Bon Jovi Live

Scored the tickets from Ebay since the concert has long been sold-out. Trekked to Moore Park after our Office Christmas Party and enjoyed the night away. =)

I am now looking forward to my date with Michael Buble on Valentines Day. =)

Backyard Makeover

Our backyard was not really a great sight and we've been wanting to do some renovation on the area.

Since September we have been planting a lot of fruits and vegies and tried to grow a decent grass.

The area just near the backdoor is a bit sand-ish so its really difficult to grow grass, and at the same time, it gets very dusty and dirty all the time.

For this area, we decided to put some gravel, level it to the ground and placed the bricks we bought at Flower Power.

After three weekends, we finally finished laying down all the bricks and our backyard looks so much cleaner and nicer. I am so proud of our hardwork! =)

Gravel first before the bricks

Hubby bringing the gravel from outside

Project done!

Clean backyard and bbq place

looks so much better!

A for Effort! =)

My CPA Australia update

I passed my last CPA exam, wohooo!!!

I got the SMS result last Friday, the 10th of December. I heaved a sigh of relief knowing that my three years of (not so) hardwork and often-times-cramming-at-the-last-minute paid off. Finally, I can now use my CPA title here in Australia again.

Its also another tick off my 2010 bucket list. With my successful driving exam and now CPA exam, I've achieved 2/3s of my BIG things to accomplish for the year, a no mean feat. I wouldn't worry too much about the third item, I know God will grant me that in His own perfect time. At least now we (me, hubby and my OB) know what the problem is and we're working on it. There is always IVF as a last resort so I am not panicking yet. =)

I am overwhelmed with all the blessings I received. Truly, He knows what's best for me. At times when I prayed/ asked for something and I don't get it, its because He has prepared something bigger than what I asked for. I am humbled, I am blessed, I am forever grateful.

And...as a reward, hubby let me bid my Jon Bon Jovi tickets in Ebay which I persistently did for the past five days and now it paid off. We are watching Bon Jovi tomorrow, wooot woooot!!!

The elusive parking space

I just got it!!!

Time to take batman to the office.

Kia Ora Auckland

After my last CPA exam (Lord, sana pumasa ako), I went to NZ with hubby for a much needed break. While hubby is at work, I stayed at the hotel, slept til late, ate brunch and strolled the city. By twilight, I would head back to the hotel and wait until Agie is back for a big dinner!

I never saw the whole of Auckland but I still had a blast enjoying the greenest of the green. Its true, sheep outnumbered humans in this beautiful country. Can't wait to be back and explore more.

enjoying the day with the sheeps who freely roam around the park

love this tree!

are we alone???

cute shops at Parnell

how to decide which pants to buy when shopping alone? take photos!!!

very nice train station

My office visitors

Ain't they cute?

Life is good!

Thank you Lord for the overflowing blessings and thank you for allowing me to live in contentment.



pede na mag book ng Europe trip, yahoo!!!

The first fruits

Yey, finally I 'harvested' the very first ripened strawberry from my pots. Hopefully, the rest will grow big and red and ready to be eaten on the 4th of Dec, just in time for hubby's bday! Gotta share these with friends. =)

Strawberry

Sana maging red ka na.

All photos were from mobile phone.

Kamatis tayo jan!

Tomatoes, anyone?

Growing my own vegie patch

Since we moved to our own place, I am looking forward to the day when I have enough time to tend our garden and grow my own fruits and vegetables. When my parents came for a visit in April, they did a clean-up and planted a few spices --- lemon grass, spring onion and ginger. Sadly, only the spring onion grew (but I am not losing hope, the ginger is still there and the lemon grass is still alive).

At the start of Spring, hubby and I visited Bunnings with the intention of buying Strawberry pot and Kalamansi Fruit Tree. There's no Kalamansi but I went home with a sack of soil (coz our backyard soil is sandy/clayish type), strawberry, tomato, basil, mint, parsley and a few packets of onions, chili and capsicum. A month after, my tomato and strawberry has its first flowers and my chili is growing fast. The onions and capsicums are just sprouting but soon, I will have loads of them too.

strawberry bud

tomato flowers

chili --- soon to be replanted

parsley

Basil

On Saturday, I will plant my carrots, cucumber, lettuce and chives so hopefully be early summer, all my spices will be homegrown. Currently, most of the dishes I cook would have a touch of parsley and basil on them, and a little bit of spring onion too!

Oh, and the flowers that Agie and Yen gave me last February are still blooming. They give color to an otherwise green and brown backyard of mine. I may need to sow my grasses soon to take advantage of the rainy weather and maybe buy the needed bricks to complete the backyard makeover.

I'm loving spring!!!

Got my Red P Plate

After three tries and several hundred dollars spent on driving lessons and exam, I finally got my P Plates.

At my first try, I had a very good drive and I almost pass, but on our way back to the RTA office, I didn't know that the speed limit was only 50kph and I was driving at 60kph. The testing officer told me to watch my speed. Urgh!

Second time, I was a nervous wreck. I hit the gutter while doing my 3 point turn and got nervous from that time until we got back to the RTA. I drove on a solid line and made a sudden stop when the lights turned yellow (so it was like causing a dangerous situation). It didn't helped that the girl who did the test was sooo sungit and only gave instructions at the last minute. Haay.
I was so disappointed but at the same time have accepted the fact that maybe I am not yet ready to drive and take control of the wheels just yet.

On my third try, I was pretty happy but as soon as we did the Reverse Parking Maneouver, I again got nervous. Halfway thru, the Officer asked me if I am okay but I told him I just wanted to park properly. As soon as we got to the RTA office he said he didn't understand why I had to fix my reverse parking when in fact, the first time I did it, it was already good and as a result of my nervousness, I forgot to do a head check on my last manouver. Oh well, I think he is more relaxed with the rules because I had 4 mistakes for underspeeding but he still let me pass! Thank you Lord for the answered prayer.




Thank you also to Del, he is such a patient instructor and he really taught me well. =)


Now, time to take Batman for a ride. Pahiram Bebe ha?

Dreaming of Melbourne

The FB status of Lanie asking if it is okay to live in Melbourne got me thinking again. Last year, when Agie and I were looking for a house, moving to Melbourne was one of our options. There's something in Melbourne that I really liked. Its more slow-paced than Sydney, I felt people were friendlier and the City is a box so its easier to walk from point A to B. And of course I have good memories of Melbourne, always nice to revisit the places we went when we had our SITI training. Plus, house prices in Melbourne is lower than that of Sydney, if that is the only consideration, I would have moved there without hesitation.

But the main consideration in moving is a job. If only there's a job there that we can transfer to, we would not hesitate to move. I would not hesitate to move. Melbourne is my first love and will always be.

In 2008 and early 2009, there are heaps of opportunity in our Melbourne office because our Meat and Dairy Division was expanding. But now, the operation have stabilised and there are only a few openings every now and then. If only Agie have a job offer in Melb too, I would convince him to move.

Lianne is moving, Lanie and Cesar might move. Ellyn wants to follow Lianne. I want to go too.

So here's the plan. In 2012, we would have built an equity in our home, enough for us to use it as a deposit for a new property. If that happens, we can look for a place to buy in Melb and have our town house rented. The rent could cover our amortization and we will now on the road to owning a second home in another state. Wouldn't be that great???

Oh, on another note, Lianne is saying that Melbournites have this perception of Sydneysiders being hardworking blokes so they offer them higher salaries than Melbournites, hmmm...
I can't wait to discuss this with hubby. =)

This is Melbourne, the living city. Melbourne the place to be...

I Survived!

When hubby told me that he will be gone for 3 weeks for an out of town engagement, I was a bit scared because it meant being alone in the house for the first time! Sleeping over at my friends place in Chatswood was on option but the thought of bringing my clothes, toiletries and make up, not to mention missing my own bed is just too much for me. So I bravely faced the month of August, home alone.

The first Sunday was the hardest, I was too scared of being on my own in our new(ish) place. Every creaking sound of the house, every garage being opened, every car passing thru, every little noise from outside ---- all these seemed to be magnified 10x. I can hear everything!!!

Mondays are better, straight from work, I would watch the primetime news, prapare my dinner and lunch box, surf the Net and then watch Friends. I am so grateful that Daisy lent me Seasons 6 - 9 of Friends, it kept me sane for the days that Agie is not around. I also have two dvds of Zumba and I enjoyed dancing and sweating around the house. Best nights of all is Thursday - the last day of the week that I am alone, I normally slept peacefully and with excitement that Hubby is coming home the next day.

And this has been my life for three weeks. And today, Hubby is coming home for good! No more packing every Sunday, no more lonely, scary, creepy Sunday nights, no more Friends marathon too (or maybe a few episodes here and there, I have purchased 4 seasons from Ebay already so before long, I would have the complete set! Yehey. I really missed my Friends box set, I just hope its not collecting dust in the Phils). And since Agie is back, no more take away food for me, I can go back to cooking, baking and experimenting in the kitchen. Best of all, we can go out driving anytime, yahoo!!!

Life is good. Happy Friday! =)

Batman is here!!!

After we chose the Corolla Conquest in last week's visit to the Dealership, we were told that our financing got approved last Monday and by Wednesday the car was ready to go. But since Agie was interstate for an engagement, we only picked up Batman - a black, Toyota Corolla Conquest Sedan, this morning.

I was so nervous when we got out of Toyota Terry Shields because it'll be Agie's first time to drive without Del. But God was with us the whole 20 mins and arrived at our place safe and sound.

I then contacted Father Nilo if we can have Batman blessed, he was so kind enough to drop by our place at after lunch and blessed Agie's new toy. We then proceeded to drive around the neighborhood so we can accumulate as much Kms as we can before the car is due for its free service (should be done within the month).

Right now, Batman is settling in his new home --- our garage. We only realized how big the car was when we had to move some stuff from the garage to the house so he can fit in. hahaha. Time to do some cleaning and re-arranging tomorrow.

Welcome home Batman!!!

Red Provisional Driving License

Hubby got his red provisional license yesterday, yahoo! He was made to do a 3 point turn (good thing because he was not so confident in doing reverse parking) and several roundabouts later, he was told he passed. yippee!!! Next month, it'll be my turn. I need to improve my speed management, positioning and smooth stopping if I want to pass my practical exam. But before that, I want to savour the moment and thank God for the guidance and to Del for being so patient with us. I am doing a happy dance for finally we can now start our city/country/suburb cruisin'. Wollongong Temple, Berrima, Northern Beaches, Shopping for my herb garden and my kalamansi tree, etc. etc. I can't wait.




Congrats Bebe!

Snoring and Dreaming

Hubby told me that recently, he woke up twice to hear me snore. But because he was too lazy ro record my snoring, I couldn't hear it for myself. But needless to say, I was so embarrassed and petrified at the same time. I , being a light sleeper, always nudge hubby to turn sideways whenever he's off to dreamland and I am just starting mine. And to be told that I snore is news to me. Maybe I am just too tired or maybe I am really getting fat, ieewww. Either way, I need to start my cardio exercise ASAP! Walking around the neighborhood is a good start, and of course make use of my WII games --- Just Dance, Wii Fit, Trainer. Might even get into the Zumba craze.

The good thing about snoring is knowing that I really had a good night sleep. Last night, I even dreamt about shopping at Giordano (I don't know why coz I don't shop at Giordano but you can always find me at Esprit) and ended up not getting the goods because I don't have cash with me. And that I need to wake up from my shopping-dream because I know I am only dreaming! Uh, oh, I think Inception and Leonardo is still with me when I dozed (and snored) off.

Now back to reality.

Dear Nicole

A letter I gave to my 11 year old niece who ran for Assistant Secretary in the Pupil Government and lost.

~~~

Dear Nicole,

I heard from you Mama that you lost again in your bid to be your school's Assistant Secretary and that you cried and said you always lose, this being your second time in running for a post. Its okay to cry, its okay to lose. But don't dwell on the negative side, don't think that people do not like you, maybe the other person campaigned more than you did, or maybe the job was really not meant for you and that God has other plans for you.

I, too, experienced the same rejection when I was your age. You lost twice, I lost three times! When I was in 4th Grade, I ran for Assistant Auditor and lost to a 5th Grader, when I was in Grade 5, I ran again for Auditor this time, and lost once again. And finally, when I was in the 6th Grade, I ran for Governor, the highest position in Elementary school. Never mind that I lost the last two elections, it did not deterred me from aiming for the top. I ran again and lost the third time!

I can't remember if I cried, maybe I did cry during my sleep. I felt that nobody likes me and that I shouldn't have ran and wasted money. But you know what, Lolo and Lola were so supportive of me. We went to Kristine's Printing Press and had some bookmarks made at the last minute as part of my campaign material. I know they don't have extra cash then but they made 'utang' to the Valiente's so I can have my bookmarks. I even remembered bringing our Akai Cassette Tape to school so we can practice the dance for our program. I was with great people then, popular students were part of my team. But I still lost.

Losing for a third time was not good for my self esteem and I, too, questioned, why I did not win. It's really heartbreaking to experience these rejections at such a young age. But that is part of the game, someone has to lose and someone has to win. And because it wasn't our time to shine yet, we lost this battle. But I did not dwell on the bad side. I still helped the student government with their projects because that's what I really wanted to do!

You'll experience a lot more rejections, pains and heartaches. But don't use this to pull you down, instead, focus on the things you are good at, like drawing, singing. Soon, you'll realize that there are reasons why you didn't get the post.

When I was in Grade School, I have my own shares of disappointments:

* running for office and losing three times - even in highschool, i ran every year and was only successful during my 3rd and 4th year and then I became the President of the HS Student Council.

* joining the Children's choir because Lola knows Mrs Dacudag. When I was in Grade 5, the Children's Choir were going to join a contest in Butuan so they decided to have everyone audition for a part. Before that I thought I am a good singer but when I didn't passed the audition, I realized I am bad pala. I am sooo yabag mukanta until now. The good thing about it was that the students were away for 2 weeks and I was one of the few 'bright' ones left so I got good grades during the 3rd grading period and the others weren't able to catch up with me. From being a 5th Honorable mention in Grade 4, I got the silver medal in Grade 5 and went to become the Valedictorian in Grade 6 (because the First Honors in Grade 5 transferred to another school, hehe)

*wanting to study at Philippines Science High School after I took the entrance exam. I can't remember if I passed the Mindanao campus or not pero I think I was devastated coz I really wanted to go to school there. But you know what, when I was in College and met the people from the Mindanao Campus, I am glad I did not go there because you are required to study only Sciences in College which by that time I know I am not really good at.

There are a few others pero I can't remember them all.

I know you are talented --- you have a good voice, you're artistic! Maybe you can be an artist. =) Continue honing your talents, join contests, sing, dance, draw whenever you can. One day, you'll thank yourself for pursuing the things you love and being good at it.

Nic, disappointments will always be a part of life. You can't always win every game you play, every contest you join. But what makes the winning and the losing less heartbreaking is your journey. If you give it your best and enjoy the things that happen along the way, it won't matter na if you lose or win, what matters is that you had fun while you did it.

I can almost see myself in you. The adults see so much potential and pushes you to do this and that. Just let them for they know what's best for you. You'll thank them 10 years from now! hehehe.

We love you Nic and be good to your little brother and to your cousins okay? You're the big sister and big cousin now. You have to be a good example to them ha?

Love you.
Auntie Gagang

Nympha's Hen's Night and my being a Manang =)

Saturday night was Nympha's hen's night scheduled a few months in advanced. I asked Agie if I can join the girls and will just sleep over at Lynn's place because it'll be too late for me to travel home alone from the City. We booked at Studs Afloat - a four-hour harbour cruise with food, drinks dancing and of course gorgeous studs who gave 'Brides to Be' an unforgettable sexy show. =)

I saw a dress in Parramatta a week earlier, the dress is kinda revealing but I thought I could pull it off. I also saw a very nice shoes that's perfect for the dress (and perfect for jeans too!!). These are very good buys because they are all discounted, the dress at 50% off and the shoes at 70%, such a bargain.

The bridal shower started at 12noon but I only arrived at 3pm because I had driving lessons in the morning. An hour after arriving, the girls who are not coming to the Studs Afloat left and we started prepping up for the big night.

I asked Perla to curl my hair (thanks Ate!) and Ellyn to do my eye make up. All the girls were glammed up for a night of partying. And it was indeed a very HOT night. No incriminating photos for the bride to be and the rest of the girls, hehe. During the dancing and the 'show' I felt sooo sleepy, and realized I am becoming a Manang!!! I am not used to partying, staying late, drinking and even dancing! I love to dance but when we went to the after party, I just felt so tired that i sat on the couch with Shawie while everyone else is dancing the night away.

with the bride to be, Nympha... I am so taba!!!

partying @ studs afloat

.

I had fun at the boat, dancing wiht all the girls. but when we moved to Homebar, I just didn't like the ambiance --- so full of teens, so hazy and with techno music. The time didn't help at all --- at 12 midnight, I was not in the mood for dancing, my eyes started to dry up and I thought my contacts would pop out. After a few minutes, everyone decided to call it a night, hailed a cab and went home.

.

I would have enjoyed the party if I was more comfortable with my dress! I am really conservative at heart and I had difficulty working my revealing outfit. hehe. I carried flats with me so when we started walking, I changed to my comfortable shoes. Those who did not think ahead decided to ditch the stilletos and walked barefoot! haha.

.

The girls still have the saturday night hangover, judging by their comments to the private photos posted in FB soon after. =)

.

Random Thoughts for the Day

travel.
I'm thinking of living and working in New York? hmmmm. Maybe just a visit but not really to live and raise a family there.
Palawan and Boracay
How about the May 2011 Europe adventure??? Top Deck tours daw sabi ni Ellyn.

food.
I have my macaron ingredients at home, I just need to buy my piping bag. Time to use my Homeworld gift certificate.
Masterchef is my life for 4 months now, I don't know what I'll do on July 26. Withdrawal syndrome na eto!!!
I need to replicate my banana peanutbutter chocolate cupcakes and this time I will take photos of it. yumyum!

online.
chuvaness
daphneosena
topazhorizon
marketmanila
philstar
inquirer
fb
twitter

work and studies.
August is our yearend, August is the start of the cpa program
bonus in november, results of cpa exam in dec
new year, new work in 2011??? (parang mas maganda pakinggan ang 'new year, new work, new yok' hahaha. but no, I love Oz, US will just be a holiday destination)

family.
miss my hubby and will miss him more next month for an out-of town engagement
talk and text sa Bukid.
need to have a check up to make sure nothing is wrong with me, GPs cannot be trusted, need to go to specialist this time. I wanna have a beybi!!!

television.
Masterchef finals week. I hate curry.
Friends Season 10. I love Rachel, Joey, Chandler, Monica, Ross and Phoebe.
Modern Family. So dysfunctional so loveable.
Don't lie to me. Your facial gestures gives you away.

back.to.work.

My MX Horoscope

I need to keep counting my blessings!

A Week of Blessings (big and small)

God has showered all of us with abundant grace, little things which we take for granted because we're always asking Him for the big things WE want to happen in our lives. This week, I promised myself to acknowledge these things and thank Him for life's little blessings.

5/7/2010 - Monday
1. My train arriving in Strathfield just in time for my connecting train --- even if my train was late for 3 minutes, the fast Train to Epping is also late. =)
2. Fruits for the day - the sweetest mandarin and the largest banana.
3. Reading Bo's blog and reminding me to enjoy life wherever I am, to slow down, and to never 'wait' again. Enjoy my imperfect "now".
4. Being nominated by my peers in this month's guiding lights - good to know that some people appreciate your work in the company.

6/7/2010 - Tuesday
1. Good food. Yummy pizza and hookien noodles. Thank God for my kitchen talent and for a husband who doesn't complain.
2. Colleagues who asked for my help. It made my going to the office worthwhile when I know I can share my knowledge to them.
3. For sisters who keep me grounded and for my niece who still asks for my help.

7/7/2010 - Wednesday
1. Safe arrival to work despite train delays.
2. A very good night sleep and a dream that I am with my good friends in high school.
3. Sunny disposition and good vibes --- future seems brither. Coherent thoughts/ response to the selection criteria.
4. Funny email from my bebe, i kept it because it never fails to bring a smile to my face ---- init kayo kagabi-i bebenako as in.. gipa ningot nasad ko... unya nakurat pa jud ko pag ihi nako last nyt.. ay thought natulog ka.. wala man ko kabantay nag CR ka.. maong naka singgit ko, hehehehe

8/7/2010 - Thursday
1. Reading 'Best is Yet to Come' from Bo Sanchez' blog. Thank you Lord for reminding me again that my prayers will be answered in Your time. I will continue to be specific in my prayers and will be patient and trusting to You.
2. Finding the perfect dress for Nympha's Hen's night.
3. Green Mangoes with bagoong.
4. Emotions from watching too much Masterchef and Glee.

9/7/2010 - Friday
1. Heated train for a change.
2. Quick run and mad dash to my connecting train at Epping and I was able to squeeze inside before the 'door closing' annoucement was made.
3. Good food with good friends Ellyn and Perla.

The day is not yet over, I know more blessings are still coming my way. Bring on positivity, bring on good vibes!

Happy weekend xoxo.

Progress Evaluation of my 2010 Goals

At work, we have a structured performance evaluation --- from goal setting, quarterly review and the final review. And we try to follow the structure so we could be on track with our goals (and make necessary changes along the way to make ourt SMART goals achievable).

I tried to apply goal setting to my own life and I came up with three big goals. And in line with the corporate set-up, why not make a half-year review of my goals?

1. To finish my CPA studies

I am still on-track with this goal. I finished my 2 modules last May and thankfully, despite some study time diverted to quality time with my parents, I passed the exams. I have one more exam scheduled on the 27th of October. After this I will be a full member and can now certify your documents, hahahaha.

2. To have my red provisional driving license

I have yet a long way to go on this one. I am working on my confidence as I am really scared when I'm behind the steering wheel. My weekly (expensive) session with Del is helping get over this hurdle and improve my driving skills. I am crossing my fingers that I will be able to pass my practical exam before I take my last CPA subject. If only no failing grade will be given to underspeeding. lol

3. To have a baby

This is still a work in progress. Maybe its not yet time for us to have our little bundle of joy. Maybe God is telling us that we need to learn how to drive first before we venture into baby making, hehehe. In His time this will happen.


Well, this mid-year review is telling me that I am confident in achieving 2 out 3 goals. But I am not yet ruling out a 100% achievement rate, we still have six months left of the year which is more than enough time right? =)

Now for my things to do:
1. Get some case materials from Lianne
2. Schedule driving lessons with Del
3. Get Vivi's OB #.


and now, back to work! =)

Sunday Night Dream

I woke up this morning to the sound of my alarm clock but my dream was so vivid I can still blog about it. Mind you, its a weird dream but who knows, it may have some significance in shaping my future... or not! =)

Scene 1: At Starbucks Coffeshop. Manager was asking the staff who can stay for closing. I raised my hand and so did Fean. We were supposed to be there til closing time. Agie was not happy that I had to stay. Jessica was also with us but she was waiting for me outside the shop, she doesn't want to mingle with some people. I asked Jess if I can stay with her as Agie is leaving for a week.

Next scene, I managed to convinced my friends to stay with me instead. So we went home (but Agie was also with me) and assigned people to sleep in my sister's room. Then I realized that I need to be at Starbucks. I called up Fean and ask her if anyone is helping her and she said Perla is there to give her a hand. (Perla and Fean never met in real life, haha).

Next thing I was holding this small banana, half eaten, when my phone rang and I used the banana to answer Cesar who was calling me to let me know that he's on his way. After several hellos, it seems i lost Cesar, then Agie gave me a new banana and I continued my conversation with Cesar and my alarm went off.

How weird was that???

Trip to Hobart - Queen's Long Weekend

Went to Hobart for a well deserved break.
June 12 - 14 with Agie, Lynn (thanks for driving us around), Jeff and Anna.
Next trip for us??? - Melbourne for the Australian Open in 2011, yahoo!!! Tickets booked as early as now.


went to Mt Wellington hoping to see the entire city of Hobart, but we got snowed instead.

it was so cooooolddd, brrr....

this would have looked better from the top but since it snowed, we stopped by the winding road just to take this phot0. =)

Outside our Hotel in Salamanca Bay.

at Port Arthur, the oldest convict settlement in Australia.

inside the church

at the Hospital.

view from the Balcony of our Hotel. very nice!

at the Old Hobart Town.

yes, the cottage was built in 1835!

very nice view of the Old Hobart bridge.

Hobart is a nice town, we'll definitely be back --- Cascade Brewery, Cadbury, Fressinet, Wine Glass, Derwent river are waiting for us! =)