All super efforts, something returns - Hopefully. Pray.

This should be my motto today!

I must have sent quite a lot of introduction emails today. With only sleep and eat in between working (and doing chores!0. I probably could have sent more if not for the distractions - kids, facebook and other social media!

For now, I will have to do what I can in between my main role as a carer. Sometimes I wish I could speed time up and explore my interests (or even just surf the internet or something like

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/vox-v847a-wah-wah-pedal). One day! And on that day I am pretty sure I will be missing the kids' noise.

2011 Christmas Day sunrise

As with most of my getaways, I woke up early to catch Christmas day sunrise down at Terrigal.
We were billeted at the Crowne Plaza Terrigal, and loved that we actually got upgraded to an Ocean View! (Thank God for Platinum membership!)

I just love sunrises

Red, pink, blue hues

I am amazed

Sunrise brings about

A certain glow

Literally too

But I mean

More

Exciting day ahead

Is what it's about

Tomorrow another one

To sight.

Mobile phones and Me

I for one am a self confessed un-"techie" person. Unlike my husband who is always on top of the newest gadget in town, whether through research or having on hand the newest phone or whatnot. In my lifetime I've only probably owned 3 phones wherein I was the first owner. I would not change my phone ever if I had my way. However hubby nags me about these things when he sees how old my phone has become, or when I ogle at the new Iphone but never plan to change it.

My current phone is an Iphone 3GS model, which replaced my lost Iphone 2GS model. It is still quite serving it's purpose albeit the old, haggard look with matching screen scratches. Hubby was trying to convince me to get the new Blackberry since I use my phone for work (check emails, take calls, etc.). But since being introduced to the Apple range of mobile phone products, I have loved the brand and how it works. The last time I felt this way was with my Nokia phone which I loved for half a decade! Though, since I've found a website http://www.geekalerts.com/ which has a lot of great deals, I might snag myself a new phone and use these Apple coupons Apple coupons which I have come across. Perhaps 3 years with my current phone is enough?

Holiday Cheers

As early as now, I have been dropping hints and telling hubby that we should go on a family holiday next year! I would prefer to travel during Christmas, so we could visit family back home in time for the festivities. I have asked him though to save enough money so we could also go visit another city and stay in a nice hotel such as The Palace Hotel. Little does he know that I have a few cities in mind to visit! The Palace Hotel Manchester would be quite a nice property to stay at, and it would give us a chance to experience white Christmas there as well. I would have to do a bit more research whether The Palace is kid friendly and whether there are activities for children in Manchester. I suppose as a family, we would enjoy any activity for as long as we are on a holiday together! I can’t wait!

That time again

It's that time of the year again when we are hopeful and have faith in ourselves that next year will be better. Better for us, in terms of our lifestyle, our habits, our career, our love life, our family life, personal life, etc.

It's the season of hope, and I am thankful for it. That each year, we have to chance to feel that it is never too late to give it another go. In whatever that is that needs improvement. Really, don't you just love Christmas and all the mixed feelings it can bring?

Well, for me particularly, I am happy about all that and more, so many blessings 2008 has brought. But then again, I am just wishing I was in Manila especially during this festive season.

Oh well I can only hope, that next year I am home to celebrate. :)

Countdowns

As much as I love lists. I love countdowns. For this means that one is looking forward to something. Something big, Something small; it doesn't matter. The best countdowns for me at the moment are:

Counting down to..

Christmas!

Hubby coming home!

Planning a baby!

Planning our second wedding!

Planning to come home to Manila!

Planning a long holiday!

Okay, I shouldn't get too excited. But I suppose that's the whole point of countdowns. To get excited!

Chasing a Dream

How often do we run after a dream? Should we go after each and every one, or choose the ones that really matter?

We can only do so much, and so it can be very draining if we did push too hard sometimes. Wouldn't it be nice if we knew how we are meant to live our life in such a way that will lead us to a happy balanced lifestyle.

Pinoy Food

I am missing a few things, scents, texture, sounds from the Philippines. I told myself I would not not go home every year, but I would not be travelling to Manila this December..... Made me think about the family gatherings I will be missing, friends I will miss seeing, tradition that I would not be experiencing, childrens' carols I won't be hearing, Christmas midnight mass, Noche Buena, Media Noche, Christmas traffic along Edsa, etcetera.

I've decided to surrender to sulking about missing my Pinoy delicacy. Here they are in order of taste bud recollection and memory.

1. Piaya = from Bacolod. I like them heated up in the microwave for half a minute. Bit warm. And crunchy.

2. Authentic Binagoongan = from any Pinoy resto. I remember eating it at C2 in Shangri-La (not sure if that resto still is there). Best with steamed rice. Yum.

3. Quickmelt Ensaymada = from Shangri-La. I am pretty sure it is still there (?!). Love taking a bite right after heating it up for a few seconds! Droool.

4. Teriyaki Boy's Chicken Teriyaki and Nasu Abura Itame = from Megamall. Oooh I think I am soo tempted to just fly to Manila anyway. Hmm.

5. Asado Siopao and Dumpling = from Shangri-La again. I am obviously an Ortigas baby! Yum, with that brown sauce for siopao and soy/lemon for dumpling.

6. Smokey's Hotdog/Cheesedog or Jolly Hotdog = from Jollibee. I am just wanting it right now. Hotdog on a stick.

7. Burger Machine burger = from my boyfriend's neighbourhood stand. Yum.

8. Jollibee Spaghetti with extra cheese = from where else, Jollibee Megamall. I am getting so hungry.

9. Lumpia Sariwa = from Goldilocks Megamall. I remember a lot of other yum goodies from Goldilocks!

The list can go on and on. I will stop here for now, before I am so tempted to book my flight back home. :D

Questions and Wants

There are a few things that’s been running in my mind the past few days. A lot of it involves money, my time, and my future. In a world where everything seems so uncertain, I am trying to juggle my priorities in order to achieve a balance of life. So many questions asked and there’s just not enough time to think about all of them, or come up with an answer: should I just go and do part time work so I can focus on my research about travel agency business? When my boyfriend and I get married, will it work if we have separate savings accounts or a joint account? Should I go to Manila and spend one or two months on a business and leisure trip? Or, should I just not go? Should I go on my solo trip?

I guess I am just feeling that life at the moment is going too fast. So fast that I just want time to breathe, and enjoy the moment. After all, I am not getting any younger. I would like to be able to do things that I want to do, such as jogging in the morning at the park, study my finances, come up with a weekly healthy food plan, go to the parlor and spa to do my hair and have a massage, hear mass every day if I can, etc. There are just too many activities that I would love to do. But I can’t or I won’t. One day, I hope I get around doing all these and more.

Before I get married/Start a family

I had this conversation today with my boyfriend. I told him I was thinking of traveling alone overseas before we get married. He felt a bit bad about me wanting or even thinking of traveling alone, meaning, without him. I tried to send my message across that it was something I have just been wanting to do. It does take a lot of courage, planning and money involved, but the world is very much a safer place to travel alone. A female solo traveler is not as frowned upon as days before. It’s not like I won’t tell him where I will be all the time. I don’t intend to travel to rural areas. Just major cities/city. Today, when we were out with a girl friend of mine, she mentioned she also wanted to do this. I told boyfriend this is really one of those things that some ladies aspire for. I think it’s not for everyone though. But I am glad I have come across another lady blogger who feels the same way! :)

Who said one can have too much of

.. Sunglasses or glasses. It's like shoes for some people. Or, even bags to others. My friend has been collecting different shades, shapes, frames sunglasses. Recently she's discovered shopping online on zennioptical.com can save her a lot of money. She also says though, that it is not even always about the money. She is just raving about the different styles and designs that there are available to her. I suppose each of us have our weaknesses. Hers are sunglasses. Mine, well, is anything about travel.

Yellow Water Billabong Cruise, NT

Went on the Yellow Water Billabong Cruise at Kakadu, Northern Territory. It was one great experience that I truly enjoyed. One with nature. It is photographer's paradise as well (if you have the proper equipment of course). So much wildlife to be seen. We were able to catch a peek at salties (saltwater crocodile), a number of birds, etc. It is something not to be missed when one has the opportunity to visit Kakadu National Park.

The scenery throughout the cruise is just endless wetlands such as the photo/s below.

Ducks were plenty as well... And of course they come in a group, or pairs... Rarely seen alone..

If you have a closer look at the bird below. It is kneeling. But with it's knees turned the other way around!
Can you guess what animal it is that's partly showing itself below? (A croc!)

Darwin Travel Photo

Last year I went to Darwin to meet up with my parents. It was a very quick trip. Tiring. But really very interesting. I got to see a different part to Australia.

Darwin is the biggest city in the Northern Territory, in Australia. Darwin had none of the big cities' stress, none of the cold weather, and none of the busy-ness that yuppies busy themselves with. It was a real outback encounter for me. Initially I said I didn't like Darwin. It was so humid and hot, had a lot of insects and crawlies, and it did not have a big city! I am a self proclaimed city girl. Now, looking back at my Darwin trip, I can say the city has its charm. It takes a while to appreciate the city. It is a safe haven though for city-burnt-out kids like myself.

I would go back to Darwin one day, if not only for the captures below. I will post the photos in trickles though.

Hugging you, Hugging Me

Hugs don't have proof that they are therapeutic in nature. However, one who's received or given one can attest that they feel better after hugging.

But really, it would be interesting to find out more about hugs :

• Who feels better after a hug, the giver or the receiver??
• Do both parties involved in hugging 'feel' the same thing while hugging? Same warm, nice feeling?
• Can one 'feel' the difference between a genuine hug, and a 'fake' hug?
• Are there different types of hugs?
• What makes people want to hug?

A bit of a HUG QnA:

• Do you prefer giving/getting a hug? Depends on the situation. If I am just my normal self, I prefer giving HUGS! But if I am down and wanting assurance, I don't mind getting them.
• What kind of hug do you prefer? I prefer long, bear hugs.
• Can a hug brighten your day? YES. If it's from hubby.
• Would you hug a stranger? No.

Let me know if you know the answer :)

Just what I needed (or Wanted)!

I opened my email this afternoon and saw that Virgin Blue and Jetstar both have special sale fares!!! It is because it is the end of the financial year! Meaning, people will be getting their tax rebates and so more money to spend on whatever....

I am so tempted to go somewhere again... Hubby has been wanting to go to Fraser Island (Largest sand island in the world!) again! Me, I would just like to go anywhere we haven't been to. As soon as I saw my email, I could not concentrate anymore and so I called my lovey and he's given me the go signal to "research" flights (and possibly book) a trip to anywhere in Queensland. The problem would most likely be with dates and leaves though. We are both saving up our annual leaves at work (for possibly to travel back to Manila end of the year). Plus, our anniversary falls on a wednesday, meaning the middle of the week = more leaves required.

It is so tempting though. I might need more hours to fiddle with dates and cities to travel to. I might leave it for the weekend, to check this *exciting* sale. Do check them out on Virgin Blue and Jetstar's website should you be looking for great deals to travel to Fraser Coast, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Adelaide, New Zealand, etc!

P.S. Shall keep my blog posted with future (wishful thinking) travel plans!

Tough decisions on home loan

Since I've been looking for a property to purchase recently I have been perennially searching for a good home equity loans site. With so much stuff available on the internet it is quite a challenge for a first home buyer as myself to actually understand how home loan and mortgage refinancing works. It is best that I speak with a good and reliable mortgage brokers to help me through the process and find out which type of home loan mortgage works for my circumstance. MyHomeLoanMortgages.com has been quite a big help with mortgage calculators available to me online, I am almost confident to make that first step in purchasing my dream home

Wouldn't we all want to do Hawaii?

Isn't Hawaii everyone's dream destination? It sure is one of my dream places to visit, and possibly live for maybe two months just to unwind, detox and destress my life. With a number of islands to choose from which can take one's mind off city skyscrapers and endless traffic jams, Hawaii's just the ultimate getaway. Perhaps one day when I've saved enough moolah to go unemployed that long I could go on this hiatus. I know Poipu beach is considered to be one of the most popular and safest beach on Kauai so I shall be considering this area. Plus of course on top of the list of qualities Poipu beach has got such perfect blue water and great shore line, that makes it such a postcard perfect scene. One day I'd search for Poipu vacation rentals to see whether they've got 1,2 or 3 bedroom units for rent. I'll either be travelling alone or with my family but am sure there are a lot of Poipu condos located on the beach to choose from. I could almost feel the perfect weather condition, waves splashing, sweet breeze at night, etc. I might as well speed up looking for Poipu home rentals as I am getting all dreamy here!