Living far Away

Authored by Rickey Combs

Living so far away from my family has been a tough adjustment. I wasn’t sure how to go from seeing all of them each and every day to practically only seeing them at holidays – it was a big shock to my system. Also, being without a babysitter for my kids has made it tough for me and you know, I still haven’t found a job yet because I have to work part time and I can’t afford daycare anyway. My husband got a new job which is why we had to move and I did all the things to help this place feel like home like getting ADT Broadview and putting up our old paintings and I’ve even gotten Skype so I can talk to my family when I miss them a lot. But you know, there’s something to be said for being face to face with people you love and getting a real, warm hug when you need one. There’s nothing like being close to family but I’m learning to deal with being far away!

A son's Love

My visit here in Cebu was not the happiest visit of all. I attended my brother's request so he could see me and the first week made him happy. Now that I am here his condition still the same and I wished that he had not admitted to the hospital again but we have no choice because his fever never go away. We've found out that he has infections from his Pneumonia and still treating him with a very high dosage of antibacterial and costly medicine. It build up financial burden for the family especially me and my mom. I wish for him to get better and we tried and pulled our financial resources already and I wish God will help him to heal in no time. His been suffering so much and a person like him should not be granted big consequences like that.

In order for us to make him happy while we were inside the hospital, his son jokingly made funny faces and talking silly for him. It looked like he listened and haven't really seen him moving his lips to smile but just a stare to space. He had never looked to his son's eye. He doesn't have that mobility where he can move freely. It's so pity to see that kind of a scenario. I am holding my tears and trying to be strong and doesn't show my emotional side.

Here's the photos:

Mixed Emotions

Two weeks from now, I will leave the country to visit Cebu again. I miss my family so much. I miss my 2 little naughty nephews. Their mothers are pregnant too. It will be the second baby to them. Quite a pity for me, but hey it’s not yet my time I guess. If it comes, it will come. It just depends on what time of the year or what God’s plan is. If it happens that will be a blessing. It’s up to his hands.

I am a little bit sad about the condition on my dad. His too sickly these days. I am scared in a way on what’s going to happen to him in the next coming days and months. His getting weaker and he seemed not too determined to get well. He is not taking his conditions seriously and for me that is so critical. I love my dad and I am just worried with his health. I hope his going to get better and have the determination to get well. He needs the love he most need and I’m hoping the family can really take care of him. With me being there, I am sure he will be happy.

I am planning to take my parents for a get away in a beach just to take them with me and enjoy some time. When I spoke to dad, his not geared towards the idea. Maybe because of his health and his not too sure if he can stand the walking and stress with the travel. That’s a bummer. It’s my dream to take them to see a place they never been. I will call them again and check. If dad is better, then probably it could make my dream come true.

Building a Family

Lately, with me having stomach problem and good appetite my hubby was asking me whether I am pregnant. It just make me smile. No way that I could be pregnant as far I know but not too certain at the moment. But I am definite I am not since I have symptoms of early sickness before my period comes. Just thinking about my hubby asking me that question, I would assume that his ready or willing now to have us build or start our family. It is very nice that his thinking of that and with me thinking about him I am happy but I am more anxious and afraid of the responsibility if we will have children. I guess if things would work out this year, we will start planning for next year. An idea that I am not hundred percent sure I could be ready. If it's God will and it will be my time, perhaps it will happen. I will just cross my finger and hope for the best.

Ordinary Sunday

It's sunday, a time to go to church, hear mass and eat after. But it's not what happen today. I was kind of lazy to go out. My hubby was asking me earlier this morning on what will I do. I replied with silence. Meaning, I don't have anything plan so nothing to say.

In the afternoon, did some bills checking on back accounts. I always like to check what's in savings or what other bills to pay. I am very cautious of late payments. I want everything in place. I am dealing with 3 household bills so just imagine the bills that are coming every month. It must be nice if the bills will come at once so issuing checks and meeting deadlines will be altogether but it's not. I have to check my mailbox twice a week and update my excel spreadsheet. There's no room for being tardy.

Past 3pm took a shower dressed up and decide to just go to the mall. Hubby and I went to Great Mall in Milpitas. He bought a pair of nike and I didn't have the urgency of buying something. Unusual? No. I am not an impulsive buyer. When I want something it's plan ahead of time. Today, I don't have anything plan so I didn't buy something for myself. Maybe in a day or two, my mind might change.

Before 6pm arrived at home, preparing clothes for tomorrow and talked to my brother in PI. I am happy everyone is doing fine back home. I hope luck will come along good for the rest of my family and it will continue to move on. As for me, I hope I could find my luck this year too. I want something to change sooner or maybe later but definitely I want to do something different.
Nothing much of a sunday, but it's a little bit different than the other days.

How to discipline your Children?

I am not a mother and I am looking for that day when I will be one. My experience of discipline went to my nephew in some point when I had to baby sit him sometime. Indeed it was a tough job, handling the tantrums. He is a spoiled little kid. All the attention centers on him for he was the only grandchild of my family. On the other hand, my mom was the one who made him to become what he is now. He is an adorable, talented, smart child but the only thing I noticed about him is he will become so moody when things are not given or not provided to him. That bothers me a lot.

Hurting a child is not the best way of getting into disciplinary action. Sometimes out of your emotions you can hurt them with the intension to correct their wrong doing. Reading an article over yahoo, it said that it will cause trouble for children overtime and could impact about their sexual drives. So I wonder how we straighten up the kid when they did wrong. Reasoning and verbal interaction can help but is it enough?

Honestly, I don’t know how to handle my future kids. The one thing I know I am certain is that, I will teach them how to be good with themselves and others. As young as they are I must let them know the importance of love, respect, honesty and their spiritual side. I wanted to be the best mom of my kids. And I want them to be the best that they can be.

Family Bonding

The main purpose of this trip is to have more family bonding. I tried my best to spend time with my parents. I didn't do much here except kept on strolling the mall, eat Filipino dishes and sweets, and having cheap massages at body and soul in Gaisano Tabunok.

Yesterday, I had organized a small get together of my family and few friends. Most of them came and the others did not. It didn't spoil my night wherein some of them I haven't seen averaging to 4-5 years. I was glad to see them all. We had held at "Port Seafood Restaurant" in Waterfront Lahug. It started past 7pm and ended at 10:30. I will post some pics when I got back from my trip.

Today, we went to Portofino. My dad decided to have a beach outing. It was a debate first whether it will be in Portofino or at Moalboal and the votes went to nearest location in Lapu-lapu where Portofino is. I didn't bring my digital cam so no pics for the day. I will just have all the memories in my mind. I had a great time. Wish to spend more bonding like this one. Hoping to get back someday with a better plan.

For my Dad

Last month, I chat online with my parents and siblings. My mom stressed out to me about my dad's condition and told me if I can find "Glutathione". I never heard this nor I am not a medical type of person so generic names are pretty hard to comprehend unless it is commonly use. I asked about this from her on what does it do with dad. She told me that the doctor recommended to him and it will be good for him. I shared this to my hubby and both of us tried to research on what does it do. With our readings, it seems a pretty good supplement. My time ran short and few days ago I tried to search online where to find it directly. Even at work, I got the nerve to browse and do my thing. Of course if boss not around. I found one at GNC location at Westfield Valley Fair. They only carry one product. I don't have much time to waste so I went. The gentlemen who watched for the store where very accommodating and helped me find it. But no luck for me, product sold out. I was given a phone number to check a day or two if their shipment for new supplies will arrive. So I did today, and happy they have it in stock but a few of them. I reserved 2 bottles by phone and 20mins later I bought it with additional 2. The gentlemen told me that many buyers who came to the store and looked for the same thing where mostly Filipinos. They'd mention that its side effect will make your skin fairer. That sounds interesting. But the main usage of the product can help people who have cancer, diabetes, and a lot more. I'm sure with what I bought my dad will be happy and in the coming days I will gonna see him again.