Is going back to Japan a good idea?

What d'ya think, my friends?

I know that Japan is in recession, but my life would be better off there than here (in the Philippines). Well, that's what I believe. I am in constant contact with a few friends there and they are helping me out in looking for a nice job in ESL teaching. No concrete moves yet as of now, but I am optimistic that I'll have a big chance of getting a job that I want.

A part of me is getting excited with such idea. For one, I could savor my fave Jap dishes again, and ooh, ah, to my tummy's delight. Secondly, I get to reunite with my close friends there who've considered Japan as their home, and to my Jap students who became my friends too.

But the other part of me is quite sad too. Japan has been a major witness in my married life. This is where my husband and I have received the gift of parenthood with the coming of Luke and Lois into our life. Many happy memories happened and are kept in this beautiful place. And reminiscing all these breaks my heart. I could not help but break into tears, even with just the slightest thought of revisiting the places where Dadi and I used to enjoy together.

Your two cents, please.

Are we ready to go back home?

Whew, that's quite a tough question, eh!

Emotionally, yeah. But when it concerns our stuff (read: all those balikbayan boxes), no answer for now.

If you get to see how things are scattered around our house now, you would probably think that we are "getting ready". We have already given away some of our things -- the bigger ones -- to the point that we are now kinda getting through our daily life without microwave oven, washing machine, no tables, and with a very small fridge. Our bed is still with us, no taker yet. ;)

I still have three weeks to do the packing. Just enough to finish everything that has to be done, including enjoying Sakura in most big and wide Kouens around Tokyo. ;)

Mark the date, my friends. Ready or not. April 18th. See you sooooooon. ;)

100 things about me

Guess it's but right and proper to let my readers know who I am, at least in my own words. Got this idea of 100 things from a friend, and I am encouraged to do it too. So, scroll down to the end, and get to know me more.

1. I'll start with my name. I have several names, but I prefer you call me NING.
2. Stay-at-home mom.
3. Have a 1-year-old son.
4. I am 100% Filipino.
5. Born and raised in the Philippines.
6. But I am in Japan right now.
7. Will stay here for a couple of years more.
8. Third among the four brood.
9. In my early 30s.
10. Mestiza.
11. Brown eyes.
12. Tall and slim.
13. But I have grown a little since I gave birth to my son.
14. No plans of going to a gym or even doing a home exercise.
15. I really don't care about my figure.
16. But I want to get rid a few cms so I can still wear my fave suits.
17. Did I say I am a writer and editor by profession?
18. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in communication at the University of the Philippines.
19. I am 3 units short of my master's degree.
20. In Japan, I do English language teaching.
21. I first got a full time job in a language school, but I'm a freelancer now.
22. I try to find a part time work, but things are not as easy as before.
23. I hate cold weather.
24. But I want to experience snow.
25. I love to eat.
26. I eat 3 full meals and 3 snacks in between in a day.
27. I'm always hungry.
28. In fact, I am getting hungry as I am composing this.
29. I hate raisins.
30. Whatever you do, you'll never get me to have at least a taste of those black thingy.
31. I don't eat strawberries before.
32. But now, I do.
33. Strawberries here in Japan are superb!
34. I am a big fan of chocolates.
35. Any kind or brand will do.
36. But I am crazy over macadamia nut or almond-filled chocos!
37. I also love macadamia nut-flavored Häagen-Dazs ice cream!
38. Even it costs so much here, I still buy at least once a week (but not during winter).
39. Oh, I am a coffee-holic now.
40. It started just a month ago.
41. Blame the good coffee taste here in Japan.
42. I am a late-riser.
43. My deep sleep in usually in the morning.
44. I love blogging.
45. I bloghop too.
46. Most of the time, in fact.
47. I've learned about HTML thru blogging.
48. I desire to buy a state-of-the-art digicam but don't have enough dough right now.
49. So I have to be content with our small digicam.
50. Hmm, I never realised it would be this hard to describe myself.
51. It's taking me a while to think.
52. What else should I say?
53. Oh, I love to sing.
54. I dream of singing for a large audience someday.
55. Sort of a live concert.
56. I had a few stints before though.
57. But those were not as big as I dreamed of.
58. Hmm... when will this dream come true?
59. I remember when I was small, I used to sing in front of the mirror.
60. With my hairbrush as my microphone.
61. And with all emotions poured into it.
62. How about dancing?
63. Well, I did a YMCA dance when I was in Grade 6. ;)
64. I am NOT a sportsperson.
65. I don't even know how to ride a bicycle.
66. But I can drive a car.
67. I love peach roses.
68. Don't ever give me red ones, I won't appreciate it.
69. I hate rush hour.
70. I think everyone hates it.
71. I wanted to have another baby.
72. But I am afraid of going through the 9 months ordeal again.
73. It is very traumatic for me.
74. Not knowing what's gonna happen.
75. I get tired of cleaning and sterilising feeding bottles.
76. But I need to, otherwise, I have nothing to use in feeding my toddler.
77. I also get tired of doing the laundry.
78. But I have no choice but to wash them.
79. Ows, have I already mentioned that I love anything with Pooh bear designs.
80. I have a collection eh.
81. Almost all of my kid's things are Pooh-inspired.
82. Even diapers!!!
83. My fascination of Pooh bear started when I got pregnant with my son.
84. That's as far as I can recall.
85. Lately, I keep on forgetting things.
86. Just this afternoon, I forgot to bring the digicam on our way to the park.
87. I love eating at Mister Donut (in Japan).
88. Their Angel Cream is superb.
89. I miss my garden back in the Philippines. *sigh*
90. Ten more to go and I'm done!
91. I intend to buy a G-shock watch for myself.
92. My hubby gave me one 3 years ago.
93. But it is nowhere to be found now.
94. The last six items are the most important.
95. I believe in God Almighty.
96. I love God.
97. I lean on Him for help and guidance.
98. He is my Saviour.
99. My dependable Friend.
100. For without HIM, I am NOTHING.

Note: First published at my blogHi account.