My Personal Legend

In this life of materialistic world, it seems true service and love for human was overshadowed. We are always striving for a better in career as well as in financial. When I was young, I really wanted to be a mother and dreams of a kids of my own. A simple community of what I called a family. As I grow older and some of my siblings had already started their own family.  I left alone, felt lonely and envied them. However, their struggle in life, and stress in raising kids scared me. I still felt, I should have deserved to have my own. Whom I can take care of and give all my passion and energy while I’m still in 30’s.  I thought to myself that I will be the best mom in the world when I have kids. No matter how hard and overwhelming raising kids in this generation, I will never regret being a mother of my two daughters. They gave me happiness, and self-worth o in this life. I think one of my mission in this world is to raise a god loving, strong and productive kids.

Working with children here in America added purpose in my life. I envisioned myself in the future looking out and helping young children in different parts of the world. I would journey first on my own country because lots of majority kids there are poor. They didn’t get a chance to go to school, and their parents are struggling to meet their ends. Knowing their situations, it’s understandable that they could not send their kids to school. I would go in those areas that hardly reach by government aides. I will reach out those parents and educate them on the importance of education in children’s lives. They need to learn new things, enjoy their childhood, socialize and be exposed to different school materials outside their home. I imagined seeing kids’ faces with excitement, awe and pure joy. Parents finally felt that there are people out there, who is willing to go extra mile to help poor community like them. I will feel valuable that I felt so much accomplishment and proud of what I had done to this people. And I will always be grateful to the creator, who gave me a chance to experience this wonderful feeling of happiness by helping and giving people real joy that money cannot buy.

I wish to be remembered as a warm and true helpful person. I want to be recognized as a philanthropist who has open heart to all young children around the world. Who touched their lives and has a big impact in their daily lives. In my own simple way of true service to humanity, it will give them mark that whatever status in your life, you deserve to be treated fairly, decently and live peacefully. And there are people out there, who will give their skills, service and life just to reach out those who really in need. Their true purpose in life is to offer their life in mission that will change the perception of the world as cruel place to live. There are more people who was sacrifice  and  love for humankind was way beyond compare. And that’s what I want to be remembered.

Lessons Learned from Hardships

Gratitude

When I was working in middle east, I had a hard time adjusting my lifestyle in there. They were so strict and the weather was very hot. The locals people seems like angry all the time. Their voices were so loud, and showed little respect for a woman who was working in their country. That’s my own opinion. There was not one-day local customer will not shout at me. They treated us like a slave. I was so sad and almost gave up. But I was thinking, I need that job to support my family, and don’t have anything in my own country.  I was overwhelmed. Sad emotion and my homesickness with my family consumed me.  With all self-realization, finally, I endured all those sadness, and the self-pity. I became strong mentally and can enjoy my work.  I stayed and lasted for more than 4 years. What I’m grateful for that job is the experience. To be able to go in different country, and live among them. Their unique culture and their treatment with people that differ from them. The freedom of my choices in life, like, should I go on living in fear or be strong and learn something new in foreign place.

Working in Dunkin Donuts as my first-time job in America was a good experience.  I could associate with different type of people, personality and their unique behavior. It was hard at first for new comer from different country, but I overcome all the difficulty. I learned how to work multitasking, the busy life in coffee store, how they operate and the daily life of those business. In dealing with different people, I learned how to be more patient and always remember that customer is always right, even its not. I’m grateful for all my experiences and the people that I met.  I learned so much and gave me more understanding about humanity. I have learned from all my mistakes, and overcome my difficulties especially in language. In those times, I hardly understand what they are saying because of the accent, as every day hearing the same words. It became familiar to me and it makes easier to give what they need.  Lastly, you will form friendship from your regular customer and from your coworker.

As a new comer working in daycare setting with multiple kids. I was excited and overwhelmed at the same time. I just had one daughter of my own at that time.  I was thinking to myself, how could I manage to take care of 9 toddlers every day Monday-Friday was a puzzle to me. I never had experience taking care of more than one kid. How could I do this. But when you are in the battle, you must do what you must do. So, I watched and study all the teachers in their interaction with kids. There was training and on-line lesson.  I learned from them and everyday associating with kids. Because of working in daycare, it gave me idea what I want to be as a career. Now I’m pursuing and studying about early education. And lastly, I found my best friend because of working there. I’m also grateful from the owner of the daycare. She gave me a chance to work and finally found my passion in life.

Strangest of the Future

Plan A

 I am continuing my study and promise to myself to look forward, and strive for the better. After I graduated in Early Education Major. I would start looking for a teaching profession in a preschool setting. There are lots of nice schools here in Arlington, near in our area. There is one school that only one block away from our house. That is my dream school, it was newly open and a lot of kids that are enrolled. I am imagining myself working with preschool kids. I will be busy interacting and exchanging ideas with them. Teaching new things, exploring outside and having fun. At the end of the day, my remaining day spending time with my kids. My husband will be busy with his store, and we will help each other financially to achieve our dream house.

The Twist

And then something unexpected happened, my husband won in the lottery. He always played the lottery because it is located inside his store. Our plan change or his plan changed. He wanted to settle down in Nepal, and build a restaurant business there. I couldn’t say no because he wanted to be with his old mother and relatives.  With my husband knowledge in cooking, and knowledge in business. The business grew and strive. I helped him, and study some business course. It was a success. A lot of people eating in our restaurant. They love the atmosphere, and the delicious food that we prepared.

Plan B

The alternate future that might happen. My husband wanted to have a business. He is currently own a convenience store. So, he asked me to stop going to school, and help him to manage the store. Feeling sad, and don’t want to argue. I obeyed him because he has some point. It is for our future too, and having a business on your own has advantages. As years go by, our business is growing. We could buy another store, and hired some help. With his hard work and dedication, and help from me. We see some progress, and stability. We made some money, and we bought the house that we dreamed of. We have peace of mind, and switch my study to business major.

My Future Vision

My Vision Board

                                                                                   

I am so excited looking at my vision board. So positive that I can be able to acquire it in due time. There is always time for everything, if I put all my heart and effort on it. First on my list in the future is having a car of my own. I really wanted to have a copper color SUV Subaru Cross trek latest edition of course. It helps me to be independent because I always ask my husband for a ride. Second, is imagining myself accepting the diploma in Education in University of Massachusetts. I can’t help crying thinking about it. Third on my list, is my dream job to work in a school setting and be with a bunch of kids. Nurturing and applying my knowledge in skills that I learned in the college. Next, comes the dream house. I always wanted a not so big house. Just simple one that my family will be comfortable to live and call a home. And the last on my vison board is vacation. We all need a rest, so vacation in the Philippines together with my family is always a  dream for me . Staying in a nice cottage house near in beautiful beach. I hear the wave sand the peacefulness of the place.

Do What You Love Most...

What I love Most......

                                                                                      

When I think of passion, there are so many things that comes in my mind. And I admit I am having hard time deciding what is I’m passionate about. When I was young I just wanted to have a job to help my family. That is my passion first, to be able to help my family in my own way. And it happened.  As I grow older and matured my passion changed. I would like to travel some parts of the world, and it did because of my work nature. And now I am a mother and have a family of my own, my passion changed. I can say to devote my time and energy looking after and taking care of my children as of now. Now they still need my guidance and advice, and while I’m doing that I can pursue my dream to finish college and have a career of my own as an Early Education Teacher.

                                                                           

In continuing my studies and hope that I will overcome all the obstacles that I’m experiencing right now.  My passion on dealing with kids would lead me to be associated with children.  I could be able to teach with young children and share my knowledge, skills and expertise in dealing early age kids like toddlers and preschoolers. With my own experience as a mother having 2 kids. I know most all the ups and down and behavior of most early young children. I can apply all what I learned in the schools and my experiences working in an early childhood setting. I oversaw and analyze their behavior depending on their age. I studied how to deal their habit, reaction on things around them and right way to react on their demand or behavior.

                                                                           

Being with kids, it helps me to analyze my passion and what I really want in my life. I wanted to be a mother and nurture my own kids. Lead them in a right path as they grow older. Same with other young kids, they started young in schools. Their parents are away and working. It is important to have a dedicated, warm and understand teacher who knows what they are going through in their own little world. If there are teachers out there, who nurture their mind, encourage their imagination and give their full support and love. I would think it will give big impact in their early life as they matured in the future. They will not have remembered all, but it embossed in their mind what loving memory they have experienced in their early life. As a teacher, it will give you reward and accomplishment. Knowing you take care of the kids that grow so loving and confident facing their future. 

Everyday Journey

Everyday Journey

The weeks passed so quickly. I haven’t noticed that the kids vacation was over. I was so busy with my work and school. At least, some of those days I have been able to spend some time with my two daughters. We went to Science Museum and watch 4d Movie about Shark. They loved it. They felt the water in their body and sound of the ocean feels real. Then we roam around and browsing all the interested things inside the museum like the mirror exhibit.  My younger daughter was interested in planetarium and the tornado display. I felt satisfied even for a short time, I spent quality time for my kids. I was looking at them and thought to myself, how time flies so fast.

When I’m at home, my mind is wandering what should I do first. There are so many things to do that I needed to accomplish. First, cleaning the house, next is cooking, and last washing clothes. I am so irritated when I see the house dirty and not organized. I feel like there is no way I will continue cleaning and they are keep on making mess. I cannot finish my chores even I wanted to do it systematically. I am so tired and feel like nobody’s helping me. I realized how my mother had been through all this most of her life with seven kids. I am so exhausted. I really need a time for myself, just to gather my thoughts and relaxed my mind.

Finally, Friday, after I finished all my chores and my homework from school. Time to relax, I don’t have school on Friday but I have work.  I called my friend to hang out after my work. We just went to Thai restaurant and catches up about the latest news in our lives. She is pregnant with twins two boys. Good for her. We went around the Davis Square, in Somerville and looked at the thrifty store. The night was cold, but it gives me a nice feeling. I feel free and fresh and a little time to unwind with my friend. I came home and my kids are already sleeping. I still want a space for myself so I read one of my favorite book, Chicken Soup for Mother's Soul. I was crying while I’m reading it. I really miss my mother.

Experience is The Best Teacher

 VIVID MOMENTS

I would like to share my inspiring moments that I have experienced and also gained knowledge from it. It helps me to become a stronger person and learned a big lesson in life. Although, it was not easy but the memories and lesson I learned gave more meaning and inspiration as I go on living in this world. They said experiences is a great teacher. It is indeed the best teacher you ever had in your life. No one will give you more knowledge than your own experience. Even you consider it bad or good. There was always something you got from those moments. So learned from it and try to improve for the best.

Welcoming Home

 CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

My first unforgettable experienced was the day I step in Nepal, where I lived with my husband. His brother in law welcomed us at the airport.  extended my hand towards him for a handshake, but he hesitated. I have learned  that saying "Namaste" is more respectful than giving them a handshake. I made a bad impression on our first meeting. Next thing, was meeting all the relatives. I was so naïve and didn't know what to do, and neither my husband give me some insight, what I will expect. I didn't know the google at that time. I was clueless. Coming first time in the house needs a ritual. There is fire and flower that they will encircle to both of you. Another thing was to step on the red footprints. That was a welcome sign for them. I have to bend and kiss their feet ( only women) which I felt uncomfortable at that time. But I have to compromise and respect their culture. The language was a big problem and their way of life which is totally new to me. I learned from those experiences that I need to be flexible and make some preparation before you go to another phase of life. Study another language so that you can communicate and be able to socialize. And most of all respecting our differences especially if you are  in foreign countr

My first baby.

FIRST TIME MOM

The second one was the birth of my first child. Motherhood changes everything. As a first time Mom with no experience taking care of a small baby. Life turned upside down with  my husband and I. We were both ignorant and no knowledge. They said when there is baby in the house it will be full of happiness. But on my part, It was a nightmare. We fought most of the time because we don't know how to stop the baby crying in the middle of the night.  We had sleepless night and we don't have time for ourselves. We felt restless and unhappy. He wanted to sleep because he will go to work in the morning. But I tried everything and its not working. After so many sleepless night and trying. We finally overcome the hardships and we get used to the routine. Being new to the environment and new experienced bring your emotion and relationship into turmoil. We learned from our mistakes and gained some knowledge out of it. I salute to all the mother whose sacrifices was beyond compare, They are selfless, who  always thinks of their children's well being.

First time visit in Niagara Falls, New York

LAND OF OPPURTUNITY

Lastly, coming here in US had a big impact in my life. I didn't dream to come in US. I have been to other country but only to work by myself. With my daughter and my husband together, what else I could want more. They said America is a land of fortune. I had so many dream at that time. Find a job, save more money and buy a nice house. I admired all the beautiful places that we visited. Everywhere was clean and systematic. I saw different people with their diverse ethnicity. In that moment there was a feeling of happiness and I thought of how lucky I am for opportunity to come to the US. If I compare my life in my country or in Nepal. I could say I am in  a more better place now. I don't have my own relatives here, but I can help them in times of need. Life here is struggle  and lot of bills to pay. But with your determination to succeed everything will be possible. It will take time, there is no easy way. Living here in US gave me more self freedom  and lots of opportunity. And I am willing to grab it If it comes on my way.

My Power Within

Harness the Power Within

Being a newly comer in a new place takes a lot of courage to face. The possibility of wanting to be included in a group or community are very real. Conquering my fear and remind myself of the  positive aspect that I have in me. I remembered my first job in Dunkin Donuts as a service crew. I was so scared, hardly understand what people said. Irritated customers asking for another person to give their orders.  I was so overwhelmed and asking myself, If  I can continue working like this. My little on line training didn't help that much to perform my job. But I know in my mind that I need this job to support my family needs. We had just moved to a renting house. We just came in US for a month and I needed the money to pay the rent. My positive mind and survival mode kicked in. I organized my thoughts and starting to apologized to customer that I was new. Giving them my sweetest smile and a nice customer service that I can offer. Some people understood what I have been through. As the day goes by,  I became familiar around the store with the help of  my co-worker. My eagerness to learn quick because of the not so happy situation that I encountered, made me organized my thoughts and charged it as my learning experience. It helps me to stay positive in all situation and give my best shot.

There are some circumstances in our lives that we don't have control.  Even you feel empowered and always think that whatever happen, you can handle it well. I heard  other says " everything is under control". But we know, It is not always happening. We tend to feel powerless, emotional, perplexed and vulnerable in some situations in our lives. After working in Dunkin Donuts for a year. I started to look for another opportunity that offer high income and learn a new experience. I applied in a daycare  and got hired. I was happy and elated. It was full time job and it will help me to save some money. I started training working with toddlers and I enjoyed it. It was physically exhausting but the babies were so cute and adorable.  Their smiles can cures your sadness and fatigue. And as the day goes by and weeks I became familiar with the routine and activities. Sooner, I started to feel the difference in  treatment  of the pioneer teachers in that school. They started to make me do the things that they cannot do or hard for them to do. Like, attending the kids while they are busy with their cellphones. Asking me to change the diapers of kids multiple times. It should be sharing responsibilities. Talking privately with other teachers about me. I overheard it when I passed. They see my mistakes and not acknowledging their mistakes. I feel like I was bullied. Maybe because I was new and my accent is different. All of those reasons and the treatment made me feel like they belittling me. I feel down and thinking I'm not happy with my job so I decided to quit.  My self pity and sensitiveness lost my power within.

In every experienced in life, we have to learn something from it. Although many times, we tend to focus our well being first. Thinking highly regard of ourselves. Feeling elated when success kicks in. But most of the time, we guard our thoughts by simply reminding ourselves the positive thoughts within us. Sometimes, when I feel need to charge my self. I tried to read books that will enhanced my power within,  like motivation  books. Reading those kind of books give me confident that I can do everything If I try harder. I read a saying in a book that catch my attention and it says" Whatever mind can conceive, the mind can  achieve." It stick to my mind. And when the times I doubt myself  and feeling down. It helps me to be positive and confident that I can do everything in my power.
Other times I'm reminding myself that I'm lucky to have a family  and support. I also count my blessing that I have continue receiving , even it is small and big. That makes me happy and contented in my present situation. Being conceited to yourself like reminding your inner strength, help to boost your ego. I will say to myself that I am beautiful. I am confident. I'm positive and upbeat. I'm a total optimist and many more. That way I can harness my power within.

Letter to Nanay

To my loving Nanay,

Hope you are in good place now Nay. May God have mercy on you where ever you are. I write this letter to thank you and to always remind myself of how wonderful ,selfless mother you are to me. Even though you will not be able to read it, I still think it will reach to you and you will know what is in my heart. I still felt the pain in my chest knowing I no  longer feel you,  and talk to you every time I'm feeling down.

 My mother and I posed for a picture after we cut some coconut.

I will always reminisce your simplicity, relentless and selfless love. You showed us how to be strong in times of difficulties. You stand up  by yourself and did anything to support us . It still vivid on my mind when father died in his early age, and you felt all alone. What a big responsibilities you have to face. You have to take care  and support your  seven small children  all by yourself. He did not left anything to alleviate your worries. You worked day and night just to give us food on our plate. You never have time to help our homework in school because you were so busy working and your tired body gave us hint that you need rest for the next day. That made us realize,  to help you and help our self whatever we can. My older sibling and I started to work to contribute in our everyday needs. You were so proud of us then. Our circumstances helped  us to become one and lean on each other. If you were still alive now. You will be more happier and more proud to your children. Most of them graduated in college and have a decent profession. They all got married and have a family of their own.

My mother, nephew and I while we were in a fishing boat.

As of me, I got married and living here in US. You have two beautiful granddaughter. I travelled some places that you were once dreamed of. Because of you I became self sufficient, strong  and have a positive outlook in life. You taught me how to love unselfishly. You instill in my mind that whatever circumstances that we might face in life,  we can pass through it. I think of you when I'm in difficult situation, how you handles those trials and hardship being a single mother of seven children. I'm so proud of you and very grateful to God for giving me the one of the best mother in the world. And who had the greatest impact in my life.

Love you always,
Arleen

All About Me...

Hi Everyone,

 My name is Arleen. I am a busy mom of 2  adorable kids both girl. I am working as a daycare teacher and a part time student. We came here in US together with my husband and my daughter as an immigrant  from Nepal where my husband born. We settled here in 

Arlington, Massachusetts after we came in 2010. We love this state even it is so cold out here and the city we live in  is close to everything from school to shopping mall.  I was born in Philippines , one of the tropical country in Asia where there are only 2 seasons in a year. The rainy season and  super hot , humid summer. Most people wear sleeveless shirt, shorts and flip flops. The simple and the carefree life  in my country that remind me of my memorable childhood. My siblings and I used to stay outside  all day until night playing with neighbors. We were all dirty,  sweaty and tired but we still don't even want to go home until our mother remind us that she will remove our clothes outside and be naked that everyone can see including our playmates If we will not go home that instant.  I will always miss and reminisce all the fun things and carelessness during my childhood. I have 6 siblings that still living in there

I had to jump  for a nice effect.

In my free time, I enjoyed singing Karaoke at my home. there is songs built in in a microphone that i used to enjoy during my alone time. I poured out all my frustrations and stress and I really enjoyed doing it. It helps me to change my mood from sad to happiness. I love to walk and run outside if weather permits and admired the natural beauty of our environment. I also loved to read books especially motivation books. It gives me strength, energy, confident and to dream big however hard it is. Every Saturdays I devoted my time to go to church and Sundays with my family. Going out together and be there for each other.

My family, My husband, my 2 daughters and my crazy hair.

My mother told me when she was alive that I am a joker. Because I always made fun with my siblings. I think all of us have ability to find something to be happy whatever circumstances in our lives. we find time to laugh even in simple things. My friends here in US once told  me that I have a sense of humor.  They  can easily laugh at my simple joke, honestly, I think of myself as a quiet and introvert person. When I was young and up to now I find it hard to approach people initially. But, once you know me as a person. The real me will come out from a shell. I am outgoing, silly, fun to be with and adventurous person. I would like to try different things that will excite me. Love to learn new things and very much like to travel around the world and see beautiful places. Most of all I want to be happy, carefree and have a peace of mind for the rest of my life together with my family.