tips and tricks 4 me

HB to me!

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 01:35:00 +0000

And it is my birthday today. No celebration. I'm a bit wistful of the circumstance but it's a blessing to be alive. *smiles*

Actually, I've just been home for a couple of hours to catch few winks but I'll be off to work again before noontime.

So before it gets busy, I wanna say HB to myself. My gift or reward to myself will have to come later. I still have to think about that later as well. But it would be great to be at the receiving end of these very romantic gifts I saw online. Yeah, I always believe these delightful berries are perfect gifts for any occasion or even without occasion. They are absolutely lovely, and giving these even for no reason at all would be great.

So berries for me, anyone??? *grins*

hahay

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 01:33:00 +0000

My birthday is coming up in few hours...and I badly miss home.

So miss my kids, and my husband. *sigh*

I know I'll be working like a dog today and the next so I expect my day to pass by in a blur. Still, it would be nice to be home and spend my birthday with loved one.

someone is getting hitched

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 23:10:00 +0000

Sound like I'm going to be hearing wedding bells soon. I just have a message from family members that someone from our family is getting married early next year. So shall I expect to receive one of those Checkerboard Wedding Invitations soon? Abangan!

Really, we'll wait and see. Although it looks like I cannot attend this one, due to geographical distance, I hope my son can represent me in the coming big event. So CebuPac bring on your seat sale for international flights. Please.

eftpos

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:20:00 +0000

I've stumbled into ach payment and I'd like to mention something about modes of payment in Australia. Here, it's cash, credit or your atm. Actually, with the atm/debit cards, they call it eftpos.

And one can do eftpos transaction with almost everything i.e paying train tickets, cabs, grocery, etc... Very convenient, I must say. Also, one amazing thing in Oz is you can do cash outs at grocery counters. So one doesn't need an ATM machine for cash withdrawal. How cool is that!

My Oz Transpo Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:52:00 +0000

I've experienced that people always use public transportation in Oz, despite having cars and all. Coming from a country where when one has a car, one definitely uses that single mode of transport for the very reason of convenience, I didn't quite get why people in Australia uses public transport instead of their cars all the way to their destination. Public transport must really be much efficient than driving around. Or it's much cheaper. I can't be sure.

Anyway, so people take the public transport. I take the public transport (because I have no choice). But for my part, I cannot say it's cheaper that way but let me share some tips on how to save on public transpo expenses.

- When you're going to visit some place, take a return ticket instead of buying single ticket all the time.

- Buy a weekly or monthly ticket pass. Mymulti passes allow you to travel anytime within the validity period.

- One can even save more on quareterly and yearly tickets.

- Walk. If weather warrants it, walk. It's good for your body and it's always lovely to walk around Sydney.

from ozzy money

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:31:00 +0000

And I didn't buy a Wii.

Surprisingly (because I previously planned on rewarding myself with some stuff), I didn't buy anything from my first salary. Oh well, I did but it is nothing significant like a gadget or some accessories. I know I could have bought one of those cheap laptop computers just for remembrance but I chose not to. *smiles* Maybe some other time.

So would you like to guess what I bought from my first salary? Wallet, not. Clothes, not. Lunch box, it is. Lunch box! *grins widely* Can you believe it? I didn't buy it intentionally but technically speaking, that was the first thing I bought from my ozzy money.

This One

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 22:51:00 +0000

A couple of days ago, I received my very first salary in Oz. Great job, good money. *smiles*

And now, I'm thinking on whether I should reward myself or save first. I don't plan to spend everything or spend a lot but a nice reward like this wii black would be great. And it comes with a discount. *wink, wink* What do you think? The plus points here is that it is black and you know how I have a penchant for black gadgets (and furniture).

So.... to go ahead and buy or not? Tsk. tsk.

smiling

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 22:17:00 +0000

Things are pretty hectic at my end at this time but I'm happy. I'm grateful. It's great to have a job and to be earning. Getting so used to working makes staying at home, feeling homesick, for a couple of weeks such an ordeal.

So thank you Lord for this job.

Jobseeker's Haven

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:31:00 +0000

I know that people who are looking for a job in the Oz and NZ frequents a site that's really very helpful. And I'm one of the many who benefitted from this site. In fact, it's where I found the job I have now. It's called seek.com.au and I hope the Philippines will have something like this. I know Pinas has lots of job sites but there's no central site for jobseekers.

With seek.com, I can see that most companies, if not all, put up their job ads there. So one can see jobs in different industries ---from telco to agriculture. Different hirings ---from engineers to Registered Nurse Jobs to sales personnel. And different categories i.e part-time, full time, contractual, etc... And the site is easy to navigate with its simplified structure.

Haven't seen it? Try to visit it at http://seek.com.au

1st day

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 09:35:00 +0000

It was my first day of work yesterday. One word: stressful. But I can now smile thinking all about it. But I'm thankful also that I landed a job in the Oz in no time. Really glad, no matter how stressul the first day was. But I'm glad the first day was over and I'm so glad I survived it.

Today is so much better and I'm looking forward to cultivating my career from here on. *smiles*

Badly Needing This

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 23:54:00 +0000

Winter is coming to an end in this part of the globe but it's still very cold here. I know other who have been living here all their lives would beg to disagree but I came from a tropical country and I'm re4ally not used to very low temperature.

Come to think of it, I'm all wrapped up in more than 5 pieces of clothing everyday! And the clothes I brought which I thought are enough to keep me warm are not really doing much to that effect. *smiles* And the footwear I brought seem inappropriate. Everyone's using boots here -- at least most of the girls I saw in the train station do.

So I'm thinking it's time to look around for a nice pair of womens boots. It's actually on top of my shopping list. I'm aware though that it's gonna cause some dent in the budget, but see, it's no longer just a want, it's already a need. So I hope I find something nice and comfortable that fits my budget. Wish me luck.

Hmmm

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:15:00 +0000

I don't know if it's the weather or it's just that there are too many yummy food here, but my appetite is unbelievably HUGE. I eat and eat as if there's no tomorrow and I don't even feel full after more than a cupful of rice!

Makes me wonder if I need appetite suppressants. Lol. The friend I'm staying with has this shake thingy that she drinks during lunchtime that makes her feel full and all. That's the only thing she gets during lunchtime. And she's saying she doesn't feel weak or anything even without lunch. She eats a complete dinner though.

So... I'm really thinking. But then my weight is the least of my worry at the moment, thanks God.

praying

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:56:00 +0000

Nine days after I arrived in Oz, I am still trying to look for a job. But I think everything's looking great. I have a job interview this afternoon, and I'm really preparing for this one.

I hope I'll nail this one as I needed to find a job as soon as I can, to keep me sane. *grins* I mean, it's so hard to be spending money, with nothing coming in. I don't want to stress out my husband with financial issues. And there are my kids to think about.

So I hope and pray that the outcome of the job interview is favorable. *crossing fingers*

I'm taking this lifestyle in a stride

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:14:00 +0000

Figuratively as well as literally.

I've just been here for three days and I realized that I would get all the walking exercise I need just by being in Australia. No need to go to the gym. *smiles* Because here, you walk to the bus station and then you walk or run to the train platforms. And then you walk some more to your destination. So for anyone who want to lose weight, bring your best diet pills and come to Oz. I'm sure it would make a big difference. I'm pretty sure you'd make a big difference in your lifestyle just by taking walks everyday. No need to go to the gym. *waving a finger* No gym, just walk along the streets. *grins*

Here.

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 03:17:00 +0000

Welcome to the land down under. After 7 or so hours of being airborne, I'm finally touching the ground ---of the Oz. Heheh.

Anyway, I have to get things running here by first logging on to the Internet and get connected with some people...So I'll be back blogging after that. Catcha later.

not done yet

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 03:14:00 +0000

I have packed and unpacked. And then packed again. I have used the rolling technique for some of my clothes, so I can fit them in the nooks of my suitcase thus, maximizing space. Actually, space is no longer an issue now.

Wait, I'll get my cam (which I'm bringing with me as I cannot buy one of those newer and fancier digital slr cameras yet) so I can show you the progress of my packing.

Here.

See? All is set.

But no. I just thought I'm done packing but I'm wrong. I have to unpack yet again because it seems my suitcase exceeds the allowable free baggage. According to the bathroom scale and I am hoping it could be wrong, my suitcase weighs 30-plus kilos already! *sigh*

So what do I do? I dunno. *sigh* Maybe I could sort again and choose clothes again and get rid of those heavy clothings and then pray that when I do complete the task, my suitcase would miraculously weigh 23 kilos. Hmmm.

and so...

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 01:47:00 +0000

I encountered the term cautery today and I have yet to know its meaning. But before checking it out, lemme give an update on my packing. I'm almost done. Actually I have already packed all the things I thought I would need only to find out that I couldn't zip my suitcase. So I went back to sorting and packing again. My suitcase is bursting at its seams at the moment, so I'm trying to let go of some clothes. I wish I can follow the hubster's travel advice: pack 7 pair of undies (top and bottom), 7 pair of clothing ( a pair means pants and shirt), a couple of formal attire, socks, a couple of bags and shoes and that's all.

He said, I could just "recycle and reuse" the clothes. I know that is very practical and sensible but, but... I'm a girl, and did he not know that girls tend to pack their whole house? Aaaaargh.

Here Comes August

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:51:00 +0000

It's August already! In less than a week, I will no longer be blogging in this tropical country which I call home for 33 years. *sigh* Sad, I know. I'll let you in a secret, actually I'm more than sad, I'm emotional since for now I have to leave the kids behind. They shall be joining me though, maybe after a year or so. But yes, I'm teary-eyed and I'm busy. In fact, at the moment I am covered with clothes chest-high, with only my arms and fingers free. Oh blogging-addict me. Lol.

Anyway, now that my trip is only four days away, I can't help but wish that we'vehad the time to go on a vacation before I leave. Or maybe just a down the road trip. I'm so dreaming for one at the moment especially that I am looking at some rv holiday photos of some friends few minutes ago. The hubster, the kids and I in some mountain place, oh lovely thought. No worries for rv travel emergency as I'm pretty sure there'll always help around the corner. Lovely. *sigh* I just really wish we could have some more time together. Yeah, the four of us. Oh God, I'm gonna go teary-eyed again.

But I just have to comfort myself with the thought that maybe a couple of years from now, we could do that somewhere, not here. Somewhere, out there. *smiles* I gotta hang on to that thought. Yes I will.

Got to pack!

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 00:44:00 +0000

And after some family health concerns, it's time to get to "things I cannot delay further." And these are to: choose the right clothes and pack them for my upcoming trip to Oz. Oh, what to bring, what to bring. And what not to bring. It seems I have a longer list on what to bring.

So yeah, I gotta pack soonest so I can see if my baggage does not exceed to the allowable limit, which is 23 kilos. Yeah, 23 kilos only. *sigh*

So I gotta go and have a nice day.

One Thing To Do Before Allergy Testing

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:12:00 +0000

Such a timely read about allergies and allergist austin because I've just been to the clinic of an allergologist for some clarifications on allergy testing procedures and rates. This is because I plan to have my son tested for allergies so we can find out the specific allergens he's overreacting with. In that way, we can prevent allergy attacks from happening.

So anyway, one thing I learned from the visit is to have your kid free of antihistamine at least 5 days before the testing. That's SOP. So I'm working on this with my son, who at the moment has to take antihistamine because he's been exposed to some allergens causing him to sneeze and itch.

out of the hosp

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 22:22:00 +0000

I'm reading about Allsup Medicare Advisor and their Medicare part D plan (again). And although Allsup is not a medicare provider, I appreciate their purpose in helping those with medicare needs.

I know how it feels to have a "friend" to somehow help you through tought times. You see, we've just came out from the hospital this morning. My daughter was vomiting Friday night and scared that she'd get dehydrated, we had to rush her to the hospital. So far, she's well now --thanks God. It seems she got lactose intolerance and maybe a stomach bug, although her series of stool tests yielded good results --just a trace of fat globules according to her pedia. So her milk got replaced with a lactose-free kind and she's not been given any medicine (but she has IV drip).

As with hospital bills, I'm really thankful for medicare/insurance. And I'm glad the the processing had been faster this time. But then I'm using a different insurance now so I can see the differences between my previous insurance company and my husband's, which we used at this time. Another thing, their insurance rep visited us and gave a complimentary stuffed bear for my daughter, a little effort but this must have expedited the whole billing process. But, we shouldered a minimal amount in excess of the insurance coverage (unlike my insurance before, some hosp accessories are not not covered with my husband's policy).

But overall, I'm really glad there are companies that help us with our medicare needs (whatever they could be).

It's A Success!

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 10:47:00 +0000

Thank you to all our friends and relatives who celebrated with us today. It was a happy event, although my daughter doesn't seem to be happy with the number of guests and the noise. She just keeps on crying whenever some of relatives and friends (who she doesn't see always) get near her. She's really bawling her eyed out. But anyway, I'm glad the weather cooperated with us and I'm happy to see old friends and our relatives.

And although my daughter will be officially one year old on the 19th, I'd like to greet her: Advance Happy Birthday! May you grow happy and healthy and God-fearing. I love you so much!

We're celebrating soon.

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 09:54:00 +0000

Three days more and it will be my daughter's first birthday celebration. The venue is set; the cake, ordered; and the invites, sent. Now, I pray for a perfect weather on that day. Ahhh, I also hope to find a nice birthday attire, which is also my gift to my daughter.

And speaking of gifts, I've seen cute personalized Long Johns at PersonalCreations and I wish I could get some of these for my daughter (although not necessarily for her birthday). And more on gifts, are you looking for gifts on any occasion? PersonalCreations has wonderful stuffs which could be used as gift for first communion, birthdays, anniversaries and wedding. For her, for him, for babies ---I say lots! Have a look, quick!

Maybe Not Next Time

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:33:00 +0000

I learned my lesson today not to make your kid sleep before a doctor's appointment. It's not really too sane. *smiles*

We had doctor's appointment today and I bribed my son to get some rest and sleep a couple or so hours before the designated time with the DR. The result: he slept and this left me with no choice but to carry the sleeping child to the car and strap him his seatbelt. Or we could miss the doctor's appointment altogether (but that's not really an option). While driving, I was worrying on the sleeping child's position in the passenger's seat beside me. Apart from that, I was also concerned with the mood of this child when he wakes up and finds himself in the hospital.

Anyway, my kid woke up with a start when I was already parking. In fairness, his mood was better from what I expected. But I had to condition and reorient him all over again with the doctor's visit, which was "okay" but... And then again, one concern is to "re-activate" the kid again.

Zzzzooomba!

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 02:59:00 +0000

Heard of Zumba, the Latin dance exercise that has become popular these days? Ahhh, to recall, I first heard it from a friend who is living in Dubai and is quite inlove with the dance exercise. I remember her tweeting on how she's sweating hard yet enjoying every minute of the dance.

Now fast forward. I have heard that this popular dance exercise, whis is also sometimes called zoomba, is now on WII. (Oh by the way, my friend is still engaged with the dance). Ain't that great?