The Miracle of Motherhood

Some say Motherhood may be a curse or a blessing. For me, motherhood came late. Infact, it was a miracle and a blessing. I was suffering from hormonal imbalance during my early 20's. I went through a string of doctors. When I came to UAE on 2002, I was again stricken with  my sickness and diagnosed with polycycstic right and left ovaries. I went through three doctors who had all different diagnosis. When I got married, I did not expect to get pregnant. The doctor told me that I had a cervical  tumor and to make matters worst I was not ovulating. I was losing hope. My doctor then suggested that I took medication to ovulate but the timing wasn't right. My husband had to leave and visit his family so I forgot about the medication for I thought it was useless to buy it that time. Then, a miracle happened. After two months, I started having my usual delays and I took it as a normal occurence. One week then another, after another week I asked my husband to buy me a pregnancy kit. Seeing the positive sign appear made me elated.
I was beaming from ear to ear as I told my husband. I was 41 years old. I took constant check-ups to make sure everything was fine.
I kept on talking to my baby to held on tightly because I was still working hard that time, climbing stairs and ladders ( I was painting a wall to wall mural at one of the game centers in Al ain). I would listen to love songs of a Mother to her baby and cry happily as I talk to my unborn child. I started a diary for my baby so that when he/she grows up s/he may read what I felt as I was carrying he/r.
That was six years ago. Now, I have a wonderful son. My little treasure. A Miracle sent by God. Whoever says motherhood is a curse, isn't ready for motherhood. Yes, being a mother is challenging. I always go through each day asking myself if I'm bringing up my son properly or correctly. I pray day to day asking God to guide me to do the right thing. I read parenting articles. Maybe I worry too much. But there's never too much in raising a child. There is nothing as too much love. I love my son in the way I think it should be. He isn't spoilled and he's not too constricted. I talk to him as a small adult. I discuss  matters with him, what are the consequences of his actions, his choices and most of all how he has to deal with people (kids and adults). He is a good kid. He has his ups and downs but the important thing is to let him be who he is.
Being a mother is so much rewarding. Lots of loving wet kisses. He just comes up to me and hugs me and says " I love you so much,Mama". He hugs and kisses me anywhere, anytime he feels like it. He hugs .kisses and thanks me for anything at all. From a delicious meal I prepared or a piece of chocolate I give, or a small token of any sort or even just to let him play a computer game (don't get me wrong,he doesn't bribe me because he has his own game console. I let him play at my computer). He's an adorable kid, not because he's my son but if you meet him,you'll see. So you see, motherhood is a very joyous blessing.

My Life with an Arab man

My life with my husband was a roller coaster ride. It took us awhile to get used to our ideas and cultures. I am a typical Filipina strong willed,independent. He was a typical arab man, the "Man" of the house, his word is law, you are his servant beckoning to his whims. Well, that can't happen. We Filipinos always believed in sharing, in fairness, in give and take. Even with money matters ,the husband always gives his earnings to his wife to handle,budget and save. Work in the house was always shared by both husband and wife. We don't believe that just because the husband is working that he doesn't take his share of house work. Oh,it was a long journey for me and my husband. We had a lot of twists and turns. We argued, fought and then later compromised. Even with money matters, typical arabic men won't give their earnings to their wives. They would buy the groceries themselves. Tell them what you need and they'll buy it for you. And that became the root of our arguments.We Filipinos base our relationship with trust. So when my husband wasn't really telling the truth,hell would break loose.There would be times when I wouldn't speak to him in days,although I would still do my obligations but it was in total silence. Silence is the greatest insult. After some time he started to adjust. He helped around the house . It wasn't a man's job like what men would normally do around the house ( those things my husband was great with- handy work) . What I was saying was giving our son a bath, chopping and cutting veggies, etc. ( laundry was out of the question unless you want the whites to be colored) He even told me that it was a first to take on kitchen work. I told him that a relationship should be shared fairly and harmoniously.
We would joke and laugh when I let him chop onions cause we very well know what onions can do. I would lovingly scold him if he would ask me to hand him something within his reach. And after seven years of marriage, he finally understood what being married to a Filipina would be.He was happy and contented everytime I pampered him( manicure,pedicure ,facial and a massage).  He is gets amazed by the craft projects I make that becomes a work of art. He would  proudly show my in-laws stuffs I did. He learned to look out for things that I can recycle into art. I am now happy and contented with my life. We are not well off only comfortable. He knows how to give his earnings to me now,unlike before. Unfortunately, he is now jobless but that doesn't stop us from being happy and that's another story.  

Typical Asian and Non-asian Administrators

Working in a foreign country has it's ups and downs. Mixed races,mixed cultures far fetched from what we are used to. The secret in surviving is to dance to the tune. Although sometimes dancing is not enough. My first boss was an Arab. He terrified everyone. Seeing him for the first time reminded me of a Pharaoh. Don't get me wrong,he wasn't an egyptian. I was not the type to be scared of anyone. People in power don't scare me. To me they are just human beings like us. What scares me are those who think they are the Boss. They are like flies on top of a buffalo. You give them a little power and they take it to their advantage. Sometimes beyond what is due to them.  There are even some who you couldn't even approach. They'll always shrug you off or talk to you while always glimpsing at the clock. Irritating,right! Some are even downright rude and obnoxious (as if they are the owners themselves.). The irony is, the real owners are nice and approachable. Some are humble and down to earth. Maybe some of them know the value of the employee. After all, we make the business run. And not all administrators are disgusting. Some are just doing their jobs. Some are kind and understanding because they still got their feet on the ground. Some think of "US" as machines. They bombard us with  work overload and a deadline that will scare even the dead. They make us work like we don't have a life ( we don't cook,or wash, or eat, or sleep). They give us suggestions but they're really Orders. They'll say they're listening but it's just for show. They say they're impartial but you see the real situation. We're not blind or deaf,right?  We may not say anything but it doesn't mean we're stupid. We may be nice,but it doesn't mean we can be "doormats". We're just doing our jobs the best way we can.

The Beginning

Finally,after a number of trial and errors I am about to unleash years of suppressed thoughts,ideas and feelings that can relay to anyone who may pass by.

It seems like only yesterday when I arrived at this country. Hopeful, excited,single and scared. A jumble of mixed emotions.
It's been nine years since that day. I have braved the sandstorms of loneliness. I have survived the onslaught of despair. I have conquered the heartless manager from my former job. I have loved,got married,have a son and now my life is even better . I have no regrets. In spite of the setbacks,downfalls and trials I learned a lot from all that I have been through. I have survived! I am triumphant!
All these times, God has been my strength and my rock. He has always held me me in the palm of his hand. Always breaking my fall. I am ever grateful to Him. Glory be his name!

Horrible colleagues and office politics

Have you ever encountered horrible colleagues who backstab  because they have nothing else to do but gossip and chat to cover up their shortcomings. 
People who always take credit for work they didn't do. Don't you feel that sometimes these kind of people are a worthless wretch. In fact, they don't have ethics at all . I feel bad about these kind of people and take pity on their ignorance and lack of self esteem. I wish people who don't understand another person's work would just keep quiet and stay in the sidelines. When they open their mouth, they only show their undespicable character and illiteracy. Maybe you should just keep your cool and do your job. But they sometimes get in your nerves and simply ruin your day.Politics at work can never be avoided,but you can avoid the "politicians".

• Stay away from colleagues who gossip relentlessly.
• Stay away from colleagues who bad mouth others.
• Keep your distance from two-faced people. (those who are only nice when they need something from you)
• Stay with colleagues who keep conversations at a general matter not involving work.
• Know your friends.

If there are any other suggestions you can give then please comment. Keeping a healthy relationship with your colleagues results in a harmonious atmosphere at work.