Spell Happiness

Spell Happiness....... T-H-E  S-A-N-D-Y-S!!!!! soo excited to see them!!

Lazy me...

Lazzzzzzzzzzzy Sunday….. I over slept! Don’t know why but Am so dead tired I wanted to go home refresh and need my family’s hug! In this winter time… I want a piping hot Sopas (chicken noodles soup) or goto (chicken rice soup), a nice chat or bonding time to M and K. Have a movie marathon with them or hang out in McDo.  I miss home!!

It’s freaking cold here! I am wearing 3 layers, my shirt, regular jacket and outerwear jacket and still feel cold.   

Confirmed!!!!!!

We got 3 months extension! sigh.... but okay I am still happy with it! I'll be home for good soon and i'll be officially bummer too!!

God bless us in this new journey.

Okay.. that's still fine!

I missed the OSHA 10 hrs course... grrrrr!!! They supposed to email the memo to everyone not only to few!!!! I’ve been waiting for this then I was late for registration it because I got the message late….

OSHA is $200.00 and up courses depending on OSHA training  you want. I hope I can get one soonL.

Web source: Wikipedia

The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is an agency of the United States Department of Labor. It was created by Congress of the United States under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, signed by President Richard M. Nixon, on December 30, 1970. Its mission is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and occupational fatality by issuing and enforcing standards for workplace safety and health. The agency is headed by a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor, of the United States.
The OSH Act, which created OSHA also created the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as a research agency focusing on occupational health and safety. NIOSH, however, is not a part of the U.S. Department of Labor.
OSHA federal regulations cover most private sector workplaces. The OSH Act permits states to develop approved plans as long as they cover public sector employees and they provide protection equivalent to that provided under Federal OSHA regulations. In return, a portion of the cost of the approved state program is paid by the federal government. Twenty-two states and territories operate plans covering both the public and private sectors and five — Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and the US Virgin Islands — operate public employee only plans. In those five states, private sector employment remains under Federal OSHA jurisdiction.
 

Still a blessing

Though recession is now spreading out!! Gosh para syang cancer ha mabilis kumalat!!!  Old timer employees are ready for this since we saved some already from the previous company. Before we signed the contract last year it was already a “hear say”. Even the employee who’s getting less than us received the new offer letter with really duper low offer and please they are the hard worker to the extent round the clock work in the computer.

The “Super Curb Project” downsizing the US Govt budget but encouraging the employees to work very substandard. If you are the employees are you going to work 12 hours and make overtime for free if you feel that it doesn’t compensate? I doubt it!

But it is a blessing… gaining experienced to work in an international company with multi cultural environment. Develop your confidence towards work and people around you. Just think that this is our stepping stone. I still am thankful in this company to let us save for at least in 15 months and meet the other half of the world.

I am so Blessed!!

Feel right… feel blessed and I love it! Only thanking for the blessings uttered in my heart.  Pressure and problem keep on coming but I don’t know it doesn’t bother me at all. I’ll going to be a bum sooner, no more imported clothes and accessories for me and K, no more dreaming of travel abroad for the mean time, no more excess allowances and I need to tight my budget. I have to think of something at least to help M financially. But honestly, doesn’t bother me at all and for no reason at all I’m happy! I’m really praying hard this feeling will stay forever.

I was a church choir member before when I was in my teen years and I missed singing halleluiah and proclaim to the world how great our Lord Jesus Christ. How wonderful and purity our Mother Mary and how great all the angels in heaven.

Feel love… to my M, K and nanay so much! Hope God always keeps us safe and healthy.

For this coming Christmas I wish my families (Sandys and Juans) have a wonderful life ahead of them. May our good and loving God will continue to bless us forever and ever.

For all the people around me;

May the weary hearts will shine through and see God’s path of comfort.

May the feeling of resentments soon be replace by great acceptance and forgiveness.

May you see the reason for all your questions and burdens and be light up for God will never give us anything that we can’t get through.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

My K

Miss you K!!

This is her feet… after the foot spa and pedicure. My friend Dawn Smith sent her cute nail sticker for her 7th birthday last year... cute isn't?! Love it!!

This blog is about her… she got merit award for being outstanding student in SSAM. The school only gives 2 merits every school year.

I was upset when I found out that she got less 90 in her report card in the first grading it only means her chance for that merit will be less also. I made an agreement to her if she could get higher grades on 2^nd quarter I’ll buy her whatever she want… I know I am a bad mommy bribing her to get what I want but tell me, who among the mommies in this world don’t want her child/children be on top in the class???? I pressured her since I know she want something or other way around? Well, we both agreed that I’ll buy her 6 wheelers bag which is 3,000 pesos up to 5,000 depending on the brand name (actually I compromised M’s xmas bonus…hehehe!). The quest is on until the 2^nd grading report card came yesterday. She was so static to tell me that she made it!!!!! WE GOT THE MERIT!! Yehey!! I am the happiest mommy in the whole wide world aside from that she told me something I think I was robbed by my own K. The supporter (tutor, nanay, M and teacher) and I asked her to get 90 or 91 to all her subjects. To my surprised, she got 94 so I owe her 3 points. Gosh! She asked me to buy pink netbook and forget about the 6 wheelers since she can get that on the next school year… what the H! So tell me now? My bribing went well or she tricked me so she can get what she really wanted boo! Anyhow, I asked my SIL to buy me in the US or I’ll buy her on line… do I have any choice?

                        This is what she want .             

                             

My K is a consistent honor student from Prep up to present. She was accelerated from Nursery to Kinder in UP PUSO due to her great ability to identify shapes, colors, numbers and letters.

Maybe we spoiled her like this but with limitation. She has to earn what she wants. We let her to decide whatever club she wants to join. We never have a baby talk in our house; we treat her as a young adult.

 Miss you K so much! Mommy and daddy are so proud of you!!



Recession? Insecurities? Whatever!

When did you feel the recession? I mean the global recession. To tell the truth hasn’t felt this until last week. I was come from an American company for 2 years; The Company drowned me for lots of perks and high salary. Though I read and watched the recession news on AFN channel I am not worried since I have a good job.  I am blessed to have 2 years with the company before the dawned come. We lost the contract and we are being offered the same salary but fewer freebies in the successor company.  I signed to the company for 1 year contract. Though, never got a company-culture-shock since we just continue our job but with different policy, regulation and BOSS.

And now my time is up! Next week will be my last week in the company. I asked permission from M to sign for another contract and promised to be the last.  I signed for an extension after he agreed upon and file for rnr this New Year so I can spend New Year with them in the Philippines.  Everything went well until my co officemates email me that they offered super low salary as in not even close to ¼ of my salary right now.  So I was really shocked! I feel that we’re betrayed by this company.  Hate to say this, but they just use us to establish the relationship and services to the military through us. They knew we are ready to jump to other company who also won from the bidding who offered us less salary (not really that low unlike what they offering us today) but good perks or freebies. So maybe that was the reason why all of the sudden the recruiter offered us the same salary before. Now, my entire Balkans co workers are having a 2^nd thought to sign.  We perform multi task job, like me… aside from being an Admin personnel I am also operation and foreman sometimes when we need to… I drive forklift and pull ropes to be able to rise up a tent.

HR did not understand that… they feel that our salary is now being a center what we so called “unjust and unfair to others.” Ok.. fine! We are being treated as black sheep from the headquarters because of being our stubbornness but accept it… we are the reason why the KAF O&M dept still on top despite of what happening in the other Site. That’s the result of our good salary.

I hate whining maybe it’s time for us to go home since most of the old timer been here for 3-7 years. And we must understand the “Super Curb Project” of the US Military or the Company.  Expat/ American are not affected of this recession only the Foreign Nationals.

The only things I can say… good luck to the new employees (our replacements) hope they can cope up with the strict US guidelines, survive the  audits and hope that they can do the mission well like we do and perform 2 to more job in 1 position. I hope that the new salary rate can pay off those because in my case… NOT!!... I rather be home and stay with my family.

What do you hate most?!

                       

                                                                     Here

Me, a whiner!!!

I have  new foreign national personnel right now, he’s job title is Supervisor.. ok! My boss toured him and gives brief information about what we are doing here basically, and not surprisingly… he doesn’t know anything totally blank. But anyway, that is not the point.

The issue here he just came yesterday late afternoon and yet he asking for a truck (4x4 ford ranger) together with a driver because he can't bear the cold,  ISAF badge ( tho, I explained to him yesterday we need a heads up from Site Manager still pushing me) and all the freebies. He doesn’t like to ride in the back of the truck maybe he feels that he’s been mistreated or an insult to his position. Well, I replied to him as this…….

“Ok sir… welcome to A******!

When it’s cold … it’s really f^@king cold and when it’s hot really f^@king hot! I cannot provide you transportation so far and yes you have to ride in the back of the truck together with our crew if you still have any concern you can go straight to Site Manager’s Office just beside your living quarter. He’s the best guy here for sure he’ll help you out regarding your concerns.”

Do I so mean? I was shocked also to myself… freaking bad but gosh! Give me a break this is not a coat and tie with a secretary on the side department??? We are working in the construction!!!! We do all the dirty jobs! What he expect? Get his ass to work!

I know Site Manager will just laugh at him when he finds out what I’ve said. On his mind he probably say “crazy little Filipina strike again” he knew me well when it comes to work.  He’s  my boss for a year now and served as his admin and operation personnel.

Proud to be a.... ME!

I passed the 2 part exam for Flight line badge and license and I am also a hater to my subordinates who took the class. They asked why I didn’t tell them they have exam. Huh! All the training class should have an evaluation guys!! In case you want to know!

What I learned from the class:

Stupidity is not a valid reason in Flight line incident.

Defensive driving is a must.

Establish the communication with the Tower

Be vigilant to any threat.

Always listen to your instinct.

The training class over all was well delivered by the speaker. Kudos! To those who passed (10 out of 30 who took the class).

For those who failed specially my crew… Guys! You need to retake and if it’s mean you have to go through 3 classes before you pass so be it!!  Or I need to review them… by the way the 30 trainees are composed of American, Balkans, Indian, Nepalese, and FilipinoJ.

On Line module Safety and License Training Challenge

From this source

Yesterday really pain in the ass!! Stressful… after the QAQC/Safety inspection he wanted to at least one in the department done with the Safety on line Training.  Mind you, it is not only 1 module at least 8 and each module has a quiz that you must to pass to be able to get certification. Thank God didn’t got a failed quiz… the on line training was consist of Fire Prevention, Safety Defensive  Driving, Ergonomics, Heat Stress, New Hire Orientation ( funny, been working here for a year now), Code of Ethics, Hazard Communication  and Personal Protective Equipment.  The truth is, in the previous company we always have this on line training every 6 months or annually so it’s not new to me. The American company making sure we understand and follow the OSHA standard when it comes to work attitude and safety. The day ends well though, I said to myself- I had my quota so time to a sound sleeps yahoooo!! 12 hours work and the on line nose bleed training.

I deserve to watch a movie in my laptop so I open again my favorite for a moment “Eclipse ( Twilight Saga)” since I read more than 4 times the book series I really would like to see if the director captures the most romantic part of Bella-Edward-Jacob love triangle. Not so disappointed but not astonished with the movie maybe I expected more but over all I fell in love again and looking forward to read the Eclipse book again. Happy day isn’t…UNTIL the Area Security Manager gives a Flight Line Security Class from 1900 to 2100 what the heck!! It seems unfair after my on line modules and then another class and quizzes again???????!!!! Give me a break!!

I found myself listening to Mr. Herman Vana-as, a retired US Military Officer while he’s doing his training class for us. He has a loud voice that you could not fall asleep and in fairness, he talk with an accent so you have to draw more attention for else you’ll be lost… quizzes was given out at the end of his 2 part  classes . I hope I pass his quizzes and get my Flight Line Security license and badge.

Safety Inspection Yesterday

Safety monthly inspection - check!!
So I thought it went well since after he checked the office he left right away. Little thing I know the Inspector and Boss P had a commotion in the yard. While the Indian Inspector taking some picture of unsafely act he asked or grabbed (whatever is true) to show him his badge stating he has the privileged to use camera. Another issue grrrrr!!!! Sometimes I am wondering what really my job is. Because after the incident the Safety Professional showed and investigate what happened to that scene. Instead Boss P talk to that guy he let me.. goodness!! We got an agreement it won’t happen again just let his Indian explain first why they have to take some picture before he focus the camera.
But you know what sometimes, those guy pushing me to my limit, the way they approached is like they are supervisor or same like. I want get my pay slip and show them that their 6 months’ salary is just my 1 month salary… that’s how expensive Filipino skills are!!
We understand their job keep the employees informed about safety and try to avoid any unsafely act or don’t ever short cut any job. The potential hazard of the daily task are always been tackled every morning in morning briefing. But for some what reason I don’t know why the employees couldn’t understand and find it hard to follow.
Anyhow, I suggest to the Safety Professional he should make a customer service class to his Indian employees because even me experienced of their being rude but that another story. Cultural Ego should be set aside because it doesn’t matter if you are Filipino, Indian, Nepalese, Kenyan, European or American here… we eat the same food, stay and sleep with the same LSA.  

Hindwana 2 ( Cantaloupe/ yellow melon)

Much sweeter that watermelon, this round, light green and uber sweet melon is weighed 6 kilos. Sayed told us he can bring bigger than this... what?????? soo love this one! I'm dreaming for  a melon shake and shrimp-melon salad in Emerald Resto in front Phil. Navy Headquaters, The nicer thing about the fruit "here" is very affordable it cost me only 2 dollars ";)

Hindwana (watermelon)

A sweet and mouthwatering watermelon I ever tasted!! I thought only in our country (mabuhay philippines) has the sweetest watermelon after I tasted the hindwana it is weighed at least 10 kilos, so reddish and firm. I got a chance to see the watermelon plants but camera was not allowed (such a loser!). Love to see them in that dry and not humid land laying over their leaves it‘s like you see a freedom land so peaceful, quiet and sweet (as you imagine eating those watermelon) place.

I hope local national realize how rich their soil and be grateful to this kind blessings.

A Smoky Quiet Lunch @ Far East

It's not all about food… it all about the topic guys are having during lunch. P wanted to have cock fight chicken in his wife's place in Ilocos Norte. One of the Filipino employees will be home by next week and promised to give 2 cock fight chicken and J, Service 2 will send 5 from his farm in Mindanao. Their conversation went well until S, PG Foreman talked about his farm in the mountainous area in Bayoc, Zamboaga del Sur. To give you a background these guys I mentioned are cock fight chicken breeder (business back home), they engaged in export and import of this particular animal.. They even spend I think 100 thousand pesos for the monthly feeds and vitamins. Oh well, to make the story short and precise to the title. S told us that  a group of men taking care of his mango farm in exchange of monthly supplies of foodies such as noodles, sardines, rice or whatever he have in his land. Who are they???!!!... Our co-Filipino chose to live at the mountain for their political belief and ideal.  No, I did not condemn those Filipino instead I do believe we don’t have really perfect political set up and No, I’m not a patriotic person either. But in their conversation my being a military wife side come out and stand without thinking I said to them when S told  " mabait naman sila (they are nice)… me: Yah! That’s why they asking you for mandatory revolutionary tax and why are you hiding your cock fight chicken in the urban area it because those nice people might grab those or to be nicer will ask your permission whether yes or no they will get those… right??!! Yah… you are absolutely right… they are nice." Everybody look at me like a criminal (looks that saying “keep your mouth shut”).
Don’t get me wrong people.. I hate to talk about politics since I’ve been away home for how many years now and serving US military instead of my own. But whenever I’m “home” I feel and see the difference how our young military officer trying to change our lives.
My lunch was smoky because I do feel the predicament of being a soldier and quiet because I can’t do anything to ease those…

Audit and Inspection dilemma...

from the source

Have you been ever encounter a company who has an audit and inspection every week? The butterfly in my stomach I think already stuck since my dept always on the spot!! Government Compliance, DoD Audit, Safety, QAQC and DCMA's. In my previous company, HSE dept is not part of the Audit list so it is really new to me. Each item or equipment is a hot US Government Property so they make sure we use it properly.

•  I learned that we have to separate the cleaning materials from non toxic to flammable materials. The flammable material should to store to a cabinet that doesn’t direct in the sun and have a secured lock, fire extinguisher in the side in case of emergency.
• The equipment like Auger bit, sweeper roller and such should be elevated from the ground to be able to comply with this; we can put it in a pallet, cover it if the equipment is on the open area and stick it with label that indicate what kind of equipment and the GP #.
• One of the critical and should be updated is the Timesheet. From the first column down to the Employee Signature column (which is the last column) should be well explained in the employee. How bloody our timesheet? Why it is so big deal? Well… since I’m working in a military civilian employee. My timesheet should be indicate what is my charge cost (charge cost it depending where division are you working at) and location code. What time should I suppose to start to work and what time should I fill up electronically my timesheet. How many minutes my break for the whole day. What is the flow of the timesheet after you submit it? Mistakes and error entry should be justified and approved by the Site Manager.
• You should memorized and know your PWS (performance of work) by heart and else you are busted! You have to display the entire desktop SOP or make a compilation of the entire SOP’s, updated inventory of manning, materials, situational report and monthly training.
• Even a small drill as long as it is come from a package with a manual should have a monthly inspection and keep those manuals because that is part of the audit.
• MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) should be visible and available to everyone. Update it monthly or whenever we have a new chemical consumable item.
• Weekly and monthly inspection for fire ext, smoke alarm, first Aid, and ladder or everything that related to safety always is updated and available for inspection purposes.
• Yard and office should always be neat and clean. No flammable such as computer cleaner exposed.
• Electrical cord should be align to quarterly bonding-grounding inspection it means each quarter has a different colors so make sure you are inspected by an electrician before the  Inspector catch you!
• Military and company hotline number should be posted every corner. US government has a non tolerance policy regarding racial and work discrimination.

Here you go my audit dilemma.. Do you want to try?

Freakin Cold!!

Though, my place right now doesn't snow but really freakin' cold!!  the north part of this country who have a bad snow fall.I was there  from Oct 2007 to June 2008. At first I was excited.. a girl who came from a tropical country what do you expect?! too happy to see snow falling in your head, touching it and rub it your palm, playing snow ball and throw it.. so much fun!..but as day come by it's getting worst. I experienced tripped in the side of the road so many times hehehe!! too lazy to go to work, so good to lying down in my bed, lazy to take a bath and can't take the freezin' cold! I have to put some heater blanket on the side wall of my bed because my blanket heater is not enough to keep me warm.
I love to sip hot choco at the dining facility and brewed coffee anytime of the day. Though, It's cold most of the people from Europe love to eat dairy queen ice cream and baskin and robin ice cream.. You'll see them with thier winter jacket and gloves and yet eating some ice cream. Hope this lovely weather will just stay as this and storm never show up.

Angoor (Sweet Little Grapes)

This is the grapes or angoor "here" so little and greeny but uber sweet! exaggerating the word sweet that how it is really taste like. It cost around 2 dlrs per kilo in the Bazaar. You could compare it to the expensive seedless grapes in Rustans Market or in any high end groceries in Manila.
Local people here hasnt yet realized how rich their soil. In my next blog i'll show you how big the watermelon here and for sure you will be amaze and agree with me..

I hate my flabby body

I started to use Herbalife hoping to lose some weight... first month nothing really change to my body it was because:  i didn't diet my self from food... same routine. Gosh! how can I resist the steak, bbq's, bread stuffing, cakes, the meat and seafood stir fry's?? how about the taco salad? the mexican foodies!! how I wish I could pass through in hot bars without feel tempted and go straight to salad bar and soup.

When I was in 20(teen) my weight was just 115-120 lbs. Then I gave birth to K I gained 15 lbs and more day by day until I reached my recent weight 160 lbs!! How can I blame myself?:(. My married life is really fun and fullfilling having a daughter K and a hubby M you could not ask for more but to enjoy every single day with them. Since the day I found out Im having a cutie in my tummy I started to experiment cooking.. I never let M go to his office without lunch box(es). K should be full stomach before going to school and or even for the whole day.

My quest in taking out flabby body is really not serious until...... I read my coach email that one of her herbalife client lose 15 lbs and she started the same day with me. I promise to myself I will take this herbalife weight management seriously!!!!!! ( while doing this blog, Im munching english muffin with turkey links and pork sausage with mustard and catsup... yum yum!!)

A-nar (Pomegranate)

Wikipedia says: A pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub or small tree growing to between five and eight meters tall. Native to the drier regions of the Mediterranean Basin, pomegranate is widely cultivated throughout India and parts of southeast Asia, Malaya, the East Indies and tropical Africa.^[1] Introduced into Latin America and California by Spanish settlers in 1769, pomegranate is now cultivated in parts of California and Arizona for juice production.

^{Seasoned fruits right now here.. for 5 dolllars 6 big pomegranate was bought.. it is so sweet, a cherry like color friuts. The local people told me to eat also the seeds so I searched in the internet if it's safe to eat the seeds or I need to spit it out but as I read the seeds are also rich from nutrients.. And the good thing with this fruits is.. a good source of FIBER!!}

Forget Safety?

Bad luck.. are they comes in 3??! so why it happened to me in 5? I am super deppresed! Why it really so hard to follow safety rules and house rules..

1. Got a personnel who had a deeply cut in his arm ( deeply means a 4 stitches inside and 6 outside in his arms) lovely isn't?
2. People never learned..  one was hit by the double power nail gun.. his finger is like a kebab! at least he's wearing a safety gloves but still doesnt care to pause and read the potential hazard of using a power nail gun! how smart are they right?!
3. Missed an interview because his attention was snatched by his inventory.. good reason?! Nah!
4. Over confindent not to use the truck side mirror... so he got an accident!
5. "I was just parking the small truck" but still you cannot utilize any vehicle without a License period!!

What I learned from all of these?? make a house rules with the font size of 20 and post it in every door so they wont forget and STAY AWAY FROM TROUBLE!!