Sydney - my new home

I arrived in Sydney last Jan 12, i travelled alone, and since its a Friday work day, no one is available to pick me up. Together with my 40K bag, my 8 kg pink carry-on bag, laptop in a back pack and shoulder bag, i went to the City alone, via the airport link (train) and thankfully arrived in one piece.

I left my things at my friends ofc and went around the City while waiting for my other friend to finish her work. I will be "squatting"in her room until I find a place, or until we find a place near her workplace.

It was a tiring but fruitful first weekend in my future home.

Come Monday, I had an interview with my agent, because of an urgent requirement in one their clients, I got offered a job in less than 4 hours. I accepted the offer just to get the local experience. I am giving myself a month or two in the job before considering other options. I am one lucky girl since I didn't have any difficulty finding a job. Its more difficult to look for a house here!

And speaking of house, C (and I) live in Ashfield, west of Sydney but works in the North Shore. We had to travel an hour to and from work, and during rush hour, we had to endure the crowded train. We decided to look for a house last weekend and spent the entire Saturday walking around North Shore, viewing units for lease. Over the week, my new pastime was to check domain.com.au and realestate.com to see if there are new units posted for lease. Just today, Saturday, there were a number of open houses listed in the Net but when we get there almost all our choices were taken and leased out.

We walked around the area, heat and all, but was not lucky to get a good unit. Finding a house here in Sydney is more difficult than finding a job!!!

My former office mates were telling me that I would memorize every inch of Sydney in no time at all but sad to say, i can't still go around without a map at hand. I wasnt able to be a "tourist" in Sydney since I need to report for work on my 3rd day here (not counting the weekend).

During Oz day (jan 26), I met my 2 friends in the City and they toured me to St. Mary's Cathedral (i will hear mass there one Sunday this Feb), watched the Automobile exhibit and went inside the Musem (i forgot what Museum it was and the only reason we went in was that they waived the fee for the day in celebration of the Oz day). I told my friends that I have no decent picture of Sydney yet so we decided to go to Botanic Gardens and looked for Mrs Maquaries Chair (where the view of Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge is stunning). And i got my first Sydney pix here!!!

To celebrate Oz day, we went back to Ashfield, had Pizza, chix and Salad along with the ever famous Magic SIng. I even sang Annie Batungbakal, ieeeewwww...

So far, that's the summary of what my 2 weeks in Oz had been. I would be writing more as soon as I am settled in my new home, and all my clothes are shipped here. I just realized that I only had 2 weeks worth of clothes and need some badly. I need to ask Yen to buy me all the new blouses (short sleeved and long sleeved) in Meg for Agers to include in my shipment.

Shopping list coming soon,hehehe.

Missing someone so bad today. :-(

exam jitters

Wombat's exam is scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday, and he confided to me yesterday that he suddenly felt the pressure. That is normal I suppose, after all the hardwork, the review classes and late-night studying, here you are feeling as if you haven't studied a single topic. But come exam day, all things you learned before will come rushing back again. I do hope you'll make it to the top, I believe in you. ;-)

A simple prayer for you, to help you get thru the 2-day exam...

O wise God, I pray that Wombat’s mind be rested, his body energized, and his spirit inspired for the exam he must take tomorrow.

Grant him peace and assurance so that he may do as best as he is able, regardless of what that might be.

Be with his fellow examinees and that he may be a good example to them, offering reassurance and confidence regardless of how he feels.

May he be honest and insightful, and be able to give a true record of what he have learned. In the end, may any disappointment be born with grace, and any joy accompanied with humility.

This I pray thru Christ our Lord Amen...

God Bless...

socialites, starbucks etc etc

I’m done with my 7hour driving lessons at Socialites. I am still a struggling driver, but at least I know now how to step on the gas, how to use the gears (I drove a manual car, hehe) and all that stuff. However, I need to practice more!!! I’ll be doing that next week, in Bukidnon --- yep, I am going home for a week to spend time with my family (and then go home again come Christmas for my last bonding session before I move to Oz).

Starbucks planner…
It’s the time of the year! It’s Starbucks overload for me until I can collect the 21 stickers to have a free planner. I am not really a planner person but what the heck, their planner looks nice and the freebies that went with it is just nice as well, hehe. I’m on my 13th sticker now (the 8 others were courtesy of Lolo Joseph who treated us last Thursday).

I hope I can complete my card and have the planner before the 15th of Dec...

My passion for shoes

I’m a sucker for cute, not so expensive, but definitely good shoes… or should I say sandals. I lost count on how many pairs I had since I started working (and my purchasing power increased so to speak.. ;-)

The latest addition to my sandals collection is this cute brown pair from CMG, my most expensive pair so far, despite the fact that it was sold at 50% discount.

here's a cute fuschia pair from Franceso, a bargain at 70% off the price

bought this black stilleto from Le Donne

I want two pairs, not ONE!!! ;-)

this last one is great buy from the 'ukay" shops at home

I am far from being Imeldific, but buying shoes really perks up my gloomy day. I think I'll be buying one pair from Janylin soon. ;-)

Food, friends and lights

I had a great week-end last week. I went out with my roomies at MoA and ate at La Mesa. The food was delicious, thanks to Bambi who paid for our bill. :-)

1516B Ladies outside La Mesa

Another La Mesa pix

This was taken at Baywalk

"simod" effect :-)

By the way, I started emailing job hunters based in Sydney last week. I got a few rejection letters and a 3 call backs, almost. Three of the headhunters emailed back and said that I should contact them if I am in Sydney already as the jobs advertised are for immediate employment. Well, its a good sign since I have 3 possible job interviews lined up this early. Can't wait for January 2007... :-)

Sydney or Melbourne

When I was still waiting for my Visa, I was consciously checking out Melbourne. I stayed there for two months in 2005 and I love the place. Maybe it helped that I was there during springtime, weather was manageable (not crazy, have not experienced the ‘four season in one day’ thing), great transportation system, CBD not too crowded, and not mention a very multicultural place.

Now that I got my Visa, I am suddenly having second thoughts in going to Melbourne. Maybe it’s because of the colder winter, availability of jobs and limited friends who settled there. However, I’m also hesitant to go to Sydney because I am not familiar with the place. When I’m browsing for jobs online, I cannot picture how far the place is from the CBD and if it is accessible to public transportation (I can’t afford a car since I’m going there with limited budget). Most of my friends went to Sydney and everyone got a job as soon as they landed. That thought gives me hope that in Sydney I will be employed without a hitch. This alone is telling me that I should go to Sydney, but I am not convinced…

I need to decide soon. I need to buy my ticket. I need to organize my life!!!Well, at least I have enrolled in Driving School, one To Do already done. :-)

What a disappointment

Mood: sad (a complete turn around from yesterday’s happy mood)

When I joined this company last year, I said to myself, that this is by far the best company I’ve been with because of the people. Our team seemed to glue so well, works hard and party even harder --- and I’m not the only one who felt this way.

However, things are not going smoothly these days. There are some (two) people who felt they’ve been neglected, the same people who ‘accused’ me of being biased! And that made me sad for I really strive to be the fair to everyone, to see the best in everyone. But I can only do so much.

(edited)

I wish I could elaborate more…

I don’t want this negative energy around me. I want to be happy. I am happy. I have my Visa, and that what matters… (but I still feel sad, I really wanted to put an end to this… and I have to wait until Monday since you suddenly went on leave today!).

ps. my brother lost 75K. He has no idea yet who stole that hard-earned money from his safety clutch. Everybody in the room is a suspect, and up to now, no one owned to the deed yet. I did not lectured him anymore on “should have deposited the money in the bank blah blah" since it will not be of help at this point. I just told him I’ll pray for the eventual return (crossing fingers here) of the money. Goodness, how will I borrow money from him now that he lost so much…

God is Good

I have been meaning to call my CO these past few days just to check on how my application is going. I emailed him/her (don’t know the gender, its difficult to guess based on the name alone) twice, but on both instance, I never really got an answer.

I marked my calendar, counting the days since I submitted my application, highlighting the days after I sent my medicals.

Last Monday, I finally decided to give DIMA a call. However, I soon realized that Monday was a holiday in Adelaide so I postponed the plan until Tuesday (or Wednesday since Im working night shift). I was silently thinking that the visa grant would come on Tuesday so no need for me to call on Wednesday, hehe.

Tuesday pm, I went to the office, checked my business emails and replied to the urgent ones. Before I checked my personal mail, I said a silent prayer… Well, God is Good! My prayers have been answered! My visa grant email is there. It hasn’t sunk in yet but what I know is that God really answer prayers.

The waiting game is over (at least for me). My prayers will now shift to Wombat.

I called home. Talked to my Dad, but before I can say about my good news, he told me that they rushed my Mom to the hospital. She was vomiting and had a severe stomach pain. She had to stay at the hospital tonight. And when I finally got the chance to say my good news, everyone was happy.

I’m so happy.

So many things to do --- transition, preparation, announcement, etc, etc… but these things I welcome with open arms.

Thank you my Lord for the answered prayer. Thank you, the waiting game is finally over.

Waiting Game

“Time is very slow for those who wait, very fast for those who are scared, very long for those who lament, very short for those who celebrate. But, for those who love, time is eternity"
(William Shakespeare)

Waiting is a trap. There will always be reasons to wait. The truth is, there are only two things in life, reasons and results, and reasons simply don’t count.
(Dr. Robert Anthoney)

When we have done our best, we should wait the result in peace.
(Sir John Lubbock)

All things come to him who waits - provided he knows what he is waiting for.
(Woodrow T. Wilson)

I know what I’m waiting for, and I believe it will come… when I least expect it.
(Gracy)

Be patient Princess, it’s been 6 months and 16 days only, you haven’t waited that long yet. In God’s perfect time, you will receive it.
(Monks)


And the waiting continues…

Elevator Story 3

Our elevator failed me again, not once but countless times this week.

Imagine:
…going home at 12 midnight/ 1am after a hard day’s work, moving fast enough so that you can still catch that elusive sleep, but, lo and behold --- the elevator is not working at this hour!!! Grrr… I climbed the 90+ steps in the middle of the (dead) night.
…haven’t got enough sleep, woke up late, moved as fast as I could, went to the elevator area, pressed the button – it turned red, yey!!! Waited for a few seconds… red light went out but door not opening tsk..tsk… Pressed it again, it turned red and then nothing. The elevator decided to go on strike, again!!!
…wearing my highest heels to work (or gimmick before work) and only to find out I have to trek the 90+ steps down because the elevator is not working!!!

Reasons why the elevator fails me:
1. Para pumayat ako (its no joke having to use the stairs when you’re at the 7th floor);
2. The 2nd (3rd, 4th , 5th , 6th or 8th ) floor doors are being repainted (why haven’t I seen this done in our floor???);
3. The benz-owner at the 8th floor is keeping the elevator all to himself…
4. Those people at the 2nd floor are too lazy to use the stairs in going up/down… there are too many of them… elevator can’t cope with the number.
5. I really don’t know. Ayoko na mag speculate, basta, di nag wo-work ang elevator naming, waaaaaahhhhhhhhh….

Me, myself and I

I cry

I laugh
I may look serious
Or smile too much
I am moody
yes, I am
But this is me
its not a sham
...so live with it!

Princess

I wanna be a princess.

I am somebody's princess.

I am a Princess! :-)

(wish ko lang)

same butter fly different hands?

I say not...

these are different butterflies befriending a man's hand. Aren't they cute???

My Monks

Eto po si Monks...

Bakit Monks? Kasi sabi ng roomies ko, mas mukha daw siyang monkey kesa bear, kaya Monks.
He (eh sa gusto ko na HE ang gender nya eh, ano ba!) keeps me company sa aking munting kwarto. Di sya nag rereklamo pag na-c-crushed to death sya, at higit a lahat, na hu-hug ko sya, hehe.

Yan si Monks...

(naka green din sya, hehe).

Fave pic

This is my fave picture to date. Want to know why? Kasi, the strawberries and icecream concoction is really delicious, as in!!! Want to have another one soon... However, beyond the taste, what made this my fave is the memory the went with this pix... haay. :-)

ewan ko sayo

mood: sad
why: dahil sa walang kwentang bagay na di naman dapat pinapalaki.

Naiinis lang ako kasi naiiyak ako. Bakit kasi di tayo nagkakaintindihan? Ilang beses ko bang sabihin na ayoko ng ganito? Its not even the time of the the month para magpaka senti or maging mainitin ang ulo pero ayun, uuwi na nga lang, hihirit pa.

bakit nga ba di maintindihan ng ibang tao?
na ayaw ko ng tsismis?
na ayaw ko na nahi-highlight?
na ayaw ko pinag uusapan?
ilang beses ko ba dapat sabihin at dapat ipaintindi eto?
once? twice? thrice? or forever???

naiinis na nga ako eh, palagi na lang...

hay naku
ewan ko sayo

mali ako oo, pero sana naman wag mo akong sabihan ng ganyan.

bahala ka
desisyon mo yan

Good or Bad – you decide

I woke up at around 4 pm today after a very good night (day) sleep. I am still a bit sleepy so I lazed around. It was a rather cold afternoon so I decided to sleep until 5pm. At around 5, I woke up, took a bath and started my morning ritual. I had difficulty deciding what to wear since I was not able to get my laundry (and I only have limited slacks to choose from). When I was fully dressed, a heavy rain poured down from heaven (hehe). I didn’t want to go out with that kind of downpour so I decided to stay a bit and watch the evening news.

After 30 minutes, the rain stopped. I went out of the room as fast as I can for fear of another downpour.

As soon as I reached the elevator area, I noticed a paper taped at the door, upon closer look, it was the announcement of the ongoing repair. I have no choice but to use the stairs (remember we are situated at the 7th floor), good thing my legs are no longer aching (from the week-end’s Grotto climb). Upon reaching the gate, I noticed the pool-like water (“baha” in other words), right outside the gate. I moved the gate a little bit and jumped to the other side and continued my walk to the newly renovated street. I even congratulated myself for that little jump (which saved me from getting my feet wet).

I was supposed to go straight to Santillan road but noticed it was also flooded (the street I mean), so I had to go back and walked thru the newly renovated street. I noticed the other side of Pasay Road (near Waltermart) is already filled with (ankle-deep) water. I passed by Pedicab driver who asked me "Makati Square?" for which I ignored since I have no intention of riding the pedicab for just a few minutes/meters walk. As soon as I reached Kamayan (?) I noticed that the surrounding area is flooded.

Oh my God! Where should I walk??? All taxis are taken. I was thinking of riding the jeep to Mantrade but the water near Waltermart is a bit high. I don't want my feet to get wet (with all the kadiri things you can imagine afloat the water). I was still thinking how to go to the office when I noticed an empty pedicab with the driver motioning me to ride. I walked to their area and asked what area is not flooded. They said "there, why, where are you going?". I told them I am bound for Ayala. They mentioned they can transport me to McDo for 30 pesos. I agreed.

All streets we passed by (Santillan area) is really flooded. I even had to keep my feet high to prevent it from getting wet. All of Pasong Tamo is really flooded. I can only think of all the dirty things and virus one can get if ever one decides to brave the street! I have to give it to the driver, he knows how to maneuver the flooded streets like pro. I was dropped near de la Rosa and I gave the driver 50 pesos since it was a difficult drive from Pasay Road.

Luckily, there was no more rain and no more flood in the area near McDo. I went to the office (side tracked a bit at KFC and bought my bfast) and came in early for my 9pm telecon.

Was it a good day? Yes! despite the heavy downpour and the flooded street, i was able to sleep well and not an inch of my feet got wet. I was even very productive at the office. The only downside was that I did not see Wombat. I was hoping he would go to KFC (when I said i was buying food). But its okay, I know he has difficulty getting a ride and he needs to study. :-)

By the way, during the pedicab-ride, I was tempted to bring out my camera and take a couple of shots but I was afraid someone might rob me (thinking of Rochelle's experience). I didn't even texted anyone of my predicament because i don't want people to notice that I have a phone and camera with me, lest I expose myself to the bad motives of some person.

So, I let a very good photo opportunity pass. :-( To compensate, i have this fave photo "pose" to share with you. :-)

A weekend well spent

I went out of town last weekend with a very good friend. It was a tiring, but a fun filled day. Was able to check out the must-see places and of course eat my heart out. Can’t wait to try the donut ice cream here, hehe. Got lots of picture as well.

My body is aching, my legs is hurting but my heart is swelling --- I’m so glad I went out, de-stress my self from work and from thinking of my 2007 plans. I am happy. We are both happy. It was a happy week end. Di ko lang ma expound hehe. Pictures, coming soon...

My Birth Date

Your Birthdate: May 14

You work well with others. That is, you're good at getting them to do work for you.It's true that you get by on your charm. But so what? You make people happy!You're dynamic, clever, and funny. And people like to have you around.But you're so restless, they better not expect you to stay around for long. Your strength: Your superstar charisma Your weakness: Commitment means nothing to you Your power color: Fuchsia Your power symbol: Diamond Your power month: May

What'>http://www.blogthings.com/whatdoesyourbirthdatemeanquiz/">What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

be patient

Di na ako nakakapagblog, mejo busy ako ngayon eh… sa kakahintay ng magandang development sa aking 2007 dream. Minsan, nakakapagod nang mag antay pero dapat be patient talaga. Di ko na lang yan mamamalayan, anjan na. Ang sarap siguro ng feeling na yun, na ang pinaghirapan ko ng matagal ay magkakatotoo na. Sana… haaay… in the meantime trabaho daw muna ako at mejo nahuhumaling na ako sa kakaInternet, hehehe.