Too Early For Christmas

While I was cleaning up my desktop computer with all the junk saved documents, I came across with this file. I can't remember what was this for. But I can sense that I was happy writing it. I believe this can be applicable even if it is not yet Christmas. Looking back on what I wrote, I miss being me. I wish I could meet a Fairy Godmother (or a Goblin, haha since I've finished watching 16 episodes of it) who can grant me some wishes. Or maybe this is just a reminder for me to see Jesus and Mama Mary since it is a Sunday. Before Miguel goes back to school on Tuesday, I am singing this familiar tune again! "It's so little time so much to do, I'd rather spend my days with you. It's so little time so much to do, I'd like to spend one day with you. And if that day is not enough maybe we can stay in touch. But I'm not making plans for tomorrow, for tomorrow never comes." 

Well, enjoy reading and let us all find our passion starting today! :)

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October 17, 2015 at 5:56 PM

What is your Christmas wish list for yourself?

This year, our Christmas will be totally different compared to the past Christmases we have celebrated.
It will be different materially and emotionally.
I have been working for the past 11 years under a BPO Industry, and this means, graveyard shifts and shifts even on a holiday.
This year, 2015, I chose and decided on what will benefit my son and my family.
I ended my career in the BPO Industry on June 8, 2015 and chose to be a stay-at-home mom.
This also ended my never ending itch to buy anything that I see in the bazaars, late night and early morning trips to different kinds of fast food chains to eat, and my body clock adjusting itself to sleep in midday so I can wake up and drag myself for another 1:00 AM Shift the next day.
I am happy to say that I am not confused any more with the days and which time zone I am in.
I learned to cook and to prepare my son’s school needs, which is really a big salutation for my mom since she was doing it in our behalf for more than 8 years! I never imagined how difficult it was until I have experienced it myself. Come to think of it, she has been doing those things since we were a kid as well as with her grandchild. You are the most caring and organize, Mama!
Physically, it has been really exhausting (Take note, it has only been 4 months since I chose to be hands-on with everything at home, argh!)

But at the end of the day, my reward awaits.

I am informed first-hand about my son’s adventures and misadventures in school, I am able to make him eat vegetables (Whoohoo) and it is nice to hear whether it is true or just make believe that all of my cooked dishes taste good on him, Ha ha! And to wrap it up, we go to sleep together at night, before 9:00 PM, after I put on powder on his back, after we say our prayers, with never ending guesses who will say “Good Night” and “Eat-Dreams” first or simultaneously until he falls asleep.
Honestly, letting my husband alone to work and produce money for our family nowadays is the biggest risk I have ever made.

The lifestyle we used to have when both of us were working was comfortable materially for us.
But the fulfillment I get to experience and to improve my mommy-duties (and myself as a whole) cannot be repaid with a specific monetary compensation. (Perhaps, if my hourly rate will be $1 Million, I’ll think about it)

So this Christmas, all I want for myself is to have more strength, courage and positivity to do anything for my family. Every day is a training ground and a test of my patience and understanding, and accounting skills as well.

What are your Christmas gift ideas for your loved ones this year?

Well, since I have more time at home now, did I mention we make personalized T-Shirts and Jackets?
Since we still have a stock of plain shirts at home, I am going to finally print them their much awaited personalized shirt rolled into one. In time for their birthday, Christmas and New Year!

How do you plan to give back to others this Christmas?

Every day is a blessing. And with my own schedule, I can render my services any time of the day.
I feel I need to catch up on a lot of things. First is to organize and clean the house. We have a lot of unused and in well – conditioned items. I believe there are others out there who need it most. Secondly, I need to get started with the layout and design for the personalized T-Shirts. And while I prepare and buy the materials I would need, I can also check this out as an added token for my Christmas gift ideas:
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I have no clue of what was I supposed to say that time. I am not sure why I did not finish it. Maybe something or somebody interrupted me and I forgot I was working on this.
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My First Voting Experience

#PHVote2016

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. 

Indeed, especially if it is during an Election Day. I know, I'm already 32 yrs. old and this is the first time for me to exercise my right to suffrage due to the following reasons:

• Mismanagement of authorities that my registration documents had to be reprocessed while I was in Abra for our college thesis

• Lack of interest since my schedule was upside down during my BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) years that I preferred to sleep and do other things than register to vote.  

  So, after venturing to other careers, I was finally able to find time, rather I had a lot of time to visit our organized City Hall, therefore, I had finally completed my registration and biometrics and hopefully I'll get my actual Voter's ID soon! 

As a first time voter, I prepared myself by being informed about the dos and don'ts imposed by the COMELEC (Commission on Elections) and knowing each candidate based on their portfolio, moral acts and actual public service. And I firmly believe that those candidates I have selected today truly deserve the position they are running for and that they will greatly lead the Philippines, one step at a time, to a positive and a progressive change. I felt it as I look at my Voter's receipt. I'm glad that I did not encounter too much hassle compared to others, or else!

Now I also understand the reason why others choose not to vote. No matter how we try to modernize the equipment being used during elections, we still have the same old low tech and unorganized system. Sir/Ma'am, please do not forget that it should also be included in the advancement of things. No one or nothing should be left behind. Little things take for granted are the things that can pull you down or slow you down in the course of life. Be it in terms of personal or career goals. I know this first hand in many ways and situations. Since the choices I made have dictated the life I'm living now. 

I have said before that I wanted to be a Senior Citizen as soon as I can but in a scenario like this, I wanted to be a Super Senior Citizen. I pity them when the system plays them around and makes them feel helpless. My mama is a senior citizen and she was eager to vote. Instead of seeing guides or a map upon entering the school assigned to our barangay, we have to check the posted list of voters on each classroom that shows our polling precinct number. 

Lo and behold! Her name was not on the list under her precinct number. We asked some officials and confirmed that they don't have an access via computer to easily search our inquiry. There was a section for PPCRV (Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting) where you can manually go over the paper copies of all the voters’ names. We confirmed with our family friend that her name was also missing and she found out that it was included on a different precinct number. I was thinking maybe, since my mother recently became a senior citizen, COMELEC, decided to transfer her on a different polling precinct number together with other Senior Citizens without even sending any notice, great! And to my surprise, she was! I left her to the “new” polling precinct assigned to her.

So, off I go and I went to my polling precinct upstairs. There was also a man who had the same situation. His children's names were listed except his wife's and his name. He approached one of the BEIs (Board of Election Inspectors) and went through the paper master file list they have. He was also not on the list, therefore, the man wasn't able to vote and he was upset that he has to waste his time searching where his name got listed.

A vote missed, a vote wasted.

While I was waiting for my turn, I prayed that everything will go smoothly and be followed as planned when my moment comes. 

This is the outline version of what had happened to me:

• Presented voter's slip and SSS ID
• On the list outside the polling precinct I was #62
• Confirmed that I am #82 on the master list
• Signed across my name and logged my name on a separate bond paper that looks like for attendance purposes, there was one for the Males and the other one noted for the Females
• Got my ballot, folder and marker
• Sat on the chair close to the window farther to the ride side of the room
• Took my time in shading my bets cause I don't want to get any error messages or other excuses
• I wanted it badly that my vote will be counted!
• A bit ticked off when someone tap her folder on my table while I was writing, excuse me!?
• Ha ha, I was able to contain my emotion cause I was focused on what I was doing
• The VCM (Vote Counting Machine) had a bit of an attitude like an idle time or lag time error every after 2 ballots were fed. It was like wanting a continuous feeding of papers to its mouth
• Finished! I had the same feeling when I was taking an exam in school and I know I have given my all to answer every question, didn't under or over vote (I have all the time, chance and power in my hands now not to put it into waste or let the moment pass by for nothing) and I am satisfied whatever the result will be because I know that my participation in this event will be worth it
• Asked the BEI the next step
• Went forward to the VCM to feed my ballot
• Praying it will take it smoothly
• Gave back the folder and marker
• Allowed the VCM to take the paper instead of shoving it to the feeder resulting to paper jam or possible errors 
• Surprised when I got a message on the screen that my “time has expired” while the entire ballot is going through the feeder and the BEI assured me that it is okay
• Waited for my voting receipt
• Voila! It showed completely my selected candidates, I'm a happy kid/voter inside
•  Got inked, He he, but I felt I was up for a manicure and presented my 2 hands to the BEI, she inked my left forefinger instead of the right looking like my nail has a smudged eyeliner after crying blue tears
• Folded the receipt and inserted it on the black receptacle box
• Went outside the polling precinct and looked for my mama (No time for Selfies or what not, I did not go there for a photo shoot, I went there to vote!)

While I was looking for mama, the number of voters in the school doubled! It pays to be early indeed! I also saw my friend in line & I asked her if she saw my mother. She said that there were some inconsistencies in the master list that my mama went towards the PPCRV to get assistance. 

True to that, I saw my mother exhausted and disappointed. She confirmed that her name was not on the masters list on both the “new” and previous polling precinct numbers assigned to her and the BEIs advised her to go back and forth for her to find out the real score. She has arthritis on her knee joints and this charade made it distressing for her. 

I’m not sure how COMELEC save or update their files, if they have 2 separate files for the list outside the polling precinct and the ones they use before you are allowed to vote. Should it be identical in the first place? My father's name was included on the list and my mother is using the same last name. How come it was not there? Was it accidentally deleted together with the other registered voters whose names were also missing? Oh man, the endless what ifs. Well, instead of bidding for the shirt/uniform/other paraphernalia, I’m grateful that it was fortunately cancelled! It could have been beneficial for all of us if you have spent your time organizing your files to end this inconvenience especially to Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities. It could have greatly changed your image for the better without even spending a lot, if that was your only main concern.

Well, a vote missed, a vote wasted, again.

At the end of the day, I can say that all is well. Let us continue on praying because it has not ended yet until the proclamation day of the victors. At this time, I am opting out to watch newsfeeds about violent happenings in other regions and delaying tactics. (I’m thankful we do not have these kinds of nuisances in our place)

Thank you for your guidance, Jesus and Mama Mary.

God bless the Philippines.