Carpe Diem “Seized the Day”

 Life as we planned it…

Being back from 3 weeks of vacay from home brings so much energy of youth! (19 April to 10 May 2023).

The days seemed too short and there’s still more undone desires.

Being matured now, turned 55 by the way few days ago.

The perspective in life gives you bearing of how wonderful the ride has been, how blessed actually I have been. Until you looked so closely, those hiccups or tragedies weren’t as impactful now as it was then, how it was so intense, I could died then, very hilarious!

Encountering back childhood friends, bring back many memories and strengthen the motivation to nourish others as much as to flourish to be able to share♥️

To express so much gratitude to my carefree childhood,   how the best place to spent those innocent days, playing and just taking in the beauty of nature without even realising it’s always there inside you as you explore growth in life…

Remembering that while so far away from my birthplace those many years, natures encounters gives me warmth in my heart and have always wonder if anyone else, can be so lucky like me🥰

Such nature encounter that’s still so vivid in my skin and consciousness are days that after being in town, where our main residence is to access school and market. Saturdays, Sundays but mostly during school breaks & holidays we are off to our small farm in Mikit.

The breeze of fresh air,  touching my face as I rush to climb this patch of elevated ground, seeing the galant bamboos swaying to the waves of the breeze like gently bending in valiant poise and I now have to catch my breath and be in same elevation as these magnificent grasses. It’s glorious, after rushing with my body temperature too is rising - the welcome cool breeze is!

Seized the day, moving all the time, occupy yourself with what you like to do, as idle mind creates boredom.

PS Life is such, always a mystery, 

but always for the best♥️

2020 Lifetime Memories

 Amazing 2020 Year of The Lord♥️

Today is the 30th of December 2020 where then means tomorrow is the eve of 2021.

All Glory is to God - The Almighty!

The most that the world populace are aware this year is CoVid19. Our world revolves in such a weird way, this year than the last years we experiences and before then except to those that were alive in year 1918-1919 when the Spanish Flu infected the world and claimed over 500 million people in death.

As of this writing (to date)there are 1,799,337 (https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/?utm_campaign=homeAdvegas1? ) death since the virus been discovered and found to originate from Wuhan, China (as reported late of 2019).

As everyone in this planet that has internet or TV - the daily News give us chills and anxiety with questions of what can we do to prevent ourselves from being infected. How? Answers came in too many forms and directions. For one - I do incessantly take Vitamin C together with my children as a prevention against this “similar” virus strain that will attack your lungs - like the common cold/flu on Winter seasons. There’s no proof that it was effective but just the same, I was hoping it strengthen our immunity against CoVid19.

The school were conscious because governments have imposed the distancing and online studying. Giving me stress as to how would I even manages three high school students and everything. That was in the 9th week of the first term of the year. But I quit from my cleaning job on the first week of March. Thus, my daily routine is more on home work and kids welfare. Then, few weeks before the end of the term, it was ordered that students need to access online learning home to avoid close contact with each other. There are exceptions to those children that has parents that work in the frontline, they are allowed to go to school since they need adult supervision and place to stay while their parents are at work.

I was real worried and told my students that they  should sooner just study at home by online learning. Whooo! Well, kids were brave and wasn’t at all disturb, giving more courage somehow. Yet, I’m still anxious. The actual weeks they are supposed to stay home, they just managed between them a day. They all still go to school and most of the student apparently. Then the term ends. 

Second term was also unpredictable hearing all the government caution and other states CoVid19 status. Though here in South Australia it was managed very well from the onset by highly qualified “contagious” virus standard system. The people that came from overseas were advise and to be quarantine in Christmas Island. The strict protocol, made South Australia the first state to somehow control the spread of virus, though later there was a little break that create another intense and more stricter system. A person that work in the hotel that managed the quarantine had been infected without awareness and in return infected the family. That incident really scared everyone again - because imposing back lockdown on shops, restaurants and pubs. The social life of most people.

My heart always pound everytime term school starts since then. Then, we made it to the end of the school year the end of second week of December. It’s such a relief. Praise God.

During all these time, I am still doing my online study my “seemed” unending Conveyancing course. I was pleased that my professor had told me after assessment that I only need three subjects to finished it. My daughter actually said, you’ve been studying for a long long time mum.

Yet, I wasn’t focus to study but more likely just scattered mind. I seemed too anxious or conscious as to what will happened next. I’ve passed time watching Netflix sometimes or most of the times. Just making me - steady on my spinning thoughts of what.

Because I have no control of what if. 

The school were constantly advising that everything were made to ensure social distancing and hygiene was carried on. That lessen some worries daily and praying. Just praying always my Rosary even while watching Netflix. Great appreciation to these schools Saint Mark College and MidNorth Education Centre both in Port Pirie South Australia. 

With all these concerns, the government of South Australia was supporting its population. Me since quitting my job, I had my jobseeker payment to sustain us and my family benefits payment forthrightly. It’s such help since, they topped it to ease any distress with the situation. The financial side wasn’t the problem in our case, but keeping ourselves safe and free from the invisible enemy is. It’s a paranoia. As reported people that are vulnerable are easily infected and may not able to fight it. The vulnerable ones were aged people, people with  underplaying illnesses, and people with disabilities specially.

Too - many newsfeed all around the world. The to find and create a vaccine is the hope that everyone hold dear. It is the only chance of defence from the virus. Vaccine. There was an initial report that a vaccine has been developed and used in China. But Australia and many countries now wasn’t trusting China after reports that it was withholding CoVid19 outbreak and not warning it dangers.

So much stuff - knowing people around the world. Knowing someone that has CoVid19. One an acquaintance from University home, but he recovered from his long battle. Then my high school friend, she had it too, she was offline for awhile, since she was confined and wasn’t feeling too well. And as I found out straight from her, because she had an asthma and she had a hard time breathing. But eventually she recovered, thorough all the support of her family, her hubby, her sister, her son and all. She recovered and that itself is awesome, praiseworthy. Many people, indirectly connected passed due to CoVid19.

Right at this moment - despite having known that vaccine is now available, there are still people being infected daily. It is still concerning on the news, how vaccine still not available to everyone. So we wait and find out. According to our Australian government maybe 2021 the vaccine will be roll out.

Christmas 2020 is a sweet time to savour. We celebrated with our family. It’s just beautiful knowing all of us together since a long time - due to restrictions and that is limited number of people to congregate. A relief to see nieces and nephews and sisters during Christmas. Nieces now with respective boyfriends in tow. How wonderful. Two little grandkids are now growing (my nephew’s -Will’s) they aren’t the babies we used to adore. Now they are primary school kids. Making us (sisters) anticipate for the next baby (grandchild) to join our tribe. Fingers crossed that’s gonna be in the next horizon.

Sometime in October this year, my Gabby has been hired to work in two fast food shop. This really is also another concern. But she is enjoying the fact that she find some independence and some responsibility that comes with earnings. Since her turning sixteen, she had her wages better than when she started. It’s astonishing life changes around my babies - she managed to again have achieved an academic award this year, like she had the previous year. Four of them have been chosen to do some studies that involved STEM with an Adelaide university next year. I’m so proud of my Gabby.

For Adan this year as year eight in SMC - is like an adjustment period, then it became awkward because of CoVid19 I think. Since, outdoor sports was suspended the school have an e-sport where he participated. Then he broke his pinky, when the outdoor sport suspension was lifted. He does a tournament online with his classmates and play against other school based player. Since it was finished he still continue playing online. That’s another issue for me.

Ginneile had few absences from school too this year. She’s growing more confident in herself. Openly discourse with her siblings and me. Though still at times not abiding to the reality of the subject. Like her being angry about the Telly song of Matilda musical - apparently trashing Harry Potter, what a rotter! Explaining that it’s just a script that actors follows, she still angry and not accepting that is just another type of metaphor in life. She though sometimes agree with reasons but resort back to her original perception - then not an acceptable “script”.

Well, my issue or maybe our issue is the house chores most of the time. Who’s schedule to do the dishes, feed our dog and cat or water our plants and flowers. That’s a minor issue really in general, but major to young growing up kids. I knew, because I apparently hide under our table so I am not picked to do chores. See? I knew because, the dish washing was a huge tasks when you’re young. But, it is also the other side of the coin - if you eat food, you used utensils and they have to be washed after. I found this poem and I will share this below.

Thank God for dirty dishes

They have a tale to tell,

While others may go hungry, 

We’re eating very well.

Life is a beauty - God is good. He held on to us, reminding us that we keep our faith to stay afloat.

I am trying and I’m sometimes fully aware of His constant care and grace. Then suddenly, I jolt and be anxious again. I guessed this is the upside down of my faith. I climbed up back often and slide back down, but I’m still calling His name, not just to save me but also to stay with my children, be always there for them - to keep them safe and protected by His divine grace and His precious blood. In the name of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit. Amen.

So, I’d say bring on 2021 - To God be the Glory always!

My existence and my children, all my family, relatives and friends, in His hands I’ll forever trust with His merciful and loving heart to heal us, to show us the path that enlighten our ways. Amen.

Loving Living The Awesome Life

Such a while now, since I have put up my thoughts and just few other major changes happening  in our lives. ---- the growing up ----- it's a beautiful experience to have, to embrace,  to cherish in our hearts, I love being in that transition phase and keep it on and on and on because life is but a continued learning process.

How wonderful talking with your own children's growth experience and relive your own as well, the comparison isn't too bad, intact it's enjoyable topic. Such topic now is "crushes" well, I had some when I was their age too, secretly though. It seemed a crime for a girl to publicly acknowledged that she had a "liking" to an opposite gender. Good thing now with my children, it's fine to like someone. They told me, of course with prodding, but between my kids and me, it's kept! Except the Aunties and few Uncles knew that they have crushes. The most fun of it, it can be a highlight in some boring days. Those sweet innocencent smile and laughter shared when asked how's your crush today? Is amazingly grand😍

The other event that occurred was our grand homecoming to the Philippines and stayed 3 months in there mainly to see my mother who was ill with dementia, it was a mixed emotion to be back home. it was exciting as much as challenging blending in the culture their mother grown up with. Meeting up relatives with a foreign tongue and associating friends. All is like a big huge family we met. My former colleagues at work, batchmate in high schools, in university too.

We flew from Adelaide to Melbourne on Qantas domestic flight. Transferred to a Qantas international flight to HongKong. Our connecting flight was in another 4 hours so we camped in the airport to wait for our next flight towards Cebu to Davao. This is through Cebu Pacific airline, a big mistake! When travelling with kids, not recommended! The food ordered is single and small serve, not even enough to my child - usual serving portion. Complaining, yah! Qantas served us well. Then from HongKong to Cebu, flight is smooth and as we soon found out the domestic flight from Cebu-Davao vacuumed our ears, the kids were not impress obviously!

We travelled around beautiful places nearby Davao, the peace and order was a worry, with news of abduction or kidnapping for ransom. But managed to see few tourist spots such as the Hinatuan's Enchanted River, the Sabadan Floating Resortt*----also the Tinuy-an Falls all in Surigao del Sur. We been to Eden Garden in Davao City with zipline also in Le Reve in Makilala North Cotabato. A beautiful place nearby with a massive zipline which we survived too prior to our way feed the monkeys in their main town. It's called New Israel.

Then three months was up we bade our goodbye knowing I'll might not see my mother again & true she left the next year on my birthday May 16, 2016.  Our stay was 25 October 2013 - 27 January 2014. We flew back from Davao to HongKong and stayed there for six days as it's my daughter' Ginneile wish to see HK Disneyland which we did as well as they Ocean Park. University classmate and friend was very helpful "Trinidad Lumpot -Trining" and a new friend Gloria. Equally challenging place to be population wise it's an ocean but Gladstone is only a puddle in comparison😊.

Planned to see cousin in Melbourne but miscalculated my flight schedule it didn't pushed trough. Soon home on February 3, 2014. It's our biggest travel so far. We intend to do more as soon as we can.

We had last year a 1400 kms one way to Tamworth by car visiting my brother and his family together with my sisters and brothers-in-law. Aiming to do some more when my new reliable car.

So amazing, so blessed, so much loved, despite some downs, we can create our high too, higher than the last one and keep on creating our grandeur in life... keep loving, bring humble submit our will to His Almighty God in His Glory, Power & Honour even Humour ❤️❤️❤️

Stay in love dearest🎶🎼😄🎸🌈🌈🌈🌈 find the rainbow and the pot of gold too

*Sabadan Floating resort 

It's a simple made floating accomodation on stilts in a very minimal accomodation  charges , the twist is they have live fresh fishes under the floating  resort , that you can pick for your dinner and the best part also is there's a spot that you can swim with some of these marine animals, my daughter & my son were so ecstatic and awed with the experiences.

The Wonderful and Minuscule Thing We Love and Keep in Our Heart

Grateful to Friends XXXOOO

Today my daughter had a sleep over to her friend's birthday celebration held in their vast farm area, camping in the tent outside in the yard (luckily not in the wide paddock!). I admit, I have scary thoughts, then shifted to prayers that Our Divine Almighty One is in control and everything is in our faith in powerful prayers. It was the "fear" the thought of "fear" itself, is hard, but God is great and a loving God, He keep us all safe and protected as long as we call on HIM and trust Him ultimately. I barely slept, due to the fact that it is cold out there, worrying she might catch cold and not enough heat to get her through the night.

@10:46 am I have to pick her up. I went straight to the tent after saying hi and good morning to the other mothers that were there to pick their daughters too. yes, I say she must been quite snug and comfy in this pop-up tent with her other friend. they filed up too mattresses that made their bed warm and with all the sleeping bags she brought, two in fact! She only used one, must be warm enough. Graciously, saying my grateful hearty prayers of thanks to God that she and her friend were keeping each other warmth.

Though the celebrate herself was left under a table with her swag by herself, because they only got three tents and each occupies two. I was a bit sorry for her, because i have an extra tent that she could have, yet, i wasn't worried about her or anyone there to start with because, i was certainly sure their mother's/father's have that duty. I said I have extra tent, yet I wasn't prepared to get it out, thinking there must be enough tent if everyone of them brought one each, alas not! I should not hopefully in the future made that mistake or perhaps I could have asked the parents if they are in need of one. Guilty!

But, things these kids say and do were their massive memory bank to last them a lifetime to remember by in the years to come, with all the beauty of nature and the laughter and the carefree nature of youth, just awesome and thanks God for  that, my daughter have that with her to cherish in her heart. She had a wonderful time, with her celebrant friend. Her friend's younger sister Ava, she said actually adore her as she adores her much by saying "I will marry you Gabby" I was filled with gratitude to hear that innocent remark of a two year old say that to my daughter. She certainly share her love to this girl and shown her heart to her adoringly and that's my lovely daughter. Her friend Amelia, have another sibling named Daisy and also equally love and adore her as she does, she said she used to call her "Gabba' Gabba" from a kids show in TV.

We got home after trying to find Gabby from wondering again in search of wildlife in the farm, apparently they spotted a wild cat with three kitten in the shearing shed last night. In the morning they kindly disappear away from those meddling kids. So desperate they keep looking but the cat family, mysteriously just nowhere to find. 

Meanwhile, Ginneile and Adan mostly stayed in the car. Ginneile does because she got her pants on on the wrong way. As for Adan, he came out with me, but was a bit overwhelmed when Amelia was encouraging him to join the tree climbing photo session. It was an awesome view to start the morning. Kids, have a very very beautiful day!

On the way, I was ringing my friend through messenger to check where about they are now. They are coming for a day drive straight from Adelaide, but the cold and the long weekend isn't really gonna rush people up. Just like us, not going to bed early and getting up early too. They both goes together. Rose and her hubby Cyril went straight to Port Pirie and got their lunch instead of coming her. SO, they brought us a yummy chocolate cake from the cheesecake bakeshop in Adelaide.  My kids treat when we go to Asian shop - there is a cheesecake shop in the same block.

It was a very delightful catch up, however quick it seemed to be, have a chat and and photo shoot and selfie, more photoshoot. I like their new V8 Toyota Landcruiser too, aside from their presence and the cake and KFC. It is massive and clean. Gush, i wasn't use to seeing clean car at all and I'm so impressed. So, praying sooner will have a new car that is more reliable and bigger to cater our growing family. Salute to you both Rose & Cyril, hope God continue to bless you and always in His keeping. I hope to catch up with you again, sometime soon when we heading your way.

Rose observed disarray and disorganize stuff, must be a sore eye to her. They are childless, though I haven't been to their place yet. I supposed two adult person can be more organised compared to a single parent and three children in a home. I completely acknowledge that I can't catch up with the organising aside from there is no storage space to store stuff, such as summer stuff or winter pots and pans that you don't use on summer much. Our life is very normal. Very provincial and fun!

While I am trying to formulate all the words to get this blog, Ginneile is actually behind me, reading bits and pieces and adding something that she observed when we were in the farm, also she is pulling out my white hair. I have to gently asked her to pull the white one and one at a time, otherwise I might be bald when I finish typing! XXX

Rose and Marie and Me

Hi Rose! Okey, I'm just happy to talk to you and reminiscence old high school days or just talk pity things. Our other classmate, she stayed long hours in the office you know, she said. I supposed she need to just let the heavy traffic passed instead of joining the crab movement of the transportation she will get, if she log out from her office early.

That was my usual route daily once I was there too, my solution go to malls, watch movies, dine out with other co-employees to let that peak traffic time (5-8:30pm) pass by. It seemed to be fun, nightly routine, turns to monthly routine, then yearly, then over and over and over. It was not fun anymore to do it in long term, despite the fact that i have a "steady" bf then - which never been as "steady" seeing me, since or because of  our distance. That's one point to be keeping tab, because I thought that distance and constant accompaniment isn't a big deal, but the honesty, sincerity of his "love" to me, but not his business. 

Though these facts were past story of my life, as a young heart or inexperience human being, our wisdom is not fully developed and we should seek the wise and the old. But guess what, I was not even acknowledging it that i am unwise, all I know, I am me, being in a relationship and committed. Then, when you are that person, you would never suspect anything that he can do to ruin that, because it is you that got that kind heart and trusting one.

Only trouble is some not everyone is like me though so is him, he is not like me, he is much so different from me. Yet, I was in some point certain he did "love" me or even got that sincerity or honestly what I was speaking about.

Alas, that wasn't the case! 

..to be continued..

Interesting thoughts

Hi Life! Dearest Angel and The Most Divine High and all the Saints, Thank You for Being with my journey and struggles. Yes, I do appreciate the help in various forms that came into and still working in our life, and thus really makes it manageable in the detail I can handle. Wow! This is how letting go like, because I think I hang on to my plans whereas there is a master plan that have all the signaturies approved it with. Calm down it is nothing of that sort in reality but how the flow of life carries us into where we are now, how a certain event unfold before us and changes everything of our perspective. In me it weaken or stretches it and strenghten it and molded it and made it more tough and flexible and maybe like a diamond I can say I will shine in my own way, after all the storm and flooding or anything in between. I will emerge in God's will and God's Blessing and all His Guidance that I will be want He wanted me to be as His good child be like. He will be protecting and guiding me in whatever He thinks best for me.

Sometimes I think that nagging is so bad, and I wish not to be in the position to do such act. I did try and probably did well not to do such nagging. But perhaps, if I just accept the fact that I was born to act in accordance to what I was shown by the precedence. Then perhaps some other thing will be change.... I cannot fathom how really mysterious life can be, but in my own tiny view, I saw that piece of light that said follow your heart, which I did, and just follow it... Then my heart is broken many times in all forms & pieces in sharp edges. But then, it still say follow your heart, just follow your heart, and I did it again... It is torn and bled and squash and crush so hard that maybe it died....

I was born with a mother that nags constantly or rewind it over and over again, but for a reason. My father seems to be getting used to the nag and worked it out if he did something bad - he get away with it, because she nags, he didn't accept the accusation. WHATEVER IT WAS! Well, in my early age I think I promise myself, if I will love, I will not nag, I will just love and accept him for whatever he is! Well, unless he otherwise not love me, so there is no point - because loving and being together means two way. How can you live with someone you love apparently but yet hurt each other by nagging or fighting which usually leads there anyway.

That explains the above thought.... there. So I just Love, and Love and Love and Love. meaning accepting changes and be flexible with each other, that is loving to me than resisting and irritating each other and almost like no way out.
So, while I am reading a book that allows me to read the thoughts i have within God, a new opening of strength and a new source of energy to recharge my inner being which is excellent and comforting.... I wish anyone out there will have all the same realization and awareness this book trying to convey... I haven't finish the book yet, but it doesn't mean this book is not worth reading it is exactly the best book I have and maybe I will be reading it over and over even if I finish it long ago.

Is it true?

Eh, today I had a talk with my sister about this book I am referring to - but her thought that she don't think that you will be able to remember your past life if ever it did exist before your current lifetime. Meaning reincarnation is not in her mind at all.

She thought that being intuitic happened sometime in our life and it could be very strong but most of the time it is dormant or not existing at all.

It did somehow question my own reflection about this past and future lifetime I am ever gonna have. I mentioned to her about our father that visited me in my dream telling me off that " I have to get my life back!" He was in my dream having conversation to me and pointing out things to me and making me see some important and all the usual stuff that somehow as I can remember before my father always told me that to be reasonable. But only the last statement I can remember he spoke to me when I wake up was the above. "Get your life back!"

There are things that we agree somehow that somethings are pre-destined that no matter what you do, it cannot be changed at all. Destiny.

I was destined to be here even before I decided to come here, things pointed me this way no matter how strong my desire before to stay in my home country. Even my meeting with my partner was destined already of all the people that I met. Having children were also meant to be.

All those above and more coming events in our life I believed have all the unforseen forces falling in place. And that itself is the mystery of life and afterlife if ever it actually exist since I have not any proof yet like the person were involved in that book.

The only thing that I know I am not afraid is to die - I always said I don't want to live so old but maybe until 65 to 75 years, I thought all of us will be going in that direction one day. But it was not like a scary thought for me, right now though I donot wish or want to die yet, because I wanted to see my children grow up as adults or even to see my grandchildren yet. That I pray to the most Powerful Being to sustain myself and my children to keep us all safe and protected from any harm. I asks him to send His Army of Angels to assist us always for as human I am frail and weak but them and Him with me I am strong and brave.

Now this is up to the time and time again to mend the scar and heal the wound until then...