Its been a year and one day since that fateful day when Ondoy struck hard and changed lives of millions. Us included. As I look back to the year that was, its more so that I feel blessed for all the experiences, hardships, and gifts of love for the past year.
I've just stopped from work last July 2009 so when Ondoy happened, I was staying at home and was able to clean and put back what Ondoy destroyed. Despite being one of the thousands flooded that day, all I felt after the flood was through and the electricity was up and we could look at the news, was to thank God for sparing our lives, and while we had to throw so many stuff away and it took us a month to put life back to normal, a lot had it worse, suffering the loss of loved ones, homes, cars, and livelihood. All our appliances worked after Ondoy. Our car, although it was wet and a bit flooded, survived without any major problems and there was no need to bring it to an auto shop for repairs. We received a lot of help from family and neighbors and friends, and no one got sick because of the flood waters. It was an experience we won't forget but rather than to feel remorse or abandoned, I feel blessed that whatever damage was brought about by Ondoy, we were able to move on.
A month after I had my first stint at business and I'd say it did well. Now even as I do it part-time I know it will work and I know some people already trust me to become repeat customers. I will still work on the bazaars despite working full time. That I know for sure.
I let our 1st househelp go last December. I was seeing things that I felt were not good for my daughter and didn't like the way she was acting up. While I was tired at night having to bring a toddler everywhere, I was thankful that I could spend time with her, while a lot of moms having full time jobs don't get as much chance. I spent 3 months as full time nanny and wife before the blessing of another househelp, twice as good as the first, came. I still consider her as one of my blessings.
Starting January I actively started looking for work again. It was hard in that I was looking at getting into a senior/mid-manager position but a lot that was coming in was more of supervisory posts. But I tried anyway. I got some offers but they were far below expectations. And I was finding it harder and harder to balance the home budget. I was never a big spender but I wanted to have the liberty to go out with family and spend some for them. And I felt guilty that all the earnings of hubby went to the family. I always did let him have the things he wanted, spend for his hobbies. But he stepped up and offered to give everything and just leave some allowance for him. He was even the one to tell me to reject the offers that came that were too low. He felt I deserved better.
The job offer I was waiting for finally came in June. It was near our home and the pay is good. The position was what I was waiting for too. Its a good company and I enjoy what I do. Now, three months into this career and there are no regrets. We get to enjoy some family eat-outs and I can splurge a little when I want to. Life is good.
So the past year was one great roller coaster ride. But it brought me closer to family, and while it was the hardest we have had so far as a family, it made us realize priorities and made us want to plan more for the future. Now life is back on track and while I find myself so busy at times, balancing work, business, some more outside work, family, and friends. Sometimes I feel I don't even have time to spend for myself. I'm in dire need of a haircut, a massage and waxing. But I go to sleep at night and always, always feel thankful for all the blessings we've received.
Sometimes it takes challenges for us to be wiser and stronger. And for me the past year was exactly what I needed. :-)
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