Sleeping at My Best

I have a thing with nightwear. If some people like to invest on the tech-ie stuff I choose to invest on my nightwear. That is why I love it when close friends or family gives one to me as a present. I actually don't know when it started, but when I already had the means to buy for myself, which was when I started working, I usually buy myself a pair or a new one, once a month.

I think some people like to sleep better in their oldest, worn out, and biggest shirt. No problem with that, as long as everyone gets to have a good night's sleep right? But I remember one interview of Kris Aquino that somehow made me feel good about making sure that I still look my best even if I am just going to sleep. She mentioned in that interview that her mom, former President Corazon Aquino, gave her this advice that sleeping is not an exception to be presentable. An instance is, what if, knock on wood, an emergency like fire happens at the middle of the night, would you want yourself be seen by the people in your old, worn out, and huge clothes? Of course, I am no celebrity, but still, it made sense.

Why do I invest on my nightwear? Of course, at the end of a very tiring day, I would still want to look at my best and feel good. Sometimes, when you see yourself looking good even after a very stressful day, it somewhat lifts your spirit and sets the mood for a good night's sleep. I dress for my hubby. Of course! Need I elaborate more? As they say, we should strive not to look "losyang" and make ourselves still very much attractive and appealing to our spouses! It adds spice to our marriage!

So what makes up my sleepwear wardrobe? I have good pairs of PJs (now that I experience Winter as well, additional set of sleepwear were added, the thicker ones of course)and more pieces of nightgowns. Of course the designs vary, depending on the mood :) Of course, the sexier and more expensive ones are reserved for special ocassions! Hahaha

I love to sleep, who doesn't? But I just want to make sure that when I sleep, I still sleep at my best.

Songs of My Life

Can't believe in a couple of weeks I'll turn 32 already! Wow, 32 years! I think I stopped counting at 28...and...I don't feel 32! Age as they say is just all in the mind. So as my birthday draws near, I reflect on my journey through the songs that have touched my life.

I am a music lover but given the choice between the rhythm and the lyrics, I look at the lyrics first before I actually consider it a favorite. I believe the song appeals to me more when the lyrics reflects the state of my life during that time. Of course, there are some songs that highlights important events in my life.

The first song on my list is Busy Days. Yes, even up to now, I can still sing that song! That was our graduation song when I was in Prep.

Well, I won't be elaborating why some songs are on my list, might get into trouble hehehe. If you want to know why, just ask me and I'll share the story behind the song between the two of us. Basta, I found this activity another breather from the daily grinds of my life :)

(In no particular order)
At the Beginning by Richard Marx
I Will be Right Here Waiting for You (by Richard Marx)
Of All the Things
Paglisan (Color It Redd)
Everlasting Love (by the Company)
True Colors (Phil Collins)
Pasko Na Sinta Ko (by Gary V)
Love Moves in Mysterious Ways (Original Version)
Everytime I Close My Eyes (By Babyface)
Now That I Found You (by the Company)
Journey (by Lea Salonga)
Reflection (by Lea Salonga)
I'll Remember (by Madonna)
Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion
Lord, I Offer My Life To You
The Climb by Miley Cyrus
Secret Garden (by Bruce Springsteen)
Thank YOu by Secret Garden
Butterfly Kisses
The Christmas Song
Every Little Thing She Does is Magic (Sting)
I Am Everything You Want (Vertical Horizon)
God is Good
Let Us Exalt His Name

I am still missing some songs because I get to remember them in unexpected times. Some of the songs I am missing are the OPM songs (I'm having my amnesiotic attack!) and I will probably have a second part of this blog... as soon as I have listed a number of songs already :)

This is the Life!

At half past two this morning I suddenly found myself, awake, as in fully awake. Tried hard to get back to sleep but my efforts were useless. Instead, I just used that quiet time to reflect and pray. It was the best time since everyone was fast asleep and it was so very quiet.

While thanking the Lord for everything that I have, I suddenly bumped into this realization: This is the life I have dreamt of!

Yes, I haven't won the jackpot of the lottery (although I did win recently, approximately $90), and I don't have mansions or yatchs, or sports cars, or the like, but I felt I am now joyfully contented with my life. Sometimes, I do get a bit scared thinking that I have too much blessings, that after a day or two, I'd lose everything. But I know that the Lord is a good Lord and He only wants the best for us.

Why am I joyfully contented? Well, for one, my family (and extended families at that) all enjoy the best of health. Yes, we still experience discomforts and physical pain every now and then, but I think generally, we are all healthy.

I have a job that is supportive of our aim to still spend quality time with the family. My husband has a good job as well.

Thirdly, I can buy the things that I want and when I want it. I love shopping, and I do splurge (especially on branded items) every now and then (deprived kasi nung bata! hehehe), so I am so thankful that the Lord has given us extras to have some luxury every now and then. Actually Alvin has been asking me recently already what I would want for my birthday (he is really poor with planning surprises), I've been thinking what to ask him, but with all the shopping that I get to do almost every week, I feel like it's my birthday everyday! I admit, he has spoiled me by giving me the freedom to buy the things that I like. But, I don't do that everyday (have to save up for the rainy days). And I am happy.





I get to sleep at night without worrying about any outstanding debts or loans that still needs to be paid. Would you believe, we don't have any credite cards yet? (Because we think it will just tempt us to spend beyond our means). And with the luxuries every now and then, we still get to save.

I get to spend quality and quantity time with my hubby and my little boy.

My marriage is a work in progress but we believe that it is being blessed by the Lord everyday.

I have a happy family life.

I am surrounded by loving and God-loving friends.

Some people might find it weird considering I have only these, when other people have much, much more. But looking inside my heart, I know that these are the things that I have hoped and prayed for. The financial blessings are just a bonus. These are the things that I have and my heart just overflows with gratitude and thanksgiving.

Yes, we still have dreams, plans and aspirations -- to travel every two years with the kids, to have our own home here in Australia (aside from our lot in Manila), and a lot more...but I think I have come to that point were I won't be bothered when it does not materialize the way we want it to and when we want it. I know that in His goodness, it will come. I don't have to have everything to be happy. As they say, when you are contented with what you have, surely, happiness (or joy) follows. As for now, I enjoy each day, with my heart full of joy because I am living the life!

"I Love You Sabado, Pati na Rin Linngo!"

Weekends. Who doesn't love it? A couple of weeks ago I read the blog of my friend and she was sharing how she felt being alone on a weekend. It reminded me of my own feelings when we were still back in Manila. I grew up seeing both my parents at home every weekends, so when I married a Mechanical Engineer, who was working with San Miguel Corporation, I really had a hard time adjusting! It was just plain torture for me to spend my weekends alone (since he was on call on Saturdays and sometimes even on Sundays!) at home. I felt, bad and sad. So instead of having quality time together on weekends, we end up arguing because I tend to vent out my frustrations to him, on why he has to work on a weekend!

When I got pregnant, it was still the same, but things changed when our child was finally born. Before Liam arrived, we agreed that we didn't want this kind of life --spending less time for family, so you can work on weekends (so you can provide for your family). We don't want to end up regretting our decision of working for our family and missing out on the time our son is growing up. As they say, time flies fast. In a year or two, they will have friends of their own and would not go with us anymore. And by the time we're ready for them, they're not there for us anymore. So we took the bold step of uprooting ourselves in Manila and deciding to settle here in Sydney. It was hard. But I believe we made the right decision.

Now, our weekends are spent for the family. Yes, Alvin does leave early and gets to go home around half past 7, but we catch up on weekends. Liam loves waking up on Fridays because he knows that after one more sleep, "Papa no work tom!" We spend our weekends on long-drives, like our recent trip to Canberra; going to the nearby shops and eating out, or simply enjoy a lazy Saturday and Sunday at home, catching up with house work and playing with Liam.

I'm sharing some of our photos, a glimpse of what we have on weekends :)

Random Stories 2

This day was full of mini-adventures, so I'll be sharing quite a few...

While having Sport with my students today, one boy accidentally hit me on the face.Strike one. Then he hit my belly :( Strike 2. And hit my legs. Strike 3! Enough of the Kickball!

When I got home and told Liam about what happened, he immediately talked with Sam (my belly that is) and told Sam "Don't cry Baby Sam, I love you" Then he massaged my belly and kissed it like the way we do it whenever he gets hurt while playing.

It was almost a good day when I read a letter from our Real Estate Agent telling us that we will have another rent increase! What? We just had an increase this November! Imagine almost paying $400 a week for our rent! This is unfair!

I am not happy with the news I am seeing now, more moms in Manila are throwing their newborn babies and abondoning them! That is unfair for the kids!

In my quiet moments on my way to work and on my way home I can't stop praying for my Liam and my Sam. The past days, I have been feeling a bit worried about what the future awaits them. I hope that Alvin and I will do a good job in bringing them up.

I am now thankful for the extra two pairs of hands that we have at home. Yes, they are not perfect and we may not totally agree with everything, but still, they have been a big help to us. Thanks to my in-laws!

I am happy to find the song that was used last Sunday in the AVP presentation of our church as we celebrated Marriage Sunday. I just had to look for the song, and after almost a week of search, I finally found it! "Thank You" by Secret Garden. I just love the lyrics of the song!

I don't know up to when should I work. I feel exhausted already but I am happy that in one week's time I will have the school break, which means no casual calls for me.

It's going to be another busy weekend for us. On Saturday we will have a 3-hour drive going to Canberra. We will be going to the yearly Floriad Festival. I hope that we don't develop any allergies or reactions to the hundreds of flowers we will see on the Festival. Then on Sunday, it will be a family day for us as my cousin weds. Can't wait to see Liam on his suit! :)

There you go, my mini-adventures for this day :)

Random Stories

AGain, too long to be a status update so I'm sharing my super short stories here :)

Story 1: Yesterday I collected my lotto prize money. I was only expecting to get #36 dollars but when my ticket was scanned in the computer, I actually won $87.75! Not bad! Considering that I only took the chance to bet so I can have change for my $50..I needed change for my bus ride going home :)

Story 2: I am so happy and thankful for the friends that we have here. Our baby stuff is almost complete (cots, etc) and we didn't even spend a single centavo for it! All through the generosity of the people around us :) Happy to use all of these hand-me-downs :)

Story 3: Last night:
Alvin: Liam, let's sleep na.
Liam: Not yet Papa, I'm not sleepy.
Alvin: What do you want to do? You want to talk with Papa?
Liam: Yes. Papa, how was your work?
(Kala ni Alvin ha, yan, nag one-on-one tuloy silang mag-Papa :)

Story 4: I just enrolled for the third module of my REd course...and soon I will start working on our yearly assessment...have to do it since the end of term falls on my due date as well :) Better submit all of them before Baby Sam comes out!

Story 5: One more week and it's the school holidays! Two weeks of no work! Yehey!

Story 6: Been budgeting our money...when will I ever get to master this skill?! Well, I'm still counting our blessings, at least we have money to budget :) Thankful as well that even if what we have is just enough, we don't have any loans or debts to worry about :)

Story 7: It's a small world after all! I met a co-teacher here in Sydney who used to work in Ateneo Grade School as well! Her contemporaries are the seasoned teachers of AGS! We had a good time exchanging names of those former co-teachers we both know :)

Story 8: Nine more weeks...it's again definitely one of the longest nine weeks of my life! But I am no hurry...even if I look like I'm ready to pop anytime!

Story 9: I'm actually enjoying the book "Eat.Pray.Love" I love reading. Feeds my brain and allows me to ponder about things as well..in return I get some more ideas on things that I can write about :)

There you go, nine super short stories (are they?) that I just wanted to share :)

Of Brotherhood and Fraternities

I am no member of any sorority and never in my wildest dreams did I expect to end up with someone who is a member of a fraternity. Blame it on the negative publicity fraternities (or sororities) get every time someone gets hurt (or worse, dies :C) in an initiation. My parents, especially my Papa,was, as expected, were against these groups as well.

When I transferred to UP Diliman from UP Manila, I was a bit weary of these groups.I knew students in the Diliman campus were much more involved with these groups as compared to the students in UP Manila. But hey, my best friend was member of a sorority as well, so I didn't let my opinion regarding these groups affect my academics. Then I met Alvin. When I first found out that he was a fratman, I asked him tactlessly, "Ha? Fratman ka?" haha well, I guess I had this notion of what a fratman looks like. During our getting-to-know me stage, he would usually share stories of the things they do in the group, the practices, the traditions--like the Maskipaps every December...the projects of the group, stories about Prof and the alumni... (don't worry brods, if there is something that should have not been shared, I assure you, up until now, I am clueless about it hehe). He shares it with much gusto. Still, I was not convinced to become a fan.

When we became a couple, I had a hard time telling my parents that Alvin was part of a fraternity, afraid of how my parents will react (especially my Papa!). It took around 3-6 months for me to finally tell my Papa that everytime we went out with Alvin's "friends from UP", we were actually out with his brods (and their gf's as well).

After being with Alvin for the last 10 years, I can say that I became more familiar with the group. My hubby's best buds are his brods, and the circle of friends is becoming bigger now that they are having families of their own. We spent out of town trips together as well. Relocating here in Sydney, we suddenly found ourselves part of the Australia chapter of Alvin's fraternity and my admiration of how their "brotherhood" works increases everytime we have a get-together. I get to know more and more the quality of the brods (which I find amusing since regardless of age, they seem to practice the same kalokohans and their humor is similar as well).Same wave-length? Probably. They are responsible, committed and intelligent men. They are family-oriented. There must be really something in this group that makes them committed even after they have finished college! With all the stories that Alvin has shared, truly, the group really had a big infuence in the making them the kind of men they are now. I am lucky to see the other side of these groups. It really is not all violence. Well, I just hope that the same kind of brotherhood exists in other fraternities. I am proud and happy that my husband was able to join one group which creates men of character and quality. Real gentlemen.

So have I changed my mind about these groups? Maybe. But will I allow Liam to join one in the future? That is another story ;)

My Casual Work

I consider myself lucky and blessed to have been given the opportunity to continue practicing my teaching profession here in Sydney. As they say, not all Filos get to have that chance. A bonus was given to me when I received my assessment and got the highest classification as well, a five year trained and step 13 teacher, which means my salary grade is O-K. Super OK. Looking and comparing what I get now from my salary, 3 days worth of work here is equivalent to my 1 month's salary back in Manila. A big blessing indeed.

I tried applying for a full-time job as a teacher, but I think, God is still asking me to wait. Looking at our situation now, I believe I would have chosen the same path. I can't do a 5-day work here in Sydney. If I do, my family life would suffer and I wouldn't want that. So I'm thankful that I come in 3 or 4 times a week for work and still have the time to be a homemaker on days that I don't have a call.

At first, I was a bit apprehensive to do relief teaching although in Ateneo, I spent my last year as a Relief Teacher. It is a bit stressful for me to get the call just early in the morning and just see the activities to be done on the actual day. Even as a relief teacher I don't like to short change my students. I would want to know the stuff I'm teaching them and I would like of course to teach the correct lessons. But as I've said, after a year of doing casual work, I am getting used to it as well.

There are peak and off-peak seasons as well for casual teachers. At first I got scared that I didn't get too many calls during the first term. But after having small chats with casual teachers, they said it was normal. And true enough, now on the third term, I have been getting work 2-3 days a week! On school holidays though, I don't get paid. Which is ok with me.

I also like the feeling that there are no strings attached. I don't get to do plans and is not required to attend meetings and stay in school after school hours. So right after dismissal, I'm on my way home already and when I'm home I don't worry about plans or quizzes or the like.

It is challenging also for a casual teacher to handle the class because most of the time, they tend to act differently if their real teacher is away. From the classes that I have handled, I can clearly pinpoint the teachers who has managed their class well. Even if they are out, their students still are well-behaved and engage in the school activities.

Thirdly, it is also challenging for a casual teacher to make her presence felt in the staff room when every body seems to know everyone. Well, at least now I have been getting regular calls from one school so I'm slowly getting to know most of the teachers. And now, I was able to meet a fellow Filo teacher, working as full-time, who used to work in Ateneo as well. It's good to know I am now working with someone who used to work with the same people I used to work with. We even exchanged names of the list of teachers in Ateneo!


I also feel good when I see that my class management techniques have been used my the permanent teachers as well. As they say, imitation is the best compliment. I think they saw it was effective so they used it as well. At first there were only 2 or 3 teachers who I saw using the same technique, but now, it seems everyone is using it! And I feel good! :)

God is good. Though I know that it wasn't in our initial plans for me to work when we get here in Sydney, He allowed me to do so. I was very willing to give up my profession but I think the Lord has plans for me.

I thank the Lord for my casual work. Despite the challenges, it is still one BIG blessing!

Tithing

Are you familiar with the term? The first time I encountered that word was ages ago! My parents were the ones who introduced it to me, not formally, but I was able to see them do it when they became active members of the Catholic community we were all involved in.

It was a bit hard for me to comprehend at that time why they continued to give even if we were already facing financial difficulties. We could better use the money at home and besides, they say that charity begins at home, right? But they continued to give. Not only in the community but also in the parish we belong to. Weird. Whenever I ask my Mama why they do it, there was no staright answer. It was only like giving me an advice that I shouldn't worry, that the more they give, the more we will receive. Still I didn't comprehend it.

Soon, one by one, we had our own jobs and I think my Kuya and Ate has imbibed the same spirit of geneoristy my parents showed through tithing. But let's just say, I was a bit different. My reason was always because I am not like them, and I am not earning as big as them. My Kuya like my Mama, would kid me every now and then, telling me that my nickname fits me very well, Pot for kuriPOT (thrifty). Sometimes I laugh, but most of the times I fret.He tells me I handle money too tightly. I should loosen it a bit so more blessings will come my way. I was a witness on how this can very much happen...because it did happen to my Kuya a lot of times. Whenever he gives something, something comes back in return! But still, I can't seem to force myself to give more when what I have is just enough for me.

Now, after several years, I can finally say, that I have learned my lesson and have started to embrace the same thinking. I am a living proof of His generosity. Every now and then, I have found myself and my family just having enough. Meaning? The money that we have is just enough for our weekly expenses (this excludes our untouchable savings). But I still give. When I have casual work and we receive more than the usual, I give additional tithes as well. And I can say that the financial blessings have not stopped. In times that I thought our money would not be enough, somethng comes up and soon my worries and problems are solved!

This is one area in my life that I really had a long time accepting. I had to deal with it. Looking back, I think the good thing that had happened was the fact that I did not force myself right away to embrace this, without fully understanding and experiencing the things that I had to go through. I took my time and I'm glad I did. Thinking twice about tithing? Don't be in a rush. But believe me, when you start with,you won't stop because like me, you'll find yourself experiencing the endless blessings He has prepared for you!

Sisters' Act

I have two sisters. Looking back, I think I was closer to the boys in the family -- my Kuya and our Bunso, Beloy. I guess the three of us had more similarities than me with my sisters. When my Ate started working, things began to change. Both my Kuya and her were very responsible and showed the extent of their generosity by sharing their resources to the family. When they got to try out a new resto, they made sure that the entire family will also get to have the opportunity to eat or dine there. I remember having to travel in our small Volkswagen all the way to Megamall just as so we can try out this new Thai restaurant. Of course, after eating, we all can't fit anymore so my Kuya had to commute already going home! (such happy times :)). We also had the chance to spend family weekends every now and then in the different hotels in Manila, c/o my Ate. I will treasure these bonding times forever.

My Kuya story is another long story, so let me focus now on my Ate. When she migrated and soon decided to settle in Sydney with her family, of course, the family was sad. But as they say (and I know now) that you have to be ready to make sacrifices for your family. To make the long story short, the whole family supported her decision, not knowing that soon my Kuya's family and my own family will be migrating as well.

During the time that I was still in Manila, I guess, our relationship became more mature, especially when my Kuya's family arrived in Sydney as well. We exchanged emails and had nice (but short) phone calls. Me reporting to them what was happening to us and my other siblings who were in Manila. When we finally received our PR visas, she was one of those people who were very excited for our arrival. I was excited, but not that too excited hehe. Good things have come our way since arriving here, one of which is the opportunity to bond with my siblings and become closer to them and their families, more so with my Ate.

My journey here in Sydney is not really a bed of roses. During those times that I needed someone to watch over me (when I am sick), or talk with me, or listen to me (especially on topics that are too emotional or shallow for my Kuya to hear, hehe), she is there. The past days, I have been wanting a break. I felt I needed to go out and have a break. My girlfriends are back in Manila so how can I have that break? My Ate knew (and understood) what I was going through so after sending me a simple SMS, we decided to have coffee yesterday afternoon. She picked me up at home and we headed to the nearest shop. It was a good one. We laughed on silly stories, shared stories, and I listened to her "words of wisdom" on areas I know she knows more than me. I am thankful that during the time I had to expereince these struggles, she is just a phone call away. Our closeness is still a work in progress, but I thank the Lord for allowing me to have this opportunity to bond with her, especially now that we are both grown-ups and have families of our own. Looking forward to more sisters' act in the future!