I know this has been LOOOOOOOONG overdue, but I am quite surprised that there are still some who manage to visit my blog. (thank you thank you!) Now I am just overwhelmed with all the blessings that the whole family is receiving lately, my heart is full that I cannot contain my happiness.
I guess almost everyone is aware that we have already started operating our newest business, a McDonalds store. Located somewhere in Sta. Clara, Sta. Maria Bulacan. (if you haven't visited it yet, you just might want to come, we'll be more than willing to serve you!) Hehe, nagpromote pa! Anyway, I'm not quite sure about what this post will be all about, be it about the new store, the very very busy me, but maybe, I just want to rekindle an old love that I have inside me, the love for writing. (I am a frustrated writer, you know!) So anyway, let me take it one by one, as admittedly, I am still SHOOKT (is that how millenials call it?) with what is happening in my life lately.
Restaurant Manager
I was assigned to head the store. (For some reasons, baka wala lang gustong mag manage sa family, because of stress and pressure lol) And mind you, managing a fast food restaurant is extremely stressful challenging! The demands of our customers will always be there. Fast food, so dapat fast! (Malamang.) I never had a decent rest day since the store opened. I was able to take a day out from work when I had to bring Matti to the hospital because he was sick. That's just it. Demand level: 100000%. Now I've appreciated my training more than ever! I've experienced making sandwiches, sundaes, everything! It is physically, mentally and emotionally draining to be a restaurant manager. Not to mention my course that is in no way related to the food industry! But surprisingly, despite all the pressure and everyday challenges that I get to face, I am enjoying the journey! Parang bring it on! Haha, I know the whole store is still in the period of adjustment, but mind you, I can see a lot of people improving, some are already in line for promotion! Could have been prouder of my team. And yes, to those who had been continuously giving us appreciative and constructive feedback, sending my virtual hugs to everyone! McDo Sta. Clara is doing its best to serve you the best way that we can. On a personal note, I am very thankful, that my parents gave me the chance to prove myself, may ibubuga rin naman ako. I will not disappoint my family! Fighting! But more importantly, I had been filling my thoughts with my inspiration, my son Matti and my husband John. They had been my great source of inspiration and motivation to keep going.
Daughter
The reason why we had this store is because my parents worked hard to provide us with the best life that we can have. Started from the bottom now we're here! It is not a secret that we started from nothing, and now we (especially nanay and tatay) are enjoying the fruits of their hard work. I actually admire them and look up to them that they manage to raise five good looking (o walang kokontra, blog ko kasi to!) children and work hard for the family. Now it's just Dean who is studying and they're all good. Now that we have started (yes, because our goal is to come up with more, God willing) exploring the food industry, I am looking forward to more branches to come. Which reminds me... that depends on me. (and my team) Having said that, it reminded me of the responsibility that they have given me. Since I was assigned to head the store, I have to be the RM slash Owner Operator slash the daughter of my parents. Meaning, I have to command and at the same time oblige. It's hard at times, but I am still knowing the drill. Although, I must admit that I also have a love-hate relationship with naytay because since I get to learn the nitty gritty details of the store, and they only got the customer's perspective of things, it is quite hard to reconcile. But we're both learning. This is a team effort and I appreciate all the help from the family. Ang takaw nga lang nila sa kape at chicken mcdo. hahaha! I have learned how to compromise actually.
Wife and mother
Like what I have mentioned, I get my inspiration from my boys. There are times when I go home at night and John would just talk to me for a few minutes and the next time I knew it, he's already snoring. Managing a restaurant requires a lot of time. I miss my boys. I look back to the days where we go out, do staycation and the like. But now that we are starting a business, I just look forward to the days where I can stay with them all day and enjoy. (Fast forward to November please!) I thank God for giving me a husband who understands. Mind you, John is one of the most understanding people that I knew! He knows that I am busy and is doing his best to be the best husband to me and a father to Matti when I am not around. I've realized that for a marriage to work, you have to understand and support each other.
Now Matti. You know it hurts me to go home and see Matti sleeping already. As a working mom, it's so hard to leave the house and see Matti crying "mama mama". But on a larger note, I am doing this for him. Cliche as it may seem, I am doing this for him. John and I are working hard to give Matti a comfortable life and a bright future ahead. Growing up I did not understand why nanay or tatay skipped my recognition, the inter-school singing contest that I joined (oo songers ako noon! hahaha ewan ko kung bakit!), but now that I am a mom, I understand that there are things that one should sacrifice in order to live. But please don't get me wrong on this, we all have different perspectives when it comes to things. As a mom, I promise to be there for Matti when he needs me. Which is why I also thank my parents for allowing me to skip work to have Matti checked when he was sick. Maybe, my parents are at peace back then since my inang Anita was there for me. (oh how I miss her.) Matti will always be my priority. I'd say I am still in the period of adjustment nowadays, but yes, I am getting there. It says it takes a village to raise a child. True. I am thankful with the family that I have, since when mama is at work, preparing sandwiches and breading chicken, dodo and dada plays with Matti at home. Really, tatay ko sumbungan ni Matti! He's so close to my parents that when I get mad, he'll go to their room and ask his dodo and dada to support him. Mahusay na bata! And so I tell Matti, okay Matti, you ask lolo and lola for toys and clothes. haha! But how can you not love my son? He's so bright (memorized the alphabet, counted 1-10, haha proud momma moment!), and adorable too! He's a people person I must say. He's always happy, and smiling! He even knows when to say sorry and thank you! (of course I am biased, he's my son!) I must have done something good in my life that God gave me Matti. :)
So there, that pretty much sums up my life so far. I still have more to share, pero baka majinx kasi, so I'll just tell you the story when it's all done and ready. Thank you for reading and I hope to see you in Mcdo Sta. Clara one of these days! xx
much love,
Niki
