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.