I was this close to...

...Joining the urban challenge : Sydney City Chase!

It would have been a fun event this month, but then my partner backed out... Oh well! Must not have been meant to be.. We may have to eat live insects (last year's competition they made participants eat worms and crickets)!! The competition is a cross between Amazing Race, Fear Factor and Survivor, all rolled into one game.

It would have been nice though to try this at least once in my life. Maybe next year!! I'd get my teammate to sign a contract with me! Haha!! Anyone willing to volunteer?

New York and Fashion

New York has always been equivalent to fashion central. And by that, people who are serious about fashion go and study everything about fashion. And where else would they go to do this? Of course, New York. I know of a couple of fashion frenzy friends from Manila who've actually searched for a fashion school in New York on the internet. And soon thereafter were living their dream in the urban NYC lifestyle revolving around fashion, fashion and more fashion. I was updated by them everytime they would come accross a good New York fashion school.

So for one who's got their eyes and mindset to find the best New York fashion schools the internet is a great way to start your research. Information that's so easy to access, with one click all the fashion schools new york would be at your fingertips. Listed and ready for you to choose one. Gone are the days when one would have to send letters to different schools just to find out what courses they offer at how much, and the school would have to send an information pack to you. Now, everything is online. If i was not in the Travel Industry, I would have considered being in the Fashion Industry, and researching my way to finding a good New York fashion school! Maybe one day if I were to do a career change this will be useful to me.

Undomestic Goddess - Hope for the hopeless cook

Years ago when I was younger, you would only find me in the kitchen if I was tasting what our helper was cooking, or if I was rummaging through the fridge to find something to eat, if I was frying hotdog or Spam, or if I was in Home Economics class, pretending to cook (well I had classmates to cover for me)!

Over the years, even through University things stayed that way. I guess I never really found the necessity nor the urgency to hold a laddle and a pan. I had people around me cooking for me. I was happy with what they cooked up otherwise I'd resort to my hotdog or Spam. I was so bad at cooking that one time for a Christmas party (where we had to bring something we did ourselves) I opted to do Macaroni salad. From Scratch. I ended up with a big blob of pasta. Why? I didn't know that I had to put the pasta into boiling water. I placed the pasta immediately after I put cold water on the stove. Naturally the pasta bits clumped with each other. It was a disaster I was sort of ashamed of this because even my little sister knew that you put pasta IN when the water started to boil. Oh well. Now I know...

So, after University I moved on to do further studies in Sydney. I lived with a family who cooked. This time I had to make an effort because I was living with people I had no relations with. I helped out in the kitchen. I would volunteer to chop the veggies, clear the table and do the dishes, as well as provide a listening ear to the designated cook of the night, hearing out their stories about heartaches/or love as well as other daily or special life stories. Nevertheless, once in a while I still opted to use the pan but only to cook Spam. (I know, pathetic).

And then, one day... I just felt something change in me. I actually wanted to learn to cook. Not just heat things up, or pour mix over chicken. I took up Culinary for about two months. Lessons I did at night, every single weekday during that period. I would not skip any of my classes (well one night's lesson costed about $80 per day!Burned my pocket!). To think I would have already had a long day at work ending at 530pm, I'd rush to my Culinary Class at 6pm. We would normally end class at 9pm with dinner at hand, whatever we cooked that night. Looking back now, I cannot imagine having done that. At all. What a rigid schedule, but I survived! And somehow, I've learned a few things. Not everything, as practice really just makes one better. And I could only learn some more things in time.

My culinary class sparked that interest to learn about this great thing called COOKING. I may never be the best Cook ever. But at least now I am eager to learn. And eager to try something new. Sure I have my bad days where I would just feel frustrated with how my dish turned out to be. But the next day, I still try again. Try again with the same zest and excitement if not more than the previous day's.

Now, even after coming home from work at about 6PM, I still cook. I enjoy whipping up a pasta dish, with the works (meatballs, basil, mushrooms, mozarella, garlic bread, coke, etc). So far, I can do : Adobo, Sinigang, Chicken Parmigiana, Rosemary Honeyglazed chicken, Spareribs, Longganisa, Paksiw, to name a few..)

Sometimes I have dinner at 9pm. But the wait is oftentimes worth it.

There are times I when I still just crank the Corned Beef can open and fry eggs. But then, of course I had a long day at work.

That day isn't today. I did a 2hour oven baked Aussie Pork Ribs. Yum.. Worth the wait! Now I just have to think about tomorrow night's meal.

Cupcake Mania

If you think cupcake mania's just in Manila, you are mistaken! It is everywhere! Even in Sydney. I have come across Cupcakes on Pitt more than a year ago, while I was training for my current job, one of the trainor/speakers have brought in these yummy goodies! It was a very welcome break to our tired brains during training. The cupcakes were so cute that you would want to stare at it first before munching them in. So cute that from time to time, visitors at work would bring boxes of these to the office. A few times there was even our company logo on the goodies! How cool!

These cupcakes are guaranteed fresh on the day, and have no preservatives at all in their ingredients. These tempting treats are priced at A$2 each, which is not a bad price at all.

I heard on Valentines day this year the line actually extended all the way to Ted's Camera store next door! Cupcakes are the new Roses??

I can't wait to have my Manila friends who are visiting (soon), to try this! I guess Sonja's Cupcakes has competition. But then again, thats miles and miles away.

P.S. At one time I actually bought this game for my palm, which was Cake Mania, if you're into baking and cakes, this is quite an interesting and fun game! It's kept me up every night for a good few months!

Billboard and Signages

Isn't it amazing how creative some advertisers are. Using billboards as an advertising tool is quite an effective way to market a product or service. Imagine being stuck in traffic and have a billboard stare at you for a few minutes. Imagine being stuck in traffic every single day to and from work! That would be painful if billboards were not as interesting to look at. If they were dull and lifeless, waiting in traffic would be a pain.

Having said that, I find it enjoyable to look at catchy billboards. An advertisement which is different and eye appealing can go a long way. And some even, you remember for life! Seriously!

They even provide you with an option for a Billboard Connection - Billboard and Signage Franchise Opportunity . That is advantage, as they represent a broad number of clients. If I had a business, which I hope to start up soon, I would seriously look at this option. It's proven to be effective.

Thirty Nine Somethings

1. Can you name one person who made you laugh last night? My hubub
2. What were you doing at 0800? Dreaming!
3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Surfing the net
4. What happened to you in 2007? Travelled, Worked, Blogged, and other normal things.
5. What was the last thing you said out loud? I'm hungry.
6. How many beverages did you have today? Two. Water, Pepsi.
7. What color is your hairbrush? Bluish Gray
8. What was the last thing you paid for? Sandwhich roll.
9. Where were you last night? At home.
10. What color is your front door? White
11. Where do you keep your change? Ideally inside my purse. In a hurry : chuck it in my bag.
12. What the weather like today? Weird. A bit cool. A bit muggy and humid. A bit warm.
13. What the best ice-cream flavor? Caramel or Strawberry
14. What excites you? A travel book. New bag. Watching a travel show on tv/dvd. Planning my travel holiday. Warm days.
15. Do you want to cut your hair? Been meaning to. Just never got around doing it. Hopefully during my long break.
16. Are you over the age of 25? Physically, yes. Mentally, almost not quite.
17. Do you talk a lot? Only to people I am close to.
18. Do you watch the O.C.? Not one episode.
19. Do you know anyone named Steven? Nope.
20. Do you make up your own words? All the time. Ask hubub.
21. Are you a jealous person? Yes.
22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ? Allan
23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter K. Kersti
24. Who the first person on your received call list? Lilibeth
25. What does the last text message you received say? Just woke up.
26. Do you chew on your straw? No.
27. Do you have curly hair? Most of the time, yes.
28. Where the next place youe going to? Queensland.
29. Who the rudest person in your life? My former boss
30. What was the last thing you ate? Sandwich
31. Will you get married in the future? yes.
32. What the best movie youe seen in the past 2 weeks? The Brave One.
33. Is there anyone you like right now? I Like..
34. When was the last time you did the dishes? Yesterday
35. Are you currently depressed? No.
36. Did you cry today? No.
37. What are you looking forward to? My family coming over.
38. What's on your mind now. Too many to even start to type about. Energy Bill issues, My passengers' wedding group to Mexico, wanting a long holiday again, What to wear tomorrow.....
39. One liner that sums up your life now. Waiting.

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I couldn't wait to be part of Bloggerwave

If you maintain a blog most likely you have heard of the paidblogging bandwagon. And, if you're not part of it yet, then I suggest you do as it takes very little effort particularly if you are a passionate writer wannabee. Writing as you normally do about your interest can gain popularity for your blog and you can make money easily.

bloggerwave is aiming to be Europe's biggest blog advertising. I reckon it will not be long before they actually reach that status. Currently their name is known by most if not all bloggers. Wouldn't you want to be part of something big? I know I would. Well, I am already part of the Bloggerwave family anyway!

Grocery Things VS Real life Dilemmas

In the past year, I have actually taken joy in doing my grocery. I don't know why, but it has become a therapy of some sort. I can spend an hour easily just going through the aisles. And sometimes even going a second round through the aisles. (Really, sometimes it is sweeter the second time 'round.) Whether that be at Coles, or at Woolies, or the local IGA or Duffy Bros.

A simple decision becomes a complex one : 6 rolls toilet paper at $ 3.50 VS. 4 rolls at $ 2.50 ? Or, is it worth buying the Sweet Onion relish or the Tomato Caramelised onion (In this case, I bought both!). All these seemingly complex dilemmas are much preferred over the real dilemmas of life. Maybe that's why I enjoy grocery shopping nowadays. I would rather choose Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream VS. Caramel Ice Cream VS. Neapolitana Ice Cream. Wouldn't you prefer this as well?

What are the top 10 things that you usually buy from the supermarket? Mine's as follows:

1. Jasmine Rice - Koala Brand
2. Fruit Juice - Preferably : Apple Cranberry, Orange or Mango flavoured
3. Bread - White Thin Sliced
4. Cheese - Either individually wrapped, or blue cheese, or camembert
5. Chips - Sweet Chilli and Sour Cream Red Rock Deli
6. Diced or Stir Fry - Chicken, Beef or Pork
7. Eggs
8. Spaghetti Sauce
9. Asian Veggie Mix - Carrots, Cauliflower, Mushroom, Brocolli
10. Chocolate - Cadbury Fruit and Nut or B&G Almonds

Sydney Mardi Gras March 1, 2008

Went to the Mardi Gras Parade yesterday. It was such a colourful event! So many people came to watch this as it was Sydney's 30th Mardi Gras Anniversary!

Parties actually begun early in February! They say, the queer holds great parties. They have a pre-party, a party, an after-party and and after after party! We saw one last week during the meeting of the Royalty Ships. They had their pre-Mardi Gras Harbour party at the Botanic Gardens/Harbour area. They are a cool and fun bunch.

Warning: some photos show (too) much flesh.

For more fun and interesting photos click on my other site : Gorgeous Traveller's Mardi Gras and Lemon Iced Tea.

There's No "Us". Only "You" and "Me".

To Pinoys and Pinays out there. I received this in the mail a few years back. And suddenly I remembered it again. So true. And if you can relate to it, it will strike you deep. Happy reading!

Pseudo Relationships

Others call it MU or mutual understanding.

Pseudo-relationships.

Pseudo-boyfriends. Pseudo-girlfriends.

Flings. Almost like a relationship, but not quite.

It is a phase where the persons involved are more than friends, but not quite lovers.

Puwedeng may verbal agreement,puwedeng wala.

One or both of you may have admitted your feelings, possible ding hindi.

You just let your gestures do the talking for you.

Walang pormal na ligawan na nangyari. Hindi kayo mag-dyowa.

Pero sa kilos niyo, sa mga sinasabi niyo, parang kayo, pero hindi.

This kind of "relationship"can happen at different stagesfor different reasons.

It can happen after a break-up. You still love each other, and you want to be with each other but you broke up for a reason.

And for reasons that you alone know, ayaw niyo na muna magkabalikan.

It can also happen before a relationship, iyong pareho kayong nakikiramdam.

Possible din na ayaw niyo munang mag-seryoso kaya kunwa-kunwarian lang muna.

Testing lang. (tama ba un?!) Puwede ring hindi puwedeng maging kayo kasi isa sa inyo may ka-relasyon na.

Kaya habang hindi pa siyanakikipag-break doon sa boy/girl (sabi niya makikipag-break siya soonpero di naman niya ginagawa), wala muna kayong relasyonpara nga naman hindi siya nangangaliwakasi "hindi naman kayo.

"This pseudo-relationship stage, for a time, can be fun. Lalo na kung naghahanap ka lang naman ng "KALARO."

Pero huwag ka lang mag-e-expect na may patutunguhan kayo kasi wala talagang kasiguraduhan.

So bakit ang daming nagse-settle sa ganitong set up ganoong hindi naman sigurado kung may patutunguhan?

Iba't ibang dahilan. Puwedeng for fun lang. Puwedeng "buti na iyan kesa wala" or puwede na iyang "pantawid-gutom."

Meaning, habang wala pa iyong the real thing, doon muna sa kunwa-kunwarian.

For those who are not in a serious relationship, they would think that pseudo-relationship is better than no relationship at all.

It would be fun, if all you're after is that "kilig" feeling.

But then I learned that although it was only a pseudo-relationship, the emotions were real.

And usually, in this kind of set up, merong malulugi.."yung nainlove sa taong taken na.."

Una, you can't ask him/her to commit. Since it's not really a relationship,you can't demand commitment from your partner.

Ano ba kayo? You will always be uncertain about your role in his/her life.

You can't expect him/her to be always there with you. And if you feel jealous of the other boy/girl, you just have to keep it to yourself.

Ano ka ba niya para magselos? Pangalawa, what if you fall deeply in love with him/her?

You can't be sure if he/she feels the same way. Baka nag-a-assume ka lang na mahal ka rin niya.

Even if you are dying to tell him/her you love him/her, you can't.

Because you're not sure if he/she will like it. Baka mapahiya ka lang.

This stage will always make you wonder where you are in the relationship.

Or if there is a relationship at all. Pangatlo, what if you become attached too much?

What if you have invested all your emotions and this man/woman hasn't?

What if you remain faithful to him/her, not entertaining other guys/gals, only to find out that he/she is seeingother girls/boys?

Isa pang downside ng pseudo-relationships, it is fleeting.

When a disagreement sets in,or when one of you gets cold, then that would be the end of it.

Unlike in a serious relationship, hindi mo alam kung saan ka lulugar sa isang pseudo-relationship.

Wala kang pinanghahawakan. Kasi sa pseudo- relationship,

there is no "us." Meron lang "you and me,"hindi "us."