Catching the learning wave

Is this generation ruled by gadgets? Sometimes it makes me think whether it is just my hubby who is obsessed with new technology... mainly mobile phones, tablets, laptop, other Discount iPhone Accessories and trinkets. However when I start to think about it, even my dad has a new phone every year. My mom is the same, as well as my other siblings (well most of them!) who's phone model I have lost track of. Myself on the other hand would prefer to stick with the same phone brand forever if that's possible. I guess in that aspect I am not much of a "risk" taker. I prefer to use things which I am comfortable with, for as long as they are working I do not find the need to replace them. Sometimes even when it looks old and haggard already, to the annoyance of my gadget hungry husband.

We all have our own opinion and preference about these things, and I just choose to live simply with what is there and what is still working. One thing that frustrates me the most is when I can't figure out how to operate a new complex television remote. One time I was fiddling with the tv remote for half an hour trying to turn it on!! But I digress .. I feel the same way with mobile phones and other gadgets. Quite frustrating when I couldn't seem to grasp the rhythym of touch screen messaging. Now, I am in love with the Iphone!! Wouldn't go back to Nokia, and wouldn't convert to a Blackberry. Oh I suppose just until the next time I catch the learning wave!

Creating circles

We all have our own circle of friends. Some we just fell into as we grew up.. We lived across the street from them, or we met them at school or at work. Some we've met through common friends, cousins, siblings, etc. Some of them we ended up being best friends with, or have dated once or twice..

But as we grow older, there are some circles we draw ourselves. We have a choice now. We don't just fall into these circle by accident, or because of our family. Living overseas makes it a challenge to build long lasting circles of friendships. However, when we do find that circle where we belong it forms our support group.

I find that I have always been the type of person who creates lots of circles. Admittedly, I don't always engage myself fully in each of them. Some circles are purely for circles sake. Some circles I have to maintain now, not just for me, but for my little one. The circles I put her in forms part of her. Without having cousins or siblings around, I endeavour to make her have meaningful circles. Relationships. Yes, those circles form our relationships. Only if we let them close enough to reach that level.

Photo from http://www.wallpaperhere.com/Nature/Other/Water_Drops_Circle_of_Life_72793

I am grateful for all my friendships especially those that have been through it all with me.

Stroller Crazy

Okay, I never realised that there were so many different types of strollers out there! In a lot of ways it is overwhelming, and I am sure all first time moms out there will agree. I have been doing a lot of research on this product, and there are just so many stroller reviews to read which give information about the differences and find out which one best suits one’s lifestyle or need. Sometimes I find myself staying up late trying to decide which one is best for me and husband (more for me really). Although my mom said she will bring me two relatively new strollers (my sister has just given birth) from Manila when she comes over when the baby comes out, I am still wanting to find out for myself about stroller safety and the best features one can get out of the pram. Luckily my friend has given my tips on what to look for, and what could work for me. She has also given me a link to a really good website about strollers! Really, there should be a comprehensive handbook on motherhood and a twenty four hours hotline for mothers! I can only wish! For now, that hotline is my own mother.

Site project

I am always on the look out for a good web hosting site that someone like me (techonologically challenged) would be comfortable using. I was browsing around and have come across a site that suits me well. Now, the only thing I need to find is time to do all these things. I would like to renovate my site and add a few things, improve on the layout and colour. It has been over a year since I've given proper attention to my website and I would probably need to dedicate more time here if I want to see this project through. Only time will tell!

Those small things

When hubby and I weren't living together yet his old apartment had a bedbug problem, and some other insect problem. He even had to call an exterminator to get rid of this infestation. I remember the guy was very accommodating in answering our queries. I wish we found a site earlier that discussed issues such as this. It might have helped us understand the problem better. I don't think it was something he could have avoided since the apartment was pretty old. Hubby only stayed about a month at that place! Good our apartment now doesn't have any of these insect problems!

Dealing with sore throat

The past few days I've been hit with a really bad sore throat. It came to a point where I had trouble swallowing. So, I couldn't really eat anything solid. I lost 1 kg already, which is good. But then I feel so weak coz I haven't been eating. I am well now, I hope. But I am still under house arrest. Need lots of liquid and rest.

I've searched ways to soothe my sore throat, and have tried some of them myself. Here they are:

- Heat compress on my neck (worked coz I had felt my neck muscle twitching)

- Warm Tea

- Honey and Vinegar with Warm Water (hubby prepares it best)

- Sea Salt with Warm Water (Gargled)

- Banana (it just glides down the throat well)

- Lots of water (lukewarm)

- Lozenges (in moderation)

- Betadine Sore Throat Drops

- Lots of rest, less talk

I guess it depends on the extent of one's swollen throat. Mine was uncomfortable for a few days (and nights). I ended up saying so many rosaries at night when I can't sleep. But, it all is working well for me. I hope to resume back normal living tomorrow. I am just glad that the assessment results are out for my first Uni subject, and I passed! One down, Three to go.

Then and now

Hubby and I saw his work colleague who has just undergone a lap band surgery, I think that happened a year or so ago. He was now doing well and keeping trim. Although one could still tell though what his past was like as he had his double chin in place. I guess one could think that would just be genetics showing up. Overall though, it looks good on him. Considering the first time I saw him he looked really unhealthy and tired. I guess his main reason for undergoing this treatment was really due to tohealth reasons. Fair enough. He now has a new gal pal and so it worked well.

Chatter, Wine and Lunch

Been a while since I've met someone new for the first time and actually think that we could be friends :) I guess as one gets older (for some), meeting real friends (potentially) can happen once in a blue moon or very rarely.

Anyway, I had lunch with my new NFF (new found friend) today, her name is Cat. I've been liasing with her through work for work for the past 4months or so. And we have planned to actually meet up and not just be 'penpals'. She's also from Manila, same as me, she migrated here a few years before I did.

Such a fun lunch we ended up staying longer than expected, asking questions about each other, talking about the past/present and future. Talking endlessly while sharing a bottle of wine for lunch! We talked about life, love, school, work, family, travel, other people, food, plans, etc. We realised we had a lot in common, yet had a lot of things different. All in an hour and half of meeting, no second was wasted! It was greatly enjoyed and we said we will catch up again soon. At the end of lunch we were both feeling sleepy(umm, a bottle of wine for lunch), but still had to work! Good thing it was friday! Time to unwind and welcome the weekend!

When was the last time you met someone for the first time? And you just knew that this was the first of many meetings with them. I miss my old friends in Manila, but I am happy to meet genuine new friends in Sydney.

Happy weekend all!

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!

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.

My current floral obssession

Since about November, I have been into fresh flowers. I have been keeping a fresh bunch at my vase at home, and so far it has never been empty. In December it was the Christmas bush, and in January I had a bunch of gerberas and lilies, now I am just about to discard my lavender. In high school I thought I was just interested in everything floral such as : pencil cases, binders, organizers, bags. I never really got to cultivate my love for flowers until I had my own home. I realized that flowers can make a big difference in enlivening a room. Flowers give that sense of calmness and joy, that’s why it is given to a loved one when welcoming a new family member, in times of grief, at weddings, at concerts, during courtship, etcetera. Depending on the type of flower, there are various meanings attached to it and depending on the occasion. Going back to decorating my home, I guess at the moment I am just really trying to channel my energy to nurturing a plant since I don’t have my own bub yet. Perhaps I would not even mind trying my skills later on when we have our own place, to try and see if I’ve got a green thumb, by keeping a garden. I am just dreaming on, I should first try to make my current African violent plant sprout some flowers again! Still so much to learn!

Only time will tell

For the longest time, I had one favorite watch. I’ve had this particular watch for at least 13 years! So it’s been with me through high school, college, post graduate graduation exercises. It is silver in colour and so are majority of my preferred jewelry, which could be white gold as well. I know it would be hard parting ways with this watch who’s been with me like forever. Having said this, I have a bit of a dilemma, since my engagement ring and wedding ring are both originally in yellow gold (had it dipped white gold though for a time), and I am wanting to take it back to its original colour. And, so I will need a new pair of favorite watch! I think this is quite a good excuse for hubby to buy me a two tone watch now. Or, maybe I could suggest that we buy matching citizen watches. I know I would be able to count on this brand since they have been around at least 85 years now. It is so tried and tested over time. Maybe I should surprise hubby and just buy our matching watches as a Valentine’s present!! And then, I could have him buy me my watch. I’d tell him it would be perfect to have a new watch to witness or make succeeding memories with as a married couple!

Sell and Buy

My sister in law and his husband was meant to buy a new house before they give birth to their child. It is now only about 3 months to go before she delivers her baby, but they still haven’t bought a new one. According to hubby, they are delaying a bit because they would end up selling their current home at a very depreciated value and would not want to do that. I was going to tell them that there were Round rock tx homes for sale that they may probably be interested in, but given their situation I would probably just save my words. Maybe in a few months’ time the financial situation of the world would be better. Although, in our recent general meeting at work, they are predicting that this global crisis may take us all until 2010 for things to go back to normal, whatever that means.

I read in this article that supermodels have their own getaway destinations. Heidi Klum hides away in Mexico with her hubby Seal. Gisele Bundchen hies off to Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro or Florianopolis. Kate Moss on the other hand chills in Mallorca, Spain whenever she wants to get away from it all.

Whoever you are, or I am, we all need to get away from it all once in a while. Whether we go local or international we just need to rejuvinate every so often and live our unrealistic dreams in order to get a grip on reality once again.

I, for one, sometimes immerse myself in the internet world when I am trying to forget about some issues. But sometimes I need to physically go out and just hide. Whether I am gone for an hour, for a weekend or so depends on the need. Although I may not go to far flung exotic places like my (fellow, ahem) supermodels do, I get the same thing out by hiding away at the following:

- At the Supermarket. Yes, getting lost in aisles and rows of grocery items can be therapeutic. One need not buy something to feel good. Although, often times than not I would get a couple or so unneccessary items.

- A walk in the Park. The grass was made for thinking people to walk on, or lay on. The benches were made to be sat on. The park was made for all these and more, especially to someone who wants to be lost, but does not want to be alone. Truly, there are endless best spots to choose from.

- That quaint cafe next door. It’s been a while since I’ve visited this spot of mine, as I often choose to just go to the above options. However, that Italian bartender’s accent sometimes is enough for me to pull that grin off my face.

- Neverland. Sleep can do wonders. Sometimes without me being aware of it, a mere overnighter (sleep) is enough to feel better the next day. Maybe a nap won’t have the same effect. But having a glass of wine before sleeping would surely be a winner!

There are different seasons and so different places apply to me whenever I choose my spot outside my apartment. Sometimes, a quick call or a long call to a friend can bring back that positive spirit in me.

Laptop Break

I Can't wait to get my internet connected!! Finally (cross fingers) I get it set up by tomorrow night!! :) It's just so annoying that I can't open up and read my blogger friends' blog updates with different windows open, while I check email, read online Filipino news, and my Pinoy showbiz,etc!

I have to admit I enjoyed giving my laptop a bit of a break. I was able to catch up on sleep. I think almost every day I was asleep way before midnight. I was awake as well by about 7 or 8 am. I have let go of a lot of blog opportunities and entries I said I would do, but then again I don't regret it (much). I know I would live another day without net. I guess when you don't have a choice then you just have to live with that fact.

Oh well.

I have also gone to a couple of places, picnics, night outs with friends and colleagues and of course boyfriend. I guess every once in a while we all need a break from the online world. I had mine, for the year! So, next hiatus would hopefully be not until next year. HAHA.

You appreciate something when it's not there

That's the way it usually is. It's been just under two weeks that I haven't had proper internet at home! :X

I use my mobile 1 gig internet sparingly since I don't really know how much net I use normally for surfing or blogging. Good thing I can check my emails at work, so that means I don't have to when I get home!

One thing that I realised I am obsessed with now, checking either at work or on my mobile, is the current weather status!! I guess since we are in between seasons at the moment it helps me plan what I should wear. Just last week we had a couple of warm/hot days as in reaching 30+ degrees C. Now, we are again hitting 15/16 degrees!! But then again, you know how sometimes temperature inside the house is not necessarily reflecting how it is outside? Oh well.

I have to go, more updates soon!

Live to Learn

The past years I have learned a lot about so many things. Including the national no call registry website, and how to Find Out Who Called You. This was quite a good thing to know as sometimes there are random numbers that pop up on my phone screen which I don’t feel comfortable picking up (especially in the middle of the night). Recently I have also managed to understand the way tax deductible items work, and a few other tips in filing my income tax for this year. So many new things to learn each day, I still surprise myself each time. The other day my colleague went on a trivia night. I have only been on a trivia night once at a restaurant a very long time ago. I probably would know a bit more about travel, geography and countries but I must say I have a lot of learning to do in terms of numbers, arithmetic and such things. Oh well, that’s why life is exciting. We learn something new every so often.

How easy to get Information Nowadays

I am amazed at how great the modern society is at information. I have come across reverse lookup database that can track the owner for any phone number in the United States and Canada. What is interesting is that the whole process is a discreet and easy procedure that no one will have a clue about investigating on that telephone stalker, or that old strange high school sweetheart trying to be in contact again. Truly the whole process is the most confidential one. I might suggest this to my friend who has been getting calls from telemarketers and stalkers alike.

Just a bit of thought

Boyfriend and I have been talking about kids and plans after our wedding. We were thinking that there's just so much happening in the world. Whether it be natural or man made ocurrences or situations. Scary that there are crimes happening here and there, there should be a list or Sex Offender Registry like Megan's Law or even just a compiled information that is available when requested by the public. It may cause a few sneers but it's the government who would decide on this anyway. Really, there are a lot of things outside any parent's control, and caution is best exercised at all times.

So, we were just discussing our thoughts on society nowadays as well as other things. We even went on and discussed politics! A preview of what married life discussions, possibly.

On being Domesticated and Chores tag

This was passed on by Sheng!

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This meme is pretty simple. Here are the rules:

1.) List down the household chores you hate and why. Do you think you can survive without helpers and nannies?

2.) Copy the image.

3.) Tag as many girlfriends you want, the daddies and hubbies can also join.

4.) Add your blog's link in the domesticated divas linky love. You can add all your blogs.

5.) Leave ME a comment and I'll add you up in the masterlist.

DOMESTICATED DIVAS: Living the Healthy Life / Sripe & Yellow / Vanity Kit / Mind Bubbles / Something Purple / Em's Detour / Insights from the Grocery Cart / Living A'La Mode / Joy's In Life / Sheng's Simple Thoughts / Coriander Dreams / Gorgeous Traveller / A Traveller's Domain / Lemon Iced Tea / YOUR BLOG HERE

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MY ANSWER: Like Em, I just absolutely don't like doing the laundry! As In, the folding and stacking new clothes, sorting them out! I just am not that patient doing that. If I could just forever buy new clothes I probably would just so I don't have to do the laundry ever! I used to not like cooking, but I have matured a bit and learned the basics so I would trade laundry any and every day for a cooking chore! I am surviving life without household help, but given the chance to have a bit of help, I would be SO glad!

I am tagging Val, Crissy and Rhea!