Easy credit

It seems like the banks here in Singapore are going all out to sign-up new users of their credit cards. Every other week yata, I get calls from reps of different banks offering me platinum cards, or a cash line or balance transfer.

I don't know where they get my number but the calls are annoying when directed at my office number, like yesterday when StanChart called offering me a cash line and a credit card. I curtly turned down the offer, of course.

As it is, I already have 7 cards from 4 different banks and it is a pain trying to remember what card to pay when. Two cards are office-linked so I can't cut those. Three give me good deals when dining out and entertaining so I can't cut those too. And the last two are keepers in that they have the best reward programmes.

The thing about credit cards though is that you MUST pay all your bills in FULL every month or else risk digging a grave for yourself.

Suck it up

Had dinner with two male Pinoy colleagues yesterday night and of course I had to open my big trap and said,'I am homesick and I wanna go live in Manila again.'

If I had been unconsciously waiting for them to console me and cheer me up like girlfriends usually do when one is in a deep funk, well, I got none of that.

After a round of questioning about why I would want to leave (to be with my family, to be home), why I've never just packed up and left (I will miss the money I make here and the better kind of living this place offers) and what things I usually do outside of work that are meaningful and fulfilling to me (none, I think), one later offered this advice: If you stay, then you just have to suck it up.

Men.

I don't like the fist-without-velvet gloves approach to 'counselling' but it sure brought home the point.

I gotta suck it up.

Bryanboy

I got forwarded the link to Bryanboy's site and my god, he is hilarious and entertaining in a freeky sort of way. I covet his fabulous bags and wish I could indulge as much.

But I can tell you myself that retail therapy hardly ever quiets what is demonizing you. Sure, buying something frivolous, especially something really ex, can make you feel happy for a day or two, but that's about the power it has. And I do know whereof I speak. I have a bejewelled Omega and a condo bought in emotionally trying times as proof.

Homesick

Been thinking of doing this for a while -- blog, that is -- and finally, here I am!

My name's Jo Anne and I've been living for 6 years in the country that made it from third world to first in only 30 years or so.

Despite the fact that I was only in Manila a month ago, I've been homesick the day after I came back here. Yes, I am perpetually pining for Manila, counting days to when I can go home again. It's been like this from Day 1 for me. But if you ask me if I will ever move back and live in my beloved country again, I would have to say, not for a very long time yet.

To be away from home is heartwrenching.