Round the easter table

The family gathered around the big Easter lunch table is one thing I've been wanting to experience again. This year, we are celebrating Easter with hubby's parents and I'm sure their company will be enjoyed although we sadly anticipate the last few days of their holiday.

We are heading off to the Sydney Royal Easter Show, which would prove to be a fun family moment. Particularly for the little girl, who will experience the Easter Show for the first time this year. Surely I can imagine her squealing in delight, pointing at the animals on 'show'. With the rabbits taking center stage as far as she is concerned .. "wabby" as she calls those bunny rabbits.

Hubby would enjoy the Motocross show, featuring jaw dropping stunts and heart stopping motorcycle mid-air moments. There would be a few sports cars that would be doing their usual number as well = speed driving backwards, creating that dusty, amazing stunt. Ok, I do think this is quite fun too.

I'm sure though I will enjoy more the big tents that sell those fun showbags! A guide to various showbags to choose from get advertised in newspapers - enumerating what is inside the bags, etc. A lot of times the showbags get sold out quickly, so this should be our first stop on arrival! Sometimes the showbags include discount coupons, sweet treats, cool toys, etc. Showbag sponsors include: Magazine companies, Confectioneries, Softdrink makers, Toy makers, etc.

In the past, hubby and I enjoyed watching the Side Shows.. although I fing them a bit too gory and strange, we keep coming back to catch a glimpse of those entertaining performances!

Visiting the Easter Show reminds me of festivals that I used to attend back home, although not as similar to others, the whole ambience of being at a venue where the main purpose is to bond with the company you're with (family, friends, colleagues, etc). All that while enjoying the performances, rides, food (think fairy floss! aka cotton candy).. truly this weekend will be a fun way to welcome Easter. Of course, not forgetting the reason behind the season.

In between cakes

Oh yes, I have been busy lately. I have baked numerous cakes, cupcakes, mini cakes, muffins, bread, etc. Since my last entry my sister has visited me, stayed for a good month and left. And, my other sister has arrived and leaves next week. So, yes I have been busy. Baby B is still a baby, and we are enjoying quality time with aunts. I wish I can have them stay here for good. SOON, I hope and pray my sister would decide to relocate to Sydney just so we'll have family here and would no longer consider going to Manila for good. (But then again, who knows?!)

This week I am attending a travel agent's workshop for my business and I am hoping to start my own soon thereafter. *Cross fingers* With an infant in tow it will be hard to start my business and even the workshop on it's own is a challenge. My hubby is taking the day off from work so he can stay with bub outside my workshop. So I can still feed Baby on demand. Oh, and we would be checking in into the hotel where my workshop is held.. Ah life. Adjustments with a baby. No complaints. Just adjustments.

I hope to update this blog again soon. For now, it's back to baking. Oh and feeding.

Half Year

In two weeks time I would have been not working for six months already! I cannot believe how quick that's been. It seems only like yesterday I was filing my maternity leave application....

Where did time go?

Well, surely it happened in between my early morning feeds, staring at my little one, celebrating bella's first month, second month, etc., manila trip, bella's christening, hot summer days, cool afternoon autumn strolls, and countless baby photos and videos of our bub... There have been a lot of milestones in between then and now, a huge collage of events both trivial and memorable.. We are halfway through 2010, and I am just wondering what the remainder of the year will bring.

Fear of flying

Hubby has always not been fond of going on plane rides. He'd much rather go on a month long caribbean cruise or round the world cruise, than catch a plane. He's had a bad experience when he was young, and this explains the fear of flying he developed. It is not uncommon to be afraid of flying, especially nowadays when airlines' (lack of) safety is very much publicized. I know a lot of couples who either both or half the couple would prefer long drives over air travel. I guess this would be good if one lived in a big continent such as Europe, Australia or America. If one lived on an island one would be limited to driving around the island! Of course if one lived on a very nice island then maybe it would be wise to just spend it on that paradise!

Having said that hubby dislikes air travel, on a handful of times I was able to convince him to travel by air with me. We have agreed though, to go on a cruise maybe when baby turns two or three years old. Perhaps we would be able to visit husband's sister in the America on this cruise! If only I can reconcile within myself to travel across the Pacific Ocean for days without seeing land!

Not this year

With the holiday season coming up, I asked hubby whether we would be going on a trip away this year for Christmas. I was thinking more like an all inclusive resort nearby, and was willing to settle for even just an overnight trip somewhere (perhaps the city). I was not expecting to go far, but I started researching on Jamaica all inclusive vacations and maybe we can go once the baby is a year old. I would even consider other Caribbean resorts for as long as they are kid friendly. I used to not take note of which ones are family oriented vacation spots, but obviously I would be more interested in these now with the baby on the way.

Anyway, hubby answered me saying we won’t be going anywhere this holiday season just because it will be too close to my due date then. I suppose we don’t really have a choice. I am sure there will be so much more occasions to go on a family vacation!

Hot weekend!

It has been quite a weird weather we have been having lately in this part of the world. This weekend the temperature ranged from about 25 to 42 degrees Celsius, and we are expecting the average to drop to 22 degrees Celsius tomorrow! It would have been great if we were at Myrtle Beach Golf club or some place where we can hang out for a while outside, and then come into an air conditioned room! However, I am not that lucky to be enjoying Myrtle Beach Golf Vacations at the moment. I can try to just make myself comfortable with my homemade mango shake, and surf the net for a Myrtle Beach Golf Package that we could possibly go on sometime in the future.

While having lunch earlier, hubby dropped a question that I thought he was serious about. He asked if I wanted to go home this Christmas! Of course, without batting an eyelash I said yes. I told him I would immediately start researching about plane travel for pregnant women in the 32nd week! But of course, he was not serious! Hmp! So instead of researching about that, I should stick to searching on Golf Packages Myrtle Beach.

Last Stretch

Am on my last stretch doing a lot of things at the moment..

- I am finishing up doing my last subject at uni !! And then I graduate !!

- Working my last month at work before I go on maternity leave !!

- Of course, waiting for baby to arrive in 2 months time !! Preparing so many things for this!

I guess no matter how much I have tried to plan things, and be in control, I could only prepare so much. With the way things are winding up/winding down now, it couldn't have happened any more perfect. Things are falling into place, and at the right time. I am being taught so many things in life this final quarter of 2009. Plan one's share, and leave the rest to God.

Photo credit : www.flickr.com/photos/localandbitter/380313730/

I may be Australian but . . .

I miss going on Halloween trick or treats! Among other American influenced festivities that I grew up with in Manila.

Here, trick or treating isn't all that big. There may be a few of these celebrations here and there, but nothing like having them organised in most villages/suburbs. They may have Halloween costume parties for teenagers or adults, but nothing like good old knocking on neighbours' doors to ask for sweets. I wonder if my bub will get to experience one when he/she grows up. Not that it's a big deal if baby won't. I guess it's also about sharing the experience which I once had. I know my mummy friends in Manila do put a lot of thought into what costume they will put bubba in for the occasion.

Okay, it's not just Halloween that I miss. I miss spending Easter going on egg hunts or watching kids go on one. I miss the whole hullaballoo of Christmas, etc., etc.

Here I feel they put more emphasis on the other holidays such as: New Year's Eve (fair enough- the Harbour Bridge fireworks is really good), Valentine's (?! I wouldn't be able to relate since its my bday !) .. I think that's about it! Haha! Plus of course big on local/national holidays which obviously should be something big.

Oh well. I guess I should really be used to the Aussie way of life. Resisting most American things, thoughts, and way of life. And that's not a bad thing. It's just the way it is.

October is Crave Sydney month!

Hubby, and I and a few other friends are hoping to get a spot at the Breakfast on the Bridge morning! Only 6,000 people will get tickets, and they are drawn randomly, so we are crossing our fingers that we secure tickets!! It is the first time this event is organised and it is one cool idea if I may say so.

The whole month of October ushers in a range of festivities and events around the city. Noodle nights, markets, art events, etc... So many activities to choose from. Hopefully I still have enough energy by then to be able to go around town!

Crave Sydney!

A new one

Was surfing around and came across LinkFromBlog. I guess I want to be able to blog actively as much as I want again. Maybe in a few month's time I would have a bit more time to do these things which I like. But then again I would not know what to expect once bubba is born. I guess at the end of the day I am just glad to have found an outlet to be able to say what I want, when I want. The rest will just follow suit.

Still undecided

I still haven’t found a place to spend a week long ‘babymoon’ with hubby. Initially I wanted to travel about six hours north, and spend some time along the coast. But then given my bigger bump now, I am thinking it could be too long a ride for me. Maybe a maximum of three hours road trip would be fine. Perhaps we could save budget perth hotels for next time, and instead settle to choose from cheap hotels Sydney cbd. I guess just really a few days away to spend quality time as parents to be would be what we are after.

A few months ago I watched this travel show where some hotels do offer special babymoon packages. Some of these packages even included a massage treatment specifically for pregnant women! Writing about this makes me so excited to plan this getaway! I am sure whatever we decide on we will have a great time.

Road tripping in England

There are so many pretty places in England which I would love to visit. Perhaps go on a road trip and visit manors, castles, and golf courses along the way. I know I've had a client who's given feedback about going on this road trip with her husband. They loved traveling from one manor
to another, and sometimes spending a day at some bed and breakfast, and other times enjoying a day of pampering at a Hotel in Sheffield, or at a Day spa along the way.

Truly there are various ways of seeing the world in style, if one can afford these luxuries. Otherwise, there are lots of ways to travel in style without having to spend way too much.

Travel Rituals

(Note: Postcard photo from here)

Everyone's got their own travel ritual. Pre-departure. On the trip. Post-departure.
It can be a quirky pre-departure endless list of things to do, things to bring, must eat, places to see, people to write postcards to, people to call, things to take back home, etcetera. (I know I am guilty of this!) (Bigtime!).

Or, it can be upon entering your hotel room : take photos of each corner of the room, the view, the bathroom (Okay, I do this too coz I need it for my job!). And it could also be : setting the wake up call with Reception,or checking out the closets/bar fridge/drawers, etcetera.

Arriving back home, some people literally just plop onto the bed and take a very long sleep. Others I know unpack straight away and do one load of laundry. And still others, take a long warm shower.

We all have our quirkiness and travel rituals that comfort or satisfy us in some way. It's just simply the way we do. The way we are. Oh how I love talking about travel.

Booking my groups

One type of tourist accounts for those who travel out of motivation from an interest (or interests). I have made a booking for a group of people who traveled to visit archaeological sites in Greece, and another group that traveled to France and Britain to attend a war memorial event. Recently, I have had a group of people wanting to travel to the United States to visit a list of museums located in the Eastern part of the States. They were quite a handful as some of the travelers were wanting to try Gettysburg camping style, while the others wanted at least a four star rating hotel to stay at.

At the end of it all, they came into consensus that they would give rv camping Gettysburg a go. Majority of them haven’t tried this style of pa rv camping but were convinced that it would be an interesting experience. It was good that they have all agreed to this, otherwise I would end up having a divided group which would mean more work for me. I usually like dealing with group bookings especially if I communicate with only one coordinator.

Making my life easier

Recently I discovered online grocery shopping at Woolworth's HomeShop website. I usually like doing the grocery when I am not pressed for time, but sometimes it can be a painful chore. Especially when it's time to buy rice/detergent/etc (this can be gruesome taking it home-living without a car can do this). So now I have the option of doing my heavy shopping online, and have someone take it straight to our apartment! Another plus, is that I can just browse through weekly specials in one go. You know how while at the supermarket it can be overwhelming seeing all the stacks and shelves of goodies. One can easily miss out on things, or forget stuff to buy.

I love it that I can just click one button if I decide not to buy a certain item. I can even double the same item in one hit. Overall, I guess Homeshopshopping is just an alternative. Nothing beats the therapy of going through aisles and aisles of actual goodies.

Going camping

Two weeks ago three of the ladies from my team went camping. They asked if I wanted to try this with them but I declined since I am not really a fan of pitching tents, creepy crawlies, shared toilet (if any at all). When they got back to work on that monday they were saying how great the experience was and they would not mind doing it again, if ever at some rv park nc, or rv park north carolina. I agreed to go with them the next time they go on one of those camping trips, provided that it was in nc rv parks or some park that is very safe.

How many times does one try out a new adventure? I guess it has been a while since I went on one. The last time I remember was going on a hiking trip with my hubby. It can be very exciting and at the same time tiring! Oh well, I just hope that the girls don't schedule the trip anytime soon!

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!

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.

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.

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!!