Today I came across this Facebook Page, the Balikbayan Route and once again I missed Manila noise! There are days I think I would like to live back home again. However hubby reminds me that if we move back we wouldn't have access to what the Aus government can offer. Quality of air isn't good (especially downtown), the lifestyle is different (Manila malls vs Sydney parks). And this is in addition to the other many things to consider..................
Ok, but I tell hubby we will live in the province (if Tagaytay and Cavite is considered one!) to avoid the chaos in Manila but at the same time still be within three (!!) hours drive. Why can't life be simple and have all my loved ones in one country. Let alone one city. Big sigh. Growing up and the facts of life.
At the end of the day, we strive to give the best to our children (current and future) and hope and pray that we are happy with most of our decisions so that the journey of life will be enjoyable. C'est la vie.
Now that I relatively have time in my hands, I need to learn to work smarter and not harder! I would love love to be able to be productive, earn more and at the same time not have to sacrifice family time with overtime senseless and purpose-less work!
I suppose these three lines should be my mantra.
1. Learn to say "no". I have to learn to choose my battles, learn to choose to use my time wisely and get rid of time wasters. Time is too precious to waste doing unimportant things.
2. Just eat the frog. I think I read somewhere about "just doing it" especially hard when we are avoiding to do something important because it is hard, or uncomfortable, or just stressful. But the more we avoid doing it, the more stressful it becomes. Just like stale food left in the fridge. Take it out the minute it is not edible. Otherwise it gets more rotten ~ more smelly and just gets even more icky to remove from the fridge.
3. More importantly, prioritise. Some things simply are not worth my time. Some tasks are senseless, leads nowhere, leaves me feeling unaccomplished even after completing it!
Ok, so I hope to achieve to work smarter and not harder, by following these mantras.
A long time ago my mom told me I was hyperactive, just like my dad who never sits still. I thought to myself that couldn't be. I am very calm, collected and reserved. But I guess, over the years I kind of understood what my mom meant. Like my dad, I am full of ideas, bursting with new thoughts, plans, activities, business ideas, ventures, and the list goes on... forever!
I cannot imagine the life of a person running out of ideas. Sure, I hit a dead end every once in a while. By choice I stop from thinking further, but really I sometimes think I am overflowing with new things to do, accomplish and create.
Sigh. And it is very tiring. Tiring not because the ideas are running out, but tiring because I feel I don't have time to do all of these. I am a thinker. And so as much as I would like to put it all into action, there are only 24 hours in a day. One step at a time, I would like to achieve as much of my ideas into something. Sometimes I wish I didn't have to sleep to avoid running out of time to DO! But of course I need sleep in order to function the next day! As a mum this is important of course for my family to thrive!
I have endless lists. Sometimes creating a list makes me feel good because I am made to believe that I would do this one day. Go through the list and just DO IT. If only I had the time!
So, yes I guess I am a hyperactive thinker. Give me a paper and pen and I can jot a whole note-full of thoughts, doodles, scribbles and ideas. My mum was right after all (aren't they almost always!)
If a beach getaway is your idea of a perfect vacation, you really can’t do better than Nassau Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Whether you’re looking for an exciting night out on the town, an intimate getaway, or a vacation spent lazing shoreside, this is the place to come.
Located on New Providence Island, Nassau is the most significant city in the Bahamas. It’s the largest city, the capital city, and the country’s commercial center. It’s also home to 70 percent of Bahamian people.
Nassau is beautiful, and not just because of its beaches. The city’s picturesque streets are lined with swaying palm trees and Colonial buildings with colorful facades. There are charming shops, and restaurants, pleasant parks and plenty of places to get lost and enjoy the scenery.
With a population of over 250,000 Nassau is a large, busy city, but it still maintains a laid-back vibe that makes it such an inviting place to get away from it all.
Culture
Much of the city’s relaxing atmosphere has to do with its white sand beaches, impossibly blue water and continuous ocean breezes. But just as much of it has to do with its inhabitants. Bahamians are laid-back, friendly people who love good food and good music and know how to celebrate life. Holidays and street festivals are common occurrences in the Bahamas, and celebrations of everyday events—such as a wedding—can last for days.
Nassau has a rich, complex heritage, which is evident throughout the city. From its architecture, to its art and music scene, to its cuisine, the influences of Spanish, English, American and West African cultures can be seen, heard, felt and tasted everywhere—it can be almost impossible to take everything in on one visit.
History
Nassau’s long and complex history makes it incredibly alluring for history buffs. The Bahamas were Columbus’s first stop in the New World. He claimed the islands for Spain, but, finding no gold, he left for shinier pastures. The islands eventually fell into British hands, and remained a British colony until the 1800s. Although they declared independence, the Bahamas have remained a British Commonwealth, and are still closely associated with England and the monarchy.
Fun facts about Nassau’s history are practically endless. This was a hideout for pirates, bandits, and others who were looking to exit the world stage. It was playground of major political players, a place of shipwrecks and pirate raids, and a place to escape from war.
The famed pirate Blackbeard once declared himself magistrate of Nassau during the days of government-sanctioned piracy. King Edward VIII of England settled in the city when he abdicated his throne to be with his true love, and rumrunners smuggled alcohol to Southern states during Prohibition.
The first Africans who came to Nassau were freed slaves. After the Revolutionary War, British Loyalists from Southern states were given land in Nassau as reparation, and they brought their slaves. Slavery was abolished by England in 1834, and by that time, three-quarters of the Bahamian population were of West African descent.
Nassau’s layered history makes it much more than a simple Caribbean getaway, and there are many historical gems to be found here for those who are willing to look.
Climate
It’s warm in the Bahamas! There are no true seasons in Nassau. Some times of year are simply a bit cooler than others. During summer months the temperature climbs into the low 90s, and humidity is high. During winter and fall months, the temperature hovers in the mid-80s, and the air is cooler and drier.
Getting Around
Nassau only a short, 190-mile plane ride, ferry ride, or cruise trip away from Miami. The city’s physical proximity to the US is part of what has connected their history for centuries.
Getting around Nassau is easy—you can rent a car, travel by cab, or see the city on a motor scooter. You can also take one of many available guided tours.
Accommodations
Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodations. Whether you want to stay in a 5-star luxury resort, a private bungalow for two, or something in between, you’ll find the perfect place here.
Things to Do
Heritage Museum: This museum features an abundant collection of historical odd and ends and offers a thought-provoking look into the history of the Bahamas from the 1500s to the end of WWII. It’s a favorite stop among history buffs, and well worth the trip.
Blue Lagoon Island: Often called “the real Bahamas,” Blue Lagoon Island is a beautiful privately owned beach that’s perfect for family outings.
The Cloisters Nassau
The Cloisters Nassau is something of a hidden gem in Nassau, and offers visitors a chance to experience Old World European architecture in a serene subtropical setting. Built in the 1400s, these monastery ruins were brought from France, to the US, to Nassau. The architecture is a must-see, and the view of Nassau is incredible. This is an ideal place for a stroll, a picnic, or some quiet reflection.
Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Center
Ardastra’s natural setting makes visitors feel as though they are trekking through the jungle, rather than visiting a zoo. The gardens are lush and beautiful, and there are plenty of opportunities to see tropical wildlife up close in its natural habitat.
Sometimes you
wish strangers were a little bit more sensitive. But then again I guess that’s
how they are – strangers. They don’t know you. They don’t know your situation,
your life, what you are going through and what you’ve been through. Somehow you
wish they were just a little bit nicer though. They’re not. And as easy as it
is to say “move on”, it’s not any easier done.
I guess with
anything and every dealings we have online (or even offline), we put ourselves
out there. We open our inner most self and risk something. I chose not to reply
back to this certain person and stoop down to their level. I guess I just chose
to cut them off and prefer not to deal with them anymore. No need for
explanations otherwise I will just put myself out there again. It’s not like I lost anything. Better finding
out now than pursue a business relationship with someone that judgmental.
Whether you're going scuba diving in Cozumel or taking to the slopes in France, it's imperative that you plan ahead.
Listed below are the top items you should be packing before heading out on your next adventure.
Passport
This one may seem obvious, but you'd be shocked at just how many vacationers arrive at the airport only to realize that they remembered to bring 16 pairs of shoes but not their passport.
Due to more rigid traveling policies, traveling to anywhere outside the United States requires a passport. If you don't already have one, apply now: passport applications can take upwards of six weeks to process. And even if you do have a passport that hasn’t expired, you’ll probably need to renew it if the expiration date is close to your travel time: Some countries require your passport to stay valid for several months from date of entry.
Pocket Translator
If you're en route to a country where the natives do not speak English as their primary language, you'd do well to invest in a pocket translator. In their pages, you'll find enough phrases to help you order food at a restaurant, find the nearest bathroom or directions should you get lost.
Better yet, if you have a tablet or smartphone device, download a translation app. Just do it before you leave because you never know how strong a foreign country's Wi-fi signal might be.
Medicine
Should you be vacationing at a spot known to inhabit diseases local to the country, you're advised to receive a vaccination before leaving.
For everything else, from foreign food that you're body is not used to digesting, to everyday maladies like the common cold, pack medicine. Adventure travelers in particular are encouraged to also pack a first-aid kit, mild painkillers and hydrogen peroxide. Better to be safe than sorry.
Camera/Blog
The average American only gets to go away once or twice a year. Do yourself a favor and capture your overseas memories. Luckily, most modern phones come stocked with a built in camera and video recorder.
If you're feeling super ambitious, create a travel blog before you leave and update it while you're away. Or use Facebook like Bob Corsini has, so your friends and family can keep in contact with you, without necessarily having to call you everyday. You may even gain a following.
Money...the Right Kind
One of the costliest mistakes travelers make is that they wait until they're at the airport's travel exchange to convert their currency. Most U.S. banks provide the same services at a significantly lower rate.
Should you forget to convert, consider withdrawing funds from an ATM. Just be sure to find one that offers free withdrawals.
Contact Information
In the event that your wallet or purse gets stolen, you will no longer have access to your credit card company's number. That is, unless you wrote it down somewhere.
Before you leave on vacation, take five minutes and write down every customer service number you don't already have memorized. It could mean the difference between a minor annoyance and complete disaster.
Better yet, jot down the digits of your closest family members too. Due to the convenience afforded by cell phones, most individuals rarely bother to memorize numbers anymore. This could come back to haunt you if you don't take proper precautions.
Next month my little family is scheduled to visit the GC! Gold Coast! It is for work, but it is always too good to combine business with pleasure. Maybe a visit to the Theme Parks (little B and hubby haven't been) and also a visit to family is in order.
I am eyeing the great Mantra Hotel Sale (ends 28 July 2014 by 10 AM!)- and they have a number of Gold Coast properties to choose from!!! Too many to choose from in my opinion (but choice is always welcome!). (This isn't a sponsored post!) I am just always excited to see sales on, especially if it involves nice hotels and a potential trip for me.
I haven't been to the Gold Coast at winter, but I am guessing weather should be nice and warm. Having said that though I am still looking at an indoor pool - just in case it gets cold. Hubby and B could swim while I work. The Mantra Crown Towers it might be - they have both indoor and outdoor heated pools among other things. Hopefully the room is still available when I finalise the trip on the weekend!
I read somewhere that Trapper Keeper (by Mead) is making a comeback as a Snapper Keeper! This brought memories of my school days.. wanting a Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper and finally getting one - since everyone in my class was using this binder to keep class notes in. I remember having this particular one (see below) where I inserted different photos and handwritten notes on the plastic covering. Of course everyone else was doing this too (something to differentiate our binders- lest they all look the same!).
Now this is what the 'new generation' have. Instead of velcros - a button! I think the velcro one is better (and way more cool)!
I guess since my old Trapper Keeper is considered vintage says a lot about my generation - or how old we are now! To go back down memory lane, here is an album that I'm sure you would have had or know someone who had one : Vintage Trapper Keeper.
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!!
I am giddy and excited about Peninsula Paris opening in August 2014! I have always believed in the brand and I am sure there are fans out there waiting for this grand opening - which is the first Peninsula hotel in Europe. For many years the Peninsula has managed to preserve the luxury brand and keep that high level of quality in each of their hotels. Growing up in Manila, where Peninsula maintains one hotel, I am always transported to another world every time I enter their grand lobby to attend a wedding or another celebration.
I have read that for the BIG inauguration, other Peninsula properties are celebrating it French style. The luxurious Peninsula Hong Kong will be having a "Moet & Spa" package which includes a heavenly spa treatment. While the Peninsula New York will be showing some classic French films on the hotel rooftop.
The magnificent Rolls Royce at the Peninsula Hong Kong (hongkong.peninsula.com)
If Peninsula can make our four legged furry friends feel special, what more US !! (Yes, they have special packages to cater to our pets at the NYC Peninsula).
Peninsula New York grand staircase (newyork.peninsula.com)
Time is always lost, spent, wasted or just never enough. Of course, I know that's not true - we all have 24 hours in a day and time management is always the key.
I am finding that it is a constant choice between our many priorities in life. Really it is about simple living. Choosing to 'spend' time on what is important to us. When one is single it is not a hard choice - it all is about me, me and me. And what I want. Time seems to be abundant when we are single.
However, this changes when we have a partner, and when one has a child - and all the more if one has child-ren. It will be a struggle to find time to do things that I need to do, what more find 'me' time.
What is your me time about? If I had my way and if I had 'spare' time in my hands I would love to:
1. Sleep more!!
2. Write more often. Blog more often. Journal my thoughts, feelings and experiences.
3. Organise my past 5 years! I have slacked organising my files, pictures and other stuff. I have also a half empty scrapbook which I've been wanting to do ever since.
4. Bake more often & learn to cook proper dishes.
5. Catch up with friends more often.
6. Exercise.
7. Travel with friends. (ok, this will probably take more time than I need or am ready to take)
8. Read books.
9. Learn something new or take up a new hobby. It has been a while after all since I last took up a course/skill randomly.
10. Have a massage. My ultimate 'me time' indulgence.
If you are like me, half of the time where I find myself with spare time - I end up not doing anything!! I guess because "me times" are rare and so when it happens I am overwhelmed the number of choices to do!
Photo from : http://mamascouts.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/how-to-find-time-space-to-write.html
