Frugal In America

Back in 1996, I was fresh off the boat, after a few weeks and getting my first paycheck, I went to a sports shop called "Just For Feet". I looked around to see what they had. I saw some customers picking up some items and I kind of like, I want them too. So, to cut the story short, I picked a shirt and a pair of shoes. I paid $20 for the shirt and $88 for the Adidas shoes. 

At that time I really don't have any idea of what and where to shop. I told myself... If the prices of all the clothes here are all like this, I won't be shopping for a while. Yes, those for me are very expensive!

As I got accumulated into my surroundings, I found out that it was just a matter of knowing where to shop. Later on, I found some really good shops where you can buy clothes at a bargain price. There are places that I go to like, Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, etc. It's just very important to look for the obvious imperfections or damages. Products in these retail shops are mostly factory rejects because of minor mistakes. I am not picky so, minor issues are fine with me.

And yes, I'm half Ilocano!

Homesickness

Homesickness never really goes away. I've been away from home for about 26 years now.  Arizona is my second home and it's a beautiful state. When you're alone and your mind is empty, you sometimes think about your life when you were back home. 

You saw some of your friends abroad on social media getting together surrounded by friends and there's food and activities and they are very happy. It's good for them because I know how it is to live abroad. For most people like me, it's an opportunity to cope with loneliness. So, it's a blessing to have friends around.

Since I don't have my family and relatives here, my friends are my family. It's good to have friends that you can go and ask for help. From as simple as asking if they have a screwdriver to asking them for a big favor. I can't imagine not having friends around to help you in times of need.

I have some relatives here but they live in other states. I was really happy when I had the chance to visit them. It was really great when they found out that I was in town, they drove for a few hours so we can have a mini-reunion. I've seen my aunties and cousins whom I have never seen in a while, since almost like when I was a teen. Now, we all have our own families.

I sometimes contemplate going back home but, I always think of my kids. There's no doubt that there are more opportunities here and this is where they've been raised and the two were born here. So, It would be a big change for them if we moved back home.

So, for me, I have to sacrifice genuine happiness for the sake of my family.