3 Day Stress-ings and Blessings

Time to recap the days that were.

Friday.
It wasn't a good day. I was starting to worry about things that concerned finances. Why you may ask, since it's only 2 days after payday? Well, simply because Ive only had one of my (two) clients pay me (actually, it was a day after). If you must know, as a mom who takes care of the household budget, our finances are scheduled and carefully allotted on our daily needs, bills and even our recreational activities. For this payday, even before the actual day came, I had counted every single peso would go somewhere. So yes, it was quite a stressful day for me.
One more thing about me : I reboot my system and purge when things start to get taxing. So that Friday night, I told the hubby I was craving for a Mint Chocolate ice cream from Caramia (yes, I soooo love Mint Chocolate ice cream!!!). And he had this idea that all of us would watch a movie. Exodus (movie review will follow). So yeah, of course I would want that. If he had suggested just about anything that would make me leave the house (working almost 20hours a day is no joke, I tell ya!), I would've gladly said yes.
Things didn't exactly end so happy that day, but I got one wish, which was to go out. And then some :)

Saturday.
I didn't go to work the night before so I had a good rest for the day's activies. Day out at S&R with the fam.
My mother-in-law asked us to accompany her and do some shopping for our monthly and Christmas supplies. I gladly obliged since it has been more than a year since I last went. Original plans were to go their BGC branch, which the hubby would have a hard time finding, since I am his GPS, if I didn't go.
There was a debate as to what S&R branch we'd go to when we boarded my hubby's uncle's new Trailblazer. As soon as we reached the highway, it was no contest that we'd go to the nearest one since traffic was piling up and it looked as if we had no choice. S&R experience post will also soon follow. All I can say is that, this was a day full of blessings. The only money I had to shell out was my renewal fee.

Sunday.
Day for the Lord.
We had to go to the mall first to have lunch (Church starts at 3PM), buy candies for the kids' Christmas party, and a cake for the birthday girl, Alyssa, my cousin-in-love.
By this time, I was definitely stressing out about my pay from my other client. I haven't received it, and the email I sent Saturday morning was only answered a day after, saying that it is top priority, but didn't have a set time or day when it will be sent. I have stuff to pay and bills are piling up. I know we have some other things we need to spend what's left of our money on. And my loan for my Macbook would need to be paid too. Ack, stress!

I am hoping for a better day tomorrow. Our househelp (she used to work for me and will work again for us now) will arrive tomorrow (hopefully), looking forward also to a stress-less work day and of course, PRAYING that I will be paid finally by tomorrow.

That was my 3-day recap. You?

Amidst the typhoon Ruby

As I write this, my family and I are watching and waiting as to what happens when the typhoon Ruby reaches Metro Manila. It's around 5:30PM and its super dark outside. Currently experiencing just some rains and a really cold weather. Yes, winds too. But so far, that's all we have. Still praying that it won't be as destructive as it's predicted to be. Here's what has been posted on Pag-Asa DOST Facebook page :

https://www.facebook.com/PAGASA.DOST.GOV.PH

Here are pictures of the street where we live : (thank you Instagram)

About 2 years ago. The help, baby T and kuya Ju.

On regular days :) 

The hubby looking onto the foggy distance

As you can see, we live on a really high area. If I can only show you what that foggy distance looks like. You'll see the mountains of Bulacan and Rizal. So we are flood free, but definitely not free from flying roofs and trees.

Still thankful that even during storms like these, I feel (my family does too) very tranquil and serene. I know that it's because we prayed for it and God knows me too much to let me worry, that he has sent his Spirit of Peace in this household. Thank You Jesus. 

This morning, I sent this bible verse to my Mom-in-law and Tita-in-law :

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%208:24

This is something so powerful from the Bible especially during these times. We are reminded not to worry about things that we can't handle. Surrender them all to God. And He will take care of everything. 

So I end this post by saying.. Stay safe and dry. Pray. Be at peace. 

God bless us all!

2 jobs and an expired license

Yup, it's a tough world. So having 2 jobs, for now, is but the most sensible thing I can do. While the hubby waits for a more stable gig, I do these. Oh please don't get me wrong. The hubby plays an important role in all of these. If you've read previous posts, I may have mentioned that we are yaya-less, so in other words, all the tedious and stressful work in our household, including taking care of the kids, are all done by my beloved hubby.

I won't lie and tell you that it has been a bed of roses for us. We've had our ups and our downs. Usually brought about by the stresses of our "jobs". But I would rather prefer this lifestyle, where we have our own money to spend, at whatever things we want, especially if we want to go places together. I can smell freedom here.. in a way.

I am still learning the trick of the trade, having 2 full time jobs and a few hours for sleep. And while I'm at it, I have noticed a big change in me, both professionally and mentally. I have learned these things :

1. Be patient - I have been working at home for many years now, and most of the time, when I feel that I am too stressed and that its not even worth my while, I do the easiest way out. I quit. Now I feel that I've come to a point that quitting is not part of my top 3 solutions for when things get bad or worse.

2. Be resourceful - When you have a limited source of funds or stuff you need for work, you must be resourceful. And its not always easy. Sometimes you have to ask.. yes, ask! Asking has been one of my peeves. I really don't like to ask, especially if I feel that it would cause discomfort (somehow) to the one I'm asking. These days I realize, its not a bad thing to ask. If they say no, then okay. Just don't expect. Not everything you want, can and would happen.

3. Be forgiving - Yes, you need to forgive. Whatever wrong that has been done to you, big or small, you have to always forgive. Just like how Jesus did and commanded. As I've said previously, things don't always go your way. And sometimes, other people cause this. They may or may not know that they did/do. Still, forgive.

4. Better things are coming - Yes, I believe this. It's not always raining. It won't. There will always be sunshine at the end of each storm. I know I have weathered a lot, but better and bigger things are coming my way! And for this, I am forever grateful to God.

In light of all these, its really about being thankful. Always.

My DL renewal dilemma

Today was not what I expected. Long story. Deserves a separate post. 

I was looking into renewing my Driver's License today, since weekends are my only free days. And this is what I find :

List of government agencies and their schedules in Robinson's Novaliches

So there goes my license!

:) I hope this info would help any of my readers out there!

JuiceLuv PH : The Most Affordable Juice Detox in the Metro

The husband and I put up a small juicing-slash-detox business. It's been up for a few months now and have a considerable following even though there's not much marketing and yes, capital for ads. Now, I'm writing it here just for a quick info on what it is exactly that the company does.

We are called JuiceLuv PH. We started sometime around July of 2014 and have had several extensive research and brainstorming done for all the aspects of the biz. So what exactly is our company? We provide RAW, healthy, fresh, natural juiced fruits and vegetables nicely bottled up for a detox program. We offer The Most Affordable Juice Cleanse in the Metro. By most affordable, we mean to say that our prices are fairly low compared to others out there. And no, our produce aren't cheap. We get our fruits and vegetables straight from suppliers who provide us with freshly picked crops.

Where did our name come from? We had a small SouthBeachDiet meal delivery company a few years ago, named FoodLuv. We decided to somehow get it from there since our last names (my maiden last name and our last names now) both have "Amor" or Love/Luv in it. So there! Yes, yes, kinda cheesy, I know.

What programs do we have? Currently, we are offering the following (prices included*):
1Day Detox - 1,200php
2Day Detox - 2,200php (October promo says its just 2,000php for the whole month this 2014)
3Day Detox - 3,200php (promo says its only 3,000php for the whole month this 2014)

What are included?
1Day - 6 bottles of 350ml juices, 1 free thermal bag, 1 instruction sheet (and for this month, 1 FREE SALAD)
2Day - 12 bottles of 350ml juices, 1 free thermal bag, 1 instruction sheet (and for this month, 2 FREE SALADS)
3Day - 18 bottles of 350ml juices, 1 free thermal bag, 1 instruction sheet (and for this month, 3 FREE SALADS)

For more details on our products and promos, and YES for orders too, please message us at
0977-210-7000

Thank you for reading! Have a healthy, blessed day! Hugs, Luvs!

Now is...

Today is one of those days AGAIN that I'm feeling so frustrated about how things are going for both our businesses and our family. It's not going the way I've been expecting it to be. And there are things that I've delegated to people, expecting them to finish it at a particular time, only to find out that it hasn't been even started. I know I need some quiet time. But when you're at the stage that you're building a business and building a career for your future, time is just not enough and you have no luxury to even rest. I am overwhelmed by work and house chores. It has been a few days, and yet I feel so burned out. Its probably my lack of sleep or the changes in my timezone. Is it possible to have a jetlag when you haven't even gone out of the country? I wonder.

I need rest.

I know I need some time out. As I write this, I'm imagining myself at a park, with lots of trees and plants and fresh air, doing nothing. Probably some meditating, reading the Scripture, having my one-on-one talk with God. How I would love to do just that.

I have a few projects up my sleeve now, one major is for my Manila Assistants business. I'm also waiting for another full time work by a property management client. If everything pulls through, I will be so busy, I may not even have time to blog. I'm procrastinating right now.

The hubby is feeling what I'm feeling too. So sad.

This too shall pass.

I declare it, in Jesus' name.

Waiting time

Today's one of those days when I feel so down for so many different reasons. Or it's probably just the hormones acting up. I don't exactly know.

The hubby is today's victim, sadly. As with any other time that I've acted the same way, it's almost always the husband who takes the punch. I'm assuming its because my recent issues have somehow been connected with what happened with us last year. All's been well for many months now, and I've seen how the hubby tries his best to win me over...and over...and over. It's the little reminders that gets to me though. Bits and pieces of anything that would let me remember how it was during that time. What I felt, and how he must've felt. It still makes me cry thinking about it.

It was a roller coaster of emotions, what happened to me. And I can feel remnants of it until now.

Recently, I've been trying to revive an old job, my being a VA. Taking it all in, training myself through videos, ebooks, just about anything. I want to keep myself busy. If that's what it takes to make me forget.

This is my "idle season". And until things get busy again, I would want to wait patiently. I want to spend my days with worship and scripture.

1 Samuel 13:8-14

He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul's men began to scatter.  So he said, "Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings. " And Saul offered up the burnt offering.  Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him.  "What have you done?" asked Samuel. Saul replied, "When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Micmash,  I thought, 'Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the LORD's favor.' So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering."  "You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time.  But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD's command."

I pray Lord that I will have more patience. Patience to wait for Your promises. Help me to always remember that Your Word is always constant and will never change. Thank You for Your blessings. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. 



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Overwhelmed and anxious

Overwhelmed 

 - bury or drown beneath a huge mass

Anxious

 - experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome

These are 2 words which I definitely have been feeling the past months. Mostly, because of how the hubby and I can provide for our family. Yes, we are blessed and we have enough. We eat 3-5 (or maybe even 6!) times a day. We have enough to come to church every Sunday, and sometimes even have enough to have lunch out. So what exactly am I bugged about? Well, here's my list:

Our mountain pile of bills, all named after ME! 

Our 3 kids' future (school, needs, etc.)

Our travel plans (and date plans for hubby and I

No, I don't ask for much. And sometimes I even say, I don't want much. Why? Because I feel that I am not responsible enough for bigger things. I want to be, don't think otherwise, but I want to prepare myself before I am given much. (In the past, I feel that when I am given small or big things, I can honestly say, I have not been faithful to see it all through for what they are given for. So when that day comes that I am able to handle money and resources well, then I will definitely ask for more from Him, who is my ultimate source. 

The hubby and I recently started a small business (JuiceLuvPH), and when at first it seemed all promising, the past weeks have not been kind to us. So we're back to square one. I don't want to feel too depressed since as I have said, we are not THAT unfortunate. When I really think about it, I am still TOO BLESSED to be stressed (Yes, yes, I intended to write that). 

So what now? An opportunity knocks at our door. Another VA stint (in case you didn't know, I was a VA.. for about 8 years) that would need my nights. It's not much, won't pay much, but it may as well ease my anxiety and that feeling of being overwhelmed. It would definitely pay some of the bills and we may save up for a bit of the kids' future. Most of all, I can now be faithful to my tithing again. 

I'm also still looking for other opportunities, small ones, so I can pass it on to my freelance "partner". I've recently activated my sleeping Fiverr account for those small stints. 

I have so many ideas, that I want to pursue and accomplish. That's how this mind works. If I can only jot them down every time, I know I have that eureka moment or moments!

Amidst all the anxiety and overwhelmed-ness, here are some bible verses that may as well help me and YOU dear reader, whatever your situation is, or wherever you may be :

Matthew 6:25-34

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ?  "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Luke 12:24-34

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ?  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?  "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!  And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.  But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.  "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.  Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

and this...

Luke 12:48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

I hope this post helped anyone, whether it may be spiritual, emotional or even just for entertainment. 

God bless you! Jesus loves you!

Remembering and praying

Currently reading Chicken Soup for the Couples' Soul, and yes I remembered what my husband and I have gone through for the past 13 years. We had painful memories, that only God can heal, but we had so much love for each other that it was evident in our whole relationship, that serving each other was one of our priorities. Whether it may be a big, bold act or a teeny tiny one that only true love can notice. 

I miss the hubby. He's out for an employment requirement. This morning, I told him to pray for things like these. For decisions, especially big ones, we he has to make. As this will definitely affect, good or bad, our life, both ours and and our family. I have asked God for guidance, but ultimately, its His will we ought to follow.