To Riches!

It's amazing how a box of fortune cookies can put things in proper perspective.

At 6am today, Vince insisted I try one cookie from a box his dad bought him last night. I obliged just to shut him up and look what message I got!

A financial investment will yield returns beyond your hopes.

Aha, the assurance I needed after buying more shares the other day! 

When the hubby came home at 6pm, he too tried a cookie to find this...

All your hard work will soon pay off.

Whoa! Cheers to $3 worth of motivation!

The Big 2011 Recap

I haven't been able to update this blog as much as I want to. Either I am too busy or just plain lazy. There's so many things I want to write about because there's so many things in my life worth writing about- hahaha! I do feel important sometimes, and there is this urge to share my story to the world...like me thinks people can learn a thing or two from my experiences. Lol! Feeling jud!

Warning. I will be blabbing so you may spare yourself the trouble and stop reading right now.

But Mama Inday, I know you will patiently read this so here you go...

The biggest blessing this year would have to be managing to get members of our family to come over to look after the boys and help us at home. What a big relief this has been. I've been struggling with the fact that the boys are spending so much time in childcare while Armand and I work.  You  know, the usual guilt working moms feel. I will be eternally grateful to my inlaws and my sister Ck who have shared their time with us even if it meant giving up their own plans for awhile. I owe them big time!

"P" has become my favorite letter in the alphabet. From passing Audit and Assurance and Financial Reporting to passing the actual driving exam. Never has the letter "P" sounded so sweet! This year has been a busy year of worthwhile learning, exams, acquiring life skills, readings and self-learning. My stress levels were at their highest, I think, but I can now say I am glad I made time for these things.

There's been plenty of travels this year. We've been to so many new places and revisited our favorite spots. We've done a lot of mini-vacations which I know have created wonderful memories for our boys. And the best trip was visiting the home country and spending quality time with my parents and sisters. It is my prayer that we will be given the means to visit home more often.

Work-wise, it's been a very rewarding year for the hubby and me. He's been promoted at work and would have been promoted again in barely two months but we both felt it was too soon. We have other plans for the family still. As for me, losing my other job at DC proved to be a blessing in disguise. It was a reminder that there are so many opportunities out there and it affirmed the reason why I am actually killing myself doing my CPA exams :)

As in all years past, I am most grateful that I am blessed to be a mom. It is heartwarming to see my boys grow up before my very eyes. Amazing how much they learn everyday. Rafa has learned plenty of words and phrases. I would say the best is "This one's really good!" Hahaha! Murag korek! Kuya Vince, on the other hand is now 8 and is growing up to be more like his Papa. I am both happy and a little apprehensive with that. Haha Kidding! Of course, I want him to grow up idolising his dad!

There have been bad days, too. But I choose not to dignify them here. As they say, "What you focus on multiplies." So I am only focusing on the good things.

Four days to a new year. It's time to RE-ORGANIZE, RE-CHARGE, RE-ARRANGE and RE-PRIORITIZE.

Bring on 2012!

Two Faces of Christmas

I am having mixed emotions this holidays.

I am crushed with the floods that have affected two of my homes- Iligan and Cagayan de Oro. It's been several days since it happened but I can't seem to shake off the sadness this tragedy has brought. It doesn't help that everyday, there are photos and vids of the devastation posted on Facebook. There are just so many of my friends and relatives affected that although we are so many miles away, it feels like we are there, experiencing this tragedy with our kababayans. I have spent four and a half years of my college life in Iligan and established a home in Cagayan de Oro for ten happy years. I just can't begin to imagine the devastation, much more the pain and uncertainty people have been facing back home. It is massive beyond belief. 

I watched Philippine news this morning and I am amazed and very proud of the resiliency of the victims.  I haven't seen anyone blame God. Instead, there is just gratefulness to be alive despite having lost everything and more importantly, there is hope that they will rise above this tragedy. Makes me proud to be a Filipino, really. We are truly among the happiest people in the world. Praise God for that!

And I take my cue from the flood survivors. To be grateful and count our blessings because whether the world has turned upside down around us, there is so much more to be thankful for.

Gifts under our tree this year.

I am grateful for the tremendous love in my life. Everyday, I am reminded how blessed I am to have so many people who love me- my husband, my boys, my parents, sisters, in-laws, relatives and friends. Yes, friends who are very dear, they are like family.  As cliche as it may be, at the end of day, only LOVE matters really. The rest are just a bonus. 

So I praise my God for this big, powerful gift of love. If there's one special wish I can give out to you all, it will be that all of you may have so much love in your life. Let's all spread the love. Only that makes a real difference.

Are you kidding me????

One piece of pandan leaf for $ 1.99 (P 90) !!!

Back in the home country, we grow these in our backyards. It doesn't cost  a cent. You didn't even have to buy a seedling. There's always some well-meaning relative or friend who would have been only too glad to share. Those who don't have backyards get it from their neighbours.

It is when I see how insanely expensive Australia can be that I fleetingly entertain doubts about my decision to move here. Nothing here comes for free. I miss free tanglads, malunggays, avocados, silis.

Aaarghhs, some things you just find so hard to let go. But as they say in Australia, you just have to suck it up, baby!

Move over Manny P!

Remember how I wished i was Manny Pacquiao? Well, I know I will never be.

But my boys might...wehehe!

Starting 'em young :)

Firm, strong punches

Determined to win.

I'm kidding, of course!!!

He's just too cute to go into boxing.

Mag-artista nalang. He! He! He!



Way Behind

I just realized that I am way behind in fashion when I read this blog entry.

This expert in bags was talking about what was cool in the 80's and the list included Benetton bags, anything Guess and Esprit- brands which I am only able to afford NOW :( In fact, I just ordered a few Benetton bags online two weeks ago and went shopping at Esprit last Sunday...like there's no tomorrow! Oh NO!!! And I was kinda proud of myself pa naman for crossing them off my list..Gosh, i feel so pobre! 

Eh ano naman kung behind na nga ako. Nobody really cares 'coz nobody considers me a fashion icon anyway. Buti nalang!

Anyways, I've been following this blog for a few months now and the more I read, the more i am grateful that i am not a bagaholic like some of my friends. (C'mon, raise your hands. You know who you are! :P)

I've been racking my brains for any addiction in me but I couldn't think of any. Not to shoes, to bags, to clothes, to gadgets. No nothing. Except books maybe? But I don't "die" if I don't get them so maybe not.

Think, think, think! Wala jud lagi. Maayo nalang!

Buhi pa ko

Buhi pa ko but after my exams last May 10, i got so busy with the things I missed during those few months I had to study. Things like reading books. As if wala pa nasumhan binasa sa CPA materials no? I've just started reading Oprah’s highly recommended book- The New Earth. I found this book at Vinnies a few months ago. Unfortunately, this failed to hold my attention. I think it’s because lalum kaayo ang writing ani nga book. Dili pa nako matugkad so I started on an ebook by Bo Sanchez- Turning Thoughts into Things. So far, so good.

We’ve also been going out a lot to show my sis-in-law more of Sydney’s tourist destinations. She’s been helping us out so much and is great with the boys. The least we can do is tour her around so she can post photos of Sydney in her Facebook. Haha!

Speaking of Facebook, medyo this is getting a bit boring for me. Thanks to the few days off FB when I had to study, I’m losing interest. Pwede man diay mabuhi nga walay FB and life is so much more peaceful. But I do still check regularly to keep in touch with family and close friends. Daghan na sad ko gitangtang sa akong account.

I’m spending less time on FB, but more time surfing the net to research on my new endeavor. This deserves a separate post so I’ll save it for later.

Just want to post something new on the blog kay gababag akong blue nga kuko.

Blue

I painted my nails blue and I'm loving it!



Back in the Philippines, I hated painting my fingernails, much less paint it blue!


You have to understand, I have a very "goody-goody" image back home. Kanang magulang nalang sa pagka-MANANG gani. I don't want to call attention to myself, so I stick to conservative get ups. But look what Australia has done to me. I am doing things I would not normally do. I guess this says a lot about the way of life here. Nobody cares what people wear. Which is good! I have worn my skirts and shorts (which I very rarely have the guts to do in P.I.) and I don't even have to worry about crumpled clothes. The best part was strutting my two-piece bikini at Bondi. Feeling jud kaayo! Too bad, I'm not brave enough to post the proof here. Hehe

I wonder what's next for me....




Nindot ang blue. Nindot sad ang green ug orange..hmnn...mao na ni ang sunod!



Kung Ako si Manny Pacquiao

Samtang naglakaw ko ganina gikan sa estasyon sa train padulong sa among balay, nisulod sa akong hunahuna si Manny Pacquiao..ambot ug ngano nga sya man jud hehe Siguro tungod kay karong panahuna, nagsige jud ko ug hunahuna unsaon padaghan sa akong kwarta haha pastilan!

Kung ako si Manny....

- magpalit ko ug balig P50M nga stocks sa Pilipinas
- mag-invest ko ug $40M pod nga stocks diri sa Australya
- mag-invest pod ko sa mutual funds, managed funds ug magtop-up sa akong Superannuation
- magpalit ko ug mahalon nga mansion nga ang view atubang sa Sydney Opera House ug Sydney Harbour Bridge, pwede katong tapad sa balay sa Prime Minister
- magtukod pod ko ug rest house sa Tagaytay overlooking sa Taal Lake ug isa pa jud ka rest house sa Baguio City
- magpalit ko ug farms sa Bukidnon ug sa Davao kanang naay tanum nga mga pinya, durian, nangka, saging ug sabana
- mag-invest ko ug rental properties..taman sa maabot sa akong kwarta daghan kaayo
- moadto ko sa tanang state sa Australya, Hamilton Island, sa Hongkong, New Zealand, Europe, US, Greece ug siguro sa Abu Dhabi didto sa Ferrari World kay ganahan si Vince didto
- Diri gihapon ko puyo sa Australia maski datu na kaayo ko pero mag-uli ko sa Pilipinas kada 6 ka bulan
- Mag-hire ko ug maids diri sa Australia aron dili na ko manglaba, mamalantsa ug manghugas ug plato
- mag-trabaho gihapon ko part-time aron dili ko ma-bored pero dili ko magsaba sa akong mga kauban nga datu ko
- magpa-skwela ko ug mga pag-umangkon, kanang dili balingagan
- magtukod ko ug restaurant..kanang naay sisig, kinilaw, sinigang, lechon ug ginamos sa menu (ooops ayaw pagbuot!)
- naghunahuna pa ko if magpa-Bello or Calayan..
- magpalit ko ug daghan sapatos, dyamon, Oroton nga bag (haha wala ko nangambisyon ug LV oi) ug Mac nga lipstick (tawon pod)
- mobalik ko sa Pearl Farm sa Davao ug sa Vanishing Island, mag-holiday ko didto ug 2 weeks.
-moadto pod ko sa Siquijor, dal-on nako akong mga paborito nga parente ug higala
- magpalit ko ug night club, kanang naay banda aron didto magtambay akong mga pamilya ug higala

Haaay, kanindot magdamgo!

Kanindot mahimong Manny Pacquiao, basta dili lang ta pirmi sumbag-sumbagon hehe

Mao ra to!

Blogging at 5am

i woke up at 3am today to get some readings done while the boys are asleep.  aaarrgh, it's autumn in australia and temperature is dipping, making it so hard to wake up at dawn. it was a struggle to read a few pages, parang wala akong naintindihan, wala talaga ako sa kondisyon. haaayz!


anyways, after 2 hours, here i am surfing the net again. and boy, was i thrilled to discover my lawyer-sister's blog. hehe i'm sure she didn't want me to find out that she's blogging but hey, something brought me there! me thinks she's a better writer than i am. ulawon lang jud ni sya! go, go, ck baby! keep writing!


in another news, my other sister, fran and i are 'busy' preparing for our future. haha! serious! i can't go into details here, yet but this is making me so excited. 


this is senseless blabbing again. 


got to go back to bed now.

Wednesday’s Random Ramblings

We’ve just had our team’s quarterly lunch at New Shanghai Restaurant in Chatswood. I’m stuffed and I have period pain and stiff neck. I’m sleepy and I want to go home. But I have to sit here for a few more hours, pretending to do some work. So I am drafting this blog entry as a new message in my Outlook, so people will think I’m busy. Teehee!:D :D :D


There’s a lot of things going on in my mind…nothing significant really. There’s something bothering me but I can’t pinpoint what it is. So I am blaming it all on PMS. Afterall, it’s that time of the month.


I’ve been slacking on my readings. I am in denial that I am several chapters behind. I don’t even want to look at the study calendar, afraid of knowing exactly how far behind I am. Geez! I badly need motivation to study but right now, there’s just none. I keep saying that if I can’t finish my readings, I’ll just have to defer. But deep in my heart, I really want to get this subject done so I can move on to the next. Sadly, I’m beginning to question the purpose for all of these. Magagamit ko ba talaga to? Will this make my life better? Yayaman ba ako pag naging CPA ako? Hahaha Ewan! Basta gusto kong maging CPA sa Australia. Yun lang yun!


Speaking of studying, I am loving our brand new couch. Ngayon ko pa lang sya na-enjoy since we bought it last year. Ang galing, very fluffy and comfy. Sarap nga matulog, err, mag-aral dun eh. Naalala ko tuloy ang pinakaunang couch namin. Pinulot lang ni hubby sa tabi ng kalsada. Faux leather couch na gutay-gutay, kulay blue at maroon. Binalot lang namin ng fitted sheet at nilagyan ng pin para matakpan ang bitukang lumalabas na. Kakahiya nga kasi minsan, lumalabas ang pins, winawarningan muna namin ang mga bisita bago umupo—UPO AT YOUR OWN RISK! Bwahaha Pagkatapos ng ilang buwan, may nakita kaming sofa set sa Vinnies. Ang ganda! Bulaklakin, pinkish at parang galing sa bahay ng mayamang lola. Ang mura pa, $50 lang for the whole set. Sosyal din naman sya tingnan sa pictures pero pagmag-isa lang ako sa bahay, parang naiisip ko kung buhay pa kaya ang lolang may-ari ng sofa? Wahahaha


Gosh, walang kwenta ang sinusulat ko. From English to Taglish- from the team lunch, to studying, to sofa. Have to end now bago pa ako magsulat ng Spanish.

Today's Random Thoughts

i am taking time off from work today because i got a call for a job interview this afternoon. it's not until 4:30pm but i didn't want to rush from work to my interview. and friday is jeans day at work so it wouldn't look good if i show up dressed in my interview suit.

ahh, i feel great so far. i slept late last night and woke up just in time to prepare Vince for school. by the time hubby returned from dropping him off, i have already given rafa his meal, vitamins, a bath and have taken a shower myself. so i have a couple of hours to spare before preparing lunch.

as i write this, i hear A puttering with his tools. he's been working on a multi-media shelf for our sala for a few days now. i keep telling him we should just buy one but he insists he'd like to make one. it doesn't look good yet and i'm worried it will be a sore in the living area but he assures me that i'm going to be pleased when i see the final product. oh well, let's see...i just don't understand what's this thing with guys and their tools.

where's this entry heading? i don't know... i just felt the urge to write and i even don't have a particular topic in mind. i was blog hopping earlier and one blog got me thinking: what do i do best? what do i want to do with my life? what job is there for me that could be rewarding--financially, spiritually, emotional and all the "ly" in the world? what is my purpose in life?

i think i should stop before i ask questions that should never be asked...:P

obviously, i am just jittery because of the interview :)

Grateful

The recent heartbreaking development in a friend's life and the tragedy in Haiti, has made me stop a moment to count my blessings.

And so I thank God for:

- a roof above our heads despite the staggering monthly costs

- food on the table and a husband who loves to cook

- a choice of clean and hot/cold water right in the comfort of our kitchen/bathroom sinks, grateful that we never have to walk far and lug heavy bottles of water.

-the seemingly endless pile of laundry that needs to be folded and ironed for it means I have clothes to cover unsightly fats and scars. Pano nalang if I live in a place and time where everybody needs to wear g-strings? Everyday would have been torture! :P

-family and friends scattered all over the world, specially my papa, mama and sisters
-the love of a husband who has kept his commitment to our marriage despite and inspite of all the hardships…hmn..actually he doesn't have much of a choice :-)

-the adoration of two little boys who think I am the best mum in the world. One even thinks I am the best chef and has given my cooking a perfect 10 rating! :-)

-for a thankless job that continues to pay the bills

-for priceless hugs, kisses and i-love-you's from my 3 boys, concrete reminders that the best things in life are free…uhmn, if you don't count the cost of diapers and milk :)

I don't rejoice in the misfortune of others but somehow, it never fails to remind me that although I have difficult days, I actually have everything that matters.

On to 2010

Now that I have officially closed 2009, time to list some goals for 2010.

So here goes…

1. Start Rafa's letters

I wrote letters for Vince from when he was 2 yrs old to about 5. I plan to put them in a scrapbook soon and give it to him as a present now that he knows how to read. It is a labor of love, one which he will thank me for when he is old enough to understand. I should really be starting one for Rafa soon.

2. Tone the tummy

A rather huge task after giving life to two boys but one which I am determined to do not only for my self-esteem but also to save on buying new clothes :P

3. Pay off debts

Yeah, like it's on my goals every year! There must be a way to stay out of debt...Or at least not to take anymore while I pay off the old ones. Crossing fingers!


4. Learn how to bake

And I mean, Martha Stewart-baking, and not from pre-mixes. Vince is getting smarter so I don't think I can get away with baking from the box this year. Aaarghhh, wish me luck, lots of it!

5. Explore Aus


We hope to continue our little explorations around Sydney and New South Wales. There are still so many places to visit, plenty of interesting things to do and it does help that we don't have to spend much to enjoy all these. Last year, the Aus government launched the Family Fun Pass which allows families to travel anywhere in NSW for only $2.50. How cool is that?

These are just a few of my goals, though, because the other half are too personal to share here. I keep them safely tucked in a document somewhere which I read everyday without fail. More on that in a separate entry.

Here's to a more fruitful 2010!

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.

The week that was...

It's been a hectic week with A starting an 8-5 job. We only got to squeeze in Vince for a day at childcare which is Friday. The rest of the week, our friend who does the night shift takes care of him. We learned that the waiting list for child care here could take up to a year. What the....? Eh, by early next year, Vince will be in kindergarten already. Hahay, buhay!


Since we don't have househelp here (waaah, ibalik nyo 'ko sa Pinas!), A and I wake up early, prepare breakfast and packed lunch, assist Vince in taking a bath then leave him with our friend. Then A makes a dash for the train and I, for the bus.


After work, he cooks dinner, I wash up our lunch boxes, A does the laundry while I fold those from the previous day's. We only get to relax after dinner when we get to surf the net, chat with family in pinas, watch dvd's or listen to Australian radio. There is one program we love tuning in to, pretty much like what we have back in Pinas. Kana bang mag-dedicate ug song sa loved ones. Hehe! Would you believe they have it here, too? Corny man pod diay ni sila! Haha A and I get a good laugh everytime we listen to the program.

Weekdays are tough since we still have to take care of housechores after work. But i wouldn't have it any other way. Masaya pa rin kahit pagod. :)

Still alive!

I'm still here!

i'm jobless but happy...

my days are jampacked.

everyday is a never ending series of packing and unpacking.

but i got to spend a few days of RnR in Davao.

went to 3 charming beaches..

spent 2 days at Pearl Farm and got real pearls as souvenir. woohooo!

i hope to write more about my trip when i have the time.

for now, i'm so tied up, i barely have time to sit down and think :)

haaay, this is the life!

still here

i miss blogging.

there are so many things i want to write but i can't find time amidst the chaos in the office. i've been working long hours since last week and there seems to be no end to all the reports i need to make, sensitivities, P&L's...i'm even bringing home work! waaaah!

BUT,

in two weeks, i will be saying goodbye to all these.

in two weeks, i can sleep late and wake up late, too. yahoo!

in two weeks, i will be spending every single day with my two boys.

in two weeks, i will be starting a new life altogether.

TWO WEEKS!!!!!

that's music to my ears.

nothing could be nicer than that!

May 1 couldn't be that far, right?

so, hang in there girl.

the best is yet to come...

when it rains, it pours

...my colleague who was identified to replace me gave birth today

(we were scheduled to do the turn-over in manila next week)

...my househelps walked out on me

...i am soooo busy with work (not new,actually)

BUT

...another colleague was 'volunteered' to handle the job while my replacement is on ML (peace, yen2)

...my sister lent me her househelp (she had no choice hehe)

...i can enjoy a long weekend

LIFE IS STILL GOOD!

Haw-haw da karabaw!

How am I gonna tell my boss that I am resigning next month?

When is the best time for this?

Where? (He’s got meetings lined up till Saturday)

Who will replace me?

Last month, I already told my boss that I am resigning very soon and the circumstances behind it. I just did not tell him it’s gonna be in three months. He assumed I will be staying until September or at least until my promotion which was set for this month or next.

I should be tendering my resignation next week but at the rate things are running around here, it would be heartless and inconsiderate of me to drop the bomb at a time when things are going outrageously hectic. Haaay!

God, please give me that ‘perfect time’ within this week or I run the risk of jeopardizing our schedules.