2011 - What A Year It Has Been

I thought, when 2011 rung in last year, it would bring hope and prosperity for all of us. When I recall on all the events that had transpired in 2011, the negative outweighs the positive. There were political unrest in the Middle East, natural calamities like erupting volcanoes and earthquakes, the tsunami in Japan on the first quarter and deadly Typhoon Washi hitting my home country before the year ends, deaths of famous people, financial trouble still on the fore and poverty and unemployment reaching new heights. Money was still scarce for most and jobs come far in between. Despite of all the hardships we have seen and been through, 2011 came to pass. A new beginning is coming.

2012 is the year of the water Dragon. Chinese astrologers believe that the mythical beast brings calm and flowing ideas being the water dragon. It balances the right brain activity and the left side for logic. The year of the water Dragon brings innovative and fearless leaders just like the most revered Chinese mythical creature.

Personally, I am not particular with the meaning of 2012 because I believe that we all make our destinies. We can only hope and pray that we listen with our hearts and believe that our Lord will guide us through another challenges in our lives.

I want to believe that 2012 will bring new hope, new beginnings and fresh start in all the aspects of our lives. It is up to us how to accept the challenges and channel the energy towards something good. I want to believe that despite what we read about the Mayan Calendar and other dooms-day sayers, 2012 will still bring a new promise for all.

2011 has come and gone. Let 2012 begin and let's welcome the new year with a prayer from St. Francis of Assisi.

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury,pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Prescribed Medications

I am fully aware of the numerous parties and the eating I will have this holiday season that my medications are on stand-by. I am regularly taking my hypertension medication and for my cholesterol. I am very careful of the food intake at this time because of the many temptations around me. I don't want to end up eating too much and putting my medications off track because of the binges. My doctor's appointment is not too far from now too so I better be careful and have those numbers in check or else, my doctor will prescribe more medications for me. Of course, I don't want to end up having too many prescribed drugs for fear of prescription drug abuse addiction or relying too much in the aid of various medication.

It's really tough facing this festive season without taking into consideration my health. I just have to keep reminding myself that I want my blood test to come out good in terms of lower cholesterol and uric acid levels. That way, I don't really have to keep taking medications for my hypertension and high uric acid.

A Career Move

God just heard my prayers. He gave me his early Christmas gift in terms of my career. No, it was not the promotion I have always wanted (and so deserve) but something better in terms of going to a different direction in my career.

I received a call from the Human Resources on 23 Dec. and was informed that I was selected for the position. It took me a while to process the news and I was really not expecting a call the day after my interview. It was just too soon to get the news. Not that I don't want it. Of course, I have been waiting for that for the longest time. Now that I have it, I will have a better perspective in my career this 2012. Fresh start in my career... what more can I ask for?

Christmas Food For The Family

Our household will be doubled in number in few days time. My mom, mon-in-law, sis-in-law and her family will be spending Christmas with us this year. We want to make this celebration as festive as possible because we haven't been home for Christmas for sometime. I haven't seen my mom too for more than a year now.

I am researching the internet for great recipes for the holiday season. It's public knowledge that I don't fare well in cooking so I am looking for easy to prepare and cook.

Here are some of the recipes I found which I feel will be viable for me to make. Let's just hope I don't end up feeling lazy and will probably dial the nearest restaurant for a home delivery!

Roast Turkey
(from Food.com)

Ingredients:
1 (16 lb) frozen young turkey
For the brine
1 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 gallon vegetable stock
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1/2 tablespoon allspice berry
1/2 tablespoon candied ginger
1 gallon ice water
For the aromatics
1 red apple , sliced
1/2 onion , sliced
1 cinnamon stick
1 cup water
4 sprigs rosemary
6 leaves sage
canola oil

Directions:

• Combine all brine ingredients, except ice water, in a stock pot and bring to a boil.
• Stir to dissolve solids, then remove from heat, cool to room temperature refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
• Early on the day of cooking, (or late the night before) combine the brine and ice water in a clean 5 gallon bucket.
• Place thawed turkey breast side down in brine, cover, and refrigerate or set in cool area (like a basement) for 6 hours.
• Turn turkey over once, half way through brining.
• A few minutes before roasting, heat oven to 500 degrees.
• Combine the apple, onion, cinnamon stick and cup of water in a microwave safe dish and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
• Remove bird from brine and rinse inside and out with cold water.
• Discard brine.
• Place bird on roasting rack inside wide, low pan and pat dry with paper towels.
• Add steeped aromatics to cavity along with rosemary and sage.
• Tuck back wings and coat whole bird liberally with canola (or other neutral) oil.
• Roast on lowest level of the oven at 500F for 30 minutes.
• Remove from oven and cover breast with double layer of aluminum foil, insert probe thermometer into thickest part of the breast and return to oven, reducing temperature to 350°F.
• Set thermometer alarm (if available) to 161°F.
• A 14-16 pound bird should require a total of 2-2 1/2 hours of roasting.
• Let turkey rest, loosely covered for 15 minutes before carving.

Macaroni and Cheese
(from Food.com)

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 dash pepper
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1 cup milk
1 cup cheddar cheese , shredded
2 cups macaroni , cooked
1 pinch cayenne (optional)

Directions:

• Make a roux by melting butter in pan and adding flour. Stir constantly and cook until it is the color of caramel candy. It burns easily so stir stir stir!
• Slowly and carefully add milk while stirring.
• When milk starts to steam add cheese and seasonings and stir until melted and well combined.
• Pour over cooked macaroni noodles and serve.

No-Bake Pecan Chocolate Pie
(from celebrations.com)

Ingredients:
For the Pecan Cookie Crust
2 cups Pecan Cookies Crumbs
6 tbsp. Unsalted Butter, Melted
2 tbsp. Sugar
Chocolate Cream Filling
4 ounces Chocolate, Chopped
1/3 cup Milk
4 ounces Cream Cheese, Softened and at Room Temperature
2 tbsp. Sugar
1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1 cup Pecans, For Topping

Directions:

• To make the pecan cookie crust, combine the pecan cookie crumbs, the melted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl. Stir until the crumbs soak up all the butter. Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Place the pie plate in the freezer to firm the crust, about 15 minutes.
• While the crust is chilling, make the chocolate cream filling. Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate for 30 seconds and then stir. Repeat the process of microwaving for 30 seconds and stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
• Place the melted chocolate in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the cream cheese, milk, and sugar. Beat until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to cool.
• While the chocolate mixture is in the refrigerator, wash and clean the mixing bowl. Return the bowl to the stand mixer and place the heavy cream in the bowl. Whisk the cream until soft peaks form, starting at low speed and slowly increasing to medium-high speed.
• Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and, with a spatula, carefully fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture.
• Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the mixture into the center. Using a small spatula evenly spread the filling until it is smooth.
• Arrange the pecans in a circular pattern on top of the filling in. Place the pie in the freezer to firm, about 3-4 hours.

Chicken Galantina (my favorite!)
(from lutongpinoy.info)

Ingredients:
1 chicken, dressed and deboned
1 cup of Vienna sausage
1 1/4 cups of ham, ground
1 1/4 cups of pork, ground
4 eggs (2 raw, 2 boiled)
1/4 cup of flour
clotted chicken blood
1 carrot, sliced lengthwise
calamansi juice
soy sauce
soy sauce
salt and pepper
parsely (for garnishing)

Directions:

• Marinate chicken in calamansi juice and soy sauce.
• In a blow, combine flour, ground ham, ground pork, sausage, and raw eggs. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Fill the chicken with the meat mixture. Insert into the sides the clotted chicken blood, boiled eggs, and sliced carrtos.
• Wrap the chicken in cheese cloth, making sure that the cloth is tightly tied.
• Steam the chicken for 1 1/2 hours then set aside to cool. Tighten the wrapping further, if necessary.
• Refrigerate the chicken for 24 hours.
• To serve: unwrap the chicken, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices, put in a platter and garnish with parsely.

Pineapple Sliced Ham
(from betterrecipes.com)

INGREDIENTS:
3 lb Spiral Sliced Ham
1 can Pineapple Slices

DIRECTIONS:
Place ham in baking dish and arrange pineapple slices over ham. Pour juice over ham and bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours.


The above recipes look very easy to do. I hope they are actually easy to do or else! Merry Christmas!

Camping During Winter

Winter in the U.A.E is rather pleasant compared to the other countries in the northern hemisphere. The temperature does not dip so low and the breeze is cool. However, the temperature can be a bit harsh in the desert area or near the mountain. Inspite of the slight change in temperature, it is still generally acceptable to go camping during winter.

Most of my friends do this annually because the winter is so short so everyone is taking advantage of the season. I have not tried camping yet because I catch colds and flu so easy. I just get so scared exposing myself to the elements even if I love the cold season.

Some of them are already planning a trip near the mountains to camp. The campers have their own instruments and even fancy Big Agnes King Solomon tents to use. My husband and I bought a small sleeping bag but I still don't have to courage to commit in the camp.

I am not sure if I will be up to the challenge even if the activity sounds interesting. I am still thinking about the idea. I am cool for a long drive or an overnight in a hotel near the mountains but sleeping outside is something I am still mulling.

Assessment is Over

I had the assessment for almost 4 hours this morning. There were 3 parts in the assessment. First was to sell yourself by telling them why you are best for the position, second was the role-playing (and I was so conscious because I don't like acting at all!) and lastly was the written exam. I came prepared and studied really hard but I still forgot some items in the examination. I think I was ok in the role-playing and during the first round. I still have to find out whether I passed to proceed to the next level which is the last screening - interview.

I am looking forward to a successful assessment so I can move on to the next round because this is the moment I have been waiting for. I know it is time to move on and learn new things. This can be the impetus that will spring my career to greater heights.

More Christmas Shopping

I feel like an inner dormant volcano awaken within me. Our previous Christmases were very quiet and gift-free because of the recession and the very tight budget. However, the economy is slowly picking up in our region and we are starting to ease (just a wee bit!) with the budget to accommodate gift-giving this year. Besides, we have all worked hard and so a little reward is not bad.

I am still not done with my Christmas shopping. I thought I was almost done but I found out that I missed few people from my list so I have to go back to the mall or check online for promotional deals to help me save money. I have some friends who are so keen into reading so I the 2012 barnes & noble coupons will be really helpful for me. If I have those coupons, I can save extra money. I just hope they offer it soon or even before 2012.

My other family members need some gifts from me as well. They are not asking for the gifts but I want to give them because they deserve some recognition for the help they have extended to my and my family. It's high time to repay them back, if not monetarily, at least in kind and small tokens.

My godsons and goddaughters will need specific gifts as well due to age factor. Some are already in their middle school and others are on their teens. I have to base my gift selection according to their age now. Gone are the days when I just have to buy generic kids' stuff to satisfy all their childish whims.

So, my weekend will be very hectic. I have to drive around town to check the malls for special offers and sales. Oh my! I hope my budget does not get dented badly.

Career Assessment

I should be used to all these career assessments by now. I must have been to a lot of assessments already in the span of 21 years of service. However, I always feel it is something new  each time I am invited to attend one. I always have this knot in my stomach and I feel nauseated. I am not sure if that is accounted for my diminishing confidence, my age, loss of belief in the system or simply because I am just tired going through all the process only to be rejected in the end.

This assessment on Thursday is not even for a higher pay scale. It is just a lateral move for me to be able to learn new things and expose myself to the different operations of the airlines. It will not give me any monetary improvement but it will certainly make my resume heavy and it will make me a strong contender for planning and scheduling positions that will become available in the future.

Anyway, I just pray I can pull it through. I know my qualifications and knowledge, albeit not very in-depth, will help me fulfill the new department's requirements. Good luck to me!

Christmas Gifts for Less

Photo credit: yahoo images

I know the recession is still on and a lot of people are still out of the work-force. However, there are still some who are willing to spend few bucks to keep the spirit of sharing this holiday season alive.

Gift-giving this Christmas need not be very extravagant. It is nice to put the "it's the thought that counts" in the fore why we are giving presents in the first place. Here are some tips to make the spirit of giving a successful, budget-friendly and meaningful this Christmas time.

1. Make your own gifts. If you are good in crafts like painting, drawing, sewing, knitting, quilting or any handiwork then make use of those precious skills and talents. Make wonderful and thoughtful creations from your creativity.

2. Take advantage of the major sales happening before the Christmas rush. Some establishments are offering great promos like buy 1 get 1 free deals.

3. Check online for steals and bargains. Most online shopping networks offer promos for early shoppers, coupons and discounts. Use them.

4. Go to flea markets and you'll be surprised to find precious stuff your friend or a relative will like. You may even find one for yourself as a gift.

5. Go to 1$ stores and other inexpensive retailers and find the perfect gifts for families and friends.

6. Check classified ads for unwanted items being sold on a slashed price. Most of these items are either unwanted gifts or the objects of a compulsive shopper.

7. Check you collections. You may have unused and unopened stuff that has been gathering dust in your closet or storage area. It's time to give them a new home.

8. If you're giving gifts to families, try giving one collective gift that everyone will enjoy like a board game or colorful picture book. This way, you don't have to buy one gift per member of the family especially if they are relatives. That will surely dent your budget.

9. Bake some goodies. Nothing beats the fresh smell of baked goodies straight from the oven. You can put the goodies in canisters, jars or boxes and present them with ribbons and nice tags.

10. Lastly, if you are so pressed for cash and you still want to give something special because you have thought of your family and friends then send them free e-cards. Like I said earlier, "it's the thought that counts."

Merry Christmas in advance and let's remember this: "The reason for the season is HIM."

Prayer In Time Of Despair At Work

I am not very religious but I do believe in God and I stick by my faith and religion. However, when the going gets so tough, I run to Him and ask for guidance and strength.

The present situation in the office is so unbearable already. The management expects you to deliver in time when they don't give you the things you need within the due date of submission. And yet, you have to commit to a rigid time frame. Do I make miracles or what? Then you are given 1 million and 1 things to do on top of the normal and other ad hoc things that you do. And they expect you to finish them on time, help them with their load when they are fully aware of the volume of work you have and they just keep pushing, shoving things down your throat. Again, do I make miracles?

I am getting very tired and restless now. I don't know who to trust there. I only trust my God because in times of despair, the only one I can count on is Him.

I am sharing this prayer to all of you who are experiencing the same problems I have in the work area. I hope this prayer help you through the day as you go about your work business.

"O God of the poor and the humble, who was born in a stable and worked in a carpenter's shop, look down in pity on the workers of this world. Give us work that we may keep our families in comfort and live without fear. Teach us to be content with our lot and never let us be tempted with dishonesty. When it seems necessary to fight against injustice, O God of strength, send Your Holy Spirit upon us that we may know what is right and have strength to do it. Protect us from violence and give us peace. Good St. Joseph, friend of the workman, pray for us. Amen.

Career Move

The classified ads are brimming with vacancies again but for top management level. I know the pay will be sufficient for me to save in a short period of time but I don't think I want the stress tied to a high-end position. No thanks!

I am considering switching career from administrative to Technical Recruiter Consultant Jobs or anything to do with Human Resources. I always believe that being in the HR department gives you the chance and opportunity to go around easily as compared to the ones in the administrative and operations areas.

It has been a while since I last applied outside my current company. I think it has been 7 years to be exact and honestly, I do not know how the market goes outside now. I always re-evaluate my skills and know-how and I am happy to say that with what I know and do, I can actually command a high salary. However, the caveat is, I think it is still scary outside so I am not sure if moving out of my current employer is a wise decision. So, I am thinking whether to jump out of my very comfortable zone and have a leap of faith. I have to consider plenty of factors when I do this. I have financial obligations, my kid is still in school, we have mortgage to pay back home and we still want to save more for our retirement years. This thought is a bit tricky but I do hope that better paying opportunities arise in my current employer so I don't have to go through this dilemma. Otherwise, I may just take chances and jump!

Welcome Baby Boy Calix!

My brother and his wife just had a baby today. We're all ecstatic because this is a wonderful Christmas gift to the family. It's been a while since we heard of tiny pitter-patter around the house. I am a new Aunt again!

The mother is recuperating and will be discharged tomorrow while Baby Calix is still in the incubator for observation because he was born a week early from the due date. I just pray he will be fine.

Congratulations to my brother and his wife. This is such a wonderful Christmas gift to all of us. Thank you Lord!

New Wedding Bands

My husband and I are not the conventional married couple. We have not worn our wedding bands for some time now because our fingers got fat and they don't fit well now. I feel bad having the original wedding bands re-fitted. I always have this funny feeling that the jeweler might change the original diamonds with fake ones while custom-fitting our wedding bands again.

I suggested to my husband to just get new ones. I have been looking at triton wedding bands and other sites for inspiration and designs and also cost. Our original wedding bands were gift from my mom and the diamonds used there was from her antique ring. So, I do feel bad having the original ones fixed when we can just get new sets.

I feel it's time again to show the world that we are a couple. It's public knowledge that we're married but I would like feel that gold metal around my ring finger again and show the world that "this lady is taken!"

I Lost a Kilo!

A kilo is a kilo! And I am happy to lose it with sheer determination, proper eating habits and regular exercise. I say, it is a slow weight loss considering my health conditions but I am happy to do it the normal way without the help of medications to burn the fats. I burned my own fat the old school way - running! Yes, my knees ache a little because of the weight those babies are carrying around but sticking to my doctor's order to eat properly and cut out the oily food aided too.

I am in for this and there are more weight to lose. I just have to keep focused and follow strictly the doctor's advise and I should be fit and healthy in no time. Crossing fingers to that!

Cold Weather Ahead

Winter is the best time of the year here in the UAE. The winter here is not as cold and cruel as the ones across the Atlantic. we don't get snow here but sometimes we do experience hale when the weather is going to be unforgiving. So, living in this hot and humid land, it is a welcome respite for few months to have the cold weather ahead.

The wind is blowing really nice with a slight bite on the skin because of the cold season. I find my nose drying up once in a while when I go out for my early jog. It is becoming nearly impossible to run outside without any warm jacket. So, I have to ready all my winter jackets because the cold season has come and I am loving it!