Xioms' First in Sandpit!

It was almost five years ago when I came to Abu Dhabi, UAE (aka sandpit) to search for better opportunities. I cannot say it was a hard battle, actually, I was lucky enough to find a decent, good-paying job at a university. The only thing that's keeping me to be completely happy is living far away from my kiddo. Given the fact that communication nowadays are quite easy, it's still hard to be away with your most precious possession in life. But I sucked it all up as they say, "for the benefit of your child's future".

Indeed it was a good benefit as I was able to provide Xioms whatever she needs in life, even extra ones that usual kids can't have, and have Xioms enrolled in a good school. I always thought of bringing her here to see how I have been living my life and for her to realize (in some sort of a way) that life ain't like a piece of cake. I'm not one of those OFWs who have miserable lives and are being brutally managed by their employers, but I want to show and teach my kiddo, as early as now, how I am excelling at work and how patient and honest I am to earn money to get all the things she needs so she'll be proud of me and appreciate all tangible and intangible things even more.

Anyway, at first I have never imagined I would be able to bring Xioms in sandpit even for just a vacation. I have the means, don't get me wrong, but I always think that it's better to save it for future emergency needs. But there was this one person who made me realize that money is not everything. The longer I have been living outside Philippines is the amount of time I already missed seeing and knowing my child. Although I always come home at least once or twice a year, it's still different! And the fact that I have the power and means of having her here, even for a short period of time, I shouldn't have any excuses at all! Money comes and goes which isn't really that important, the one that has great significant value of all is the quality time you could spend with your loved ones.

And so hurriedly I processed all Xioms' (and Mom's) documents and have them flew over and they stayed here for a month :) Documented pics are all here and the below is my most favorite one.

Stoked at Dubai Mall's Aquarium

Toodles!

Love burns brighter than sunshine

Isn't it nice waking up and starting your day with a lot like love? Nine hours or so before the New Year starts and I'm pretty excited what that would bring. Probably, another year older, Xioms will turn 3, meeting new people, falling in love, and so on. Sheesh, this blog's getting mushy!

It was 9 in the morning when Xioms went in to my room and woke me up. I promised last night that we'll have a coffee tomorrow. Yes, coffee's bad for kids and it was not literally coffee drinking! One of her god parents gave my kiddo a coffee/tea set toy present. Xioms wanted to open it at an instant but t'was already her bed time -- that's when I promised. One thing I learned is that you never make a promise that you can't keep or you'll feel bad and guilty. So we did have our coffee and enjoyed every moment.

This day seems ordinary though there's a big event to celebrate. Ordinary day at home is not ordinary at all and I don't know why I keep on saying the word ordinary. Anyway, mom's preparing for our feast later tonight and I'm looking forward to our dessert. We planned on buying Banapple or DQ's oreo ice cream cake. I know, I know... and I never hesitate to announce that I'm a DQ addict. So, what would be on our table tonight? Well, so far, am seeing some pata tim (Chinese delicacy), grilled milk fish, marinated chicken, pasta, all sorts of fruits and chocolates!

So there's nothing much to say, just a Happy New Year and enjoy the sunshine with your loved ones.

x