THANK YOU!!!!

March 2008 was when I first set foot on Perth Western Australia. At that time I didn't know what will happen to me here. I didn't know anyone here and I had no job nor an accommodation waiting for me. Para akong kabute na bigla na lang sumulpot dito na ang tanging dala ay ang aking bagahe at ang paniniwala na kagustuhan Nyang mapunta ako dito.

It's been four years and all I can say is - IT'S BEEN GOOD!!!! HE'S GOOD!!!! He surrounded me with people who've helped me along the way. I wouldn't be in the place that I am now without them. They're the ones who loved me, supported me, and gave me confidence to do well in a foreign country. This post is dedicated to them.

~ 0 ~

Ate Rose - Pinatuloy nya ako sa bahay nya for two weeks while I'm looking for a job and a permanent place to stay. Imagine taking a complete stranger into your home. So glad she did! I consider her and her family my own.

Sylvia and Peter - Real friends to me and they're also my confidants. They're like my grandparents. They always make sure that I am walking on the straight and narrow path. And if not, sermon ang kapalit!

Janette and Glenn - my second set of grandparents. They're very generous to me and Janette reminds me of my paternal grandmother - a person of prayer and a very strong and passionate Christian.

Karen - someone who believes in my capabilities even if I have doubts myself. We've been working together for 4yrs now.

Hermie - for being a good and dependable friend! She also makes me beautiful! She's my hairdresser. Believe me, it's good to have a friend who's an excellent hairdresser!

Bill - things may not have worked between us but there's no denying the fact that he helped me a lot in so many ways. And for that I'm extremely grateful. Sabi nga ni Adel, sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead.

~ 0 ~

And of course, thank you to Jesus for making all these things possible!

unwell

I've been unwell for about a week now. I guess it's the change in weather. I've always found it difficult to cope when the weather changes. Kaya eto, absent na naman!

~ 0 ~

I found this exquisite flower yesterday, unfortunately, I don't think my picture taking skills have given it justice.

bring it on!

Perth's biggest food festival have started. Whohoooo!






As if naman palakain ako sa labas! Maganda lang makita na maraming tao sa City after 6pm. Karaniwan kasi parang ghost town na dito after 6.

two years and counting

We've been together for two years now and it's been good!

You are more than what I prayed for. Every time I look at you I am reminded of God's generosity and how He works in wonderful ways.

I hope we'll spend more years together. My baby...

gifts

Shirts and undies from G

Various gifts and cards from friends

Wine from G and roses from N

Bouquet of flowers from B

From B

kainan kaliwa't kanan

16 Dec - Office Christmas Party (Theme: White Christmas. Kinailangan ko pang bumili ng puting damit only to find out na mas marami pa ang mga hindi naka puti! Grrrrr! )

17 Dec - Church Christmas Party (my gift's ready!)

18 Dec - Catch up with some friends in Fremantle (Ayaw ko na sanag pumunta pero nasabi ko ng pupunta ako eh. Hay...)

24 Dec - Lunch with friends (it's my turn to be the host!)

25 Dec - Lunch with a friend and her family (theme: Hawaiian. Mamitas na lang ako ng bulaklak sa kapitbahay to accentuate my white dress! Hmmmm...mukhang madadalas ang pagsuot ko nitong puting damit na ito.)

26 Dec - Lunch with close friends from church (I'm going to bring fried rice and pork adobo. First time nilang makakatikim ng adobo.)

27 Dec - Lunch with someone (Hindi pa segurado 'to baka nga hindi sya sumipot eh)

~ 0 ~

Merry Christmas to all!!!!

untitled

Yummy roast lamb! Had it for dinner tonight. I'll have it again tomorrow...and the next day...and the day after....and...

Who's in the picture??? Lovely Cheska of course!

With Gilbert and Jenny - two of the few Pinoy friends I have here

At the Bell Tower

About to be squashed by a dinosaur!

My two sets of parents - (from left) Sylvia and Peter, Janette and Glenn

where did time go?!?

I can't believe that it's been almost two months since I last posted something here. At eto pa, matatapos na rin ang 2011!!!! Waaahhhh!!! Is there a way to stop time?

~ 0 ~

My birthday came and went last month without too much fanfare. I celebrated it with friends and churchmates. The highlight was the fancy luncheon my friend hosted last Sunday in honour of my birthday. She even put "happy birthday" confetti on her table cloth! That was so unexpected but it made me feel soooo special!

Life is good!

~ 0 ~

Someone sent me an SMS today. "Hello" and "Goodbye" type of message. Tinanong ko nga bakit nag text pa sya. Kanya "because i'm still XX XXXX with you!"

Baka lasing lang sya.

Oh well....life goes on!

Sample photos, 18 Aug

We did night photography last Thursday around campus and in Northbridge. Wasn't happy with the photos I've taken though. Nonetheless, below are the my top three.

The Brass Monkey pub in Northbridge

Facade of one of TAFE's buildings.

...to the chapel

~ 0 ~

I thought today will be a "lazy" day but it's turning out to be anything but! Got so many things to do that I don't think I'd finish all my domestic duties!!! Where's my slave?!? Where's Paulo?!? :0)

one memorable Friday, 8.30am-4.00pm

Just got back from a tiring but fun and informative river boat cruise along Perth's Swan River. Never did a Swan River Tour yet - buti na lang! Sa office pala namin ay LIBRE! That's how our office conduct its induction for new staff.

The weather was perfect. It's been raining almost everyday here but two days ago ang ganda ng sikat ng araw. Parang summer in winter. So blessed!

BTW, we saw 3 dolphins!

Millionaire's row. At the front is Perth's most expensive house, $75M. Behind are also houses worth millions of dollars.

Millionaire's toys - boats and yachts

Perth Brewery Restaurant

Barrack Street jetty and Perth's buildings

What we left behind

conflict

It's difficult to tell your head to stop loving someone when your heart still does...

meet Germie!

Yes, that's my new name. I'm a germ carrier.

I hate being sick because I can't do anything. Been confined in my bedroom for 3 days now. Yes, I know I need rest but not this kind. Pleazzz, I have a wedding to go to tonight, places to visit with my brother, activities to plan while my brother is here and work to do. Did I just say work? I think i'm being delusional now.

Please, please...I want to get well and go out there and do some living (read: lakwatsa!)

It seems like germs are the only living organism that I can attract. The moment they notice I'm around they attach to me in an instant!

it's finished!

Where did the first half of 2011 go?????

All I can say is it was one tough journey. I just hope and pray that things will get a lot better. I still can't see the light at the end of the tunnel but I'm sure it's there.

I'm thankful that my brother is here at the moment, he makes things a lot easier to bear. At least I have someone to listen to my monologues and cooks me dinner. I'm enjoying this luxury while it lasts for when he leaves I'll be alone again...naturally.

Cathy the super....super....super....model!

Not!

Super KAPAL, that is!

My brother and I went to Whiteman Park last Saturday kaya may photographer ang super kapal na model. Unfortunately, we forgot to ask someone to take our picture together.

On hold na muna yung Melbourne and Sydney pictures. Hopefully this coming weeks things will be normal at work. But until then I'm lucky to have the time (and sanity!) to post anything here.

what i need in a man

Original List (age 22):

1. Handsome
2. Charming
3. Financially successful
4. A caring listener
5. Witty
6. In good shape
7. Dresses with style
8. Appreciates finer things
9. Full of thoughtful surprises
10. An imaginative, romantic lover


Revised List (age 32):

1. Nice looking (prefer hair on his head)
2. Opens car doors, holds chairs
3. Has enough money for a nice dinner
4. Listens more than talks
5. Laughs at my jokes
6. Carries bags of groceries with ease
7. Owns at least one tie
8. Appreciates a good home-cooked meal
9. Remembers birthdays and anniversaries
10. Seeks romance at least once a week


Revised List (age 42):

1. Not too ugly (bald head OK)
2. Doesn't drive off until I'm in the car
3. Works steady -- splurges on dinner out occasionally
4. Nods head when I'm talking
5. Usually remembers punch lines of jokes
6. Is in good enough shape to rearrange the furniture
7. Wears a shirt that covers his stomach
8. Knows not to buy champagne with screw-top lids
9. Remembers to put the toilet seat down
10. Shaves most weekends


Revised List (age 52):

1. Keeps hair in nose and ears trimmed
2. Doesn't belch or scratch in public
3. Doesn't borrow money too often
4. Doesn't nod off to sleep when I'm venting
5. Doesn't re-tell the same joke too many times
6. Is in good enough shape to get off couch on weekends
7. Usually wears matching socks and fresh underwear
8. Appreciates a good TV dinner
9. Remembers my name on occasion
10. Shaves some weekends


Revised List (age 62):

1. Doesn't scare small children
2. Remembers where bathroom is
3. Doesn't require much money for upkeep
4. Only snores lightly when asleep
5. Remembers why he's laughing
6. Is in good enough shape to stand up by himself
7. Usually wears clothes
8. Likes soft foods
9. Remembers where he left his teeth
10. Remembers that it's the weekend


Revised List (age 72):

1. Breathing
2. Doesn't miss the toilet

- from the net-

how to be alone

Leaving Ninety-Nine (by Audio Adrenalin)

I'm lost and broken all alone on this road
The wheels keep turning but the feeling is gone
when I fear I'm on my own
You remind me i am not alone

when You say..

I'd leave ninety-nine
Leave them all behind
To find you
(For you alone) I'd leave ninety-nine
Leave them all behind
To find you

It's dark and lonely and the path is unclear
Can't move my feet because I'm frozen with fear
then you say, my child, my child
i am always here, i'm at your side

I'd leave ninety-nine
Leave them all behind
To find you
(For you alone) I'd leave ninety-nine
Leave them all behind
To find you

you're never too far down
I promise you'll be found,
i'll reach into the mud,
the miry clay
pursue you to the end,
like a faithful friend,
nothing in this world,
can keep me away,

I'd leave ninety-nine
Leave them all behind
To find you
(For you alone) I'd leave ninety-nine
Leave them all behind
To find you...
to find you..

~ 0 ~

If you are loved like that can you help not love him back?

my last lunch with the A-team

It's slowly sinking in now....

Tuesday is my last day here. Two more working days and that's it. Next time I go to work it's going to be with a new team, new culture and new working environment.

Life with its never ending changes....

I'm going to miss the A-team!