. My life was already too busy and this was the thing I needed the most. I feel like, it was almost as if the Universe was forcing me to take a time out- because I was too busy to schedule it for myself.

In this context, “everything happens for a reason” amounts to nothing more than “every cloud has a silver lining”. Rather than looking for a needle of hope in a haystack of despair, let us face the bad things that happen to us as they are, and feel the stronger for it once we have overcome them. Instead of trying to look for reasons why something bad might not be so bad after all, why not accept that bad things happen, do everything in our power to repair the damage, and then enjoy the truly good things in our lives in all their undiluted glory.

Did this situation happen for a reason? As crazy as it sounds, I believe it did and that life is not a haphazard roll of the dice, but rather, an intricately woven tapestry of experiences of great significance. Each event in our lives is important, from the most inspired and enlightened to the seemingly unexplainable, inequitable or incomprehensible.

However, sometimes when we're in the heat of the situation, this is difficult to understand. I was too stuck in the "situation" to even consider that there could be a bigger plan at work. When we look for the meaning, we can find the gift in what could be perceived as a negative experience. By seeing these experiences as lessons and opportunities we find greater purpose in our lives. If you look for and discover the meaning in the random events that happen in your life, everything will change. You will be empowered in a new way, feel a greater connection to the Universe and will step forward with confidence and clarity to live the life of your dreams, knowing that everything does indeed happen for a reason.

God moves in mysterious ways or has plans for us all that we don’t always understand. Now, I'm very happy because I just received a letter from the police that my visa was approved. Since I'm not yet citizen in Norway, I have to renew my visa every year. Finally, my boss allowed me to have a 3 weeks vacation from March 21-April 10... even though I was hoping for 3 months... 'masaya na rin ako sa tatlong linggo.' Now, everything starts to fall into place. (Sana lang magtuloy-tuloy... hehehe) About having a vacation in the Philippines this year, I'm not yet sure... but I know there's a better plan for that one. :)

Problems will always be a part of life, and at times when you’re down, when you’re at your lowest point, talk to God. If you ask sincerely, he will enlighten you, clear your confusion, ease your pain, calm your fears, and heal your heart. It’s not going to provide you an instant solution to your problem, but God works in mysterious ways, and as long as you walk with Him, and just trust and believe, the sooner you’ll get to that place where you’ll see everything clearly, and you’ll finally begin to understand. Everything happens for a reason. You may not understand the reason now, but you will when the time is right.

Have a blessed Sunday everyone! Ha en fin Søndag alle sammen! :)

Happy Hearts' Day!

When most people think of Korean food, they think of kimchi, Korea's staple side dish which, along with rice, accompanies almost every meal. This Valentine's day treat your honey to a delicious and romantic dinner. Happy Hearts' Day and a million happy tomorrows everyone!!! :)

Dak-do-ri-tang
Spicy Braised Chicken w/ Potatoes

Dakdoritang is a traditional braised chicken dish that is full of spices and flavors which are exquisite in taste. Succulent chicken pieces such as thighs, breasts and/or drumsticks are simmered in a base soup where the meat tends to fall off the bones. It is marinated with hot pepper and soy sauce, containing various vegetables such as potatoes, onions and carrots. Some may include jalapenos to this dish in addition to kochujang (red chili pepper paste) which will surely wake up your taste buds. As it can get quite spicy, be sure to eat plenty of rice to offset the heat.
Recipe Ingredients (Yield: 4 Servings)

* 1-2 jalapenos (optional)
* 2 tbsp minced garlic
* 2 tbsp kochujang (Korean red chili pepper paste)
* 2 tbsp kochukaru (Korean red chili pepper flakes)
* 2 tbsp soy sauce
* 1 tsp sugar
* 2 tsp sesame oil
* 2 green onions
* 1 tbsp ginger
* 2 cups water
* Salt and pepper

Cooking Directions:

1. Peel potatoes and cut them into eight pieces (cut each potato in half and then cut each half into four quarters).
2. Cut onions the same way as the potatoes.
3. Peel carrot and cut it into lengths about the same size as its width. Cut each slice into four quarters.
4. Slice jalapeño (julienne), if desired.
5. In a heavy pot, combine all ingredients except green onions.
6. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes over a medium flame.
7. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
8. Chop and add green onions to simmer for 5 additional minutes.
9. Serve hot with rice.

Another Step Of My Life!

Today was my birthday and I went to work. My husband and my mom both told me I should have taken off. I just see it as an ordinary day. A typical birthday celebration back home in the Philippines would be a relaxed barbecue, cake and ice cream, a nice dinner and presents to open and of course a few drinks with family and friends with karaoke singing... that's it. My mom always made a big deal about all of our birthdays. Now that I'm staying in Norway, my husband Geir has taken over with increasing assistance from our 3 years old son.

Usually, I take the day off from work, sleep in a little and spend the day doing whatever I want, which often means a little self-indulgent shopping. However, this year was different!

It’s amazing how differently people react to their birthdays.

Some want to party. Surround themselves with hordes of people and pay homage to themselves.

Others get depressed thinking they have not done enough with their lives.

I, like many, use my birthday (specially this year) as an opportunity to reflect on my life, to examine the ups and downs, and to remember the people, situations, and experiences in my life that I am so grateful for.

I attribute my success and happiness to many factors. However, gratitude is by far the largest contributor.

Because I take time to give thanks for all the good in my life, I recognize just how big a role things like family, mentors, and friends have played in my success. And this, in turn, helps me to be the very best wife, mother, and friend I possibly can. I owe so much to the people and things that have helped push me forward. So I give as much as I can in return. And this has the happy result of helping me get even more out of life!

Gratitude goes beyond appreciation; it goes beyond the emotional state. When you learn how to become deeply aware of the feelings of gratitude, you’ll find that your body actually reflects the emotion in physical form. Gratitude definitely is a choice, although one that is not always easy to make. But the reason I can make this choice is because of what God has given to me.

As I have taken another step of my life, I am honored to share my gratitude list with you.

Here are the top 10 people/things that I am most grateful for:

1) My husband Geir. I never question his love, loyalty (sometimes... lol), and partnership. He is a rock I cherish (and his good looks don’t hurt!).

2) My son Zander. He gave me the gift of motherhood and unconditional love. The compassion and respect he show to all people fills me with pride.

3) My father. He taught me the value of honesty and hard work.

4) My mother, who always tells me the truth even when it’s not what I want to hear.

5) The mistakes I have made in my life. The lessons I have learned from these missteps have made me a better wife, mother, and friend.

6) Having lived in Norway and experienced its wealth of theaters, museums, fine dining, and amazing views.

7) Living outside the city and being able to walk on the beach every day even though it's very cold. hehehe

8) My mentors and colleagues.

9) Music – especially Lifehouse – which allows my creativity to flourish.

And last, but certainly NOT least…

10) My friends all over the world. Your letters, emails, and comments touch my heart and soul every day and make me strive more.

Thank you so much! Maraming Salamat! Tusen takk!
CHEERS!!! :D

Life is a roller-coaster ride...

When I decided to leave everything and board a plane to Europe, I was certainly taking some risks. I was hoping for the best, confident that this was the right move for me and my son together with my hubby, sure that I wanted to live a life different than the one I had been living, and eager to take on the challenges ahead of me. That was one year ago this week, and I have felt sure (in some way)that I made the right choice, that the risk was worth it. I have loved living in Norway, and, more specifically, Stavanger. I'll admit that things were really hard when I first got here. I had no idea that Geir would go straight to work in the morning 14 hours after few days we arrived. I didn't realize all of the things I'd have to take care of while Geir was gone every day. I didn't know a single person, had never been here. Everything was completely new for me. I remember the strange feeling that came over me that first day, when I realized that I didn't have Geir's phone number, I didn't have anyone's phone number in case I needed something. I was on my own, hoping for the best! But here I am, one year later, feeling quite at home. I have friends, I love our home, I'm able to communicate well enough but still using English language and little Norwegian, my son is happy with his place in life here. Stavanger has been a great fit for us, worth the risk and difficulties, and I love living here.

While life in Europe has been everything we hoped it would be, Geir had an accident while working end of 2010. So he needs to stay home for few months. This has been a serious disappointment for him. This part of the experience has definitely clouded our time here for the last few months, but we both decided to just dig in anyway, continue fixing up our home and investing in our life here in other ways. I don't regret that. Something I feel like I've learned through this process is that you cannot be sure what is coming tomorrow, and you just can't worry too much. We have both done our best to simply enjoy the good things in front of us as much as possible.

I don't know what I will do afterward. I pretty much "cashed in my chips" when I made the move out here in the first place, and feel like I don't have much to lose, in terms of money or materials (I don't have any!). Sometimes, I just want to go back to the Philippines and do the things I really want to do. Then I realized, I'm already out here, maybe I can make it work to stay for another year. This is all one big adventure, so I might as well take an extra trip again, and see what it's like living in this place. Of course, I don't know what exactly is getting offered, and at this point everything is quite vague and complicated.

I have always wanted an interesting life. I think this qualifies as very interesting. There is a reason that most people go with what's safe and familiar-- they are far less likely to find themselves unemployed in a new country, far from family and friends, almost broke, and not knowing what's next! But I'm still glad I came. And I am just up for whatever adventure comes my way. Life doesn't always feel secure and cozy, and I have had a LOT of FUN for one year of staying in this country. And I'm sure more is headed my way. In fact, my main focus right now, apart from looking for a better job that I REALLY love is just to have the best time ever, where I am right now...