One step at a time - licence alert!

A lot of things in life (mainly about achieving goals) involve starting with the first step. Going steady, maybe slowly, eyes on the goal mini-steps.

This week I achieved something which i have been pushing aside, delaying, avoiding, and for some odd reason - just have not wanted to get - no matter how much I say I have wanted to. Nearly 12 years in the making (see this post).... finally got my learner's driving licence!!!! And, to think I actually KNOW how to drive (I used to be a truck driving lady in Manila!).

Ok, so that's over and done with (No less than a perfect score of 45/45 in the computer knowledge test!). Now onto the real thing - the driving test. Gulp. Big gulp. Okay, it should really be no biggie - but nearly everyone I know says everyone fails the driving test the first time around!! Triple Gulp.

I got my Migration Licence many years back (after one full year of studying law), I had a baby (but yes I thought going through labour pains would be easier than getting my driver's licence!). All these and many more I felt was easier to achieve than the NSW driver's licence.

Well hopefully this small step is the pre cursor to getting my full licence sooner than later! I don't think I can wait another 10 odd years for that!!

Joys of trip planning

I know I can’t really travel by air anymore, as baby is due sometime soon. However, this hasn’t really stopped me from researching about cheap airline tickets for our possible Manila trip next year. I guess I should really just be trying to save as much moolah as I could for that, because I am pretty sure the rates would be about in the thousand dollars mark per person. Of course, then I would have to think about pocket money, shopping money, buying presents, and other expenses. Plus of course, if we do push through with going home next year, I would love to go on a weekend away with hubby and baby. This means more vacation packages researching for me! I love it! I just can’t get enough of researching about travel. I guess that’s why I love working in the travel industry!

I have a bit of a trivia about me and travel. For fun, I ask my colleagues where they want to travel to, and I come up with an itinerary for them! It’s as if my real passengers don’t give me enough work! I just think it makes travel researching more fun if I know the person I am making arrangements for.

Yes or No

1. Kissed anyone one of your GIRL friends on their lips? - NO
2. Been arrested? - NO.
3. Kissed someone you didn't like? - NO
.4. Slept in until 5 PM? - YES
5. Fallen asleep at work/school? - YES.
6. Held a snake? - NO.
7. Ran a red light? - YES.
8. Been suspended from school? - NO.
9. Totaled your car/motorbike in an accident? - NO.
10. Been fired from a job? - NO.
11. Sang karaoke? - YES.
12. Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? - YES.
13. Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? - YES.
14. Caught a snowflake on your tongue? - NO.
15. Kissed in the rain? - YES.
16. Sang in the shower? - YES.
17. Sat on a rooftop? - YES.
18. Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes? - YES.
19. Broken a bone? - NO.
20. Shaved your head? - NO.
21. Blacked out from drinking? - NO.
22. Played a prank on someone? - YES.
23. Felt like killing someone? - NO.
24. Made your girlfriend/boyfriend cry? - YES.
25. Had AN EXOTIC pet? - NO.
26. Been in a band/CHOIR? - YES.
27. Shot a gun? - YES.
28. Tripped on mushrooms? - NO.
29. Donated Blood? - NO.
30. Eaten alligator meat? - NO.
31. Eaten cheesecake? - YES.
32. Still love someone you shouldn't? - NO.
33. Think about the future? - YES.
34. Believe in love? - YES.
35. Sleep on a certain side of the bed? - YES.

Status update

Amidst my so busy schedule, I forgot to give an update about my Australian status. Finally received in the mail a letter from the government officially welcoming me to take on Australian citizenship. Okay, finally after more than five years!! Now, it does not really mean so much to me anymore. Surely I won't give up my Filipino citizenship. It did not even cross my mind to renounce my Philippine citizenship. (Of course I can hear my mom giving me a long lecture on my roots, etc, if I did. Not that I would) I'm just glad that there is such a legislation now on dual citizenship. Apparently a few years back this was not the case for Phil-Aussies.

Last week's module for class talked about Australian citizenship. How timely for me, I was able to relate personally. I had a few questions about citizenship by birth, descent or by grant. Just in case I was to give birth in Manila (down the track) I wanted to know if that had any implications whatsoever.

So anyway, finally I am getting my AU passport. Free to travel the world without having to think about visa applications (okay, except for China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and some South American country). If only I can convince hubby to go with me and travel the world!

... all about me (again!) :)

...i love making lists
...i love to travel, but i hate airplane rides
...i love daydreaming about the future..my future family, future vacations, future anything
...i love chocolates! milk chocolates...not dark bitter ones...white chocolates, maybe sometimes...
...i like beach trips. but i dont like getting dark...
...i like taking long and hot showers...
...i like mellow, soothing sounds
...ive always thought of playing jazz/blues music in my apartment, with dim mood lights, chilling and just wasting time...lounging on a big lazy couch...with the aircon turned on, and my big warm blankie...
...i like reading about showbiz chatter! to forget about my own life concerns just for a moment
...i like watching movies!either in the theatre, dvds played at home..
...i love rooftops and views...
...i like planning vacations, day trips, even if i have a feeling it might not push through!
...i like sulking sometimes. i feel better afterwards! crazy me,,,
...i like collecting brochures of sorts...i think i could fill a whole closet already!
...i like buying bags... sometimes i have to convince myself that i dont have room for any anymore.
...i lik e people watching, sometimes.. just sit on the park bench and watch the world go by...
...i like mcdo chicken nuggets...with BBQ and Sweet and Sour Sauce. I always buy 2 sauces!
...i like going on a ferry ride... on a hot summer day... cruising on the harbour...keeping quiet..
...i like going to loud music bars, ocncerts, once in a while..it gives me a natural high during and after...
...i like balconies and views...
...i like krispy kreme, marble frost....
...i love long weekends and public holidays
...i could sleep all day if i could...
...i dont mind being alone sometimes... sometimes, i wouldnt want to be alone...
...i have a mental list of names that i would like for my baby someday...
...i hate winter weather... gloomy days, cold nights
...i like peeking into other people's thoughts about things...
...i used to like opening emails, until i started getting too many work related ones!

Beijing Olympics : Aussie queen of the pool

Okay! We’ve won our first gold in swimming! I haven’t really followed so much of the Olympics. I only got to watch the Women’s lightweight lifting (and we were not even in it) and swimming. Stephanie Rice won 400m Individual medley! Such an intense competition as Coventry was coming in very close. But not close enough. Here is a link to Yahoo 7’s online olympics watch.

Japanese and their Rice

I've read about Japanese and how they come up with art in their rice fields. Isn't it interesting to note that in a seemingly combination of modern and traditional society as Japan, they do know how to create art from something ordinary. I've come across 2 Japanese sites : here and here. They showcase the rice paddies artwork. It is in a town called Inkadate, in the Aomori prefecture. Interesting pieces!

I am soo showbiz!

I was just surfing around and hubby and I came across the videos on youtube where Americans were trying to speak in Tagalog. Also, there were a few ones who sang in Tagalog,etc. How bizarre! There was one guy who sang a Parokya ni Edgar song that was really good. The American accent would occassionally come up, but overall it was good.

And then still surfing later on, we came across a few other interesting videos. There were videos showing a list of American Filipino celebrities! Being the showbiz person that I am, this got me interested. A few of the celebrities that I only found out had Filipino blood in them are below. Some of them I don't really know but hubby knew them and was amazed with this trivia. Read on to see who are part Filipino.

- Rachel Bilson
- Kirk Hammett (Metallica guitarist)
- Dave Bautista/Batista (some wrestler dude)
- Enrique Iglesias
- Rob Schneider
- Lou Diamond Philips
- Vanessa Hudgens
- Nicole Herzinger
- Shannyn Sossamon

How cool is that? I guess, it just goes to show that really we live in a multicultural world.

What keeps me going

...At work that is. Is this machine:

When the clock strikes about 230pm-330pm, you suddenly get distracted. It feels like your mind wants to float off to somewhere, possibly outdoors especially with the peek of the sun's ray through the waters of the wharf, through your window at work.

My team mates and I often feel this whirl of three-thirty-itis anytime mid-afternoon. Some times we have sweet cravings, and other times we all want something savoury. Whatever we feel like, we take turns just grabbing something from the ... Vending Machine! :)

I guess these machines were meant to temporarily save you from twangs of cravings. Either you are at work, in a hotel where there's no 24 hour room service, or at the airport waiting for a flight, at the train station platform waiting for your service, etc.

Again one great thing that man's invented. Did you know vending machine's history dates back to 215 BC, and was invented by the Greek Mathematician, Hero. Back then it only could vend holy water at the Egyptian temples. Now, it vends almost anything from: junk food, drinks, cigarettes, women's stuff, gumballs, lollies and candies, etc.

See my photo of a vending machine :)

I'm just wondering whats next??

Recently in my reads I’ve stumbled upon a few interesting that the society/world has put up with! Some are interesting! I wonder who would have thought of them! :D

-- In the news today, I read that Oklahoma’s elected it’s youngest mayor! He’s 19 years old. Can you believe that?!! He’s only just recently received his full drivers license and his permission to buy alcohol! He is a self proclaimed gamer (computer). He’s no other than John Tyler Hammons. Wonder if he’s really capable of running a city. You know the saying that some things you learn through experience. And I believe that.

-- Starwood Hotels has a new position out, and its called “Corporate Director of Fun”! Imagine what responsibilities and duties are included in this? The activities that the person will oversee includes: fireside storytelling, stargazing, outdoor movies among other job attributes. There are a few qualifications that one needs to satisfy to suit the role. One should have been : the class president, cheerleader, bartender, and lifeguard. Do you fit the role?? (Background: this is actually geared towards family friendly marketing)

-- Is your next travel destination the Moon?? Premier Inn is one of the UK’s biggest hotel chain. They have expanded to Ireland, India and Dubai. Their next big purchase is claimed to be a lot on the moon to build the first hotel on the moon!! They are targeting that in the next 25 years they will be accommodating guests out of this world. Imagine paying a premium on your room with Earth View!

-- Ever heard of ‘Heartache leave’? Ever wish you can take a few days off to heal your broken heart? Well, if you were in Japan working for Hime & Co. then you would be eligible. Otherwise, deal with it or take a sickie day off! Hime and Company offers staff under 24 years old one day leave per year and 25 to 29 year olds two days off. If you were older than that then you get three days off. That’s because older people suffer from worst heartaches. I disagree. I think the heartaches hurt as bad no matter how old or young one is.