Renting the house.....

I wonder what happen to the particular house that parents rented out?hmmmmm......

I'm currently staying with my brother here in Australia and life can be tough sometimes when you don't have enough to sustain...but fortunately we managed.

We rented a house here obviously because we are not permanent resident. Brother will only be here for another 1 year or so. So the contract for this particular house lasted for a year and next year yet another house searching activity is essential.

It is a good business to embark on but most of it goes through agent. I'm not surprised because of the demand in time and rules restriction best is left with the expert. In our scenario, we have to maintain the house as if it's our own. Every 3 months, the agent will come to inspect just to make sure that the house is in order or else....breach contract. We (I mean my brother) have to pay the rental every week without fail otherwise....breach contract!. I know I'm paraphrasing here but breach contract is one thing that they don't take lightly so you should read the contract before signing....period!

In my recollection, we have been moving from one district to another because of Dad's position as a teacher. If I'm not mistaken, we have been staying in 6 different houses until to this one that we finally can call a house of our own. Dad bought the land which comes with a house. Quite a small old house but because of insufficient fund, Dad only managed to renovate and make it bigger for all of us. The place is strategic and the neighbors are great and welcoming. Times gone by and most of my siblings are married so they moved out which left my parents and the youngest one.....me!. I know I should be getting out and living my independent life but I don't mind the distance going to work because I have my own car and I don't have to pay rent...(the witty and frugality thing to do.....smiled wickedly).

There we were just chilling out (way back then), my sister and I...yapping about the good old days ....at my brother's house (by then my brother was already in Australia)....where my parents are staying at present. Reminiscing the time when we were talking about how we wished to have a house so we don't have to move again. When we ultimately found one, it was left empty...how lonely was that!.....my heart goes deeply to that old house which embraced all our memories growing up together; it is a long list to share nonetheless. Part of it was the 'Gold" moment which held venue of my sibling's weddings celebration with full of merriment. After moved out, parents will pay a visit once a week. Then it was once a month when time is not permitted until someone put interest in renting. The fundamental idea was to demolish the house because of flash flood occur during monsoon but nothing seems to come to a final verdict; since everybody are deemed with their own schedule.....(not seriously budgeted for)

With brother's last experienced, renting a house is just exhausted. He had to deal with obstinate tenants just to demand monthly rental fee and eventually he sold the house after 3 times changing tenant and none is paying full.....how tragic!.

The problem with us is that we are so lenient and altruistic; which makes all sort of contract agreement became inadequate.

Now back to this old house which was eagerly rented by this particular tenant with promises utterance. Again my parents are merciful, God bless their amorous heart. I am not sure until when it will end but I just do hope someone will.....talk the talk and walk the walk. I probably could be that someone......which opposed the idea of renting the house at the first place.

It was a great feelin.....

Last Friday was the beginning of yet another remarkable weekend. I was voluntarily looking after this beautiful baby name Francisco. I was a so-called mummy for the weekend :D

He stayed over the weekend together with his brother Juan who is charmingly talkative.
We were getting ready to Adelaide Aquatic Center to free the kids from the sauna ambiance inside the house.

I was happily feeding the baby while they were gone swimming.
There were also bystander glance at me and the baby in the cradle with massive wonders in their mind nonetheless. How awesome was that!!

He was sleeping peacefully in his cradle. It's the state of bliss make me thinking I'm dreaming.
I have seen peace and I have seen pain but through the weekend I have experienced serenity. Resting on my shoulder, the moment was so perfect.
Baby will never see the world through troubled eyes.

Waking up to see that everything is bearable
Another one of the time in my life that feels so great
Slowing down I look around and I am speechless
It's so beautiful it makes me wanna cry

It was indeed a great feelin.....

Worth the MILES...

Last Friday...the day finally arrived. This notion will never occur to me if I'm living in tranquility in my own country...with my work schedule, my own world.

At 8.50pm Brother and I (with our complete attire to make us warm) left home with this "reliable transport" to pick up Romi and his family (Wife Augustine, Jason and Jane. This reliable transport refers to an old van brother trade-in just two months ago with this car I used to drive the kids to school.

Back in my mind I misses my Kembara . While brother wished he's driving his Ford Ranger.

At 9.00pm we arrived at Romi's house. It was rather a hot night and the mind can be deceitful to be thinking every place would be the same and determined the decision of choosing one's attire.

At 9.15pm after the necessary things were loaded in the van, off we go to.....'Parham'...rather unfamiliar location. This is the thing about 'hear say' we could end up in a road to nowhere. The sign - just look for a signboard with a crab picture on it (so much for a clue). At 10pm we have gone further north...still eagerly looking for the sign...but the unsure feeling clouds our mind and judgment can be restless. About 500 meter we passed by Thompson beach, suddenly Romi ordered to make a U turn and just settle in Thompson beach. When brother was about to do so, we saw "PARHAM" about 100m away (Oh well hindsight is always twenty-twenty). Decided to continue with the maneuver, we entered the junction and went further in only to locate a Bar (lol...in frustrated mood). Thus, made U turn and back to Thompson beach. Disappointment welcomed us after reaching the place only to find beach trails. Lesson of the day - never embark on a journey without proper plan or assured direction.

Therefore we are heading to Ardrossan.

Now, after the long journey we finally made it to a place that creates stories of few. Everybody so excited to go out from the van but it getting bloody damn cold. To make matter worst - key for the ignition parted into two...WHAT?!!..How do we go back?!! (Panicky attacked). Still the purpose for crabbing overcome it since we cannot do anything straight away, we might as well enjoy the moment. Romi- the experienced man who had been crabbing for few times ended up feeling cold with attire fits for clubbing except for the track pants (grins).

When we were on the wharf and found our comfy spot, Romi's pants makes a clapping sound (imagined the speed of the wind) to portray the feelings we had - overexcited joy and miserably cold. Second time experienced, brother hooked the bait thoroughly and throw the net in the air and down into the water - Splash!!. As we waited patiently, I have the moment to myself while brother and Romi having conversation which sometimes forced me to join into laughter. Romi's wife and kids were staying inside the van sleeping. There I was standing almost at the edge for the first time in the middle of the night- crabbing. 20 minutes later (after I have covered half of my childhood playback) I decided to pull out the net. Well well what do you know two crabs were trapped inside - the smallest and the biggest. The rules says we have to throw back if it less than the recommended size. Hmmm....it made me thinking do we have such rules in our country...ooopppss!

Time gone by instantly when we having so much things to reflect on. It was almost 4.25 am...what?!...it feels like a moment just by looking at the current that mesmerized me. Within those 5 hours, I saw a guy caught a shark, bunch of people continuously caught squids every 5 minutes, a smoked came out from one of the property over the hill resulted to fire blaze, brother made few phone calls related to the 'key' issue. By the end of the hour we caught 10 crabs.

By 5am we decided to take our nap and headed to the van. So preoccupied with crabbing, we became oblivion to challenge our mind for the solution of the problem we encountered-broken key!!. I supposed we get used to 'just hit the button' mode made the 'handling key' to be such hassle. Point to ponder- prepare for the unprepared because when we do come out from our 'comfort zone' at least we are ready to face the deadly ugly truth!!

Inside the van, the kids are sleeping peacefully and left the grownups to indulge in serious talk for solution to get home. Since RAA can only unlock the steering wheel but not to tamper the wire which is illegal. Hence, Romi called his friend Rollan. Now picture this, Rollan is staying 45km down south from our house location. He has to drive alone at dawn about 150km to Ardrasson from our house just to hand over the spare key. Would you go?! Well he did arrive with a smile on his face with the key in his hand. Brother thanked him profusely and offered him money for fuel, which he wouldn't accept. Love leaves a legacy..."How you treated other people, not your wealth or accomplishment, is the most enduring impact you can leave on earth". KUDOS to Rollan!!

Awaken by the sunrise, we glad to witness the breathtaking scenery.

While waiting for the rescue, we caught another 4 crabs which bring 14 crabs altogether. We took 6 crabs and left the rest to Romi.


Along the way back, as tradition the passenger in front has to stay awake to accompany the driver. I kept my eyes open the whole time even though hard. There were times I pretentiously enjoying the outside views just to develop conversation with brother.

Once we reached home feeling sleepy, I gathered the energy to cook the crabs before paying back my sleep debt. After completing the task, I took a cold shower and Good night everyone - it was 2 in the afternoon. Resulted to this experienced, I had my fingers blister from pulling the rope, sleep deprive, backache after standing for hours, gastritis for insufficient food but out of all these it is worth the MILES....

Me, Jane, Bridget, Augustine, Jason and Doreen feeling overjoyed after crackin the crabs :)

Positive results....

Yet another interesting piece to share.....LOL!

Sound Medical Advice

A woman went to her doctor for advice.

She told him that her husband had developed

a penchant for anal sex, and she was not sure

that it was such a good idea.

"Do you enjoy it?" the doctor asked.

"Actually, yes, I do" she said.

''Does it hurt you", he asked?

"No. I rather like it!"

''Well, then," the doctor continued,

"there's no reason that you shouldn't practice

anal sex, if that's what you like, so long as you

take care not to get pregnant."

The woman was mystified.

"What? You can get pregnant from anal sex?"

"Of course", the doctor replied.

"Where do you think politicians come from?" (no offense :)

"Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results."

I've got mail....

I checked my mail today and received this wonderful conversation with God....and I thought I should share. ENJOY!

GOD: This is GOD. I heard your prayers. So I thought I will chat.

ME: I do pray. Just makes me feel good. I am actually busy now. I am in the midst of something....playing game in FB :)

GOD: What are you busy at? Ants are busy too.

ME: Don't know. But I can't find free time. Life has become hectic. It's rush hour all the time.

GOD: Sure. Activity gets you busy. But productivity gets you results. Activity consumes time. Productivity frees it.

ME: I understand. But still can't figure out. By the way, I was not expecting YOU to buzz me on instant messaging chat.

GOD: Well I wanted to resolve your fight for time, by giving you some clarity. In this net era, I wanted to reach you through the medium you are comfortable with.

ME: Tell me, why has life become complicated now?

GOD: Stop analyzing life. Just live it. Analysis is what makes it complicated.

ME: Why are we then constantly unhappy?

GOD: Your today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday. You are worrying because you are analyzing. Worrying has become you habit. That's why you are not happy.

ME: But how can we not worry when there is so much uncertainty?

GOD: Uncertainty is inevitable, but worrying is optional.

ME: But then, there is so much pain due to uncertainty.

GOD: Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.

ME: If suffering is optional, why do good people always suffer?

GOD: Diamond cannot be polished without friction. Gold cannot be purified without fire. Good people go through trials but don't suffer, with that experience their life become better not bitter.

ME: You mean to say such experience is useful?

GOD: Yes, In every terms, Experience is a hard teacher. She gives the test first and the lessons afterward.

ME: But still, why should we go through such tests? Why can't we be free from problems?

GOD: Problems are Purposeful Roadblocks Offering Beneficial Lessons (to) Enhance Mental Strength. Inner strength comes from struggle and endurance, not when you are free from problems.

ME: Frankly in the midst of so many problems, we don't know where we are heading....

GOD: If you look outside you will not know where you are heading. Look inside. Looking outside, you dream. Looking inside, you awaken. Eyes provide sight. Heart provides insight.

ME: Sometimes not succeeding fast seems to hurt more than moving in the right direction. What should I do?

GOD: Success is a measure as decided by others. Satisfaction is a measure as decided by you. Knowing the road ahead is more satisfying than knowing you road ahead. You work with the compass. Let others work with the clock.

ME: In tough times, how do I stay motivated?

GOD: Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go. Always count your blessing, not what you are missing.

ME: What surprises you about people?

GOD: When they suffer they ask, "why me?" When they prosper, they never ask "Why me" Everyone wishes to have truth on their side, but few want to be on the side of the truth.

ME: Sometimes I ask, who am I, why am I here. I can't get the answer.

GOD: Seek not to find who you are, but to determine who you want to be. Stop looking for a purpose as to why you are here. Create it. Life is not a process of discovery but a process of creation.

ME: How can I get the best out of life?

GOD: Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.

ME: One last question. Sometimes I feel my prayers are not answered.

GOD: There are no unanswered prayers. At times the answer is NO.

ME: Thank you for this wonderful chat. I am so happy to start the Day with a new sense of inspiration.

GOD: Well, keep the faith and drop the fear. Don't believe your doubts and doubt you beliefs. Life is mystery to solve not a problem to resolve. Trust me. Life is wonderful if you know how to live.

Tomorrow...how about taking chances

No lyrics can be so beautiful and profound until it was form into music with an exquisite melody.
To such extend, I always found solace in a song.
And when I have lost my sense of expression through my genuine words.
These songs fit into my present moment now when I thought I have found but still unsure. Presumptuous is seems to be the easiest act but it always lead to uncertainty.
Now I know why I did not indulged myself into this situation before because I take things too seriously when it could be just a toss in the weekend.
I am too proud to enjoy the simplicity that I want more than what it takes to dance....I probably wants the whole dance floor to myself.
By now, I understand the real meaning of 'selfish' and proud I am not!

It is unlike me to become indecisive but lil did I know that I transformed myself into someone that will say things today and do totally different tomorrow. Oh perhaps I have done it all the time but no one seems to care to drop the hint. My plan of action has gone with the wind and left me hanging loose. I can only wonder now what can tomorrow bring because I am done with analyzing. It has cloud my mind to appreciate even a simpler thing.
Now I'm pulling myself together and why don't I just....
taking chances
because I may never know....
last time I checked I had a good time with Huggy bear......when my cheeks ache from smiling sooo much:)

till it's arrived

"We begin to find and become ourselves when we notice how we are already found, already truly, entirely,wildly, messily,marvelously who we were born to be". (Anne Lammot)

I have another six months left until I'm going back home for good. The past six months was a mixed feeling. Being sanguine and melancholy, my emotions moved like roco. I wanted soo badly to work voluntarily just to avoid my brain from being stagnant (not that I'm complaining staying home but just the tendency to eat grows immensely). October month started and felt so jaded of the "too much of nothing" activity. Thus, I almost purchase one way ticket home by end of this month....sounds terribly hopeless, I bite my knuckles pretty hard (you know what I'm sayin!).

Then just when I'm about to feel over the edge, something happened. I met a guy. The best thing was felt like I have known him for years that we were just clicked instantly the first time we met (sounds familiar....yup, fairly tale!). Though it's too early to tell whether it's going to last (based on my love life history) but I just feels adventurous and do the bungee jump (in his term probably rock climbing). Previously, being workaholic, I don't have time for relationships (especially shallow)...oh so I said ("I may end up playing martyr"); and only interested in making authentic connection (which only happen by trying the untried...I wouldn't know duh!)

He made me realized that " I never know what I have been missing (such a long time) till it's arrived.....this song tells everything how I felt...huggy bear:)