Cross the road

Every day we are faced with cross roads. Whether these are high ways or alley ways, they are inevitable and one must pass through these to get to the destination - the goal.

Sometimes it feels great to pass through familiar territories, giving a sense of comfort knowing you've been there and have done that - at least once before. However, most of the time we are faced with unknown circumstances. As much as we'd like to move on with a straight face and armed confidence, we can't. We wish we could, but there are more risks when one's got other people involved. Calculated risks + the great freeway = Perfectly calculated destination and goal. If only it was that simple equation.

Taken on a winter morning - St Pat Churchill Sydney

How does one discern about the future? How does one plan for the future? All I can do now is plan in the best way possible I am able, and pray, then leave the rest to Him up there.

Blending In

Do you think it is a good thing to blend in, or does it take away something special from you?

I guess depending on the situation, it can really be a good thing.

For one, it can mean being comfortable with the environment, the people, the situation.

Blending in can mean you are standing out and shining at some of life's moments.

Is it easier to blend in or shine on your own?

Really, it's neither good or bad. It just how life is.
Sometimes you're one of them, and sometimes you bask in unique glory.
After all the best people that stand out are really the chameleons.
C'est la vie.

For a good cause

My company affiliation gives us one full day or money to give to a charity of our choice - annually. I have decided how to use this year's credits. I am thinking to find a charity that helps children in some way. There are lots of organisations that care for children, and I can name a few in a blink. Perhaps a charity that addresses children and hunger - so many starving children out there. Or maybe, one on children, vaccination and health. One thing that I could give to as well, would be towards children in the orphanage back in the Philippines. Surely these organisations in the Philippines are not well funded and need all the support they can get when possible. When I was still living there a decade ago, I remember visiting an orphanage for children of young and unwed mothers. The kids were very much excited about having visitors there, and they were longing to be given attention to and cared for. These children are the ones who need our help the most since they have no choice in the situation they were brought into in this world. The stage of life that they are in as well makes it very crucial - as it could set the pace for their lives well into adulthood. Being a parent has made me think this way and appreciate my own family circumstance - and try to give back to those who are in need the most. On another note, I've read about a New York non profit organization that touches people's lives through their art. I am sure which ever charity I choose to give my time or money to would appreciate this gesture.

Isn't it nice that our company gives back to the community and encourages it's employees and affiliates to do the same?

To cruise, or not to cruise

Ever since I can remember, I've been wanting to sail on the Voyager of the Seas!! They've got the Dreamworks experience - for the little girl and the big boy! When I went on the Radiance of the Seas cruise inspection (docked at Circular Quay) late last year we were told that the Voyager would be in Sydney for a season starting this November 2012.

"Radiance of the Seas" docked at Circular Quay

There is an overnight cruise Sampler on the 23rd of November and I am thinking whether we should splurge and go on it. Or, not! Especially since we are looking at heading back to Manila soon, we might be better of just keeping the moolah and spending it more wisely elsewhere. Having said that though, I am so very tempted!! I guess if there is a good travel agent rate then I won't resist!

The masterchef in me

This year I am a fan again, following the reality tv show contest nearly every day. If I cannot watch it then, I see to it that I've got it recorded to watch the following evening (to my daughter's excitement - she watches too).

This year, as was last year, and the year before that - has been a tough one. Literally quite draining physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually. Thus, our impending homecoming (hopefully soon) would bring a much needed rest for my small family. Admittedly, amidst all the challenges we faced as a family, my relationship with my husband has hit a plateau. There were days or weeks when we would just be too tired to relate to each other in a loving way. We didn't necessarily have to fight - but rather we'd just be simply exhausted. Having no one to rely on for that occasional breather, we just had to take turns 'breathing' or doing nothing. Some days required more effort than other days, and we have had to just wing it mostly. I'd say we are overdue to spend some real quality time together as a couple and just re-connect on a different level. At this point, we would rather relax at one or two cheap hotels in Medford for a few weekends than have to deal with household chores and the like. It would be really nice to not have to think about what to prepare for lunch and dinner, who would clean up the dishes, who would do the laundry and fold the clothes after. I can already feel my body tensing up just as I think about these chores.

Going back to my train of thought earlier about my following the reality tv show contest. I could just relate to what the contestant felt about wanting to win the running title of the show. At this very moment, and for the past couple of months, I'm just focused on getting to our goal as a family to move back to the Philippines for a year. Aside from the obvious comfort it will bring, we would get to spend time with our parents. Both sets of grandparents are just eager to spend more time with our daughter. My siblings and their kids are likewise looking forward to play dates and party celebrations which we could be a part of once again. There are just so much advantages for us. Thinking of this just makes me so much more focused on that goal. I would do whatever and everything I could possibly do to get there. I know I will, and I claim this to happen soon.

The travel destination of the year

Hawaii is booming again for the Australian tourist, and the local travel agents are feeling it! An airline is increasing its flights by adding more services from one of the Australian cities. Also, I for one, have been researching maui activities and booking my clients to Hawaii that I’ve got at least 15 clients visiting that state in the next 6 months. My guess is that amidst all the new destinations tourists are exploring, there is that time or market that just wants to visit a place within their comfort zone, safe haven – a tried and tested destination where millions of visitors have gone and left with happy memories no matter how cliché that is.

I am probably due a Hawaii visit soon. It has been ten years since I’ve set foot in paradise, and so the need to go back now. Coincidentally, I saw a film set in Hawaii last week. It showcased the gorgeous islands and ignited that traveller in me to book my next trip there.

The old thinking that it is an expensive place for honeymooners and rich people is old news. There are a range of hotels and resorts that cater to different markets nowadays. There are also a range of Hawaii activities that does not have to be expensive. In my opinion, Hawaii has a lot to offer different types of tourists. Tourists who want the luxury to cruise on a yacht through the islands, or the ones who came to enjoy free access to beach and laze around for weeks. I know what I would find myself doing there .. nothing! Truly, a seascape such as what they have, must be captured by doing nothing and enjoy doing nothing. It is paradise in all its glory – sea, mountains, good food, good fun, good beach. That is life!

Let's go home

So again, I am dreaming and thinking if we'd be spending Christmas with the whole family in Manila this year. And next year. And the year after. Yes. Really...

It's been years and years that hubby and I have been talking about in circles whether we should head home. Finally, we've decided we will. But whether that will happen soon as in by end of the year, we'll see. It could be next year. The good thing is that we've agreed that it is best. At least to live in Manila for a year or two. Just like an expat on an assignment.

We've been pushing our numbers and drafting a plan, and we should really go full speed mode if we want to have a tropical Christmas.

There were lots of considerations for us in coming up with a decision to move back. Money was one of them, and family relationships a big factor too. We've come across stories from our friends and acquaintance (and even strangers) moving back to the Philippines for a number of reasons, and one compelling reason being family.

With the global migration happening in all cities of the world, families are torn apart. Relationships stagnate at some point of the family life. Lucky for the ones who form new adopted "families" in their new communities. However, not everyone experiences that, or in the right depth/level to fill the void.

With our impending move, as much as we are keeping our options open, we are also still wanting to keep the ties we have here - somehow. After all, we could find ourselves moving back to Sydney at some point. Or not. At the moment, anything is possible.

For now, I am Manila dreaming. Hopefully to set foot home soon!

The beach and the theme park

Having been so busy working lately, and with the winter chill looming, I’ve been wanting so much to head to the beach. Somewhere warm like the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach hotel, this is right smack on the beach. Dreaming of warm weather, sunshine and sand on my feet which is surely something my little family could use right now. We are freezing in Sydney and with a much needed quality time away, a getaway would be perfect.

The other day I dream of my good friend who lives in sunny Florida, and what better time to be able to visit this Fort Lauderdale beachhotel. If only we could. Perhaps head off on a couple of nights cruising in the Caribbean would be good too!! I am currently working on a quote for a family doing the Bahamas and the Caribbean for 7 magical nights. I am so jealous now!!

Being the weekend that it is now, I am tempted to just wake hubby and the little girl and invite them to go on a long joy ride up to the beach. However, since it is winter, it might not be a great idea. What good is it to have freezing breeze on your face? Especially with this crazy winter snap. The only consolation would be the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. Hmm. Perhaps we should just have a lazy day in? Oh no!!

I should probably just go back dreaming about our Florida getaway. Perhaps that would attract warm weather vibes (I can dream). I am also getting ahead of myself now and thinking about everything else we could do down there – Disney World, Kennedy Space Shuttle, visit my other friend at West Palm Beach, laze around Miami beach. I think Disney World would be quite nice and enjoyable for my 2 year old and my 33 year old. The last time I was at Disney World with my siblings was more than 10 years ago. I think it is about time to head back and re-live that moment and be a kid again. Which now gives me another idea lurking – I want to go visit a theme park now (again with the idea of warm weather strolling around the park)! 

Love and many Brochures

I love travel brochures. Hard copy brochures, and not e-brochures.
For some reason I end up with a lot of them each time I pass by a brochure wall. Whether I need them or not - I want them!! Hehehe! (Hoarder alert). Over the years I've managed to keep the best ones, one of a kind ones, from everywhere. And whenever I have to part with one ( involuntarily), I do so with a heavy heart - no joke!

So looking at this wall makes me itchy to plan a tour, getaway, trip somewhere. And what better way to pass time now that my dear good friend and her family are visiting my family in Sydney - in July!! (They don't have visas yet, but I am praying!)

"Love and many brochures" Photo taken by me - Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise

So, that brings me to planning a getaway! I am so excited, I can think of a number of places to take our first time Oz visitors! I should post about my must-sees in Sydney!! I can't believe I haven't collated a list yet here (silly me).

A new chapter..

Somehow change is good. It keeps me on my toes. It's been quite a long while that I've kept within my comfort zone, somehow. Now, it's back to the grind. Strict routine, day in and day out. Not bad, I'd say. Just a far cry from what I've gotten used to.

Sometimes the situation will force change upon you, and sometimes it's a result of voluntary efforts. Either way, what can possibly make you stronger ... will make you stronger. So there it is! Bring it on, change!!

How do you cope with change? I've been asked this a few times in the past couple of months.. and I say I handle it pretty well. After all, I've been through so many changes in my life. I've moved and changed my lifestyle when I migrated to Australia. I've adjusted and changed my lifestyle when I started a family and had a baby. Life is constantly presenting opportunities to change what one has been used to.

Posting a crab photo from my camera - taken at Moreton Island, QLD - just because I want to post a photo :) 

C'est la vie.

Footprints

We all leave footprints
In each others' lives
Some footprints linger on
Some get washed away
By the rain
But
Footprints etched
In your heart

"Hearts" - Taken at Moreton Island, QLD

Stay forever.