Major Major

This is not a Venus Raj ditto nor the Indie rock band from Liverpool. This is just a summary of the "major major" things that have happened in my life for the past fifty two weeks.

Year of the Dragon has been good to me. No, good is an understatement. Very good I think is a good term. It's not that the previous years has not but I really felt that 2012 is my year, considering the fact that I was also born on the year of the Dragon.

Like any other years, I had my ups and downs. I started the year with sorrow. Three days before the shifting of the year, my grandfather who has been good to us left us at the age of a hundred. He was so kind that anything you ask him, he would definitely give it to you as long as he can. I was devastated when I learned the sad news that I have never had the time to rejoice after hearing the news that I had been hired in the institution where I am working now. The news that my great grandfather died and the news that I was hired here came on the same day and at the same hour of the day. Great, isn't it?  The sadness was overwhelming that I forgot if I ever had said thank you to the agent who had broke me the good news and asked me to sign the offer letter.

I signed the offer letter, had my medical examination, had the result that I am fit to work, had my visa and without much waiting, I already had the day of my flight. I attended for the first time the mandatory PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar), bought myself lots of sweatshirts because I will be arriving at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during winter season, and went home to say my goodbyes prepare things for my upcoming departure.

And oh, before I forgot, I went to the Department of Labor and made a scene there, crying in front of two lawyers! I went there because I was threatened that I will be blocklisted because I didn't followed the 30-day resignation policy. I don't know whether in their hospital or from other hospitals. I asked them if it is possible that I will be blocked, and they made a very good advice to me. *Wink*

Saying goodbye is difficult especially if it is your first time to travel abroad. No, I didn't shed a tear. I told myself not to do that. I've shed tears almost the whole four years of my college life and I promised myself that I will cry not because of petty matters.

When I came back to Manila, I've packed my things, held a simple dispedida party with my colleagues at the hospital, and met my college friends, some of them I haven't met again since graduation.

And the most important thing that happened to me? I just had a boyfriend two or three hours before boarding our plane! Nice timing, huh?

For the first time I was able to ride the plane and stepped out of the country, and started living independently. Not that I was not independent before. I have learned living away from my parents not a long time ago, but of course, this is different.

I started my new job, had the so-called culture shock, met new friends, had my very first birthday here in the Kingdom, passed my probationary period and started working as regular staff. I also passed the Saudi Council and had my license here.

After my 6th month, I started to start as charge nurse, which means greater responsibility-- handling my own patients while handling all the patients in the ward, going with the doctor's rounds, and handling the keys of the narcotics and controlled drugs, which are equivalent to millions in the Philippines, and if anything was lost or given to the patient by mistake, it means going back to the Philippines immediately.

I had my minor accident with matching syncope while having our motorbike adventure at Azizia, got a small scratch, and was reprimanded by my boyfriend, my bestfriend, and my bestfriend's mom. Yes, you read it right. I haven't told my own mom about it but my "other" mom knows.

And because I the one earning, I was able to send my siblings to school. My sister, who was born next to me is now a graduating college student, and I am very proud that I am the one who sends her to school. Apart from that, I am also sending my brother to college. He had stopped for two years due to financial constraints.

There were times when homesickness attack me. And during those times, I always remind myself that this is not just for me and my future, but for my family as well. Sometimes, those thoughts would help me get to my senses.

I had my fair share of ups and downs, but being life as like a roller coaster, we just have to enjoy the ride.