Decisions! Decisions!

Eenie-mini-miney-moe... Which is the best flat where we should go...



That's my Trade Me watchlist. Hopefully one of these will be our first nest in NZ when the family arrives in mid-May. Pam and I decided that we're NOT renting a house in the suburbs, and instead getting a flat(a small apartment) in the city.

It's a decision that actually took a while, but we think we made the right one-- and will surely be met with objections from friends ("No! That's wrong... Mahirap maglipat ng gamit... Mahal parking... Masikip... Mahirap magbyahe... It's not convenient.. Kung ako ikaw, ito ang gagawin ko...").

I appreciate well-meaning comments, pero some people lang just shoot their mouths off with such ignorance. Dati I mentioned flatting will let me walk to work, nasabihan ba naman akong "Eh ang hirap sayo, ang iniisip mo lang eh kung ano ang convenient sayo!"

AsarRRRRR!! How dare he say I'm prioritizing my personal comforts over my family. Kung hindi lang sya kaibigan, na-ultraelectromagnetic-top ko na sya. He's renting a dream, 3-bedroom, $375 a week house kasi on the side of a hill-- Ang ganda talaga (nice neighborhood, a deck, garage, off street parking, etc.). Pero my problem with that is he says he's only saving $5 a week from his salary, so he has to share his dream house, renting out two rooms to make ends meet (ika nga nya, bahala na).

I didn't say anything because I admire his faith, and trust he's doing what's right for his family. But just don't say what's good for his will work for mine. Every family is different, and I can't screw in a screw if you hand me a hammer.

By flatting, we won't get that dream house now (with a lawn, a garden and a white picket fence under beach or bay views), pero we'll enjoy the benefits of city living:
- We can just walk (to work, to the grocerry, to the hospital, etc.).
- Pam & Julia won't get bored, with shops, cafes and parks minutes away.
- Easier for job hunting (for Pam).
- It's a lifestyle we've always wanted to try (Like CBD living in Makati!).

And the biggest benefit in flatting, to us, is the savings.
- We can afford our own place.
- We don't have to buy a car now (it's just a burden).
- Won't have to buy furniture, since most flat are furnished.
- I can keep my part time job in the city.
- We can save for our dream house (Who says your dream house is the one you rent anyway!).
- We can send more money home.

Click here to see my projected weekly expenses.

Why send money home? We'll we've also decided to leave the twins behind muna with their Lola until we get settled (maybe 6 months to a year). It's a decision many people will not understand, and I don't blame them since I thought the same until I had my own family.

Moving is an emotional and difficult decision. And it's not even unique: How many OFWs do you know who have been forced to leave their families temporarily for a better future? Sometimes you just have to make tough decisions, and sacrifice a lot to gain in life.

It's like climbing a scree: One step up feels like two steps down.

But I'm not worried. I know we'll eventually get up there anyway.

I’ll be at the call center
Until something better
Comes along my way
It’s been a long, long day

The future is alright
The future is so bright