Saved By The Sunnies

It was a busy morning shift. And I barely got any sleep last night. I have a sleeping problem that is why morning shift doesn't always work for me. Anyhow, I sprinted to the tram stop right when I got out from the building. Just when I was a few meters away from the stop, I saw the tram pass by. It came 2 minutes earlier than scheduled, and the next one is coming in 12 minutes, yet. I saw a bench nearby. I lied down while no one was watching, then took a selfie. The next thing I knew, a guy was standing in front of the bench. Darn, I fell asleep. I stood up and shyly offered half of the bench to the stranger, but he refused.

Stranger: No, thanks (then he smirked). You seem tired. Haven't you slept last night?

Me: No, and I just came from work. It's a busy day. What makes you say so?

Stranger: 'Cause you were snoring. (big smile)

Good thing, I was wearing my sunnies. It makes it less embarassing.

Thank You 2014

All I see in my Facebook or Twitter timeline are wishes for 2015 for a good or a better year to them. Some threats like " 2015, you better be good to me" . Before moving forward, let us not forget about 2014. I would like to take this moment to thank and give credits to 2014 for what I have been through.

In 2014, I started a job that makes me fulfil my promise. When I was younger, I watched this film " In Her Shoes". After watching the film, I said to myself that someday, wherever I may be and whatever job I will land on, I will make time to work, volunteer, or visit a nursing home and care for the aged on behalf of the family who cannot be there for them. At least for the last few days of their lives I will be able to provide care and support them. I know it is going to be lonely when your family could not be there for you and all the more when you feel helpless. In addition to that, I am now working in a Jewish organisation, and most of the residents that I am dealing with are survivors from the Holocaust. I have been fond of the movies from that era. To name a few: "Fidler On The Roof", "The Sound of Music", "Life is Beautiful", and my favorite, "Schindler's List". It is with great honor to be caring with the survivors who went through starvation, stripped off from their rights and properties, as well as mental and physical torment.

Although I had a bad start in my work dealing with colleagues, I stayed strong and determined not to give up. For the good shifts and good staffs that I have been working with, thank you. And for the not-so-good ones, thank you for making me realize that I am stronger than I thought I was. 

Meanwhile, juggling with studies and work is very challenging. Not to mention, sleepless nights doing research and writing essays. Thank you for pushing to my limits. It is then I realize I can do more and better than I could. I am thankful for my family, new found friends and old ones as well, for standing by me and making me happy in so many ways.

To 2014, cheers! It was a hell of a ride and it is all gooood! Thank you!



 Here's wishing for another good year!

Boxing Day

On Boxing day, we did not join the parade to the malls and department stores. It was either we avoided the crowdy shops or, we avoided impulse buying , or we apparently don't have funds for shopping. Either way, I think it's a wise thing to do... wise on the pocket. Instead, we hosted a " bring a plate " ( a potluck party for the Americans ) party with friends. Wearing fancy clothes, or red outfits for Christmas party already bores me. So we decided to have an " Ugly Christmas jumper party ".

make animated gifs like this at MakeAGif

make animated gifs like this at MakeAGif

Christmas in Oz

Christmas is not celebrated by all here in Australia. It is a multicultural place composed of Islams, Buddhist, Hindus and Jews. And everybody is working on Christmas. It's kind of lonely here especially when an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) is spending Christmas away from home. But ... they say that happiness is a choice, so, loneliness is also a choice. I spent Christmas eve preparing for "Noche Buena", a feast that Filipinos traditionally partake at midnight on Christmas day. I cooked the savory while my roommate, a patissierie student prepared the dessert right when she got home from work. The other flatmate, helped assemble the meringue into a cone shape, resembling a christmas tree. Noche Buena prep. Pardon the clutter at the back. Happy Christmas everyone !

Home Away From Home

Our ( me and three other flatmates ) humble abode down under. From the suburbs, I moved to the city to get closer to my university and to where I work as well. As much as possible, we made the apartment as homey as we can. A home away from home.

Throw pillows, throws, lamp, flexible wooden man and phalaenopsis orchid from IKEA. A place, where I consider you can never come out empty handed. Their building was built like a maze where they keep the customers inside as long as they can. The items sold are very tempting and lure you to pick up few impulse purchases. It is a trap but a beautiful one.


Plastic chair, synthetic turf and potted plants are from Bunning's Warehouse, Australia's largest hardware and household stores. Not to brag, but we have the prettiest balcony in the whole building.

Plain and Printed. Rent is dear here in Melbourne. That is why, it is wiser to share it with friends ... friends that I consider family.