Surviving NightShift

I knew it from the start. I accepted a job offer intended for night shift. And since I'm not morning person (and my overconfidence strikes), I initially thought the adjustment would be easy as pie.

So for 6 months now, I’m night owl. I’ve worked 9pm- 6am every weekdays. But, I was totally wrong. I’m struggling, still in adjustment stage.


True, it really requires a change in lifestyle. And change in mindset too. It’s easy to talk about being well rested but when it comes down to actually doing it; it’s easier said than done.

Anyhow, here's how I combat sleepiness at work: 

True Love Confession by Papa Jack

9pm onwards, 90.7 Love Radio

Listening to my favorite radio show. It features listeners calling Papa Jack to share their relationship issues and seek his advice on air. He is a modern doctor for many and I agree. His approach is distinctively entertaining. Blunt but filled with life's powerful lessons. More importantly, it’s exquisitely fun, contagiously humorous show. Thereby help wipe out stress at work and of course, drives my sleepiness away.

Caffeine. Caffeine. Caffeine is my best friend.

Good thing we have overflowing free coffee (and other beverages too) at work. I even keep a supply of 3in1 instant coffee packs incase my taste buds change or coffee machine is not working. Typically, I drink one glass of coffee at the beginning of my shift and function better than those nights without caffeine. But for months now, I tried to get rid of being coffeeholic. So I limit my coffee intake to 2 glasses per day, if possible and avoiding it before my shift ends.

Apply (with a smile) Learn and Adapt Principle

Apart from free coffee, we have a considerate culture too. So if sleepiness strikes, I used the one-hour break to power nap. It’s been very helpful.  Good thing, I'm not the only one doing it. Everyone in our team does. 

(SHHHH, Lets keep this a secret!).

Goin Bulilit Time

Build relationship. Have a company of friends whom you can buzz off whenever you are in the verge to dose off. Chitchat with them. Think of some best jokes, corny ‘hugot’ lines and laugh with them, provided that they are not busy.

Or simply take a quick break with your most talkative (and funny looking) teammate. No doubt, this is the most effective. :-)

Si Jimble ‘To, Kaya ko ‘To!

Colors of Home

    Despite our small space, we managed a mini garden packed with different plants. 

 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

This little Garden Unites us.

It Brightens our day, add Colours to our Life.

It teaches us to laugh in Sunshine and dance in the Rain.

   It teaches as to Persevere and  Hope.

Most importantly, teaches appreciate life. 


Love Life!

Jimble

My Superhero @69


Luxury cannot be defined.

Simplicity is being Simplified.

Never Demands for herself.

Money-saving is her theme.

Never dream Winning a lottery.

Wear my old manly T-shirts.  

That's my Mama. 

My Supermodel.

My real-life Superhero.

Happy 69th Birthday, my dearest Mama!

May God continue to bless you– 

Good Health, Happiness and Love.

#December302015

#Mama@69

x Jimble

My Christmas Journey 2015

Typically, it takes 1.5 hours to be home.

(Direct flight from Manila to Ozamiz)

But my Christmas Journey 2015  is uniquely special.

...

From Manila, I took 1.5 hours flight to Cebu.

Waited 4 hours in Cebu International airport for my next flight.

Took another 45 mins. flight to Dipolog City

Took another 4.5 hours land trip to Ozamiz City

(P.S. Bus is full, I spent the first hour standing.)

Monetarily Stressful. Overly Exhausted. 

Ruggedly Haggard. BUT,

I'm Spiritedly Happy.

Positively Excited.

Blessed,Truly blessed!

After 14 hours, finally I'm home. 

Worth it, I'd say.

With Mama and sister Jeaneth taken on Christmas Day 2015

#ParaSaEkonomiya
#WalangBudgetCheapestRoute
#ChristmasIsFamily
#Pasko2015


Jimble

Mango Float ala Jimble

Yeah, it's still Mango season. Sweet, I must  say.

In Ozamiz, a lot of people see the business opportunity. You will surely notice numerous Mango vendors emerged during this season. They are everywhere.  Some just used the front side of their houses to sell Mangoes. Others, along side major roads and streets in the city.

Maybe because the supply is higher than demand, it's tastefully cheap. You can enjoy the sweetness for P15-30 per kilo. 

Not just that, we have a lot of mango varieties too.

I created Mango Float. Somehow, I'm opportunist ( Just kidding! ).  

( I am convinced this time because the price of the mango is really cheap. )

Of course, it's a Mango Float with Jimble's twists.

Typical, you need ready-to-use crushed/crumbed graham pack for toppings but I found it too granular or powdery. Instead, I used the same graham cracker used during layering. I just crushed the cracker myself depending on the texture I want. Also, I sprinkled chopped peanuts.  For me, the 'not-so' crushed cracker, combined with the peanut will add crunchiness on the cake. :-)

#WeekendAtHome

#EasyToMake

#DeliciousDessert

Give it a Try!

Jimble

Part I: Shade of Pink

Last October 2014, we were invited to my cousin's wedding in Bohol. 

As the wedding day draws near, I asked mama on what she’d wear during the occasion. To my surprise, she showed me one of her old dresses. Although, the dress she showed still looked decent, I was expecting she’d wear a new one. I was assuming that my younger sister Jeaneth will accompany and shop for her. I just knew at that time that they tried back in Ozamiz but to no avail.

I then asked her if she’d want to shop in Bohol instead. Unsurprisingly, she is quick to insist and said “No need”.  The fact that we needed to commute for an hour just reach the city proper was a no-no for her. But I quickly realised, how come she managed to travel from Ozamiz to Bohol (which took a day)? Maybe, she just doesn’t want to shop at all.

So a day before the wedding, I went my own way. 

I decided to go to Tagbilaran City to buy groceries for us, which I normally do. 

Nobody hinted, but my intention really is to look for a dress for mama.

Good news, I was able to find one! (Had our groceries too.)

Bad news, it was very expensive! Shhhhhhhh! It cost around P3K pesos. (Lets keep it a secret to mama, okay?)

To be honest, I haven’t bought myself clothes with price tags of this level.

But that was my last resort at that time. I wanted her to look good for this rare occasion.

So, I bought it. Of course, she’s quick to ask. 

So I seriously replied that it only costs P800.

Yes, I lied. Why?

If she knew, I will be scolded for hours. That's guaranteed!

If she knew, I will be re-lectured on the value money. 

Like, save and save (…and save some more…)

If she knew, she will definitely have a bad hair day. 

Mama gets easily tired nowadays (either me or my sisters does most of the shopping for her). Not to mention her supermodel physique. She’s thin and probably has 20-inch waistline. I’m not kidding! For a 68-year-old, it was very difficult! Besides, there is always a feeling of fear and excitement whether mama will like it or not. At times, it will require alterations before she can wear it. Also, some just ended up unused into her closet. Yes, that’s the risk we faced all the time.

When she finally fitted the dress, she has a lot of complaints. So I was very worried. Really, my heart is pounding so fast at that time. I don’t want my money put to waste.

Finally, after a lengthy conversation and a lot of convincing (believe me it was not an easy sales talk), she agreed to wear that dress for the wedding.

What a sigh of relief!

It was worth it, I’d say.  

#MothersDay2015

101814 Ram&GlenWedding

My 2015 Bucket List

    SURPRISE! Here's my  2015 Bucket list.
( Yeah, I know it's late but who cares anyway?!..Just kidding! )

Blink. Blink. Blink.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

i Make a Difference

Give a pair of shoes to a friend.

No more soda on weekdays (except during special ocassions..lol) 
On my birthday, give a gift to someone in need

Spend Mother's day with Mama in Ozamiz

i Practice and i Create

Paint something ( somethin' I can frame and hang in my lil room)

Learn how to make cake icing and frosting

Write a poem

Post at least 3 articles every month starting March

Buy another cook book/magazine.
Learn one automation tools (work life balance..hehe)

i Treat Myself
Have a body massage

Trip to Calaguas Group of Islands

Trip to Baguio City

Travel to "never been" country in Asia
Buy an iPhone or iPad

i Hope and i Dream

Buy a residential lot. (fingers crossed!)

Buy a new dining table or kitchen cabinet
Bring home a new puppy

Buy an orchid

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

You can help! Top of the list? Buy me an iPhone or iPad
- - ROFL - -

" In both selecting and achieving your Bucket List goals, the main thing is to find meaning. 

If your attitude about the goals changes over time, either remove them or reshape 

them to suit your needs. The idea is to strive for fulfilment and inner growth, 

not to tie yourself down to things that no longer feel a part of who you are "


All kidding aside, I will update soon.

Jimble