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

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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.

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

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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! =)

Our Companies feed us, literally!

I sometimes take for granted the freebies Agie and I get from our workplace --- discounted Nestle products for him and free bread for me.

Today, was as a lazy Saturday for us. We stayed home because its just too cold to go out (temperature will reach negative again tonight). So, what to do on a Saturday???

.

.

.

.

BAKE!!!

Agie's choco pudding

runny nestle hot choco at the side

(because we didn't have the nestle baking cocoa at home)

a slice of the choco pudding, recipe from Nestle's Good Life mag

my pizza with anchovies, mushroom and pineapple.
Pizza base courtesy of GWF =)





melted four cheese on top, yum!!!

crispy pizza base, i didn't even used my pizza stone for this one.

If we continue to have Saturdays like this, we will end up FAT before the year ends, mwehehehe. Good thing I have the Just Dance wii game, we can burn the calories by dancing. Bring it on Baby! =)

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So, how's your day?

Ice Cold Mornings

I woke up to this two days in a row.

ice frost in the pathway

its blurry but you can see the frost on the grass

Frost covered the grass along the pathway, as well as cars, bins and lawns. Its freezing cold at 2degrees (but it really felt like negative 2!!!). My hands and feet were so cold, it needed to be thawed. Time to use my ugg boots to work tom.

Weather reports say that we haven't had this cold weather since the 80s. If this will continue in the next few days, I wouldn't be surprised if we have snow in Toongabbie. hehe. but im scared...

Another two done!

Yey, my wait is over. Got my CPA results last Friday and I barely passed my Strategic Management subject. I was so depressed after the exam because it was so tricky!!! The materials were very easy to read, and I think I only spent a week or two studying because I knew what was being discussed (or so I thought). But come exam time, I think I got confused with the choices and did a process of elimination when answering. This was the only CPA exam that I couldn't find the answers from the materials. My only consolation was most of the people I knew who took the exam also found it difficult.

And when I got my result last Friday, I was ecstatic! Finally, I can move on and forget about it, haha. One more subject to go and I'm done with my CPA. Global Strategy and Leadership - Bring it On!

Sweet Little Yuan

Facebook status of my sister:

"Grenna was sleeping alone in her bed last night while her Langga carried Yman to sleep. Suddenly, Yuan, slowly went up to her bed and said: "diri sa ko oi!". She just let Yuan slept beside her but Yuan took her hand and held it tight. After 5 minutes or so, her Langga with their Yman opened the bedroom door and said "Go back na sa imo bed Yuan kay mag sleep na si Yman diha". Yuan quietly went back to his bed and said "Thank you Mommy".


naiyak ako, waaahhhhhhhhh


ps... Yuan is 4 years old while Yman is 6 months old.

Kalamansi Muffin

What would you do if you have heaps of these?

Why not turn it to these?

Early this week, Jess and Daisy brought kalamansi from their backyard and I ended up with loads of them. I was thinking of creative ways of using the good old kalamansi and I remembered I read somwhere about the very yummy Kalamansi Muffin of Real Cafe in Boracay. So I searched the internet for some recipe and lo and behold --- I got it thru Market Manila, where else??? hehehe

So, armed with (over the top) butter, sugar, yogurt, flour and kalamansi extract, I made the muffin and followed the recipe to a T. It was too buttery for my liking. Brought some to the office and everyone liked it. I might tweak the recipe next time and half the amount of butter to make it less fattening.

Thanks again Marketman for the lovely recipe!

Camelia Station (not Clyde!)

Photo taken last year.

While waiting for the train at Camelia (not Clyde), I cant resist the urge to have my photo taken at THE RAIL TRACKS!

Wala lang, natuwa ako kasi you can cross the tracks here. Sa ibang stations, you'll be fined if you do that.

Buble on Valentines Day 2011

I am sooooo thrilled!!! Hubby finally agreed to watch Michael Buble on Feb 14, 2011. Just booked ourselves a ticket! Thanks Bebe, love you!!!



Cant wait for Feb 14. =)

Foggy Tuesday

Its 6:55 am and Toongabbie is still engulfed with fog.

Boo, I didn't bring any jacket.

Agie-less for 3 weeks

Agie is off to NZ today for a 3-week audit engagement.

Naku, wala na naman akong katabi matulog, buti na lang andito pa sina Mommy at Nanay, may kausap pa ako sa bahay.

Bebe, God bless your trip. Ayaw pa stress-out sa mga people ha?

I will miss you... sending you hugs and kisses in the cyberworld --- xoxoxoxo....

All in a Day's Work

a (not so) typical day for me... let's see if something exciting will happen before this day will end

6:20 am - woke up and went straight to the shower (not minding Agie who is brushing his teeth and laughing at me because I can barely open my eyes).

6:38 am - walked with Agie to the station so we can get on the 6:44 train. Its an early Friday for us... (and yes, it only took me 18 mins to bathe and groom myself)

8:03 am - after a 15 minute wait for my train at Epping, I finally arrived at the office.

9:30 am - di pa nakaka simula magtrabaho pero ang aking daily read sa world wide web ay tapos ko na basahin. gusto ko na umuwi kasi antok ako at feeling ko mas magiging productive ako sa bahay (makakapag aral) kesa dito sa opisina.

10:30 am - mobile FB and answering msgs from high school barkada. i miss them. :(

10:46 am - mobile blogging is soooo much fun!!! but this entry is to be posted via the normal route. =)

11:00 am - eating my banana. Its non-stop eating for me... but to my credit, I said no to cake for once haha. You'll get fat in this company if you're not careful --- free bread and spread anytime of the day (I only eat bread occassionally, i try to be healthy and eat oats in the morning), Top Taste cakes every Wednesday, Cereform mud cake once in a while and Michel's or Cheesecake Factory cake every month end!!! I sooo need my daily escalator walk/run at Epping and Macquarie Park stations.

11:38 am - so many things on mind and Ate Pearls new job makes me want to try the jobmarket too... but I will wait for the right time.

11:50 am - walked to Macquarie to have lunch with Ellyn and Sally

1:00 pm - came back from Macquarie. Lunch was flop - didn't happen. Sally has another lunch with her ofcmates so I just gave her the bread and the long overdue bday gift while Ellyn is still at her desk working. I walked back to the office, its a very nice day to have a walk - cool and windy.

2:00 pm - Got myself some Peppermint Tea - a great way to wash off my junkfood of a lunch (aka Whopper jr).

2:04 pm - Received email from Yen and her good news! Yey, excited for her. Hope the training will be in Sydney so I can see her again. =) All I can think of at this stage is the make up and shoes I'll be asking her to shop for me in Singapore, mwahahaha.

2:11 pm - went to search for Teradata and CSC websites for jobs and noticed one thing --- their job search is powered by Taleo - same as NSW job search page.

3:00 pm - Ofc mates are eating cake again! Now I am hungry but will not give in to my cake cravings. Buti na lang may tira pang Dingdong, hehe.

4:21 pm - ready to go...


happy weekend everyone.

Sa CR

Wala lang. Gusto ko lang mag upload ng picture ko. =)

Breads galore

This is our breadroom. I'm getting one to bring home.

Btw, this mobile blogging is so much fun! I recently discovered this one despite me owning my phone for over a year now. Expect more posts from me!

Ding Dong on a Friday

My morning tea. :)

Annoying or what

i was browsing my favorite online forum vogue and chanced upon this thread (http://forums.vogue.com.au/showthread.php?t=358137) about house etiquette. I was thinking to myself that I can be very anal when it comes to my place and maybe my housemates hated me for this? Good thing I married Agie because we think alike, altough he is worse than me, hehehe.

Some things I can leave with, but others I cannot --- specially dirty dishes because they attract cockroaches, which I really hate and I do not want to live with them! Apologies to my ex-housemates if I was such a Nazi when we were living together. =)

On another note, I found this hilarious site - PassiveAggressivenotes.com - I can't wait to submit my entry on this. Will start to look for passive-aggressive notes from now on. (Im laughing non-stop at the office

So You Think You Can Dance Australia

Thanks to Jake for the tix! Uploaded via mobile thats why its sideways.

chips no more

fter giving up hot chips for lent, i salivated at the sight of ribs and rumps chips --- my lunch for today. it doesn't taste as good as before. =(

maybe my tastebuds' telling me not to eat junk foods. i could benefit from this, yey! from now on, i will try not to eat chips, no more kfc, mc do, hungry jacks etc etc...

Running and Trains

When I was in highschool, I used to be so good in athletics. I would run barefoot during Intramurals and my favorites were the 200m and 400m dash because it gave me momentum and I know I can out-ran anyone with this distance (more difficult with 100M because the runway is too short for me).

Yesterday and today, I did a lot of running and it involves catching the train. From our house to the station, with only 8 mins left before the train comes, I ran like crazy coz I still have to buy tickets for my parents and in-law (they too were running and speed walking, hahaha). We wanted to catch the 8:38 am train to Blacktown, otherwise, we'll be waiting half an hour for the next train to come. In the afternoon, after my 2pm appointment with the doctor, I ran again to the station hoping to catch the train back to Blacktown. I barely made it.

This morning, my limbs were stretched even further. As I was getting ready to get off at Platform 4 in Strathfield for my connecting train at Platform 5, I noticed that the train was running in a different track. Thinking ahead, if the train will not stop at Platform 4, I had to run because I need to get to the other platform and I am far away from the exit door. With only 2 minutes interval, this would be a run-for-your-life kind of run. And so I did... but the other train was late for 4 minutes. And this meant I need to ran (for the last time) to catch my other train at Epping. And I did again, and this time, the train was just arriving and when I got inside, it was already closing its doors. Too bad for the other commuters who did not run (or did not stay close to the exit doors in the Strathfield train) because they will be late for work.

All these running for the train are like accidents waiting to happen. I need to be careful next time and try not to beat the time. Or maybe, I should do my driving lessons more frequently so I can take the road test soon and drive to work. Hmmm, but what about my exercise? All the calories I burned from taking the stairs instead of the lift? Nah, I wont exchange that for the comfort of driving (and spending too much on toll fee). I will still take the train, and continue running and walking the stairs but in the odd occasions, I will treat myself to a lift. =)

the Travel Bug bit me again.

I was looking at my friend's NYC photos and I am soo jealous that I want to book our next holiday there. But what about Europe in May 2011? And trip to Pinas (and Palawan)? Oh well, I have to take it easy, one destination at a time. I need to save, save, save!

NYC at Night (photo grabbed from the Web)

Or maybe, I can go to Tasmania this June.. hmmmm, need to book our ticket soon.

Tasmania cove (photo grabbed from the Web)

St Barachiel my guardian angel, thanks for protecting me

I am normally alert and conscious of my surrounding, especially when walking alone. But tonight was different, I was on my mobile talking to Tanya when I got off at Toongabbie. Its already dark even if it's still 6:30 because we just finished DST and our time moved back an hour.

While walking, I didn't pay attention to where I was going and didn't realized that I was on the 'darker' side of the road. Still on the phone, I heard somebody following me but I thought it was just another commuter going home somewhere in my street. Then I heard someone shouted but I didn't mind them. I was clutching my handbag when suddenly someone tried to grab it from behind! I was sooo shock that I shouted then tried to look from behind me if someone else is there and surveyed where I should run and shout for help. Then I look at the would-be thief and realized he's a young bloke, maybe 10 or 12 years old. He is hesitating to come back or run... So I shouted at him "Are you trying to grab my bag??? I will report you to Triple 0!"

Then I pretended to call "000" on my mobile and shouted loud enough for the boy to hear. "Someone's trying to grab my bag. He is running towards Portico St. He stopped in the corner of Cecilia and Portico." When he realized I was talking to someone on the phone and gave away his location, he run under the bridge to the other side of the station.

During this time, Agie was calling me and I answered but at the same time I was shouting. He heard everything and he was sooo scared for me. He's mind was racing, thinking of the worst. When I was sure that the Boy was gone, I talked to him and recounted what happened.

I was sooo scared... but at the same time thankful for my Guardian Angel. St Barachiel, you saved me. I should have known better. I should have walked along the shops, where the street lights are and where there are a lot of people walking.

As soon as I arrived home, I told my parents what happened. Then we ate dinner. Then I talked to Agie again (he is still in the City visiting a Boholano admitted in the hospital). I am still scared but very much thankful that nothing bad had happened to me.

And this is my easter story... hope you had a better one. =)

Food trip!!!

i was craving for pasta aglio olio so I whipped a single serve while trying to study my cpa materials. yum yum but kulang sa parsley. =)

steamed tilapia (from Costi's Blacktown) with fried garlic and light soy sauce. good food for lent and healthy too.

Banana bread ala Agie. Taste soooo goood!

Goodbye TFC

I was planning to get TFC for our parents' stay here so they wouldn't feel too homesick and bored at home. Last February, I checked online, called up TFC customer service and enrolled my details. Luckily, they have a contract for 6 months but we need to return the dish at the end of the contract. Sounds good to me since we wouldn't be able to see all shows anyway once our parents are back in the Phils, so we would be cutting the service after the 6th month period.

Since we lived in a townhouse, we still need to get Strata approval for the dish installation. Come March 2, I sent my application form, together with the approval from the Strata Manager. I was told before that the installer will call me within 24-48 hours of receipt of my application. On the same date, our credit card was charged for the first month fee of $39.99.

I waited for the entire week and I never received a call from TFC nor from the installer. I checked my fax transmission again and it was sent successfully. Since they've already charged hubby's card, then they must have received our application. On March 9, I received a call from TFC confirming our application and that I will have to wait for 24-48 hours for the installer to call me. After 3 days of waiting, I gave them a call telling them that I need it to be installed on Saturday, 13th of March, otherwise I'll cancel the service. They gave me the name and number of the installer and they said it was assigned to him a few days ago. I gave the installer a call confirming the day of the installation and he said either Monday or Tuesday but he'll call me to confirm.

Come Tuesday morning, I still didn't received a call so I called him up again asking if he'll install today as promised. He said that he can't but he will try to install before Friday.

At that point I was getting mad. Its been 2 weeks since I applied and until now I can't seem to get a confirmation when the installation's gonna be. With everyday it gets delayed, it shortens the time our parents can see Filipino shows which defeats the purpose of getting the service in the first place. Also, in my 3 years stay here in Australia, I always received prompt services from any supplier, regardless if I paid for the service or not. The most that I had to wait was 2 weeks after the scheduled date and that is understandable because the product has to be ordered overseas. But this one, its only the installation and I cannot understand the delay... well, the installer was saying he doesn't have the equipment now and it will only arrive on Thursday or Friday.

After hearing that, I told hubby that I wouldn't call the installer again for follow-up. But if by Friday, I still won't hear from him, I will call TFC and cancel the service and have the payment reimbursed to us, the reason being, our parents will only have a month left to use TFC. Really no point of having it installed this late.

Friday afternoon, with still no communication from the installer, I called up TFC and explained that it has been 3 weeks since I applied and several follow-ups later, I still don't have my TFC, so now I want to cancel the application. I also informed them that the installer said he is still waiting for the equipment to arrive. After a few minutes of being on hold, the customer service representative told me that they wouldn't be receiving the equipment until the 25th of March so if I can't wait that long, they will just cancel my application and refund the money. March 25th is too far away. By then we will be busy going out on weekends, then its Holy Week so really, we cannot make use of our TFC 24/7! So I decided to just cancel it.

Then, all is well... until I got a call from the installer at 9pm on Friday and our 15-minute conversation goes on like this:

Installer: hi, is this Gracy, this is XXX from TFC.
Me: Hi, How are you?
Installer: this is regarding your application noh. Sorry, kasi natabunan ang email mo eh.
Me: okay na po. napa cancel ko na din sa TFC, naitawag ko na po kanina.
Installer: Hindi, hindi. Bukas, first thing in the morning, pupunta ako sa inyo. I-i-install ko na.
Me: Di bale na po. Napa cancel ko na naman tsaka wala po kami bukas. May pupuntahan po kami.
Installer: Maaga ako pupunta. Sige na, para ma install na natin.
Me: May lakad po kasi kami bukas.
Installer: Tumawag ka na ba sa akin?
Me: Opo. Tumawag po ako last week, sabi nyo po sa Monday or Tuesday ang installation, tapos Tuesday, tumawag po ako, sabi nyo po sa between Wednesday to Friday. Nung di po ako nakareceive ng call nyo kanina, pina cancel ko na. Kasi nga 3 weeks na pending ang application namin tapos na charge na ang credit card namin pero wala pa din.
Installer: Ganito yun Gracy ha, yung next na billing sa inyo, one month after pa ng installation so hindi naman kayo i-bi-bill kaagad.
Me: okay lang po. Kasi yung reason talaga is uuwi na po sa Pilipinas yung mga magulang namin next month so wala nang gagamit ng TFC.
Installer: Naku, pa install mo na. Di ka mag sisisi. Ma eenjoy mo lahat ng shows. Ang ganda ganda ng shows namin. O ano, install na natin sa Sunday.
Me: Ay, hindi na nga po kasi napacancel ko na diba?
Installer: Yung cancellation, yung may last say tayong dalawa naman. Kung sabihin mong i-install na natin, hindi na nila i-ca-cancel yun.
Me: Hindi na nga po kasi nga di na rin sya magagamit. Next time na lang po, pag bibisita ulit dito ang parents ko ng matagal tagal, papakabit ako ng TFC.
Installer: Sige na, libre na kita ng first month. 5 months na lang babayaran mo kasi matagal ka nag antay eh. Para lang makabitan ka na. Ano lang ba yung $40, libre na kita.
Me: Wag na po, kakahiya naman sa inyo. Tsaka uuwi na nga po ang parents ko so wala nang gagamit ng TFC.
Installer: hindi kasi kakahiya naman sayo. Kasalanan ko naman na hindi ko nainstall. Sayang din, at least ikaw, approve na. Matagal ang approval ng installation alam mo ba yun?
Me: Okay lang po. May approval na kami sa Strata. Di naman po kami lilipat ng bahay in the next few years. Di bale, if babalik ang parents namin papakabit na lang kami pero for now po, cancel na po yung application namin.
Installer: Pasensya na talaga ha?
Me: Okay lang po. walang problema. Sige po. Bye.


Ang kulit diba? Paulit ulit na lang ang sagot ko! at bakit, biglang pede na i-install kinabukasan??? At sabihan pa akong "ano lang ba ang $40"? Hay naku talaga, I can easily earn that $40 noh. Wala po tayo sa Pilipinas, hindi po pe-pedeng pa petiks petiks ka sa trabaho (ako lang po ang pede maging petiks). Your service sucks, you gave TFC a bad name (kanta yun ah). For you to just keep on postponing the installation without letting me know is not acceptable. Clearly, the equipment is there, you are just too busy to care that someone is actually waiting for you to do your work, and now, when Head Office sends you a letter regarding the cancellation, you panicked. Kainis lang. Di ko tuloy napanood ang ASAP sa Boracay. hmmp.

Anyway, i told my Filo officemate about this and she is also having problems with TFC! She kept on calling them explaining that she needs the dish to be moved from one room to another because her mom needs it in the other room. Until now, nothing has been done. And when she calls their number, she has to explain what she wanted done over and over that it gets really frustrating. I asked her if we had the same installer but she said a different name.

Why is it more difficult dealing with Pinoys than with other nationalities??? Buti na lang, maayos kausap ang Driving Instructor namin, at least natututo na kami mag drive paunti unti...

What do I really want?

I had a long exchange of emails with my girlfriends today, we were talking about blogs and doing something we really want, something that makes us happy, something we always dreamt of but never got the courage to do, and that we need to get out of our comfort zones to realize these dreams.

It got me thinking --- what do I really want?

I want to travel, see the whole world. Kiss infront of the Eiffel Tower, be serenaded by a Gondolier, go inside beautiful castles, see windmills and sand dunes. Eat burritos in Mexico, paella in Spain, pasta and pizza in Italy. Check out the tallest building in Dubai, the grandest falls in Canada, safari in Africa. I can go on and on and on.

I also want to cook. Bake. Eat.

Dance.

But all these I can do only when I have the money. That is the issue. I need money to survive, I need money to do the things I love. Being an accountant pays my bills, so I am happy. But, what if we stretch it out a bit, what do I really want to do besides working as an accountant? Childcare? But I am not good with kids.

Maybe, I am born to be an accountant... or maybe not.

I need to find the answer to this question.
.
.
.
.
o baka naman talaga im meant to be an accountant. kulit! =)

Three years and counting Part II

I can't believe how time flies so quickly these days. This week marks my 3rd year of being employed in THE Bread Co. Looking back at my list of employers, this is the longest I've been in a company. I have my highlights and lowlights while working here.

I love that...
I get free bread everyday which me and my friends enjoyed for the past 3 years;
I can come in early and leave early or come in late and but still leave early, hehe;
Our team is so multi-cultural, almost all race is represented;
Its easy for me to take long (Christmas) holidays when some people cannot take a day off during these times;
I am never stressed with this job, and can count with one hand the times I stayed after 5pm, yes, I considered staying after 4:30pm as overtime.

I hate...
how kurips the company is to the Finance Team (compared to how they treat Sales Team that is);
how the current performance evaluation is just not working! I haven't had my final appraisal for 2009 but I got my bonus and increase already. We're halfway thru the year and I haven't discussed my goals for 2010 yet! I've been receiving my reminder email for the appraisal but nothing is being done;
how sometimes I am really petiks. but at the same time i love being petiks coz I can sneak some studying time in between;
how far I my workplace from Tonggabbie is and the one hour commute to and from work. :(

Many times I thought of leaving this company to look for more challenging roles but Agie always tells me that I have the best job in the world!. No pressure, no overtime and no brainer at times. My officemate who came from P&G also told me to stick with the company because this is the most stress free job she have had that she sometimes forget its already month end! She was reminiscing her P&G days where she needs to come to the office even on a weekend to cope with month end tasks.

Big companies are just banking on their name to hire people but at times, they really have a crappy work environment. You'll never know it unless you're inside the organization. Which led me to believe that the grass is never greener at the other side of the fence. When I hear stories about friends getting good job with good pay, I get jealous. But when I hear them complain and work doubly hard, I feel blessed. I'm being paid good money here, don't get me wrong. I have had 5 increases over my 3 year stay here, nevermind that the two ones were just over 1% of my annual salary. But sometimes, I feel that there is so much more I can offer, so much more I can do. Its like I am an untapped talent waiting to be ignited. Its happening slowly, but being an impatient ME, I want it now (or probably not, hahaha).

This the perfect place for me now. I am happy to stay here for a year or two, but if there's a government job somewhere in the West, I would definitely jump ships!!! =)

Perla, isdatchu???

I was sooo busy reading all the tweets on my phone that i didn't notice the train was approaching Pendle Hill and not Toongabbie. I was surprised to see that the carriage I am on missed the stairs by a few meters but I got off anyway. I walked up, together with so many people, and realize its a different station! Damn, it's still Pendle Hill!!!

Perla, ikaw ba yan??? After always laughing at Perla for getting off the wrong station (train terminated without her realizing and she had to be escorted out of the train in Wollstonecraft; travelled to Hornsby, then Strathfield from Chatswood then to Meadowbank for over an hour when she could have boarded a direct train to Meadowbank; and getting off at Hornsby--- when she needs to get off at Epping and the train was empty by that time!!!), I could not believe it happened to me too?

Good thing it was still 'peak hour' and trains come every 15 minutes...and Agie was waiting for me in Toongabbie.

My Monday ended well, still. =)

Hope you had a fruitful one.

BBQ

I haven't cooked deep fried fish and dried fish since we moved because the smell of fish is so 'anghit' and difficult to remove. No amount of candles can get rid of the smell stuck to the blinds. And now, being lent, its doubly hard not to think of frying fish!!!

I've been meaning to buy a BBQ with side burner not only to solve the frying problem but also for us to have an authentic Aussie Backyard BBQ. We made a trip to Bunnings once but the ones we saw don't have side burners so we gave it a miss. Last week, my friend posted a shout out in FB looking for someone interested in buying her 3 month old, 4 burner BBQ with cylinder. She's selling it because someone gave them a 5 burner one (she's soo lucky to have rich friends, hehehehe). So after a few messages exchanged, I am now waiting for the BBQ to be delivered on Saturday.

She said it looks like this but with a side burner too...

I can't wait for Saturday!!!

Friends, let's have a barbie!!!

Gubot ang Ulo

What would you do if work becomes too tedious, overwhelming and your boss is overbearing?
What would you do if you think too much and can't seem to get the answer?
What would you do if you suddenly make a mountain out of a molehill --- little things are blown up???

You Stop.
You take a deep breath.

You Pray.
You surrender.

Have faith.
For He will make a way.

Don't sweat the small stuff. They are not worth it.

Sing and be merry.
Smile and be happy.

From Don Moen:
God will make a way,
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way

From Mangie:
Be patient. God knows what He's doing. God knows what's best for you. He can see the end result. You can't. All those problems, heartaches, difficulties and delays -- all the things that make you ask "why" -- one day it will all be clear in the light of God's love.

But for now, we're learning to trust God.

~~~
You'll be fine Bebe. =)

(not so) successful cheescake

So I made my Cadbury cheesecake last night, but because i made so much adjustment to the recipe, it didn't quiet turn out the way I wanted it to be.

First, I couldn't find crushed graham crackers, so instead I bought Arnotts and pulverized it using my blender.

from this

to this

Then, I wanted it to be less fattening, so I used light cream cheese instead of the regular one.

Then, thinking that the cake is too thick, i halved the cream cheese mixture to fill two pans.

cheesecake cooling inside the oven



yummy cheesecake but its not nice looking, hahahaha

Verdict:

Taste - Very good

Presentation - needs improvement!

Biscuit base - needs to be freezed overnight (not one hour!!!)

I will make another one in a few days, and this time, I will follow the recipe to the letter. Then, I will make my adjustments when I am satisfied with the finish product.

Baking 101

will resume tonight. I will try to replicate my friend's version of Toblerone cheesecake. But Woolies doesn't stock white toblerone so I ended up getting Cadbury white chocolate. This will definitely alter the taste but will try it just the same...

Good luck to me!

Andito na si Nanay

Yep, the plane landed safely at around 7:45 am. Thank God for friends na sumundo kina Nanay. Right now, andun sya nagpapahinga sa Chatswood. I'll be picking her up after ofc hours. Then a looooooong train ride to Toongabbie! Tapos sa 24, si mommy at daddy naman ang pupunta dito! Yahoo. Finally, makikita na nila kung ano ang Australia... sana lang di sila ma bore. =)

My first attempt - Banana Bread

I can't wait for the banana to ripen some more, so after hearing mass this morning, Agie and I went to see if there are over ripe bananas for sale... and this costs us $1.05 only. =)



Armed with the right banana, i started my Banana Bread ala Market Man (this is the Payard version, the one with olive oil and is lighter than your normal banana bread, thus the pale-ish color of the finish product).

Banana Cupcakes all ready to be devoured.

Verdict: I love this Banana Bread! It's light and just enough sweetness. I think I'm gonna make some more of these.. problem is, it's too fattening. LOL.

First try at baking = success! Next, i'm gonna make Masterchef Julie's Lemon Cupcakes. Good luck to me. hehehe.

my new toy

So, what will you buy if you received a $20 voucher from Myer?


... its a Beatermix for me!!!

Can't wait for my own creations, yey! I bought ingredients for a Banana Cake/Bread the recipe of which I got from Market Manila. I'm just waiting for the bananas to ripen more (sort of over ripe) so I can start mashing them.

Baking is my new hobby... for now. =)

Three years and counting

January 12, 2007

sa dami ng pinagkakaabalahan ko nung buwan ng Enero, nakaligtaan ko ang aking ikatlong taong anibersaryo dito sa bansang Ostrelya.

ang bilis ng araw, tatlong taon na pala ang nakaraan:
... nang ako ay binigyan ng 'bayong' ng Qantas para ilagay ang 7kilos excess baggage dahil pinagkasya ko sa isang bag ang halos 40K ko na gamit;
... nang sumakay ako ng Qantas mag-isa. Buti na lang ako ay nasa 'aisle seat' at di nahirapan pag nag w-weewee;
... nang nagmarunong ako nung pumunta ako sa Martin Place Station... sabi ni Van baba daw sa Town Hall para mag change ng platform papuntang Martin Place, pero sa Wynyard ako bumaba, ayan tuloy, nahirapan akong mag bitbit ng bag ko para sumakay ng tren pabalik;
...nung tumambay ako buong araw sa Pitt St na naka jacket (summer time eto ha?) habang nanonood ng street performers at nagpapalipas oras para sunduin ng mga taong noon ko pa lamang makikilala.

Tatlong taon na ang nakalipas pero ang dami ng nangyari.

Noon, mangilan ngilan lang ang kilala ko dito pero ngayon, parang buong baranggay na!
Noon, payat pa ako, ngayon malusog na. =)
Noon, single pa ako, ngayon may asawa na.
Noon, nag re-rent pa ako, ngayon nagbabayad na ng amortization.
Noon, excited ako gamitin ang aking mga stilleto na shoes, ngayon, nasa loob na lang sya ng box, di na nagamit ever.


Pero meron din naman mga bagay na gaya pa din ng dati:
Noon, di pa ako marunong mag drive.... hanggang ngayon ganun pa din.
Noon, nag t-train ako papuntang office... hanggang ngayon ganun pa din.
Noon, di ako kumakain ng lamb... hanggang ngayon di pa din.
At hanggang nayon di pa din ako nakaligo sa Australian beach!


Oo, tatlong taon na ako dito sa Sydney. Nakapunta na din ako sa Melbourne (ulit), Brisbane, Canberra at Gold Coast.
Ang laki laki ng Australia, ang dami ko pang gustong puntahan --- Perth, Darwin, Cairns, Ayers Rock, Adelaide at Tasmania.
Ang lawak lawak din ng NSW, madami pang mga lugar ang nais kong bisitahin. Pero hindi ko mamadaliin, i have my whole life to explore the rest of NSW (if not the rest of Australia).


Thank you po Lord, talagang ang galing galing ng plano Mo para sa akin. Alam ko po na the best is yet to come. =)