We always ask when our salary raise will come? We raise hell when the paycheck is delayed. We whine about this and complain about that. But have you ever wondered whether you deserve these things you’re asking for? Or are you so full of yourself and conceited?
I am grateful for this wonderful job I have. While I might have been doing this for more than six years now, and though it sometimes get to the point where it has gotten boring, still, I greatly appreciate the wonderful opportunity to earn. I even thank Him for the small miracle that my brother’s IT job search has finally paid off. He graduated last October and now has a job in the IT Department of a big bank in Ortigas.
With the massive layoffs and cutbacks that many companies are experiencing, it’s high time we prove ourselves. We are not untouchable. The company can replace us anytime. I’d be the first to admit it. I’m not always giving it my all. I tend to go with the flow, pace myself according to everybody’s gait. But not anymore. So do your work. Even when most do not. Even when you see people slacking. Just because somebody isn’t giving 100% doesn’t mean that you should do the same.
My wife and I love to travel. There’s just something exciting being in a new place, meeting new people, experiencing a different culture, and, of course, tasting new flavors. And after you get a dose of these things, you wonder how different you are from them and, oddly, how similar just the same.
My wife’s cousin J. and I were talking about our travels last night at a friend’s birthday party. She recently went on a two-week vacation in Phuket with a few of her friends. And these smart young ladies thought better and stayed at one of her friend’s uncle’s beach house, hence saving a lot of precious moolah! And since they were staying in a beach house, they did a lot of swimming and snorkeling, and with a lot of extra moolah, they rented boats to go island hopping, and dirt bikes!
Around this time last year, we were in Boracay. Oh! How I miss the life in Bora. You get up anytime you want. Then, there’s the sumptuous breakfast buffet waiting for you (think fresh fruits and juices, and bacon, and toast, and jams!). And then you hit the beach with a good book, a towel, and plenty of sunscreen in your bag. When you get hungry, there’s a huge assortment of restos to satisfy every craving, whether it’s Italian, Greek, etc.
A key to a good vacation is research, particularly when you’re heading somewhere for the first time, and most especially when you’re going somewhere in Asia. Research! Research! Research! Do yourself a favor and not rely on Lonely Planet for everything. I read a lot of blog entries, journals, and diaries of travelers in Travel Blog. It’s just funny how some people rely on the book for everything. And then, when they arrive at their destination, they get this shock of horror as they realize that what’s written in the book is so much different from what they actually see. It’s doubly funny when they relate how they suddenly found themselves in the alley smelling puke and urine! 
When traveling to parts in Asia (most especially the Philippines), I suggest trying to contact locals (like me) and ask them for advice. If possible, you might be able to bring them along. That way, you have first hand knowledge on what to really expect.
Summer is fast approaching. And a lot of us are surely planning when and where to spend it. My advice is to decide this early on where to go. Then, research the best and cheapest accommodations you want. Read a lot of blogs, and online forums, for tips and suggestions on where to do this, where to get that, etc. I’m sure you’ll get a ton of those to choose from. Book early and ask for discounts, like special rates for residents, early bird, complimentary breakfasts and dinners, etc. Lastly, have fun.
Hey pretty baby with the high heels on
You give me fever like I’ve never, ever known….
I never felt so in love before
Just promise baby, you’ll love me forevermore…
I swear I’m keepin you satisfied
Cause you’re the one for me…
We danced to that funky song a year ago. Something that I’d never ever do again, except maybe in private, for you. A year ago, I made this promise. And for our first anniversary, I wrote you a letter in my new home.
A husband's weblog of thoughts, observations, interests, opinions, and adventures. For comments, reactions, suggestions, and donations, you can contact me at thehusbandspeaks@gmail.com.
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