And I decided to blog...

I am gifted with a good memory. But as time passes by I humbly admit that there are days when I vaguely remember things from the past...tsk...tsk...and so I decided to jot down important stuff or events that I would like to always remember. My first choice was to put it in a Word document and save it in a disk or USB...but isn't it a hassle to always carry a disk or USB? Then I remember some of my friends who shared some of their experiences through blogging. Very handy, I can access it anywhere and anytime I want to.

When I started blogging it was solely for personal use, like a diary. However, this viewpoint about blogging changed after I read the book Blogging from Home by Ms. Janette Toral. It was only then that I realized the many beneficial things that blogging can offer. Aside from making it as a hobby it can also be like a 'part-time job' to supplement your income. A very informative and useful book especially for people like me who knew little about blogging.

Hence, I now see this blog not only as a reservoir of my thoughts but also as a means to earn extra profit...cool... ;)

Happy Christmas!

Christmas...the most awaited day of the year...and to complete the festive mood are Christmas songs being played on the radio or sang on various churches.

Here's a list of some of my favorite Christmas songs...

Give Love On Christmas Day

'It's the thought that counts' as one of the famous cliche goes...the price or size of the gift does not really matters. What is important is that we were remembered by the person.

I'll be home for Christmas

I only have few memories of my Papa spending Christmas with us. He used to work overseas before. How excited we were whenever there's a chance that Papa can spend the holidays with us.

O, Christmas Tree

Whenever I play this song on the piano or keyboard, I remember my lola. I remember playing this song to her with the Christmas tree lights as the only light opened. Wow, the feeling is indescribable.

Sino Si Santa Claus?

Matagal-tagal din na pinaniwala kami ng parents ko na totoo si Santa Claus. And as the saying goes, history repeats itself, turn naman namin ng husband ko to make our kids believe that Santa Claus is real...hehehe...

Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer

This is my youngest son's favorite Christmas song and mine as well. I have a piano and keyboard piece of this song and my son will always ask me to play it for him. Hence, an ordinary day turns to be like Christmas day whenever I play this song for him ;)

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Since childhood it's my dream to experience a White Christmas...to see and feel a real snow...to build a snowman...haayyy...sarap mag-imagine...hehehe...

Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire

Whenever I hear this Christmas song all I can utter is (in a Kiwi accent pa!)...Life is just bloody good!

So handsome!

It was a cold morning at the New North Rd bus stop in Auckland New Zealand (this was 7 years ago when I can still do early shift at work). I was waiting for the 700am bus to town with our neighbor (she is a New Zealander) and because it was cold I was so sleepy and having second thoughts of going to work. Suddenly, my neighbor said with so much excitement "he is so handsome!". I was awaken upon hearing the word HANDSOME. Could he be a look alike of Brad Pitt?

Goodness me! I tried not to laugh when I saw the "handsome" she was referring to...
Yes, she was referring to a dog, a boxer!

Moral lesson of the story, think twice or thrice before answering "Thank You" if someone tells you that you are beautiful or handsome. Who knows maybe that person sees you in a different perspective...bwahahaha....

An Awesome Christmas Promotion for Nuffnang Bloggers

I was so thrilled when my friend told me about Nuffnang Australia and even more thrilled when I learned about the competition and the prizes :)

So what is Nuffnang Australia? It is a local blog ad network where Australian bloggers who sign-up will run Australian ads on their blogs. Bloggers receive payment when matched successfully with local advertisements sold by Nuffnang.

Aside from unique features that they offer (such as the Analytics) they also have some interesting events in plan. One that caught my attention is the Nuffnang Charity. This made blogging more appealing to me especially if I will be doing it for a cause. No wonder my friends Lyn, Janette and Jhermie can't wait to sign-up with Nuffnang.

And what gives me the urge to do this post...the prize that they will be giving away for their Christmas promotion! Who would not be attracted to a Dell Inspiron Mini 9? Such a beauty and truly an inspiration for me to finish this post ;)

Finally...

Last Wednesday was a very stressing day not only for me but also to my colleagues at work. It was the day the company where I am working with announced the new organizational structure. I'm so thankful that I still have a job but lonely to see those people I knew who were made redundant.

Oh well that's life. It's hard to predict what will happen in the future hence we should not waste any chance that we may have to prepare ourselves for the unexpected.

And the count down begins....

3 months of ordeal at work is what I feel at this very moment. Yes, the company where I am presently working is having a restructure. The worst part is we do not know yet whether they will keep us or not. The company will announce the final decision on November 26.

I wonder what the other staff feels, especially those with kids and have only one source of income? It must be very stressful for them. I'm still thankful that my husband has a good job (life is still good!). But, I still feel sad when I think about the possibility of losing my job. I love working at Elders. The people, from staff to managers, are very supportive and helpful. When I joined the company, I said to myself that this is where I want to retire. I hope this will still happen...

It's not only us affected by this economic crisis. There are many companies from other countries that are also having a restructure. The proper thing to do is to have a plan. I do have plans. If ever the company will not keep me I want to pursue my other dream, that is to enter the food industry. Someday I want to have my own restaurant. But first I need to have certifications on good hygiene and hospitality.

I can't wait for next week. I can't wait to know what the company's final decision is, if they will keep us or not. As what my office mate said the only thing we can do is to hope for the best...

Just a thought...part 2

I always remind myself that though I can make choices there is someone more powerful than me who can change my life in a wink of an eye. This belief keeps me grounded.

When I was young I easily get disappointed when things do not happen the way I planned it. I realized that the more I expect the more I will be hurt when my expectations were not met. I also have this tendency to set standards and sometimes imposed them to the people around me specially to those people I loved and if these were not met I get so infuriated. But as I get older, I am becoming more selfless and open-minded.

"Expect the unexpected" is one of my favorite sayings...I learned to live life one day at a time and not to expect anything. Any unpleasant event that I may encounter become an easy burden. I still plan ahead though but I am not anymore expecting that all my plans will materialized.

Is there really a secret how to live life to the fullest? Maybe or maybe not...what ever will be will be as what I always tell my children...better yet don't worry and just be happy....:)

Think Positive!

Something good to read...this was sent to me by my cousin...read on and enjoy!

Before you SPEAK...LISTEN
Before you WRITE...THINK
Before you SPEND...EARN
Before you CRITICIZE...WAIT
Before you PRAY...FORGIVE
Before you QUIT...TRY

Your words, dreams and thoughts have the power to create conditions in your life. What you speak about, you can bring about.

If you keep saying you can't stand your job, you might lose your job.

If you keep saying you can't stand your body, your body can become sick.

If you keep saying you can't stand your car, your car could be stolen or just stop operating.

If you keep saying you're always broke, guess what? You'll always be broke.

If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman, you always find someone in your life to hurt or betray you.

If you keep saying you can't find a job, you will remain unemployed.

If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you or believe in you, our very thoughts will attract more experiences to confirm your beliefs.

Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positive and power packed with faith, hope, love and action.

Don't be afraid to believe that you can have what you want and deserve.

Watch your 'Thoughts', they become words...

Watch your 'Words', they become actions...

Watch your 'Actions', they become habits...

Watch your 'Habits', they become character...

Watch your 'Character', they become your DESTINY!

Happiness is...

My eldest son will occasionally asked me if I am happy. Of course I will say "Yes" and then will contemplate about what I said.

Happiness...so easy to say but will always make you think of its true meaning. My office mate once told me that in order for a person to be happy, he/she must learn to live a simple life.The more your life gets complicated the harder it will be to achieve the true meaning of happiness. The priest in my kids' school once said in his homily that grandeur, wealth and fame will only give you temporary pleasure. It is love and faith that gives endless joy to a person.

So what makes me happy? The thought that my loved ones are well and happy...my children are safe and sound...both myself and my husband have good jobs...and knowing that there is a God who loves us unconditionally, these are the things that can make me truly happy.

Praises and Criticisms

A book worth reading, 'Ms. Phillips, You Were Wrong', by Peter J. Daniels is about the author being criticized by his teacher telling him that he will not be able to achieved anything. He proved to himself most especially to his teacher that he could do better things and be an achiever.

There are times when we received constructive criticisms...those that will help us improved ourselves and be a better person. On the other hand, there are also people who gave us destructive criticisms and worst accused us fallaciously. It all depends on us how we will handle criticisms...whether we take it positively or negatively.

People sometimes criticized an individual because they love and care for that person. They knew that he/she can accomplish more and be the best person he/she could be. However, there are people who are envious of what another person had and are not happy seeing him/her contented and successful. Thus, they tell degrading things about the person...and to those who have nothing nice to say it would be better if they keep their mouth shut.

Another thing I liked about the book was that the author emphasized the 'God Factor'. Only God knows the truth and without Him, we are nothing.

Just A Thought...

"There is no other thing more certain than uncertainty..."

One thing is for sure, we do not know what tomorrow holds. We can plan ahead our future or even geared up ourselves for the worst, but still tomorrow brings us surprises often than not will caught us unprepared...

Good Day Mate!

Pitong taon at limang buwan sa NZ at isang taon at 3 buwan naman dito sa AU...kahit na ganyan na kami katagal naninirahan sa ibang bansa, hindi ko pa rin maintindihan ang pananalita ng mga Kiwis at mga Australyano :).

May isang beses na kausap ako ni bossing, kahit isa sa mga sinabi niya ay wala akong naintindihan. Kaya habang siya ay salita ng salita, ako naman e pangiti-ngti lang. Kundi niya binagalan ang pagsa-salita at sabihin na "I am asking you a question?" 'di ko pa malalaman na tinatanong na pala niya ako...hehehe...buti na lang understanding si amo...

Kakaiba ang pag-bigkas ng mga puti dito. May diin kung sabihin ang letrang 'e' at 'i' at laging nawawala si 'r'. May tv show na pambata sa NZ na ang pamagat ay 'Bumble Bee and Friends', sa isang episode nito, sabi ni Bumble "Today, I am going to write a letter", ang buong parinig ko e, susulat siya kay Alita. Kaya tanong ko sa mga bata "Sino si Alita?". Buti na lang din magaling mag-explain ang aking mga anak...hehehe...

Hindi ko rin makakalimutan ang unang taon sa eskuwelahan ng aking panganay. Pinaiis-spell ko sa kanya ang 'hen' at sa tuwing sasabihin niya sa akin ang sagot, lagi itong 'hand'. Nainis na ako kasi 3 letra lang ang 'hen' 'di pa niya ma-spell! Tinawag ko ang aking babae, at pina-bigkas ito sa kanya. Naku po, ako pala ang may mali, dapat pala ang pagbigkas ko dito ay 'hin'.

Mga tao dito mahilig din gumamit ng mga salitang awesome, fabulous, wonderful, lovely. May mga expressions din sila na ginagamit tulad ng 'cool bananas' at 'rodeo'. At ang 'how are you' sa kanila ay 'howdy'. At ang mga matatanda dito (at kahit sa NZ), kahit di ka kakilala, ang itatawag sa iyo e 'love'...very sweet 'di ba? ;)

Master and Servants

Today we commemorate the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ. It's an opportunity for us to unwind and take some time to reflect on what we have done from the past...good or bad.

Last night, I attended the Holy Thursday Mass. The homily was all about to served and being served. The priest invited the parishioners to come forward those who would like their feet to be washed and those who want to wash someone else's feet. Kind of different from the usual washing of the feet where there are already 12 selected people who will act like the 12 apostles. This made me think of who I would like to served (aside from Jesus and Mama Mary).

First in my list (and always) are my parents. My Papa and Mama who without them I wouldn't be where I am right now. I saw how they have sacrificed to give me and my siblings the BEST of this world. Next is my own family, especially my 3 beautiful kids. I will give up my own life and happiness to give to them what they truly deserved. Then my 3 siblings...come hell and high water, will always be there for me and being their Ate, I will always be there for them. Lastly, my friends. I have many acquaintances but few real and good friends who knew me inside and out.

How about you, have you think about who you would like to served?

A good and safe Easter to everyone!

Chicken Adobo

One of my (and my kids too) favorite dish is the Chicken Adobo. This is a famous Filipino dish which is so tasty and easy to cook.

My grandmother and mum has their own version of cooking Adobo (chicken or pork). I remember my lola using butter or vegetable oil when she cooks it. On the other hand, my mother uses plenty of garlic to enhance the taste. But my version of how to cook Chicken Adobo is a bit different from them and here's how...

Ingredients:
1 k chicken pieces
soy sauce
heaps of crushed garlic
3 to 4 bay leaves
a few drops of Worcestershire sauce
pepper (ground or whole)
a few slices of ginger
3/4 c water

Procedure:
Mix all the ingredients and cook in medium heat. When chicken is almost cooked, add some
vinegar (5 to 6 tablespoons will d0). Before turning-off the heat add a dash of sugar.

Hope you enjoy this delicious and healthy (it has no oil or butter which makes it less fatty) recipe!

What I learned today...

We had our 4^th home group meeting today (this is for my kids’ sacramental program), our mentor discussed what reconciliation is all about. He cited some examples when a person feels rejected and when to forgive. He also asked us (the parents and the kids) if there was a moment in our lives when we experienced rejection. Then he said that there is somebody who always feel rejected and that is Jesus.

During the discussion, he brought out some junk mails. These are pamphlets from various supermarkets and malls. He said that people are always occupied by material things and have less time for God. We spend heaps of hours watching in our huge plasma TV (thank goodness we do not have one…hehehehe) and few hours to pray to God. Upon hearing this, I felt guilty.

All the while I thought that I love Him above all things. I hear mass every Sunday, pray at night and in the morning. But is this enough? I always thank and praise Him but I often forget Him during those happy moments in my life. Maybe that’s the reason why He rather gave me trials so that I will remember Him all the time.

O Lord, today I learned to share with you all my joy and pain. To make you my constant companion not only through sorrow but also in gladness. To preempt my mind (and heart) of worldly things and lift up everything to you.

Lord, you know what is best for me, may your will be done and not mine.

Home Sweet Home

In the previous company I worked with, I was sometimes sent to another country to attend trainings or to work on a project. I was excited and at the same time sad because I have to leave my family behind.

I do love to travel. To be in a new place and do new things makes me happy. Being a mother of three, I see this as an opportunity for me to have some time solely for myself. But at the end of the day I miss my home, my family and most especially my three angels…and the feeling is no different to being away from my home country…

Yes, we have been living in another country for more than eight years! Seven and a half years in NZ and a year in Australia. Some may wonder why we decided to leave Philippines. I also asked myself this question. Bakit nga ba?

The reason we often hear why people leave their home country is that they are looking for a greener pasture and this also applies to us. I miss Philippines so much. I miss my relatives and friends. The food that you can only find and taste in the Philippines. The Filipino movies and TV shows and a lot more. Although, I haven’t been in places like Boracay or Pearl Farm, there are heaps of beautiful beaches in my home country. Oh yes, Philippines is blessed with wonderful natural resources! But sadly, these natural wealth are not used properly or if it was, it’s only for the benefit of a few and not of the many.

When we were still in New Zealand, a taxi driver told me that he once visited Philippines and was amazed of how beautiful my country is. He asked me why did I left? Then he added, the common reason why many people leave their home country is because of the government…how the officials put into practice their power. I don't mean to offend anyone, but I agree with the taxi driver.

Sometimes I asked myself, when is that day when we can experience in the Philippines the lifestyle we have here in Australia (or even in New Zealand). Where we can afford to eat what the rich people in the Philippines usually eats…to send three kids in a private school…and to have access to a good health system even if you are just a middle earner.

I can’t wait for that day when we can settle permanently in the Philippines…to have a scrumptious breakfast of sinangag, tinapa or toyo, tocino, longganisa at kapeng barako (yummy!)…to watch Filipino movies and TV shows…to dine in Jollibee, Chow King and Max’s…and to spend one lazy day making chika with my friends.

Truly, home is where your heart is…and my heart is still yearning to come home to Philippines.

Trial and Error

I can’t help but to over-hear the phone conversation of my officemate and a user who reported a system problem. Before hanging-up, my officemate said to the user that life is a test it’s always a trial and error.

Is life really a test?

There were times when the decisions I made were not really the best. Sometimes the outcome is not what I am expecting to happen. But I never regret the wrong things I’ve done from the past…never. Instead I treat these mistakes a means to improve myself. These made me wiser, emotionally strong and even more faithful to God.

Is life a trial and error?

I married and had children in my early twenties. I admit that I was not prepared. Can I raise three children? Can I give them the things that should be meant for them? Can I be a good mother? Questions like these keep on lurking in my mind almost everyday. But that was then.

I may not be able to give them all the luxurious things in this world (and I will not even if I can. I don’t want my kids turned into little monsters!). But I can give them my whole self and sacrifice my own happiness. I love them whole heartedly. My day will not be complete without there sweet kisses and giggles. In short, my kids completed me.

So, is life really a test and a trial and error? Oh, well I better ask my officemate why he said that because to me life is just GREAT!