New Year's Superstition

The old folks have so much influence when it comes to superstition. The Philippines has many superstitions pertaining to the New Year. Most Filipino superstitions derive in hopes for blessings, particularly the abundance of food and money. Looking back, they make me laugh. As far as I remember even my mom has been doing some of those creeds since I was a kid. Though I don't really think those certitudes will affect the kind of life you'll have in the coming year, I still respect the idea being passed from one generation to the next. It just so happened that I was born in a new era otherwise I will continue such beliefs and maybe influence my American husband as well. Hahahaha...

1. Filipinos believe that at New Year's eve, the doors and windows should be open for blessings to come into the house. The logic behind this is that if the windows and doors are open, it will invite good luck to flow into the house.

2. Wearing polka dots on New Year's eve will bring lots of money throughout the year. This superstition derived from the belief that polka dots are a symbol of money, particularly coins. Round fruit is also a representation of money. Putting twelve different kinds in the table means more financial blessings in the coming year.

3. If someone were to put money in their pocket on New Year's eve, he or she will have money for the rest of the year.

4. When I was a kid, the moment the clock struck twelve, I and my siblings were asked to jump as high as we can. The act is supposed to make us tall.

5. During December 31, mom is very specific in having the whole house spotlessly clean. This is supposed to make our home clean the whole year round.

6. Also, all the containers at our house are filled to the brim - coffee, milk, sugar and creamer containers and even our rice dispensers so the whole year, we have an abundance of such.

New Look For the New Year

My friend and I had our hair cut today. We really did not plan of getting one but while strolling around the mall window shopping, we saw this big banner in a salon. They are having promo for the rest of the week. A simple hair cut costs only $13.00. Not that bad huh? It is rare for this kind of promo considering the very low price. We did take advantage of it. It is very cheap compared to other salon which I have inquired near our area. Most salon have the same price range of $40-$70, excluding the tip. So we decided to have our hair cut and have a new look for the new year.

My Virgin Friends

Finally, my two dearest friends are married and settled. They are my close former colleagues who are very conservative, the prim and proper type of girls, and they are certified virgins. Well, I'm happy for both of them. I'm sure after saving themselves for marriage and for the right person, they are now tasting the pleasure of sex. Hahaha... I guess, it's worth the wait for the two of them. What is so funny about this whole thing is they got sick after the first night. Maybe they were not able to managed it? Or shall I say practice makes perfect. And honeymoon isn't over yet.

Emails from Supervisors

I was very much surprised when I opened my yahoo account and saw two emails from my two previous supervisors. The company that I've applied with a week ago really wanted to check my work performance on my recent employment. I gave them my last company's phone numbers but it's too impossible to reach my former bosses because of the time zone difference. They are 13 hours ahead of us here in the US. Thank God, my bosses are so cooperative and supportive and I'm glad they don't mind putting them as one of my character references in my job applications. I know they are quiet busy in the office and the evaluation attachment took them time to fill up. The forms consisted of three copies and concerns on my strengths & weaknesses, attendance, punctuality, interpersonal skills, communication skills, quality of work, and my overall attitude and performance. With the help of my previous supervisors, I really hope I will land a great job soon.

I Really Miss The Beach

I am a certified beach bum! Never mind the swimming skills because unfortunately I don't have them. But the thought of just spending time in a resort for days, relaxing and hearing the sound of the seawaves is nothing compared to traveling in a new place or city. I really love the beach and now I miss it. My hubby sometimes called me an island girl. Hehehe. You see, I came from the Philippines which consists of 7, 107 islands. If Hawaii has seven islands, we have thousands in my country. I have been here for months and there is no beach here in Maryland as calm and as nice as my hometown's. Well, we have the ocean city but the waves are so scary just like when we had our trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey. I am not a swimmer and big waves frighten me to death! I guess, I just have to be contented with bubble bath for now.

I Miss Riding In A Jeepney

The jeepney is one of the Filipinos means of transportation. Aside from bus, taxis, minicab, the common people and the public ride on these jeepneys going to places, to work, malls, churches, market and even to long distance travel destinations. Some people (middle class and those who can afford the rising cost of gasoline) own cars and SUV's but for more practical reasons, jeepneys could be a substitute especially for short distances. The last time I took a jeepney about a year ago cost me less than ten pesos (Philippine currency) which equates to
$0.25. With that amount, you can already go to places.

The first few months was so hard for me because I do not have the state license to drive. They have busses here but they have schedules what time to arrive and leave at a certain destination. And now that I am driving, I still miss riding in a jeepney. Sometimes when I am stuck in traffic in the highway or gets tired driving in a freeway or interstate, I remember our jeepneys back home. Being a passenger, you do not have to worry about maneuvering the steering wheels nor get nervous every time there is a police car behind you. A jeepney can accommodate 16 passengers and it's fun because you will meet other people also. If you are close to your destination, do not forget your fare so you will never hear a complain or a scream from the driver. LoL. I really miss it, the stress-free ride.

Merry Christmas!

Santa delivered lots of gifts today! We exchanged presents after having a sumptuous lunch in my mother-in-law's house. I was quiet astonished of the numerous stuffs I got from them. It's different here when it comes to gift giving. I was totally shocked and very much surprised when I had four gifts from hubby's brother and five from my mom-in-law and they were individually wrapped. I'm glad mom loved my gift plus the greeting cards with check. We really did have a great Christmas this year.

Out of Town for Christmas

It's been a long day. We woke up early for my job interview at 9:00 am. My ever supported hubby drove me to the location and patiently waited in the parking lot for almost two hours. I took a series of tests (data entry & customer service case scenarios in a call center setting) after the quick interview by the staffing supervisor. I guess I did well because she mentioned calling me in a week. A good sign though but I won't expect that much. It was so weird because of the many offices in that huge building, seemed like they were the only suite open. After leaving the establishment we bought a card for my mom-in-law and headed back home and arranged our gifts. We were on the interstate hi-way late in the afternoon going to hubby's hometown where we intend to spend a night for the following Christmas day celebration. I got so busy helping with food preparation and making of my favorite desserts (chocolate and cheesecake). We had them all ready for tomorrow plus turkey, ham, mashed & sweet potato, bread rolls, mixed vegetables and sweet corn. I was happy to call my family back home in the Philippines and greeted my sisters & some close relatives. They were very much grateful of the package I sent two months ago. Deep inside, I felt joyful as well, knowing that I made a lot of people happy with my gifts. I had been shopping for them since April. I know it's worth it. Anyway, it was the first time my mother and hubby's mom was able to talked on the phone. I hope someday they'll meet in person. I'm sure it would be a perfect out of town Christmas to celebrate.