Eating my Ice Cream

... After watching Marley and Me!

I needed comfort food. One of the few movies which made me and hubby cry together! Okay, he only had a few tears. Mine was more like bucket loads! At the end of the movie, we were saying that we don't think we'll take care of a dog. Ever. (So far that is). It's just to painful when they cease being the once playful puppy. Slowly their body gives up. The sad thing about it, would have to be.. the fact that they don't live as long as human do. That's just the way things are naturally. I don't want to go on about the film so much. In a nutshell, the film talked about love, marriage, kids, pets, career, friendship, life and death. One of those films that, after 10, 20 years, or so would still touch many people's lives. Ah, Marley!

Family fun

I have been to a few Mardi Gras events, and have truly enjoyed each one! It is so filled with music, colour, interesting personalities, creative costumes, etcetera. I wish I could get to experience the Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S. or somewhere else, as I'm sure it would be fun! (I could probably have my two most favorite lady couple in San Francisco go with me! I am sure they won't mind.)

I would also love to visit Florida again, and spend more time going around theme parks at that state. The last time I have visited Florida, our trip was cut short and we had to rush home due to a sickness in the family. Which maybe, I can ask my dad, mom and siblings if we could continue on from where we left the last time we were there! I am sure it would still be fun to visit Universal Studios Orlando, even though we are all a bit older now (okay, my young brothers may still enjoy the rides). I guess what could make a visit to Orlando even more fun, is to visit during Mardi Gras time! I know none of my siblings have been to one, and so that would be fun!!
I miss spending time with my family, so I guess any trip away with them would be time well spent (quality time). They were asking me to come home for Easter, (or meet up with them in Hong Kong or Singapore), but I realised I actually don't have a valid passport at the moment! I'm in between passports if I may say. My Philippine passport is expiring in a few months, thus invalid to travel on, while I am waiting to get my Australian one! So, I should probably hope that we can postpone such impending big trip for next year instead! I'm sure none of them would disagree to another big trip next year!

House or Baby

Okay, maybe too much information. But, just wanted to ramble on. This week, my sister in law gave birth to a bouncing cute baby girl! This made us think double time to revv up our plans. We aren't getting any younger. And you know the fact that as one gets older, the harder it is to actually get pregnant. But then again, we were thinking whether it is better to buy a house first, and then have a baby. I know at the end of the day it boils down to priorities, and blessings. Baby will come when God wills. But, then it is always best to be prepared, I suppose.

Hubby was telling me how happy he is for his sister's new bub, and he kept on looking at the new baby's photos! (As in, I saw him curled in bed this morning looking through his mobile phone!). He also was dropping hints about maybe going to the Doc for a check up to see if I am okay to get pregnant (don't know if there's such a consultation for this).

I was telling him though, that I am thinking (if ever) to give birth in Manila. It would not be a bad idea to give birth in Sydney, but then we've been hearing a few disturbing things about some hospital practices here, and besides we don't know which hospital is better, which doctor, etc. I would also love to be surrounded by family at that time (We have no family at all here). Further on, we were thinking that maybe we could have an extended three month vacation in Manila as well. Since we've been wanting to do this for a while now. Just reconnect with people, live in Manila for a while again, etc. Oh wellll... Enough ramblings. At the end of the day, things will fall into place I know.

(Photo from RobFitch.com)

Adult talk

Once upon a time, I had no interest in things that I thought only grown ups can comprehend. I
guess there were stuff that did not interest me at all, such as : bank time deposits, interest
rates, Van Insurance Quote, saving for rainy days, etc. But, sooner rather than later, I find
myself researching about these things. I particularly found a site that had numerous services
on auto insurances, with all the steps and explanations that I otherwise would not have known.
Somehow, I still need to check in with hubby that I understood what I was reading correctly. As
much as I am ashamed to admit, I know little about car stuff. Growing up, I only drove family
cars, and did nothing about maintenance, comprehensive insurance quotes, etcetera. Now, I have no choice! I have to learn all these things. The 'joys' of growing up and being an adult. I am
proud though, that I have mastered researching about term deposits. It's quite interesting, really. And, although the rates are down at the moment, I look forward to investing our money soon!! One can never really be too knowledgeable about these investment things. Which reminds me, I have to set a date with hubby to talk about our finances, plans, including holiday plans!

My Sleepy wharf

I don't think I've shared this photo (not the most flattering) of my suburb's wharf area. When hubby and I were new to this neighbourhood, we excitedly had a picnic one weekend. Walking distance from our picnic area was a newsagency, a mini grocery, bottle-o, fastfood shoppe, a massive footy field. Haven't been back here for a while. If only I can bring back the summer weather!

Techie Web stuff

So much for trying to be a techie geek, I haven't really been very successful in searching for a new theme or layout for this cyber space of mine. It was hard enough to find a web hosting service that suited my needs (eg, user friendly, easy to follow, etc). Do have a read through my host as they do have quite a good interface and simple instructions on setting up a site. Now, I wish I can have more time to surf for some colourful layouts. However, I have an appointment in an hour! So, I will do more searching later in the day. Oh dear!

Young love, Old love

Don't we all go through stages of being in love. Or falling love. That extreme feeling where you feel each pump of blood pass through your whole body. Every text message makes you jump from your seat. The mere mention of his name makes your heart flutter, and do a 360 degree flip (three times over). A date with him this coming weekend feels like a million years away. One instantly becomes a private investigator scouring for information (about him) like a pro. Being stuck in traffic with him is heaven. Even, Bittermelon meal tastes sweet, when having a meal with him. A rainy day makes a good excuse to stay in and cuddle. One can spend the whole night (and early morning) talking on the phone and then go straight to school, and still have the energy to run tracks around the Oval. Each email received from him can bring a rainbow of colours.

Ah sweet love..

Photos from here and here.

City Leaving

..Okay, Not!

I am wishful thinking, dreaming about trees, greens, leaves, open space, nature, away from the city! Somehow these cravings creeped up, to think I considered myself a self confessed city girl from the beginning.

When travelling, do you find yourself visiting cosmopolitan cities? I guess, to an extent I still enjoy seeing new skyscrapers and the city skyline. But recently I find myself being drawn to take photos of bugs upclose, or patiently trying to capture a kingfisher bird in a still shot. I like framing my photos to reflect on the natural elements of my trip.

I enjoy looking up the sky and snapping my Canon 40D (see photo insert of tree and sky).

I guess once in a while we really need to leave the city to enjoy the things we know we are missing.

What do you do?

Pardon my consecutive blahblahs as I am not having the best week.

What do you do? When you hear about news about a loved one whose life seems to be going in circles, nowhere, repeating the same mistake over again for the Nth time...

What do you do? When work is dragging you down. When THEY expect you to be perfect, but when you point out the flaw about management they provide you with obvious cr @ p ...

What do you do? When you have over three weeks annual leave accrued, but nowhere to go...

What do you do? When your body is wanting to sleep, but your mind can't stop thinking, planning, praying..

What would you do?

A very long way

Come to think of it, I've been through quite a lot of stages in my life. Of course, this comes with age. The fact that I've been around for three decades now, is pretty much revealing the wrinkles of my existence.

I remember being a young athlete and music-lover. Countless summers spent in front of the keyboard, or strumming guitar strings, exercising my vocal chords, or doing laps in the pool, chasing after tennis balls or prancing around with my badminton racket on hand, practicing my pirouettes and run, run, run jumps. I remember switching from my ballerina shoes to my tennis runners, and in between stealing glimpses at my cute young swimming coach. The joys of youth. So much energy, so much time at hand.

I remember being a young traveler, doing summer exchange programs all over the Philippines and around Europe, witnessing to other youths and sharing culture and faith. That was my life for a good 10 years. Until, I moved to Sydney, and my then social life suddenly shrunk to a few or handful good friends. What used to be weekends giving inspiring 'talks' amidst a good hundred people, turned to one saturday night one-on-one wine talks with one good friend. They are both nonetheless, quality time spent, they just belong on opposite ends of the spectrum and quite incomparable. Time can do that to a person, pleasure in number, 100 or 1.

I remember being a student at university, three times over. 30 years, 10 schools, thousands of acquaintances, dozens of subjects, handful of confidants, a few heartaches, and neverending learning.

Okay, a confession!

For the past year (or so), I have been obssessing about maternity clothes. I think I have about a few possible maternity clothes that are just waiting for me to fit in them, and to think am NOT expecting yet. Well, one can never be too prepared! It's like one of those things that some ladies (or probably just me!) obsess about (eg, wedding). Well, it's always nice to see pretty dresses on pregnant women. I remember my cousin wearing this elegant but fresh looking gown at our other family member's wedding! She looked like a proud and dashing pregnant lady. One day I wouldn't have to obssess. Haha!

Pamplemousse Gardens in Mauritius

Pamplemousse Botanical Gardens in St Louis, Mauritius is one of the most popular gardens in the world, but of course moreso locally. It is located about 20 minutes from the scenic Grand Baie, and is very much accessible by public transport, or by car. For a garden lover, this was quite a nice experience to walk through these tall and old trees, huge and gorgeous water lilies, see other people enjoying themselves in this peaceful place. It is a must see when visiting this Indian Ocean island. The garden's history dates back to 1735 when Labourdonnais bought a house within the park. What started out as a simple garden is now known as the Royal Botanic Gardens Pamplemousse. Two hours minimum time is suggested to cover most of the park, and it is suggested to bring one's camera to take lots of photos!

All the firsts

Recently hubby and I went to our first concert together! I actually gave it to him as his Christmas present, because I knew he loved this band (and, well, I wanted to see them play live too). I was quite ecstatic to realise that even after eight years into our relationship we still have a lot firsts to experience together. One of which was attending this. I am hoping that we get to travel to a lot of countries together for the first time as well. We would both love to visit Mexico one day, and do Cancun tours and activities together. Perhaps also get the chance to swim with dolphins together! I remember seeing one up close when I was a lot younger, and this got me excited. What more get to swim with them! I am sure that hubby would also appreciate this experience. My sister in law has done this with her husband during their honeymoon, and she recommended we try it out too. Well, if only we could save up on annual leave, as well as moolah to travel the world and do all these exciting things! Wishful thinking one day soon, we'd get to do this.

U2 Way

Have you heard recently that New York's West 53rd Street is now temporarily known as U2 Way. This is to celebrate the release of the U2's new CD. How special is that?! I guess not every celebrity gets to have a street named in their honour! Even if its only for a week.

The problem with not knowing

It's that time of the year again, and I am wanting to have a pet at home. It would be great to have a cat or a dog to wake up to and play with. However, one of my ultimate fear about having a pet at home is fleas! My family had a pet cat one time that had a lot of medical issues including flea problem. Although, they managed to remove all the fleas using cat flea treatment. Maybe my issue about pets is ignorance. I should probably do my own research on the website I found, and I might change my mind about keeping a pet at home.

Autumn Breeze and Summer Dreams

The weather is dropping recently, and in a few weeks DST will be taken out. The days will get shorter, the nights long. Cold days and nights that never seems to end will be the daily saga. I am such a tropical person, whinging at the same time every year. I can't do anything about that, so I guess I just have to make the most out of the remaining sunny warm-ish weeks!!

(Photo from Kaj Bjurman)

Could have been a restaurateur

When I was younger and thinking of my career options and all that, I thought about opening a restaurant together with my sibings. I guess, since our family loved to eat good food, dine out and try new restaurants this idea would have been perfect! However, I had some issues that's why I never really pursued this thought. One, I am not a good cook. Never was, and never will be one. It is my other sibling who was good at this so, the restaurant business still could have worked if we pushed through with it. Two, well, I moved overseas. Thus, geographically my sibling and I wouldn't have been able to run this together (she does not live in the same country as me).

Although, just as an imagination exercise, I can try to construct my dream restaurant in my mind again now. As I imagine it, my dream restaurant would have a very relaxed ambience, with matching mood lights and soft, calming music. Cuisine would be simple, no frills food and drinks. Perhaps a lot of sweet stuff, such as dessert. Likewise, a menu of thirst quenching concoction of drinks. I would also serve continental meals, that are not fussy or complex food. As for the actual dining area, I would have the restaurant chair be some sort of a lounge type. It could even be fluffy ones, where one could flop onto and enjoy long conversations and meals with family and friends. Overall, I am thinking casual atmosphere would work for my target market. Oh well, my dream can go on longer, especially if I were talking to my sister!

Looking forward to quiet friday nights..

Last friday I went out for drinks with the ladies from work. I found myself not being up for that night for some reason. Perhaps coz it has been a long week, plus I knew I had no weekend to look forward to due to saturday and sunday classes. Or, maybe I was just really maturing (READ: getting old). I was thinking that I might have enjoyed my friday night if I spent it quietly at home with hubby. Oh well! I will make sure I get this quiet friday night next week!!

Body buddy

At work, I know two ladies who are considering having a few things done to their body surgically. They are both young and interested in enhancing the way the look through surgery. They were asking me if I knew any good surgeon, and what side effects were and all that. I told them I was not sure and that maybe they could check out some Cosmetic Surgery Forum to ask other people's opinion and experiences on this topic. I am thinking if I would ever resort to this thing. Although I know I would never, because I am not very fond of medical visits, medicines, etc.What more have a knife cut through my body! But, who knows? I can change my mind!

Gardens and Flowers

If I had my way I would love to care for a garden with lots of flowers. Flowers with different shapes, sizes, colours, fragrances. For now, since I do not have a garden, I am simply contented with taking photos of such lovely things.

High School

I remember in High School, when my batch mates and I used to come up with our batch logo for the school's cheering competition. We used to brainstorm as a batch, and then had the different class presidents come up with logo shirts that we would all wear for that three day event. I reminisce and enjoy looking at photos of those high school days. Ah, how simple life was back then. The only thing that mattered then were friends, homeworks, weekend shopping, etc. I guess most people really have fond memories of growing up. If only we could go back in time, and re-live those experiences again!

Where is Wally??

A few weeks ago hubby and I stayed for a few nights at a beach front property. That was one weekend that we enjoyed. The weather was perfect, was warm enough to enjoy the beach, cool enough to spend a few minutes on a picnic mat, etc. We did not have any tours planned, no itinerary whatsoever just plain and simple weekend of hanging out and enjoying each other's company. It was perfect! How I wish we could get on another getaway soon!

Choosing and Comparing

Everyone who's maintained a website (or two, or three) at some point did a hosting comparison. For the technology challenged ones, like me, it is not a very easy decision. Endless research can be frustrating. It's good that I have found a simple website that pretty much gives me straight forward answers about description, benefits and other necessary details on hosting. I have just renewed my subscription for one of my sites, and I am happy that I don't have to think about this again for at least another year! In the mean time, I can busy myself with trying to improve layout designs and all that!

Oh Anuta!

The other day hubby and I watched a culturally inspiring documentary on BBC about the Anuta tribe. Anuta Island is one of the 900 Solomon Islands that are inhabited with only about a population of 300 persons. The circular island is only 400 metres wide, and the highest point being 65 metres. Based on the documentary (which can be viewed here) we saw how beatiful the white sandy beaches are on this island. The only drawback to this paradise is that, it is frequented by cyclones. Without any hotels, pollution, television, this island can be a good place to see at least once in a lifetime.

The Anutans are physically far from the big civilizations od this world, however what is interesting about this small group of people are their culture. They have songs and rituals for welcoming, songs for washing the carrots, rites for first time fisherman, for the visitor leaving, catching food, etc. The documentary shows the typical islanders' way of life (with the distinct division of labour between men and women, they are very traditional). Restaurants don't exist here, but instead one is welcomed for a meal at the Anutan home. Another thing that doesn't exist here, are clinics,which can be a challenge to a sick or injured islander.

Watching this show just made me appreciate how simple living can be so stress-free. The local Anutan's were always smiling, and happy about life on the island. This music loving people may never set foot on other islands their entire lifetime, but surely this does not stop them from enjoying that small island they have. What a wonderful world!

Photo credit: Rainbowphoto

Talk about dream house

How many times have I looked over home products for my dream home? I cannot count!I have always been fascinated with the idea of building my own home one day. There is even a game that I used to play for hours just building this dream house. I guess in the long run, when the time comes for me to actually draft my blue print, I would know exactly what I like. As early as now, one can never be too excited about installing the perfect set of carpets, lovely and huge windows, plus that dream exterior shutters which I am sure would just go really well with the whole garden layout. I am getting too excited about this dream home talk!

Kaleidoscope Me

I start the day as God's wonderful creature.

Rush through breakfast, as a human being in need of food.

Run to my bus stop, get on the bus, start work, as an employee.

Do my job, as a consultant, a travel professional in my industry.

I have a bit of lunch break, get on the phone to my good friend, to her I am a confidant.

I work through my day, cajoling and interacting with people, as a colleague.

At the end of the work day, I turn off my pc, and switch back to my plain me.

I run and catch my bus home, read my lecture notes on the bus, I am a student again.

I get home, cook dinner, switch on my 'wife mode' me.

After dinner, I relax a bit, watch tv, sit in front of my laptop, I am a cyber techie gal.

Just about to sleep, I switch back on my God's wonderful creature plain old me.

Head off to dreamland, until the following day when I embark on another kaleidoscope me.

Still about tightening one's belt

So far (as a nation) we still haven't hit rock bottom yet in terms of the financial crisis. We are still in that low trough of things, and can't loosen the belt just yet.In my household, we are still just cutting back on DVD rentals, restaurant dining, shopping sprees, etc.One of my friends who's got a big family (four children) all of whom are schoolaged children, are currently studying the option of quick easy payday loans that are available to them. She's saying they are still weighing options and aboutto decide whether this is the way to go. We were discussing that times like thiscall for serious thoughts on finances.

Manic monday # 157

It's going to be super-easy this week!

If I was a car, I'd be: A Chrysler Sedan!! Sexxxxyy!

If I was a drink, I'd be: A fizzy non alcoholic drink... Coca Cola!

If I was emotion, I'd be: Optimistic :)

Working towards healthy living

In the recent months, I have been really trying to see my luck in caring for plants at home. I started out with an African violet pot, which is still alive after three months by the way. I have also since tried to care for flowers and blooms on a weekly basis. I wish I had known how to make use of the products from the website I found, but I am curently on a green thumb hiatus.

What I would really like to try though, is to keep a vegetable garden. Although this is not possible at the moment given the fact that we have limited space at home. I am sure when hubby and I get our own house eventually we would have a garden, and I am able to see for myself the benefits of organic gardening. This would be something I would like to be able to do, as well as be able to impart to my future children on living a healthy life.

At the moment, in our household we try to eat a lot of greens and fruits at each meal. Trying to maintain a healthy diet is something I neglected growing up, since I rarely got sick when I was young I did not feel the need to watch what I ate. I guess it comes with age, that one becomes watchful of the ingredients in our meals. Really, eating organic food is beneficial and awareness about this is something the modern world is learning about increasingly.

Sleepy Newcastle

Last December hubby and I went to Newcastle for 3 nights. For local Sydneysiders Newcastle is not really the typical 'getaway' one dreams on going. I guess coz it can get pretty quiet up there. What more to visit during Christmas weekend.

Having said that, it was one getaway we still enjoyed. It was a very peaceful, relaxing time away from the big city. I guess it helped that we got into a nice one bedroom unit/suite with our own jacuzzi, dining room, kitchenette, two loos, two televisions, the works!! We loved the space! Plus to top that all, it was all free! (got my travel agent voucher).

What is there to do in Newcastle? One can walk along the quiet but interesting CBD streets. Or, spend the day at Nobby's Beach. If one does not feel satisfied just hanging out here, one can do the coastal walk through ocean baths/rockpool,etc. One could also go biking or hiking in and around the city.

I guess Newcastle has its own charms, depending on what you are after in a holiday, one can find that it can be quite a gem of a city!

Tourism and management

So much of the world talk now is about climate change, environmental sustainability and other things that relate to keeping our world a better place to live in. When I was still studying tourism management, we had a few case studies that dealt with companies’ strategy on solid waste management within their business. It is really interesting how some companies try their best to be compliant on this issue, while others are simply uninterested. If I had more time then, I would have been interested in doing an assessment or case study on this topic. Too bad, I am now studying a different area!