This tag from Donna and Gracey is looooonnggg overdue…but I never forget, so when I say I’m in, I will do it even if it takes a lifetime hehehe.

Post the rules:

  • Each blogger starts with ten random facts/habits about themselves.
  • Bloggers that are tagged need to write on their own blog about their ten things and post these rules.
  • At the end of your blog, you need to choose ten people to get tagged and list their names.
  • Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Okay, here my 10 Random Facts/Habits on Being Me:

On Being a Wifey: I never really thought I would love being a wife–I really don’t, not in my wildest dreams. But with all the adjustments, chores and responsibilities that come with it, I can safely say that I do love being a wife. I now love staying at home cooking, doing chores or just hanging out with the husband. I even love budgetting for goodness’ sake!!!! hehehe . I love that I’m able to juggle my wifey responsibilities and personal interests, too. I now realized that it’s all about being ready and I’m glad marrying early in life was not a priority for me when I was young. Married life is happy and challenging at the same time—it is not a bed of roses so it requires a certain maturity and strength, so I’m glad I waited till I’m really really ready.

On Being a Trainer: Training is one of my passions in life, although right now I’m not playing an active part in it. But I do love the thought that when I train, I play a vital role in an employee’s development in the workplace. Teaching/training is a selfless act and for me, that in itself is a way of taking care of people. One day, I plan to come back to training actively and the only place I’d want to do it is in the Phils.

On Being a Blogger: This comes as my second passion right now—no, it’s not Photography like everyone thinks! Writing has become an extension for me since I’m not actively training. Training requires for me to share information, advices and things I believe in(like being positive in everything you do!) and that is how I feel about blogging/writing. Whatever I write about, whatever I share, I make sure it is thoughtfully done and consistent to the things I believe in and that it is something that my readers can learn from.

On Being a Photography Enthusiast: The photographs I share with everyone almost always has a meaning (except of course the photographs of my family/relatives). Whenever I share a photograph here, you can be sure that it is something that has a meaning, it tells a story or it is informative. On how I look at a photograph: I always always look at what message it conveys…doesn’t matter if it was taken by a P&S or an DSLR…kung walang meaning, mensahe o istorya ang isang litrato, di bale na lang.

On Being a Friend: Once you become a really good friend of mine, I’m committed to that friendship. If a friend loves me and is always there for me, I will reciprocate that. If a friend did something very bad to me, I will probably rant just to say my piece, then I’ll forgive him/her but I will never be close to that person again.

On Being an Ex: Once I say goodbye and walk away, I never turn back. One mistake is enough, I don’t like working things out just to make a second mistake. Although I think one time I made an exception to that rule—but it never really worked so hindi na talaga. After everything is okay and both has moved on, I can become friends with an Ex again and I am friends with former boyfriends—yes, the husband knows and he is also friends with them.

On How I Spend Money: I can be as prudent (kuripot) as a Chinese businessman. I seldom spend too much on little things like clothes, make-up, shoes, bags (until now, I still can’t make myself buy my dream bags even if I know I can afford it). But I do spend more on things for the home and electronic gadgets and I avoid buying second hand for the mere reason that I’m afraid it won’t be of quality (I do make exceptions if I know the person who’s selling). I love setting up funds: Gift funds, travel funds, etc and joining Paluwagans.

On Being Healthy: I don’t want to be fat! hehehe. But I don’t want to be skinny too. I eat what I love; the healthy ones (fish, fruits, veggies) I try to eat as often as possible, the unhealthy ones (junk food, meat) i take in moderation. I take long walks after work and on weekend, I try to squeeze in briskwalks/jogging at a nearby park.

On Loving: Hindi ako selosa (I’m not the jealous-type). Period. hehehe.

On Being a Soon-to-be Mum: I’m looking forward to it but I’m in no rush. I have learned early on that anybody can plan an engagement, a wedding and a honeymoon…but having a baby is something you can’t put in the calendar. So for now, what I always say to The One Above is “Surprise me!!!”…maybe one he will.

So there, another 10 facts about me.

Whoever is happy today because its a Friday—YOU are tagged!!!

Happy Weekend!!!

Minsa’y nakita ko ang mga batang Boracay na papunta sa paaralan. Dalawa lamang ang naramdaman ko sa panahong iyon: tuwa at paghanga.

Natuwa ako dahil nakita ko sa mukha nila ang sabik at ligaya nang dahil sa pag-aaral. Humanga ako dahil kahit hindi kumpleto ang kanilang mga kagamitan, punong-puno pa rin sila ng pag-asa na sana’y makatapos sila sa pag-aaral.

*Litratong kuha sa Boracay, Enero 2007*

Once I was able to see the kids of Boracay go to school. The only two things I felt at that time: happiness and admiration.

I was happy because I saw in their faces the excitement and joy they felt because of the privilege of being able to study. I admired them because even if the things they needed for school were incomplete, they are still full of hope that one day they will graduate.

*Photo taken in Boracay, January 2007*

I finally joined the paid-blogging community by joining PayPerPost…and I’m so happy I got approved (thanks PPP)!

I’ve heard so read so many good things about PPP from my online friends and it took me almost a year to finally have a go with it. Been blogging for two years straight now and it never dawned on me that I’d finally take the bandwagon of bloggers who earn their way thru blogging.

First and foremost, I love writing. It is a way for me to de-stress, it relaxes me. Secondly, since I’m a Professional Trainer by heart who’s taking a more inactive part in training nowadays (a career move to give way to married life) and I thought I would still be able to share information and knowledge thru writing my thoughts on a blog. And why not do something you love and at the same time get paid for it, right? So finally, I took the plunge not just to write but to save money from my love for blogging.

Now that I’m a Wifey, I plan to set up a Gift Fund (which will be a part of our family budget) and all my blogging proceeds shall go there. I believe nowadays, that will be a smart thing to do. At least with a Gift Fund, I would know where to get money from for birthday gift or Christmas gift purchases. And I might even be able to buy myself a gift too.

For starters, I’ve now setted up my Paypal account and I’ve also read about PPP’s FAQ’s and Code of Ethics so I guess I’m quite ready. I’m so hyped and excited about this. Another great opportunity to write, learn and earn.

get paid to blog

I love spending mornings with the hubby having breakfast and coffee with him. I just feel so relaxed throughout the day when I start the day with him that way. In the meantime that he’s not working yet, it is a privilege that I get to see him awake in the mornings. So it is a treat for me that once in a while he accompanies me to the city in the morning just so we can have breakfast together.

When I started working it Glebe Point Road (location where I work) I have always dreamed of Chris and I exploring some of Sydney’s unique cafes there. So when Chris arrived here, I took him to two cafes I’ve been eyeing on for months.

Naggy’s Cafe (333B Glebe Point Road)

The cafe is situated about a few meters away from my office, about a 2-3 minutes walk. Its unique name came from the chef and owner Nagendra Gautam.

Recently opened this year, this cafe caught my eye because of its eclectic interior designs. The first thing you will notice are the chairs…they’re all mixed and different.

Then at the back part of the cafe, they seem to have these Victorian drawing room with red sofas—I love it!!!

They have this antique-looking lamps on the ceiling that made it more romantic in a way or just cozier perhaps.

On this one corner where the Victorian sofas were, they painted the wall red too.

On the walls, there were several framed flower photographs and paintings hanging. They even have mirrors of different sizes on the wall.

Chris ordered a Cafe Mocha while I had Cafe Americano, both poured into cute looking cups and were deliciously made.

We ordered Eggs and Bacon with Toast, a simple Australian breakfast that was well-cooked and arrived about 10 minutes after we ordered.

The staff are quick, friendly and attentive. We were taking photographs before we ate and the girl barista came over and asked us if we want to have our photograph taken…but we declined and said we’re alright.

While some of the cafes in Glebe seemed old-fashioned, this cafe seems to be for the young and hip of Glebe. I see a lot of high school students hanging out here in the afternoons before going home or some uni students having coffee while engrossed typing away on their laptops.

Naggy’s Cafe also serves lunch (I’ve tried their pasta for lunch and it’s delish!), cookies and yummy cakes.

Fair Trade Coffe Company (33 Glebe Point Road)

Located near the corner of Glebe Point Road, this cafe is known for their Fairtrade Coffee and organic food they serve to their clientele.

Their interiors may look scattered or chaotic but it is homey and cozy nonetheless. When I was there, all I could say was “This is an artist’s cafe”…so colorful and eclectic and poetic. Their walls have photographs and paintings that convey messages like this one:

Not to mention that they have an alligator for a table (hehehe)…

According to The Fair Trade Coffee Company their coffee and tea are free from exploitation. When you order a cup of coffee or tea from them, you can be sure that it is certified fair trade, meaning that every worker involved in producing that cup is paid a fair wage for their work.

Also, all proceeds from the Fair Trade Coffee Company go towards funding volunteer placements in countries such as Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea and Kenya to assist in skill exchange programs which offer hope for a long-term, sustainable future. Ayos diba? Nabusog ka na, nakatulong ka pa!

And all their food is ORGANIC so its healthier….but then we ordered bacon, sausages and eggs (haha).

They served brown bread and it tasted good.

The bacon, eggs, sausages, mushrooms and tomatoes all tasted delicious and fresh.

The staff are friendly and accommodating. Newpapers and magazines are available all over the place so feel free to grab one and read while enjoying your fresh cup of coffee or tea.

This entry is for Armi and Arlene…cheers to our love for coffee!!!!! I hope one day soon I’ll be able to join you both as you say “Prost!” before taking that first sip of delicious coffee.

Naggy’s Cafe visited on 18 April 2008. Fair Trade Coffee Company visited on 9 May 2008.

Just because I wanted to unwind after work tonight (I had to deal with someone else’ work {read:problems} today at the office that left me officially exhausted), it was a toss between going to the Apple Store or having early dinner at Pepper Lunch…of course, Pepper Lunch won! The Apple Store can wait, my craving for Pepper Lunch can’t hehehe.

This time we ordered the “Hitokuchi” Cut for Chris….

and “Shimofuri” Pepper for me.

While finishing up, I noticed the the hole on Pepper Lunch’s chairs was actually Pepper Lunch’s logo:

One of these days I’m gonna tell husband to make us a logo, so that when we have our dream home we can personalize our chairs hahahaha. Husband will probably say “Ang jologs mo talaga!”.