Good Tidings

Today I am going to count my blessings just because finally, I feel that my prayers are being heard. The first quarter of the year has passed by so quickly and as I reflect back, I realize that I have so much to be thankful for already in the past three months.

1. Career. Take a look at the update I've made at this post (striked through items 1 & 2) and you'll know what I'm thankful about with regards to my career. Yes, I've been promoted, and although I don't have my own parking space, it's as good as having one already coz I can now reimburse my parking fees. After 8 years in the IT industry, I am finally at the senior level. I could have reached this level sooner but by jumping companies almost every year for several years, I missed out on my promotions. Well no regrets; I have learned from all the companies I have been to and I'm happy where I am now. It's just too bad that my promotion didn't translate to a substantial increase (last year's merit increase was even higher in terms of percentage, compared to what I got now) because upper management changed (thus budget policies also changed). But I did get an additional benefit of insurance coverage so that's still something to be thankful about. Also, our bonuses will be given out next payday so that gives me peace of mind about my upcoming condo annual payment. It's still short of what I need but I'm sure I'll be able to find ways to procure the remaining amount.

A Time to Reflect

I like the Lenten Season. In fact, it's my favorite "holiday", if you could call it that. The atmosphere is generally calm and serene; none of the hustle and bustle of Christmas, costume parties of Halloween, or the artificial sweet-romancing of Valentines Day. It allows me to stop and think on what I've been doing with my life. It gives me the chance to meditate and renew my faith.

People used to hate Lent because there's nothing to do, nothing to watch on television and nowhere to go because the malls are all closed. Now they're starting to like it, but I guess for the wrong reasons. For some, it's time to catch up on their favorite American TV series on DVD. For others, it's time to take advantage of the long break and price promos on the domestic airlines to head off to the various island-beaches in the country. Even I was guilty of going to Davao last year and taking a dip at the beach on Good Friday. This year, I'm going swimming on Maundy Thursday. But I do hope we can go on Visita Iglesia here in Manila or in the province. Or maybe we would visit the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes like we used to do when I was little. We'll see then I'll just update you :)