when work doesn't feel like work

I finally know what other people mean when they say that they don't feel like working because they do what they love to do. 

Presenting, my second issue!

What's in this issue? Find out here!

the first two weeks

It's been two weeks since I started on my new job/career as Real Living's managing editor, and all I could say is...I'm having a blast! I feel blessed to be part of a great team who knows how to appreciate what our magazine stands for. Sure, turnovers and deadlines can be a pain, but the hardship is compensated by a daily dose of creativity witnessed during shoots and events. And in my first two weeks, I've seen enough to be inspired. How inspired? Let's just say that all those wonderful colors I see almost every day, whether at shoots or visits to exhibits, have translated to how I decorate our own nest. 

The table runner (first photo above) is actually a steal from Landmark: it's reversible and costs only Php199! Such a great find! Meanwhile, the pillows are from Duo Deco (the big, floral ones), SM Homeworld (the ones with green geometric prints), and Mandaue Foam Furniture (the yellow/white one with orange embroidery). Since it's already summer, I decided to update our throw pillows as a means of adding more color to our place. The ones from Duo Deco and SM Homeworld are newly acquired, actually, and I just mixed them with the one from Mandaue (which belongs to our original set). Francis and I also bought new curtains to complement these summery pillows. I was originally gunning for something printed, but decided on a plain, olive green set to temper the explosion of prints and colors on our couch. Haha!

But it's not just our home that benefits from my new job. My closet, too, got a little update, thanks to this year's Manila Fame.

There were so many pretty, locally made accessories (aside from magnificent furniture pieces, of course) showcased, but the one above, which is a neck piece  from Avatar, caught my eye and my heart (haha!) that there was no other option but to buy it.

So yes, I am loving my job. Aside from the fact that there's less stress compared with the previous one I had, seeing pretty things on a daily basis makes it less tedious. The only thing I "hate" about it? I spend on those pretty things. Haha!

a holiday in Singapore: day 5

Having fever for two days almost ruined our holiday vacation, so at the very last minute (well, we had seven more  minutes to spare), Francis and I decided to rebook our flight. (I already felt way better that morning when we were packing.) Good thing we found one that departs from Singapore a little past midnight of the 3oth, thereby extending our stay for a day and a half. Also, it was great that even though our original room was no longer available for one more night, a room on the roof deck was. Running out of options, we decided to take it so we no longer have to worry about anything else--just my fever recurring, haha (it never did, thank God!). 

Once arrangements were finalized, we immediately  headed to our default hawker in Albert Center, just across Bugis Street Market. It was off to Kinokuniya after that. 

Bugis by day

Books galore
Kinokuniya is heaven. I finally found this book I had been looking for for a year or so: No One Belongs Here More Than You by Miranda July. It's the last copy, mind you, so I know it was really meant for me. But that's not the only treasure I found--there's also this food photography book by an awesome food photographer/stylist Helene Dujardin (she's in love with ambient lighting, which I also love and want to master). And to mark the pages of these books, I bought a very pretty bookmark. Hee!

Searching for treasures made more efficient!

Hayao Miyazaki movies!!!

I had to restrain myself from buying this one. Boo!

My treasures!

Meanwhile, Francis hoarded some Jeff Buckley literature, and would have gotten more books had it not been for a self-imposed budget (I, too, would have!). Nevertheless, Kinokuniya's selection is something I'm impressed with. Can somebody bring that bookstore over here? 

A walk in the garden 
Before heading to Gardens by the Bay (which was originally scheduled the previous day), we grabbed some pastries and sat down for a couple of minutes in Takashimaya, for we know a lot of walking would be involved in our next destination. As soon as we felt we're ready to walk for hours, we headed straight to Gardens by the Bay.

It was overcast that day, and we were afraid it might pour and ruin our outdoor sightseeing. But the weather took pity on us and just stayed gloomy, sans the rain. 

On our way to Gardens by the Bay. Wish our MRT here is as sane as in SG. Haha!

Bridgeway to Gardens

Long and winding queue

Although the Bay South Outdoor Garden is free, I suggest you check out the Cloud Forest and Flower Domes (S$28 for both) because it's worth it. Make sure to go there late in the afternoon, so that after touring the two cooled conservatories (it takes about an hour to tour each), you'll be in time to catch Garden Rhapsody, where the Supertrees get all lit up accompanied by a majestic symphony. 

Anyway, instead of blabbing about it, here's a simple vid of our Gardens by the Bay experience.   

it's another career journey (and i am bursting with joy!)

I passed the dreaded interview (and got challenged to further improve my craft), signed the papers, and am now preparing to complete the employment requirements.

In a few weeks' time, I will be officially the new Managing Editor for Real Living magazine.

(Writing that down here feels terribly good.)

I waited for this opportunity for years; it wasn't an easy wait, but I am so glad I did. Some people might actually find it crazy that I had to resign from my previous job when, after only a few months, I'd be back in the same company. I could have just endured a few more months in my old job so that I could have retained my regular employment status and all the benefits that came with it. I could have. But I chose not to.

A few more weeks in that old job would have driven me clinically insane. Those few weeks prior to my resignation, I was at my worst--emotionally and mentally, and to a certain degree, physically. I knew I had to get out. And although I don't regret the experience in my almost seven-year job in a pseudo-ad agency department (it honed me to be a better manager and taught me how to handle pressure gracefully), the stress became a monster that I was no longer willing to battle with. It wasn't worth it. Worse, I never had the opportunity to improve something I really love doing--writing (not to be confused with copywriting, please). While my managing skills really did improve by leaps, my writing skills took a backseat. Also, I believe that had I not made that big decision, it would not have been easy for me to grab this opportunity.

But now, now  I have the chance to finally do what I've always wanted to do--write, and be part of an editorial team again. I am excited to be part of a team and brainstorm ideas and see those ideas translated into crisp and colorful pages monthly--without any AEs or clients telling me to do a fourth and a fifth study, or that they're sorry they now have a different direction so please make four more mockups from scratch, or let's just tell the crew you already booked for tomorrow that we're moving the shoot next week, kthanksbye. 

Emancipation. At last.

That's not to say, of course, that there won't be any stress in my new job. There's no stress-free job, to begin with. But I know that this new set of stress is something I am willing to handle, that it's worth it. And the best part is, this new job makes me want to be a better writer, a better manager, a better team player. This motivation to give all the best that I have thrills me and excites me in a way that my previous job failed to do. 

I know that the moment I signed those papers, I also signed up to the challenge of stepping up my game and meeting high expectations. And I promise myself that I shall meet that challenge head on. The Lord has been gracious enough to give me this job. He taught me how to be patient and how to trust in Him more, and that if I remain still, He will grant the answer to my prayers in His perfect time. I know He will provide me with everything I need to be good at this so I can give back the glory to Him. 

(To my friends and family who have prayed and supported me in my decisions, THANK YOU.)

P.S.

For the record, the freelancing life has been good to me; and in case the time comes when I have to live it again, I won't be afraid anymore. Haha!

patience is a virtue

I remained still and I trusted, and He answered that prayer. 

TO HIM BE THE GLORY!!!

(Sorry for being cryptic. I'll share reveal more details soon. I have yet to finalize certain things and find words to express my gratitude.)

surprised and stoked

When I said in my previous entry that I shall surprise myself on the  32nd year of my life here on Earth, I never thought I'd be faced with a situation that will require me to do so: surfing in Baler.

See, I am such a lame swimmer. I can only "swim" if my feet can still touch the bottom of a pool/the sea. Throw me in the middle of the ocean and I'd most likely drown without a fight--that, or I'll lie on my back in an attempt to float until I, uhm, die. So when I joined Francis and his officemates for a trip to Baler for a wedding, I was already prepared to get disappointed at myself because I know I'd chicken out and would not even attempt to learn to surf. Even Francis was hesitant with the idea. He was actually almost discouraging me because if I fall off the board and drown, even he can't rescue me because, well, his swimming skills are also limited. And so during our first day, I was content to just take a dip in Baler's warm but restless waters. 

Our second (and last) day in Baler was different, though. 

It was a Saturday, so tourists and surfers alike flocked the beach to catch some waves. There were actually a lot of student surfers. One of Francis' colleagues, Alyza, braved the waters and was able to stand on the board despite not knowing how to swim as well. Seeing the precious joy in her face the moment she was able to stand on the board gave me much encouragement, to my husband's dismay. Therefore, mustering up all the courage I have, I decided to give it a shot. 

With frazzled nerves and a rented rash guard that's obviously two sizes bigger for me, I went into the water and entrusted my life to a stranger (my assigned instructor) I have known for barely five minutes. And this was how it went...

 

Now ain't that neat for a first-time surfer who barely knows how to swim?!? I felt (I still do!) so proud of myself! Even Francis was happy to see how his stubborn wife was able to actually balance herself on the water! Haha!

It was really, really, really cool! It's already been over a month since that experience, but whenever I go back to it, I still have that stoked feeling. I feel more proud of myself because I was brave enough to get out of my comfort zone and actually try something that daring. I know that I would have regretted it big time had I let the opportunity pass. What are the chances that I'd get to go back to Baler again, right? I'd probably hate myself if I didn't even dare to try. But I did, and I have photos to prove how much fun I had. So now, there's actually a reason to go back to Baler, eh?

I'd like to believe this is the first of the many happy surprises in store for me. I can't wait!

so what makes an ideal wife?

My colleague asked me to ask Francis if it's okay with him to answer some questions about his take on an ideal wife. Francis said he's just fine with it. So when he checked his email a while ago, he was surprised to see just one question: What makes a good wife?

His (not serious) answer, which he said out loud?

"Maliit, maingay, mahilig maglaro ng computer games, late matulog, matigas ulo, mahina kumain, minamasahe ako."

(Small, noisy, likes to play computer games, late sleeper, stubborn, picky eater, gives me massages.)

Hahahahahah!

a happy, happy day!

Three wonderful things happened today.

Last night, on the way home after watching Twilight with Francis, Cindy and her friend Mel in Robinsons Galleria (was disappointed by the movie, by the way), I realized I didn't have my Starbucks planner with me--which means, I must've left it somewhere, either in Podium or Galleria. But then again, when I tried to recall real hard where I probably have left it, I don't remember ever having it with me when we were in Galleria. That must mean I left it somewhere in Podium, in the 2nd level comfort room, if memory serves me right. So early this morning, I immediately called the Podium administration to report what happened, and they were very kind enough to accommodate my dilemma. A certain Mr. Gomez entertained my call. He got my name and contact number, assuring me he'd endorse the issue to their secretary, Michelle. I called them at 8am; come 10:30, our phone rang and my sister called for me, saying someone from Podium was calling. I was so happy to hear from Michelle that they did find my planner! It was pure joy! That planner contains 11 months of my 2008 life, so I prayed really hard that I'd be able to find it. So before meeting with Francis tomorrow for our "official" anniversary date, I'll drop by Podium to claim my beloved planner.

Then this afternoon, my sister and I went to Divisoria to check on the color of the fabric for my entourage. I was worried that the couturier would really have a hard time finding the perfect fabric in the perfect shade of plum we want. But lo and behold, after an exhausting walk to the couturier's stall, they found a better one! Wooopee! Happy bride I am!

And since we were in Divisoria, we made most of the time by scouring the place for the perfect wedding favor, which is the only thing unchecked in our list. Francis and I were hoping to find something musically themed. After minutes of walking and pushing around amid the crowd, sis and I were disappointed to see that the many wedding giveaways there are the ordinary ones that didn't really suit our taste. We decided to just head home, as my sis still has to attend choir practice by 7pm. She decided we take a short cut, hoping to find an easier (and less crowded) way back to where we can hail a PUV to the LRT station. Unfortunately, it was a bad decision; we found ourselves squished among a stream of busy shoppers, and I had to scold my sister for insiting we take that "short cut". Good thing there's this sidestreet with less people (but a tad crowded with mechandise). And just before turning another street, we passed by this quaint store, Grandway Commercial, housing lots of figurines and other house decor. I dragged my sister in to see if we can find something nice. We were barely in the store for five mintues when I found these cute steel figurines holding various musical instruments! It's like I was meant to find them! Such serendipity! Not wasting any time, I took a picture of one figurine, sent it to Francis, and hurriedly called him to ask his opinion. I wasn't disappointed--he loves them! Therefore, I haggled for a more reasonable price and told the sales clerk I'd be back as soon as I can to finalize my order. It's been a blessing finding that store! They also have lots of wonderful, quirky pieces that'll spice up any home--cute salt and pepper shakers, a beehive container (yes, a beehive!), antique-looking oriental chests, and other wonderful stuff.

Thank the Lord for a blessed day!

counting my blessings

Things seem to be good lately. They may not be totally good (what could really be good when a friend passed away), but I’m happy that they’re looking up.

First, I’m all excited about Monday, the 26^th. It’s our 9^th year together, and I can’t thank God enough for giving us nine blissfully blessed years. Francis and I plan to head to Tagaytay and see what other new places it has to offer. Every year, we try something new as much as possible (though we spent our 7^th also in Tagaytay, but I’m cool with it). Francis promised me an out-of-town celebration because he knows how badly I need to escape from my job’s inhumane demands and chaotic work sched. I was actually looking at some place farther than Tagaytay, but I’m so desperate to get out of town I’d probably be happy just to go to Laguna. (Well, no, not really). So yeah, Monday is something to look forward to, and that rarely happens because I don’t usually get excited over the first day of the workweek.

Second, this project I’ve been working on is extending for next year. Let’s just say that it’s this one project (let me call it The Project) that I get worked up and happy with—perhaps this is that one project we’re advised to keep close to our hearts so we can all be sane and not resign. Haha! During our recent seminar, we were blatantly told that yes, there are indeed crappy projects; but we have to find this one, golden assignment that we’d be so proud of it could save us from insanity. And I really think this is the one. In the two years that I’ve spent in this pseudo-ad agency department, I’m surprised to see myself waking up very early in the morning despite only three hours of sleep just to make it on time for an early morning shoot. Last week, when I was told that there’d be a meeting to plan for next year, I got excited—never mind if it’s a four-hour brainstorming session.

There are actually a lot of things about The Project that makes me feel perky about, but suffice it to say that it has given me the chance to do what I really want to do and make me want to, um, stay. I would want to get into more details but I don’t want to preempt things, so let’s just leave it at that for now.

Third, I’m constantly being bombarded with blessings (in the form of the written word) that not only allow me to make regular trips to the bank, but also makes me feel fulfilled. Even though at times the load seems overwhelming, I really can’t complain. I only have to worry about my deadlines because I think I’m already lagging behind. Gah!

Fourth, a sweet “accident” recently happened: last Sunday, 18 November, was Sing!, a mini-concert prepared by our church’s Young Adults/Praise team (photos are on their way). I was only supposed to perform a solo number in that event; but one of the praise team members had an emergency so she couldn’t make it. Her role was passed on to me, and I didn’t really mind. What I did mind was the fact that I didn’t know the songs in the lineup, and I barely had a day to practice. I only got to actually learn the lineup on the night before the event. But thank God I was able to pick up and there I was, gladly leading a congregation on that night of musical worship service together with my co-Young Adults. It’s just a wonderful, wonderful feeling to have actually worshipped our Maker through the talents He’s given us. Indeed, music is one great instrument that can bless other people.

Fifth, it’s almost the end of the month, which means that Francis’ contract in Cavite will expire. He’d be back here in Manila, and we’d be back to normal. Though I know that in the future, he’d most likely be assigned to some place else, I’m taking things one day at a time. Might as well enjoy bus trips together before another assignment takes that away.

So this is how it feels to actually count your blessings. Happy sigh.