Six Years!

A and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary a few days back. Hah! Has it really been 6 years? It doesn’t feel like it. Well, it shouldn’t considering that we were probably together only for less than half of it! Mwahaha

Last year, we celebrated in Davao because we were having our medical exams for the visa application at the same time. On our way to the hospital, A picked up the usual bunch of white roses for me and then we had a grand seafood dinner after the medicals. We felt we needed to celebrate more so we went to the fruit stand and had our fill of durian. Wooohooo! We knew then that the next anniversary will be different.

And how different it was! This year, the day seemed like an ordinary day. We greeted each other upon waking up then attended to Vince who was having muscle pains from all the walking we did at Darling Harbour . He was in severe pain so we had to bring him back to the doctor where he was given pain reliever. Because he had trouble walking, we placed him in a grocery cart (how convenient! hehe) then had lunch at a restaurant which serves grilled chicken. Afterwards, we went home and finished our Desperate Housewives marathon. To cap the day, A decided to open a bottle of wine to have some sort of ‘proper celebration’.

However ordinary the day passed, though, it was for me the best anniversary we have had so far. Because this time, we needn’t worry that A will be recalled at work for some red alert, or that he will be leaving in the middle of the night because he is just on an overnight pass. This time, when Vince wakes up, he will not ask where his dad is. This time, we are sure that we will sleep soundly through the night, wake up the following day and start with our weekly routine all over again.

Happy anniversary to us, A! I know we deserve a pat on each other’s back for what we have accomplished the past 6 years. It’s been more than a roller-coaster ride with all the trials that we’ve been through. We have managed alright, albeit with a few bruises which are sure to heal given time. If there's one big blessing that I am most thankful for in our marriage, it would be our strong commitment to the vows we have made before God. 'Ika nga nila, through thick and thin..errr, thick pala kasi tumataba na tayo eh! hehe

Here’s to a new and exciting chapter in our marriage. I know we will again survive this one. Ibang klase tayo eh!

Blog Award For An Awesome Site

Thanks, Cee!

I am humbled and inspired by this award.

Same award goes out to you, too and to Carol and Marnellie.

On a Windy Saturday

We were supposed to have a doctor's check up last Saturday but when we reached the hospital, we were told we needed to get an appointment first. Aarrrgh! To think we braved the cold weather just to have that check up!

It was still too early to go home and we already did the laundry and ironed the clothes. So, we decided to go to the city, this time, just the three of us, and without a particular destination in mind.

After a short discussion, we finally decided to hit Darling Harbour, eager to find out what still remained unexplored during our last visit.

We walked through the Darling Harbour Walkway, down to a narrow alley and then to a park hidden in the middle of tall buildings. Vince had a blast at the slides while A and I took in the sights. Tired, we then proceeded to the line of restaurants to have our lunch. We just had burgers and chips because we were still full from our late breakfast. Then, off we went again to check the rest of the harbour.

A's officemate mentioned that there was currently a US Navy Ship on display so A and Vince were eager to check it out. We couldn't find the ship, though, but we were delighted to know that entrance to the Australian Maritime Musuem was free. What a bonus! We stayed inside for a couple of hours, also visiting the USA Gallery in the adjacent room.

It was past 4pm when we headed home, exhausted but pleased with the day's adventure.

Mini-reunion and a free friday

Last Monday, J, who was my high school classmate and good friend had a stop over at Sydney before proceeding to the Gold Coast for a month-long vacation. We have both settled in the same place in Mindanao the past few years but we don't really get to see each other often enough. We only get to go out when some high school classmates were in town because of the tight schedules we both keep. So despite the difficulties of our meeting up in Sydney, we had to make it happen. And boy was I glad! I miss Pinas so much and seeing someone from home somehow made me feel that a part of me was home, too. Hehe

Friday, I had to take the day off from work to bring V to the doctor because he was running a fever. Good thing the doctor's wife was also Filipina and he really took good care of us. After the check up, V and I dropped by at the mall to have lunch and then we both headed home to take an afternoon nap. Recharged, I then loaded the laundry into the washer and ironed a few clothes.

So that practically sums up the entire week. Weekend's gonna be better, though.

Greetings Around The World

Cheers, Cee.

*Start Copy Here*

Memes are a great way to link everyone together. In Cyberspace, many people use English as the Universal Language and say Hi, Hello and more.

Have you tried learning other languages of the same meaning?Let's get to know each other by placing a welcome/hello greeting in your language and spread it over all Bloggers in Cyberspace.

Rules:
1. Copy the text from "Start Copy Here."
2. Post it on your Blog. Make sure you copy it in Compose Mode (Blogger) or Visual Mode for others. This will enable you to copy all your friends' links as well. Have fun doing it.
3. In the next number, add your Blog URL and link it.
4. Add the greetings that you use frequently or one that is in your traditional language.Konichiwa Meme by AikoAiko

1. All About Kawaii says Konichiwa
2. MommyAllehs Up-Close And Personal says Mabuhay! Hello! Hi!
3. Insights from the Grocery Cart says Mabuhay! Haler! Kamusta? >PHILIPPINES<
4. Ed's Mommy Life says Mabuhay! Kumusta! Hi! Hellow po! Haler! >PHILIPPINES<
5. Sheng's Simple Thoughts says Sveiki(Hello!) Labdien(Good day!) >LATVIA<
6. Richelle's My Life's Journey in Italy says Ciao!(Hello!) Buona Giornata! (Have a Good day!)
7. Living A' La Mode says "Hi!," "Hello!," "Howdy?!,"Hows It Going?'" "What's Up?!" >USA<
8. Balancing Act says "Hello, mate!" , ""How are you?" > AUSTRALIA<

*End Copy Here*

We would like to know how they say it in Davao, Marnellie.

Praying for Peace

Sometimes, we really do not mean the things we say, except when circumstances hit too close to home---literally.

My sister emailed me at work this afternoon, saying that a group of MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) men torched the nearby town-just 20 minutes away from where my parents established our home. I immediately called to check on my folks but they sounded okay. They have made their exit plans and apparently, only my mother was supposed to leave town, while Papa will stay behind to defend what they have worked hard for all these years. I was aghast at first, thinking what could be more important than life? But I remember the same thing happening a few years back, Papa was adamant that he will fight for what they have until his last drop of blood. And I agree with him, we should not make it easy for these fools and scurry away at the slightest attack of terrorism. So i called hubby to refresh my Papa with some basics, hubby having the proper training in this situation.

Later in the day, I was told that the MILF has withdrawn from the town but only after burning some houses and killing a few hostages. Sad.

This had been a traumatic experience for my townmates, family and relatives. I know they cannot sleep well tonight thinking that this could happen again.

As for me, I have never really prayed as seriously for world peace as I did today.

Happy Birthday to the Man of the House

This week, A turned another year older. Since his big day fell on a weekday, we just bought roast chicken and ice cream for dinner. Afterwhich, we headed to our room to....fold the loads of laundry he did the prior weekend. Hehe! Ang sweet no? This was probably the simplest birthday he has had. This is also the most significant, with him starting something new this year.

But yesterday, we decided to invite some friends over and have a proper celebration. A, who has, since our arrival in Australia, re-discovered his love for cooking (he really doesn't have much of a choice, wala ng helpers dito hehe), cooked a mean feast of kare-kare, pinakbet, pancit and breaded pork ribs. I, of course, had to dish out my 'famous' lumpia shanghai. hehe We had a great time bonding with our good friends here. And what a treat it was that, S, who was our college classmate was able to join us. It was a reunion of sorts. We haven' t seen her since our college graduation. And she was a bit amused that A and I ended up together :-)

The Seven Tag

This Lucky 7 Tag was shared by Cee.

The Rules:
a. List these rules on your Blog.
b. Share 7 facts about yourself on your Blog.
c. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their Blogs.

You’ll have to read my 7 facts and see who i tagged.

Seven Facts about Myself:

1. I have been away from my parents since I was 12 yrs old to study high school one hour by ferry from home. Had to move to a different place for college and then a different one again for work. And now, I have moved even farther away. Waaah, i miss home.

2. I love to read and i dream of having a huge library complete with all the books in my wish-list.

3. I am an accountant but I hate numbers! hehe I love performing pero wala naman akong talent. Huhuhu

4. I love guyabano, fresh tomatoes, lechon, dried fish and durian. Hmn..naglalaway na ako!

5. I soooo miss having househelp. Although I am really grateful that I have a husband who can be depended on for housechores.

6. I used to be worry-wart (taking after my mama hehe) but by a sudden twist of fate (insert sound effects here), i have discovered that it's a lot easier to be an optimist :-) I haven't looked back since.

7. There's less than 7 people on my blog roll and I think all of them have answered this tag. So I am not tagging anyone. hehe

Long overdue

Dear Vince,

This letter is long overdue. It's been sometime since my last one but I know you understand. You've seen how mad our daily activities had been from the time we prepared for our move here to this day as we try to settle in this new place.

If there's one who has been most affected by all this, that should be you. I know it was tough being uprooted from our pretty little community in the boondocks, leaving a school you have begun to love and family who adore you so much. But like a real trooper, you have kept pace with Papa and me. The whole month of May that we were always moving about, packing and unpacking, visiting family and friends, spending late nights, waking up early to prepare for yet another activity may have taken it's toll on your very young body but you kept everything in good stride. I even think you were at your happiest. And I know exactly why. You were loving every moment that both Papa and Mama were around.

You will probably not remember any of this but you have grown more mature than other boys your age. From the time we left our home in Pinas, you must have understood that there's just the three of us now and I think you have made a decision to make it easier for Papa and me. You were a picture of maturity at the airport, carrying your backpack and pulling around your trolly, always giving me a smile and the thumbs up when I check how you were doing. People couldn't help but smile when looking at you.

I am happy to say that you have adjusted well to life in Australia. You are now starting pre-school and you seem to enjoy it. You are also slowly picking up the accent! haha But of course, you still speak your native tongue very well.

Because there's no more Yaya Maymay to follow you around, you have learned to fend for yourself, from taking a bath, to going to the toilet, eating on your own, choosing and putting on your clothes. Sometimes, though, Mama misses it that you need her to help you out. You have learned to be independent but mama is the one suffering from separation anxiety. Haha!

It is our prayer that you will remain to be level-headed, obedient, kind, polite and loving even when you grow old. We are proud of you, son and we love you very much.

First Sundays

Every first Sunday of the month, Filipinos sponsor the 12noon mass here in the Catholic church which is just a five minute walk from our house. The church is usually full during this time ,with Pinoys flocking this part of the globe.

I remember so well the day we arrived Sydney. We just dropped off our things and hurried to catch the first sunday mass. I had goosebumps all over as I sang to the Tagalog religious songs being played. And when "Bayan Ko" was sang at the recessional, the tears were falling down already. I had to stiffle a giggle as hubby loudly sang with much gusto, even putting a hand on his chest, throwing me a knowing glance. Haha!

After mass, free lunch is served at the convent's social hall - a rather welcome treat for those who badly miss Pinoy food. This is also a good time to meet fellow Pinoys who are living around the area and of course, a good venue to remind kids of their roots. I've been told that on special ocassions, lechon (roast pig) is also served. Wow! I am now counting the days to the next big event. I terribly miss lechon already!

Olympic Fever

I've never been a sports buff my entire life. The closest I got near being athletic was crazily cheering for my favorite team at the PBA games during my college days. And yeah, that short stint at my previous employer when we were forced to play volleyball. Other than that, I stayed as far away from sports like a plague. Hehe!

So I was amazed when at the middle of this week, our HR group emailed everyone to prepare for an "Olympic Celebration" today. Huh! What was the fuss all about? I mean, Beijing is so far away, surely the Australian team won't see us cheering them on during opening day. Haha!

But early this morning, I learned that they were serious about the 'celebration'. Olympic rings were posted in all available walls in the office, with score cards of all possible games and the expected wins Australia will take home. And tv sets were being put up so that we can actually watch what is happening in Beijing. Kakatuwa! It was amusing to see everyone so excited. I was rather more interested in the food that was served. Haha!

Well let's see what happens in the coming days. For me at least, this is a good conversation starter at lunch. Hehe!

Just so...

...there is an excuse to party, Friday afternoons were tagged as "drinks and chips" day at my very first company in Australia. Loads of drinks and chips were served inside the office and everyone is encouraged to join the chit-chat.

I remember getting tipsy on my first day at work, that being a Friday. Being the newbie, I was too shy to refuse the vodka offered by my boss. Siempre, takot ko lang baka i-fire ako agad. I cluelessly pretended to be "cool" and drank the entire bottle. I had to go to the powder room to vomit afterwards. Hehe!

I learned my lesson after that. I joined the group when everyone has already picked up the alcoholic drinks so that I was left with no other choice but the colas. Wais na misis!

Proud to be Pinoy

This week, i caught a full bus on my way home from work. Thankful for my size, I was able to squeeze a seat between two huge guys. The aisles were full with people standing just to get home fast on a rush hour.

The guy near me went down two stations after so I assumed the woman standing in front of me will take his seat. But before she did, she actually asked the guy beside her if he wants to sit down. Uh-huh! This is Australia and equality is heavily practiced here. If this scene was in Pinas, the girl would have automatically sat down. Kasi, that's what we are taught at home and in school, right?

The guy apparently declined the offer because the girl sat beside me. Alas! When I looked up, the guy was actually Filipino! Kaya naman pala eh...I couldn't contain my smile. I was so proud of my kababayan. :)