// morsels of life //

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

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

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

Father Loi (a Filipino priest) conducted the short ceremony at St. Brigid's Church parking area yesterday.

Labels: car, melbourne

Hosted a BBQ lunch at our place yesterday.
Our pinoy close friends came over to have pika-pika with us under the nice sunny weather.

Tonton cooked sausage barbeque and I made leche flan for dessert.

The kids enjoyed running around the compound and played with Lori inside our apartment.

At the gazebo area, we simply setup two long tables, had potluck food, chitchat with our guests... and voila! A fun summer get-together! :)

(Photos below courtesy of Joni Ibarra)

More photos on my Flickr.

Labels: friends, melbourne, summer

Friday evening, I prepared a simple dinner for my good friends, Jo & Joni. It was also a despedida for Jo as she is moving to Perth this week due to job relocation.

It was January last year when I met Jo. It's been a wonderful thing to know a person like her.
Like me, she's also a homebody and loves to watch TV series.

from left: Jo, Joni & me

I will definitely miss her. But looking forward to visit her soon in Western Australia :)

Labels: friends, melbourne

I consulted a doctor this evening 'cause i've been suffering from stomach ache/indigestion/slight heartburn since morning.

Headed to the new location of Royal Women's Hospital along Flemington Road, Parkville and I was amazed how their site has improved compared to the old one in Carlton (where I gave birth). The place is bigger and I almost got lost trying to find the emergency section.

Unfortunately, their emergency department doesn't accommodate cases like mine. It is exclusively for patients who are in labor or pregnant. Thank goodness, the RWH building is connected to the Royal Melbourne's Hospital where the triage nurse put me through so quickly.

Anyway, the GP (doctor) just advised me to take antacid and avoid salty & sour food.
Thank heavens for Mylanta, I feel well now.

Labels: melbourne, rant, rave

Labels: melbourne, rave, sports

Labels: melbourne, rant

I'm afraid I won't be able to watch the Aussie open live this year due to some personal reasons.




But anyhow, the games are heating up again as the championship round is approaching. I'd love to see my favorite player be in the finals again. Go, go Novak! :)

Labels: melbourne, sports

Eversince Lori learned to walk on her own (that was two weeks ago), I try to give her the chance to explore more.

Labels: Lori, melbourne, parenting

Attended Ethan's baptism this morning at St. Brigid's Church in Fitzroy. I was one of the godparents.

(photo courtesy of Cherry M.)



(photo courtesy of Cherry M.)

Labels: celebrations, friends, Lori, melbourne

It's the time of the year again where everybody is out to join the last installment of the annual stocktake sale.
I went to Myer this morning to grab a set of Mini-Jumbuk quilts, Sheridan bedsheets and towels on sale. I'm happy with my purchase as most of them are 40% off which is I think did not happen last year.
Plus, we were able to buy a nice car seat for Lori.

Anyhow, the Recession might be one of the issues that would stop people from spending money nowadays. But we're still grateful that somehow we still manage to buy what we want once in a while.

Labels: melbourne, shopping

We thank the Lord for all the blessings this year.

Labels: celebrations, family, friends, melbourne

Sunday, we visited the couple Ariz & Roch and their first born, Ethan.

Labels: friends, melbourne

Dropped by at the Carlton Family Resource Center this morning to check out the weekly playgroup being held there.

Good thing, they have some "special visitors" today -- it's a group of farm animals provided by the Leigh Farmyard Friends.

The kids were cheerful to see and mingle with the creatures.
There were chickens, ducks, sheeps, pigs, goats and a lovely pony!




Lori watched me as I feed the goats with chopped grass.
She stared inquisitively at the animals running around and passing by.

My baby girl also loved the experience of meeting new kids and play with them.


I also got to chat and make friends with several first time moms.
A morning well spent, indeed.

Labels: Lori, melbourne, parenting

For the past weeks, i've been aiming to eat as healthy as possible to get rid of my "bulge".

Labels: food, melbourne, rave

Lori and I attended the kids-parents playgroup session in the city this morning. It's one of the maternal and child health programs of the city council of Melbourne.

Labels: Lori, melbourne, parenting

Labels: celebrations, Lori, melbourne