Well, it’s been a long work week and I’ve been too busy to blog. But here I am again and I have some Easter Photos to show. I actually took some videos of Alyssa at school doing some egg hunting with the rest of the class but I am just too lazy to upload it. So the weekend is almost over. Again! Yesterday, I emptied some space on our closet and packed some stuff that we are not using. It took me couple of hours to do that and yet I still have so much to do. Rolly on the other hand car washed the SUVs. And Alyssa, she was busy watching TV.

So before continuing my chores for this Sunday morning, I will be fixing Alyssa’s toys. It is all over the place and she’s not even playing with them. This afternoon, we will be going to church and maybe stop by some places before coming back home…

[View with PicLens]

Popularity: 6% [?]

After meeting up with Tony for an scheduled appointment, we went home to eat lunch. I’d been cooking for the past three days so we have some left overs of papaitan, adobo and tinola. We thought of taking a nap before coming to San Juan (Rolly’s consulting), but we decided to head out the door before we get too lazy to do anything. Rolly dropped us at the mall and I shopped for a new dress for Alyssa. I got her this really cute pink dress with embroidered florettes on it. And yeah, also a white pair of shoes for tomorrow. As we were waiting for Rolly to come pick us up, we also passed by the toy shoppe. She can’t take her eyes off this toy registry from Baby Genious and was begging to have it so I finally gave in and bought it. Rolly also did some shopping of his own, which he rarely does.

Now, I found a little peace here in Bob’s office. Alyssa is busy playing so I have some free time to blog. In contradiction to what other’s think of, I actually have little free time for myself. So my blogging is on halt for some time. At work, when something interesting happens I tell myself to remember to write about it. Then comes the night, after some chores I have to do, I just am so tired that I just want to go to sleep in order for me to wake up in the morning and get myself and Alyssa ready for the day. But it is all good I guess… rather than staying home feeling miserable… always finding something to do, or thinking of a place to escape away. 

On a happy note, I can’t wait for my Mom to come to California. I just paid my Affidavit of Support for her petition last Monday so everthing should be ok and that NVC is to send the packet for her to complete. My petition for my Dad is to come up next. Boy, $700.00 is kindof steep specially we’re looking for a big project to accomplish in the next few weeks. After that, I will be working on his petition too.

As I start to look back to some months ago, I finally came to terms with myself. After all those times that I felt like I was about to give up, Rolly was always there to explain and make me understand. I guess, I really don’t have any right to complain because what was my pain compared to Jesus’ suffering on the cross? Tomorrow, as we celebrate his resurrection, I will be saying my prayer of Thanks. Thanks for all the good things that was bestowed upon me even when I was not looking. Thanks for giving me a wonderful family. Thanks for sorrounding me with all of his blessings. And thanks for giving me chance after chance to make everyday even better…

Happy Easter Sunday to everyone!!!

Popularity: 11% [?]

‘Been so busy for the past two weeks but I am feeling pretty good about everything. Staying Positive: That’s what I always try to do every single day I get out of bed. There are those things though that one cannot avoid. Like work for instance, some words have been circulating about this and that and I know I am not supposed to be in the middle of anything. Seriously, that is the last thing I have in mind. But I cannot be judgmental about anybody… and I will still be nice and will talk to anybody who does the same way to me.  I believe in building bridges however I also think that if you OUGHT to close some doors then you should. For now, I will still be the same Rosalyn. Their business is not mine and if some of them decides to share it with me, the most I can do is listen.

Days with Rolly and Alyssa are great by the way. Yesterday, we took Alyssa to Macy’s and she picked up this cute Hello Kitty dress. I was a little skeptical because it looked long but when she put it on, it just looked perfect! I can’t believe she’s tall. Well, compared to the other girls her age at Chez Grand’mere, she’s one of the tallest. Terry, the manager said Alyssa is pretty smart and quite assertive. She is… you can’t win during a discussion. She always wants to win. Rolly would say: “Hay, kanino pa kaya nagmana!” Lol!

Last week’s Saturday and Sunday, we went to Rolly’s consulting in San Juan. Then we went to watch the Bounty Hunter. I didn’t like the story line at all! The only probable reason why we sat there and endured two hours of nonsense was because I like Jennifer Aniston.

Overall, everything is just fine and moving according to plan! Here are some photos from yesterday too.

[View with PicLens]

Popularity: 9% [?]

This week was well, one of those that you just love and hate at the same time. Monday was very slow at work. We had a lot of time to bond as “fellow-workers” (as per Lupe), we chatted, we laughed. Shared stories, at the same time work. Alyssa enjoyed school too. She made a friend with someone called Amiel who she claimed pushed her on the swing. She actually cannot wait to go to school the next day to see him. Rolly had a good thousand-buck bonus from work! Now, that is the good news. Only that that the state took almost $400.00 tax from it. Ouch!

Tuesday was again fair (for me at least). Patients all decided to show up after I left work at 2:30. Poor David, Tracy and Leonard. But of course, the managed as usual. Great team work! I called Rolly lunch time by the way and he was walking at Home Depot shopping. Lol. And Alyssa, we took her the the Chinese Restaurant after we picked her up because she was craving for Orange Chicken.

Wednesday was Rolly’s bonding with the boys. I am glad he can do that at least once a week. I know he misses them too. We are actually planning on going camping on the summer up north. Or maybe somewhere closer as I know I cannot get a day off from work…

Thursday, we drove across town after work to look at some places. It is always fun just because we are together. It makes the travel exciting too. Work was bad though… I guess we had to pay for the three days that we were slow. But at least one patient thought I was sweet. Lupe said: “The patient said I was really nice. That some people just do it for the money and that I do it for the service.” One of our good friend at work got a really good news herself and we were so happy for her. I want to actually share the story but I know how personal it can be, and I respect her as I know the feeling when we were at her shoes some years ago.

Today Friday went nuts! It was so busy, not even a spare moment to sit and phase a little bit. The patients were coming in and out of the Lab Door. We were down three people so the list just keeps piling up. It was already 2:31 and I was still taking care of a patient. It was just so busy… But the good news of it all is that, it is pay week! I love, love it! Well, I’ve been saving at least $500.00 per pay check for something big. Aside from that, I pay Alyssa’s $150/week tuition. After all expenses, I am left with couple of hundreds and few change… enough to enjoy the weekend.

So, bring it on! Saturday and Sunday will sure be busy still but we are so excited for it. Rolly has to do some consulting on Sunday so I am planning on taking Alyssa to the mall. We still have a gift card from Macy’s that we haven’t used yet. And maybe watch a movie or something…

Popularity: 13% [?]

This morning, Rolly drove his ninja to San Clemente where he’s doing his consulting. On the other hand, I took Alyssa shopping at The Village in Corona. I took her first to Target and we bought a whole box of crayola (it has 120 crayons), paints and paint brushes and some coloring books. She wanted to buy a pink scarf to use at Chez Grand’mere. But because it was 15 dollars, I hesitated. I was then able to convince her she will lose it. Seriously, I don’t even wear scarf!

For breakfast, I bought some chicken nuggets for her and a cinnamon-sugar pretzel for me. I can’t remember the last just the two of us went out together. Since I started working, we never headed to the park. And because Rolly and I are so busy about some stuff, the three of us are mostly in the car driving. So I owe it to Alyssa a nice, peaceful Saturday. After breakfast, we went to ToysRUs and I got her a Barbie CD player which she loves so much. She got lucky this week, last Thursday she got a pack of LeapFrog Tag Reader with two books. A gift from Rolly’s co-worker. It was actually pretty cool as the Tag Pen reads every word on the book. I don’t know how they come up with all these great Children Educational Toys. Really Genius!

On our way home around 3:00 in the afternoon, the rain started to pour down. It is my first time to drive on a heavy rain since I came to California almost seven years ago. Rolly was calling me and I can’t even answer the phone, I was that concerned. However, I am just glad Rolly made it home too. Just imagine him riding the bike on the freeway while it is raining. Now, that will scare the hell out of me.

Well, tomorrow is Sunday. I am not sure what we have on schedule but I am looking forward to just spending it with Rolly and Alyssa. And by the way starting Monday, I will be starting at 6:00 in the morning. Boy, I am not sure how this one will work out. But I guess it is much better than starting at 9 am until 6. I wish I have more choices though, for now I know I just have to hold on and be patient. Hopefully this year, I will be given a chance to do my career change.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Just few minutes ago (before my lunch), my Manager came and said she wants to see me for a while. All these thoughts of “What did I do?”, “Am I in trouble?”, “Uh oh, this is not good!” just flooded my mind. I cannot even leave my chair so she has to come get me the second time. When she closed her office, I wished I was not there at all… Then she started saying all these good things and I was feeling more comfortable.

She said I am personable. I treat the patients really good. She thinks I am a good addition to the team. She describes me as a happy person (which I really am, seriously), and I always have a great smile on my face. She said I am adjusting to the work environment even if I have to previous Lab experience, and that I am doing good with few mistakes considering I am new. I was just listening and I feel so pleased that I am hearing all these from her. I always try my best on everything… sometimes, I don’t get credit just because it is expected of me. For instance, whenever I win on a poster making contest when I was still at school few will say “great job”. More people would just say, “Why will she not win on the first place?” Or when I get good grades, my mom and dad will say: “Well, you really should have good grades because we don’t let you do anything and you have all the time to study.”

It is all good, I guess. The journey is still long and I have a lot of things still undone. I want to achieve higher and be more stable hopefully in the next year or two. I owe it all to those who have played and those who are still playing significant roles in my life. On top of my head, My Mom and Dad for being my foundation since the beginning. My husband Rolly and my daughter Alyssa, the inspiration behind every dream. My brother(s) for always being my allies. Ate Cita, Wendy, Eros and Chloe for always believing. Phyllis, for being so caring. Jennifer Boatman, my first manager who opened up doors for me and thinking I can do even more. Kristen, for giving me more opportunity to grow. Katherine, for giving me a chance to learn more. Other relatives and friends who continue to care. I truly am in debt.

I know I will hear words and meet more people along the way. There will always be that one or two who will either make or break me. Others will merely be passersby and some, I will always remember. They will leave impacts on my life and no matter what or how big or small it will be, it should not alter my path. Forward. Always forward, that’s where I am heading…

Popularity: 12% [?]

I was so sure I would be able to blog last week I definitely cannot predict the future. We’ve been hit Tuesday and Wednesday. It was so bad that I felt drained after the day. Wednesday, my Manager had a talk with me about her hiring me permanently with a condition that I will do the closing time that is from 9:00 to 6:00. I was not expecting it, though I heard some people say that eventually I will. Was I happy? I’ll tell you this, I was pleased to know that they think I can do what I am supposed to. That I can handle that crazy shift. But if I can choose, I’ll probably prefer to just be a temporary as I cannot promise to stay neither will I promise to hang in there for that long just like Jill and Dave. What I can truly give is the best work I can possibly share and do what I am asked to do while I am still on that department. It is a good offer though, and I am happy I am even given the chance for it.

Thursday was Alyssa’s 2nd day at school. She was excited as usual. I am glad she’s getting used to it. I went to pick her up after work and took her to Carl’s Jr. I got her a kid’s meal (which she didn’t eat), she just love the toy.  Then came Friday. Alyssa woke up early and on our way to OC, she fell asleep. I tried to wake her up when we got to Chez. When she opened her eyes, she held on tight and begged to stay. Rolly didn’t have a choice but to take her home. I now learn my lesson… I won’t let her go back to sleep on our way to school.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Today is Alyssa’s first day at Chez Grand’mere. Rolly and I were up already up by 4:30 in the morning and after fixing everything up I woke Alyssa at 5:15 and headed out the door. I was encouraging her to go back to sleep on the drive to OC, but she refused. I think she is a little excited and anxious because she knows we will be dropping her off to school. When we got to Chez, two kids were there and she started hanging out with them. I seriously can’t leave her. I keep talking to her giving her instructions on how to play, not run, not do this or do this instead. I am afraid she will hurt herself.

After 15 minutes of hanging out at her school, Rolly finally convinced me to leave. I was still feeling scared for her that I kept asking Rolly to give Terri (the School Director) a call. Finally, Rolly emailed me saying Alyssa is doing great and she made some friends already. I can’t wait to go see her at 3:00. I promised I will take her to the store to grab a toy or something… I am just glad that this week is a short one for her. And yeah, I also have my camera with me so I will take some pics too.

Popularity: 18% [?]

I heard three similar questions today: 1. (Jill) How do you like your job so far?  2. (Zig) Are you feeling comfortable with what you are doing? 3. (Tracy) Do you get stressed out?

I am getting the hang of it, I think. And the tests were more like a review from Nursing school. I get to learn a lot more each day. I am getting more knowledgeable about what test goes with what diagnosis, when the patient should do it, and what are contraindications and factors that may or may not affect results.

The people I work with are great. Dave can keep his cool. Jill is very affectionate. Lupie always cracks me up. Lorely is always helpful. Tracy is a good cook. Leonard is Leonard. Lol. Lucretia has a very good voice. Sima has gorgeous grandkids. Hasina is quiet. Nancy is very nice. Ysela (from the other department but sitting next to me) is so much fun, and so as Laura. They call her sunshine (she doesn’t like it). And Zyg is German and likes chocolate. He too is nice just like everybody else. They all make work easier…

About the job itself… I honestly don’t see it as a career. By the end of this year, I will be trying my luck on the NCLEX exam. I am not sure if I am prepared, by the looks of it I know I have to do a lot more. I usually don’t underestimate myself but I know when I am capable and I know when I am just taking a chance. I tried to be prepared for everything, I went through a lot of competitions from elementary to high school. And despite of putting in my best shoe forward, sometimes I end up to be the second best. And that was heartbreaking. And there were those times too that I was rewarded for my hardwork. It sure boosted my self confidence.

Becoming a Nurse is my ultimate goal… and I know I have to jump over hurdles before becoming one. Whatever I am doing now, I want to say they are all preparations. And even if I have to go through pins and spikes, get hurt on the process, hear words along the way, come across unwanted events, I will hang in there. Sweet Revenge… yup that’s what Rolly said (referring to other stuff), I just like how those two words resonate. For now, I am just happy to meet new people and be submerged to direct health care.

Popularity: 14% [?]

bi⋅lin⋅gual

/baɪˈlɪŋgwəl or, Can., -ˈlɪŋgyuəl/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [bahy-ling-gwuhl or, Can., -ling-gyoo-uhl] Show IPA –adjective

The question is:  Should I consider Alyssa bilingual then? She speaks both Tagalog (with Ilocano) and English with equal frequency. Sure, she mixes the languages but still manages to convey what she means. Isn’t that the whole idea of learning? The process of using both in order to better understand how they complement each other. Just like Spanish-Speaker-children… speaking both English and Spanish, interchangeably. I guess the most important aspect of it is that these kids (that are being brought up into households speaking different languages) have to understand what is being said. Alyssa is bilingual. It does not matter if she only understand fraction of Tagalog and a whole lot more of English.  It does not matter if she mixes them during a conversation. That is why she is called bilingual in the first place.

Popularity: 14% [?]