Useless Thoughts

First Post of the Year

2009-04-21T15:14:00.003+10:00

It's now almost the end of April and I have only found the time to write. So many thing has happened and I wanted to write a year end review. Unfortunately, I did not get that chance due to stress at work and preparing for my holiday.
I spent New Year in Boracay with friends and most of my holiday in Manila. I was able to see some of my friends, unfortunately not all of them. I was also able to attend my friend's wedding before I flew back to Brisbane. It was straight to work for me. No time to regroup actually. It was a bit of a shock to be back at work so soon, but it was also good because i got less time to be sad about being back. Also, work was piled up and it took me a month to catch up completely.
When I caught up and thought that I could have a breather, elections were called and it was a crazy month of campaigns. The election for Premier was done last March 21 and now I have to catch up on my CPA reading. My test is on April 30 and I'm still not done with the readings. I'm near state of panic and yet I'm not doing what I'm supposed to when I should.
This is the short update that I have. Seems a little sad that work domintaes my life at the moment. I do try to catch up with friends.
During the Holy week break I went up to the Sunshine Coast to catch up with friends who just moved there. The drive on the way there took me two and a half hours due to traffic. It was reminiscent of my driving days in Manila where going to Batangas would take so long from EDSA.We watched "Australia " and "Night at the Museum" on DVD. Both movies were okay. Which is good because I expected to hate both movies. I also met up with my friend from the Gold Coast when I drove back to Brisbane. Then I caught up with L and D for a girl's night out. Then I was able to play a bit of Rock Band with the boys. We watched "Watchmen" last Friday - I did like the movie. I'm also into watching Big Bang Theory. I highly recommend this show for a bit of fun. The other TV show I enjoy is "Lie to Me", it's a bit like House but in the world of crime.
That's my quick update for now.

Museum

2008-12-09T14:45:00.002+10:00

We went to Bundaberg last Sunday for the opening of the museum. It's about 420 km one way. We left the office at 5 am and got there at about 1030 (there was about an hour beak in between). Here are some photos of the museum. It was an amazing piece of work. Especially considering the near disasters we had behind the scenes. We headed back at about 2pm and got back at 7. We stopped in Bambooland on the way back which was a nice place to visit. I don't think I've seen so many different kinds of bamboo in one place.
All in all it was a very long, tiring day. It was a good trip all together but I don't think I would ever want to do it again.

4 months

2008-11-26T09:56:00.004+10:00

It's been four months since my last post. It may seem like a long time but it all just went by in a blur. To recap:
August was full of birthday celebrations. L and M's birthday was of course the most celebrated since there was a joint dinner. All my other friends were just greeted by text or phone call. There were a lot of movies watched as well. I will talk about that later in another post.
September was hectic as I recall. I started acupuncture treatments to help with my mental and physical well being. There was a flurry of activities and studying procrastination going on as well. Work was starting to get busy, 10 times more than usual. When work gets busy everything in my life starts to fall away. Because I was aware of that, I made a conscious effort to not let it happen. The end result was near breakdown.
I went to Melbourne in October to meet up with my friend S from HongKong and see her baby. It was great to see her and spend sometime with the baby. Although he will not remember, I'm glad to have been able to play with him. From that time, it was frantic studying for my exam. That happened on Oct 28 and the results will come out in December. I also got a second job somewhere in the middle of all that. I'm still doing accounts for this other guy every weekend and some week nights.
November was spent Christmas shopping and reading books. Basically just relaxing and catching up with household chores. I can't believe I accumulated 4 loads of laundry (not including bedsheets and towels). Work is very busy as well due to the museum that we are doing in Bundaberg. Here are some links: http://www.hinklerhallofaviation.com and http://www.toadshow.com.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=565. It's about the pioneer aviator from Bundaberg, Bert Hinkler.
December will be an exciting month. I will get my test results in the first week of December and we are driving to Bundaberg for the museum opening on Dec 7. We are watching Cirque du Soleil on Dec 19 and that would be the last day of work as well. I will probably be doing some work on Dec 22-24, fixing things up before I go on my month long holiday. I'm really looking forward to this break and seeing everyone (at least I hope to see everyone).

In the Office on a Saturday

2008-07-26T11:57:00.002+10:00

It's now 12 noon and I'm in the office. I got here about 20 minutes ago and I'm chatting with my friend Dyanne. It's been awhile since we've talked. I'm here to do some work while waiting for my friends. There's a Picasso collection going on at the Gallery of Modern Art and we were all supposed to see it together. However, it became an office outing as well so I decided not to see it twice and waste money. I will be joining them for high tea in about 2 hours. Which really means I have to do some work and catch up with backlog. It's been a busy couple of months. There is of course the end of financial year rush. Having to deal with three separate companies, all different kinds it takes awhile to finalize things. Then of course there's the day to day stuff that can't be ignored as well.
I was also preoccupied with getting a Wii console and Wii fit. Which meant I had to organize my place so that I could play in my unit which is tiny. Materials for my new course for CPA has arrived as well so that will occupy my time for the next few months. I will again be stressed and going out of my mind with anxiety in October. But that problem is still far away and I really should not be thinking about it. The good thing is that this is the second to last course. After May next year I will be a fully qualified CPA. I can't wait to end all the studying and take a break.
Anyway, I really have to go and do what I came here to do.

It's been awhile

2008-06-18T16:47:00.002+10:00

It's been two months and a couple of weeks since my last blog. I haven't really had the time or the inclination to write. I got caught up with the work, the studying and the everyday routine of life. Everyday seems to be the same and not.
The general feeling of impatience permeates everything I do. I'm impatient to go on a holiday, impatient to get the year over, impatient to get my CPA degree, impatient for people to make up their minds, impatient for me to make up MY mind... this list can go on forever.
However, I still try to find pleasure in the little things. The smell of rain, the taste of a really good meal, the sight of the ocean, the touch of affection that comes from loved ones, the thought that everyday I wake up is a day closer that I can go on home. These are the things that keep me going and keeps the impatience at bay.

Updates:
April - was full of medical tests and stuff that is too complicated to write about. I want to thank all my friends who prayed for me and wished me well. I was also busy studying for the test that was going to happen in the first week of May. These two major things took control of my life, which virtually made April the most stressful and annoying months of the year.
May - disappointing and somewhat hurtful events happened. I suppose having an emotional breakdown is called for every now and again.
June - I HATE POSSUMS!!!!! This deceptively cute-looking animal has made me cry. I can't bear to kill it but I couldn't take the fact that it was getting into my house either. My skin crawls every time I think about it. I had to resort to female tactics and made someone else take care of the problem. I got my test results back and I passed (I really doubted that it would happen)! This first half of June was not bad. I hope the second half will be better.

Top 100

2008-03-28T11:09:00.003+10:00

I saw this on Eric's blog and thought it would be fun to find out what songs were popular the year I was born. The internet is such a fountain of information. Well, here is what I found and I'm glad to say I know some of the songs (the ones I know are in bold letters). I was a bit confused with some of the titles though, I believe there are songs by other artists with the same titles or remakes. I had to research on some of them and find out if what I thought I knew was right.

Top 100 Songs of 1979
1. My Sharona, The Knack
2. Bad Girls, Donna Summer
3. Le Freak, Chic
4. Da Ya Think I'm Sexy, Rod Stewart
5. Reunited, Peaches and Herb
6. I Will Survive, Gloria Gaynor
7. Hot Stuff, Donna Summer
8. Y.M.C.A., Village People
9. Ring My Bell, Anita Ward
10. Sad Eyes, Robert John
11. Too Much Heaven, Bee Gees
12. MacArthur Park, Donna Summer
13. When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman, Dr. Hook
14. Makin' It, David Naughton
15. Fire, Pointer Sisters - remake by Babyface
16. Tragedy, Bee Gees
17. A Little More Love, Olivia Newton-John
18. Heart Of Glass, Blondie
19. What A Fool Believes, Doobie Brothers
20. Good Times, Chic
21. You Don't Bring Me Flowers, Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond
22. Knock On Wood, Amii Stewart
23. Stumblin' In, Suzi Quatro and Chris Norman
24. Lead Me On, Maxine Nightingale
25. Shake Your Body, Jacksons
26. Don't Cry Out Loud, Melissa Manchester
27. The Logical Song, Supertramp
28. My Life, Billy Joel
29. Just When I Needed You Most, Randy Vanwarmer
30. You Can't Change That, Raydio
31. Shake Your Groove Thing, Peaches and Herb
32. I'll Never Love This Way Again, Dionne Warwick
33. Love You Inside Out, Bee Gees
34. I Want You To Want Me, Cheap Trick - remake
35. The Main Event (Fight), Barbra Streisand
36. Mama Can't Buy You Love, Elton John
37. I Was Made For Dancin', Leif Garrett
38. After The Love Has Gone, Earth, Wind and Fire
39. Heaven Knows, Donna Summer and Brooklyn Dreams
40. The Gambler, Kenny Rogers
41. Lotta Love, Nicolette Larson
42. Lady, Little River Band
43. Heaven Must Have Sent You, Bonnie Pointer
44. Hold The Line, Toto
45. He's The Greatest Dancer, Sister Sledge
46. Sharing The Night Together, Dr. Hook
47. She Believes In Me, Kenny Rogers
48. In The Navy, Village People
49. Music Box Dancer, Frank Mills
50. The Devil Went Down To Georgia, Charlie Daniels Band
51. Gold, John Stewart
52. Goodnight Tonight, Wings
53. We Are Family, Sister Sledge
54. Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy, Bad Company
55. Every 1's A Winner, Hot Chocolate
56. Take Me Home, Cher
57. Boogie Wonderland, Earth, Wind and Fire
58. (Our Love) Don't Throw It All Away, Andy Gibb - i know the Bee Gees version
59. What You Won't Do For Love, Bobby Caldwell
60. New York Groove, Ace Frehley
61. Sultans Of Swing, Dire Straits
62. I Want Your Love, Chic
63. Chuck E's In Love, Rickie Lee Jones
64. I Love The Night Life, Alicia Bridges
65. Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now, McFadden and Whitehead
66. Lonesome Loser, Little River Band
67. Renegade, Styx
68. Love Is The Answer, England Dan and John Ford Coley
69. Got To Be Real, Cheryl Lynn
70. Born To Be Alive, Patrick Hernandez
71. Shine A Little Love, Electric Light Orchestra
72. I Just Fall In Love Again, Anne Murray
73. Shake It, Ian Matthews
74. I Was Made For Lovin' You, Kiss
75. I Just Wanna Stop, Gino Vannelli
76. Disco Nights, G.Q.
77. Ooh Baby Baby, Linda Ronstadt
78. September, Earth, Wind and Fire
79. Time Passages, Al Stewart
80. Rise, Herb Alpert
81. Don't Bring Me Down, Electric Light Orchestra
82. Promises, Eric Clapton
83. Get Used To It, Roger Voudouris
84. How Much I Feel, Ambrosia
85. Suspicions, Eddie Rabbitt
86. You Take My Breath Away, Rex Smith
87. How You Gonna See Me Now, Alice Cooper
88. Double Vision, Foreigner
89. Every Time I Think Of You, Babys
90. I Got My Mind Made Up, Instant Funk
91. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, Michael Jackson
92. Bad Case Of Lovin' You, Robert Palmer
93. Somewhere In The Night, Barry Manilow
94. We've Got Tonite, Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band
95. Dance The Night Away, Van Halen
96. Dancing Shoes, Nigel Olsson
97. The Boss, Diana Ross
98. Sail On, Commodores
99. I Do Love You, G.Q.
100. Strange Way, Firefall

Happy Chinese New Year

2008-02-07T10:05:00.000+10:00

I was going to write something the first week of January but got caught up with things I had to do that I never got to post something.
Updates for January -
New year was quiet, I didn't really celebrate it. My friends and I watched "P.S. I Love You on Dec 31 afternoon and got tired that by about 10pm we were all ready to go to sleep. January 1 was pretty uneventful as well. Just resting, reading and pretty much enjoying the last week of my holiday. January 5, I celebrated my birthday early with Loren, Dorothy, John, Billy, Mark and Marx. We had dinner out and went clubbing, which I haven't done in awhile. It was a great night and we really enjoyed the change. We normally just hang out in L's place after having dinner out so going out after dinner and drinking (only a little) was refreshing. The next day I had dinner out with Evelyn, Girlie, Josiah and Bruce. Monday, my actual birthday, was back to work day but we had afternoon tea here at work. Everyone was just catching up and having a slow back to work mode day. I had dinner out with D that evening and that concludes my birthday celebration.
The week after that was moving week (Jan 18). I have moved and I am now living in a one bedroom flat by myself. I will take pictures and post it here once everything is fixed. I still need to buy a couch and a small table. It's weird being alone - I feel happy and sad about it. I'm closer to work (10 minutes without traffic) and closer to my friends (5 minutes to Dot's house and 8 minutes to L's house). I need to clean less, but the small space needs a bit of getting used to. I feel cramped and suffocated at times. I think I will move again in a year or so, this place is not "it" yet. The rent is much higher than what I'm used to, so my finances will need a bit of rearranging. Moving is so expensive! Ii will take awhile to recover.
Jan 21 I bumped my car. Nothing major, just a little kiss of my front bumper with someone's rear bumper. That's going to cost money as well to claim with my insurance, etc. etc.
The week after (Jan 26) was my oath taking for citizenship. I am now officially an Australian citizen. I would still need to apply for dual citizenship but maybe later on when I've settled down a bit. That was the day my friends bought me my birthday presents as well. I had to be with them to try the shoes and pants that was on my wish list. Originally, I wanted tyres for my car as a present, but I still didn't need it so pants and shoes it was.
Work is very hectic. We are in the middle of another election campaign, this time for Brisbane City Council. I will get to exercise my voting rights for the first time this March. Also, my new accounting subject has come in I will need to study for that. Exams are in May. The museum (Hinkler Hall of Aviation) that we were commissioned to build exhibits for will open by the end of this year as well and everything and everyone is hectic in our multimedia department.
Whew! That was a long post! Writing about it has made me realize how tired I am and that I need to recover from the month that passed so quickly that I was surprised that it was February already.
L, M, M and B are now in Manila. I so envy them! I wish I was on holidays too. I have to wait till the end of the year for that. Anyway, Happy Chinese New Year to everyone! I hope the Year of the Rat will be good for all of us.

Holidays 2007

2007-12-19T14:25:00.000+10:00

It's almost Christmas. How the year went by and yet these few days seem to be crawling at a turtle's pace. Almost everyone in the office is feeling restless. Being cooped up when the break is two days away seems like torture for the mind.
Anyway, I've done my Christmas shopping and wrapped them last weekend. It made me really proud of myself since that was the earliest I finished ever! I's usually still scrambling around until Dec 24. I guess giving to less people is a bonus as well. It's easy on the mind and the pocket. My friends and I also wrote wish lists to make the present buying hassle-free.
The thing that's really on my mind is looking for a place to live. It's really not easy in a competitive market. I hope I get the one I applied for yesterday. There were like 4 of us applying I think.
Well, I just want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It will be highly unlikely for me to be able to write until January 7 (the day we get back to work).
Take care everyone! Be safe, happy and healthy!

November

2007-11-27T10:02:00.001+10:00

It has been a month since my last post. And what a month it has been...
The election is finally over and the office is quiet. The Labor party won and Australia has a new leader. It will be interesting to find out how the economy will fare under Kevin Rudd's leadership. I kind of feel sorry for John Howard, he was a good prime minister. Australia flourished under his rule and hopefully that will continue.
Christmas is near and with that there has been a series of break-ins in my area including my car. I know it's my fault that I left my purse inside, that's why it was stolen. The side window of my car was shattered and I had to replace it. It felt very surreal as I was cancelling my credit cards and cleaning my car. I guess all these things can happen anywhere, regardless of country. Now, I use a really small bag and carry it with me wherever I go.
I will be moving house again next year around January. This time I'm hoping that I can live by myself. The price of rental units is just crazy. I really won't be able to choose from much. Oh well, I have to start somewhere I guess.
Other parts of my life are still the same but I'm thinking of changing that sometime. I just don't know if it will be soon.
That's all for this month. Hopefully, life becomes more exciting in a good way....

Stress is over

2007-10-29T16:07:00.000+10:00

I took my third module exam for CPA last October 25. The weeks leading up to that exam was really stressful, the days didn't seem enough to accomodate all the things I needed to do. There was work, study, exercise, errands, laundry, cook, etc. Everything was a blur. My work actually suffered a bit because I was forgetting to do things and my concentration was really poor. Now I'm catching up and putting things in order. I feel a bit settled now (until the next semester!).
The federal election is about a month away and we are hoping that it would be good for the company. By December things would have calmed down and we would be preparing for our Christmas break. We get two weeks off again this year and I'm really looking forward to it. Friends and I are going to Coffs Harbour for a few days, then after that my good friend Shaui is coming over to visit. I'm so excited!
That's my update for now. I'm really not in the mood to write much. Just wanting to let people know that I'm still okay here in OZ.

Cath's Wedding August 2007

2007-10-07T19:31:00.000+10:00

Melbourne Trip June 2007

2007-10-07T19:27:00.000+10:00

Time Flies....

2007-09-24T15:16:00.000+10:00

Time flies by really quickly when you're busy. I have been meaning to write something the past few weeks but have always been too busy or too tired to actually do anything.

Here's a recap of what has happened in August and September.
August is the time for a lot of birthdays. Loren and Marx's birthdays are in August. My friends overseas Oona, Elena, Karen, Maki, Pie and Shaui also. Speaking of Pie, she got engaged last week (Congratulations!).
August 31 was when my friend Cay and her family (10 of them all together) arrived in Australia. They stayed in the Gold Coast for 7 days and 8 days in Sydney. I took a week off work so that I can take them around here. That was really a special time for me, it's been awhile since I had that much people around me all the time. I also went to Sydney with them for a weekend, but unfortunately reality had to intrude and I had to go back to work.

September was also hectic with work. I also had to study but didn't get much time to do so. My exams are on Oct 25 and I'm way behind on my readings. I have to really get my act together if I want to pass this test. Actually, I should be studying now but I'm too tired. My health hasn't been good. There was a flu bug that I caught 2 weeks ago and I'm still getting over it.

I really do want to write more but I can't really get my thoughts organized. I have posted pictures of the things that has happened these past few months. This is the only time I've really had to sit in front of my computer and put up those pictures. Only because I'm procastinating with my studying.

Quickie

2007-08-06T14:07:00.000+10:00

Really nothing much happening here. Work is a bit quiet, we're waiting for the election to be called. My CPA module has arrived so I have to start reading that. This is the third module I'm taking and I would have 3 more to go after. I'm hoping to finish it all by the end of next year, but it would all depend on my enthusiasm this semester. In order to finish by that time, I would have to enrol 2 modules next semester. As I have found out, my brain capacity is getting smaller as I get older. It's a bit difficult for me to concentrate at work, do my normal everyday stuff and then study. So studying for 2 tests at once would probably cause me a lot of stress. But I might go crazy and just want to get this over with as quickly as I can.
My love life is quiet. I did get a sort of marriage proposal from an ex but it's not something I'm taking seriously. The way he asked me and the reason behind it has me convinced that he's not really ready for that kind of commitment and frankly neither am I. I enjoy my freedom and my independence too much.
My friend Simone was here last week. This is her second visit this year. Thankfully she arrived on a weekend so we were able to go and see some tourist places. I'm hoping she gets at least two flights a year here to Brisbane so that we can see each other regularly.
I was able to speak with my friend Chris, whom I haven't spoken with in such a long time. He's always busy and hard to catch. We were supposed to talk again yesterday but I wasn't really up to it.
My friends and I watched an International Film Fest Movie last Saturday. It was a film based on a book by Ethan Hawke called "The Hottest State". It was surprisingly good. The main character William was endearing and funny. There were also moments where I just cringed at the things he did and I just wanted to say "Stop that!" but of course it's only a movie. :)
Yesterday was a crappy day. I couldn't keep anything down. Everything I ate, I threw up. I felt bad wasting food. I'm better now and just finished lunch which is thankfully staying down.
A friend of mine is getting married in 2 weeks. It's going to be a big wedding with a lot of people I don't know. At least Loren will be there so it won't be boring.

4 in the Morning

2007-07-19T16:19:00.000+10:00

I have this song by Gwen Stefani stuck in my head. Normally, when I hear songs that catches my ear I hum it all day for about a few days (remember "Never Knew Love Like This"?). I sing it over and over until I get sick of the song. Yesterday it was this song and I have probably heard it about 50 times since then. Another thing I do is that I look for the lyrics so that I can hum more than 2-3 lines. I must say that this song does not make a lot of sense. I get the gist of the whole story but that's it. So I decided to post the lyrics here and tell me what you think.

4 in the Morning - Gwen Stefani

Waking up to find another day
The moon got lost again last night
But now the sun has finally had its say
I guess I feel alright

But it hurts when I think
When I let it sink in
It's all over me
I'm lying here in the dark
I'm watching you sleep, it hurts a lot
& all I know is
You've got to give me everything
Nothing less cause
You know I give you all of me

[CHORUS]
I give you everything that I am
I'm handin' over everything that I've got
Cause I wanna have a really true love
Don't ever wanna have to go & give you up
Stay up till Four In The Morning & the tears are pouring
& I want to make it worth the fight
What have we been doing for all this time?
Baby if we're gonna do it, come on do it right

All I wanted was to know I'm safe
Don't want to lose the love I've found
Remember when you said that you would change
Don't let me down
It's not fair how you are
I can't be complete, can you give me more?
& all I know is
You got to give me everything
& nothing less cause
You know I give you all of me

[CHORUS]

Oh please, you know what I need
Save all your love up for me
We can't escape the love
Give me everything that you have

& all I know is
You got to give me everything
& nothing less cause
You know I give you all of me

5 Things in 5 years

2007-07-12T09:01:00.000+10:00

It was my 5 year anniversary in Australia last Tuesday. So I decided to list 5 important things in 5 categories that has happened to me in 5 years. (well i tried anyway).

1. Social - I've made 5 very good friends here. They keep me sane, active, chatty and happy. I would never have survived the past years without them. I'm still making friends now, but these 5 are for keeps.

2. Career - I finished my Masters degree in Accounting in 2003. Got a receptionist job in 2004, sold credit cards also in 2004, tax agent and bookkeeper in 2005 all in the Gold Coast. Got an accounts job here in Brisbane. I think I'll be staying here awhile - it's really fun, flexible and i'm appreciated here. i'm still doing my CPA qualifications and have 4 more subjects to go. that will take another 2 years or so.

3. Love life - hmmm...... this is a bit more complicated and harder to explain. There were some guys in the past 5 years: 1) A relationship that was good while it lasted. there was complete trust and sense of security. it was difficult to maintain a long distance relationship though. 2) i crashed and burned as i thought i would - don't want to think about it any longer. 3) a relationship that should never have happened but i let it anyway. he was there when i needed him and that made a lot of difference regardless of our circumstances. 4) something rekindled but probably not really fated to be. it was sweet, nice, comfortable and something that should not be regretted. it didn't work the first time, but i'm a bit stubborn and i just had to hit my head again. 5) the last one did not take, there was a good beginning but not enough to make me believe that it could work.

4. Material stuff - 5 major things I purchased with my hard earned money. Actually, I'm still paying off the first and second on the list - my car (i had a little help from my brother - traded in his car and got $3,000 from it), my trip home last 2005 (really worth it! of course i spent money on a lot of little things too), my laptop (HP Pavillion), multimedia player (i refuse to be part of the ipod craze and bought an archos instead), my trip to melbourne (watched miss saigon and had a really great time with friends)

5. Revelations and Affirmations -
a) I'm not patient with kids - probably will not have one of my own. I can take care of them for awhile as long as t I have the thought in my head that I could return them to their parents after.
b) I can survive in a totally crappy environment if needed, but my limit is only a year. i can last longer if the benefits were worth it.
c) never let go of old friends, no matter how hard it is to keep in touch. the history that you have shared with them will keep the bonds strong and continued communication will make the friendship last longer.
d) make the effort to make new friends, even if you think that it might not be a lasting one. there is always something to be learned from other people's stories.
e) falling in love and remaining in love is difficult, falling out of love is easier (especially if they did something bad to you). there will be no shortage of man to fall for but finding the right one is a challenge. and there will always be some guy in the background waiting to make your life a living hell, but it is harder to find someone who would make your life seem like an endless fantasy come true.

There you are 5 of 5. the work day is now finished and i have to go home.

June Post

2007-06-20T17:50:00.000+10:00

I'm here in the office waiting for my housemate, M. She went to a seminar and I told her that we should just go home together. It's freezing outside, 13 degrees and windy. I hate this weather.

It's been almost a month sincce my last post. A lot of things have happened but I just couldn't find the time to write.

Thinking back since my last post, I have seen Spiderman 3 and Pirates of the Carribean 3. The two movies were good in the "I don't want to think" kind of way. I just wanted to be entertained and that's what I got. I watched Spiderman 3 after my CPA exam, which was actually before my last post (I forgot to write about it). I have since then received my grade from that test. I passed which was a relief to me since I really don't do tests very well. I watched Pirates somewhere before I went to Melbourne. Actually, I watched it on the night of my friend's wedding S in Bora. Since I was sad that I wasn't able to attend I just watched a movie to occupy my mind rather than wish that I was in Boracay with my friends. The wedding was great, as my friends have communicated to me. It's another great event that I have missed.

I went to Melbourne last June 8 till June 11. We went there to celebrate C's hens weekend. We watched Miss Saigon and had a really great time, just us girls. Clubbing, shopping, endless talking and walking. We bought Krispy Kreme doughnuts! We had 4 dozen each and people were looking ay us as if we were crazy. When we got to the airport, we had a different reaction from people there. They were wondering where we bought the doughnuts and wanted to buy some as well. There's no Krispy Kreme here in Brisbane only in Sydney and Melbourne so it was a "big"thing to buy there. We also ate at Max Brenner's which was a big hit to us. I didn't get to go when I went to Manila last, so we kind of went crazy with the chocolate buying. I still haven't finished my stash yet. I'm trying to save it for craving moments.

Work has been crazy busy. My boss and I got sick at alternating times so i got saddled with a bit of extra work. It was good to be busy, it makes the days go faster. Now, I'm done waiting for my housemate. She just called me and said that she went home already. I guess I should go now too.

All Clear

2007-05-23T16:57:00.000+10:00

The doctor made a mistake! I am fine. I had a spike in glucose level which made her think I would be positive for diabetes. Hehehe!
I'm glad that I'm not sick. Just wanted to let you guys know just in case you're thinking that I might be pregnant as well.

Toad Web Site

2007-05-22T11:26:00.000+10:00

Our company has rebuilt our website. There's a new picture and descrpition of my job. I'm really having a great time here and would likely stay for a few years more.
Anyway, that's my update and I have another doctor appointment later. Test results will be discussed today.
BTW, link is http://www.toadshow.com.au

Pregnant?!!!!

2007-05-15T09:06:00.000+10:00

Such an exciting news..... for someone else! My friend in SNG texted me about this bit of speculation. I am NOT with child, people! I have had tests done lately due to health reasons. Verdict is next week. The doctor actually advised me to go back to the Philippines. She said that Oz might not be good for me and that working hard and earning more money does not make up for the fact that my health is suffering. It's the best advise I've heard so far.
However, I do have plans and an ulitmate goal. It will take me awhile to get there but I don't doubt that I would. I really just need to take better care of myself.

Friends and Significant Others

2007-05-04T13:20:00.000+10:00

I have always believed that when it comes to choosing between my friends and my current "boyfriend", I would always choose my friends. There is no doubt in my mind that this will always be true. In the first place, true friends would never make me choose. They will caution, make their "opinions" known and leave the topic alone after. If things don't work out, my friends are there to support and help me get through the drama of it all.
"Boyfriends" who would make me choose are not worth it at all. There is no competition going on, making me choose is unnecessary. It shows insecurity and a possessiveness I can not bear to live with.
Why am I writing this now? The topic was brought up a couple of nights ago in a conversation between me and EB. Actually, it was argued about. Two long hours of trying to explain to someone the dynamics of "barkada" and why they are so important to me. Of course, this comes with trying to explain that my friends have been there for me when everything was falling apart. The dependency for my sanity, my voice of reason when I'm most likely to do crazy things. How can this be explained to someone who has not experienced it? Makes me think if I even want to explain at all. It's like trying to explain color to a dog.

Sleepy

2007-04-30T14:29:00.000+10:00

It's now 2:30pm on a Monday and I'm so sleepy! I forgot to bring my exercise clothes and my head feels heavy/headachy (is this a word?). I've had coffee and I'm hesitant to drink one more cup because I might not be able to sleep tonight.
I only have two more hours to go until I go home. There are really some days that seems impossible to finish.

Two Coffees

2007-04-17T15:44:00.000+10:00

I have had two cups of coffee today and I'm still sleepy. I need toothpicks to prop my eyelids open! I had to wake up early today to pick up some people from the airport at 6:40. I left the house at 6:30 (it only takes about 30 minutes to get to the airport) and almost got stuck in traffic! I was so amazed that there were so much cars at that time. i had to take another route and I was late. I got to the airport at 7:25 (thankfully they just finished getting their luggage), then I had to rush home so that I could get to work on time. Tiring!

The problem is that even if I am sleepy when I get home and try to sleep early I always end up tossing and turning. So I usually get to sleep at 12 or 1. I'm really getting frustrated. Oh well!
Nothing much happening here. Just normal everyday life. I'm excited about our trip to Melbourne in June and I'm nervous about my CPA test in May.

Quizzes

2007-04-17T15:25:00.000+10:00

I got this from my friend A, it’s a Martha Stewart quiz. I'm so bored and sleepy that I did two quizzes!

1. create a home safety kit - home safety kit? hmmm... does that include fire blankets and child lock?
2. tie a bow and necktie - I can do the necktie but not the bow tie, still have to find someone who actually uses one!
3. prepare a green salad - I can make more than just green salads - pasta, potato, ceasar
4. mix a margarita - margaritas, screwdriver, Singapore sling.... yum yum.
5. paint a room - i’ve always wanted to try this, it seems fun.
6. do the laundry - I can load my clothes in the washing machine easily, it’s the hanging part that sucks. I can also wash by hand, though I prefer not to.
7. load a dishwasher -I can load the dishwasher or wash by hands
8. make a bolognese sauce - bolognese, carbonara it’s not so hard to do.
9. open a champange bottle -opening is easy it’s controlling the cork that’s hard.
10. eat a lobster -I’m not a fan of lobster, I think it’s overrated but I have eaten one already
11. make chocolate chip cookies - consistency is a problem, they never taste the same
12. arrange flowers - buying flowers is a bit expensive, but i can arrange it just give me good scissors, a nice vase
13. take a good photograph - i used to take good pictures, but I lost interest. Admiring a good picture is all I do now.
14. remove stains from linens and clothes - this is a bit tricky. there are some stains that don’t really wash out completely. but give me a strong bleach or stain remover or calamansi and I will do my best.
15. carve a turkey - I’ve eaten roast turkeys but I don’t like it much, so learning to carve one would be useless. chicken is easy.
16. prepare a turkey - not a turkey fan.....
17. iron a shirt - after the first incident of burning my pants i’ve learned how to iron well, not just shirts.
18. design a centerpiece - i’m not very good at designing but if it’s flowers that wouldn’t be too bad.
19. brew a cup of tea - brewing coffee and tea is ok, brewing my own beer is the next goal
20. make a grilled cheese sandwich - i love cheese! had to learn how to make this snack
21. make a bed - i can make my bed but I don’t make a habit of it.
22. set a table (formal) - etiquette classes and watching those old movies help.
23. make french toast - I know how, but I don’t really like it.
24. the perfect omelette - omelettes are a bit tricky especially if the pan is not the right size.
25. cook fluffy rice - what is fluffy rice?
26. bake a chocolate cake - I started with the boxed ones where you just add water and egg and went on from there.
27. assemble a BLT - B- bread, L- leeks and T- tamarind!
28. pack a suitcase - my luggage is almost always overweight, I pack it in so well that I can stuff more things in it than usual
29. prepare pancakes -I prefer the premixed ones
30. make crudites (fresh crispy vegetables) - this is easy. there’s really no need to make it just peel and cut.

This second quiz is from my friend E.

Meme: One Book

1. One book that changed your life.
It would have to be Nancy Drew The Secret in the Old Attic - it was the first book I ever read (aside from schoolbooks), and started my love affair with books.

2. One book you have read more than once.
I’ve read all my books at least three times.

3. One book you would want on a desert island.
I must say it would be Oxford English Dictionary. My vocabulary would be extensive!

4. One book that made you laugh.
Short stories by Roald Dahl. It’s weird and funny.

5. One book that made you cry.
A lot of books made me cry, Nicholas Sparks books mostly.

6. One book you wish had been written.
I’m not sure. There are a lot of books I don’t know about.

7. One book you wish had never been written.
Nick Joaquin's The Woman who had Two Navels

8. One book you are currently reading.
Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

9. One book you have been meaning to read.
The Odyssey, I never got to finish it.

Internet at Home

2007-04-12T10:31:00.000+10:00

We finally have Internet at home! I can surf to my heart's content and not be guilty of loafing at work. However, I am still writing this blog at work because I have nothing much to do. Hahaha!

New Housemate and Stuff

2007-04-03T13:21:00.000+10:00

I feel like I'm in the Big Brother Show because of the title.
Ate G's friend is arriving this Monday from Thailand. She would be staying with us for awhile, still not sure how long for. Now, there will be 3 girls and one boy in a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house that occasionally gets snakes in the house and iguanas, that look like snakes, around the yard. The extra housemate would certainly help with all our finances but the living arrangements are still uncertain. I haven't met her before, only an occasional "hi" in YM. The next few months would prove to be interesting.
Our internet is still not connected and I am completely frustrated on the service of DODO. The company is aptly names as the employees/company there emulate the reputation of the famous bird. I'm trying to change it over, but they are making it difficult. Having no internet at home is really inconvenient. I'm hoping that things will work out soon with the new internet provider.
Health - I just went to a doctor's appointment this morning and has some tests done. I will know the results next week. Wish me luck!
Career - I'm taking the second CPA exam next month, May 7. It would be a holiday here so I don't have to take time off work. This time Loren and I are taking the same subject and we will be able to study and take the exam together. I really have to get serious. Studying and working at the same time is a bit difficult. Time management is key and I am completely lacking in that area.
Holidays - L, D, C and I are planning a trip to Melbourne in June to watch Miss Saigon and basically have a hen's weekend for C. She's getting married in August and it would be a good thing to get away for a few days.
Friends - My college friend S, is getting married next month. I'm really wishing I could go and be part of the festivities. Funny thing that she's marrying an Australain she met in the Philippines and I haven't met an Australian that I liked since moving here. Cosmic coincidence or destiny? I just wish for her to be happy.
Love life? I really don't have one. EB calls often, making me go to Melbourne. The chance of me doing that is actually very slim. I'm going to Melbourne with my friends in June, but I didn't tell him that. This only shows that my interest is not focused on this aspect of my life.

These are all my updates for now. Aside from being broke! hahaha! Hopefully this will pass.

On Breakups and Getting Over

2007-03-07T10:30:00.000+10:00

This morning while I was driving home after buying coffee, I suddenly thought of D. Just a fleeting thought that disturbed me. It was not because I still had feelings or anything like that, it was because I noticed a pattern. Its been two months since I told him that there was someone else. I said that even when it wasn't true just so that he would stop calling me. Now after two months I'm wondering how he is and having this feeling of calling him to make sure he's okay. Of course I did NOT call (note: not is in capital so as to emphasize to friends and to not have a heart attack or have the urge to whack me on the head).
I'm pretty proud of myself for not giving in to these thoughts. I remember when I was much younger that I always gave in. I always called thinking that I could handle it, that I'm over 'him'. That I was being nice by wanting to be friends especially if the break up was amicable. Sometimes, I was driven by guilt if I was the one who initiated the break up. No matter what the reason those phone calls always ended up with me being in trouble. I almost always end up going back or having this weird relationship with the guy that always leads to problems and hurt. It doesn't always happen this way, sometimes we do end up being friends and it's not awkward at all.
However, there are guys who are not capable of being friends with an ex or make it too difficult to be friends. I don't know why that is but it really happens. Sometimes it makes me scratch my head and say "Guys are more dramatic and sometomes have more hangups than girls".
**********
I got interrupted in writing this blog and I just want to finish it now.
We all have different ways of breaking up and getting over someone. The only common thing with everybody is that it is difficult to do and to accept.
My point in writing this blog..... I realized that I have gotten over him.

Overseas Trip

2007-02-28T14:11:00.000+10:00

In January, my college friends and I were chatting about my overseas trip to China, from that 30 minute chat conference a plan was formulated. Five of us would be able to meet up during the Chinese New Year/Spring Festival week. I was really excited about that trip, but didn't want to write about it for fear that it might not push through.
Last week I went to China and Hongkong to celebrate Chinese New Year with my dad and to see my friends. I spent about 1 day travelling to get to Shekou and spent 6 days there. The first few days was spent visiting my dad's friends, celebrating and mostly resting and taking a break from my life in Australia.
I was able to see Care Bear on Wednesday where we spent an hour finishing 'Time Crisis 3" in the arcade and most of the whole day talking, getting lost and catching up. We had a lot of laughs and the realization that Care Bear is finally a grown up! (hehe!)
Thursday was rainy and I spent the day reading and waiting for Rhe and Ron to arrive. I picked them up from the ferry terminal. Unfortunately, Rhe's luggage was not on the ferry and that kind of made us sad (my "pasalubong" had to wait). The next day, we had brunch with my dad and my brother then went to Window of the World. About 4 hours was spent walking, taking pictures and talking. We gave up after walking half the day so we went to have a foot massage, which is really worth the money. After the massage, we went to dinner with my dad's friends and they made my friends eat all sort of weird stuff (i.e. snake skin, duck tongue, etc).
Saturday, we took the ferry to HK and met up with two more friends. Poor Ron, surrounded by girls who never stop chatting! HK was foggy but still nice. There is an energy to HK that is uniquely it's own. I feel it whenever I go there and it never fails to invigorate me into shopping. :) In HK, the first order of business was food! Jollibee to be exact, my friends were forced to accompany me and eat something they could have anytime in MLA. After which, we went to buy some electronic stuff and then the LV bag. (that was the highlight of the day!) We walked around, rode the tram, shopped at Victoria Peak (couldn't see the view due to fog), talked (with me ending up hitting my friend), took a cab ride with the driver intent on making us dizzy because we were noisy, ate dinner and drank some alcoholic drinks at Shaui's place. We were up till 4am reminiscing and catching up. Here are some pictures that Ays took (I don't like taking pictures).
Sunday morning was spent sleeping and eating brunch. Then check-in for me as I was first to leave with the farthest distance to travel (had to be back at work on Monday). We walked around a bit more and at 2pm I left HongKong and my friends. I was a bit sad, but I knew we would see each other again sometime in the next year or two.

Snake in the House

2007-02-02T14:54:00.000+10:00

Last Wednesday afternoon, my housemate called me as I was on my way home. She was very frantic and got me really worried. She told me that there was a snake inside our house. Here I was driving home and thinking that there was a deadly animal that was ready to strike at any moment and I could be going home to disaster.

As I got home I saw her and her son in the kitchen not wanting to walk across the living room becasue the snake was there. I, on the other hand, couldn't get inside the house because I would have to go through the living room. After awhile I saw the snake on the window tracks (sliding windows) and I thought it safe to enter my front door. To make the story short, we called a few people who might be able to help us. It would cost about $70.oo to get a professional to relocate the snake. Not wanting to spend that much, I asked for tips on how to get the reptile out.

The dreaded animal was about 20 inches long and and very thin. That was how it got under the front screen. It was so thin that was able to almost flatten itself to go under the crack of the door. It was green and yellow bellied and didn't seem to be harmful. I then proceeded to spray it with mosquito repellent so that it would come down from the window. After that we got a broom and I had to lead it out the door.

It was a really weird moment. One wouldn't really expect to see animals inside their house, especially undomesticated ones. In my stay in Australia I have seen a baby kangaroo in my backyard, a possum in my friend's backyard, all sorts of spiders in various places and now a snake. For a picture of the snake go here.

Stumps

2007-01-29T17:23:00.000+10:00

Here in the office, every Friday afternoon at 4:30 pm (or Thursday if Friday would be a public holiday), work stops and people gather around our big table to eat chips and drink beer or wine and just talk about anything. People discuss their opinions or listen to the views being exchanged. I must say that it's a great way for the people to get to know each other and relieve stress after a hectic work week. This week one of the directors emailed the staff this interesting and funny article. I'm sure everyone will be starting with these and we'll end up making more on the spot.
Anyway, I hope everyone gets a laugh out of this article and maybe a good discussion or bright ideas as well. Have a great weekend everybody! I'm looking forward to the end of this crappy week.

The Washington Post's Style Invitational once again asked readers to
take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting,
or changing one letter, and supply a new definition.

Here are this year's winners:

1. Bozone (n.) The substance surrounding stupid people that stops
bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows
little sign of breaking down in the near future.

2. Cashtration (n.) The act of buying a house, which renders the
subject financially impotent for an indefinite period.

3. Giraffiti (n) Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.

4. Sarchasm (n) The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and
the person who doesn't get it.

5. Inoculatte (v) To take coffee intravenously when you are running
late.

6. Hipatitis (n) Terminal coolness.

7. Osteopornosis (n) A degenerate disease.

8. Karmageddon (n) It's like, when everybody is sending off all
these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes
and it's like, a serious bummer.

9. Decafalon (n.) The gruelling event of getting through the day
consuming only things that are good for you.

10. Glibido (v) All talk and no action.

11. Dopeler effect (n) The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter
when they come at you rapidly.

12. Arachnoleptic fit (n.) The frantic dance performed just after
you've accidentally walked through a spider web.

13. Beelzebug (n.) Satan in the form of a mosquito that gets into
your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.

14. Caterpallor (n.) The colour you turn after finding half a grub
in the fruit you're eating.

And the pick of the literature:

15. Ignoranus (n): A person who's both stupid and an arsehole.

Upcoming Trip

2007-01-23T10:47:00.000+10:00

I can definitely say now that it's really going to happen! My first trip overseas with friends! I'm really excited.

On Feb 17, 2007 I will be arriving in China, just in time for Chinese New Year. I was able to get a week off from work. I am looking forward to taking a break from the monotony of life here. Of course I am going to visit my friends in GZ and catch up. It's been quite a while since I celebrated Chinese New Year with my father, so I'm hoping I won't be disappointed like the last time.

To my college friends, I'm really glad that we're finally going to have a trip together just because we can. We've all grown up! Someday we would be able to get everybody to go and that would be even more fun.

**********************

Updates on my life - I have an entertainment that keeps me occupied sometimes. I really don't want to write about it in detail because I still don't know where it's going. When I know for sure I will write about it. Now, I'm just amused and glad that my time is occupied.

Happy New Year

2007-01-10T16:47:00.000+10:00

I know this greeting is kind of late.... but still early if I base my greeting on Chinese New Year? Hahaha!

The start of the year was pretty tame, I spent it with my friends here in Brisbane. A dinner with E and B then fun and games at LL's place. When I wrote my last post for the year 2006, I thought things were pretty quiet in my life. It kind of changed that last few weeks of December. But that situation is somehow resolved now (I had to lie to get out of it though), and I'm hoping that it will stay that way. Guys are really selfish sometimes ---- they only want what's convenient or good for them and does not consider the other people involved in getting his needs and wants. I don't want to get into details.

Work is busy and not. I have a lot of paper work but not much work being generated, mostly catch up from last year. My baby, has come to Brisbane! She can only stay for a few days, but I'm really glad she's here. Having a friend around is soothing and comforting to me. I have to go now, have the sniffles. I have to rest after the all night talk fest with Simone.

Happy Holidays

2006-12-06T15:05:00.000+10:00

This is now my 100th post! I never thought it would be so hard for me to reach this far.
I have gotten my new phone and I have notified people my new number.

Our office is going to be closed starting tomorrow and we will be back on January 8. No blogging or net surfing for me for the next 2 1/2 weeks. I swear Dodo, my internet provider, is giving me grief! After 4 months they still haven't connected my ADSL at home. Hopefully, it will be connected before year end.

This year hasn't been so bad compared to previous years. I don't find myself urging the days to go faster and fervently wishing the year to be over. The changes in my life this year has helped me grow, become more independent and be proud of my accomplishments. I still have a lot of dreams that I want to happen and this year somehow feels like I'm heading in the right direction.

Work - I have transferred to a more organized firm where there is a feeling of friendship and working together to make something great. There is stress to be felt during the busy periods but not the type of stress that haunts you even when you're at home. I like my workmates and I'm starting to make friends. I can actually see myself stay here for quite awhile, which is a good thing since I have moved jobs far too many times in the past 2 years.

Love - This part of my life has been pretty quiet. There were some ripples this year, but no major drama. I don't think I will be able to handle major upheaval in this area any time soon. I'm quite happy enjoying the single life and living vicariously through my friends. With all the things happening to everyone's love life, this year was my turn to be the moral support and listener.

Geography - I have moved out of my the Gold Coast and I am now renting a house with a friend in Brisbane. I like living nearer the city and being close to other friends.

Career - CPA is the path I have chosen to finish in the next 2 and a half years. The first exam is over and I was so happy that I passed. Distance learning is a bit difficult to manage especially for someone like me who gets hit with laziness from time to time. I'm hoping that next year I will be able to discipline myself to stick to a study schedule and not cram so much in the final week.

Friendships - This part of my life never lets me down. I'm always thankful for my friends who make me smile, laugh and cry. I really would e lost without them.

Family - Aside from my Dada passing away this year, there has been no change with my family. This is actually a good thing in my point of view, because when it comes to my family change usually means me being angry for a really long time.

Life in general - With all the changes this year, my life has been better. I take more time to be with my friends and enjoy their company. Work does not occupy my every waking moment. I have more time for mysely to read, relax, exercise, think and analyze events, moments or thoughts that have made an impact on me. I have learned to slow down and not rush through everyday without accomplishing anything. The "clutter" is mostly gone and the things that matter are the only ones that occupy my time. Silliness and foolishness happen a lot more than it used to and it's great!

Anyway, Happy Holidays to everybody! I hope everyone has a good time and be safe during the New Year. Mwah!

Ghost from the Past

2006-11-30T16:25:00.000+10:00

I had a member orientation workshop in the city last Tuesday for my CPA mebership. I was really surprised to see one of the people I used to work with before. It made the whole thing more bearable because I didn't know anyone there and I was early. We talked a bit about the other people we worked with and our respective jobs now. She's still working in a public firm, while I have moved to private corporate companies. I realized that I'm more suited to this kind of environment and that I'm glad with my decision.
After the orientation, I called a friend of mine to see if she wanted to meet up for coffee. We had a great time talking and coffee ended up being dinner. Having a great time, I neglected my phone and missed some calls. Imagine my surprise when someone, who hasn't been in contact for quite a while, suddenly calls me a few times successively. Normally, I would take this as a welcome surprise but this time I was a bit annoyed. This made me realize that I had to change my phone number. One of my efforts to let go of the "clutter" in my life. So, the next day I applied for a new phone (might as well take advantage of such a good reason) and got a new phone number. (The relevant people in my life will soon be notified of the new number.)
Going back to that annoyance, I was a bit surprised of my reaction. I used to wait for this person's call and a smile would be on my face the whole time that we were talking. Now, I'm annoyed and maybe just a bit scared to get caught up in that life again. Letting go of people who mattered to me is never an easy task for me to do. Going through all that is painful and I don't care to repeat the experience especially with this person.
On a happier note, I'm excited about getting a new gadget. I'm also excited about the two week break we're getting for Christmas. Don't have any plans yet except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. But I'm looking forward to being at home, lazing around, catching up on my reading and watching movies and tv series (cable, dvd or cimema).
This is my 99th post! So happy to reach the goal before the year ends!

Excited

2006-11-27T13:00:00.000+10:00

I’m so excited! Shaui, one of my friends from college, is coming to Australia. I think the last time I saw her was in 2001. When I went home last year for a vacation, she just moved to Singapore. We missed each other by about a week, which was really disappointing. I’m really looking forward to seeing her. I do realize that it is a bit difficult to visit me here, so I get really excited with the news of friends coming over. She would be the second one to see the country where I have settled these past few years. I really hope that we could get to spend some time together.

Dada

2006-11-13T13:01:00.000+10:00

My grandfather passed away last week and I only found out about it yesterday. The news came as a shock and I immediately wished that I was there to offer comfort and give help to my family.
My Dada has lived a full and unusual life. He was always full of energy and seemed like he never quite got the concept of being a grown-up. We never got to see him as often as we liked but his presence was always felt by us.
I know that he would be missed by his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
I love you Dada, I hope you know that. Wherever you may be I hope you're happy and pain free.

96th post

2006-11-09T15:35:00.000+10:00

A few more to go to get to the 100th post. i never thought it would be this difficult to do it!
Well, considering that my internet connection has not been transferred yet, it should come as no surprise to me that I haven't been posting much lately.
Work has been pretty quiet for me. Do the words :nu ni nu ni nu" mean anything to you ? :) That's what I've been doing lately. I've learned how to work in slow motion so that I don't get everything done by lunch and do nothing in the afternoon.The good thing about all this is that I'm not stressed. Those days are a dim memory now. I'm enjoying life and I'm happy. There is really nothing more to ask for.
My Christmas wish now would be to see my friend get married in May. Hopefully I will be able to swing the expense and the time for that. It's kind of embarassing to ask for annual leave here at the office when I haven't been here a year yet. Hopefully I will be able to go.
That's all for now. Not much updates to write about. Now, I have to surf the net for nice Christmas gifts.

Complicated Relationships

2006-11-06T16:25:00.000+10:00

I got another email from my friend G... the one who sent me the marriage article.
This article is about weird and complicated relationships that have no definite status. The relationship is abstract, but the the pain and joy are as real as a "real' relationship.
I've been a victim of this kind of relationship before and I must say I never would want to feel that way again.
I'm sure most girls would be able to relate to this article also.

"Parang Kayo, Pero Hindi"

She is a 24-year old copywriter. He is an architect. They met and became lovers in college. They broke up last year but remained "friends." They send sweet text messages and he calls her often to make sure she's okay. They still date. They still have sex. They don't see anyone else. It is obvious that they still love each other but when asked about their situation, she doesn't know the real score. Even her friends are in the dark.

"Parang sila, pero hindi."

She works in telecom. He is reviewing for the board. They are in the same barkada. They talk on the phone till 4 am. He gives her chocolates, flowers and CDs even when there is no occasion. Their friends are suspecting something. Bakit sila nagsosolo kapag may overnight inuman? Why does he hold her close on the dance floor? Bakit sila magkaholding hands lagi? Sila kaya?
"He hasn't admitted anything," she rants. "But I let him hug and kiss me. Parang kami, pero hindi."

They work together in an ad agency. After office, they would watch movie, have dinner and stroll in Glorietta. She gave him Harry Potter books for his birthday in exchange for posing as her boyfriend to make an ex jealous. They made out during the company outing in Subic and never talked about it. He said "I love you" once but she wasn't sure if she heard correctly because they were both drunk then. But one thing she is sure of is her feelings for him. She likes him. And she's assuming that with what he's doing to her and with her, he likes her, too. There's just one hitch: he has a girlfriend!

She is a 28-year-old virgin. He's a 35-year-old bachelor. Both mountaineers, they became close during their climbs. After a few dates in posh restaurants, he brings her to his condo where they would make out. They have been doing this for months. She wants to believe that "sila na" but then she's not really sure about it. "We don't talk about it but it doesn't really matter," she'd tell her friends. "What's important is I am enjoying this -- whatever it is." The "parang kayo, pero hindi" stage.

Others call it MU or mutual understanding. Pseudo-relationships. Pseudo- boyfriends. 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. Pero sa kilos niyo, sa mga sinasabi niyo, parang kayo, pero hindi.

This kind of "relationship" can happen at different stages for 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. Puwede ring hindi puwedeng maging kayo kasi isa sa inyo --usually the guy --may ka-relasyon na. Kaya habang hindi pa siya nakikipag-break doon sa girl (sabi niya makikipag-break siya soon pero di naman niya ginagawa), wala muna kayong relasyon para nga naman hindi siya nangagaliwa kasi "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 are after for is that "kilig" feeling. Aminado naman ako na once upon a time, may mga pseudo-relationships din ako. No commitments involved. For the simplest reason that they couldn't commit, because they were either committed to someone else, or that they weren't ready to commit.

My rationalization, "okay na iyun, kesa wala." Ang habol ko lang naman, iyong kilig feeling. Iyong merong nagtatanong kung kumusta araw ko. Iyong merong ka-cuddle sa beach outing. Iyong kapag tumunog ang cellphone, mapapangiti na ako dahil alam kong galing sa kanya ang message. Iyong merong laging kasama. Habang wala pa ang the real thing, puwede na itong pagtiyagaan.

But then I learned that although it was only a pseudo-relationship, the emotions were real. And usually, in this kind of set up, ang babae lagi ang lugi. Una, you can't ask him to commit. Since it's not really a relationship, you can't demand commitment from your partner. Ano ba kayo? May K ka nga ba magpasundo ng hatinggabi? You will always be uncertain about your role in his life. You can't expect him to be always there with you. And if you feel jealous of the other girls, you just have to keep it to yourself. Ano ka ba niya para magselos?

Pangalawa, what if you fall deeply in love with him? You can't be sure if he feels the same way. Baka nag-a-assume ka lang na mahal ka rin niya. Even if you are dying to tell him you love him, you can't. Because you're not sure if he'll 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 hasn't? What if you remain faithful to him, not entertaining other guys, only to find out that he is seeing other girls?

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."

Buti sana kung pseudo-pain din lang ang mararanasan mo. Kaso, hindi eh. Real pain. And usually, kahit tapos na ang pseudo- relationship, hindi mo maiwasan umasang one day, may karugtong pa rin iyun. And you will be miserable, hoping to bring back what you used to have, only to find out eventually that the guy is in another pseudo-relationship with somebody else.

Ang hirap, ano? You agreed to this kind of set up for fun and then you'd end up hurting yourself in the process. Pero puwede naman maiwasan ang pain eh. Puwede naman na hindi mo muna isipin ang future and just enjoy the feeling, without thinking of the consequences. But if you are certain that you are going to hurt yourself in the process, kailangan mo mamili.

You can be happy and live the moment without worrying what would happen next. Or you can stop settling with pseudo-relationships and wait for the real thing.

When I was younger and in a pseudo-relationship with an unavailable guy, a friend told me, "Sige, kung ayaw mong magpapigil, bahala ka. Magpakasaya ka. Pero huwag kang iiyak-iyak pagkatapos, dahil tatadyakan kita."

Ang bottom line lang naman, kung magpapasaya sa iyo, gawin mo. Ihanda mo lang ang sarili mo sa consequence. Dahil ang "parang kayo pero hindi" stage ay bihirang nagiging totoo. Usually, hanggang doon lang siya ...

Almost, but not quite.

How do I know if I married the right person?

2006-11-02T17:33:00.000+10:00

This email was forwarded to me by a friend. I think she thought I would appreciate it since this is one of our frequent topics of discussion.

I know I'm not married and I don't really have to think about this for awhile... or I may never have to think about it at all actually, but I think my married or soon to be married friends might enjoy it.

The last line actually reminds me of Theology class in 3rd year. This was one of our topics and I believe it to be true.

How do I know if I married the right person?

During one of our seminars, a woman asked a common question. She said,"How do I know if I married the right person?" I noticed that there was a large man sitting next to her so I said, "It depends. Is that your husband?" In all seriousness, she answered "How do you know?" Let me answer this question because the chances are good that it's weighing on your mind.Here's the answer.

EVERY relationship has a cycle. In the beginning, you fell in love with your spouse. You anticipated their call, wanted their touch, and liked their idiosyncrasies. Falling in love with your spouse wasn't hard. In fact, it was acompletely natural and spontaneous experience. You didn't have to DO anything. That's why it's called "falling" in love... because it's happening TO YOU.

People in love sometimes say, "I was swept off my feet." Think about the imagery of that expression. It implies that you were just standing there; doing nothing, and then something came along and happened TO YOU.

Falling in love is easy. It's a passive and spontaneous experience. But after a few years of marriage, the euphoria of love fades. It's the natural cycle of EVERY relationship. Slowly but surely, phone calls become a bother (if they come at all), touch is not always welcome (when it happens), and your spouse's idiosyncrasies, instead of being cute, drive you nuts.

The symptoms of this stage vary with every relationship, but if you think about your marriage, you will notice a dramatic difference between the initial stage when you were in love and a much duller or even angry subsequent stage. At this point, you and/or your spouse might start asking, "Did I marry the right person?" And as you and your spouse reflect on the euphoria of the love you once had, you may begin to desire that experience with someone else. This is when marriages breakdown. People blame their spouse for their unhappiness and look outside their marriage for fulfillment. Extramarital fulfillment comes in all shapes and sizes. Infidelity is the most obvious. But sometimes people turn to work, church, a hobby, afriendship, excessive TV, or abusive substances.

But the answer to this dilemma does NOT lie outside your marriage. It lies within it.
I'm not saying that you couldn't fall in love with someone else. You could. And TEMPORARILY you'd feel better. But you'd be in the same situation a few years later.Because (listen carefully to this):

The Key To Succeeding In Marriage Is Not Finding The Right Person; It's Learning To Love The Person You Found! SUSTAINING love is not a passive or spontaneous experience. It'll NEVER just happen to you. You can't find LASTING love. You have to MAKE it day in and day out. That's why we have the expression the labor of love. Because it takes time, effort, and energy. And most importantly, it takes WISDOM. You have to know WHAT TO DO to make your marriage work.

Make no mistake about it. Love is NOT a mystery. There are specific things you can do (with or without your spouse) to succeed with your marriage. Just as there are physical laws of the universe (such as gravity), there are also laws for relationships. Just as the right diet and exercise program makes you physically stronger, certain habits in your relationship WILL make your marriage stronger. It's a direct cause and effect. If you know and apply the laws, the results are predictable. ..you can MAKE love.

Love in marriage is indeed a decision.. . not just a feeling.

8 more posts to go......

2006-10-13T17:02:00.000+10:00

I can’t think of a good title so I just went with the countdown....

Life is pretty much the same here in the Land of Oz.... quiet but busy, just the way I like it.

There’s nothing much to update since the last time I wrote here. Hmmmm...... I applied for my citizenship the other day. I might get that end of this year. There would be an interview wherein I have to recite the duties and rights of an Australian citizen, then an oath-taking ceremony a few weeks later.

My thoughts on becoming an Australian citizen.... I guess this means that I’ve been here too long! Hahahaha!
Seriously, living here in this country has taught me that race does matter. I’m not saying that I’ve been a victim of discrimination, but it can be seen with the way white people treat us. They have all these different stereotypes in their minds and they make it known to us what they think. I guess in retaliation, immigrants don’t really make an effort to integrate ourselves (I’m one of them now) in this culture that we deem bland and still immature. We still hang out with people from the same country of origin and don’t really care if we make ourselves unavailable to their overtures of friendship. Of course developing acquaintances would be inevitable, but the deep friendship that seem so easily developed between people of the same country (especially Pinoys) is hard to achieve.
There would always be exceptions to this generalization. In fact, some of my friends are testament to this. Shaui is marrying Nic next year, Dorothy is getting married to John next week, and then there was Evelyn who married Bruce last June. Spending the rest of their lives with their partners is a great confirmation that some Australians are open-minded enough to accept and love a culture so different from their own. Having said that, I still notice that the friends that they (meaning the wives or soon to be wives) keep are still the same ones they had (which was mostly Filipinos). They have the best of both worlds , don’t you think?

Next thought..... CPA exam on Oct 26. This would be the first of 6 tests taken over a period of 3 years. My subject this term is Reporting and Professional Practice which centers mostly on ethics. How do you test if a person is ethical? I can learn all these materials and still not be ethical in my everyday life. Of course the aim of this is to instill an awareness of our actions and it’s impact on society, what you do in everyday life is another question.

Next thought..... Exercise..... extremely tiring, supposedly good for me and it takes awhile to actually enjoy it (if ever). I remember the time when I was able to exercise almost everyday without complaint. There was the early morning run at UP, the afternoon run in the Blue Eagle gym, the 3-hour judo training and all that walking inside the campus. It’s so hard to believe that happened almost a decade ago. But I did do that and enjoyed it a lot. But now I forget why I stopped... then again I think I have an idea not the why but the who. Best not to be reminded I think. Now, I just have to build it up again. Not as much as I did 8 years ago, but a regular routine that I won’t get sick of. Thankfully, Loren is enthusiastic about it too. I just hope that we could continue forever? I think that’s a bit too much ask especially when winter comes.

Next thought... Emails.... I just finished reading my emails from friends. It’s always fun to be updated in their lives. I guess now is my turn.

Next thought....Going Home..... It’s been a year now since my last trip to the Philippines. This time last year I was in Manila looking forward to seeing my friends and catching up. It will be another wait before I can do that again.

This post turned out to be much longer than I expected. Have to go now, need to get ready to go home.

9 more posts

2006-09-27T13:22:00.000+10:00

I just noticed that this would be my 92nd post. So near to 100.... maybe before the year ends I would be able to be past 100. My friend Eric is near his 500th post.... such a big difference. But he's really dedicated, good job Eric!
I just finished watching Dancing with the Stars, there's a Filipina Chess Master in the show. Somehow, I'm proud of that fact. (She's an Australian citizen now and represents Australia in other countries.) She was really good and is now in the lead. Of course, it's only the first show and a lot can happen from now until the end. It's a reality contest thing the audience gets to vote for their favourite star. I hope a lot of people will vote for her.
I had a haircut last Saturday. I cut in kind of short with layers and a side fringe. I thought it would be hard to maintain it, but it's not. I'm really satisfied with it, and to think I got it for free....the simple pleasures.
Last Sunday, I went out with my friend Loren to look for a dress to wear to our friends' wedding next month. I've actually been looking for two weeks before I found one. I really hate shopping for clothes when there's a need for it. It seems like there's nothing good enough. I end up buying something overpriced and would usually wear it only once. But this time is an exception because I already have two events where I could wear the dress .
I know there's no coherence in my post tonight, but I really just wanted to write about what's going on. Nothing spectacular or life changing. Just the usual life here down under.

general update and some random thoughts

2006-09-10T19:28:00.000+10:00

It's been awhile since I posted anything and I'm writing now to tell my friends that I haven't disappeared from the face of the earth.
Updates today-
Went to Moreton Bay this morning to have a picnic and do some sightseeing. Now is a good time to go whale watching but it was a bit too expensive. The weather wasn't cooperating either, it's been dark and rainy today. This afternoon I watched a cheesy tagalog movie "Close to You", I find Bea Alonzo pretty. After that I talked to my friend's mom for almost an hour. She's been like a mom to me and it was good catching up with her.
Updates this past week-
Sept 3 Sunday- I watched "Boy from Oz" with Loren and Ate Girlie. I swear, this was worth every dollor I spent for it. It was funny, heart warming and very entertaining. I think I have a bigger crush on Hugh Jackman now. I slipped on the satirs on that day too.... have this really big bruise on my butt that is still painful to this day.
Monday - Friday was just work and talking to some friends from back home. I have another best friend who's getting married next year. I really hope I can go to her wedding.
State election yesterday. This is what has kept me busy these past 3 weeks. Steve Irwin passed away on Monday and Peter Brock passed away on Friday (I think). These events made a lot of people really sad.
Talked to Karen who's in China for almost 3 hours - it only cost me about $2.00 AUD! Isn't that great!
Updates August- Spent my time trying to adjust to a new job, new place and commuting to work everyday. My new job is good and it's been really busy due to the elections. We produced most of the print and web materials for the Australian Labor Party here in Queensland. It's been really crazy at work. Now, I have to catch up on back log and invoicing.
Updates July - I quit my old job and started a new one mid-july. I moved out of our house in the Gold Coast and I'm now living in Brisbane. I'm sharing a house with Ate Girlie and her son. She still doesn't live here with me yet. She only stays here during the weekends because her son is still studying in the Gold Coast and her job is still there too. Our house is now for sale. I still miss it but I guess it's about time that I grow up and try to be independent.

Some pertinent details- I now work for a company called ToadShow. I know it's a weird name but it's really great. you can check out what we do at www.toadshow.com.au
I've changed my postal address and home number. Will email that detail to people who need to know where I live. My cellphone number is still is the same.

Some random thoughts -
1. Politics in whatever country is almost all the same. Politicians whatever color still resort to the same tactics.
2. Plans can change in a matter of minutes, especially when it's not expected. Sometimes I wonder what the point is... but it makes life exciting.
3. Stupidity is something that I have little tolerance for..... and it seems like I will have no tolerance for it at all in a couple of years.
4. Friends are a real blessing .... I feel sad people who don't have any.

Some future plans
1. I might go home next year, but that is still tentative.
2. Hopefully, I will finish the CPA Program in 3 years.

Okay, that's all I have for now. My head is starting to hurt.

more pictures

2006-07-05T23:36:00.000+10:00

The Pictures

2006-07-05T23:29:00.000+10:00

June 10 wedding

2006-07-05T23:10:00.000+10:00

i am able to finally post the pictures from last month. my gosh, how time flies! it feels like the wedding just happened last weekend. anyway, as i said i wore a dress... and it's red. for people who know me well, they know how many times in my life that i would let this happen.
i had a great time and the whole event went well... i think. i'm biased in my opinion of course cause i had a hand in the whole thing. anyway, i hope you enjoy the pictures.

Finally

2006-06-20T16:52:00.000+10:00

I have finally resigned from my current job! Two weeks from now I would be moving to Brisbane. I'm currently looking for a place to live. Hopefully it will be close to Loren and our other friends.
I'm ready for a change and I think this is really good. I'm happy and optimistic that I can do this. It's a bit scary but that the thrill of it, I guess. At least I'm not bored anymore. That in itself is an endorsement!

Independence

2006-05-31T11:33:00.000+10:00

I feel that fate is forcing me to be totally independent. The way things are going, it seems like I would be getting a new job, moving to a new place and be on my own. There are still a lot of factors to be considered of course.
One, where the new job would take me. A lot of people are telling me to move interstate. There seems to be a lot of job openings in the less populated areas. However, I feel that i'm not ready to be totally alone. I might be by myself most of the time but i still get to see my friends on weekends. If I move interstate, I would have to start over with nobody there. The thought of that really scares me.
Two, whether my brother comes back for next semester. At the moment, he seems to be doing well in school and there's an 80% chance that he would be back. If he does, I would have to see if he would prefer to live with his friends or me. My dad might have a say in the matter. And that should be taken into consideration as well.
Three, if the house sells. This is just me being practical. I save money by not paying rent to my dad. Of course, I would be able to save money if I don't move right away.
These three are the main factors I have to consider. There are other minor ones, but it can be dealt with when the time comes.
Wish me luck!

Change

2006-05-27T22:16:00.000+10:00

It's now 10:10pm. I just got home from Brisbane about half an hour ago. Normally when I go to Brisbane to visit Loren and our other friends, I stay overnight. Today, I did not. I get home to an empty house, and thought to myself that it would be a quiet evening. After the week I've been through, I think I deserve some time to rest.
It's been a week of cosmic disasters.... not really great-life-altering-disasters, but little events that go wrong almost everyday of the week. I will not go into detail, but I just wanted to shout at the top of my lungs to release pressure. I'm really hoping that this coming week will be better.
I have this feeling of restlessness inside me. I'm on the border of being bored.... I don't really want to get into that feeling. I'm trying my best to create a change in my life to stop this. My friends know what I would do if my boredom gets the better of me.
Change would be good for me now.... I'm just not sure what though. I should be careful what I wish for.

Updates

2006-05-22T20:20:00.000+10:00

It's been awhile since I last posted anything here. More than a month, I think. Not much has been happening to me since my last post.
My friend is getting married again on June 10, this time it would be a garden wedding with a pastor presiding over the ceremony. It's kind of exciting and tiring as well. I'm only helping her out a bit and I feel tired just seeing her plan it out. They're having about 50 guests, I can't imagine how it would be like if they would have 100 guests.
As for movies, I just watched Da Vinci Code which kind of disappointed me. I wouldn't spoil it for the people who haven't seen it yet. But all I can say is that the book is really better.
I also saw MI:3. This movie surprised me, it wasn't how i expected it to be. There's actually a story and there wasn't too many special effects. I think it's better than the 2nd one.
I'm looking forward to watching X-men 3. I hope that it's as good as it seems.
I saw Cheaper by the Dozen 2, Underworld:Evolution, Pride and Prejudice, Hoodwinked, Howl's Moving Castle and Rumor has It on DVD. Of the 6, I think Pride and Prejudice was the best one. But the others were worth watching as well. I still have Crash, Eight Below and other DVD's that I want to watch.
TV shows also take up my time, there's House, Prison Break, Hotel Babylon, Supernatural, Ghost Whisperer, Commander-in-Chief, Gilmore Girls, Smallville, One Tree Hill and I finally like a reality TV show (it's Australian too)- Dancing with the Stars.

I haven't read much books lately, "Sickness unto Death" by Kierkegaard and "The Economics of Innocent Fraud"by J.K. Galbraith are the only 2 books that i've read lately. Considering how thin the books are, it's kind of pathetic. There are some books I'm wanting to read but it will have to wait till I'm in the mood.

There's also another past time that I've been addicted to lately. It's called Sudoku. It's a 9x9 table where in each line (horizantal and vertical) should contain the numbers 1-9 and each 3x3 should also contain the numbers 1-9. There would be some numbers already in the table and from there you should decipher it. Here's an example http://sudoku.com.au/ so you could better understand what i'm talking about. It's really addicting!
My weekends are mostly spent in Brisbane with friends. It's a really great way to unwind and have some fun. Being with other people, talking about anything and laughing all the time really takes the stress out.
As you can see, my life is pretty much a routine. I have work, then my recreation time. Nothing much going on. Hopefully, next time there would be something more exciting to write about. I'll post some pictures of the wedding. Did I mention I was going to wear a dress? Hahaha!

V for Vendetta

2006-04-04T12:19:00.000+10:00

I haven't watched a movie in a really long time. (For me who lives in a country where there is not much to do, watching movies is one of the best past times. And not being able to watch one in almost two months is a grave situation indeed!) I did watch some DVD's these past few months, but nothing compares to the big screen.
Last Saturday, my brother and I watched V for Vendetta. What can I say about this movie aside from great? I was engaged in V's life for 2 hours. A character without a face but full of personality. Proves the idea that a movie will be great without a handsome face. But in deference to Hugo Weaving he played the character so well. Of course, there's Natalie Portman..... is there a movie that she has done where she acted horribly? This tiny girl has so much prescence!
The story of this movie is about revenge. True, this topic has been used time and time again but V's story is unique. He was able to turn a personal agenda into a national cause. The selfish drive became a selfless act. Is there really anyone in this world as fearless? Maybe the world would be a better place if there is....
I won't spoil the movie for those who haven't watched it yet. But this is really one good movie.

A long time ago....

2006-04-04T11:08:00.000+10:00

The bar results has been given out and all my friends passed! Congratulations to all those who went through the four years of grueling work! For those who did not make it.... there is always hope next year.
I couldn't sleep last night, so I read my email (haven't really been doing that either). My good friend Ays finally gave me a contact number in SNG, so I decided to call her and catch up. (Thank God for night shifts!) We talked about our friends who passed the bar and I wondered... had we gone to law school, would our names be in that list too? Could I have endured the late night till morning studying? Could I have withstood the pressure of thesis making? (As most of you guys know, I really hate research work) Or would I have quit like some of my friends who thought that law school was not for them?
A decade ago, I had the ambition of being a CPA Lawyer. Now, I'm only a quarter of the way through. Being a CPA here in Oz is very different from the system in Manila. In Manila I would have to take the exam after uni to be a CPA and (thinking that I would pass after the first try) then you can get your license after the results are posted. Here in Oz after uni (in my case after my Masters in Accounting) you would have to apply to the CPA or CA as an associate and then take modules every semester. Depends on you really how many subjects you want to take each semester (max of 4) then you could be finished within a year to three years. On top of the modules, you have to be in a Mentoring Program with a qualified CPA or CA who has been practicing for at least 2 years. The program takes about 3 years to finish. Then after that you can get your CPA or CA.
Looking back, I took the very long route to my dream and I'm not even sure I want to take law anymore. However, my plans are not written in stone. It can still change or it can mutate to something close to what I originally wanted.
But remembering that I once wanted to be a part of that list makes me realize that I was very ambitious back then and willing to work for it too. But now, earning my own money and being independent makes the ambition a bit surreal for me. The focus has been diverted to my career and just live as I have been these past couple of years.
The journey is not yet done, I actually still have a long way to go. Let's see where I would be a decade from now.

More Pictures from the Wedding

2006-02-25T16:27:00.000+10:00

Here are some more pictures taken from the wedding.

Civil Wedding

2006-02-25T16:12:00.000+10:00

Last February 17 a good a friend of mine got married. It was a short wedding but very meaningful. There will be another wedding in June where the whole preparation thing will be done complete with a "hen night" that I think I have to arrange. I have no idea where to start but I'm sure it will be done. I'm posting some more pictures in a few minutes.

Memoirs of a Geisha and The Producers

2006-01-21T21:32:00.000+10:00

Just got back from watching "The Producers" and I must say that I feel very lighthearted. I've always been a fan of Nathan Lane and I've been wishing to see this show when I heard about in Broadway. It's a good thing that they made in into a movie for people like us who could not afford to go to New York just to see a Broadway show. I would still watch it in Broadway if i could, just to see it live.
Early this day, I watched Memoirs of a Geisha on VCD. The copy was clear but kind of lost its impact on the small screen. Maybe I would still try to see it in the moviehouse, this week hopefully. If you've read the book, you might be a little disappointed with the screenplay. If you haven't then this would be a good encouragement to read the book. I reread the book just about 2 weeks ago to refresh my memory and the imagination is much better in this case. The little girl who played Chiro was very convincing and Zhang ZiYi was a good Sayuri, but all the other cast was not as vibrant as the characters from the book. But as I said, watching it on the big screen might change my mind.
Underworld Revolution, Just Like Heaven and Rumour Has it are all out in the cinema as well..... I might go see those too in the next couple of weeks.
So many good movies showing this time, I hope I get a chance to see them all! Harry Potter, Narnia and Corpse Bride were the last movies I saw (although I watched Narnia on DVD) and I hope the interval this time wouldn't be as long. I just realized that watching movies really makes time fly by faster and that I'm not as bored as I usually am.

Can't sleep

2006-01-16T02:21:00.000+10:00

It's already 2am and I still can't sleep. It's probably because I woke up late yesterday. How I wish can just close my eyes and order my body to sleep. My eyes just keep on popping open!
Nothing much to say really. I watched Narnia again for the second time. I really like this movie. I read the book before i watched the movie and I wasn't disappointed. Wish I could live in Narnia! Hahaha!

Belated Happy Holidays

2006-01-15T20:19:00.000+10:00

This is the 5th Christmas and New Year that I've spent away from my family. My friends here told me that I should have just moved my vacation during this time. However, plane fare is just too expensive during the peak season. Add to the fact that I couldn't have waited any longer.
Every December I can't help but wish that the present year be over and that January would just rush in. Now, my wish has finally come true and January is finally here. I'm almost over this thing I get into and I'm ready to get 2006 over and done with as well. I will not be able to leave the country this year due to multiple reasons, but there are a lot of things to accomplish that will keep me busy and hopefully make me not notice the passing days.
2005 was not a bad year for me, 2004 was still worse. I enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends. I also got to go home and see my old friends. Whatever happened in the beginning, the middle and the end of the year is a learning experience in patience, humility and hard work for me. Now the new year is finally here, although I'm still waiting for Chinese New Year as well, and I'm thinking that this would be a more interesting and surprising year. I have made no plans at all, so let's see where the wind takes me.
Two of my friends are getting married this year and I wouldn't be able to see them get hitched. It can't be helped though, I do wish I can witness these two events.
Here's looking forward to the new year and totally getting over this mood I'm in.

House, car and the view

2006-01-15T20:04:00.000+10:00

I guess it's about time i posted some pictures of where I've been living these past of couple of years and my car. I'm going to miss this house at least I get to take the car with me!

Mati and Ice

2006-01-15T19:49:00.000+10:00

My trip would not have been complete without going out with my college barkada.

Good times with the Jaros

2006-01-15T19:43:00.000+10:00

I spent a lot of time in Cavite with Rhea and her family. It was very restful and a bit stressful all at the same time! Strange huh, but it's true. However, I wouldn't miss any event with this family if i could help it.

Getting drunk with ginpom

2006-01-15T19:38:00.000+10:00

Third time during my whole trip.... I was a good girl! This was taken 2 days before I left.

Friends

2006-01-15T19:32:00.000+10:00

These are pictures I took with my phone. It's a bit dark and unclear but I don't really need a clear and bright picture to see them im my mind. But this a good way to remember that i did see them despite the bad pictures.

Editing Photos

2006-01-15T19:24:00.000+10:00

It's the new year and I'm all recovered from the holidays. As i was looking through my blog, I realized that I could just have made a collage for everything instead of posting everything one at a time. So here's the newly edited photos.

Boracay trip

2005-11-22T18:46:00.000+10:00

Back from manila

2005-11-22T18:23:00.000+10:00

This won't be a long blog. Just posting some pictures from various cameras. I don't have a real camera of my own since I really don't like taking pictures (of me especially!). However, most of my friends have convinced me that I need memories of my trip... Don't really know if it's a good thing that I have them or I shouldn't even look at it... makes me a bit sad that I couldn't stay.
I really did enjoy my trip, regardless of how I feel at the moment. I'm sure it would show in the pictures!

Two days in a row

2005-09-14T15:34:00.000+10:00

I can't believe I'm writing again now, so soon after the long one yesterday. But, I needed a break and I'm hungry! I'll be leaving in awhile. Finished for the day and then off to the gym. Glutton for punishment!
While resting my brain I decided to google my name and see how the other Caroline Lims are faring in the world I must say they're doing well! I saw about 4 people with the same name. One's a designer, another in GDS, there's one that wrote about gay and lesbians and another one is an HR person. It was really strange to see my name attached to another person that I have never seen/met before. I guess they would be feeling the same way if they did googled their names as well.

Chasing Time

2005-09-13T13:08:00.000+10:00

My first blog in September! How time flies...... feels like I'm continuously chasing it. There are so many things to do that I get tired just thinking about it!. There are days when I want a day to last longer so that I could get all things done, especially when I'm in a good mood and productive. There are days that I want it shortened so that I could finally go on my holiday.
There are a lot of things to be done, and I wouldn't enjoy my holiday if I don't finish it before I go. So I'm really hoping I get a burst of extra energy (think Energizer) in the next few weeks so that I leave with a clear conscience.
I've been reading through my blog and some movies have already been taken out my movie list.
Sin City, in my opinion, wasn't so bad. The people I watched it with didn't like it too much. For me, it was a comic book come to life. Interesting and strange all at the same time. There are times that watching something different is a pleasure that can't be beat.
Wedding Crashers was ok. It was the kind of movie that would make you laugh because you're glad that the embarassing things happening to the characters are not happening to you. Rachel McAdams is turning out to be a good actress. She's been gaining popularity since Mean Girls. I must say she still has a long, good career ahead of her.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was really good. It was funny, heart warming, creepy and disturbing. Johnny Depp is really a good actor. No matter what character he plays he makes you forget that he's portraying a role.
Monster-in-law was normal. It had no effect on me whatsoever. There was only one scene where I laughed and at this moment I can't even remember what scene it was. All I remember from watching this movie was that Jane Fonda still looks hot for her age! She was gorgeous. Of course all the clothes she wore were all flattering to her figure, but she was able to carry it off so well!
I've been watching some DVD's as well. Finding Neverland was beautiful. Kate Winslet has redeemed herself (in my opinion) since she made Titanic (3 hours of my life I would never get back!).
Harry Potter just gets darker every year. And I end up being more disappointed in Harry's character every time. All the same, I'm still looking forward to all the movies and books that are to come out in the future.
Life is becoming more interesting lately. Probably because I'm so impatient to go on my holiday and there's a skip in my heart whenever I think about it. So excited! The only thing I'm not really looking forward to is when I have to get my teeth extracted. Oh well! Have to be practical too. Getting it done here is too expensive so I have to sacrifice some fun time and eating time for it.

8 more weeks!

2005-08-17T19:57:00.000+10:00

I finally found the time to write tonight! I am so exhausted mentally I just want to disappear for a week and recharge. Unfortunately i won't be able to do that anytime soon..... got interrupted by D and K.... not good...... didn't want to to talk to her.... oh well! Can't do anything about that... i guess I'm too nice for my own good.
8 more weeks to go till i see my friends and family.... can't wait! :)

Am I Busy or Bored? Can I be both?

2005-07-20T13:21:00.000+10:00

I'm in Robina Town Centre waiting...... waiting..... It's the tax season and I have to be in the shopping mall to get clients. Unfortunately, today is a little slow. We only set-up here Monday, so people are just noticing us now. So i'm bored while waiting for people to come up to me and make an appointment.
I'm busy because it's end of the financial year compliance. I'm already late in making PAYG summaries, BAS and all that other stuff (i'm sure some of you don't have any idea of what i'm talking about). I can't do these stuff that I'm supposed to do for Mahamad because it's a totally separate job. It's a good thing I was able to tap into a network here in the mall...At least I'm doing something. Wish i brought Harry Potter 6 along.
Sin City is already showing and I can't watch it beacuse I get home late all the time. So tired...... The last movie I saw was Fantastic Four last July 9. That was a fun movie, good for destressing. I was also able to watch Bewitched that week. We went to a drive-in movie. It was weird watching a movie in the car. I wished that I had a convertible, that would have been cool!
Speaking of cars..... I just bought one. It's a Honda Civic 2002. I'm really so happy with it! A car of my own... with a little help from my dad. I traded-in my brother's car so that was the deposit for it. I'll post some pictures of my baby when I get a chance. :)
That's all for now. Can't stay online for too long.... My boss might suddenly show up.

Storm

2005-06-29T22:01:00.000+10:00

Are our emotions really affected by the weather? Sometimes it really seems that way. It's been raining here all week and I want to feel a little sunshine on my face before the week ends. I'm running a low on energy and enthusiasm. There are so many things to do and I have a hard time getting it done. The funny thing is that I'm not the only one feeling this way. Some of my coworkers are saying the same. Maybe we should all take a holiday? Hahahaha.
War of the Worlds would be showing tomorrow..... I wonder when I'd be able to watch it. Bewitched, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sin City and Fantastic Four would be interesting to watch.
Harry Potter, The Half-blood Prince, would be released on July 16. I already pre-ordered a copy. Got to finish that book before tax season starts! I basically have about 2 days to finish it.
My brother has gone home to the Philippines. There are only four of us in the house now. Marco will be going to London soon and Mark might go somewhere too. The house would be quiet and hopefully clean in the next couple of weeks.
Love life is quiet and a bit confusing. D is making me crazy! Men will be men i guess, and sometimes life would just be better if they would just be friends and nothing more. I'm trying to be strong and hold on to my decision. Here's to hoping that my resolve is stronger than his persistence.
I'm trying to buy a car. Already found one, made a deposit and all then my friends stopped me and because I trust them...... Now i'm still looking...hopefully I get my dream car.
I'm about to leave work now. Went to work at 630 pm and it's now 1030pm. Have to go home already, really have a long day tomorrow. Weather station said the rain would clear up by Friday. I really hope so because I'm running out of clothes to wear. Had to dry my clothes in my boss' house because she had a dryer.
These are the updates I have for now..... Did I already mention that I bought a new computer? Really enjoying it! Simple pleasures in life should really not be taken for granted!

Lazy

2005-06-25T19:19:00.000+10:00

I've havent's been posting much lately. There's really not much happening - work, shop, work, movie, work, eat, work, occasional exercise.....
I've been watching a lot of movies though. Yesterday I watched Batman Begins and Mr. and Mrs. Smith (i've actually seen it twice already!) I've also seen Star Wars Episode 3, Herbie Fully Loaded, Kingdom of Heaven, Coach Carter, 2046 (really weird Chinese movie this) and some other movies that I can't remember now.
I' ve also been watching Smallville, Charmed and Tru Calling (all tv series that i download). I've also been catching on my reading. Dan Brown, James Patterson, Laurell K. Hamilton and Nora Roberts (need that bit of romance to dream about!) are most of the authors I've been buying lately. With all this watching, reading and working I now have to wear glasses because of astigmatism. Due to vanity, I am now drinking one glass of carrot juice or veggie juice a day so that I could get rid of it soon!
The tax season is coming up in a couple of weeks, I know I'm going to be much busier then. Hopefully I would still have time to post some blogs. But if you don't hear from me in the next couple of months.... well you'll know what happened!
I bought a new computer today! This is all mine! I'm so excited! I'm using it now to post this blog and pictures.:) It's an HP Pavillion dv1000. I'm really happy about it as well. Next on my agenda is a car, then my trip home. So much spending! hahahaha! my only joy in life at the moment......

2005-06-25T19:17:00.000+10:00

movie world! from left to right: lolo and lola (my boss' parents), jodi (my boss' daughter), me, josiah, ate evelyn, ate girlie. the other people are not supposed to be in the picture! it was a really fun day!

2005-06-25T19:14:00.000+10:00

that's me in the office wasting time by taking pictures

2005-06-25T19:12:00.000+10:00

My boss (Nerissa), her daughter (Jodi), lolo and lola (Ate Nerissa's parents )

World View

2005-05-18T22:30:00.000+10:00

Got this quiz from eric.

You scored as Cultural Creative. Cultural Creatives are probably the newest group to enter this realm. You are a modern thinker who tends to shy away from organized religion but still feels as if there is something greater than ourselves. You are very spiritual, even if you are not religious. Life has a meaning outside of the rational.

Cultural Creative

100%

Fundamentalist

69%

Romanticist

50%

Postmodernist

44%

Idealist

38%

Existentialist

19%

Modernist

13%

Materialist

13%

What is Your World View? (corrected...hopefully)
created with QuizFarm.com

Kingdom of Heaven

2005-05-16T23:38:00.000+10:00

Today I watched Kingdom of Heaven with a friend of mine. It was a really good movie and I think I'm going to watch it again.
The dialogues were great and it showed no bias towards any religion.
It was a bit gory... especially when they showed the face of the king after he died. Through the first half of the movie I was wondering what the king looked like under the mask and I was half anticipating and half dreading if they were going to show it or not. Oh well, it wasn't a pretty sight!
Despite the gory scenes (which I should have anticipated knowing that it was about the Crusades) I really recommend it.
Saw the preview for Fantastic Four.... looks really interesting. I still remember watching the two dimensional cartoon when I was young.... wonder how it looks like on the big screen.
I'll be watching Star Wars 3 on the weekend as well.... I'm sure that's going to be packed.
I also saw First Daughter (Katie Holmes is cute, but the movie seems to be too much like Chasing Liberty) and Meet the Fockers on DVD last Saturday.... I was a bit disappointed (but I never really liked Ben Stiller anyway).
Work is not too busy now, we're getting a breather before the tax season starts. Really looking forward to getting 7 to 8 hours sleep everyday!

Had some time for another quiz! hehehe!

You are a Samurai.
You are full of honour and value respect. You
are not really the stereotypical hero, but you
do fight for good. Just in your own way. For
you, it is most certainly okay to kill an evil
person, if it is for justice and peace. You
also don't belive in mourning all the time and
think that once you've hit a bad stage in life
you just have to get up again. It's pointless
to concentrate on emotional pain and better to
just get on with everything. You also are a
down to earth type of person and think before
you act. Impulsive people may annoy you
somewhat.

Main weapon: Sword
Quote: "Always do the right thing.
This will gratify some people and astonish the
rest" -Mark Twain
Facial expression: Small smile

What Type of Killer Are You? [cool pictures]
brought to you by Quizilla

2005-05-15T12:34:00.000+10:00

the four boys i live with in the house. marco and mark (above), martin and carl

2005-05-15T12:33:00.000+10:00

that's joyce, marco, me, martin and carl

2005-05-15T12:32:00.000+10:00

this is the most recent that i got from mark. taken about a month ago.

More pictures

2005-05-13T19:37:00.000+10:00

This was taken on New Year's. Loren, Marx and I had lunch, went around Surfers Paradise, had coffee (where this pic was taken) then we watched The Incredibles. I really had a good day even though I was sick.

isn't sepia nice!

Byron Bay pictures

2005-05-13T19:35:00.000+10:00

From left to right: John, Mark, me, Loren, Marx, Enzo and Jam. That's the lighthouse behind us and Dot was the one who took the picture. This was about November I think. I really love this place. Nice beach, good food and some shopping!

spending the day at byron bay

2005-05-13T19:32:00.000+10:00

This is the view from the lookout. If you look closely there's a pathway going down from where I took this pic. Really long walk!

Melbourne

2005-05-13T19:31:00.000+10:00

I just noticed that I should have put the picture after this first, then this for the caption to make sense! Oh well!
This is probably the most recent picture I have here in my computer. This was taken Feb 10 I think.

now it's here

2005-05-13T19:29:00.000+10:00

waiting for the tram

more quizzes

2005-05-10T20:56:00.000+10:00

Your Birthdate: January 7

Born on the 7th day of month gives you a tendency to be something of a perfectionist and makes you more individualistic in many ways.

Your mind is good at deep mental analysis and complicated reasoning.

You are very psychic and sensitive, and you should usually follow your hunches.

You may not take orders too well, so you may want to work alone or in a situation where you can be the boss.

This birthday gives a tendency to be somewhat self-centered and a little stubborn.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

I find this to be true at the moment.....

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free.

In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.

You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.

You would be forced to break up with someone who was insecure and in constant need of reassurance.

Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.

Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.

You think of marriage as something that will confine you. You are afraid of marriage.

In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

this one seems to be true as well

Your Life Path Number Is 7

7

You are a peaceful and affectionate soul... and by nature rather reserved and analytical.

The overwhelming strength of the number 7 is reflected in the depth of thinking that is shown.

You will garner knowledge from practically every source that you find.

Intellectual, scientific and studious, you don't accept a premise until you have dissected the subject and arrived at you own independent conclusion.

This is a very spiritual number and it often denotes a sort of spiritual wisdom that becomes apparent at a fairly early age. You need a good deal of quiet time to be with your own inner thoughts and dreams.

You dislike crowds, noise and confusion.

You are very thorough and complete in your work, the perfectionist who expects everyone else to be a meet a high standard of performance, too.

You evaluate situations very quickly and with amazing accuracy.

You rely heavily on your experiences and your intuition, rather than accepting advice from someone.

Your hunches usually prove to be very accurate, and knowing this, you are one who tends to follow the directions they seem to guide.

It's easy for you to detect deception and recognize insincere people.

You aren't one to have a wide circle of friends, but once you accept someone as a friend, it's for life.

You really aren't a very social person, and your reserve is often taken to be aloofness.

You actually like being alone, away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

In many ways, you would have fit in better in much earlier times when the pace of life was less hectic.

In the most negative use of the 7 energies, you can become very pessimistic, lackadaisical, quarrelsome, and secretive.

A Life Path 7 individual who is not living life fully and gaining through experiences.

A negative 7 is a hard person to live with because of a serious lack of consideration.

The negative 7 is very selfish and spoiled.

If you have any of the negative traits they are very difficult to get rid of.

At your worst, you feel that the world really does owe you something - or in some way you aren't being fairly treated.

Fortunately, the negative 7 is not the typical 7, at least not without some mitigating positive traits.

This number is one that seems to have some major shifts from highs to lows.

Stability in feelings may be elusive for you.

What Is Your Life Path Number?

Stuck

2005-05-06T00:25:00.000+10:00

It's now 12:30am and I'm still awake. Couldn't sleep with all these thoughts in my mind... and the noise downstairs is hard to ignore.
It's been a month since I last wrote, how time really flies (which is good for me it means that October come sooner rather than later). I've been busy this past month not just with work but with personal stuff as well. Why is it that personal problems are so much harder to ignore?! I've been going nonstop since the end of March, running around like there's no tomorrow and like I'm bionic woman who doesn't sleep. Before the long weekend started I told myself that I need to rest, and that's what I did. Two days of living like a pig... eating and sleeping. Now my problem is I can't seem to start again. I'm stuck with the feeling of sleepiness and exhaustion. Wish I was a car so that I could jump start myself...
You might be wondering why I'm still awake at 12:30 instead of being asleep... silly me... I drank three cups of coffee today hoping that I would get revved up. It only manages to keep me awake now but without any real energy to do anything. What a pity! Really need to do some work. I hope next week would be a better week. Feeling so out of everything is making me broke!

Lazy

2005-04-03T22:50:00.000+10:00

I've been quite unproductive these past few days. I've been working, but not at a 100%. That makes me feel guilty since I know I should give it my best. However, there are some things going on in the background that's causing me to think twice about where I'm headed. I'll still be in accounting cause I really love it, but for whom is the question. I might end up having to work for myself; be an independent contractor.
While all this turmoil is going on in my head and heart, I've been shopping, drinking and playing games. I'm into PS2 games and back to Timezone for me. There's something about shooting at monsters that make me feel relaxed!
I watched the Pacifier today, good movie (maybe I'm just biased because of Vin Diesel). I'm looking to watch Ms Congeniality 2 in the next few days. It's already in the cinemas but I haven't had time to watch it yet. Maybe this week.

Hitch

2005-03-21T16:53:00.000+10:00

It's now 5pm and I'm already tired. I guess anyone would be if they started the day at 430 am. I brought a friend of mine to the airport for a morning flight, she's going home to the Philippines (how i envy her!). Then I went to a seminar till the afternoon and have been looking at prospective office sites in Brisbane from 12 till bout 3. After that it's another hour drive back to the coast. Oh well! Such is life.
I watched Hitch the other day. Funny movie, definitely worth watching. It was mushy and fun, I guess I need that in my life now. I'm looking forward to the long weekend. Four days of no work sounds like heaven!

Quizzes

2005-03-17T22:58:00.000+10:00

Had time to take these quizzes and the results of these made me laugh! The anime pics were not so bad too. I'll take some serious ones next time and post the results as well.

Your Hidden Power Is Water

You have a rather calm soul, but when tempted
will get pissed off at those who bug you. You
do whatever you can in your powers to help
those of your allies and have an okay taste for
human kind, but you find them rather annoying
on occasions.

Gem Stone: Saphire, Eye Color:Ice
Blue,Hair Color:Dark Blue that's long
that goes to your waist.

Quote:If you wait for me
Then I'll come for you. Although I've travelled
far, I always hold a place for you
In my heart. If you think of me, If you miss me
once in a while, Then I'll return to you. I'll
return and fill that space in your heart

What Is Your True Hidden Power? .::Beautiful Anime Pics::.
brought to you by Quizilla

Here's another one

You are a water girl. You are flexible and very
nice. You are quiet so people who don't know
you think you are weird or just mean and high
and mighty like. You aren't though. You like
to have a good time and you also just like to
relax and just enjoy the stars.

Who are you inside????? (LOTS OF RESULTS)girls only
brought to you by Quizilla

And another

You are a Belly Dancer. You are charming inside
out, your life follows an interesting rhythm,
beautiful and smooth, you know how to be the
center of attention when you want to, you love
your friends and you can trust them on your
life. Your ideal man is the one with a sweet,
witty character who understands how much
freedom is important to you.

What kind of dancers are you? (Girls only)
brought to you by Quizilla

Another

Your inner soul is content with the way it is. In
general you are a very sweet, caring person!
You love to kick back and hang out with your
friends, but you also enjoy time by yourself to
read a book and catch up on your studies. You
love the wildlife and you can always seem to
make the day better. Your lover is the luckiest
man in the world because people like you are
rare to come across. You love life but always
still have your head in reality.

What Is Your Inner Soul Trying To Say? (With Pics, See All Results!)
brought to you by Quizilla

Really into vampires lately!

Well well well, the old fashioned 17th century
vampire, one of my faves. You look for the good
things in life, you posses a lot of classical
class, and follow that of the original
vampires, you have no shame in what you are,
infact you embrace it, you love it and wouldn't
have it any other way. Your wealth is
unspeakable and your way of luring people with
your mystical ways and looks is amazing, and
most people would often call you The
Seductress.

What Kind Of Vampire Would You Be. (New And Improved, With COOL Pics!!!) FOR GIRLS ONLY!!!!
brought to you by Quizilla

Just liked the pic in this one

You are a violin. You are very held back and
quiet. You do what you want and that usually
means something quiet like reading or writing.
You are calm and perhaps considered dark to
some. But you rarely talk to anyone besides
your close friend or family.

(BEAUTIFUL anime pics) What is your soft toned intrument?
brought to you by Quizilla

A bit more rested

2005-03-13T22:42:00.000+10:00

It's now Sunday and I feel a bit more rested. Although my back hurts (need a massage!) and I'm still stressed, I got a bit more sleep this week and more recreation. I got to watch Constantine, good movie by the way (makes me want to read the comic book... any help in that area eric?). And I finished a new pocketbook! I miss reading, since there hasn't been any time for me to just lie down and curl up with a good book, this one was special. Patricia Cornwell is really a good read.
Nothing much really going on in my life now except work. I've been keeping myself really busy since there's really nothing else to occupy my time these days.
There are days when I absolutely love this simple life but last week was a bit strange. I don't know why, but I felt a bit restless or maybe it was just stress getting to me. Either way, it was kind of good because I took the time off to watch a movie and buy a book. I really need to find a balance with my work, friends and some alone time.

All the Pretty Ladies

2005-03-13T22:23:00.000+10:00

Here are the gals I hang around with when I'm in Brisbane. Dot, I, Loren, Julie and Jam

Most recent picture I have

2005-03-13T22:22:00.000+10:00

This was taken last year about September on Loren's wedding. That's my brother who lives with me here in the Gold Coast then Marx and Loren the newlyweds, and I.

Finally learned how to do this!

2005-03-13T22:21:00.000+10:00

It took me quite awhile to get the time to fiddle around with this program, but I can now post pictures! This was taken about 2 years ago and I don't look any different now, except for my hair being shorter that is!

Socializing

2005-03-06T10:36:00.001+10:00

It's now 10:30am on a sunday morning and i've already cleaned my house and taken a shower. I've been so busy lately that i haven't had the time to write. The past 3 weeks have been pretty busy with work, but last week i was busy with work and meeting up with people. M and G just got back from manila, so we've been catching up and going out. I also had to help G move her stuff to her new place and go shopping with her to get some more house things. Going out shopping with someone is really bad, since i end up spending as well. I've been a naughty girl because i haven't been saving up.
Last Thusrday I met some more pinoys in brisbane and we had dinner there and a really good time. They had sinigang, daing and halo-halo. I haven't really had that in a long while, which makes me more excited to go home. My friends here are all telling me that my mind is already in manila, but I really can't help it. Four years is a really long time.
Friday G and I went to IKEA to do some home furnishing shopping. I ended up buying a wok and stool! hahaha! I'm sure I'll be able to use those. Then we met up with L and went to the supermarket where we ended up with 2 carts. We had Indian food for dinner and went to the park on the swing and really had a nice conversation.
Yesterday, I went to the city to meet up with some friends I made while working in sales. We went to a club where the crowd was mostly "oldies". They were even playing the Ghostbuster song much to the amusement of G and M. It was the Valley after that where we couldn't get in to any clubs bacause they wouldn't allow sneakers in. We ended up having Kebabs and then going home.
Past 4 nights have been really exhausting and I have some pending work to do for my meeting tomorrow. Hope I finish it all today and get some sleep as well. I have to get up early tomorrow to pick up someone from the airport then off to work I go. I hope this coming week is more restful than the last.

Dead Tired

2005-02-17T22:49:00.000+10:00

It's now 11pm and I'm so exhausted! Haven't been sleeping well lately, so many thing on my mind Then I go home late sometimes not because of work but "pakikisama". Since we're mostly Filipinos in the office it seems like we're family already. So a little favor here and there, but it takes its toll after awhile.
I really miss home a lot, wish it's already October. I can't wait to see everybody! Hopefully, I would have enough time even if I go to Europe with R. But that's still in the works, it may or may not happen. I want to spend time with my family also, well my sibling mostly.
That's what keeps me going actually. I want to work hard now and I can accumulate my holiday hours so I could stay longer in Manila. My budget is another thing, but I'm really trying to save as much as I can.
I have a lot of fragmented thoughts. I can't seem to be coherent. I'm just chatting with my sister now. thank goodness I don't have to be professional with her! Hahaha!

The Aviator and Ray

2005-02-15T22:45:00.000+10:00

Three days, two movies.... Hmmm.... Seems like I'm not saving money at all! I did buy a membership card to this one movie house where I can buy tickets at half price, so it's not too bad. Sunday, I watched The Aviator with my brother after eating yum-cha for lunch. The movie was actually really good even with Leo as the leading role (I really don't like him much, seems to me he's always shouting in his movies). Howard Hughes was a really interesting man and the pace of the movie was quite fast. I was hardly bored (having Cate Blanchett and Kate Beckinsale as leading ladies helped too!) and was a bit disappointed that the movie did not end the way I though it would. For those who hasn't seen the movie I'm not going to spoil it for you. My opinion is just that it should have been longer, but then the title of the movie would not be the Aviator if they did. Oh well! Bottom line is it was good.
Ray was another movie that I wasn't disappointed in. Jamie Foxx was good! He deserved his award. It was interesting to see Ray's life and his childhood without it being boring. What can I say, I like Ray Charles and it was good to see that they were honest about his heroin addiction.
Anyway, my movie list seems to be getting longer instead of shorter. Now I'm looking forward to Constantine, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Star Wars, War of the Worlds, Hitch, Batman Begins and a whole lot more! I still haven't seen Alexander and The House of Flying Daggers is showing now and I'm watching that on Saturday. This would be the first time for me to watch these Chinese movies in the big screen. It's a shame I only saw Hero on DVD. Anyway, here's to more movies and my money going with it!

Melbourne Trip

2005-02-15T22:16:00.000+10:00

I was in Melbourne last week for this account I'm handling at the moment. From Tuesday to Saturday I met heaps of new people, mostly geriatric ones since my client's business are aged care centers. I met some nasty people as well who made my stay less enjoyable than it should have been. I can't believe that someone can make up stories about me in 3 days and has only talked to me for a total of 2 hours max! My mistake was that I never paid her any attention, so I was just nodding the whole way through without considering her words! That should teach me a lesson...
Aside from that, I learned a whole lot about the aged care business. It's very difficult taking care of old people.... I don't think I would have the patience and dedication that it requires. It's also more complicated than I thought it would be. I guess having employess with different agendas can do that to any business.
Seeing them also made me realize that I don't want to grow old here. I want to be in my country to live when I get to the retiring years. This is one great incentive for me to save money and make sure that I don't live my dying years here in this country.
The highlight of my trip was seeing Loren and Marx on Friday night. It was such a great coincidence that they planned their trip during the week that I was going as well. I was the party crasher on their honeymoon! It was just a spur of the moment trip that turned out well for me because they were going to be there as well. We went to the Crowne Plaza where they were celebrating Chinese New Year. There were some attractions and so much food going around! It was really nice and relaxing, just walking around having coffee and talking with good friends.
Overall, the trip wasn't too bad. I'm just not in a hurry to go back though! :)

WOW

2005-02-06T01:49:00.000+10:00

WOW is all I can say about the thing happening to me these days. First, I'm going to Melbourne for four days! All expenses paid by the owner of the company whose account I handle. I've only been working in this new job for almost a month and I get to go! I'm really excited!
Second, I have already planned my trip to go home before the year ends. I've made it a firm decision that I HAVE TO GO! It doesn't matter if I don't save up as much as I want, I'll still go home. It's for my sanity's sake that I'm doing this and with everything going on the earliest time I could get away is after the tax season. I am looking forward to seeing everyone I haven't seen in FOUR YEARS! Gosh it's been so long! There are a few friends that I haven't seen longer than that and there are a few friends I've seen since I left and I thank God that they were able to came visit me wherever I was. I'm so lucky to have good friends!
Third, I actually feel happy. I haven't felt like this for quite awhile. I just hope it continues. And with the way I feel now... Nah, I can't say that after all I've been through the past year is worth it. I'm waiting for something still.....
But for now I can wait patiently.

Alfie

2005-02-01T22:01:00.000+10:00

I'm trying to cross out as much as i can from my movie list. I watched Alfie today (seems like we're going to make tuesday our movie night just because movie tickets are almost half price). I thought I was going to be disappointed at first, but I wasn't.
The story seems simple but it touches an issue that I'm concerned with at the moment..... commitment. What if we found that "perfect" someone and we let them go or we thought we found them but they turned out to be false and we end up being hurt? Then there's the "almost perfect" someone when you were together and then you realize that they were "perfect" after they left you? Nothing but questions in life..... and you can never the find the answer. Or is it maybe the answer would be too devastating? Hmmm.... I wonder.
Anyway, I did enjoy the movie. Maybe you guys will enjoy it as well.

A Very Long Engagement, Elektra and Closer

2005-01-27T23:59:00.000+10:00

I watched three movies this past few weeks. Loren and I watched A Very Long Engagement on my birthday. That movie was really something. I don't know if I should recommend it or not. There were times in the movie where I was thinking.... I wish that she finds him already!.... There were times that I forgot how long it's been. So, my recommendation on this one is if you liked Amelie because of the actress, you wouldn't be disappointed with her here. But if you're the kind who can't sit still reading subtitles... maybe you should let this one pass!
Last Saturday Loren, Marx and I watched Elektra. It was a bit disappointing. Some of the fight scenes were good, and of course I like looking at Jennifer Garner. The effect of the movie was a bit like Daredevil to me, there was something about it that makes you say "hmmmm, that wasn't so bad, but it could have been better". So it wasn't a complete waste.
Yesterday I watched Closer with some work friends. I can honestly say it was better. Having Natalie Portman show her butt in those G-strings helped a lot too! (I think I might have been a guy in my past life! Hahaha!) Aside from the girls (Jude Law was yummy as well), the story was a bit more original. It was a bit funny and sad. It was the kind of movie that makes you analyze without you noticing it.... or maybe that's just me!
I'm looking forward to watching Alexander, Alfie and Ray. They're all showing here now, but I just can't find the time to watch it! Especially Alexander which is almost three hours long! Hopefully I can watch them all before they stop showing it at the cinemas.

Work work work work

2005-01-27T23:05:00.000+10:00

I've been preoccupied with work these past two weeks. I've been coming home late at night, but I don't really get up till about 8 or 8:30 am. This kind of setup is ideal now because I can come and go as I please. My brother isn't back yet so I can use the car whenever I want or go anywhere I want at anytime. Now, I'm wishing to really get my own car. Maybe after 6 months I can get a car loan or should I get a credit card first? Hahaha! Knowing me I would probably get the credit card!
I really hope the way I feel now will continue for the whole year. I really need this experience and steady income. Here's to hoping that I don't burn out!