First World Independence

Living in a third world country has its perks sometimes.  For most part of my childhood we were in a middle-income family, yet we have Nannies and maids who cleans the house, takes out the garbage, prepares our lunches, washes the dishes, makes sure we take a bath, brush our teeth.  What's not fair is that now that it's my turn to become a parent, I will have to do it myself.

I remember that I joked about my dream of marrying a rich man and not have to work anymore...to live the lives of the rich actresses and politician's wives or businessmen's concubines in the Philippines.  Not having to think of how to make more money, but instead, how to spend money. LOL. Of course it was a joke (that is half-meant).

Wouldn't it be nice to meet up with girlfriends in the middle of the day and chat for hours?  But then who could afford that?

Seriously though, wouldn't it be nice if we could go about town not having to worry about driving myself in the chaotic streets of Makati but instead having a driver to bring you to your destination...or going to the spa by myself, get a massage or a facial...then meet up with girlfriends at a coffee shop and chat for hours (is this even really happening or does this only happen on TV shows like "Friends"?)...then go shopping, trying on clothes for as long as I want to...or liesurely take my time in working out in the gym.

My Greatest Adventure

I love being a parent.  Some call it an adventure, or punishment or their personal ball-and-chain.  For me though, being a parent even just for one kid has changed my outlook on life immensely.

First time I learned I was pregnant was exciting and scary at the same time.  9 months from that time, would mean I can't go out with friends up to the wee hours in the morning...I can't sleep in on weekends...I can't do things on a whim anymore...or buy things on a whim...and what is this pregnancy going to do to my body?  Don't even get me started on the financial burden this is going to be to raise a child because I had no idea how we're going to go through with that as well.  Life will definitely change as I knew it.

 

Friday Night Dinner

Nomads like us tend to be adaptive to the environment we live in.  We embrace differences in culture and try stuff out, as we don't want to miss out on the experience.  The idea is to try things at least once.  We do this particularly with food.  Some people cringe at the sight of blood soup, balut, sashimi or steak tartare.  But nomads are more open and, without any judgement, seizes the moment.

Outside of the carpe diem matra, though, they are people just missing the environment they are accustomed to.  There are times when we wanted to bask on our comfort zone and not have to tiptoe around other cultures.  I am particularly lucky because I have my fellow Filipino family with me.   When I come home, I can relax, stop trying to adapt, become comfortable speaking my own language and be who I really am. 

It is a different story though for my friend, Pat who is married to an American.  Her struggle to remain true to herself is far more difficult because she has to culturally adjust even at the comfort of her own home.  She therefore cannot just cook a meal like she did from back home if her husband does not like it.  Some Filipino food could admittedly be an acquired taste.