// morsels of life //

Hey, hey, hey!!! Finally! Got the spare time to blog once again. It's been a while since I wrote in this journal so it's time for updates.

Anyway, since I became a working mom, my daily routine really did change. I got used to it already that I tend to be surprised whenever I have idle times.

But I like how things are improving now. More dreams are gradually coming true :)
One of them is owning our first house here in Australia. Yes, we have recently purchased a place to live in!
I will tell the house purchase details soon as I don't want to put a jinx on it.
But so far, things are falling into place and we thank God for it :)

Labels: australia, family, rave

My life as a mom has changed since Tuesday.
I am a working mother now.
The job opportunity that I've been waiting for so long came when I wasn't expecting it! :)

I was hired by a web and graphic design company based in North Altona (20-30 minutes away from our place by public transport). They've been in the business for over 14 years.
My role is web programmer/designer. I will be handling some of their existing projects and hoping to get my hands on new projects as well.
I'm just grateful that they are willing to provide some training. Perhaps, a chance for me to prepare myself for the challenges of being in the IT workforce again.

As for our schedule at home, we just have to manage our time nowadays. I admit that sending Lori to daycare every morning is dreadful for me. Not to mention that separation anxiety attacks me every now and then. God willing, Mama will be here on March to help us out.

I believe in my heart, we'll get through this "big change" eventually.

Labels: career, family, melbourne, rave

36 days of catching up with our family and friends in the Philippines. Best Christmas season we have ever experienced. Thank you for all the great memories. See you again on 2011! :)

More photos here.

Labels: celebrations, family, friends, pinas

It's Melbourne Cup again so it's a holiday today. But we took the day off to go to the Melbourne Zoo instead. The place is just few minutes drive from our place.
It was Lori's first visit to the zoo, so we're all very excited.
Packed some sandwiches, drinks and chips and off we went.

First stop, Gorillas! The lovely weather made it so good for the apes to come out of their caves and "mingle" with visitors.

Then it's time to check out the Elephants, Giraffes, Reptiles, Lions, Bears and Orangutans. It's really a nice thing to hear our little girl while she repeats the name of the animals she sees. She even took time to stop for a while and listen to birds chirping when we were at the Aviary area. Did not have the chance to take a glimpse of some animals (such as other big & small cats) as they were on "hibernation" (just had their lunch and sleeping).

Before we head home, we took Lori to the zoo's play area. She even won a free second ride in the carousel but the little girl was probably too tired to finish it.

Got home before 4PM.
Looking forward to more fun family days.

Labels: family, Lori, melbourne

Decided to take an afternoon stroll at Westfield in Doncaster today.
Half-hour drive from the city.
So far, it's one of the biggest and fab shopping centres I've ever seen.

I like the interior of the mall. It has some resemblance with Powerplant (Rockwell) mall in the Philippines. The structure is also neat and has touch of affluence.
Westfield houses the two popular retailers, Myer and David Jones and other typical Australian stores. They also have wide choice of cafes and restaurants.

In fact, we had yummy snack at T.G.I. Friday's. It was the first time I've seen their resto chain here in Australia. Made me miss my Accenture days.

Then, passed by Toys R Us store where we purchased a little pram for Lori's doll.
Lori enjoyed pushing it around and learning to have sense of direction.

Labels: family, melbourne, shopping

Happy Father's Day to my dearest husband.
Thank you for being so patient and loving through the years.
Lori and I love you so much!

Hope you liked the pair of Levi's jeans :-)

Labels: celebrations, family

Joined the Telan family to celebrate the 3rd birthday of their son, Kenny. The theme was Thomas the Train.
It was held in their house yesterday in Wyndham Vale, 45-minute travel from the city.

Lori had a great time dancing and playing with the kids.

My daughter also met one of the big sisters in the group, Janelle. She just loves to cuddle and look after Lori during the party.

My super cute godson, Ethan loved the attention while everybody is watching him eat his cereals and "doing raspberries" (sticking his tounge out).

It was an afternoon of chikahan and kulitan. The boys showed off their "talents" as they try to hit the right notes with the Magic Sing karaoke.

Enjoyed the home-made food prepared by Beth, Kenny's mom.

We all had a full tummy as we head home.

Labels: australia, family, friends

Winston came home one afternoon with a "pasalubong" for his unica hija...
A kiddy trike which Lori has been really eyeing for everytime we visit Toys R Us store.

I reckon she started to be fond of "ride-on" toys in the past few months that she's in day care.
One of the Sunkids carers once told me that Lori has a constant companion in her triking/biking moments. And it's one of the boys in her age group! Naloka ang mommy!

For now, this trikey is for indoor use only. But we'd probably need to buy a helmet one of these days because I know sooner or later, this little girl will ask us (or at least give some signs) if she can drive her trikey in the yard.

Labels: family, kids stuff, Lori

Just been occupied with my online course these past weeks.
I enrolled in a self-paced study that serves as a "refresher" for me.
I'm happy with what I've learned so far. Makes me more eager to plan ahead.

I'm also taking driving lessons and aiming to obtain a Probationary licence soon.
In fact, my husband let me drive our car last Sunday which I think is a good sign, hehe.

As for Lori, she will be 22 months this week.
I can't believe how fast she has grown. I don't even know how to keep track of her milestone already.
It seems like everyday, she develops some new good things in her.
One main thing, my daughter can recognize and recite 95% of the English alphabet! Amazing!
She also loves to hear stories. She can say few two-syllable words and very keen to learn more. Catching bubbles is her new hobby while shouting "BABU". Too cute! :)

Labels: family, Lori, melbourne

Happy times!

Labels: family, Lori, winter

Attended Alex Caday's (the little girl with eyeglasses) birthday yesterday at Daydreamers in Windsor.


They have a function area for parties and nice play space too.

Lori experienced to slide down a tall chute with her dad.

I also accompanied Lori and had a go on the slide. It was so much fun!
But after few attempts, I was too tired already as I had to carry her all the way up.

Lori also enjoyed "driving" mini cars on a mini race track.
Her hands were holding the steering wheel the whole time pretending that she's a good driver and totally in control, hehe.

Fun times! :)

Labels: celebrations, family, friends, pinoys

Celebrated Mom's day by having dinner at Tomodachi restaurant.

Tried the crab roll (super yum!) and chicken teriyaki sushi from their sushi train (no photos coz we immediately ate them!)

Our mains was composed of sizzling beef bbq with rice (Ton) and beef Yaki Udon (mine).

Lori tasted all of them (hehe, takaw!)

Heard the Sunday mass afterwards.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mommies out there!
Cheers to us! :)

Labels: celebrations, family, food

Spent the Easter weekend at the Great Ocean Road with my husband and daughter.

We travelled thru the coastal road with several stopovers at the connecting towns such as Torquay, Aireys Inlet, Lorne and Cape Otway.

In Torquay, we stopped by The Esplanade which has a nice view of the long beach. We also visited the "Surf City", the shopping point of surf enthusiasts. Torquay is famous for its surf beaches.

Aireys Inlet features the Split Point Lighthouse and lovely rock formations down the cliff.

Lorne is a popular place for caravan parking and camping near the Erskine River.

The Cape Otway was one of the highlights of our trip. The view of the ocean with the towering iconic lightstation was a beauty.

We stayed the night at Loch Ard Bed & Breakfast. The property is owned and run by the couple Don & Win Mckenzie, which are two of the most warm and kind people I have ever met. Their guest rooms are generously big and so cozy. The bluestone English-style country house is so beautiful and situated in a very relaxed farmland.
We also met Marsha (one of the house guests), a fellow Filipino and her partner Deck, who is an Irish.

The following morning, we headed to the "not to be missed" attractions of the Great Ocean Road - the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. The picturesque view of the ocean plus the rock formations was truly magnificent. The sound of the sea waves and swish of the shrubs made me feel that i'm so close to nature.

GOR's sights and sounds are beyond words.
Two thumbs up! :)

Bunch of photos here.

Happy Easter everyone!

Labels: family, rave, road trip

Our Valentine family date was simple yet so enjoyable. Visited the Melbourne Aquarium this morning to see the much talked about Penguins of Antarctica.

We were able to watch the presentation as the keepers feed them and take a closer look at those adorable creatures. I personally liked the King Penguin with yellow feathers on its chest and beak. Looks like my favorite sanrio character, Badtzmaru! :)
Lori also loved the penguin show and I can say that she can now somehow appreciate our aquarium tour.

Then, we headed to Crown Casino to just roam around and purchase my much-awaited lux bag *wink*.

Photos here.

Happy Hearts Day! :)

Labels: abubot, celebrations, family

Just got home from our day trip to Geelong Adventure Theme Park. The location is a 1.5 hour drive from the cbd. It is a perfect summer getaway for kids and kids at heart.














Summer fun day indeed!

Labels: australia, celebrations, family, friends

We thank the Lord for all the blessings this year.

Labels: celebrations, family, friends, melbourne