Collectibles

I am such a travel agent. When I went to visit the Sydney Observatory this month I took a photo of this map! :) A cool map if I may say so.

At work, I have a few maps on my desk. Different sizes, colors and perspective ( I have a political map even!)

I guess it comes with the job.

I collect brochures as well. I think I could fill up a room just with my brochure "collection". I sometimes mean to throw away the old ones but I just end up taking too much time deciding which to keep and which to throw, that I end up just...keeping them all!

I collect postcards as well. I've collected a few from my travels, but sadly I've left most of this in my memorabilia bag in Manila. I do hope to be reunited with them one day...

I collect fridge magnets! I just love the different shapes they come in. I have one the shape of a backpack, another the shape of a slipper. I have mountains, sharks, among others. It's good my fridge is quite big to accommodate them all. Sooner rather than later I may have to buy a whiteboard to collect them in.

What have you been collecting recently? Do you feel attached to them? I remember the feeling of being in a particular place when I see my fridge magnets. I am amazed at how creative some of these stuff are.

Counting Passwords

On passwords, computers, swipes and machines

Today I was asked by my computer to change my password again. At work, we have this security thing to change passwords once a month. It is a bit annoying.

How computer-dependent-password crazy is the world?? Everyone would have at the very least 2 passwords at a time. I have at least about 22.

Okay, so here is what I am talking about…. An extraordinary day….

I wake up in the morning turn my phone on and my phone asks for a key lock code (1). I turn it on and all is good. I get ready for work and on my way to the train I pop into an ATM machine to get some cash, but before it dispenses anything I key in my password (2). I then go to work, swipe my work ID onto the machine, good thing the door opens with my thumb print!! I swipe my ID card again to get onto my floor. Before gaining access to my door I swipe my ID again. I sit on my desk. I type in my password (3) to gain access to my phones. Then switch on my PC. Computer asks for my log ins. Mind you it asks for passwords for work email, reservation system, and three confidential work stuff (4) (5) (6) (7) (8). I then work throughout the day with occasional visits to the toilet and the next floor each time requires me to swipe my ID in and out every single time. At my lunch break I remember to pay rent and so I log onto my internet banking, enter my password (9) and that is done. Less money in my account! L I decided to check my PayPal account to see if I have any additional funds, I type in my password (10) again and see that I have a fair bit. Makes me happy. I take my lunch and then before I know it, lunch is over. Back to work until about 5pm and then swipe out of the office building. Take the train home and have dinner. Check my emails, of course typing my passwords for each email that I check which I have a fair bit (11) (12) (13) (14) and then log on to a few blog sites that ask for my passwords again (15) (16) (17) (18) (19). I check my friendster, multiply, and other networking accounts type in passwords again (20) (21) (22). I close my PC. And retire for the night. Only to wake up and the process starts all over again.

Are we so dependent on computers and machines? Keeping track of one’s passwords can be quite taxing. One can resort to writing them all down. Corresponding log ins/ user names and passwords, and pray that no one ever finds this sheet of paper. The above stuff pertaining to passwords that I write about are the ones that I can think of now. I can think of other things that I have created accounts and passwords for. Don’t you wish that one password was enough for EVERY thing?? Imagine keeping at least 22 passwords. Crazy if you ask me.

Modern world + Technology + X Amount Log Ins + Y Amount Password = XY Techno Stress

PS: I forgot even my laptop at home has its own password!! Ieeek!! :X

I just had to share these Sydney pictures

I've posted these pics on my other site and thought I'd still just share them here as well. These were taken by me early this month while I was flying back into Sydney.


Amazing photos if I may say so........ Hope you like them.....

View from our balcony at Surfers Paradise

Went to the Gold Coast early this month, and stayed at Surfers Paradise. Our room had a bit of a peek to the Pacific Ocean. Lovely. I tried taking a photo once around sunrise and once at about mid day and once at night. It was so beautiful I almost wanted to relocate to this tourist city. Almost but not quite. I suppose I'd just visit Surfer's Paradise again. This time with hubby. We both have been to the Gold Coast on separate occasions and not together.

Growing up and Keeping a job

Do you remember your first ever job? Like even way back in grade school? I remember selling ice candy in the neighbourhood! We used to live in a townhouse within a subdivision where there were people renting out their Sweet Valley High and Sweet Valley Twins books. My sister and her friends used to advertise their dog walking club.

Now that we’re older we look back at those times when we’d do odd jobs just for fun. Now, we are required to keep a stable livelihood in order to live and sustain our lifestyle. Budgeting and earning a living is not always easy. I have my share of months that I would love to just go and get payday loans to help me out with my finances. Although I know this is not always the solution to one’s financial crisis. Really, one must learn to budget and control spending. This is the mature way of doing things. However, if you find yourself in a rut and needing easy cash, there are companies out there who offer cash advance no faxing. Just simple online applications approved in a matter of minutes. Either one relies on this or, maybe just go back to your younger days’ resourcefulness and try selling lemonades, or recycling newspapers. Something just to sustain your luxuries in life!

Wants and Stuff

Grabbed this one from Mind Bubbles.

1. What do you want for your birthday?
-- I’d love to have an all expense paid round the world cruise! With hubby! 

2. Who will be your next kiss?
-- Who else? HubbybunnyPoo!

3. When was the last time you went to the mall?
-- I think a few weeks ago

4. Are you wearing socks right now?
-- Nope! And so I’ve got cooolddd feet 

5. How did you spend your summer?
-- That’s about six months down the track! But surely I will plan another getaway then

6. Have you been to the cinema in the last 5 days?
-- Nope!

7. What was the last thing you had to drink?
-- Nestea Iced Tea mix from Manila!

8. What are you wearing right now?
-- Black tights and White long sleeves

9. What was your last purchase?
-- I went winter shopping – Bought a few coats, long sleeves, sweaters

10. What was the last food you ate?
-- I cooked pork chops

11. Who would be the person you would call if you were up in the middle of the night and couldn’t sleep?
-- Hubby or my Sydney bestfriend

12. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?
See my answer #9

13. Do you have a pet?
-- None. I wish I had.

14. What made you laugh in the last 5 days?
-- Pillow &Tickle fight with Hubby

15. If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?
-- Anywhere that’s warm.

16. What is the last thing you purchased online?
-- I don’t remember. I think it was my domain. I’m not the online shopper type

17. One thing you hate about yourself?
-- My organized mess gets to me sometimes.

18. Do you miss anyone?
-- Family and friends back home

19. What are your plans for the day?
-- Blog, hear mass, cook dinner.

20. Last person you msg’d?
-- Rhea

21. Ever went to a camp?
-- Ages ago.

22. Are you a good student in school?
-- Yup, always have been.

23. What do you know about the (your) future?
-- I’d start my family, have kids, and travel the world.

24. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?
-- Not at the moment.

25. Where is/are your best friend/s right now?
-- I have a lot! Most of them are in Manila, and or America.

Shorter Days

Winter is setting in, June 1 officially is the start of the winter season. Days are short and nights long. There are times when I find myself tripping over when I enter my apartment at 6 o’clock at night from work. I am thinking if it’s worth getting Surefire new flashlights at least to keep at winter time.

South Coast Weekend Getaway

Last month I went to Bulli for three nights, and it was one of the best holidays to date. Not because we saw so much, or done a lot of activities, but really it was just sooo relaxing. I'd do it again if I could.

Here is a photo taken by hubby on one of the nights. Not the clearest one as we didn't have our tripod with us. Nonetheless, still enchanting. The beach, with the moon and its reflection in the water. Should you wish to check out some more of my Bulli photos, click on my Coriander Dreams entry.

I am such a GG fan! Alert for Possible spoilers

I watched the season finale of Gossip Girl last night, and I was on my toes! It's a shame the season is over! No more episodes to look forward to every week! Oh well! I still have to look up when the next season begins again.

This last episode was when Bart and Lily got married. I even visited their wedsite here, I didn't RSVP though! Haha! And it's the episode that Serena and Dan broke up! :X I reckon they will get back together though. They are such a lovely pair! It's also the episode on Blair and Chuck's beginning and end love-story. And of course the shortlived visit of Georgina (who knows she may be back!). There's also the blossoming relationship between Nate and Vanessa. Last but not the least, of course, is the love affair to end all love affairs between Lily and Rufus! I am know I am rooting for Rufus!

What I like about GG, is that they don't keep their audience hanging for too long. Within the same or next episode some things get resolved, people confronted, or issues ended (only to be opened again). Unlike Lost, wherein it is already in it's fourth season, but there are still countless and endless questions and mysteries. Oh well, I still watch Lost just the same. Sawyer is so cute! Hubby goes on saying that I like the bad boy type. I tell him no. Maybe just those who look like they are bad but really they are sweet and gentle as an angel (?!).

Another breakthrough in technology to make our life easier?

.. Doing a transaction using one's credit card is getting easier each time. In a few weeks' time (June 4) one will be able to have a choice whether to finalise a credit card transaction with their signature (PEN) or by a secret set of numbers (PIN). More details on this can be found on PENorPIN.

I am not quite sure how it is in other parts of the world, but I think this is quite a tricky one just because some countries have more issues on trust (?!) and the use of credit cards! Well, Australia's chosen to trust the system and so most cardholders of Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club and American Express, would have the option! As an introductory thing, there are limited number of merchants who will offer this. There are a few advantages and disadvantages arising from this technology. Merchants would love the fact that they can make a sale easier. Cardholders would think of this as a convenient alternative to having to fill up signature on file forms.

I suppose with anything, there are different ways of looking at a new technology. The good part is, we are given the option. So, there at the end of the day, its your choice and mine as well. What do you think?

A long list of things Ive done

Highlight the ones you've done.

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath (With or without someone)
08. Said I love you?and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise (so many times)
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars =)
20. Changed a baby's diaper Not mine though!
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne :D
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was too drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love (Crazy me)
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them (Happens often in SYD, hehe)
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero (Dont we all?)
58. Sung karaoke (not really my talent, but yes)
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken (Yet to find out)
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played a Computer game for more than 6 hours straight ( I think 3 hours only)
72. Gotten married (Soon maybe??)
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo (sticker tattoo???)
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an "expert"
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music (And have been reminded of so many times about that horrible day)
87. Eaten shark
88. Had a one-night stand
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house (Condominium??)
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children (Do siblings count?!)
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldnt have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart (not proud of this one)
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions (unintentional)
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair (black)
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life (I'd like to believe so)

In case you've got nothing else better to do :) Grab this

Small Luxury Hotels Photo Contest

As much as I am a traveller, I am a photographer wanna-be as well. I need to work on the latter though as I am so not a techie person! But even so, I still would be entering this Small Luxury Hotel photo contest! :) I think I have a few nice captures myself. I'd just have to ask hubby to check on the technical aspects (eg, size, MP,etc).

About three weeks ago a colleague has won any 3 nights at any SLH (Small Luxury Hotel) property anywhere in the world!! (I am SO jealous!) Imagine if she chose to stay at Casa Del Mar in Mexico, or Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives, Six Senses in Thailand, The Oberoi in Mauritius, or Lungarno Suites in Florence, or any where at all!

And then this SLH Photo contest came along through email! I've got a one in a million chance now! :D Oh well am doing it for the fun of it anyway! By the way I've got myself a two night stay in a property in Australia to use anyway! So I should be happy!

Just thought I'd share this one with any budding photographer out there. (Share me one night if you win okay! Kidding!)

(Photo taken from SLH Photo Contest website)

A mid year babble

This year I am hoping to try (quite a hopeful phrase!) to achieve a few things for myself. I know it’s a bit quite late for a New Year’s Resolution thing, but really these are just goals that I am wanting to achieve this year:

- Get my full license to drive! So I can go out of town with hubby more often – would be good though if he drives of course!)
- Be more active (even during the next few months of winter!) – Walk or jog around the park at least. Or maybe even walk to/and or from work.
- Re-Learn French

I didn’t want to make a very long list, those three will do for now. That way it’s a little bit more achievable.

From scribbling to online journal writing

I believe that one can be most productive doing something that they enjoy, something they’re interested in, and something that allows them to use their skills. I’ve always kept a journal when I was young. I used to scribble every so often in my diary, until a few years ago when I’ve discovered that I could actually trust to keep my thoughts in this world wide web. Little did I know back then that my online blog would enable me to make money by just writing about things that interest me. Bloggerwave is one great avenue that connects bloggers and advertisers, creating a mutually beneficial partnership. I say this company creates a lot of opportunities out there for bloggers who would like to earn by blogging.

I'm not very much of a risk taker after all!

Your Risk Taking Level: Low

You live your life with the motto: safety first. You prefer to not take any risks at all. But by never taking a risk, you're chancing something else... A very boring and predictable life!

http://www.blogthings.com/areyouarisktakerquiz/">Are You a Risk Taker?

I thought I was a risk taker, but I suppose at the end of the day I try to take only the ones which I am sure would lead me to where I want to be, or that which allow me to win. Call it calculated risk, or plain indecisive? Oh well that's me. I suppose I can be a little bit of both!

That One Person

In Life, sometimes, that one person who can inspire you can be the greatest person who can discourage you or unmotivate you, as well. And I'm not talking about hubby now.

I was sharing my dreams and ambitions and plans with this one person (or two), and somehow they consciously or unconsciously try to manipulate me into their plans for themselves and eventually my life. It's hard as it is to make one's life work the way we want it to. But to have people around you, unknowingly (or whatever) impose things is even harder. Confusing when you know they only want what's best for you. But then, the words or suggestions or comments (sometimes unsolicited) just find their way into my head, and little do they know these words bear so much weight. I guess it's really up to me as to how much effect I will allow these words/thoughts and all that to matter to me. At the end of the day, I know, it is me alone who will decide. But just the same, it is really confusing and frustrating. Makes me think whether I'm being selfish or whether I don't have that much confidence in myself. To think I've come a long way from that driver-driven, sheltered, dependent little lady that I used to be when I was in Manila.

I want A Simple Life

Does everyone aspire for a Simple Life?

Sometimes it feels as if there is no such thing. As life is composed of intertwined lives, which is driven by complicated personalities. No matter how simple a person is, when they cross paths with a complex person, they are forever changed. And no matter how much the simple person tries they are involved now.

I don't really feel the need for an Iphone, but I have one. I was already satisfied with my black and white old nokia phone when I was gifted with a complex Iphone. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful.

I was happy with my point and shoot camera, but then I was introduced to my now precious Canon 40D. I am happy using this amazing gadget and my photos are never the same now. All I'm saying is that I was happy with my old Sony Cybershot in the past.

Life can be tricky sometimes. We have the choice, and sometimes we choose to live a simple life in a complex way, either by choice or half trudgingly. Either way life goes on....

Pre-winter blues, Mauritius News and Work

The past few weeks I haven't really been that much into work, for some reason I just am drained and not as motivated as I have always been in the past. I guess since my two other good colleague friends have moved on and the new girls that replaced them are quite young, I just have those unexplainable fluffy thoughts around my head that I want to move to another department as well or perhaps continue with my plans of starting my own travel business.
I've also been quite busy with my family, losing a bit of privacy for almost two months, so many changes happening around me, socially/emotionally,etc. I guess its the winter blues getting to me quite early.
And then, on tuesday this week I was told by my workmate/friend that I got the allocation at work to travel to Mauritius next month! For 6 nights of pure luxury accommodation, full board and sightseeing package. There was a catch though. I still hold a Philippine passport and so I will need to get a visa to travel to Port Louis. To make it even more difficult, I have been trying to get in touch with the Mauritius High Commission but it seems they are understaffed cause I've tried calling them at least 30 times in total since yesterday. I only got to speak with the lady today. So am sending my passport and documents to Canberra tomorrow. And hopefully I get the visa in time for my trip on June 10.
I don't know what to expect of the island. All I know is that Mauritius is THE place celebrities go on their honeymoon or to just get away from it all. I know too that it will take about 12 hours to reach the island one way from Sydney! That is quite a long way. Imagine crossing the Indian Ocean. I guess I have to build up my travel resume of exotic and interesting places to visit. And hopefully this is the first of many more luxury travels (yeah right!). Well it is free to dream so let me be. (Enjoy snapshots of the island I hope to visit next month). So watch out if you catch me in some photo taken by peeping paparazzis!

Online accommodation deals

So much for wanting a holiday all the time, I find myself always searching for great deals accommodation websites, anywhere in the world. I suppose that is part of my job, career, passion or simply just a one of those things that one automatically does, like checking email. I just always am on the look out for websites such as freereservation.com. It's just so much fun finding bargain rates for holidays or special nights stay perhaps at Hotel Venice, Hotel Florence or Hotel Naples. Wherever you are in the world, it is always just nice to come across sites that have photos, essential travel information and of course a website that is reliable and secure. Besides, I do have quite a number of friends scattered all over the world (US, Germany, Denmark, Austria, Sweden, Singapore, UK, France, Canada, Philippines, etc) that for sure if I find a real good one I would let them know, or if the price is right maybe even get it for them.

My parents' wedding anniversary is up in a few months time and I am on the scout for a good deal somewhere north or perhaps south of Manila. I still have to save up though! With all the expenses and travelling that I've been doing with my family here I am sure I will need to ask my other siblings to chip in on this year's gift to mum and dad.

Do you get days like this??

Today am missing hubby a lot. I haven't seen him for about a week now, since my family's been here and we're busy travelling, ( and me working during some days of the week. )

Tomorrow we're meeting up for lunch and will hear mass with my family. Before heading to church he said he's got a surprise for me! And that we were going somewhere :) He's told me that a few days ago (when I was out of town) and it's kept me wondering until today. Well I accidentally checked his email and there it was! The surprise was right smack on the header of his first mail. (*sigh*) I know. So much for the surprise. I didn't SEE it for real anyway. I just found out what it was. I can't imagine IT so technically I'm sure I would still be surprised. (*YEAH Right!*) Don't you just annoy finding out about surprises before they happen, before they are given to you?? And then on the day they give your surprise to you, you would have to act surprised for the fear of bursting everyone's bubble of excitement waiting to see your face at that special moment..... Oh well, I will be having that 'look' tomorrow. I hope I can pull it off. Well, he could read it here anyway down the track. Hehe :)

Anyway, today am just feeling so missing hubby. I guess its not helping that I'm playing my drama songs over and over on my playlist.... I can't help it! Don't you think it's hard living in the same city and not seeing your lover for a week? And that week just passed you by so quick cause of so many factors. Oh well! I'll see him in 12 hours! Wippeeee!