: Got my postal ID :

I applied my postal ID last Friday and told me to come back today. After waiting for almost an hour finally i got it. Waiting is really annoying and i thought that the ones that will type the info in my card is away that is why we are waiting. It turns out that she was there in the room and when I am about to give up waiting luckily I was called. Gosh government facilities here are really slow and some are corrupt. So annoying!!

Things to bring when you want to get a postal ID
1. 1 pc 2x2 ID picture
2. barangay clearance, or birth certificate or any ID (for me I just showed them my brgy. clearance)
3. P280 (i don't know sa iba kasi may raket dito sa amin)
4. and lastly a lot of patience hahaha

: No receipt issued :

Before I can get my EON card at Union bank next week i need to have 3 IDs to present them. I already have a passport and SSS ID so i need another one. So I went to post office this morning to get a postal ID. I signed up the application form and I read that it only costs P175.00.

When I gave the form and I handed P200, the lady told me that it was P285... what???? I didn't utter a word and didn't even bothered to asked why? I gave 300 and she has no change for me so I will get the P15 next week but she noted it on my form.

I was waiting for a receipt but she gave me nothing and just told me to come back on Monday to get the card and my change. No receipt issued on a government office??? Yay, I should have asked but i was left speechless.

Scorching heat will greet me!

Wow, I have been hearing from my family back home in the Phils. that it was irritatingly hot and humid there. It's summer out there now and would you believe temperatures average from 34- 37C, oh my goodness!! When i left there 3 months ago it was not that hot.

I'll be coming home now in a week and wow what a big change in temperature will greet me when i step out of the airplane. I remember the last time when i set foot at the airport, i felt like there was a hot hair dryer blowing in my face, no kidding. 

Here it was cold and back home it is so hot....Hahha where will i put myself?? "Sala sa init, sala sa lamig".....

Chilly days are here

Autumn has finally arrived here and that means the color of the leaves are turning from green to red orange and chilly days are here. Lately the weather turns cold especially in the evenings and early morning. To tell you the truth, i keep myself warm at nights by wearing jumper (jacket) and jogging pants and those thick blankets that they have here.

In the mornings, i have a hard time getting up and funny thing is that it is only autumn and not yet winter. Oh well I am lucky bec. i will not be experiencing winter bec. I will be home in the Phils. in 9 more days and it was summer over there. Right now, my feet are cold eventhough I have my socks on, poor me, I easily get cold at the slightest drop of temperature

A Day at the Play group

Every Wednesday morning, Braiden and Bianca goes to Playgroup at Mater Dei School. And since I wanted to see the school and how Braiden interacts with the other kids with similar problems, I asked my sis Joy to tag me along with them. So this morning, we hopped on the car and we went to the school. I met few moms with their kids and sis Joy introduced me to some of the workers there. Braiden and Bianca were so happy to play along with the kids outside and inside the school. 

24 more days and I will be home

Hmmm. What a sad and happy thought that is. Sad bec. my Australian vacation will be over. I have been here in Australia for 3x already in 2005, 2006 and this year 2008 and I have come to love this country so much. It is always great to be here bec. I have my sister and her family who lives here in Sydney who are so generous and kind enough to sponsor each of my trip: all expense paid !!! I am one lucky banana huh?? Oh yeah.

I have been to a lot of nice places from beaches, shopping malls, tourist attractions, hotels and apartments with elegant wall sconce and interiors in it. I have never imagined that I will be able to eat delicious and fine foods, go on a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, and see a kangaroo and lots more. All I can say is THANK YOU to my broinlaw Joe and sis Joy and I hope this is not the last one ..hehe.

Happy thought bec. I'll get to see my family back in Pinas and be back at my old routine. 

We went snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef !!

Oh yeah.. you read it right at the THE GREAT BARRIER REEF  here in Australia ! I could not believe I'll be there to see that wonderful place and thanks to my sis and bro inlaw for bringing me there. FYI, it is the world's largest coral reef system and it has been sited as one of the World's Heritage Site. 

We went for a a 1 week holiday at the Hamilton Island (some pics here) and last Friday my sis Joy and her family went on a tour at the Hardy Reed in the Great Barrier Reef. It wasn't a s

mooth sail I tell yah.. The waves are about 2 meters high and our boat were like rocking but it was one great adventure. 

Here are some pics ( I didn't have pics while on the water as i can't bring my cam there-sayang nga eh)

With my nephew Braiden wearing our stingers suits before we dive. Mind you I got really scared diving in that deep water but once there the view below is amazing. You could see fishes swimming around you and the corals are just awesome. 

Look at the fishes just swimming near my feet.

The underwater viewing submarine

Just an update

Finally my skin allergy is almost gone now. I am not itchy anymore but my skin still is rough and i could still see some small rashes (just hate touching it).

Anyway, last Sunday, we went to the Steam Train Festival here in Thirlmere here in Australia. It was gloomy that morning and it rained so it was cold when we got there. Fortunately the rain stopped so we were able go around and see the parade. There are street stalls where some sell foods, toys and other goods. The kids had fun riding the kiddy rides and of course riding the Steam Train. 

We've got a massage

Sis Joy and I went to Mc Arthur Square mall few weeks back and it was quite interesting to see an automatic massage chair at one of the corners of the mall. Sis wanted us to try it so we sat on the chairs and we put AUS$2.00 coin on it to work. It was a bit ticklish at first but it got used to it after few minutes. Not too bad for a $2.00 massage haha.

My 1st time to see a hail storm!!!

Yay, the weather here in Sydney is so erratic, sometimes it is so hot and sometimes it is so cold and windy. In the last weeks, it has been raining like crazy here that left some of the street flooded and the creeks overflowing. 

There was one time when there is a storm, heavy rains fell and not long after small pieces of ice dropped (pea size) along with the rain. Sis called me to let me see it. I was so excited since I have not seen one yet since we don't have one in the Phils. anyway..

I didn't bother to grab my camera since the ice melts in just seconds but that was a nice sight to see. Ahhhh I am just dreamin' to see a snow but unfortunately I will be going home soon even before it snows in the mountains.

Port MacQuarie Pictures

Finally my sis uploaded the pics that i took in my camera, there are tons of pics but i will just share some. Here are our photos when we went to the top of the hill over looking a beach with a small light house at Port MacQuarie here at NSW, Australia. The view is breathtaking and I had fun taking photos.

I will share more pics later.

Tacking Point Light House is the 3rd oldest light house in Australia

I thought I'm going to die !!!

Hello everyone, we are finally back from our 4 day holidays at Port MacQuarie here at NSW Australia. It was a long weekend here in OZ land so we make the most of it. My bro in law drove the car for almost 4 hours (just stopped for lunch) and geez that is a long drive. We stayed at a nice 3 bedroom apartment with kitchen and all and the best part is it is almost overlooking at the beach. Ahhhh what a nice holiday.

Anyway, we have lots of things that have done there, but i will just share it in my future posts. I will just share this scary but funny thing that happened to me while we were there.  We went for a swim at the apartment's swimming pool in the afternoon with the kids. The kids are with my bro in law and they took the 1st plunge at the pool.

I followed them while Micah and my sister was watching me behind. I went to the pool and hop in the sides while my bro in law was looking at me. Not thinking that it was deep, i decided to take the next step but little did I know it was over 6 feet deep.!!!!!! I tried to paddle my feet hoping to float and moving my hands to grab someone. I swallowed water and I wanted to shout but I was drowning. Sis saw me and told bro in law to get me. Bro inlaw grabbed me on my hands before I even lost my breathe. Luckily he was there to save me !! 

I thought that the pool was not that deep since I saw Aussie kids just jumping in there. Hahaha I didn;t realize that kids here at young age are being thought how to swim already.. Yay, I really can't swim !!!

Anyway, after that we are all laughing and joking about the incident. I am just thankful to God that I am still alive!!!! More stories to come.

Brrrrr cold

Hello peeps thanks for dropping by my blog and trying to know  how am i doing here at the Land Down Under.  I am doing great even though I am cold most of the times. The weather is gloomy since i arrived here on Sunday and it rained yesterday so it was cold. I know you some will laugh at me bec. I am already cold at around 23C (of course i am not used to cold weather that is why). Right now my feet are so cold ...!!!!!

My sis and I went shopping yesterday at Mac Arthur's Square shopping mall while Micah and her friend watched the movie "7 Dresses". The 2 kids (Bianca and Braiden) were at pre-school so we had lots of time shopping. My 1st purchase here since I arrived are 2 blouses (AUS$ 19.75 and AUS$14.50), I stopped converting it to pesos bec. I know it will cost a bit. It was fun strolling the mall (not as huge as Megamall though) and trying to see what's new. There are some great buys esp. the summer clothes, they are having it on sale since winter is coming. They have sales every time they change their season so my sis got some good buys. 

We had late lunch at around 2 pm and we just settle for some Thai noodle soup and fresh spring rolls. Later at night  we called home to check out my mom and our business and it was sad to hear not so good news.

Anyway, i only took some photos i will just share later, I will ask my sis 1st on how can I transfer their m pics on Micah's Mac Book. It's hard when you don't own the pc. I know, i know you already wanted to see how beautiful Australia is so pls. bear with me.

Greetings from the LAND DOWN UNDER!!!!

G'day mate!!!! Hello guys I am already here in Australia!!! Micah and I arrived safely early this morning at Sydney airport around 7:00 am this morning. It was a long and tiring trip. I didn't get a good sleep at the Qantas plane bec. I was uncomfortable and a lady was giggling continuously.

It took us minutes to get our luggages bec. we are at the wrong carousel, lol. I am so glad that we used good luggage sets that are durable enough to withstand the travel. After that, I was able to clear the immigration with ease but they asked me to open my luggage since i declared some wooden decor that i bought. Bro in law Joe picked us up and we went to their house where i will be staying for 3 months. It was really really different around here, fresh air, no traffic, no noise and good food. It's good to be back here again.

We had a brunch here since Qantas didn't served us breakfast (only apple juice) not a good service I can say. I took a nap in the afternoon as i was so tired and had a shower after waking up. We had barbeque for dinner and oh my gosh bro in law served a lot of seafoods (i forgot to take photos!) and we are all full. His uncle and family, and a close family friend was there for dinner.

Anyways, i had a long day, i will just share photos later, I am using Micah's Mac and holy cow, they are very different, i still have to find my way. I will post again soon bec. we will be leaving for a 4 day trip at the beach on Thurs. and i still need to finish some assignements (raraket pa rin d2 kahit bakasyon heheh) See ya guys!!

I'm getting busier each day

phewww... i just hate it when I feel pressured and kinda in a rush mode.. I have only few more days and i will be flying soon and with that i have do arrange some things here at my shop. I have to endorse some paper works (BIR thingy) etc. to my sisinlaw so that everything will be in order. I will be away for 3 months and she will be the one to manage our internet cafe and i just hope she can manage it with at ease. She has 2 kids to take too so i know she will be busy around here.

Micah and I have been goin to many places which is mostly shopping and sometimes she is complaining that she has not done something spectacular her...lol We told her that beaches and great theme parks are away from our place so we really need to schedule that. I just can't wait for my trip.... Have a great day everyone!!!

Quick add: the maniac appeared again last night, wooolah he never gets tired of showing his "patoytoy" ("thing") to me and customers, lol, it's his 3rd time.. he really sucks and sick to the bone!!!!. Gosh i always forgot to grab my cam and snap a photo of him (next time i will post his pic hahaha) yuck.

Freak Accident

Me and my niece Reign were teasing and playing at their room last night. It was my routine to play with her before i go to sleep. I was on their bed (with sis in law) with a pillow on my body when suddenly she hopped on the bed.

She grabbed a pillow and wanted to hit me with it, i yelled NO but it was so quick that she jumped on me. I covered my breast as i know it was painful to be hit there but her head smashed onto my face directly hitting my nose. Arrghhhhh, i heard a loud click from my nose and i know it was badly hurt. I covered it with both my hands and the next thing i saw was fresh blood oozing from it like a faucet.

I was crying and i told my bro that my nose is bleeding, i rushed to my house and I immediately washed my nose with running water but the blood is still flowing. I sat on the chair with my head up and trying to pinch my nose so that the blood will stop.

Mom told me to put cold compress and in no time the bleeding stopped but i still can feel pain from my nose going to my head. I did not go to sleep right after that bec. i feared that i will not wake up in the morning again.

Thank God that my nose is still ok, it is not swollen, but i can still feel a bit pain. I just thought i will end up having a a cracked and crooked nose.. LOL. Another lesson learned for me......

(Photo/Clipart source)

I am afraid that the maniac will appear again

Remember my previous post about the maniac that has been appearing in front of my store for two times already? That incident has left me so paranoid at times especially when I am alone here at my store and in the evenings. Lately I have been making a conscious effort to lock my store’s glass door and I will open it when a customer will come in. It is tiring at times but it is better to be sure.

Aside from that I remember when a robber poked a gun on me (Oct. 2005) that left me so scared for many months. I could not do anything but to give in to the robber’s request. That incident made me realize that life is really precious and it can be taken away in just a snap. I am still very thankful for my life right now.

Right now, I no longer wonder why many people are learning karate or other self-defense bec. there are many bad things happening around us. I just found Captain Chris' Close Combat website where he tackles the The Truth About Martial Arts and Self-Defense. I am not sure if I will fit this Close Combat Training but I reckon this is a great way to be confident while going out or merely staying at home/store.

I just hope that maniac will not ever come back again here in front of my store. I guess the next time he appears I better call the cops or big guys so that he will learn his lesson.

Yay earthquake!!

It was exactly 12:25 on my clock when an earthquake shook us here in Pinas. I was in front of my pc when that happened and i thought i am just dizzy or something. My customer and I looked at each other and i said there's an earthquake. It only lasted for about 5 secs. and i heard it was an intensity 3 or 4. My mistake is i run outside to let my mom and others know that is has earthquake, i just dizzy afterwards.

My sis-in-law who is a high school teacher went home early today bec. classes were dismissed bec. of the quake. It was quite strong at the school and building (4th floor) where she is teaching. I hope in some other places no one is hurt.. NEWS HERE

Did you feel it and what are you doing when that happened?

The maniac strikes again !!

If you remember my last post about a maniac last month then you'll be shock to hear that he appeared again in front of my store last night. My cafe was full at around 7 pm and suddenly i heard a beep beep from a motorbike but i did not look who it was. One of my customers (all girls) get my attention by telling me that there is a maniac outside playing with his thing and upon hearing that i knew it was that man again.

I stand up and walked to the door but he managed to drive his motorbike from the next closed store. I wanted to go out and shout that he is a maniac but i got scared bec. he stopped and was looking at me. Oh golly, this man is really so yuck !!

Life can be busy at times

It was another oh so busy life of mine offline. Something happened last night while I am withdrawing money at my ATM. I will not elaborate more on that but hopefully it will be straightened out by next week. Wooooo.

I was out almost half of my day this morning that when I came to my store my sis-in-law can’t seem to make my old printer work and oh well that always happen when I am not around. Again I was the one who made it work.

Anyway, my mom’s 75th b-day celebration will be on Sunday and as usual we are busy for that, we have already sent out most of the invitations. All of are busy with our succession planning ways to make our mom’s b-day party a successful one. The box from my sis In Sydney already came and we are still waiting for the boxes from my other sis coming from Riyadh.

I also made a fast layout for her tarpaulin (almost same design on her invitation) and bro brought it at the tarpaulin printing shop and on Saturday we’ll get it. It will be printed 3 ½ x 5 feet and I hope it will not come out pixilated. I will show the finished product later.