Last Tuesday, I met a 35 year old Filipina originally from Paranaque City. She currently works at a major bank here in the US. She came here 5 years ago on a tourist visa, went back home after a few months, then after a year her longtime boyfriend came home and married her. They now have a seven month old baby. I asked her who takes care of her baby while she works full time at the bank. Her mother in law, who actually lives in another state, is temporarily staying with them to baby sit. Her husband leaves for work at 5 am for his 7 am time in. It’s a longer commute in the afternoon due to the rush hour traffic. He leaves the office at 4 pm and arrives home at 7 pm. Kain tapos tulog na daw to start his day at 4 am. She told me their weekends are spent doing household chores and taking care of the baby. She compares her life now with her life back home in Paranaque. Weekends are rest and relaxation. Mani-pedi and massage.
She said “Hay buhay America”.
Yeah, life here is different. Ako rin, I am living like anyone else. My daughter is teasing me, I am a housewife in America, living alone. Even if I don’t work, my hours are consumed doing simple / odd things.
Kanya-kanyang tulak dito. I have no assistant to push my cart and load my grocery bags.
No driver. Although I drive by myself, it’s no big deal because parking is sufficient and roads are generally open.
Hugas ng kotse, which I never do back home.
Although I have never washed a car before, I realized I am OC pala when it comes to car cleanliness. I soaped the mags several times, making sure every crevice is clean and free of dust and oil. Shiny mags make a big difference in the overall look of the vehicle. It looks newer with shinier mags and cleaner body.