Before I start my new entry let me just share two "messages" I got yesterday and today.
Yesterday morning, as soon as I woke up, the first thing in my mind:
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and everything shall be added unto thee."
This morning when I read the reflection of today's reading, the message that struck me was:
"Our God is a God of surprises!"
I guess these two messages set the "stage" of how I am dealing everything what's on my plate now.
I remember mentioning in my previous blog entry that one of our major goals this year is to buy our first home, LATE this year.
I don't know what happened but one thing led to another and we suddenly found ourselves being led to buying our own home, NOW.
It's a big decision alright!
Hubby and I were just reading articles that will keep us informed and knowledgeable of the processes but in two weeks' time so much has happened!
We really haven't bought the house but we are finding ourselves doing baby steps.
We've studied our finances, asked advice, watched and looked at the market for the last two weeks (in two weeks there was so much movement in the market), visited possible sites, compared buying old and new houses, talked with builders, studied the buying process, registered to new home and land releases and prayed like we've never prayed before! We're not praying that He grants our wishes but we're praying for guidance as this is really a very big investment. To make the long story short, we're new to this and we don't want to make any mistakes so we're carefully doing one step at a time.
Nakakakaba talaga.
With this new investment comes a whole new set of sacrifices.
If you have been following my blog, you know that there is a deep desire for me to travel locally and globally because I felt I have deprived myself of that when I was younger. I really wanted to go to the US April of this year because I know that once we take the big plunge of buying our own home, travelling will be the first one to be sacrificed. And yes, my worst dreams came true!
Hubby and I had an initial study of our finances and it will be very difficult for us to squeeze in traveling for the family (to give you an idea how much new homes now cost in our area, it ranges from $500,000 and above). Unless I work full time and get the full annual pay of teachers on my level, then talagang maluwag kami, maraming sobra. But I still decided to work as a casual mainly because of the kids. At the end of the day, it will be a choice between spending time with my kids and taking care of my family well over the extra money and owning our own home with much ease.
Knowing me, I should be all grumpy and already super sad because of the would-be scenario. All traveling plans for the year and the next few years, scrapped. But I'm unusually okay. I'm not crying, I'm not grumpy, I'm not mad. I guess I was ready for it. I have long faced the music and so when we found ourselves already in that situation, I was ready emotionally.
I am thankful I'm taking all these things positively. I am also inspired by my kids as they are also cooperative and making their own little sacrifices in helping achieve our goal of saving up for our own home. When we go out and they see something they like, we just tell them NO and remind them of our future plan, and they are okay with it. No more crying and whining, especially for Sam. Everyone is focused on the big project!
I am actually not giving up. In my heart I know that all will fall into place. That there will be a time for all those traveling plans to happen. It might be a difficult start for us, but I'm keeping the faith that it will be easier in a few year's time -- the time when the kids are much bigger and I can go back to work full-time.
The search is on and our hearts are in place ;-)
Showing posts with label projects. Show all posts
Showing posts with label projects. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Monday, June 17, 2013
The Search is Over: Take 3!
Another major project ticked off the list for 2013 :)
Finding that 7-seater car for our family was not as easy as we thought :)
Here is the story of our adventure.
Early this year, we knew we will be having visitors coming over so we knew we needed to change one of our cars to a bigger car, to accommodate our guests everytime we need to tour them around. Yes, we will all fit into two cars, but I was too lazy to bring and drive the other car hehe
We initially thought of buying a second-hand car. Toyota Avensis was the number one choice only because it's not too big and we have had a good experience with it being the first car of my brother here. But when hubby started looking around, he chanced upon this news article saying Kia will be releasing a new people-mover car (not a SUV) that was quite similar to Avensis. It's the Kia Rondo (Kia Carens in UK and in the Philippines). Based on the pricing when it was released in other countries, hubby was telling me to wait for it to be released in Australia just as so we can see if it will be worth our hard-earned money. Sabi niya nga kasi, if there will just be a small difference in the price of the second hand Avensis (Toyota) and that of the new Kia Rondo, e why not go for the brand new na, right?
Initial reports said it will come out April. But April flew by quickly, wala. While waiting, family were kind of convincing us to look for another brand, as they are afraid of the reliability of the Kia Brand. We seriously considered it, thus, we thought of having a Nissan Dualis + 2. Alvin again researched, BIG TIME, about the Dualis + 2, name it, reviews, manual, etc. But I think I mentioned in my previous blog that when we checked the car the sales agent immediately told us that the third row seats were not designed for adults. It was very specific, kids ages 7-14 years old or anyone not heavier than 45kg. If you use the car beyond those specifications and you get into an accident, you can my sued. So, no.
So we were back to Kia Rondo. By this time, it has been released in the UK and based on the reviews, Alvin was getting more excited to get it. But when May came and there were no clear signs as to when it will be released here in Sydney, we started shopping again.
This time, we shifted our focus on the Mitsubishi Outlander. Alvin saw a great deal, an unused 2013 Demo Car from the dealer, 8k cheaper from the RRP of $40k (base model). Hubby again did his homework, he researched, downloaded and read a lot of stuff. Two Saturdays ago he passed by a Mitsubishi dealer and already enquired. But by this time Kia Rondo has been launched already. The problem was there were no available demo units yet so we can't actually see and check the car. Hubby was also surprised with the pricing. The base model alone costs $30k! Between Kia and Mitsubishi, di ba sa Mitsubishi ka na?
So we pursued the Outlander. We went there Saturday, there was an actual unit available, Alvin tried to sit on the third row, straight away. Kwenk. His knees folded was almost to the level of his chest. Not really a very comfy position esp when you do long drives, right?
Hay. We saw a Holden Captiva, ok, even if hubby is not okay with it, we checked it na rin: same and it was even narrower on the third row. Toyota Kluger: same :( My impression of these cars/SUVs e pinilit na mag seven seater :( So ano na? Alvin was trying to recall kung gaoon ba kami kasikip when we rode my Kuya's Avensis. Luckily, there was a Toyota nearby that had a used Avensis which was also for sale, for us to check it. Kasi kung masikip din e di we'll go for the Outlander na, right?
Hmmm, the third row of the Avensis had full adult seats. Very comfortable even on long drives. But, hubby is not yet ready to raise the white flag. He called Kia to check if may demo unit na, ayun, meron na! So from Blacktown we drove to Penrith...excited si hubby...the car was sooo pogi! Kaya pala mahal, but wait let's see the third row first --- fail!!!! :(
So ano na?
The dealer of the Outlander was very kind, he was suggesting if we are seating adults on the third row either we get the bigger car like Tarago or the more expensive ones na. E, mg mini-coach na lang kaya kami? Pwede ko pa ipang-service! Hahaha
Kidding aside, the family had a discussion. Yes, everyone had a say while having our afternoon tea at Maccas and checking all the cars. We went back to the reasons why we want a bigger car. We cannot compromise the budget. Over than $32k is no na for us, especially for me.
So to make the long story short, we went back to Avensis, kahit for hubby, namamahalan siya sa re-sale prices of the second hand Avensis that he sees online. Back to square one. Hanap ulit and we saw one 2009 Silver Avensis for sale in a Toyota dealer. Low kms for $22k. The dealer was 40 minutes away from our place. Saturday night, hubby was saying next week na daw namin balikan. Hihintayin pa rin muna daw niya quote ng Kia. (Ako in my mind: Wait? Pakiulit?! Kia ulit? And I thought we already decided to go back to Avensis?!) I just kept quiet.
Sunday morning, I told hubby for us to check the car na. Kala ko magagalit kasi baka isipin nagaapura na naman ako bumili. But I explained to him to check the car, if he doesn't like it, then we'll not get it. If he does, then he can give a DP na and work on the finances over the week so by next week we can already get the car. One week of delay can spell a big difference, right? Lalo no bank na on Saturdays. Since he had that option not to get the car if he doesn't like it, he agreed. Before leaving for church, he already checked the car's history. One owner, logbook, clean record. No write -off etc. So on that area, check!
We plan to go after our 9am mass. Before going to church, I silently prayed, "Lord, let us know naman what to get. Kung ano na ba gagawin namin." I don't know how I'll get the answer but I know I'll understand it when it comes. Like the colour of my rosary when we got our first car, Maggie. Magkakulay sila ni Maggie. On our way to church on our last turn, the first car that I saw was a white Toyota Avensis. Okay. Clear as the sky! But I didn't tell Alvin about it.
After the mass, hubby wanted to call the dealer first to check if the car is there. Para nga naman di sayang ang biyahe. After confirming that it was still available, it was then that I told Alvin about the white Avensis I saw. Siya rin pala he saw it but like me he didn't tell it to me. I guess it was what we needed to see. (Only to find out nung pauwi na kami after buying the car, we saw two DIFFERENT white Avensis. He said he didn't see the one coming from the church, what he saw daw was the one parked near our complex!) O di ba?
So yesterday, we went there. Check check...Usap usap.... tanong tanong, test drive, but we had the go signal from Bro, right? so there! Search finally over.
On our way home we were still discussing about this whole adventure. I told hubby na ako, I wanted a brand new one, pogi and ganda points sana di ba? But we were directed on a different path. May basbas naman Niya...we might not know the reason yet why He wanted us to get the second-hand Avensis, but in due time I know we will :) Baka daw sa bahay na lang na bibilhin gamitin ang pera kesa sa kotse hehehe :)
Like what I told my friend, I'm also happy because the car is not too big for me to drive (not too intimidating as compared if we pushed thru with the Outlander or another SUV) and we didn't have to spend too much. If we opted to maximize our budget baka our travelling projects will be put on hold hehehe, kaya, yehey! :)
Overall I found this experience very enriching...nakakainis na paminsan minsan especially if paikot ikot ang dating ng discussions, but I found it enriching as it allowed us to practice decision making skills for one big project or undertaking as a family :) Lahat kami magkakasama sa bawat dealer na pinuntahan at kinausap. Lahat kami may say, especially Kuya :)
We'll be welcoming Ben (or Ven?) next week :)
Sorry, haba pero thanks for reading hehe
This is how he will look like, minus the bars on top :)
picture c/o nrma.com.au
Finding that 7-seater car for our family was not as easy as we thought :)
Here is the story of our adventure.
Early this year, we knew we will be having visitors coming over so we knew we needed to change one of our cars to a bigger car, to accommodate our guests everytime we need to tour them around. Yes, we will all fit into two cars, but I was too lazy to bring and drive the other car hehe
We initially thought of buying a second-hand car. Toyota Avensis was the number one choice only because it's not too big and we have had a good experience with it being the first car of my brother here. But when hubby started looking around, he chanced upon this news article saying Kia will be releasing a new people-mover car (not a SUV) that was quite similar to Avensis. It's the Kia Rondo (Kia Carens in UK and in the Philippines). Based on the pricing when it was released in other countries, hubby was telling me to wait for it to be released in Australia just as so we can see if it will be worth our hard-earned money. Sabi niya nga kasi, if there will just be a small difference in the price of the second hand Avensis (Toyota) and that of the new Kia Rondo, e why not go for the brand new na, right?
Initial reports said it will come out April. But April flew by quickly, wala. While waiting, family were kind of convincing us to look for another brand, as they are afraid of the reliability of the Kia Brand. We seriously considered it, thus, we thought of having a Nissan Dualis + 2. Alvin again researched, BIG TIME, about the Dualis + 2, name it, reviews, manual, etc. But I think I mentioned in my previous blog that when we checked the car the sales agent immediately told us that the third row seats were not designed for adults. It was very specific, kids ages 7-14 years old or anyone not heavier than 45kg. If you use the car beyond those specifications and you get into an accident, you can my sued. So, no.
So we were back to Kia Rondo. By this time, it has been released in the UK and based on the reviews, Alvin was getting more excited to get it. But when May came and there were no clear signs as to when it will be released here in Sydney, we started shopping again.
This time, we shifted our focus on the Mitsubishi Outlander. Alvin saw a great deal, an unused 2013 Demo Car from the dealer, 8k cheaper from the RRP of $40k (base model). Hubby again did his homework, he researched, downloaded and read a lot of stuff. Two Saturdays ago he passed by a Mitsubishi dealer and already enquired. But by this time Kia Rondo has been launched already. The problem was there were no available demo units yet so we can't actually see and check the car. Hubby was also surprised with the pricing. The base model alone costs $30k! Between Kia and Mitsubishi, di ba sa Mitsubishi ka na?
So we pursued the Outlander. We went there Saturday, there was an actual unit available, Alvin tried to sit on the third row, straight away. Kwenk. His knees folded was almost to the level of his chest. Not really a very comfy position esp when you do long drives, right?
Hay. We saw a Holden Captiva, ok, even if hubby is not okay with it, we checked it na rin: same and it was even narrower on the third row. Toyota Kluger: same :( My impression of these cars/SUVs e pinilit na mag seven seater :( So ano na? Alvin was trying to recall kung gaoon ba kami kasikip when we rode my Kuya's Avensis. Luckily, there was a Toyota nearby that had a used Avensis which was also for sale, for us to check it. Kasi kung masikip din e di we'll go for the Outlander na, right?
Hmmm, the third row of the Avensis had full adult seats. Very comfortable even on long drives. But, hubby is not yet ready to raise the white flag. He called Kia to check if may demo unit na, ayun, meron na! So from Blacktown we drove to Penrith...excited si hubby...the car was sooo pogi! Kaya pala mahal, but wait let's see the third row first --- fail!!!! :(
So ano na?
The dealer of the Outlander was very kind, he was suggesting if we are seating adults on the third row either we get the bigger car like Tarago or the more expensive ones na. E, mg mini-coach na lang kaya kami? Pwede ko pa ipang-service! Hahaha
Kidding aside, the family had a discussion. Yes, everyone had a say while having our afternoon tea at Maccas and checking all the cars. We went back to the reasons why we want a bigger car. We cannot compromise the budget. Over than $32k is no na for us, especially for me.
So to make the long story short, we went back to Avensis, kahit for hubby, namamahalan siya sa re-sale prices of the second hand Avensis that he sees online. Back to square one. Hanap ulit and we saw one 2009 Silver Avensis for sale in a Toyota dealer. Low kms for $22k. The dealer was 40 minutes away from our place. Saturday night, hubby was saying next week na daw namin balikan. Hihintayin pa rin muna daw niya quote ng Kia. (Ako in my mind: Wait? Pakiulit?! Kia ulit? And I thought we already decided to go back to Avensis?!) I just kept quiet.
Sunday morning, I told hubby for us to check the car na. Kala ko magagalit kasi baka isipin nagaapura na naman ako bumili. But I explained to him to check the car, if he doesn't like it, then we'll not get it. If he does, then he can give a DP na and work on the finances over the week so by next week we can already get the car. One week of delay can spell a big difference, right? Lalo no bank na on Saturdays. Since he had that option not to get the car if he doesn't like it, he agreed. Before leaving for church, he already checked the car's history. One owner, logbook, clean record. No write -off etc. So on that area, check!
We plan to go after our 9am mass. Before going to church, I silently prayed, "Lord, let us know naman what to get. Kung ano na ba gagawin namin." I don't know how I'll get the answer but I know I'll understand it when it comes. Like the colour of my rosary when we got our first car, Maggie. Magkakulay sila ni Maggie. On our way to church on our last turn, the first car that I saw was a white Toyota Avensis. Okay. Clear as the sky! But I didn't tell Alvin about it.
After the mass, hubby wanted to call the dealer first to check if the car is there. Para nga naman di sayang ang biyahe. After confirming that it was still available, it was then that I told Alvin about the white Avensis I saw. Siya rin pala he saw it but like me he didn't tell it to me. I guess it was what we needed to see. (Only to find out nung pauwi na kami after buying the car, we saw two DIFFERENT white Avensis. He said he didn't see the one coming from the church, what he saw daw was the one parked near our complex!) O di ba?
So yesterday, we went there. Check check...Usap usap.... tanong tanong, test drive, but we had the go signal from Bro, right? so there! Search finally over.
On our way home we were still discussing about this whole adventure. I told hubby na ako, I wanted a brand new one, pogi and ganda points sana di ba? But we were directed on a different path. May basbas naman Niya...we might not know the reason yet why He wanted us to get the second-hand Avensis, but in due time I know we will :) Baka daw sa bahay na lang na bibilhin gamitin ang pera kesa sa kotse hehehe :)
Like what I told my friend, I'm also happy because the car is not too big for me to drive (not too intimidating as compared if we pushed thru with the Outlander or another SUV) and we didn't have to spend too much. If we opted to maximize our budget baka our travelling projects will be put on hold hehehe, kaya, yehey! :)
Overall I found this experience very enriching...nakakainis na paminsan minsan especially if paikot ikot ang dating ng discussions, but I found it enriching as it allowed us to practice decision making skills for one big project or undertaking as a family :) Lahat kami magkakasama sa bawat dealer na pinuntahan at kinausap. Lahat kami may say, especially Kuya :)
We'll be welcoming Ben (or Ven?) next week :)
Sorry, haba pero thanks for reading hehe
This is how he will look like, minus the bars on top :)
picture c/o nrma.com.au
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Looking Forward To
I don't do New Year's resolutions anymore. It's now more of setting goals and projects for the whole year.
Looking back, Alvin and I just had a very short list last year, 2012. BUT, SO MANY things happened which we didn't expect or plan.
Anyways, here again is my very short list:
- a healthier 2013
- less blogs (yes! I am finally admitting it, it is time consuming :( )
- more time allotted for reading good books
- becoming more positive in outlook in life
wishlist
- less FBing
- one major travel for the family (interstate or another country)
- upgrading our first car to a bigger family car
looking forward to
- our Aussie citizenship (yes, we've been here for four years now! Can you believe that?)
- becoming more active in helping Liam and Sam with school stuff
There. It's just January and like last year, many things, which are not part of the plan, can happen. Not only keeping my fingers crossed, but keeping the faith. Whatever happens, I know that it's all part of His great plan for us!
Go, go, go 2013! let's do this!!!!
Looking back, Alvin and I just had a very short list last year, 2012. BUT, SO MANY things happened which we didn't expect or plan.
Anyways, here again is my very short list:
- a healthier 2013
- less blogs (yes! I am finally admitting it, it is time consuming :( )
- more time allotted for reading good books
- becoming more positive in outlook in life
wishlist
- less FBing
- one major travel for the family (interstate or another country)
- upgrading our first car to a bigger family car
looking forward to
- our Aussie citizenship (yes, we've been here for four years now! Can you believe that?)
- becoming more active in helping Liam and Sam with school stuff
There. It's just January and like last year, many things, which are not part of the plan, can happen. Not only keeping my fingers crossed, but keeping the faith. Whatever happens, I know that it's all part of His great plan for us!
Go, go, go 2013! let's do this!!!!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Busy, But Not Complaining
Whoa!
My last blog entry was 24 August...is this for real?
Well, things got a little crazy at work and at home.
I am just thankful though that even if I was dead busy, no one in the family, especially the kids (touchwood), are not getting sick.
Major to-do's are slowly being ticked off from my list.
Sam's party venue has been booked. We had to move her birthday party a little earlier because the venue has already been booked, and the weekend immediately after her birthday, well, we have a CFC activity and most of our guests will be coming from the community. Hubby said that it was non-negotiable as well.
I was able to do my First Aid/CPR refresher course.
I was able to get our new passports and had visa evidencing (finally, my visa is under my married name! hindi na ako mahaharang sa airport!)
Other major things have been ticked off as well, but I still cannot write it here ;p
Soon.
If I don't get work tomorrow, I will update you about Sam's birthday :)
Again, I've been busy and will be busier, but I am and I will not complain :)
My last blog entry was 24 August...is this for real?
Well, things got a little crazy at work and at home.
I am just thankful though that even if I was dead busy, no one in the family, especially the kids (touchwood), are not getting sick.
Major to-do's are slowly being ticked off from my list.
Sam's party venue has been booked. We had to move her birthday party a little earlier because the venue has already been booked, and the weekend immediately after her birthday, well, we have a CFC activity and most of our guests will be coming from the community. Hubby said that it was non-negotiable as well.
I was able to do my First Aid/CPR refresher course.
I was able to get our new passports and had visa evidencing (finally, my visa is under my married name! hindi na ako mahaharang sa airport!)
Other major things have been ticked off as well, but I still cannot write it here ;p
Soon.
If I don't get work tomorrow, I will update you about Sam's birthday :)
Again, I've been busy and will be busier, but I am and I will not complain :)
Friday, March 2, 2012
Keeping My Fingers Crossed
Let us rewind the hands of the clock a bit.
Way back in Manila, when I was just starting my career as a teacher, I had this crazy idea: I have thought of putting up my own pre-school when I am already of age and retired (or even earlier, funds permitting). After a few months, I started my Master's degree on Basic Education and found it a bit boring (Sorry, but it was like I was taking my undergrad courses again). I looked at my other options. I remembered my crazy idea. Put the pieces of the puzzle together. The end-result? I'll put up my own pre-school when I retire so I needed to change my grad course if I was dead serious with it. I was so into it because I never had the inkling that I will be migrating someday. I shifted my Masteral Degree from Basic Education to Educational Administration to prepare me for that big day.
Then, fate stepped in. Our migration happened.
Slowly, I forgot this crazy idea.
I forgot about this dream.
And then something hit me just last week. Yes, last week, when I was a bit bored, doing some reflecting: it hit me: why not study again? I was open to studying again, but what course?
I had my first call last Wednesday. Thursday, I had none. I went to the daycare and had a little chat with the directress. Then a vision came to me.
Hey, hey, hey. I can be like her.
Then slowly, things fell into place, like pieces of a puzzle fitting in perfectly.
I will pursue that dream again.
Why not? When here in Sydney, you will always have an assured clientele for daycare centres.
When now, there are more and more Filipinos migrating.
I am not even thinking of how I am going to fund for that daycare -- you know, purhcasing the land, the contsruction, the permits, etc. I will all deal with it if it's time. All I know NOW is I need to do the first BIG step .
I read and researched.
I really need to study. That is the first step.
Too bad though that I have to start everything from Certificate III on Children's Services before I can enroll and pursue a Diploma Course on Children's Services. The Diploma course is the required degree to run a daycare.
Too bad as well because even if my undergrad and grad degrees are in the field of Education they are not going to be credited.
No short cuts for me then.
Surprisingly, my spirit to accomplish this hasn't been dampened by these recent discoveries.
Focusing on the good news:
First, I can do it online.
Second, I can fast track things. First step (Cert 3 course) takes 24 months. But it depends on how fast I can pass the requirements, I can finish it in a year! (I also need job placement to complete the Cert 3 course). I know I can do these especially after juggling my two-year course with career and family duties :-) If I did it before, I know I can do it again :-)
Third, it is not as expensive as I thought it would be. Roughly $47 per week for 48 months.
Lastly, and more importantly, hubby is with me, 100%.
So will I start anytime soon?
That is now the big question. I want to start now while I'm still doing casual work, and at least I won't be too old to do childcare when I have my job placement. But, hubby, even if he is with me 100% suggests that we wait some more.
Hehehe.
I feel good about this.
I will keep you posted.
I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Way back in Manila, when I was just starting my career as a teacher, I had this crazy idea: I have thought of putting up my own pre-school when I am already of age and retired (or even earlier, funds permitting). After a few months, I started my Master's degree on Basic Education and found it a bit boring (Sorry, but it was like I was taking my undergrad courses again). I looked at my other options. I remembered my crazy idea. Put the pieces of the puzzle together. The end-result? I'll put up my own pre-school when I retire so I needed to change my grad course if I was dead serious with it. I was so into it because I never had the inkling that I will be migrating someday. I shifted my Masteral Degree from Basic Education to Educational Administration to prepare me for that big day.
Then, fate stepped in. Our migration happened.
Slowly, I forgot this crazy idea.
I forgot about this dream.
And then something hit me just last week. Yes, last week, when I was a bit bored, doing some reflecting: it hit me: why not study again? I was open to studying again, but what course?
I had my first call last Wednesday. Thursday, I had none. I went to the daycare and had a little chat with the directress. Then a vision came to me.
Hey, hey, hey. I can be like her.
Then slowly, things fell into place, like pieces of a puzzle fitting in perfectly.
I will pursue that dream again.
Why not? When here in Sydney, you will always have an assured clientele for daycare centres.
When now, there are more and more Filipinos migrating.
I am not even thinking of how I am going to fund for that daycare -- you know, purhcasing the land, the contsruction, the permits, etc. I will all deal with it if it's time. All I know NOW is I need to do the first BIG step .
I read and researched.
I really need to study. That is the first step.
Too bad though that I have to start everything from Certificate III on Children's Services before I can enroll and pursue a Diploma Course on Children's Services. The Diploma course is the required degree to run a daycare.
Too bad as well because even if my undergrad and grad degrees are in the field of Education they are not going to be credited.
No short cuts for me then.
Surprisingly, my spirit to accomplish this hasn't been dampened by these recent discoveries.
Focusing on the good news:
First, I can do it online.
Second, I can fast track things. First step (Cert 3 course) takes 24 months. But it depends on how fast I can pass the requirements, I can finish it in a year! (I also need job placement to complete the Cert 3 course). I know I can do these especially after juggling my two-year course with career and family duties :-) If I did it before, I know I can do it again :-)
Third, it is not as expensive as I thought it would be. Roughly $47 per week for 48 months.
Lastly, and more importantly, hubby is with me, 100%.
So will I start anytime soon?
That is now the big question. I want to start now while I'm still doing casual work, and at least I won't be too old to do childcare when I have my job placement. But, hubby, even if he is with me 100% suggests that we wait some more.
Hehehe.
I feel good about this.
I will keep you posted.
I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
projects that went pffffftt @-@
I was thinking the other day and realized that Alvin and I have set some projects and sadly we were not able to maintain it or stick with it. So what are these projects that went pffft?
a. Using a ledger to handle and track our finances. I tried, he tried. Hehehe :)
b. No rice only salad night. I guess I got tired of cooking and thinking of what will go well with our salad (veggie). But I think we have to revive this especially with the sad news I learned yesterday. Another wake up call that health is wealth!
c. Biking twice a week for him and 15 minutes everyday for me. Of course with the things and chores we have to do on weekdays and holidays, most often than not, this is the first one that is removed from our to-do list. Bad right? We bought our stationary bike not to accumulate dust but as an investment for our health. We need to revive this as well.
d. Empty the pantry. Well, good luck for me! The last two weekends, I found myself going to the shops to buy some food/snacks, etc. It got to the point that I got scared because I was like in Coles, Woolies and Aldi once or twice a week. Bad sign. Bad sign. Good news though, my empty the ref project is doing okay :) By the time I need to go to the market our freezer and ref are almost empty :)
e. No shopping sprees for me. Good luck to the world! Hay, sadly, this 3-day weekend, we went shopping for clothes and toys again :( Sunday we went to DFO and yesterday we went to Castle Towers. Not to mention that the previous week I already bought some new clothes in Rouse Hill and in Castle Towers. Well, there is hope! I read the newest post in one of the blogs I'm following and came across this book - Not Buying It. One Year of Not Shopping. I haven't read the book but it somewhat helped me refocus and to be back on what I originally planned. So again, I'm relaunching this project! So help me God, again!
It's sad that sometimes when we plan on something we put our heart, soul and a lot of effort at the start, only to wane or stop later. Well, putting it into writing is somewhat a wake-up call. So again, I'll relaunch all of these projects and hopefully it will be really successful, the second time around :)
a. Using a ledger to handle and track our finances. I tried, he tried. Hehehe :)
b. No rice only salad night. I guess I got tired of cooking and thinking of what will go well with our salad (veggie). But I think we have to revive this especially with the sad news I learned yesterday. Another wake up call that health is wealth!
c. Biking twice a week for him and 15 minutes everyday for me. Of course with the things and chores we have to do on weekdays and holidays, most often than not, this is the first one that is removed from our to-do list. Bad right? We bought our stationary bike not to accumulate dust but as an investment for our health. We need to revive this as well.
d. Empty the pantry. Well, good luck for me! The last two weekends, I found myself going to the shops to buy some food/snacks, etc. It got to the point that I got scared because I was like in Coles, Woolies and Aldi once or twice a week. Bad sign. Bad sign. Good news though, my empty the ref project is doing okay :) By the time I need to go to the market our freezer and ref are almost empty :)
e. No shopping sprees for me. Good luck to the world! Hay, sadly, this 3-day weekend, we went shopping for clothes and toys again :( Sunday we went to DFO and yesterday we went to Castle Towers. Not to mention that the previous week I already bought some new clothes in Rouse Hill and in Castle Towers. Well, there is hope! I read the newest post in one of the blogs I'm following and came across this book - Not Buying It. One Year of Not Shopping. I haven't read the book but it somewhat helped me refocus and to be back on what I originally planned. So again, I'm relaunching this project! So help me God, again!
It's sad that sometimes when we plan on something we put our heart, soul and a lot of effort at the start, only to wane or stop later. Well, putting it into writing is somewhat a wake-up call. So again, I'll relaunch all of these projects and hopefully it will be really successful, the second time around :)
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
eyes on the "ball"
a month ago alvin asked me if we had some projects in line. you know, stuff to buy, things to do, and the like. when he asked me that time i can't think of any answer, so i just told him there was none that i can think of.
yesterday, it just hit me. since this projects of mine -- clear the pantry and ref -- is admittedly helping us save more, i decided to tell him this project last night :) i have 2 years to save on it. no, it's not our first home, it's something else ;) when i told him about it last night, i think he was ok with it, but of course he had to tell me, "kayang kaya natin yan if you work" hehehe
well, i just realized that if i have this big project in mind, maybe it can keep me away from the shops, and spending money on things we already have. i keep on complaining about all the clothes and clutter we have at home, and yet, i still keep on buying, so what's the use, right? so now, i am dead set on saving for the big project. will not buy new clothes, not eat out too much, not look and visit sites that will only make me spend, not go to the shops often. aja!
when i was a kid, when i wanted to buy something and my parents cannot (and will not) give me the funds to buy it, i really did all possible means to save for it, so i can buy it. i guess, this time, i will have to do it all over again :)
so from today, up until 2013, my eyes will be on the "ball"! :) so help me God :)
yesterday, it just hit me. since this projects of mine -- clear the pantry and ref -- is admittedly helping us save more, i decided to tell him this project last night :) i have 2 years to save on it. no, it's not our first home, it's something else ;) when i told him about it last night, i think he was ok with it, but of course he had to tell me, "kayang kaya natin yan if you work" hehehe
well, i just realized that if i have this big project in mind, maybe it can keep me away from the shops, and spending money on things we already have. i keep on complaining about all the clothes and clutter we have at home, and yet, i still keep on buying, so what's the use, right? so now, i am dead set on saving for the big project. will not buy new clothes, not eat out too much, not look and visit sites that will only make me spend, not go to the shops often. aja!
when i was a kid, when i wanted to buy something and my parents cannot (and will not) give me the funds to buy it, i really did all possible means to save for it, so i can buy it. i guess, this time, i will have to do it all over again :)
so from today, up until 2013, my eyes will be on the "ball"! :) so help me God :)
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Plans Plans Plans
I love to plan things! Planning takes more than knowing what you would like to do, it involves other skills that allows my mind to work :D
I am busy planning a lot of things, which I think will make my hands full in the next coming months.
Project number 1: Our trip to Manila. (I think I should refrain using "home" for Manila and embrace the fact that Sydney is now our "home", besides, Sydney has been GOOD to us). This is the biggest project so it's the number one on the list.
For this project, I need to do a lot of exchanging e-mails with our travel agent. Rates, dates, details of the trip. I need to apply for the passport of Andrea (which I already did). Check on travel insurance and get one. Funding. Planning and shopping for the pasalubongs and whom to give it to. Plan things to do while in Manila. And that brings me to the next projects.
Project Number 2: Andrea's 1st birthday party. Yes, we decided to have her first birthday party in Manila even if almost all her friends and all her cousins are Sydney based. Anyways, we still have families and lots of friends in Manila. We plan to have her party in Manila so we can have the value for our money. It's a bit expensive here and the kiddie parties here are not at par with the ones we have in Manila. If we want the quality of party like the one that Liam had, here in Sydney, we better be ready to shell out big bucks. And being practical people, we won't. So this project involves planning, organizing, budgeting, coordinating with the people who can help me out in the coordination - Manila based family and friends, and shopping! I have already started shopping with the prizes here in Sydney. I am excited, even if it's still 9 months away!
Project Number 3: Out of town trips. There are option 1 and option 2. Option 1 is somewhere near, if our budget will not allow us to travel down south. Option 2 is of course a grander out of town trip. The problem now is, we have decided to separate the out of town trips with my family and his family (to keep me SANE). Now which is which...who comes with us in Option 1 (I bet it's my family)...if it's Option 2, baka kaming 4 na lang! hahaha This project again involves coordinating with travel agents, checking out airlines, airfares, checking out the nice beach resorts etc etc etc.
Wow, I have just only listed three and yet my brain is working double time! But I enjoy doing it. There are still a lot of smaller stuff that needs to be taken cared of with these three projects...the get togethers with friends and family while in Manila, the big decision of to sell or not to sell our lot in Pasig while we are in Manila, the shopping, the spa sessions, the visits to the derma and salons!
ooohhh, it's just going to be BUSY in the coming months! Mind you, these are not the only ones that I do. I am a full time wife and mum, no helpers or yayas. I am also a student on my last year at a Certificate course I took. So just imagine how I'm juggling all these things! Am I relaxed? YES, I am. Very Much. But, come June 2011, it will be a different story already ;D
I am busy planning a lot of things, which I think will make my hands full in the next coming months.
Project number 1: Our trip to Manila. (I think I should refrain using "home" for Manila and embrace the fact that Sydney is now our "home", besides, Sydney has been GOOD to us). This is the biggest project so it's the number one on the list.
For this project, I need to do a lot of exchanging e-mails with our travel agent. Rates, dates, details of the trip. I need to apply for the passport of Andrea (which I already did). Check on travel insurance and get one. Funding. Planning and shopping for the pasalubongs and whom to give it to. Plan things to do while in Manila. And that brings me to the next projects.
Project Number 2: Andrea's 1st birthday party. Yes, we decided to have her first birthday party in Manila even if almost all her friends and all her cousins are Sydney based. Anyways, we still have families and lots of friends in Manila. We plan to have her party in Manila so we can have the value for our money. It's a bit expensive here and the kiddie parties here are not at par with the ones we have in Manila. If we want the quality of party like the one that Liam had, here in Sydney, we better be ready to shell out big bucks. And being practical people, we won't. So this project involves planning, organizing, budgeting, coordinating with the people who can help me out in the coordination - Manila based family and friends, and shopping! I have already started shopping with the prizes here in Sydney. I am excited, even if it's still 9 months away!
Project Number 3: Out of town trips. There are option 1 and option 2. Option 1 is somewhere near, if our budget will not allow us to travel down south. Option 2 is of course a grander out of town trip. The problem now is, we have decided to separate the out of town trips with my family and his family (to keep me SANE). Now which is which...who comes with us in Option 1 (I bet it's my family)...if it's Option 2, baka kaming 4 na lang! hahaha This project again involves coordinating with travel agents, checking out airlines, airfares, checking out the nice beach resorts etc etc etc.
Wow, I have just only listed three and yet my brain is working double time! But I enjoy doing it. There are still a lot of smaller stuff that needs to be taken cared of with these three projects...the get togethers with friends and family while in Manila, the big decision of to sell or not to sell our lot in Pasig while we are in Manila, the shopping, the spa sessions, the visits to the derma and salons!
ooohhh, it's just going to be BUSY in the coming months! Mind you, these are not the only ones that I do. I am a full time wife and mum, no helpers or yayas. I am also a student on my last year at a Certificate course I took. So just imagine how I'm juggling all these things! Am I relaxed? YES, I am. Very Much. But, come June 2011, it will be a different story already ;D
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)